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Saturday, March 31, 2012

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Google Maps 8-bit version for NES: April Fools arrives a day early in Mountain View

Posted: 31 Mar 2012 10:39 AM PDT

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Well, it appears that April Fools in full effect -- at least if you ask Google. Today the company introduced its "latest" build of Google Maps, dubbed Google Maps 8-bit version, tailored specifically for the Nintendo Entertainment System. According to Google, this Dragonquest spoof version of Maps will come in the form of a special NES cartridge that can connect to the internet via dial-up. This apparently allows most of the heavy lifting to get done on Google's servers, where the maps are rendered to 8-bit form "in real-time." Better yet, it even supports voice search. Naturally, there's no word on a release date, but you can currently check out the "beta" by visiting Google Maps in your browser and selecting "Start Your Quest." That said, that company warns that "your system may not meet the minimum requirements for 8-bit computations" -- something tells us it'll still be less resource-intensive than Crysis, though. We've checked it out and found some goodies, including an alien at Area 51, so let us know what you come across during your journey in the comments.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Expedia adds to Google's EU antitrust woes, decision expected after Easter

Posted: 31 Mar 2012 10:02 AM PDT

Google's position as the dominant search engine doesn't come without a price. Smaller search sites have already tapped on the EU Commission's door to register their complaints about how they are ranked, and Microsoft has also let its feelings on the matter be known. Now, we can add the Redmond spin-off, Expedia, to that list of sore losers disgruntled firms. The travel search site claims it has specific details outlining how the search giant has violated European anti-competitive laws. A Google spokesperson issued a statement saying "We haven't seen the complaint yet, but we've been working to explain how our business works, cooperating with the European Commission since this investigation began." The EU Competition Commissioner says a decision will be made after Easter, at which point Mountain View will either be charged, or the investigation will be dropped. If only that were the end of its EU troubles.

Flurry's analytics: Apple's App Store revenue still leading, but Amazon Appstore close behind

Posted: 31 Mar 2012 08:26 AM PDT

Not like we haven't seen this dog-and-pony show before, but Flurry's latest round of analytics -- which measured revenue of 11 million daily active users from mid-January through the end of February 2012 -- shows Amazon's Appstore pulling in a shocking amount of revenue given the short life that it has lived. Apple's strength in sales has been well documented, but the latest report shows that for every $1 generated in the iTunes App Store, $0.89 is being spent in the Amazon Appstore. Looking more broadly, the numbers show that just $0.23 are generated in the Google Play halls for every $1 spent in the App Store, but that's hardly a new phenomenon; the ease of sideloading (amongst other factors) has raised complaints from Android developers for years now. Flurry's conclusion is that Google's core strength simply isn't in running a store -- something it's about to do once more with Android slates -- while both Apple and Amazon excel in doing just that. Curiously, Windows Phone and BlackBerry were left off of this report, but we're hoping to see those cats thrown in the next 'go round. After all, RIM sure seems certain that its developers are making out just fine.

Amazon stores 1,700 human genomes in the cloud

Posted: 31 Mar 2012 06:07 AM PDT

Amazon stores 1,700 human genomes in the cloudNot content with speeding up web browsing and hosting federal data, Amazon Web Services are now helping in the fight against disease. Bezos' crew is donating a chunk of free cloud storage to the 1000 Genomes project, which aims to make it easier for scientists to search for genetic variations linked to diseases. These gene-hunters can also use Amazon's Elastic Cloud Compute service to analyze data and discover patterns, although those functions won't come gratis. The DNA sequences of 1,700 mostly anonymous Homo sapiens from around the world have already been logged, but the project needs another 1,000 samples before it meets statistical requirements. Perhaps a free USB gene sequencer and a Prime subscription might entice fresh volunteers?

Gallery of high internet art curates for class, forgets to trololol

Posted: 31 Mar 2012 02:44 AM PDT

Care to take a walk down memory lane by way of the information superhighway? Good, because 21st century digital natives and Luddites alike could stand to benefit from some virtual navel-gazing. In what's essentially a 'look at how far we've come' exhibit, My Life Scoop, Intel's "connected lifestyle" site, has a collection of the more notable experiments that've sprung from our surprising interactions with the internet. Starting from the dial-up days of the mid-90's and working up to the near present, curious users can peep the wacky ways we've used the web as a tool, ranging from a remote community gardening project (The Telegarden) to a stock index that auto-adjusts dress hemlines (Stock Market Skirt) to an interactive, Arcade Fire-soundtracked film made to showcase Google Chrome (The Wilderness Downtown). But don't let us just tell you about these visual delights. Strap on those culture hats and meander through the finer artistic points of our shared online evolution at the source below.

Razer confirms plans to release left-handed Naga gaming mouse

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 11:13 PM PDT

It promised that it would do so if it received enough Likes on Facebook, and now Razer has confirmed that it is indeed proceeding with plans to release a left-handed version of its Naga gaming mouse. That comes after it received the required 10,000 Likes in less than a week -- a full three weeks ahead of its April 21st deadline. Unfortunately, there's no indication of a release date just yet, but you can rest assured that the MMO-focused mouse will be otherwise identical to its right-handed counterpart. The complete specs can be found in the press release after the break.
Show full PR text
Razer announces plans to unveil left-handed Naga

Community's voice heard as Razer reveals left-handed MMO gaming mouse
Carlsbad, Calif. – March 30th, 2012 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, is receiving an overwhelming response from its devoted community, and has decided to move forward with plans to release a left-handed version of its award-winning Naga MMO gaming mouse.

Razer CEO and Chief Gamer Min-Liang Tan promised left-handed users that the company would make a left-handed Naga if his post on Facebook reached 10,000 "Likes" before April 21. The community responded by hitting that lofty total in less than one week on March 29, more than three weeks before the deadline.

"That Facebook post generated more buzz than we could've ever imagined, which proves that there have been a number of gamers that have had their needs ignored for some time," said Tan. "We pride ourselves on being gamers ourselves, and we all know that there is no substitute for gaming with your dominant hand."

Razer became the first company to offer a left-handed gaming mouse two years ago, when the company announced its DeathAdder Left-Hand Edition. Proving that it's still serious about serving the need of its legions of left-handed users, Razer's latest Naga is only the second professional-grade gaming mouse designed specifically for left-handed users – and Razer makes both of them.

The community is a huge part of Razer, and that's why we have a dedicated team of community specialists that monitor and interact with fans all over the world. Razer encourages any and all of its fans to connect with the company via Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/razer) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/cultofrazer), and share their ideas on what could be the next big announcement. We're always listening.

17 MMO-optimized buttons
Program up to thousands of different in-game commands.
Maximum Comfort for Long Gaming Sessions
Game for days with the Razer Naga's ergonomic design, optimized for easy access to every button.
Custom Interface AddOns for MMO Games
Organize your skills and eliminate visual clutter with the Razer Naga's in-game custom interface AddOns (available for World of WarcraftTM and Warhammer Online: Age of ReckoningTM, and more).
Product Features:
5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response time
200 inches per second max tracking speed
Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ mouse feet
17 MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
Approximate Size : 116 mm / 4.57" (Length) x 70 mm / 2.76" (Width) x 46 mm / 1.81" (Height)
Approximate Weight: 134 g / 0.30 lbs

About the Razer Group:

Razer™ is the world leader in high performance gaming hardware. Founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe. Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.™

Learn more at www.razerzone.com.

Spotify takes Facebook's Timeline feature to insane extremes

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 07:48 PM PDT

Worried that Facebook's new Timeline feature is going to offer up too much information? Don't worry, whatever roller coaster ride your relationship status updates might be, you've got nothing on Spotify. The music streamer is offering up 1,000-odd years of music history on its Facebook page, reaching back to 1,000AD, which was apparently a big year for organum lovers.

UFO Waterproof Remote found floating in the company of the rich and famous

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 05:23 PM PDT

Dreams are nice. Yachts are better. So while you cling to far-flung notions that you'll ever truly know what 'money to burn' means, the Barry Dillers of our world are crisscrossing international waters, drenching models with diamonds and dropping their universal controllers in the hot tub with abandon. Rescuing these rapscallion, modern-day robber barons from the pitfalls of excess is Crestron, with its UFO Waterproof Remote made specifically for H2O hanky panky. The disc-shaped unit, which admittedly looks more like a pool toy than high-end control hub, comes encased in a rubberized shell and features a 2.8-inch display, giving Greek shipping heirs and their ilk instant access to lighting, security systems, A/V equipment and thermostats from the comforts of their sun deck jacuzzi. Alright, so the 1% aren't the company's sole market base, as the unit's also ideally positioned for use in hospitals, owing to its ability for easy sterilization. But let's be honest, the real reason this floating controller shares a frisbee-like shape is aerodynamics. All the better to hit your staff with, right Ms. Campbell? Official PR and its hydrophobic emphasis after the break.
Show full PR text
By Land or Sea, Crestron UFO Waterproof Remote Control Serves Many Needs

Full Control of Entertainment, AV, Lights, and Thermostats While in the Pool, Spa, or Bathtub; Ideal for Yachts; Submersible for Sterilizing in Hospital Operating Rooms

Rockleigh, NJ, March 30, 2012 – Outdoor entertainment is making a splash with the introduction of the Crestron UFO Waterproof Remote Control. Relaxing in the hot tub or taking a dip in the pool is even more fun when you can turn on the TV or listen to music at the same time. The buoyant saucer-shaped remote gives users the convenience of controlling entertainment systems, lighting, thermostats, security systems, and other connected devices without worrying about water damage. UFO is ideal for indoor and outdoor use in or around pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, spas, and on yachts. It has even found a place in hospital operating rooms.

"Crestron UFO provides all the benefits of an extended wireless coverage remote without the worries of water damage. There are all sorts of uses for a waterproof remote that floats," explains Sean Goldstein, Crestron VP of Marketing. "In addition to obvious applications such as hot tubs, pools and yachts, it's very popular in hospital operating rooms because everything in an operating room must be sterilized. UFO can be submerged in sanitizing liquid without being affected."

The intuitive user interface features customizable menus with full-color icons, making it easy to select room location, music or video source, choose a radio station, TV channel, or media title, and access lighting controls and other functions. Molded in a rugged, rubberized outer skin, UFO is resistant to damage from chlorine, salt water, and sterilization solutions. The ruggedized construction of the remote provides an added level or protection against life's elements.

With the tap of a finger, UFO provides extended wireless coverage and two-way feedback from a bright 2.8" active-matrix color LCD display. UFO works like an IR remote with instant response, with all the benefits of 2-way RF. Using Crestron 2.4 GHz RF wireless technology allows extended coverage performance up to 200 feet indoors, and 1000 feet outdoors using the optional Extended Range RF Wireless Gateway.

Additionally, UFO extends battery life up to one week by slipping into a virtual sleep mode within seconds when idle. Instant-Waking® revives UFO instantly with the press of any button, and button commands can be sent immediately without the connection delays common with Wi-Fi® remotes. The included indoor docking station provides a convenient means for charging the remote's internal battery.

An optional outdoor docking station provides a weatherproof charging solution and an ideal wall mount dock for both outdoor and indoor applications.

For more information about the exciting new Crestron remote control, visit UFO Waterproof Remote Control.

To get all the latest news, information and product updates subscribe to our RSS feed, "Like" us on Facebook® and follow us on Twitter®.

Seas0npass tethered jailbreak now available for Apple TV 2s running iOS 5.1

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 04:42 PM PDT

Apple TV owners no longer need to choose between jailbreaking or running the recently released iOS 5.1 update, now that FireCore has pushed new versions of Seas0nPass (0.8.3) and aTV Flash (black) (1.4.1). Currently, the jailbreak is still tethered, so if you should have to reboot your hockey puck, connecting it to a computer and repeating the process will be required. Unfortunately, the tools won't work on the new third generation Apple TVs yet, and even on supported hardware some plugins, like Plex and XBMC, are still listed as not working. All the details can be found beyond the source link for both the free Seas0nPass jailbreaker and $29.95 aTV Flash that adds more functionality.

Specialized Turbo e-bike is too fast and furious for the western world (video)

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 03:59 PM PDT

While not quite the fastest commercially available e-bike in the world as some have suggested (as far as we can tell, that claim belongs to a DIY kit out of Taiwan by a company called Cyclone), the Specialized Turbo is still a speedy little beast. In fact, it's fast enough to find itself on the wrong side of the law both here in the US and across most of Europe. The 250 W rear hub motor is powerful enough to get this guy up to about 28 MPH, or 8 MPH over the legal limit here in America. It's the other features, though, that make this guy particularly interesting. The frame has integrated LED head and tail lights, regenerative breaking and the 342 Wh battery can be juiced in just two hours from an outlet. There's even a backlit display that lets you monitor charge and assistance level, as well as standard bike computer stats like speed, distance and time. Oh, and it even supports ANT+ for wirelessly connecting with your existing accessories. The Specialized Turbo is expected to land in some European nations in May for €5,499. Check out the video after the break to see it in action.

Verizon's Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX to get Android 4.0 on April 4th, Rezound to follow on the 6th (updated)

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 03:28 PM PDT

Color us surprised to find that Best Buy is so deeply entwined with carrier / OEM plans that it would actually receive a notification that Ice Cream Sandwich is coming to select handsets, but we guess it makes sense to notify those hard-working BB Mobile representatives to what's coming down the pike. Both Android Police and TechnoBuffalo have received separate leaks confirming the news, suggesting that April 4th will be the day that the Motorola Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX get a taste of Android 4.0, and that April 6th will bring the update to HTC's Rezound. Hard to say how the rollout will be staged, but if you're considering one of Verizon's fastest and finest, at least you know when ICS is coming.

Update: Judging from our tip jar, a fair number of you have received emails from Motorola about joining "an early preview of a new software" for the Droid RAZR and RAZR Maxx. Coincidence? We think not.

[Thanks, Jason]

Sony's Xperia Ice Cream Sandwich rollout pushed to mid-April (and beyond)

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 03:08 PM PDT

ImageTo be fair, things have... changed a bit since we heard back in November that the Xperia handset line would be getting Ice Cream Sandwich by March of 2012. Specifically, Sony Ericsson is no more, and it's up to Sony Mobile alone to continue the torch carrying. At any rate, the outfit has made clear today that it'll be mid-April at the earliest before any of the Xperia smartphones see an Android 4.0 update, with the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V and Xperia Ray amongst the first on deck. We're told that the updates will start hitting that trio in the middle of next month, with every last owner to be gifted in the four to six weeks following. Beyond that, the Xperia Play, Xperia Neo, Xperia Mini, Xperia Mini Pro, Xperia Pro and Xperia Active will start seeing ICS "from the end of May / early June." You know, pretty much right when Android 5.0 will be unveiled.

OS X malware used to spy on pro-Tibetan charities, reminds us all to keep updated

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 02:26 PM PDT

Pro-Tibetan organizations that use Macs have discovered that their data has been accessed thanks to malware-based siphoning more commonly associated with Windows machines. Security expert Jamie Blasco revealed that two separate backdoor trojans can breach OS X if infected Word documents (yes, we know) or emails are opened. However, those who regularly keep up with security updates shouldn't be too concerned: both holes were patched before the end of last year, although that's scant relief for those whose privacy has already been infringed.

[Thanks, Charles]

Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and U410 undress for the FCC's czars

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 01:57 PM PDT

When Lenovo took the wraps off its IdeaPad U310 and U410 at CES, we were left feeling happy / sad. On the one hand, we were dismayed by the half-hearted inclusion of a memory card slot, but the company did earn high marks for sticking to that sleek Ultrabook form factor and pricing the duo at a $700 entry point. Now that luxurious-looking laptop pair's making another public appearance, stopping by the FCC for a step and repeat and splaying its guts and user manual in the process. While the filings reveal no surprise specs for these 13- and 14-inchers -- those internal goodies were divulged back in January -- this Commission pit stop is a solid indication that all systems are go for a planned May launch. Be sure to hit up the source below to trawl the RF reports if diagnostics get you hot under the collar.

Add-on turns a smartphone camera into a joystick (video)

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 01:28 PM PDT

One of the more irritating aspects of touchscreen gaming is almost certainly the inevitability of blocking the screen as you play -- particularly with smaller devices like smartphones. A new peripheral being developed by Keio University takes an interesting approach to the problem -- using the device to transform the gadget's camera into a three-axis joystick of sorts by detecting the movement of markings on the add-on. According to its creators, the accuracy of the joystick depends largely on the precision of the phone's hardware. Check it out in action after the break.

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 12:59 PM PDT

Time to podcast up! Who's with us? For starters, we're going to have Myriam, Brad, Joseph and -- making his mobcast debut -- our very own Andrew Munchbach! So join us at the normal time, chat it up in our Ustream chat below, and we'll have a grand 'ol time talking all about phones and stuff.

March 30, 2012 5:00 PM EDT

Opel Ampera popular in ye old continent, likely to meet sales goals unlike Volt

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 12:32 PM PDT

To say that Chevy's Volt hasn't had the smoothest inaugural year would be an understatement, but over on the other side of the pond, things couldn't be going more swimmingly for its badge-engineered cousin, the Opel Ampera. Sales are reportedly brisk with over 7,000 Europeans preordering the electrified hatchback, prompting the company to push its 2012 sales target from 8,000 to 10,000 units -- matching the figure Chevy had initially set, and then missed for its variant here in the US of A. That got us thinking, are Europeans the electrified forward-thinking mavericks we think they are? Or have they simply fallen prey to the Ampera's far better looks? Decide in the comments below.

China officially tops one billion mobile subscribers

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 12:08 PM PDT

We heard last year that China was approaching 900 million mobile phone subscribers, and it looks like it's now finally hit the big one. The country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirmed today that, as of the end of February, there were more than a billion mobile subscribers in the country (1.01 billion, to be specific). As the AFP notes, that's individual subscriptions, which includes users with more than one phone, but any way you slice it that's a whole lot of cellphone users. Of those, 144 million are on 3G networks, which is fully double the number from April of 2011. Not surprisingly, much of that growth comes at the expense of landline phones, which have dropped a further 828,000 in the first two months of the year to 284.3 million. Internet use also continues to be on the upswing, with more than half a billion people having internet access of some sort, and 154.96 million having broadband access (up nearly five million during those same two months).

AT&T now accepting Lumia 900 pre-orders, only those seeking cyan or black need apply (update)

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 11:49 AM PDT

Friendly reminder here, folks. As expected, AT&T has opened the pre-order floodgates for the Nokia Lumia 900 today ahead of its April 8th release in the US. Interested parties can secure their reservation for the Window Phone 7.5-loaded device at either AT&T's retail or online stores. While you'll be able to snag one in either matter black or cyan blue, we'd be remiss not to point out that the white version (slated for an April 22nd release) isn't yet on offer. If you'll recall, parting with $100, along with agreeing to a two-year contract is all it'll cost ya' to get in on the action. Be sure to let us know if you plan on reaching for the "light" in the comments.

Update: Wowza, if $100 wasn't already easy on the wallet, Walmart is offering the device up for only $50 with a two-year agreement -- online only, though. You'll find more info at the source link below.

Update 2: Ready for more good news? According to AT&T's website, Lumia 900 pre-orders are currently slated to "arrive on or before April 6th" -- a full two days before its official launch.

Update 3: This bad boy's free after a $100 online rebate for new AT&T customers. That's a serious play for signups.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]
at 11:32 AM

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