Kamis, 03 Maret 2011

What's new on SlashGear.com

What's new on SlashGear.com

Group Building Own Arcade Cabinets For PAX East

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 02:51 PM PST

Game group The Behemoth is constructing custom arcade cabinets running their own developed games and will present them at Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East 2011 in Boston. The group will be bringing five arcade cabinets with them to the event, four of them will be running the groups newest build of BattleBlock Theatre and the fifth one will run the original four player Castle Crashers.

The group built an arcade cabinet for PAX 2010 running Castle Crashers and decided to expand on the concept and build a few more for the upcoming expo. BattleBlock Theatre will run off an Xbox 360 and the Castle Crashers arcade cabinet will be running off a PS3. Each cabinet will sport an additional display that comes out of the back of the machine via remote, so that the crowd can watch the action as well.

The group posted up some timeline photos of the cabinets progress and you can definitely see the amount of effort placed into each one. If you're in the Boston area from March 11th to the 13th go check out PAX East.

[via The Behemoth]

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HP Shows Off The Connected “Metal Watch” For The First Time

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 02:08 PM PST

Companies are always striving to create an ecosystem for users where all their devices are connected and information can be shared easily with each one. HP has taken this idea in a strange direction by developing an “integration point” device in the form of a watch, dubbed the “Metal Watch.” The concept was first hinted at last year when some mysterious pictures of HP CTO Phil McKinney holding a blacked-out tablet, smartphone, and watch surfaced along with a tweet that the gadgets would be shown at the upcoming SXSW 2011.

Now fast forward to this week, and McKinney is showing off the concept watch at HP’s Future of Innovation event in Shanghai. HP combined forces with Fossil to make the "Metal Watch", a device that will connect all your other devices together. Actual details on how the watch works or even what it does weren't given out, but from video and pictures, it looks very much like a regular timepiece. McKinney said that the watch "runs a full software" and that it "acts as an integration point for a family of devices that you carry."

Sony Ericsson has its LiveView that can be worn like a watch, but it has a touchscreen that you can interact with. The "Metal Watch" doesn't seem to have anything outside the regular knobs on the side of the face. HP is thinking about devices that you don't just carry around, but that you actually wear such as the "Metal Watch.” It will be interesting to see where they end up with this development and maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of it in action at SXSW.

[via PocketNow]

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Bloom Energy Server – Tiny Box Can Power Entire Home

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 01:36 PM PST

Bloom Energy makes Solid Oxide Fuel Cells that are able to power an entire home, and fit in the palm of your hand. These fuel cells have been used by Google and eBay to provide part of the power used on their campuses. The company’s CEO, KR Sridhar, originally created technology that was meant to produce oxygen so that people could live on Mars. When NASA scrapped that project, he reversed the technology so that it pulled in Oxygen instead of pushing it out.


The fuel cells use a substance similar to beach sand made into a ceramic wafer that is coated with a “secret recipe” of green and black inks. Oxygen is fed through one side, and fuel through the other to produce electricity. These fuel cells are different from the more standard hydrogen fuel cells because they can run on natural gas, bio gas, or even solar power. They also do not use the expensive metals like platinum that standard fuel cells use, but instead use a cheap metal alloy. Google has been using them to power a data center, and eBay uses them on their San Jose Campus to provide 15% of the power used there. eBay CEO John Donahoe said, “They have been very successful thus far. They have done what they said they were going to do.”

If these can be produced on a large scale, and the price can be accessible to the general public (a big if, at this point), this could be a great energy saving solution.

See KR Sridhar’s 60 Minutes interview from last year:

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Why Do Most Televisions Fall Short of Expectations?

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 01:12 PM PST

If you're anything like me, you spend quite a bit of time at Best Buy looking at the televisions. You don't necessarily want to buy one of them, but you're interested in the changes that are going on in the marketplace. And you want to see what makes some sets so special.

[Image credit: coxy]

The only issue is, after that evaluation, you quickly realize that the vast majority of the televisions on store shelves just aren't all that appealing. And even those companies that typically deliver outstanding televisions are offering so many different models that trying to determine what's really best for you can be difficult.

Consider this: Vizio makes some solid televisions that are arguably more affordable than any other brand's sets. The only issue is, not all Vizio models are made equal. The company's 3SV and 4SV models are quite nice, and they deliver a level of quality that customers would expect. But Vizio sells several other televisions. And in my experience, they don't necessarily stand up to some of its better offerings.

Then we have companies like Samsung. That firm delivers outstanding sets, like the 8000 and 9000 series, but they're wildly expensive. And those who want the Vizio price with Samsung quality won't find it.

Panasonic offers the best plasma panels in the television market. And for the most part, its pricing is quite good. But it offers so many different models that choosing between them isn't always easy. Sure, the VT25 series is nice, but what about the G25 or the S2 series? And how do the company's LCDs stack up? It's not as easy to buy a Panasonic television as some think.

And as for the countless other television makers? It's a mixed bag. Some televisions are nice, others are abysmal. Some folks can't stand the thought of not getting an LG television, while others balk at the idea. Sony sets are favorites among some customers and downright despised by others.

When we take all this into account, one issue should become abundantly clear to all of us: when it comes to buying televisions, there are few sets that really deliver the full value proposition that we require. And if percentage-chance is our guide, the uninformed customer will more times than not choose a television that they're unhappy with after they get it home.

So, how do we get out of this trap?

First off, we need to change our buying habits. We need to be more informed. And we need to have an idea of which television model we want to buy before we head to the store.

For me, the perfect television is affordable, has a high-quality picture, and delivers some extra features, like Netflix (and even 3D if the price is right) built in. It has a nice design and its footprint isn't so large that it looks like a boulder hanging from my wall. It's a high-quality television at a price that I can justify. And it will last long enough for me to not feel that it's obsolete a month after purchase.

Luckily, there are some televisions on the market this very minute that can deliver all that for me. But they're few and far between. And unless I'm prepared, I could get caught with a very, very expensive lemon.

Unfortunately, that's the reality of the television market today. And by the look of things, I doubt it will change anytime soon.

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Major Twitter Update On iOS Brings Quick Bar And Pesky Trending

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:58 PM PST

Twitter has just updated their Twitter app for iOS and the 3.3 upgrade has some significant changes. The overall look of the app is much cleaner and there are a host of other upgrades, but the major one is the addition of the Quick Bar. It keeps the user updated on trending topics, but looks to be also a gateway for ads.

The Twitter update makes it much easier to upload photos and it autocompletes usernames and hashtags as well as auto-shortens links. The Quick Bar sits at the top of your feed and rotates what topics are trending at the time, or you can swipe and scroll through them. It will also use your location through GPS and see what is trending in your area.

The problem that many users will have with the Quick Bar is that you can't turn it off. It is always there and many users may find it quite annoying. They also may not like that it features a promoted trend, which is essentially an ad. You can turn off the local trending feature, but that's all you can change to the Quick Bar at this time. The Quick Bar is only for the iOS version right now, and there’s no confirmation as to whether it will make the leap to Android or Blackberry.

[via ReadWriteWeb]

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TSA Body Scans May go Beyond Airlines Soon

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:44 PM PST

So the TSA may have plans to use the full body scan technology used at airport checkpoints in mobile scanning units that it can set up at public events and train stations, as well as using mobile x-ray vans to scan pedestrians on city streets. Yeah, you read that right. This is according to some newly uncovered documents published by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) on Wednesday. The documents were obtained from the Department of Homeland Security via a Freedom of Information Act request.

The documents show that from 2006 to 2008 the agency planned to study a range of new anti-terrorism technologies, including "a walk through x-ray screening system that could be deployed at entrances to special events or other points of interest" to "covert inspection of moving subjects" employing the same backscatter imaging technology used for full body scans in airports.

The van project was allocated to Northeastern University and Siemens and would mount backscatter x-ray scanners and video cameras on roving vans, and use cameras on buildings and utility poles to monitor groups of pedestrians. Using the system, it would be possible to assess what people are carrying, and even track their eye movements. Researchers were also asked to develop a system of long range x-ray scanning to determine what metal objects a person has on his or her body from up to thirty feet away.

"This would allow them to take these technologies out of the airport and into other contexts like public streets, special events and ground transit," says Ginger McCall, an attorney with EPIC. "It's a clear violation of the fourth amendment that's very invasive, not necessarily effective, and poses all the same radiation risks as the airport scans."

After the initial article was published by Andy Greenberg on Forbes.com,, The TSA responded that the "TSA has not tested the advanced imaging technology that is currently used at airports in mass transit environments and does not have plans to do so."

However, they have spent money on this project and have contracts with Siemens Corporations, Northeastern University, and Rapiscan Systems for this project. EPIC has filed a lawsuit against the DHS fighting the use of scanners in airports, and is arguing its case in a D.C. appellate court next week. It seems likely that there would be quite an outcry if the TSA or the DHS tried to scatter x-rays indiscriminately at pedestrians, but this is a good thing to keep an eye on.
Full TSA documents here.
[via Andy Greenberg]

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Google Adds New Social Feature To Google Maps For Android

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:44 PM PST


Google is enhancing its mix of Google Maps for Android, Google Places with Hotpot, and Google Latitude with the some new social features. When you rate or review a place such as a restaurant from Google Places, you can share that information with your Hotpot friends and across the mix of Google services. But now with the new Google Maps 5.2, you will be able to share your recommendations on the go via Twitter and more easily ping and check-in using Latitude.

Using the new ratings widget, you will be able to choose ‘Post review to Twitter’ and connect with your Twitter account. A preview of your tweet will be shown along with basic ratings options to choose from including smiling or frowning faces for Food, Service, and Atmosphere as well as an overall 1 to 5 star rating. As for improvements with check-ins and pings, you can now see nearby Latitude friends on your map and ping them instead of texting or calling them to meet up. They will receive an Android notification from asking to check in at a place. When they check in using your request, you get a notification right back.

To get the new features you have to download Google Maps 5.2 from the Android Market and works on Android OS 1.6 or above. Also, for two friends to use the new Latitude ping feature, both will need to have version 5.2.

[via Google]

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Microsoft’s Bing Will Now Give You Daily Deals

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:12 PM PST


Daily deal sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Gilt have exploded in popularity these past few years. Microsoft is hoping to collect all deals from these various sites and organize them for you in a nice little package. They plan to incorporate this service into their Bing search engine so that when users do a local search these deals will show up alongside the results.

Microsoft is working with The Dealmap, a company that specializes in collecting and sorting out deals by city, and will take their information and pinpoint where the deals are located on a map of the area. With Bing the user can search a deal and filter the results by location, category, and price. Being in an age where social networks are a part of our daily lives, Bing will also stream the deals to your social network so that you can share them with your friends.

The feature is on Bing's desktop version as well as the mobile version. The deals will come up automatically in your searches so you won't have to specifically do a search on deals. Bing mobile will be great and convenient for those looking for something nearby and don't have access to a laptop or desktop. This streamlining of the service is great and could lead users to deals they weren't necessarily looking for, but might like to purchase anyway.

[via Techland]

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Yobongo location-based chat now available in App Store

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:02 PM PST

Yobongo, a location-based chat app that allows you to chat with people that are nearby, is now available on the App Store. The application has been in beta testing for a month, and claims to make it “super fun and easy to chat with people nearby.” Right now the app covers New York City, San Francisco and Austin. The company says that it will determine other cities to add based on “demand from passionate fans”.


When the app is launched in one of these cities, it will determine what chat group the user will be added to based on location, who they have spoken to in the past, and group density. The size of the group is limited to 10 people.

“We analyze every pair of messages sent through the system and use that to build up an understanding of who you like talking with,” explained founder Caleb Elston. “Then when you open Yobongo we place you with people you have the strongest affinity for.”

Thus far, the app has been used only by 150 beta testers hand picked by the company. It has also been released under a different name in Canada in order to test out functionality. It’s certainly an intriguing concept, and an interesting way to meet new people who may have the same interests as you.

An obvious concern (which strangely, I don’t see mentioned anywhere) would be security. Do you really want to connect with people you don’t know and let them know you’re nearby? Are you just assuming you can trust anyone who owns an iPhone?

What do you think? Is this something you’d like to try out? If you have tried it, do you like it?

The promotional video sure makes it seem like a lot of fun:

[via ReadWriteWeb]

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Harness The Power Of Wind With The AERO E Cellphone Charger

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 11:25 AM PST

Here's a design that would make all your environmentally conscious friends jealous. The AERO E harnesses the power of the wind to generate electricity, much like its larger wind turbine cousins you see out in the hills or the ones they're experimenting with far out at sea.

The small wind turbine channels and captures the energy and wirelessly transfers it to a separate charging pad. The pad charges your device through induction and the sleek design shows no wires. The product looks very cool and anyone who wants to wow people with their "greenness" would be remiss not to have it.

The device would come with an app that lets you connect to the wind turbine and will tell you upcoming wind patterns and charge times. But like most concept designs, we may not be seeing this product in the mass market anytime soon.

[via Yanko Design]

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Navy Proposal: Build “Coordinated Micro Robot Swarm”

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 11:05 AM PST

The Navy has issued a proposal asking for someone out there to build it "a coordinated and distributed swarm of micro-robots" that can manufacture "novel materials and structures." So these would be robots that can work together to build things, presumably even other robots. The Navy intends for the robot swarm (and yes, that is an actual quote from the proposal) to use desktop manufacturing, which allows you to “print” 3-D objects with equipment you can fit on your desk and program with your laptop.


Desktop manufacturing is probably best known in the form of products like Makerbot, with which you can fabricate 3-D objects out of plastic.

The Navy wants these cooperative robots to be able to "pick and place, dispense liquids, print inks, remove material, join components" and "move cooperatively" and to assemble objects as well as create them. The examples of things the Navy wants them to make include "multifunctional materials" and "metamorphic materials" and also "programmable materials". Hmm, programmable materials, like other robots, perhaps?

According to Danger Room:

“Darpa, the Defense Department's far-out advanced research wing, has previously experimented with "programmable materials" to create shape-shifting machines like the self-folding origami robot that can change into a small plane and boat.

Intel, one of Darpa's partners on the research has suggested the technology could one day go further, making it able to "mimic the shape and appearance of a person or object being imaged in real time."

Shape-shifting robots that can work together, and build other robots. Pretty crazy stuff.

If you think you can accomplish this, the official Navy Proposal is here.

[via PopSci]

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Apple Giving $100 Refund For iPads Purchased Within Last Two Weeks

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 11:00 AM PST

Apple’s first-generation iPad has been kicked to the bargain bin now that the iPad 2 has been officially announced to arrive on March 11th. Now is the perfect time to pick up the first-gen iPad if you’re on a budget as resellers have dropped $100 off the original price. But if you were unfortunate enough to have jumped the gun and purchased an iPad before the discounted pricing began, there’s still good news for you.

Simply bring your receipt to the Apple store as proof you purchased your iPad within the last two weeks–after February 16th–to receive a $100 refund. The process should be pretty painless, as Apple has done this before with their Mac revamps. Although the window of two weeks seems short, it is better than none.

If this becomes a trend, then budget hunters should keep their ears perked on major Apple announcement events. However, Apple did only give a weeks notice for Wednesday’s announcement. And with stocks low on reseller shelves, you’ll have to act quickly.

[via Cult of Mac]

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iPad 2 Advertised at BestBuy, Walmart

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:21 AM PST

As we suspected when the original iPad was pulled from Best Buy’s inventory on Tuesday, the iPad 2 (and its nifty cover) will be available in the store on Friday, March 11. One would suspect then, that Best Buy will begin selling the iPad 2 at 5pm on March 11, just like at Apple Stores. The graphic below is what is shown on Best Buy’s website.


Walmart also has the device listed, but it is “out of stock, coming soon”. No date is posted, so it will probably take a bit longer for Walmart to get it. Amazon has not yet listed the iPad 2, even as a pre-order.

According to Apple Insider, Apple could be doing a much quicker expansion of distribution with the iPad 2, selling it soon after launch at Verizon, AT&T, and Target stores. It may even be available at place like Kohls and Bed Bath and Beyond, as NPD Vice President of Industry Analysis Stephen Baker said he believes that expanded distribution of the iPad 2 will help Apple find continued success with its touchscreen tablet in 2011.
[via Apple Insider]

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iPad 2, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air Magnet Mystery [Video]

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:00 AM PST

We’ve been tipped by our good pal Josh over at Notebooks that an issue may well be developing between Apple’s newest suite of MacBooks and none other than technology’s oldest enemy: magnets. The issue in question here was brought up to Josh regarding the MacBook Air 11″ model, which we just happen to have here in front of us. thusly we tried it our for ourselves and indeed there is something strange going on. Your humble narrator also picked up the newest model MacBook Pro 15″ yesterday so the test was done on it as well, and again the issue held true. What do magnets do to these new Apple machines? They basically give them a black eye. How does all this relate to the new iPad 2?

The “issue” arises when you’ve got a magnet, here we’ve got a tiny refrigerator magnet for example, and you pass it along the left side of the base of whichever machine you’re working with. The actual spot this oddity comes up is right near the headphone jack on both computers. What happens is the monitor goes blank and your Wifi shorts out. What we can equate this to is the machine falling asleep – this holds true when you see the backlit key lights dim when the magnet passes over the area on the MacBook Pro near the headphone jack again.

List of actions:

MacBook Air
Apply magnet – display falls asleep, fan stops
Remove magnet – display awakens

MacBook Pro
Apply magnet – display and key lights fall asleep, fan and disk continue running
Remove magnet – display and keys continue to be asleep, fan and disk stop
Apply magnet again – everything wakes back up



Also the magnet only sticks to 3 places on either model – near the power jack port, near the headphone jack (on the Pro, on the Air it’s on the opposite side,) and at the corresponding place near the monitor that hits the original spot when the display is closed.

Therefor we can conclude that the technology Apple uses to turn your display off and on is run by magnets, and that the new iPad Smart Cover is and will be using the same or similar technology to turn off and on the iPad as it moves across its surface. Have a peek at the video above to see us working with the MacBooks and magnets, and below at the iPad Smart Cover video to see some cuteness!

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Windows Phone 7 Update Fixed – Safe to Download Now

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 09:59 AM PST

The Windows Phone 7 update will no longer turn your Samsung phone into a brick, according to the official Microsoft blog. The update was originally posted last month, but after the updated was successfully downloaded, some Samsung phone users had problems.


Some users experienced a glitchy screen, but others were unable to turn on their phone after updating. But now, all is cool, and the update will not cause a problem, Microsoft said.

If you already downloaded the update and had no problems, there is no need to update again.
There is a larger update to Windows Phone 7 due out later this month, which will allow users to copy and paste text and increase processor performance.

The current update is being sent out on a rolling schedule, so you will see it pop up on your phone when it is available.

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Personal Hotspots Coming from AT&T

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 09:39 AM PST

AT&T has confirmed that it will begin supporting the Personal Hotspot feature with the launch of iOS 4.3 on March 11. Users who have the $25 a month DataPro plan which allows for 2 GB of usage, plus the $20 a month tethering add-on will get the update automatically when the update pushes out on the 11th. Users with earlier versions of the iPhone will not be able to use the feature. Verizon’s iPhone shipped with the feature, so AT&T has been quick to offer it as well.


Verizon’s plan is priced similarly, but it offers unlimited data on-device and users can’t use more than 2GB while they are in hotspot or tethered mode without getting an overage. AT&T’s plan offers 4GB. Still, these carriers are lagging behind most international providers who are offering better deals. Canadians are getting free hotspot creation on plans that include tethering, at no extra charge.

[via Electronista]

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Sony PSP Go gets covert price cut

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 09:07 AM PST

Sony’s discount of the PSP-3000 is apparently not the only portable gaming price cut the company intends, with the official PlayStation site also suggesting the compact PSP Go will be discounted as well. According to the Sony spiel, “now you can enjoy the sleek, totally-digital PSP go system for $149.99 MSRP” in addition to the $129.99 PSP.

Curiously, the PSP Go discount wasn’t mentioned in Sony’s original announcement about the larger version of the handheld, and it seems the news is yet to reach retailers either. Most are still listing the PSP Go at around $200, rather than reflecting either the new MRSP or the $50 price cut.

Still, we’re guessing this will filter out sooner rather than later, though whether it will make the PSP Go a sales success remains to be seen. Sony is expected to launch the NGP near the end of 2011.

[via Joystiq]

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Sprint teases full US LTE network as soon as 2013 in Clearwire negotiations

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 08:58 AM PST

Sprint has suggested it could have a nationwide 4G LTE network in place and operational by the end of 2013, though the carrier’s apparent consideration of LTE could well be in part a negotiating tactic with its Clearwire WiMAX partner. Steve Elfman, Sprint’s president of network operations and wholesale, confirmed this week that the carrier could have LTE operation and devices on the marker by 2012, FierceWireless reports; however, Elfman also said no final decision would be made until midway through this year.

That gives Sprint and Clearwire time to negotiate their ongoing dispute over wholesale profit sharing. Earlier in the week, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse suggested that, while “Our Plan A is together with Clearwire, but we do have a Plan B … If we don’t reach agreement, we will go and do our own thing.” Subsequently, however, Hesse said he believed the pricing dispute would likely be resolved.

That could mean the LTE talk was Sprint playing hardball, trying to persuade Clearwire that it was willing to go it alone should negotiations not fall in its favor. However, with LTE catching on not only with Verizon’s network in the US, but appearing on the roadmaps of European and Asian carriers, it’s possible that Sprint may decide to switch on the basis of compatibility.

[via DigitalTrends]

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Apple iPad 2 Dock revealed

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 08:41 AM PST

Steve Jobs spent more time talking about the new Smart Cover cases for the iPad 2 than any other accessory yesterday, but there’s also a new iPad 2 Dock for those wanting somewhere neat to charge and sync their new iOS 4.3 slate. Priced at $29, though not currently available to order, as with the first-gen iPad dock the new version has a 3.5mm audio output for hooking up external speakers.

There’s also a regular Dock connector, so you can plug a USB sync/charge cable or a 10W AC adapter to sync or charge your iPad 2. Unfortunately neither cable nor AC adapter actually comes with the iPad 2 Dock, so factor in another $29 for the mains supply if you don’t want to keep unplugging and replugging it.

You can also hook up the new Apple Digital AV Adapter and thus connect the iPad 2 up via HDMI to a bigger display. No word on exact release dates, but we’re guessing Apple will be aiming to get this on the market on March 11.

[Thanks Paul!]

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Notebook growth forecast slashed for 2011/12 as tablets dominate

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 08:16 AM PST

Throw out your notebooks: Gartner says they’re old hat. The research firm has significantly downgraded its sales growth forecast for 2011 and 2012, notching off almost six points to predict a 10.5-percent rise this year and 13.6-percent (down from 14.8-percent) the next. According to Gartner analyst Ranjit Atwal, tablets are a main cause of the reduced estimates as the fashionable slates leave notebooks unloved.

That, it’s suggested, leaves more people sticking with their existing notebooks rather than upgrading, and coupled with reduced demand for PCs in previously high-growth markets like China, the segment as a whole looks depressed. Meanwhile, high-profile gadgets like the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4 capture not only mind-share but, with their rapidly increasing feature-sets, convince users that what once required a notebook or netbook to do, can now often be done on a tablet or smartphone.

[via AllThingsD]

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Nielsen: Android leads US smartphone segment but Google weaker than Apple & RIM

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 08:02 AM PST

Android holds pole position in the US smartphone battle when it comes to OS marketshare, but Google is at a weaker position versus iOS and BlackBerry because it is reliant on third-party manufacturers producing devices. That’s Nielsen‘s stance at least, going by the latest set of postpaid mobile subscribers across smartphone platforms between November 2010 and January 2011. The researchers claim Android has 29-percent of the market, but shared predominantly between HTC (12-percent), Motorola (10-percent) and Samsung (5-percent).

In contrast, while Apple has 27-percent of the market with iOS, and RIM another 27-percent with BlackBerry OS, the fact that both companies control not only software but hardware leaves them in a stronger position overall, Nielsen suggests. Meanwhile, Android is apparently more popular with younger users, dominating iOS and BlackBerry OS in the 18-24 age range.

Whether Google would agree with Nielsen’s conclusions – or at least that it’s in a weaker position despite holding more marketshare – is arguable. The search giant’s motivation with Android has always been to get its apps and adverts in front of as many users as possible; the fact that it doesn’t make the handsets itself hasn’t seemed a problem, and of course it has stepped in twice before, with the Nexus One and Nexus S, when it’s deemed OEMs need some guidance-by-example in how the smartphone segment should be progressing.

Update: It’s also worth noting that Nielsen’s figures don’t include the Verizon iPhone 4, which didn’t launch until early February.

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Disney grabs Rocket Pack HTML5 game engine specialists [Video]

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 07:14 AM PST

Disney has snapped up game engine developer Rocket Pack, whose plugin-free browser-based HTML5 system allows for easy coding with just JavaScript and CSS. According to TechCrunch the terms of the deal have not been made public, though Rocket Pack are believed to have been scooped for between $10m and $20m; Disney’s interest likely stems from the potential flexibility in creating cross-platform, install-free games that don’t need App Store approval to be distributed.

“We can confirm that The Walt Disney Company has acquired Rocketpack, an integrated solution for plugin-free browser game development. Through a merger agreement, Rocketpack is now a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company reporting into Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG)” Disney spokesperson

Since it’s HTML5 based rather than Flash, it means even Apple devices can access the games, and with iOS 4.3 bringing the new Nitro JavaScript engine to the mobile Safari browser, titles should be even faster )as we’ve seen suggested in early benchmarks of the iPad 2). Games can also be packaged as native apps, if preferred, and there’s potential for integrated with social networks too.

There’s an example of a title created with the Rocket Engine, Warimals, which you can try now.

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BlackBerry Messenger for Android and iOS tipped for 2011

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:57 AM PST

RIM is apparently readying Android and iOS versions of its BlackBerry Messenger app, in an attempt to lure smartphone users over to its handsets with a cut-down taste of the instant messaging service. According to BGR‘s multiple sources, exact timescales for release are uncertain – though expected to be sometime in 2011 – but the BBM apps will offer basic IM functionality leaving the more advanced media and location sharing features to authentic BlackBerry devices.

That might mean you could hold a text IM conversation between a BlackBerry user, an Android user and an iOS user, but only those with BlackBerry phones would be able to share multimedia like photos or their physical location. Pricing for the service is also apparently not finalized; RIM is believed to be considering making it all free, or alternatively charging either a download fee for the apps themselves or an ongoing subscription for service.

It’s not the first we’ve heard of RIM considering loosening its borders in the hope of making a bigger dent in the consumer market. The company is believed to be considering adding Android app compatibility to its BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and smartphones, instantly increasing the number of titles available for its users.

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T-Mobile Sidekick letter offers 50% off Samsung upgrades or waived ETFs

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:43 AM PST

T-Mobile USA said it would be easing the transition from a Sidekick to another device when the carrier announced data services would be shut down as of May 31; now the details of that transition have apparently leaked. According to a mailed out letter to one Sidekick owner, scanned for TmoNews, the carrier is offering 50-percent off “select” Samsung phones when bought with a new, two year agreement, or more flexibility in the early-termination fees (ETF).

If subscribers decide to go for the Samsung offer, they can upgrade via the T-Mobile phone sales line, and then transfer their data using sidekick.t-mobile.com/transition (you’ll need an account login to access the site). The data migration tools will be available until May 31.

However, T-Mobile is also offering to waive ETFs between March 31 and May 31 for those who’d prefer to cancel their Sidekick service and look elsewhere. Without the Sidekick servers, the handsets will still be able to make and receive calls and text messages, but not access the internet or sync remotely.

As for the new, Android-powered Sidekick 4G, all T-Mobile will say is that it’s expected in spring 2011.

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AT&T postpaid tablet data plans revealed ahead of iPad 2

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:08 AM PST

AT&T has announced a new post-paid billing plan for tablet data packages, as an alternative to the current prepaid plans the carrier offers. Added to an existing monthly wireless bill, the new month-to-month plans are almost identically priced to their prepaid counterparts: $14.99 for 250MB per month, or $25 for 2GB per month.

The only difference is in overage charges. Prepaid users who reach their limit can pay for a further 2GB for $25, with fees applied to a credit card. However, postpaid users will be charged at $10 for every 1GB, added to the monthly statement, which works out cheaper.

AT&T is offering a free month of 2GB access to new sign-ups on the $25 postpaid plan, though it’s a limited deal. We’re guessing this is all in preparation for the new iPad 2, which will arrive in 3G form on March 11.

Press Release:

AT&T Introduces New Monthly Billing Option for Tablets

Customers Get First Month Free When Activating New Postpaid Plan

DALLAS, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* today introduced convenient new postpaid billing options for tablets. Beginning today, customers can choose between AT&T’s existing prepaid billing options or the new postpaid plans. The new plans can be added to customers’ existing monthly wireless statements, offering the simplicity of a single monthly bill. For a limited time, customers who activate a new postpaid $25/2 GB plan will receive the first month free(1).

The new postpaid billing option will be available across AT&T retail locations, as well as att.com, Best Buy, Fry’s, select Nexcom locations, and Walmart stores nationwide.

“Tablets offer the convenience of mobile broadband virtually anywhere and our new billing options give customers the flexibility to choose how they prefer to be billed,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets.

Customers may choose from the following options.

Postpaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage. Charges will appear on customers’ monthly wireless statements.

Prepaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25. Charges will appear on customers’ credit card statements.

Both options are month-to-month and do not require a long-term commitment.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

(1) Mobile broadband not available in all areas. Plan is for 30 days. Service free for new postpaid activations for first 30 days or the first 2GB of usage, whichever comes first. Offer available for DataConnect Personal for Tablets 2GB Plan only. Subsequent thirty day periods to be billed by AT&T Mobility at $25 for 2GB usage. To avoid subsequent charges, service must be cancelled prior to 30 days after activation of the plan, or prior to usage in excess of 2GB within the first 30 days after activation of the Plan. Usage in excess of 2GB during the first 30 days and in each subsequent thirty day period to be billed at $10 per each additional GB. Unused data does not rollover to the next 30 day period. Offer not available for on-tablet activation. DataConnect Personal for Tablets Plans are for compatible tablets only. Plans are not suitable for corporate email or intranet systems. Credit check required. No term commitment or termination fees apply. Plan automatically renews every 30 days, unless you cancel service prior to the start of the 30 day renewal. Service may be cancelled at any time by calling 1-800-331-0500 or seeing store representative. Limited time offer.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

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Apple Digital AV Adapter will work with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4, and iPod touch 4G

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:06 AM PST

If you follow the launch of the iPad 2 yesterday, you may have seen a few of the new accessories as well. One of these new accessories is the Apple Digital AV Adapter that is able to shoot what you see on the screen out to your TV. The adapter has an HDMI port and the port you see right beside is for connecting your charge and sync cable to keep your gadget going while using it on the big screen.

The adapter supports up to 1080p and will work with the iPhone 4, iPad, iPad 2, and 4G iPod touch. With the thing plugged in you can use it to see anything on the big screen that is on the screen of your iPad. This sounds like a good way to watch Hulu Plus on your big screen.

The adapter supports up to 1080p content when used with the iPad 2. If you plug it into any of the other devices, it only supports up to 720p resolution. The adapter sells for $39 and you have to provide your own HDMI cable.

[via MacDailyNews]

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Opera Mac App Store 17+ rating too low jibes browser VP

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:00 AM PST

Opera has become the first non-native web browser to arrive in the Mac App Store, and as per Apple’s normal policies has been slapped with a 17+ age rating. That’s not upsetting VP of desktop products Jan Standal, however, who sees the classification – deemed necessary by Apple since all the filthy internet is viewable through a browser – as the perfect opportunity for a joke. “I’m very concerned,” Standal says, “seventeen is very young, and I am not sure if, at that age, people are ready to use such an application.”

“It’s very fast, you know, and it has a lot of features” he continues, concluding “I think the download requirement should be at least 18.” Opera Software suggest that those without Mac App Store access should head over to their site and download the browser the old fashioned way. Just be careful not to stumble over anything unsavory on your travels.

Press Release:

Opera first browser available in Apple’s Mac App Store

Oslo, Norway – March 3, 2011

This week, the Opera web browser became the first non-native browser made available in Apple’s Mac App Store, but only for those over seventeen years of age. Jan Standal, VP of Desktop Products for Opera Software, is surprised.

“I’m very concerned,” says Standal. “Seventeen is very young, and I am not sure if, at that age, people are ready to use such an application. It’s very fast, you know, and it has a lot of features. I think the download requirement should be at least 18.”

For those under 17, there is a workaround. Just visit www.opera.com and download it. We do not ask for your age or your credit card number. Please, get your parents’ permission before using this browser.

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Spoon Cloud Gaming service launches

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 05:54 AM PST

Spoon is a company that has been in the cloud computing and virtualization realm for a while. The company has announced the launch of a new Cloud Gaming service that has over 200 games that can be played instantly on your desktop. The games need no downloads and you only have to install a browser plug-in to play them.

The games include titles like Jewel Quest, Farm Frenzy, and other game clients like Second Life. The service is being offered for free and was announced at GDX in San Francisco. The Spoon service runs using a hybrid combination of remote and local computing resource. That reduces the bandwidth needed to play and lets things run smoothly.

The cloud service will automatically sync the game between the devices allowing the games to play smoothly. Some of the games require the player to purchase them and the Spoon service supports DRM and an integrated payment process. Partners offering games with Spoon include Alawar Entertainment, iWin, Namco Networks, and 1C.

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Vague rumor points to new Panasonic micro four thirds camera in August

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 05:37 AM PST

There have been rumors swirling for a while now that Panasonic is set to bring some new micro four thirds digital cameras to market this summer. One of the cameras is supposed to be a new G3 camera that should be cool.

Another vague rumor has surfaced today that comes from sources of 43rumors.com. According to these sources after the G3 lands, we will see another new micro four thirds offering coming in August from Panasonic. The big catch with this rumor is that there are no tidbits about what the camera will offer spec wise.

All the source offers is information on what the new camera won't be. The cam due in August will not be a GH and will not be a GS according to the sources. The site also offers a tidbit about the G3. According to its sources, the G3 has a new sensor and can shoot full HD video, but not at 24mbit/s like the GH2 camera can.

[via 43rumors]

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iPad 2 Smart Covers: Incase Magazine Jacket inspired, or Japanese tub?

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 05:31 AM PST

Apple’s Smart Covers may or may not be the best way to protect your iPad 2 – after all, they leave the whole back panel unguarded, and three of the four edges too – but we’re too busy wondering where Apple got its inspiration from to care. Technologer flagged up the striking similarities between the Smart Covers and Incase’s iPad Convertible Magazine Jacket, but it’s the resemblance between Apple’s design and Japanese bath tub lids that has us really suspicious.

The Incase Jacket has the same multi-folding front as Apple’s official Smart Covers, which fold in various ways to prop the iPad up at a suitable angle for either watching video or for typing. Obviously there’s no magnetic magic, automatically taking the iPad in and out of suspend, but it’s hard to deny the similarity.

Perhaps slightly less serious – but already on its way to becoming a Japanese meme – is the fact that the folding protectors look a whole lot like a traditional bath tub cover. As TUAW translates, the text in the above image says “Completely Identical.” Did Jonathan Ive get his inspiration while luxuriating in a soapy tub? We may never know.

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