Sunday, December 23, 2012

FlipSide case for iPhone packs stealthy game controls, plays on solar power (video)

FlipSide case for iPhone packs stealthy game controls, plays on solar power (video):
FlipSide case for iPhone packs stealthy game controls, plays on solar power video
The perpetual challenge of developing an iPhone-friendly gamepad (or any phone-oriented gamepad) is the bulk, either for a gargantuan case or else a separate controller. If Justice Frangipane's team and iDevices have their way, that clunkiness will be a distant memory. Their proposed FlipSide case for iPhones (we see a prototype here) centers on Bluetooth 4.0 gamepad controls that stay clipped to the back when just checking email, but attach to the front for playtime. They'll save us from hunting down a wall outlet, too; the combination of a sensitive solar cell and a thin film battery from Infinite Power Solutions should keep the case powered up through even indoor lighting. The only real challenge is getting the case produced, as Frangipane is looking for crowdfunding to make the FlipSide a reality. Provided his group makes its donation target, though, there's the prospect of an Android version -- so those who don't play the iOS way could still reap the rewards if they chip in at the source link.
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Source: Flipside (Kickstarter)

BMW's Car Hotspot LTE means Bavarian Motor WiFi

BMW's Car Hotspot LTE means Bavarian Motor WiFi:
BMW's Car Hotspot LTE means Bavarian Motor WiFi
The dedicated car phone may be a thing of the past, but the in-car hotspot is becoming increasingly common. BMW isn't shy when it comes to in-vehicle tech, so the fact that it's launching its own solution should come as no surprise. We initially heard about the ConnectedDrive LTE integration back in summer, but now it looks like it's almost here. The BMW Car Hotspot LTE is essentially a purpose-built WiFi router that houses an LTE SIM (it also supports 3G and EDGE). It's compatible with any BMW with a telephone docking station and allows connections from up to eight client devices. Authentication can be done via code entry or NFC (or there's WPS too). Rather than just rebranding an LTE dongle, the system is designed to integrate with the vehicle's aerial for better signal, while the dock keeps it charged. As you might surmise, this does indeed mean there is an internal battery, making it useful beyond the confines of the automobile too (for about an hour according to the car maker). No official word on price or release, but it's suggested it'll be landing in Europe as soon as this week.
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Via: Telematics news
Source: BMW

Germany plans to clone the perfect Christmas tree, break Charlie Brown's heart

Germany plans to clone the perfect Christmas tree, break Charlie Brown's heart:
Germany plans to clone the perfect Christmas tree, break Charlie Brown's heart
We've seen Christmas trees built out of spare car parts, discarded SCSI drives, OLED panels, and quadrocopter stacked boxes, but Germany? Their taking the old tannenbaum back to its roots -- and tweaking its genetic code. With the aide of a government grant, scientists in Germany are trying to develop a method of tree cloning suited to Nordmann Fir. The native pine is popular for yuletide trimmings, but can be difficult to grow -- as much as 40 percent of trees grown for the season wind up the wrong shade of green or have their growth stunted by frost. Plant biologists hope to have a healthy stock of cloned trees ready by 2016, assuming nothing goes terribly wrong. Perfectly cultivated clones or not, we still prefer 'ol Chuck Brown's charming twig.
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Source: PhysOrg

Friday, December 21, 2012

Samsung AllShare SDK could bring better connected apps to your Galaxy

Samsung AllShare SDK could bring better connected apps to your Galaxy:
Samsung AllShare SDK could bring better connected apps to your Galaxy
Samsung's AllShare apps are the only implementations of the company's DLNA-based platform to date, but now it wants external developers to help realize the tech's potential. The AllShare Framework SDK has been released, meaning its APIs can be integrated into third-party software for the creation of "AllShare-enabled" apps. Developers will be given access to AllShare features including media streaming, screen sharing with compatible devices (or an AllShare Cast dongle), and remote control functions. Now devs can start using these tools, expect to see more AllShare-enabled apps boosting the functionality of your Galaxy device in the near future.
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Via: Sammy Hub
Source: Samsung

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Dragon Mobile Assistant beta for Android updated, lets your voice launch apps and music

Dragon Mobile Assistant beta for Android updated, lets your voice launch apps and music:
Nuance updates its Dragon Mobile Assistant beta on Android, delivers expanded functionality and Gingerbread support
Nuance has refreshed its Dragon Mobile Assistant for Android to let you do more stuff using speech alone. The beta app now allows you to set alarms, launch apps and play music, in addition to its existing hands-free prowess that covers making calls, getting directions, updating your Twitter status and waking up your device from slumber using a "Hi Dragon" greeting. The voice-driven personal assistant, which hitherto worked only on ICS and up, also now supports devices running Android 2.3. (And no, you can't customize your phone's nickname. It has to be Dragon, not Snuffy.)
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Source: Google Play

Saturday, December 15, 2012

SuperPop Project develops game for children with motor skills impairments, aided by Microsoft's Kinect (video)

SuperPop Project develops game for children with motor skills impairments, aided by Microsoft's Kinect (video):
SuperPop Project develops game for children with motor skills impairments, aided by Microsoft's Kinect (video)
The tools available to therapists tasked with helping children with motor skills impairments improve their range of motion are definitely helpful. But the Human-Automation Systems Lab at Georgia Tech is looking to make said tools even better (specifically for those with cerebral palsy) with the SuperPop Project. With the use of a Kinect and display -- two items that may already be in many homes -- what children will see as a game is actually helping to build upper-arm motor function. The setup is fully customizable on the back end, which allows the therapist to tailor sessions to each patient and to his or her individual progress. During the course of play, the software tracks the coordinates of the user's joints, collecting loads of data for analyzing progression / regression and the like during the course of the rehabilitation. Head on past the break for a quick look at the setup in action.

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Braven's budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker to debut on QVC for $100

Braven's budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker to debut on QVC for $100:
DNP Braven's budgetfriendly Bluetooth speaker to debut on QVC for $100
With its sleek styling and double act as a portable USB charger, there's plenty to like about Braven's line of Bluetooth speakers. Indeed, we listed the 625 in our back to school guide earlier this year as an alternative to the pricier Jambox. But if you were hoping to snag something even cheaper, you might want to check out the Braven 570, which is set to debut this Sunday on QVC for $100. Similar in looks with its Six Series brethren, the tiny music machine has six watts of power and a slightly lower capacity 1,200mAh battery -- the previous models were 1,700mAh and up -- all wrapped in an "impact-resistant" material. QVC will be offering the Braven 570 in Lunar Black, Arctic White, Fiji Green, Rio Purple, Monaco Blue and Sahara Red. But if you'd rather subject yourself to mall crowds or prefer the Zen-like experience of online shopping, you can get the retail version in black or white this coming January for $130 each. If you decide to go the QVC route, just don't get suckered in by overpriced celebrity steak knives, okay?
Continue reading Braven's budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker to debut on QVC for $100
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Source: Braven

Friday, December 14, 2012

Cricket and MetroPCS now offering financing on select smartphones

Cricket and MetroPCS now offering financing on select smartphones:
DNP Cricket and MetroPCS now offering financing on select smartphones
Taking a very "un-carrier" approach, Cricket and MetroPCS recently introduced financing programs that allow prepaid customers to purchase high-end smartphones with a reduced upfront cost. Cricket has partnered with Progressive Finance to cover the cost of its devices, while Metro is using Billfloat as its lending option. Keeping things unconventional, these new programs do not use credit checks and instead only require that customers have a valid checking account.
Cricket customers whose purchase exceeds $200 can apply for financing at retail stores and authorized dealers. The program covers up to 90 percent of the premium with the upfront charges being the remaining balance and the first month of service. Loans are amortized for up to nine months, with interest waived on accounts paid off within the first 90 days of financing.
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Via: Fierce Wireless
Source: MetroPCS, Leap Wireless

Thursday, December 6, 2012

FCC clarifies set-top box IP interface requirement and extends deadline to 2013

FCC clarifies set-top box IP interface requirement and extends deadline to 2013:
FCC clarifies IP interface requirement and extends deadline to 2013
You may have not noticed, but your cable box at home has a Firewire port on it, designed to serve up content to other devices in your home. This almost useless port -- thanks DRM -- is a result of an FCC mandate that has been enforced for almost ten years. Due to the lack of use, the cable industry asked that the rules be updated to require an IP interface instead. That request was granted in the fall of 2010 and was supposed to go into effect this very month.
Evidently two years wasn't long enough to find an acceptable industry standard stack to deliver video over IP, so TiVo and the cable industry requested an extension. The FCC let it be known last week in a Memorandum Opinion and Order that a single standard wasn't actually required, as long as the IP interface on the cable box used an industry standard -- the Commission did bless the DLNA Premium Video Profile as a suitable example. We'll have to wait and see if any other standards are in the mix, but regardless, TiVo and the rest of the cable industry now have until June of 2014 before every one of their boxes has to be able to deliver HD content to 3rd party devices like TVs, Blu-ray players and tablets via IP. In this particular context, TiVo is being treated as a cable company box supplier, although we're not sure how this will apply to its retail devices. Only time will tell if this mandate will bear fruit, but with any luck, the second time will be a charm.
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Source: FCC

GoPano Micro brings 360 degree video to iPhone 5, now on pre-order for $69

GoPano Micro brings 360 degree video to iPhone 5, now on pre-order for $69:
GoPano Micro brings 360 degree video to iPhone 5, now on preorder for $69
Not all Kickstarter projects take flight, to say the least, so it's nice to see one like GoPano Micro that not only went somewhere but is continuing to evolve. The company has just put a new version of the 360 degree camera lens adapter on pre-order, this time for the iPhone 5. The tiny lens is mounted to a case for Apple's latest smartphone, and lets you film while panning in any direction by swiping the screen left or right -- as shown in the video for the last model, after the break. It even lets you scroll around the video after its been recorded, since it films the entire circular panorama at once. It'll run you $69 to grab one, including a second case for the iPhone 4/4S, so if you're looking add to your bag of cinematic tricks, click on the source.
Continue reading GoPano Micro brings 360 degree video to iPhone 5, now on pre-order for $69
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Source: GoPano Store

Samsung HDTVs get an IPTV app for LG U+ in Korea, most US providers are still slacking

Samsung HDTVs get an IPTV app for LG U+ in Korea, most US providers are still slacking:
Samsung HDTVs get an IPTV app for LG U in Korea, most US providers are still slacking
Here in the US, Samsung has consistently pushed the idea of using its HDTVs to watch cable / satellite without a set-top box at CES for the last several years. So far it has actually managed to launch support for DirecTV and Verizon FiOS video via IP although other providers demonstrated are still missing (Time Warner, Comcast), and now it's launching IPTV support at home in Korea with LG U+. The app lets Smart TVs directly tune into any of 138 broadcast channels as well as video on-demand, apparently without any box in the house. While we wait for easier IP access stateside -- and it's going to be an even longer wait now -- Samsung's also rolling out IPTV access with Estonian provider Elion, while LG U+ has already announced a set-top box with integrated Google TV, NFC and more. Maybe next year really is the year we get to ditch the cable box -- but also, maybe not.
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Source: Samsung Tomorrow (Flickr), Samsung Korea

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution electric racer eyes-on

Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution electric racer eyes-on:
DNP Mitsubishi's iMiEV Evolution electric racer eyeson
Many automakers are testing the waters by introducing all-electric vehicles to consumers at this year's LA Auto Show, but Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution aims to stomp with the big dogs in the world of competitive racing. Taking second place at this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this juiced up carbon-fiber speedster pushes around 322HP from its three 80KW electric motors and packs a 35KWh lithium-ion battery. While it seems the Evo should be chasing after the Mach 5 and it looks like it came from Pops Racer's garage, many of its components come from its predecessor, with the exception of its all-wheel drive configuration. Speed past the break to get a closer look at this battery-powered brute in all of its manga inspired glory.

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Language Learning Service Verbling Launches Google Hangouts-Powered Classes, Adds Support For 9 New Tongues

Language Learning Service Verbling Launches Google Hangouts-Powered Classes, Adds Support For 9 New Tongues: Screen shot 2012-11-30 at 4.01.57 PM
Learning a new language can be tedious and frustrating. Thankfully, a new generation of startups are leveraging advances in mobile and web technologies to make that process more enjoyable and rewarding. Today, companies like Livemocha, PlaySay, Voxy, italki, MindSnacks and Duolingo provide increasingly viable alternatives to traditional language-learning software — the Rosetta Stones of the world.
Another recent entrant into the space is Y Combinator grad Verbling, a venture-backed startup that wants to help turn language learners into polyglots by using video chat to connect them with real, live native speakers. Unlike the text-focused and algorithm-based Duolingo, Verbling wants to help users reach fluency and avoid the drop-out bug by creating a frictionless, in-browser live video chat experience that encourages immersion — albeit a virtual one.
After joining, the startup automatically pairs people that want to learn Spanish and are fluent in English, for example, with the opposite — those who are fluent in Spanish and want to learn English. It’s immersion via reciprocity. Users are matched by their experience levels and are encouraged to switch back and forth between languages (by an accompanying timer), with the system suggesting various prompts and targets along the way.
Since launching earlier this year, Verbling has focused exclusively on English and Spanish, but today the company is adding support for nine new languages, including Italian, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, Hebrew, Portuguese, Arabic, and Russian, bringing the total to eleven. Founder Mikael Bernstein told us that these have been the most-requested languages from its users and, really, they represent the most-commonly spoken languages in the world.
Its new support for 11 languages puts the startup in good stead compared to Duolingo, Voxy and MindSnacks and puts it on par with the site that it probably most closely resembles — Busuu. A number of sites offer some kind of tool for connecting with native speakers, including courses and lessons on top of that. Bernstein believes Verbling has an advantage in this regard because its been laser-focused on its novice-to-expert matching and one-to-one video model.
The co-founder tells us that users are now participating in over 50,000 practice sessions per month and that sessions saw 317 percent month-over-month growth in November, which he expects will compound with the launch of its new language support. On tap of that, with sessions increasing, Verbling is also launching its own classes.
But it’s doing so by sticking to its video-chat roots, as “Verbling Classes” offer nine language students the ability to join Google Hangout-powered classes led by an official, TEFL-certified Verbling teacher. Bernstein says that, they were initially skeptical of using Hangouts, but after Google reached out to propose the solution, they considered it more seriously as a valid way to replicate a classroom setting. Something he says that can provide a virtual classroom experience that’s more fun and conversation-based and one that could become a future monetization vehicle.

For its main one-to-one video chat experience, Verbling tries to improve stickiness by allowing users to stay in touch with a chat mate if they enjoyed the conversation and found it productive. Learning a new language is definitely aided by adding a little constancy and familiarity, so being able to send a friend request via the platform, message each other (or just do a voice call if video seems awkward) is a great way to encourage users to build working professional relationships and pick up where they left off.
At first, the startup will only be hosting its Google Hangout language classes in English, which will be limited to nine-per-class but will be hosted on a range of subjects. Nine will get to directly participate, but even if you don’t make it, you can still listen in and actively participate. Going forward, Bernstein says that the startup wants to be able to allow students to pay a small fee to guarantee their spot in one of its classes.
Going forward, Verbling will be focused on building out this portion of the site and will be raising an additional round of funding to support this growth. The startup $1 million from DFJ, Learn Capital, Start Fund, Inspovation Ventures, SV Angel, Meck Investments, Ace & Company and others, back in January. The co-fouder also tells us that Verbling recently added Gustav Rydstedt as its new CTO, who was formerly the lead engineer at Blizzard on Diablo 3 and Peter Thiel’s 20-under-20 finalist, Brandon Paton.