There was a time when the release of a major movie, or perhaps the introduction of a new line of clothing by a world-famous designer, was the only thing that could get consumers truly excited. These days, however, the launch of new technological innovations will often grab the headlines around the world, and will have millions of potential users licking their lips in anticipation of the latest and greatest of gadgets.
Did You Know? · FTW · Internet
Young kids and teenagers around the world are being immersed with technology (like myself) and are being further encouraged to code by their schools, but in the United States, that’s barely an occurrence So, in a an attempt of pushing things forward, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Chris Bosh and Valve’s Gabe Newell along with others have created a video to encourage young kids to start coding. Simple message, simple delivery, maximum impact — keep in mind however coding is harder than learning how to read; it takes serious concentration. Check out the fantastic video, past the break.
Via: Code.org
Now there’s a direct company-sponsored competitor to Apple’s own Passbook for iPhone — Samsung’s Android Wallet. It can be used for tickets and coupons, with initial partners like Hotels.com, Booking.com, Expedia, MLB and Lufthansa with more on the way. For developers, the API is still in beta, and it’s confirmed that the Wallet app will be connected and location aware of nearby stores where you can use the app.
Via: TNW
Apps · Did You Know? · FTW
Ready for real photo editing on your smartphone? Adobe has you covered: Photoshop Touch for smartphones adds the core Photoshop capabilities, Scribble Selection and supports those high-res snapshots. The app also sports the handy Camera Fill and other special effects alongside the option to share creations via Facebook, Twitter, email and other apps, plus Creative Cloud with 2GB of syncing among any of your devices, including desktop Photoshop. There are also some requirements in terms of hardware: for iOS, an iPhone 4S, 5th-gen iPod touch or later while Android requires Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) and above.
Photoshop Touch costs $5 on the Play Store and the App Store.
Via: Google Play, iTunes
Oh well. Despite much belief in the idea that Google would open their own retail stores later this year, Google’s own Andy Rubin has completely debunked the idea, stating that ”Google has no plans and we have nothing to announce.” Rubin made this comment during a roundtable discussion, where he solidified his stance as to why a physical storefront is not required for Google, stating that, ”For Nexus, I don’t think the program is far enough along to think about the necessity of having these things in a retail store.”
Of course, there’s always hoping. But let’s not bet on it.
Via: AllThingsD
Did You Know? · Gaming · Sony
The PlayStation 4 is ushering in a new form of console gaming. Of course, the hardware is technically a normal computer, but after that, it’s all Sony. In this case, any games made available over a disc will also be available via download — every single PS4 game, to be exact. And once a catalog of these games have been constructed, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida told The Guardian that a subscription service could then be in the works:
As more and more services and contents become available digitally, we’ll have more of an option to create attractive packages. So hypothetically we can look at different models – like a cable TV company. We could have gold, silver or platinum levels of membership, something like that. We can do subscription services when we have more content – especially now that we have the Gaikai technology available. With one subscription you have access to thousands of games – that’s our dream.
This makes total sense, as Sony has access to Gaikai technology to live stream games to play via your PS4, or if you fancy, download and play the game at the same time.
Via: Eurogamer
Did You Know? · Mobile · Sony
Hey, more mobile operating systems the better right? Not really; it takes large investments that can go wrong (webOS from Palm and Bada from Samsung come to mind), but Mozilla is feeling pretty confident with their Geeksphone prototypes that developers will use to design apps for the platform.
Twitter for example, will support the Firefox OS (which is built with some HTML5), but there’s more – dun, dun, dun — Sony has signed on, stating they’ll build their own Firefox phone for release next year, in 2014.
But, Sony isn’t the first: ZTE, Alcatel along with LG and Huawei all are ready to commit resources to the Firefox OS battlefront. Should be interesting when it happens.
Via: TNW
And so, the fate of webOS has once again been switched hands. From its creator, Palm, which was absorbed by HP, which now has been sold off with the required engineers, patents, and software to LG. It turns out that LG already has a plan for webOS, and that is to power the operating systems of their next line of smart TVs. Skott Ahn, LG’s president and chief technology officer, pointed out that “It creates a new path for LG to offer an intuitive user experience and internet services across a range of consumer electronics devices.” The webOS team will set up base in LG’s new Silicon Valley facilities to start off.
An exact price on the deal has not been released, nor has a release date for any upcoming LG tech that would make use of webOS.
Via: CNET
Did You Know? · FTW · Samsung
Bingo! The Galaxy S IV press event has been confirmed and scheduled in New York on March 14th. It will be the first time a Galaxy S series flagship device be unveiled in the United States since the original Galaxy S smartphone back in 2010. Samsung mobile chief JK Shin confirmed atMobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona and reported by Edaily that the event’s location has also been confirmed, as well as the above teaser being outed by Samsung.
Via: Samsung (Twitter)
FTW · Gadgets · Gaming · Reviews
MadCatz is at it again, designing high-end communication and human interface devices for PCs and consoles. The GameSmart imitative is an idea that MadCatz can build several products that are compatible with most devices, whether it be a mouse, headphones, headset, or controller. The F.R.E.Q. 7 headset takes this whole plan to another level, because it has a microphone for smartphone calls and PC game chats, along with Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound.
And because of those two features, plus it’s easy-of-use and the build quality is amazing, it’s easy to notice that after using the F.R.E.Q. 7 for a few hours, it is one of the coolest headsets. Ever.
Have you ever experienced a 3D TV like you get at the cinema? Lightweight glasses, cool effects and a great picture experience? LG 3D televisions bring it right into your home.
