Bug In Samsung S3 Grabs Too Many Images, Ups Data Use

June 1st, 2013, 23:30 Posted By: wraggster

Researchers of the BenchLab project at UMass Amherst have discovered a bug in the browser of the Samsung S3. If you browse a Web page that has multiple versions of the same image (for mobile, tablet, desktop, etc...) like most Wikipedia pages for example, instead of downloading one image at the right resolution, the phone will download all versions of it. A page that should be less than 100K becomes multiple MB! It looks like a bug in the implementation of the srcset HTML tag, but all the details are in the paper to be presented at the IWQoS conference next week. So far Samsung didn't acknowledge the problem though it seems to affect all S3 phones. You'd better have an unlimited data plan if you browse Wikipedia on an S3!
http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...s-ups-data-use

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Chicago Sun Times Swaps iPhone Training For Staff Photographers

June 2nd, 2013, 21:19 Posted By: wraggster

the reporters of the Chicago Sun-Times are being given training in iPhone photography, to make up for the firing of the photography staff. From the CoM story: 'The move is part of a growing trend towards publications using the iPhone as a replacement for fancy, expensive DSLRs. It's a also a sign of how traditional journalism is being changed by technology like the iPhone and the advent of digital publishing.'"

http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/06...-photographers

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Terraria heading to mobile devices this summer

June 2nd, 2013, 21:21 Posted By: wraggster

Indie darling Terraria will land on mobile devices in the coming months, following successful runs on PCs and consoles.
The mobile development will be handled by Dutch studio Codeglue under publisher 505 Games.
Specific platforms were omitted from the original announcement, but a 505 rep confirmed to Polygon that the game will be available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8.
Terraria, developed by independent studio Re-Logic, debuted on Windows in 2011. The game picked up publisher 505 Games and developer Engine Software for the console version, which launched on XBLA and PSN earlier this year.
A Vita version is in the works at Engine Software for a summer 2013 release as well.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/terra...summer/0116487

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Complicated iPhone garage door opener

June 2nd, 2013, 21:25 Posted By: wraggster


The round-about way this iPhone garage door opener was put together borders on Rube Goldberg. But it does indeed get the job done so who are we to judge? Plus you have to consider that the Apple products aren’t quite as hacker friendly as, say, Android phones — so this may have been the easiest non-Jailbreak way.
The main components that went into it are the iPhone, a Wemo WiFi outlet, and a 110V rated mechanical relay. But wait, surely it can’t be that simple? You’re correct, just for added subterfuge [Tall-drinks] rolled IFTTT into the mix.

http://hackaday.com/2013/06/01/compl...e-door-opener/

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HTC One Android 4.2.2 update adds UI features, sticks with Sense 5.0

June 2nd, 2013, 21:30 Posted By: wraggster

If you've already got an HTC One, news of a Sense-free version will have been interesting for the presence of Android 4.2.2, as much as anything else. While we can't tell you when your handset will get updated, we can tell you that it'll bring with it some useful additions. A popular one will be the percentage battery level indicator that you see above. There's also extended quick settings, a long-press-for-menu on the home button, Android Daydream, and some changes to the app drawer (remove icons from the dock etc.). So that's the what, we're just waiting for the when.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/01/h...-4-2-2-update/

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Owner gives Palm Pre 2 a steampunk makeover

June 2nd, 2013, 21:31 Posted By: wraggster

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You Don't Know Jack coming to OUYA June 11th

June 2nd, 2013, 21:34 Posted By: wraggster

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Samsung's next Galaxy Tab will have Intel inside, says Reuters

June 2nd, 2013, 21:38 Posted By: wraggster

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Tetris creator debuts iOS puzzler Marbly

June 2nd, 2013, 22:01 Posted By: wraggster

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ScummVM 1.6.0 "+4 to engines"

June 2nd, 2013, 23:11 Posted By: wraggster

After 11 long months we are thrilled to announce the release of ScummVM 1.6.0.
It's not very often (if ever) that we add 4 new engines in a single release, but yes, these have been busy months for the team indeed.
Let's just list the new games 1.6.0 contains for you:

• 3 Skulls of the Toltecs
• Eye of the Beholder
• Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon
• Hopkins FBI
• Tony Tough and the Night of Roasted Moths
• The Journeyman Project: Pegasus Prime

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FPse for android 0.11.102

June 2nd, 2013, 23:57 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

Sony Playstation emulator for Android has been updated. No changes info available.
News source: https://play.google.com

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ePSXe for Android 1.9.0

June 2nd, 2013, 23:58 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

Sony Playstation emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Added support for BluezIME gamepads. Tested with Ipega Controller (Requires Android 3.0-4.1).
- Added better support for native joysticks, Xbox, Logitech, Sixaxis, Nvidia ...
- Added 6 virtual buttons to extra functions (savestate/loadstate, combos, sticky buttons).
- Added support for custom touchscreen gamepad skins.
- Added support to show the PSX logo during the boot.
- Fixes some core bugs (Spyro2 & Spyro3 PAL).
News source: http://play.google.com

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John GBC/Lite/John NES/Lite 1.71

June 2nd, 2013, 23:58 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

NES emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- renovated auto frameskip feature for Full HD display;
- added scaling mode for Full HD.
News source: http://play.google.com
News source: http://play.google.com

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iNES 3.7.25

June 3rd, 2013, 00:00 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

NES emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Added mapper #112 (stripped down MMC3 used by Tengen and Namco).
- Added mapper #113 (American Video Entertainment Nina-03/06 boards).
- Added mapper #206 (Tengen MIMIC-01, Namcot 118).
- Added new AlmostTI icon to the File Selector toolbar.
- Fixed situation where some people got empty file lists in File Selector.
- Fixed a rare crash when reporting failed license check.
- Fixed crash in the Cheat Editor.
- Fixed crash in Settings.
News source: https://play.google.com

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VGBA-Android 3.9.66 Released with Optimized Sprite Draw

June 3rd, 2013, 00:10 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.aep-emu.de/

Marat Fayzullin hat eine weitere Version eines GameBoy Advance Emulator VGBA-Android veröffentlicht.

Quote:
There is a new release of my GameBoy Advance emulator, VGBA-Android 3.9.66, today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...d=com.fms.vgba

In this release, I have rewritten GBA sprite sorting code in assembler language and optimized it for maximum speed. Also fixed a crash in Settings that some people encountered, and added six new games to the Cheatopedia: another Megaman Battle Network game, four Tony Hawk´s skating games, and Wario Ware Inc.


Changed sprite sorting code from C to optimized assembler for speed.
Added new AlmostTI icon to the File Selector toolbar.
Fixed possible crash in Settings.
Added Megaman Battle Network 4 Blue Moon to the Cheatopedia.
Added Tony Hawk´s Pro Skating 2/3 to the Cheatopedia.
Added Tony Hawk´s Underground 1/2 to the Cheatopedia.
Added Wario Ware Inc. to the Cheatopedia.

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AlmostTI 2.0

June 3rd, 2013, 00:11 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.aep-emu.de/

Marat Fayzullin has release the first version an android port of his emulator AlmostTI. AlmostTI emulates various graphical Texas Instruments calculator based on Z80.

Quote:
I have just published the initial Android version of AlmostTI, which emulates graphing calculators made by Texas Instruments:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...id=com.fms.ati

AlmostTI will turn your Android device into a fully functioning Texas Instruments graphing calculator. It emulates TI-85, TI-86, TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-83+ Silver Edition, TI-84+ Silver Edition, and TI-73 calculators. And yes, if you have got a tablet, it will make a really big calculator. AlmostTI also lets you save your calculations at any point and then select from several previously saved tasks.

To run AlmostTI, you will need at least one calculator system ROM. AlmostTI does not include any calculator ROMs on its own, as they are intellectual property of Texas Instruments. You should place your own ROM, preferably dumped from the calculator you own, onto your internal storage. AlmostTI recognizes following ROM files (in upper case): TI85.ROM, TI86.ROM, TI82.ROM, TI73.ROM, TI83.ROM, TI83P.ROM, TI83SE.ROM, TI84SE.ROM.

For general information about AlmostTI, see its homepage. For Android-specific help, please see this web page. And to discuss your problems with the author and other users, use this discussion group.

ALL CHANGES IN THIS VERSION:

• Initial release of AlmostTI for Android.
• To invoke the menu, touch screen above the calculator display.
• Fixed screen brightness control in TI85/TI86.
• Fixed accidental exit after loading state.
• States are now saved in the .STA format.
• Automatically saving state on exit.
• Added multiple slots for saving states for each calculator model.
• Added code to search for calculator ROMs automatically.

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fMSX-Android 3.6.14

June 3rd, 2013, 00:12 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.aep-emu.de/

Marat Fayzullin hat den Android Port seines MSX Emulators fMSX aktualisiert.

Quote:
I have published fMSX 3.6.14 for Android, a new version of my MSX home computer emulator.

This version mainly contains bug fixes. fMSX did not crash very often in the first place, but it should crash less now.

• Fixed File Selector toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
• Fixed situation where some people got empty file lists in File Selector.
• Fixed a rare crash when reporting failed license check.
• Fixed possible crash in Preferences.
• Added Android menu and action items to the Gallery.

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PPSSPP Git (2013/06/03)

June 3rd, 2013, 15:23 Posted By: wraggster

news via http://www.emucr.com/


PPSSPP Git (2013/06/03) is compiled. PPSSPP is a fast and portable PSP emulator for Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, written in C++.

PPSSPP Git Changelog:
* Merge pull request #2049 from oioitff/mpeg-fix
Improve mpeg pts.
* Improve mpeg pts.
A real PSP return a value start from 0.
* Merge pull request #2048 from unknownbrackets/osk-fix
Savestate dialogs properly, avoiding wrong status
* Savestate dialogs properly, avoiding wrong status.
Might cause a crash if the status is set wrong due to a fade.
Fixes #2047.
* Merge pull request #1973 from aquanull/language
Update lang/ and zim assets.
* Update lang/ and zim assets.
* Update lang/ and zim assets.
* Oops, lost these two lines editing.
They were important, darn.
* Merge pull request #2045 from unknownbrackets/memcpy
Fix crash on ARM in sceKernelMemcpy().
* Fix crash on ARM in sceKernelMemcpy().
Happened with unaligned addresses only. Fixes #1889.
* Merge pull request #2044 from unknownbrackets/mem-pointers
Use PSPPointer in a few more places
* Use a PSPPointer in lwmutexes.
* Use a PSPPointer in the FILELIST savedata mode.
* Fix some small warnings in OSK code.
* Use a PSPPointer in OSK to simplify things.
* Make PSPPointer behave more like a pointer.
* Merge pull request #2043 from raven02/patch-2
Temporary disable atrac3+ mono audio which crash on Android platform
* Temporary disable atrac3+ mono which crash on Android platform
* Merge pull request #2046 from unknownbrackets/armjit-minor
Bail out on a delay slot in VFPU on arm also
* Bail out on a delay slot in VFPU on arm also.
Otherwise we loop infinitely.
Workaround for #1926. Should fix #1679.
* Merge pull request #2038 from unknownbrackets/mpeg-fix
Add a bounds check to writeVideoImageWithRange()
* Ignore pixel mode -1 in psmf, seems to default?
This makes videos play fine in Sword Art Online.
* Add a bounds check to writeVideoImageWithRange().
Fixes crash in Jeanne d' Arc, which sends 480x480.
* Fix reporting typo.

Windows version - http://www.sendspace.com/file/ytylye
Android Version - http://www.sendspace.com/file/8nu98q

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FPse v0.11.102 for Android

June 3rd, 2013, 15:24 Posted By: wraggster

news via http://www.emucr.com/

FPse v0.11.102 for Android is released. FPse for Android is the fastest and most compatible PSone emulator for handheld devices. FPse support OpenGL via external Plugin.

FPse features the following:
-High performance
-High compatibility
-High sound quality
-Real-time save states
-Audio track emulation (using .cue files)
-Force-feedback
-Dynamically loadable Overlay Pads
-Guncon emulation
-Analog Stick emulation
-Compatible with G-Sensor, Touchscreen and Hardware keys
-Supports .img, .iso, .bin, .cue, .nrg , .mdf and .Z disc image formats
-Full Support for IcontrolPAD, BGP100,Zeemote
-OpenGL support via external plugin (see Update just below)

FPse v0.11.101 for Android Changelog:
- Rewrote a big part of the code to get better speed
- Fixed Framelimiter tunning screen for OpenGL
- No need to quit FPse to switch video mode, just quit and restart game
- Changed Video mode to be more clear and unique for each game
To access this new option Stay pressed on game cover or go to MISC then Video Mode
- Fixed support for pbp multi disc in Covers menu
NEW!! Official Fpse videos tutorial:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...2ybONIi5-i_Iu5

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....emulator.fpse

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Virtual GameBoy v3.7.14 for Android

June 3rd, 2013, 15:25 Posted By: wraggster

news via http://www.emucr.com/


Virtual GameBoy v3.7.14 for Android is released. Virtual GameBoy is a program that emulates the Nintendo GameBoy handheld on your computer. It runs GameBoy, Super GameBoy, and GameBoy Color games on PCs, Macs, PocketPCs, Unix boxes, etc. VGB also helps debugging GameBoy software without using a costly development system.





VGB emulates GameBoy handheld game consoles and their accessories. It will run GameBoy, GameBoy Pocket, GameBoy Color, and Super GameBoy games on your Android phone or tablet. VGB also supports the Pocket Printer, GameGenie cheat codes, and more. Please notice that VGB will not play GameBoy Advance games: you will need VGBA for that.

VGB package itself does not contain any games. You should place your own game files onto the SD card before running VGB.

Please, do not run any software you do not own with VGB. The author cannot and will not tell you where to find free GameBoy games.


Virtual GameBoy v3.7.14 for Android Changelog:
* Save files (.SAV) are no longer gzipped, to avoid confusing the users.
* Disabled cartridge CRC/CMP check, to avoid confusing the users.
* Added File Selector "Search Files" function to search for relevant files.
* Added a nicer, more professional toolbar.
* Fixed location of custom.chts file on devices with no "/sdcard" folder.
* Fixed possible crash source in Settings.
* Added Megaman 4 and Megaman 5 to the Cheatopedia.
* Added Megaman Xtreme and Megaman Xtreme 2 to the Cheatopedia.
* Grouped multiple Cheatopedia entries for better navigation.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...id=com.fms.vgb

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UAE4Droid v1.13

June 3rd, 2013, 15:38 Posted By: wraggster

news via http://www.emucr.com/

UAE4Droid v1.13 is released. UAE4Droid is a port of the Commodore Amiga emulator UAE4ALL for Android.

UAE4Droid v1.13 for Android Changelog:
- Disabled auto frameskip (not working anymore). Set the default frameskip value to 1.
- Fixed multitouch joystick.
- Better mouse implementation (still far from perfect): better screen matching and you can now pair VOL+ and VOL- for left and right click.


https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=org.ab.uae

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Researchers build decoy charger capable of hacking iPhone

June 3rd, 2013, 21:28 Posted By: wraggster

A team of researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have built a charging device capable of infecting Apple's iPhone with malware.
Set to be showcased by the team at the Black Hat security conference next month, the charger is a result of the team's research, which aims to product a variety of hacking devices disguised as normal items.
Known by the codename Mactans, the charger is powered by an on-board computer that is used to hack the iPhone and its iOS platform.
"Despite the plethora of defense mechanisms in iOS, we successfully injected arbitrary software into current-generation Apple devices running the latest operating system (OS) software... All users are affected, as our approach requires neither a jailbroken device nor user interaction," said the researchers.
The team also claims the device is capable of bypassing the security measures of iOS in under one minute, in addition to being almost undetectable. Matched with the device's small form factor, such as a dummy charger, the technology is a powerful and potentially dangerous one for consumers.
Most smartphone users are no stranger to searching for a power source as their device runs low in juice. In future, consumers might need to be more aware of what source they're connecting their device to.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-iphone/031083

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Samsung announces new 8-inch and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 3 tablets

June 3rd, 2013, 21:30 Posted By: wraggster

Samsung has unveiled it is expanding its range of tablets with two new models.
The 8-inch and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 3 tablets join the previously announced 7-inch version.
The 8-inch model has a TFT display with 1280x800 resolution, a 5MP rear camera and 1.3MP front-facing one. It includes a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM and 16 or 32GB storage configurations.
The 10.1-inch version has the same resolution and same 1.3MP front camera, but with a smaller 3MP rear one. It also has a 1.6GHz dual-core CPU, with only 1GB of RAM. Storage options are the same.
Both devices will be available in WiFi-only, 3G and LTE versions and both will run Android 4.2.
The Samsung 8-inch Galaxy Tab 3 and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 3 will both be available worldwide sometime at the ‘beginning of June’.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...tablets/031082

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Microsoft mocks 'expensive' Galaxy S4, advises buyers to opt for Windows Phone instea

June 3rd, 2013, 21:38 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft has taken a shot at Samsung and its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone, labelling the device expensive whilst offering advice on which of its own devices to buy instead.
Within a post on the firm's official blog, Microsoft talks about Samsung's popular device, stating: "Samsung's new Galaxy S4 has a good camera, a good display, thousands of apps, and the ability to keep you connected to the weather, sports, news, and all of the people you care about. It'll also cost you a cool $750 if you buy one off contract."
In an attempt to promote its own devices, Microsoft squares up to the Galaxy S 4 with its Windows Phone, the Nokia lumina 521.
"The new Nokia Lumia 521 also has a good camera, a good display, thousands of apps, and the ability to keep you connected to the weather, sports, news, and all of the people you care about (and because it's a Windows Phone, it does so arguably better than Android). And you can get it for $150 off-contract."
If highlighting the $600 price difference wasn't enough, Microsoft then advises consumers on the possibilities they could spend their newly saved pennies on.
"Which would you rather have if you're looking for a smartphone that rocks the basics? A Lumia 521 plus a laptop, earbuds, memory card and tons of music (and a coffee!)...or a Galaxy S4?" the post continues.
Consumers have supported the Galaxy S4 in force, with the device amassing over ten million sales in its first month, but Microsoft hopes its price comparison may persuade potential buyers that Windows Phone is the way to go.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...instead/031081

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Windows Phone market share doubles over past 12 months

June 3rd, 2013, 21:44 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft OS now has 8.4 per cent share, compared to 4.0 per cent a year ago.
Smartphone users in the UK appear to be showing something of a growing penchant for Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, after sales figures from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech revealed that the OS has doubled its market share from 4.0 per cent 12 months, to 8.4 per cent in 2013, Mobile Magazine has reported.
While the Windows Phone OS has grown overall, it is the current crop of Windows Phone 8 devices that have been the most positively received.
Elsewhere, the study showed that Apple is responding to Android’s growing success in the entry level smartphone market, with the competitive pricing of its handsets placing the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 among the UK’s six bestselling devices.
However, this could not prevent Apple’s year-on-year market share fall by 5.3 per cent to 28.7 per cent.
Meanwhile, Android maintained its dominance in the UK, occupying an impressive 56.9 per cent of the market, which is up 13.6 per cent on last year.
Elsewhere, BlackBerry’s market share plummeted 58.8 per cent over the past 12 months, despite the launch of BlackBerry 10 earlier this year.
Dominic Sunnebo, global consumer insight director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, said: “Android and iOS continue to take the lion’s share of smartphone sales in Britain. However, Windows phones are becoming increasingly popular with consumers.”

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...-months/021515

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iPhone 5 remains UK's most popular smartphone

June 3rd, 2013, 21:46 Posted By: wraggster

Samsung Galaxy S4 unable to topple Apple’s flagship smartphone.
Despite backing its new Galaxy S4 smartphone with a record-busting promotional campaign, Samsung has failed to steal the crown of Apple’s iPhone 5 as the most popular smartphone in the UK, Mobile Magazine has reported.
The iPhone 5 was shown to be the UK’s most popular smartphone after uSwitch’s mobile tracker for May found that the Apple flagship device came out on top in terms of live searches, pre-orders and sales.
However, the mobile tracker revealed that Samsung had more devices overall in the top ten with five, whereas Apple only found two of its smartphones in the top ten.
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, commented: “While the Galaxy S4 has been an unmitigated success on a global scale, price drops and special offers barely a month after launch shows that the heavily-hyped device has needed a bit more oomph to make waves in the UK market.
“As interest from the hardcore tech fans has waned, Samsung really has had a fight on its hands to wrestle some of that broader consumer attention away from Apple – even with a feature-rich handset like the S4.”
He concluded: “In terms of June, all eyes are towards Nokia’s Lumia 925, set for a mid-month launch. Taking the Windows Phone-powered Lumia 920 as a template and delivering a leaner, camera-focused sequel, it will be interesting to see whether an impressive iteration can stir up a seemingly static table for the summer.”

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...rtphone/021513

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Vine Launches On Android

June 3rd, 2013, 21:54 Posted By: wraggster

"Twitter's free social media video app Vine is now on Android. But while the app rocked on the iOS platform, especiallyamong teens, its move to Android has...dare I say...been a bit of a tangled mess. It launched on Google play without the capability for the two apps to sync, nor does it have such features as front-facing camera, search, mentions and hashtags. Another biggie is it doesn't yet allow users to post their six-second videos to Facebook. Vine says it's working on these features and all should be good soon. For now, however, a swing on the vine may not be a robust experience."

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/06...hes-on-android

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Plants Vs Zombies 2 coming to iOS in July

June 3rd, 2013, 21:58 Posted By: wraggster

Plants Vs Zombies 2 will be released exclusively on iOS devices on July 18, Popcap Games has announced.The sequel is free-to-play and has been rebuilt as a “live service”, says the studio, with new ways to play the game added regularly.On top of the familiar tower defence, there’s a time travel mechanic and a host of new levels, plants, zombies and power-ups.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/plan...o-ios-in-july/

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Apple rejects the notion that games are the place for comment

June 3rd, 2013, 21:59 Posted By: wraggster

Why does Apple hate videogames so much? The gatekeeper of the walled garden that is the iOS games store is routinely geekslapped for turning down games it deems too edgy. A couple of months ago, a WWII naval game was rejected for featuring the Japanese flag. More recently, Apple rejected Littleloud’s Sweatshop HD, a blackly satirical and highly enjoyable game of labouring in factories to make clothes for corporate retailers. According to an interview by Pocket Gamer with Littleloud’s Simon Parkin, “Apple removed Sweatshop from the App Store last month stating that it was uncomfortable selling a game based around the theme of running a sweatshop. Apple specifically cited references in the game to clothing factory managers ‘blocking fire escapes’, ‘increasing work hours for labour’, and issues around the child labour as reasons why the game was unsuitable for sale.”You might think that those should count as reasons why the clothes made in sweatshops are unsuitable for sale, not why a rigorously fact-checked game about the phenomenon should be denied a place in Apple’s own sales channel. Evidently, the truth is worse than it would be if Apple just hated videogames – at least that would imply a passionate negative engagement with the medium. Instead, Apple simply doesn’t understand games. According to the App Store developer guidelines, Apple thinks of games and apps in general as different from “books or songs, which we do not curate”. This is a particularly odious usage of that self-regarding modern buzzword ‘curate’, which generally implies that on the Internet everyone is their own private museum director. For Apple, curation means slamming the profit-door in the face of apps and games that attempt to rise above their station. “If you want to criticise a religion,” Apple advises, “write a book. If you want to describe sex, write a book or a song, or create a medical app.”One obvious rebuttal to this dummkopf’s idea of electronic art is that videogames based around social commentary – newsgames, critical games, and so forth – have been around for longer than the App Store. But I would like here to insist on a more general point, which is that it’s impossible to make a game – or even an app – that doesn’t contain some social, cultural, or political commentary, whether it is made explicit or buried implicitly in the aesthetic decisions, or what Ian Bogost calls the game’s “procedural rhetoric”.

http://www.edge-online.com/features/...to-the-medium/

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Chrome for iOS update adds voice search, faster reloading for cached pages

June 3rd, 2013, 23:00 Posted By: wraggster

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Final Fantasy IV hits Android (critical hit!) for $16

June 3rd, 2013, 23:01 Posted By: wraggster

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8- and 10.1-inch versions to launch worldwide early June

June 3rd, 2013, 23:10 Posted By: wraggster

In addition to the Galaxy Tab 3 with a 7-inch display we've known about for a while, Samsung's announced the slate will come in 8- and 10.1-inch varieties, too -- something rumors and FCC filings have long suggested. The 8-inch model has a TFT display sporting a 1,280 x 800 (WXGA) resolution (189 ppi), a 5-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing shooter. It's got vaguely respectable internals: a 1.5GHz dual-core processor (no word on the manufacturer), 1.5GB of RAM and 16 or 32GB storage configurations. A microSD slot is present, supporting up to 64GB cards, and a 4,450mAh battery provides the necessary juice. Android 4.2 is OS of choice -- no surprise there -- and when it arrives, you'll have the choice of WiFi-only (dual-band, a/b/g/n), 3G (HSPA+) and LTE variants.
The 10.1-inch version stretches that same WXGA resolution across its display (149 ppi), and carries a smaller 3-megapixel rear camera and the same 1.3-megapixel front-facer. According to Reuters, the 1.6GHz dual-core CPU in this larger slate is provided by Intel, confirming a previous rumor. Unfortunately, it's saddled with only one gig of RAM, and the storage options are the same as the 8-inch model, with a microSD slot also supporting up to 64GB cards. Also running Android 4.2, the 10.1-inch Tab 3 packs a 6,800mAh battery, and comes in WiFi-only, 3G and LTE variants. Both tablets will be available worldwide at the "beginning of June."

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/03/s...-galaxy-tab-3/

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Jelly Bean now on 33 percent of active Android devices, Gingerbread still leads

June 4th, 2013, 01:15 Posted By: wraggster

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Smartphone shipments to hit 1.5bn by 2017

June 5th, 2013, 00:19 Posted By: wraggster

Close to 1.5bn smartphones are expected to be shipped throughout the world in 2017, with over one billion of those powered by the Android platform.
That's the belief of independent research firm Canalys, which anticipates smartphones to account for 73 per cent of all mobile phone shipments by 2017.
Fuelled by the ever-falling costs of smartphone production and the resulting lower price tags for consumers, the firm also forecasts the end of the feature phone.
"The price of smart phones has fallen dramatically over the last few years and this has helped increase penetration,’ said Chris Jones, Canalys Principal Analyst.
"As component prices continue to fall, vendors will be able to deliver great experiences on smart phones at low price points, which means that in many markets, feature phones will become extinct.’
As for the devices themselves, Canalys predicts that the Android platform will be a major driving force behind the growth of smartphone sales, estimating that over one billion of the devices sold in 2017 will be powered by Google's mobile operating system.
The increased sales would net Android a hefty 67.1 per cent share of the smartphone market. Apple on the other hand, whilst similarly growing its smartphone shipments, is expected to suffer a diminished market share, down to just 14.1 per cent in 2017.
“Apple’s growth will be curtailed by the fact that momentum in the smart phone market is coming from the low-end, and Apple is absent from this segment,” said Jessica Kwee, Canalys Analyst.
However, as rumours surrounding the potential release of a budget iPhone continue to heat up, this could be a reality that Apple is looking to avoid. But for now at least, it would seem that the likelihood of such a device being on the horizon isn't too great.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...by-2017/031097

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Sony unveils Xperia M smartphone

June 5th, 2013, 00:21 Posted By: wraggster

Sony has today introduced its new low-to-mid range Android smartphone, the Xperia M.
The new handset features a 4-inch 854x480 display with scratch resistant glass, a dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon S4, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of on-board storage and a microSD slot to support up to 64GB cards.
The Xperia M has a 5MP rear camera with Exmor RS sensor, and a front-facing one for video calls.
There’s a 1750mAh battery housed in a 124x62x9.3 chassis, which comes in black, white, purple and yellow.
The phone comes in single and dual SIM versions. The dual SIM variant lets users select between two SIMs before making a call or sending a message. Each SIM card can also be customised separately - for example, a formal ring for business or another tune for pleasure.
"Consumers looking for their first steps into the world of Xperia smartphones would be well-advised to look at Xperia M or Xperia M dual," said Calum MacDougall , director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications.
"Both models benefit from Sony's proven innovation and engineering expertise, and are perfect for those who want the premium technology and experiences often only associated with high-end models."
Sony’s Xperia M will be available globally from Q3 2013.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...rtphone/031092

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Halo: Spartan Assault takes franchise to mobile

June 5th, 2013, 00:23 Posted By: wraggster

Top-down shooter coming to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8

Microsoft has taken its flagship gaming franchise Halo to mobile with the reveal of Halo: Spartan Assault for Windows Phone 8.
Also releasing on PC for Windows 8, the latest title in the hit series takes the game out of its FPS roots and puts it into new territory as a top-down action shooter.

Spartan Assault will feature touch-controls for mobile and tablets, as well as keyboard and mouse compatibility for PC. In-app purchases will also be available.
The game is set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4, with a single-player campaign that spans across 25 missions.
Players will be able to take control of a female character, commander Sarah Palmer, or male protagonist Spartan Davis.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...hise-to-mobile

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New Asus Device Runs Both Windows and Android

June 5th, 2013, 00:41 Posted By: wraggster

Asus has unveiled a new 11.6-inch tablet/laptop that runs both Windows 8 and Android Jelly Bean side by side, the BBC reports. The firm said 'users would be able to synchronise data between the platforms in order to enjoy a "smooth transition" between each mode.' Hmmm, I'm guessing one could also create another partition and install a full Linux distro as well, though there's no telling how UEFI might come into play."

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/1...ws-and-android

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Wikipad coming to US on June 11

June 5th, 2013, 01:16 Posted By: wraggster

The 7-inch gaming tablet finally hits North America
Wikipad, Inc has announced that its 7-inch Wikipad gaming tablet will be available in the United States on June 11, 2013, for $249. The tablet features a 7-inch 1280x800 screen, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, a Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, and WikiPad's tablet controller dock.
"The launch of the Wikipad 7 tablet signals a transformative turning point in the direction of the mobile gaming industry. Wikipad's tablet combines the latest range of features found in a premium Android tablet together with the unrivaled console video game experience only available with a gamepad," said Wikipad chairman Matthew Joynes.
"There is no other mobile device on the market that possesses Wikipad's unique functionality and versatility and all available with full warranty and customer support at an entry level price point," said Wikipad president of sales Fraser Townley.
The first retailers to carry the tablet will be online outlets: Wal-Mart.com, BestBuy.com, and TigerDirect. Wikipad will be announcing further retailers and launch dates for other territories after E3.
The Wikipad was originally envisioned as a 10-inch tablet with gaming controller, but changes in the tablet market forced the company to switch to a 7-inch model. The current model was originally planned for spring 2013 launch.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...-us-on-june-11

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Samsung wins ITC ban of AT&T compatible iPhones and iPads due to patent infringement

June 5th, 2013, 01:23 Posted By: wraggster

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BlackBerry Q10 available for pre-order on AT&T tomorrow, $200 on contract

June 5th, 2013, 01:27 Posted By: wraggster

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Samsung claims patent win over Apple, old iPhones could be banned

June 5th, 2013, 22:41 Posted By: wraggster

In the never-ending patent war between Apple and Samsung, the latter has claimed a surprising win following a ruling in the US.
The United States International Trade Commission found that a host of Apple's iPhone and iPad products did infringe on a number of Samsung's registered transmission patents.
As a result of the ruling, the ITC has issued a ban on the sale of these products, which includes the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G, which are sold by US telecoms network AT&T.
However, Apple retains the opportunity to keep its dated products on sale within the US, as the case is submitted to president Barack Obama, who will review the case across a 60 day period.
If unsatisfied with the ruling, Obama will have the right to overturn the decision, which would see Apple's devices remain on sale once again.
AllThingsD reports that Apple is already planning to appeal the ruling.
Whilst the decision only affects Apples' now outdated products, the devices still generate a healthy income for Apple in the budget market as the iPhone 4 in particular carries a price tag of around $400 direct from the firm itself.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-banned/031114

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Samsung officially unveils S 4 Active

June 5th, 2013, 22:43 Posted By: wraggster

Following Samsung's confirmation of the Galaxy S 4 mini, the leading phone maker has gone on to unveil another spin-off device: the S 4 Active.
Speculation surrounding the device had been building for a while, but Samsung has since moved to end this by admitting the handset's existence.
Sporting a five-inch 1080p display, the Active boats a 1.9GHz quad-core processor and eight-megapixel camera with LED flash. However, the device gains its name from its inclusion of IP67 water and dust protection, which will see the device survive a drop into water for up to 30 minutes.
Built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the handset packs a water-resistant headphone socket, built-in barometer and Samsung's 'glove touch' screen technology, which unsurprisingly, means the device can be used whilst wearing gloves.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-active/031108

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Square Enix makes Deus Ex: The Fall mobile only

June 5th, 2013, 22:49 Posted By: wraggster

European mobile division developing latest installment for smartphone and tablets

Square Enix is taking the next entry in the Deus Ex franchise exclusively to mobile and tablets, it has announced.
Called Deus Ex: The Fall, the latest installment is set to ditch current and next-gen consoles in favour of smart devices.

The RP, which will still offer a range of stealth and action sequences, as well as player choice and consequence, will pick up after the events of the Deus EX: The Icarus Effect novel.
The game is being developed by Square Enix's mobile division in Europe.
Square Enix mobile GM Antony Douglas said the move to mobile was central to Square Enix’s new platform strategy, and that the developer had approached the title in the same way it would its boxed console and digital releases.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...ll-mobile-only

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Plex hack runs Apple TV without a Jailbreak

June 6th, 2013, 00:20 Posted By: wraggster


Apple has been keeping a tight leash on the third generation of their Apple TV hardware. Not only has it stood up to every attempt at a Jailbreak, but they don’t allow 3rd party applications through the app store like the other iOS hardware does. The second generation hardware was a popular platform for XBMC. It required a jailbreak to load the home media software which is why it can’t be done on the newest box. But here’s an alternative. This hack uses DNS redirects to make Apple TV 3 a Plex frontend.

http://hackaday.com/2013/06/05/plex-...t-a-jailbreak/

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Sega embracing "disruptive" Ouya with Sonic

June 6th, 2013, 00:22 Posted By: wraggster

Three Sonic titles kick off Sega's partnership with Ouya
[h=3]SEGA of America[/h]sega.com


With the Ouya's upcoming launch on June 25, Sega has told GamesIndustry International that it's bringing one of its biggest brands, Sonic the Hedgehog, to the new console. The publisher will be launching three titles on June 27: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, and Sonic CD. All three games are optimized for the Ouya's Tegra 3 processor and free-to-try business model. The first levels of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and Sonic CD are available to try, while Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II will offer the first two levels.
GamesIndustry International spoke to Ouya founder and chief executive officer Julie Uhrman and Sega of America director of mobile business David Zemke about the partnership. Both parties were excited about Sonic making his appearance on the Ouya.
"Sega is an example of the types of developers that are coming to Ouya. We've always said that because Ouya is open, we lower the barriers for any type of developer, whether it's AAA or a newcomer. We're going to see all types of developers and games on Ouya. We're excited to have Sega as a partner, they're a great publisher. Sonic is an iconic brand and we think it's just going to add to the fun of playing on Ouya," said Uhrman.
"For us, there were a couple of things that were exciting about Ouya. One is obviously that it's a great gaming platform on a new device. When you get the chance to hook it up to an HDTV and watch it on a big screen, it's actually quite impressive," added Zemke. "It's disruptive technology, right? It's fun to see what these technologies can do and be a part of it from the beginning. For those two reasons alone, we've looked at it as yet another reason to bring some great Sega content to a whole new audience."
Uhrman said she's not worried about the fact that Sega's titles are already available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. She explained that the Ouya team is always looking for exclusive content, but classic titles players expect are great too.
"Gamers like to play all different types of games. They like play games that they have a strong affiliation with on all different types of platforms. I'm not surprised that we're seeing titles come to Ouya that are on other platforms. I think gamers will love to play Sonic on the television through Ouya," said Uhrman. "Obviously, content exclusive to Ouya is incredibly exciting. We have a number of games where we have exclusive windows. Every conversation with a developer is different. We have over 16,000 developers that have signed up with an interest to develop and publish games on Ouya."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...uya-with-sonic

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Free and mobile gamers outnumber all other segments - NPD

June 6th, 2013, 00:23 Posted By: wraggster

Despite lack of growth, core console players still outspend their social and mobile counterparts
[h=3]The NPD Group[/h]

The industry tracking NPD Group today released some highlights from its 2013 Gamer Segmentation report, among them a look at which corners of the industry are seeing player growth.
One of those groups, the one the NPD calls "free & mobile gamers," also happens to be the largest. In an online survey of 8,831 individuals, the NPD Group found that 29 percent of respondents would be classified as free & mobile gamers, up 2 percent year-over-year.
The only other group to see growth was the "avid omnigamer," defined as frequent players on multiple systems who list consoles or PCs as their platform of choice. This segment represented 16 percent of the industry in the NPD's survey. The other gamer segments--casual, core, family, and social--all saw their ranks decrease year-over-year.
Despite its shrinking slice of the pie (only 10 percent this year), the core console gamer segment is clearly still crucial to the industry. They are spending more money on their games than any of the other segments, and reported playing on an average of five different platforms. (The Xbox 360 was the most commonly played system among the core crowd.) On top of that, core console players were most likely to use their game systems for non-gaming purposes like streaming movies.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...r-segments-npd

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Google releases stock Android keyboard to Play store

June 6th, 2013, 00:24 Posted By: wraggster

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Jetpack Joyride finally lands on Windows Phone

June 6th, 2013, 00:26 Posted By: wraggster

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Gajah unveils E Ink case for iPhone 5 and Galaxy Note II, out next month for $129

June 6th, 2013, 00:31 Posted By: wraggster

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Sky+ for Android gets revamped search capability and on-demand listings

June 6th, 2013, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster

Searching for something to watch on the Sky+ Android app? An update rolling out today might make that easier, with a refreshed design and enhanced search feature. The new -- and hopefully improved -- search service can scan Sky TV listings by key words and cast names instead of by program title alone. The app will also offer suggestions based on partial queries. For example, typing in "Li" will bring up a number of offerings based on popularity, like Life of Pi, Lincoln and The Lion King (if you're in the mood for lengthy monologues and daddy issues). Additionally, the update includes on-demand listings and the ability to download programs on the Sky+HD box so long as it shares a WiFi connection with your Android device. Itching to find out more? Mosey on over to the full press release, embedded after the break, or download it from the link below.

http://www.sky.com/products/ways-to-...COM_skyplusapp

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New BlackBerry A10 flagship handset to launch this year

June 6th, 2013, 23:52 Posted By: wraggster

A Sprint Nextel executive has told CNET that BlackBerry’s next flagship smartphone, the A10, will launch ‘during the holidays’.
"We're not done with BlackBerry, there's more to come," said Lois Eichelberger ***an, director of product portfolio for Sprint Nextel, in an interview with CNET last month.
Since then CNET has reported that the new model will be called the A10 and Sprint has stated the device will be available in the US this year.
The carrier held out on BlackBerry’s first touchscreen device, the Z10, and opted to wait for the launch of the Q10, which comes with a physical QWERTY keyboard.
There are very few specs on the new device, but it is reported to be an ‘all-touch’ device with no QWERTY keyboard.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...is-year/031121

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Apple reportedly files for iWatch trademark in Russia

June 6th, 2013, 23:53 Posted By: wraggster

Rumours surrounding the iWatch continue to heat up, but rumblings from Apple indicate the firm is getting closer to unveiling the device.
A report from Russian newspaper Izvestia indicates Apple has filed a trademark for the iWatch name with the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property.
Filing for two individual International Classification of Goods and Services trademarks with the government body, one of the classifications covers computer technology and peripherals, whilst the other involves "hours", which would strongly indicate a watch or clock device.
However, with online watch vendor i-watch.ru. having already registered its own trademark back in 2008, Apple may face difficulties in securing the iWatch name.
In order for Apple to secure the trademark, the existing i-watch.ru name would need to be repealed by a court. Of course, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Apple use its financial muscle to secure the trademark, if it was indeed looking to secure the iWatch name for its own device.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-russia/031119

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Canalys: 1.5bn smartphones to ship in 2017, 1bn will be Android

June 6th, 2013, 23:54 Posted By: wraggster

Worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to top 1.5 billion in 2017, according to a new report from Canalys.
This figure represents 73 per cent of all mobile handset shipments, says the analysis firm. It also believes that the growth in the smartphone market will be driven by Android.
From total sales of 470 million devices in 2012, Canalys forecasts that shipments in 2017 will increase to a massive one billion Android smartphones a year. This would give the operating system 67.1 per cent share of the market.
“The price of smartphones has fallen dramatically over the last few years and this has helped increase penetration,” said Chris Jones, Canalys Principal Analyst.
“But, so far, the problem with low-cost smartphones has been that the user experience has been compromised to hit lower price points. This is why Nokia has been so successful with its Asha portfolio. These handsets have been purpose-built and provide a great “pseudo-smart phone” experience. But the situation will change over the next few years.”
Jones believes it won’t be long until feature phones are a thing of the past. “As component prices continue to fall, vendors will be able to deliver great experiences on smartphones at low price points, which means that in many markets, feature phones will become extinct,” he added.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...android/031118

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Company launches £55 phone for four-year-olds

June 6th, 2013, 23:55 Posted By: wraggster

Credit card-sized device designed to stamp out underage sexting and cyber-bullying.
Just the other day I saw a preteen in ownership of an iPhone, which probably shouldn't come as a surprise, given that parents are increasingly happy to let children use mobiles in exchange for silence – with mixed outcomes.
OwnFone now looks to garner a slice of kids corner by introducing the 1stFone – described as the 'the dumbphone for smart parents' – which is aimed at children between four and nine.
The credit card-sized phone looks to avoid the dangers that minors can encounter when using mobiles. The device doesn't come with a screen, instead the face simply features the names of people the child may wish to call, such as mummy and daddy.
Parents are in full control of the set-up, and they can activate a 999 button if they wish to. The phone is built around safety, and doesn't offer access to any features that would support cyber bullying, sexting or any other inappropriate content.
Tom Sunderland, founder of OwnFone, said: "In a world dominated by smartphones parents face a difficult choice when it comes to finding a first phone for their child. We wanted to design a fun product that appeals to children but puts parents in complete control and minimises usage while still providing a vital connection between parent and child.
"We're now looking to expand our product range across ages and feel that at every stage of life we need simple phones to compliment smartphones. This is about providing a much needed balance to smartphones and recognising that in certain situations or times in life you need light, simple and small rather than large, heavy and complicated."
Pricing for the 1stFone starts at £55 and handsets can be bought at myownfone.com on a 30-day rolling contract, pay as you go and paid in advance bundles for six and 12 months.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ar-olds/021537

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Google Patents Frowns and Winks To Unlock Your Phone

June 7th, 2013, 00:03 Posted By: wraggster

Users could soon be asked to pull a series of faces to unlock their Android phones or tablets. Google has filed a patent suggesting users stick out their tongue or wrinkle their nose in place of a password. Requiring specific gestures could prevent the existing Face Unlock facility being fooled by photos. The software could monitor if there were changes in the angle of the person's face to ensure the device was not being shown a still image with a fake gesture animated on top."

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/06...ock-your-phone

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Maxis delays SimCity Mac, details Update 5

June 7th, 2013, 00:16 Posted By: wraggster

Maxis has announced that the OSX version of SimCity will miss its planned June release date, instead opting to put it out sometime in August.“We have made this tough decision because we do not believe it is ready for primetime yet,” the developer said in a blog post. “We want to ensure the Mac is a great experience for our players and that is why we are taking more time.”The post also detailed the additions coming to the PC version of the game, including improved gifting, fixing a problem where Sims would be stuck in cities they’d traveled to, and a completely redesigned Regional Chat system. Update 5 is expected in “a couple of weeks.”

http://www.edge-online.com/news/maxi...ails-update-5/

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Hulu Plus gets a whole new look on the iPad

June 7th, 2013, 01:32 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple reportedly teaming up with Brightstar to start in-store iPhone trade-in program

June 7th, 2013, 01:39 Posted By: wraggster

Bloomberg reports that Apple will be starting an iPhone trade-in program in an effort to increase the uptake of the iPhone 5. According to the always erudite "people with knowledge of the plans," Cupertino has tapped wireless distributor firm Brightstar to help run the exchange program through Apple stores -- allowing customers instantaneous trade-ins instead of having to deal with the endless shipping wait times of online exchanges. We've reached out to Apple for comment, but if the news is true, you can bet that Cupertino isn't likely to confirm it until next week at WWDC.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/06/a...de-in-program/

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Vodafone UK announces pricing plans for Nokia Lumia 925

June 7th, 2013, 01:41 Posted By: wraggster

We knew Vodafone would be adding the recently unveiled Nokia Lumia 925 to its smartphone lineup in the United Kingdom, but today the carrier's officially diving into how it plans to sell it to potential suitors. The best attraction would appear to be the all-you-can-have calls / messages with 2GB of data, which will cost you £34 per month over two years. If that particular offering isn't for you, however, Vodafone UK also has something for those who need a little more web access on the go: £39 for 24 months gets you the same unlimited deal on voice and text but with 4GB of data -- and it's worth mentioning both plans won't require any cash upfront for the device. The sleek Lumia 925 is set to be up for pre-order starting today, and Vodafone's really hoping the 32GB black model will be a crucial detail in your decision to go its way instead of, say, O2. So, what will it be?

http://blog.vodafone.co.uk/2013/06/0...cing-revealed/

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LG Optimus F3 coming to Sprint June 14th for $30 on contract

June 7th, 2013, 01:42 Posted By: wraggster

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Maxis outlines further SimCity tweaks as it delays Mac version to August

June 7th, 2013, 11:31 Posted By: wraggster

Maxis has outlined further tweaks to SimCity and delayed the release of the Mac version.The Mac version will release in August, Maxis said. "We have made this tough decision because we do not believe it is ready for primetime yet," the EA-owned developer explained. "We want to ensure the Mac is a great experience for our players and that is why we are taking more time."As a "sincere thank you", Maxis will extend the availability of the SimCity Launch Park to all players who have bought the Mac version.Meanwhile, Maxis revealed improvements scheduled for Update 5, due out in a couple of weeks. It focuses on multiplayer and multi-city play, long criticised by players since the game's troubled release earlier this year.Update 5 adds historic price charts for Global Market resources, updates Region Wall chat and adds trading control so you can now choose whether or not to keep your power, water, or sewage local. There are new regional missions and a new regional achievement. There's more on EA's SimCity development blog.Elsewhere, work on update six has already begin, which focuses on RCI improvements.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...sion-to-august

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Diablo 2 designer brings ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS, Android

June 7th, 2013, 14:19 Posted By: wraggster

NWay, a studio founded by Grand Theft Auto creator Dave Jones and formerRealtime Worlds president Tony Harman, is bringing a new action RPG calledChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS and Android. To throw another big name onto the pile, the game is being designed by Stieg Hedlund, the designer behind Diablo 2.

ChronoBlade combines traditional loot-collecting action RPG concepts with 2D beat-em-up gameplay. The game takes place in a "multiverse" setting consisting of many different dimensions, allowing it to include styles ranging from medieval fantasy to steampunk.

A demo should launch on Ouya next week, and an open beta of the browser version is expected to launch later this month. Check out a developer diary after the break.

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/di...-ouya-ios-and/

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Super Crate Box squares away a launch on Ouya

June 7th, 2013, 14:20 Posted By: wraggster

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Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month

June 7th, 2013, 14:22 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple to launch iPhone trade-in programme

June 8th, 2013, 00:03 Posted By: wraggster

Bloomberg has reported that Apple will start an iPhone trade-in programme this month.
Sources told the publication that Apple wants to encourage users to turn in older models so they can upgrade to the iPhone 5.
They claim Apple has teamed up with mobile phone distributor Brightstar Corp to run the exchange programme. And by offering money for older smartphones, Apple is looking to entice customers to upgrade.
The sources say this is part of the firm’s efforts to reignite sales growth and combat declining shares.
The scheme is set to start in the US and it is alleged that trade-ins will only be possible through Apple's retail outlets, where owners will be able to receive instant payment.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...ogramme/031139

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58 per cent of American mobile users own a smartphone

June 8th, 2013, 00:06 Posted By: wraggster

comScore has reported US smartphone subscriber figures for the three-month period ending April 2013. Data shows that 58 per cent (138.5 million) of Americans own a smartphone, which is a seven per cent increase since January.
Samsung is continually named as the world's most popular OEM, but Apple is still king in the States and secured a 39.2 per cent market share, compared to Samsung on 22 per cent and HTC on 8.9 per cent.
That said, Google is the leader in the OS stakes, with its system coursing through the devices of Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG and beyond. Indeed, Android nailed a 52 per cent share – a 0.3 per cent decline – followed by iOS with 39.2 per cent and BlackBerry on 5.1 per cent.
Check out the tables below.




http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...rtphone/021545

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29 per cent of US gamers play mobile titles

June 8th, 2013, 00:08 Posted By: wraggster

Core console gamers most likely to flirt with different platforms.
The NPD Group's Gamer Segmentation 2013 report finds that 29 per cent of American gamers fit into the free and mobile gamer bracket, a two per cent increase on 2012.
Aside from the aforementioned small screen segment, 'avid omni gamers' – those who frequently play multiple titles on different devices – was the only other group to experience growth and rose to account for 16 per cent.
Meanwhile, casual gamer, core console gamer, family gamer and social gamer segments remained unchanged or decreased on 2012. The data shows that core console gamers are the most likely to use different devices, averaging at five, while they're also the most likely to pay for digital content.
Liam Callahan, industry analyst, The NPD Group, said: "Growth among both the Free & Mobile Gamer and Avid Omni Gamer segments speaks to the different types of gamer personalities, the type of experiences they are looking for and the growing opportunities provided by different gaming capable devices."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...-titles/021544

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Ninja Theory: Mobile leading the way in games

June 8th, 2013, 00:10 Posted By: wraggster

Dominic Matthews on why the console developer is expanding to smartphones and tablets

Mobile gaming is leading the way for the industry, says Ninja Theory’s Dominic Matthews.
Speaking to Develop in an interview to be published in full next week, Matthews discussed why the console developer is moving in on the smartphone and tablet space with the creation of Chillingo-published touch-screen brawler Fightback.

He explained that mobile game development was attractive for the studio as it offered the studio a platform to create the games it wanted, and build up original IP which it could then hold on to.
Matthews added that taboos surrounding mobile game development and the stereotypes of throwaway experiences had long-since faded, and that mobile was actually leading the way in the game industry.
“For a long time now we’ve always kind of look fairly enviously at mobile as being a platform where we can create something that is really our own, and somewhere we can do things exactly the way we want, come up with a brand new idea, own the IP, create something special and get it out there and see how it goes," said Matthews.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...e-way-in-games

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It's Time To Start Taking Stolen Phones Seriously

June 8th, 2013, 00:17 Posted By: wraggster

"'Find My iPhone' is neat, but it's time for smartphone makers and carriers to stop pretending their anti-theft measures are anything more than minimum viable products, says blogger Kevin Purdy. He's not the first to point this out: Asreported in Slashdot, 'NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg said overall crime in New York City was up 3.3% in 2012 due to iPhone, iPad and other Apple device thefts.' And now San Francisco and New York attorneys general are calling a 'Smartphone Summit' where representatives from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Microsoft are due to meet and discuss the implementation of a industry-wide 'kill switch' system."

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...ones-seriously

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Android Malware "Obad" Called Most Sophisticated Yet

June 8th, 2013, 00:27 Posted By: wraggster

A new malicious program that runs on Android mobile devices exploits vulnerabilities in Google's mobile operating system to extend the application's permissions on the infected device, and to block attempts to remove the malicious application, The Security Ledger reports. The malware, dubbed Backdoor.AndroidOS.Obad.a, is described as a 'multi function Trojan.' Like most profit-oriented mobile malware, Obad is primarily an SMS Trojan, which surreptitiously sends short message service (SMS) messages to premium numbers. However, it is capable of downloading additional modules and of spreading via Bluetooth connections. Writing on the Securelist blog, malware researcher Roman Unuchek called the newly discovered Trojan the 'most sophisticated' malicious program yet for Android phones. He cited the Trojan's advanced features, including complex code obfuscation techniques that complicated analysis of the code, and the use of a previously unknown vulnerability in Android that allows Obad to elevate its privileges on infected devices and block removal."

http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/06/0...histicated-yet

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The Strange History of Apple and FlatWorld

June 8th, 2013, 22:58 Posted By: wraggster

When a company called FlatWorld Interactives LLC filed suit against Apple just over a year ago, it looked like a typical 'patent troll' lawsuit against a tech company, brought by someone who no longer had much of a business beyond lawsuits. Court documents unsealed this week reveal who's behind FlatWorld, and it's anything but typical. FlatWorld is partly owned by the named inventor on the patents, a Philadelphia design professor named Slavko Milekic. But 35 percent of the company has been quietly controlled by an attorney at one of Apple's own go-to law firms, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. E-mail logs show that the attorney, John McAleese, worked together with his wife and began planning a wide-ranging patent attack against Apple's touch-screen products in January 2007—just days after the iPhone was revealed to the world."

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...-and-flatworld

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Apple Files Patent For Digital Wallet and Virtual Currency

June 8th, 2013, 23:00 Posted By: wraggster

Apple has applied for a patent on a combined virtual currency and digital wallet technology that would allow you to store money in the cloud, make payments with your iPhone, and maybe communicate with point-of-sale terminals via NFC. The patent application, published [Thursday] by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Organization, details how iPhone users could walk into a store, pay for goods with their phone, and walk out with their merchandise. Though Apple is late to the virtual wallet game, that doesn't seem to stop them trying to patent the process. There does not appear to be anything in the patent application which describes something that can't already be done."

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...rtual-currency

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What Features Does iOS 7 Need?

June 8th, 2013, 23:00 Posted By: wraggster

Apple's iOS 7, which is heavily rumored to make its debut at next week's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco, will almost certainly feature a totally redesigned interface. According to recent rumors (including a few key postings on the Apple-centric blog 9 to 5 Mac), the OS will stand as a shining example of "flat" design, which eliminates "real world" elements such as texture and shading in favor of stripped-down, basic shapes. That means certain iOS environments such as Game Center (with its casino-like green felt) and Newsstand (with its wooden shelving) could soon look completely different. But what about iOS 7's actual features? What could Apple change that would improve the operating system's chances against the increasingly sophisticated Google Android, not to mention the new-and-improved BlackBerry 10 and Windows Phone 8? What would you do to iOS with Apple's full resources at your disposal?

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...oes-ios-7-need

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Project M.O.J.O., a new Android console

June 8th, 2013, 23:06 Posted By: wraggster

Mad Catz has announced that they are entering the Android gaming market with the announcement of its Project M.O.J.O. console.During an earnings call, Mad Catz CEO Darren Richardson announced that the “micro console” would be further unveiled during E3, but we do know that it will play any Android games right out of the box. In typical Android fashion, it will be totally open, with anyone able to put their software up on the store.Mad Catz will reveal the console’s specs during E3.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/mad-...droid-console/

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Man of Steel movie tie-in flying onto iOS

June 8th, 2013, 23:08 Posted By: wraggster

The days of the licensed console game may be numbered, but the age of the licensed smartphone game is well and truly upon us.
Mobile publisher Phosphor Games will on June 14^th release Man of Steel on Android and iOS via publisher Warner Bros. That’s the same day as the Man of Steel movie hits UK cinemas.
The game seems centred mainly on one-on-one battles, many of which unsurprisingly descend into aerial conflicts.
Man of Steel will cost $3 on iPhone and Android with the iPad version costing $5.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/man-o...to-ios/0116815

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New iOS SpongeBob Squarepants game includes £69.99 IAP

June 8th, 2013, 23:11 Posted By: wraggster

Another big children’s IP has chosen to pursue the premium in-app-purchase route.
Apps Playground reports that Nickelodeon’s new SpongeBob SquarePants game for iPhone and iPad, which was released yesterday, includes an eye-watering £69.99 IAP.
The game relies on two forms of in-game currency – gold coins and Jellyfish Jelly. These can of course be earned in-game but can also be purchased directly in increments costing between 69p and £34.99.
The site points out hat the game does at least offer the following disclaimer upon loading: “Additional cool stuff can be purchased in SpongeBob Moves In! It’ll be charged to your iTunes account. You can adjust your device setting to lock the ability to make In-App purchases!”
The app’s iTunes listing also clearly states that IAPs are included in the game.
But it’s still a risky move at a time when premium IAPs are under immense scrutiny.
A combination of high-profile media coverage for families stung by unwanted IAP charges andstrategic inconsistencies across the App Store have forced the Office of Fair Trading to launch its own investigation.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/new-i...99-iap/0116807

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iOS keyboard exploit allows brute force iPad lock screen attack

June 8th, 2013, 23:14 Posted By: wraggster


It’s quite common to have a timed lockout after entering several bad passwords. This simple form of security makes automated brute force attacks unfeasible by ballooning the time it would take to try every possible permutation. The lock screen on iOS devices like iPad and iPhone have this built in. Enter your code incorrectly several times and the system will make you wait 1, 5, 15, and 60 minutes between entries as you keep inputting the wrong code. But there is an exploit that gets around this. [Pierre Dandumont] is showing off his hardware-based iPad lock screen attack in the image above.
He was inspired to try this out after reading about some Mac EFI attacks using the Teensy 3. That approach used the microcontroller to spoof a keyboard to try every PIN combination possible. By using the camera kit for iPad [Pierre] was able to do the same. This technique lets you connect wired keyboards to the iPad, but apparently not the iPhone. A bluetooth keyboard can also be used. These external keyboards get around the timing lockout associated with the virtual lockscreen keyboard.
We’re of the opinion that this is indeed a security vulnerability. If you forget your passcode you can simply restore the device to remove it. That wipes all of your personal data which can then be loaded from an iTunes backup. Lockscreens are paramount if a device is stolen. They will give you the time you need to change any online credentials which might be remembered by the device.

http://hackaday.com/2013/06/07/ios-k...screen-attack/

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 and 8.0 spotted in golden brown hues

June 9th, 2013, 23:01 Posted By: wraggster

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LG Optimus L7 II Dual listed running Android 4.3?

June 9th, 2013, 23:02 Posted By: wraggster

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Galaxy S 4 Zoom flaunts its profile in multiple leaks

June 9th, 2013, 23:08 Posted By: wraggster


Samsung is no stranger to teasing its fans, and with expectations running high that it'll introduce a true cameraphone -- the Galaxy S 4 Zoom -- in London on June 20th, you'll have to forgive us for being more than curious for what's in store. We've already seen a hint of such a device at the FCC, but now it seems that we may be looking at the hybrid phone / camera in all its eyebrow-raising glory. Thanks to SamMobile andTechTastic, we're treated to purported renders and "in the wild" shots of the Galaxy S 4 Zoom, which line up with expectations that it'll be based on the Galaxy S 4 Mini. If this is the real deal, in addition to similar specs, it seems that we can expect a dedicated shutter button on the righthand side, which is situated below a volume rocker that's said to activate the camera's optical zoom lens. On the opposing side of the cameraphone, you'll find a dedicated tripod mount. Could this be an intentional leak in response to a similar outing from Nokia? Only time will tell, but we hope to know for sure in the coming days.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/07/p...-4-zoom-leaks/

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Apple puts up '7' banner in advance of WWDC, likely confirms new version of iOS

June 9th, 2013, 23:10 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple reportedly lands radio service deal with Sony ahead of WWDC

June 9th, 2013, 23:11 Posted By: wraggster

Apple was supposedly waiting for a deal with Sony before it could launch its rumoredinternet radio service. That roadblock may have just been cleared: AllThingsD claims that Apple has reached an agreement at the last minute, which gives it the all clear to announce the streaming feature at WWDC. Other details aren't immediately available, but previous rumors have suggested that Apple won't deploy the ad-backed service right away; we may end up waiting a few months before we can tune in. If the rumors are true, though, Monday's keynote will be more interesting than we first thought.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/07/a...ahead-of-wwdc/

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Discarded Android phones protect rainforests from loggers

June 9th, 2013, 23:13 Posted By: wraggster

The usual refrain is that smartphones can do anything, but we doubt too many people can boast that their RAZR MAXX is helping to rescue the rainforests of Indonesia. Enter a new project called Rainforest Connection, which is building a security network of devices in the Air Tarusan reserve in western Sumatra to prevent illegal logging. Donated Android smartphones are being modified to use solar power before being dangled from trees with their microphones switched on. When the handsets pick up the sound of a chainsaw, they relay an emergency message to local rangers who can then intervene. Future plans involve using large numbers of recycled handsets and making the system easy enough for locals to hook up further networks by themselves. Just one more reason not to throw out that moribund smartphone.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/07/a...st-connection/

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qmlSokoban updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 13:57 Posted By: wraggster

qlmSokoban is a puzzle game. The Purpose of the game is to move the diamonds to the green spots by letting the warehouse keeper push against the diamonds. You move the warehouse keeper using the arrow keys or by clicking/touching the screen.
qmlSokoban is licensed under GPLv3 license. You can find the source code for BlackBerry 10 port from github: https://github.com/Summeli/qmlSokoban

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/19228955

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Heebo updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 13:58 Posted By: wraggster

Heebo is an adaptation of the classic Match-3 genre puzzle game for the BlackBerry 10. Align the quirky Heebos into lines of three or more to turn the background into golden tiles. When all the background tiles are changed you win the level! Simple but highly addictive!
Heebo is free software, licensed under the GPLv3. You can find the source code for BlackBerry 10 port from github: https://github.com/Summeli/Heebo

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/19228365

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ParkMeeCrazy updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 13:58 Posted By: wraggster

ParkMeeCrazy is A “Rush Hour”/”Traffic Jam” game clone written in Qt+QML.
ParkMeeCrazy is licensed under GPLv2 license. You can find the source code for BlackBerry 10 port from https://github.com/Summeli/BlackBerry-10-Port-A-Thon

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/20079233

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Flood updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 13:59 Posted By: wraggster

Flood is a logic game where the main goal of which is to fill a board with selected color.
Flood is licensed under LGPL license. You can download the source code for Flood BlackBerry 10 port from: https://github.com/Summeli/BlackBerry-10-Port-A-Thon

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/20079331

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Peg-e updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 13:59 Posted By: wraggster

Peg-E is a peg solitaire game in which you jump over pieces in order to remove them from the board, ultimately trying to eliminate all but one.
Peg-E is licensed under GPLv3 license. You can find the source code for the BlackBerry 10 port from: https://github.com/Summeli/BlackBerry-10-Port-A-Thon/

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/20079003

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Qollision updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 14:00 Posted By: wraggster

Qollision is a Qt port from KDE game Kollision. The objective of the game is to move a blue ball, and dodge red balls.
Qollision is licensed under GPLv2 licesnse. You can find the source code for BlackBerry10 port from github repo: https://github.com/Summeli/BlackBerry-10-Port-A-Thon/

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/20078243

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Blubbles updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 14:01 Posted By: wraggster

Blubbels is a simple Jawbreaker(tm) clone. The purpose of this game is to remove groups of coloured bubbles to collect points.
The Blubbles is licensed under GPLv2 license. You can find the source codes for BlackBerry 10 port from https://github.com/Summeli/Blubbels

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/19229026

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QLines updated for BlackBerry Q10

June 10th, 2013, 14:01 Posted By: wraggster

QLines is Qt port of KDE game KLines. The objective of the game is to move the colored balls around the game board, gathering them into the lines of the same color by five.
Qlines is licensed under GPLv2. You can find the source code for QLines BlackBerry 10 port from github: https://github.com/Summeli/BlackBerry-10-Port-A-Thon

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webst...ntent/20078152

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Samsung reveals Galaxy Ace 3

June 10th, 2013, 22:32 Posted By: wraggster

Following an earlier tease of the device, Samsung has launched its latest entry-level smartphone: the Galaxy Ace 3.
The latest addition to the Galaxy family sports a 1GHz dual-core processor, four-inch 480x800 LCD display and 3G capabilities. Meanwhile, a 4G ready version of the device will also ship, which will also feature a improved 1.2GHz processor.
However, only the 4G LTE enabled device will land in the UK as the device is launched.
Despite its low-end specs, the Ace 3 is still powered by Android 4.2 and sports a five-megapixel camera and 8GB of onboard storage, which is upgradeable to 64GB via microSD.
The reveal of the Ace 3 is yet another one that Samsung has staged ahead of its Premier event, which is set to take place at Earl's Court, London on June 20th.
Expect Samsung to show more of the Galaxy Ace 3, S 4 mini and the firm's other recently revealed devices later this month.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...y-ace-3/031144

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Will iRadio make an appearance at Apple's WWDC event?

June 10th, 2013, 22:32 Posted By: wraggster

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference always creates a whirlwind of speculation, and this year's WWDC is no different, with everything from iRadio to iPhone OS upgrades on the rumour mill.
Today's event takes place at 10am in San Francisco, US - 6pm in the UK.
WWDC usually focuses on software - so expect news about iOS and OS X for starters. There's a chance of some hardware Mac announcements too.
iRadio is an appealing prospect for the event. The idea of Apple's freemium radio streaming service has been around for a while. The Wall Street Journal reported on it as far back as last September.
Then Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty, talking about Apple's internet services, told investors: "We believe Apple could charge either developers or users for some of these services, which could boost Apple’s annuitized revenue stream and better monetize its large user base. For example, Apple could offer a streaming music service using a freemium model."
It's likely to be tied to iTunes, and though the service will be rather behind Spotify, the brand has enough presence to be able to convert consumers with relevant ease - if the product's any good.
This year's WWDC runs from June 10th-14th. For more information visit developer.apple.com/wwdc/
With over 100 sessions, extensive hands–on labs, and engaging events, attendees are able to connect with Apple engineers and fellow developers, while the rest of the world waits for the news updates.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...c-event/031142

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'iOS 7 is the most significant iOS update since original iPhone'

June 10th, 2013, 22:34 Posted By: wraggster

New Apple operating system boasts hundreds of new features, including music streaming service and contactless sharing.
Some critics have declared Apple has lots its edge to Samsung in recent months, but the Cupertino company now introduces iOS 7 and says it's the most important refresh since the launch of the original iPhone.
The operating system comes with a new yet familiar interface, which is designed to make content take advantage of all available screen space. Seemingly this is acknowledging the fact Samsung's smartphones continue to grow in size, while Apple's largest, the iPhone 5, sports a four-inch screen.
* Control Centre is among the 'hundreds of new features,' providing users with access to Airplane Mode, wi-fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness and more. It's accessible with one upwards swipe from the bottom of the screen.
* Notification Centre is available from the lock screen to offer users an overview of their alerts. The new Today feature offers a summary of events for the day ahead, such as meetings and so on.
* Multitasking is also reportedly improved, with developers able to integrate functionality that offers their creations the ability to run in the background.
* Airdrop is a sharing solution that detects when contacts are close by, allowing the user to select content and make a P2P transfer without network or set-up required. The likelihood is that this is designed to eliminate demand for NFC.
* Camera app features filters – a move BlackBerry made with BB10 – which will undoubtedly have been inspired by Instagram. Users will be able to make real-time photo effects and switch between four camera options with a swipe.
* Photos app features Moments, a function that organises media based on time and location. It comes with iCloud sharing which allows family and friends to share and connect their collections in one place.
* Safari redesign supports full-screen browsing, while iCloud Keychain stores all passwords and credit card details securely across all devices. Parental Controls are enhanced to block access to adult material and other sites – presumably ones that will allow unauthorised purchases.
* Siri has new male and female voices and Twitter search integration, so users can ask what people are saying on the social network. Wikipedia and Bing are also integrated.
* Music app comes with iTunes Radio internet steaming service, which features over 200 stations. Available across iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, PC and Apple TV.
* App Store now comes with more than 900,000 apps and features a new Kids category.
Developers can immediately access the iOS 7 beta software and SDK via developer.apple.com, while iOS 7 will be available as a free update for iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation) this autumn.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, said: "iOS 7 is the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone. To create it, we brought together a team with a broad range of expertise from design to engineering. With what we’ve been able to achieve together, we see iOS 7 as an exciting new beginning."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...-iphone/021559

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GamePop to run both iOS and Android games

June 10th, 2013, 22:42 Posted By: wraggster

BlueStacks's microconsole will merge the mobile markets through virtualisation

The GamePop microconsole will be capable of playing both iOS and Android games, claims BlueStacks CEO Rosen Sharma.
BlueStacks had already revealed the Android gaming capabilities of the subscription-based platform, but the news the device can also play games built for Apple devices is something of a shock.

In an interview with All Things D, Sharma said GamePop uses a virtualisation process called LookingGlass to run iOS games without using a single line of Apple code.
“Developers really like this because it gives them another way to monetise,” said Sharma.
The idea might not be so appealing to Apple, and though BlueStacks was careful to avoid using Apple's code, it's still unclear if the company would seek to block the tech.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-Android-games

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Apple Shows Off New iOS 7, Mac OS X At WWDC

June 10th, 2013, 22:48 Posted By: wraggster

Apple CEO Tim Cook kicked off his company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco with a short video emphasizing the importance of design, particularly that which evokes some sort of emotional connection such as love or delight. But that sentimental bit aside, this WWDC was all business: huge numbers of developers attend this annual event, packing sessions designed to help give their apps an edge in Apple's crowded online marketplace (some 50 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store, Cook told the audience during his keynote). Apple also uses its WWDC to unveil new products or services, attracting sizable interest from the tech press.

This time around, the company introduced Mac OS X 'Mavericks,' which includes 'Finder Tabs' (which allow the user to deploy multiple tabs within a Finder window—great for organization, in theory) and document tags (for easier searching). Macs will now support multiple displays, including HDTVs, with the ability to tweak elements between screens; Apple claims the operating system will also interact with the CPU in a more efficient manner.

On top of that, Apple rolled out some new hardware: an upgraded MacBook Air with faster graphics, better battery life (9 hours for the 11-inch edition, while the 13-inch version can draw 12 hours' worth of power). Apple has decided to jump into the cloud-productivity space with iWork for iCloud, which makes the company's iWork portfolio (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) browser-based; this is a clear response to Office 365 and Google Docs.

And finally, the executives onstage turned back to iOS, which (according to Apple) powers some 600 million devices around the world. This version involves more than a few tweaks: from a redesigned 'Slide to Unlock' at the bottom of the screen, to the bottom-up control panel that slides over the home-screen, to the 'flat' (as predicted) icons and an interface that adjusts as the phone is tilted, this is a total redesign. As a software designer, Ive is clearly a huge fan of basic shapes—circles and squares— and layering translucent elements atop one another."

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...c-os-x-at-wwdc

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Apple demos 'Activation Lock' security feature in iOS 7

June 11th, 2013, 00:15 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple iOS 7 coming this fall to iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later

June 11th, 2013, 00:16 Posted By: wraggster

So when can we get our hands on that new refreshed flavor of iOS? Well, it'll depend on your device of choice. Naturally, it will arrive on the very latest iPhone 5 and retina iPad, but it also will be supported on the iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and 5th-generation iPods. Developers will get a version for iPhones today, with an iPad iteration coming in the next few weeks. Regular Joes, however, can expect to see an iOS 7 release date sometime this fall.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/a...-availability/

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Apple unveils iOS in the Car integration for head-end units

June 11th, 2013, 00:18 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple adds automatic updates, location-based recommendations to iOS 7 App Store

June 11th, 2013, 00:19 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple has now sold 600 million iOS devices

June 11th, 2013, 00:20 Posted By: wraggster

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OS X Mavericks, coming this fall

June 11th, 2013, 00:26 Posted By: wraggster

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Game Center redesigned for iOS 7, coming this fall

June 11th, 2013, 00:50 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple Updates MacBooks and Mac Pro Desktop With Haswell, "Unified Thermal Core"

June 11th, 2013, 10:34 Posted By: wraggster

On the hardware side, Apple is updating its two MacBook Air devices; both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions will enjoy better battery life (up to 9 hours and 12 hours, respectively), thanks in no small part to having Intel's new Haswell processors inside. They'll also have 802.11ac WiFi on board. Both models have 1.3GHz Intel Core i5 or i7 (Haswell) processors, Intel HD Graphics 5000, 4GB of RAM, and has 128GB or 256GB of flash storage. Arguably the scene stealer on the desktop side of things is a completely redesigned Mac Pro. The 9.9-inch tall cylindrical computer boasts a new 'unified thermal core' which is designed to conduct heat away from the CPU and GPU while distributing it uniformly and using a single bottom-mounted intake fan. It rocks a 12-core Intel Xeon processor, dual AMD FirePro GPUs (standard), 1866MHz DDR3 ECC memory (60GBps), and PCIe flash storage with up to 1.25GBps read speeds. The system promises 7 teraflops of graphics performance, supports 4k displays, and has a host of ports including four USB 3.0, two gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI 1.4, six Thunderbolt 2 ports that offer super-fast (20Gbps) external connectivity."
http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...d-thermal-core

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Mobile Devices Will Outnumber People By 2017

June 11th, 2013, 10:35 Posted By: wraggster

According to the latest report from analysts at CCS Insight, there will be more mobile phones and tablets in use in four years' time than there are people on the planet. With the machines well and truly taking over, will we be using them or will they be controlling us?"

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...people-by-2017

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Google: BadNews Malware Wasn't Really Bad, After All

June 11th, 2013, 10:36 Posted By: wraggster

When reports surfaced about 'BadNews,' a new family of mobile malware that affected Google Android devices the news sounded — well — bad. BadNews was described by Lookout Mobile Security as a new kind of mobile malware for the Android platform-one that harness mobile ad networks to push out malicious links, harvest information on compromised devices and more. Now, six weeks later, a senior member of Google's Android security team claims that BadNews wasn't really all that bad, after all. Speaking at an event in Washington D.C. sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, Google employee and Android team member Adrian Ludwig threw cold water on reports linking BadNews to sites that installed malicious programs. The search giant, he said, had not found any evidence linking BadNews to so-called SMS 'toll fraud' malware."

http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/06/1...-bad-after-all

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Samsung could debut 12.2-inch tablet

June 11th, 2013, 23:51 Posted By: wraggster

Latest speculation surrounding Samsung indicates the firm might soon introduce a new super-sized tablet, measuring in at 12.2-inches.
The awkwardly named Mega Samsung Galaxy Note 12.2 was first rumoured by Korean news site ET News, which reports the device could be released before the end of the year.
Citing "industry insiders", the site claims the device will sport a 12.2-inch full HD 2560 x 1600 WQXGA display, with display manufacturer Sharp rumoured to be producing over 12 million screens for the device.
As it stands, the device is recognised only as the Smart Pad, which is believed to be a working title.
In addition to this, the rumoured device will allegedly feature Samsung's trademark S-Pen stylus – a prominent feature of all the South Korean brand's Note devices.
The Mega Samsung Galaxy Note 12.2 is expected to receive a Q3 release and join the ranks of the Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 8.0 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
In the meantime, Samsung is set to host its Premier event on June 20th, which could potentially stage the device's unveiling.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-tablet/031159

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Vodafone, O2 and Three unveil Nokia Lumia 925 pricing

June 11th, 2013, 23:52 Posted By: wraggster

Nokia has kicked off sales of its flagship Lumia 925 smartphone in Germany, with other European markets, China and the US to follow soon.
In the UK a number of carriers have already announced their pricing and pre-ordering plans for new phone, including Vodafone, O2 and Three.
While the 925 is selling in Germany on Vodafone for €59.99 a month with a one-off fee of €109.89 for a two-year contract, Vodafone has revealed that it is taking reservations for the phone in the UK for its Red L price plan.
This price plan offers the user a free handset alongside unlimited minutes and texts and 2GB of data for £34 per month on a two-year contract.
Three is offering the Lumia 925 for free on its most popular pay monthly tariffs, the Ultimate internet 500 and The One Plan for £35 and £37 respectively on two-year terms. Three is expecting to deliver the device by June 21st.
O2 began taking orders for a white Lumia 925 on May 30th for its two-year contact option, which starts at £37 a month and has no upfront fee.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...pricing/031154

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Tablet overdose in US as sales grow by 47 per cent since 2012

June 11th, 2013, 23:54 Posted By: wraggster

Stateside ownership rises rapidly among online Americans.
44 per cent of the American population have some form of tablet in their household – which is a 47 per cent growth rate in just one year – while 54 per cent of Americans aged between 18 and 34 own a tablet.
It seems that Apple continues to have the upper hand on this one. The Magid Media Futures Study reveals that over half of all tablet owners in the US have a full-sized iPad, and that's not including iPad mini owners, resulting in Apple dominating 59 per cent of the market.
Mike Vorhaus, president, Magid Advisors, stated: ''America is not just connected country now, but a mobile-connected country.''
Android appears to account for the majority of the smartphone market with 53 per cent compared to iPhone at 41 per cent. Specifically Samsung have stolen the sales at 50 per cent, which is 26 per cent of all smart phones.
The overall app market has been booming over the last 12 months with $2.3 billion spent on tablet apps and $1.7 billion smartphone downloads.
Both the smart phone and tablet is also becoming even more of an essential for watching video and TV. In fact, 38 per cent of smartphone owners regularly use their device for video, along side 63 per cent of tablet users.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ce-2012/021568

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Mobile phone sales expected to hit 1.86 billion in 2013

June 11th, 2013, 23:55 Posted By: wraggster

Results driven by strong smartphone growth.
2013 appears to be the year of the smartphone, as shipments exceeded that of non-smartphone sales for the first time since their creation.
Less than 25 per cent of phones sold in 2012 were asmartphone device, however this year has seen that number increase to two-thirds of all phone sales. The CCS Insight's new market forecast has predicted that over 6.6 billion mobile phones will be in use by the end of 2017, with 1.86 billion sales this year.
50 per cent of in use phones in Western Europe and North America alone are smartphones, and CSS Insight reckons this will rise to 80 per cent in 2015, predominantly coming from emerging markets. By 2017 the combination of phones and tablets in use will exceed the world's population.
However this isn't effecting everyone positively, Marina Koytcheva, director of forecasting at CSS Insight, said: "Having defined the modern smartphone era, Apple is struggling to keep up with overall smartphone market growth, particularly as the growth shifts toward emerging markets. Apple will have to choose between sustaining its profit margin and holding onto market share."
It is not all about competing software platforms, where companies like Microsoft are lagging behind the likes of Samsung and Apple. ''Giving phone users the next generation of communication technology is going to be critical,'' says Koytcheva.
This no doubt includes offering consumers more 4G-enabled phones, as sales of the devices are expected to skyrocket tenfold between 2012 and 2017 to 650 million units.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...in-2013/021566

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First Look At Ubuntu Touch, the Smartphone OS

June 12th, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggster

The first developer preview of Ubuntu Touch – aka 'Ubuntu for Phones and Tablets' – was unveiled just a few short months ago. And, just a few weeks back, it was announced that the team was shooting for having a fully functional (aka "can use it as your actual phone, on a daily basis") version by the end of May. May is now over, so Bryan Lunduke published some screenshots and analysis of the core features of the Ubuntu OS for smartphones and tablets."

http://linux.slashdot.org/story/13/0...-smartphone-os

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Apple's War Against Jailbreaking Now Makes Perfect Sense

June 12th, 2013, 00:08 Posted By: wraggster

Apple has always been extremely anti jailbreaking, but it might now have a good reason to plug up the exploits. As Hardware 2.0 argues, Apple's new iOS 7 Activation Lock anti-theft mechanism which renders stolen handsets useless (even after wiping) unless the owner's Apple ID is entered relies on having a secure, locked-down OS. Are the days of jailbreaking iOS coming to a close?"I can see a whole new variety of phone-based ransom-ware based on this capability, too.

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/06/...-perfect-sense

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Majority of Americans Say NSA Phone Tracking Is OK To Fight Terrorism

June 12th, 2013, 00:10 Posted By: wraggster

While the tech media has gone wild the past few days with the reports of the NSA tracking Verizon cell usage andcreating the PRISM system to peer into our online lives, a new study by Pew Research suggests that most U.S. citizens think it's okay. 62 percent of Americans say losing some personal privacy is acceptable as long as its used to fight terrorism, and 56 percent are okay with the NSA tracking phone calls. Online tracking is fair less popular however, with only 45 percent approving of the practice. The data also shows that the youth are far more opposed to curtailing privacy to fight terror, which could mean trouble for politicians planning to continue these programs in the coming years.

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/06/...ight-terrorism

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Mad Catz confirms M.O.J.O. Android 'micro console'

June 12th, 2013, 01:11 Posted By: wraggster

​

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Native Instruments outs Kontrol Z1: an iOS DJ mixer with audio interface

June 12th, 2013, 01:15 Posted By: wraggster

It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that Native Instruments was going to release some hardware to cozy up to that shiny new iOS version of Traktor DJ. And here it is -- the Kontrol Z1 -- a two-channel mixer with a built-in audio interface specifically for iPad and iPhone. Plug this into your iDevice, and Traktor DJ gets full pre-cue functionality, plus some proper (club-level, 24-bit) audio output, not to mention dedicated faders and 3-band EQ controls. The hardware (which is similar in size to theKontrol F1) means you can break out the mixer section, leaving the touchscreen display dedicated to transport and performance. The Z1 will keep your iDevice charged up, too (it needs to be plugged in), so you're good for that epic Balearic chill-out set. Likewise, it also works with Traktor Pro 2, if you're looking to integrate something a little smaller into your laptop setup. It'll need a lightning adapter to work with the latest devices, and costs $199 / €199 from your favorite DJ outlet. The app won't support the hardware until a June 24th update, but in the meantime, roll past the break for the demo video.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/11/n...ts-kontrol-z1/

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Listing for 7-inch ASUS tablet with Bluetooth LE sets tongues a-wagging

June 12th, 2013, 01:21 Posted By: wraggster

We've been hearing mumblings that the next version of Android will get a new Bluetooth stack with v4.0 Low Energy (LE) goodness for a while now. That, at least, explains why the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus have been re-sent through the Bluetooth SIG in order to gain approval for the newer standard. What's less clear is what the ASUS K008, an apparently new 7-inch slate from the company, is doing supporting v4.0 LE. Our dour belief is that ASUS is merely future-proofing its forthcoming MeMo Pad HD 7, but perhaps "K008" is optimistic latin for "second-generation Nexus 7 with Android 4.3."

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/11/b...ing-asus-k008/

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E3 organiser reportedly calls police to close Ouya booth

June 12th, 2013, 21:06 Posted By: wraggster

The long-running conflict between the ESA and makers of the Ouya micro-console has taken a hilarious turn for the worst at this year's E3.
Ouya founder Julie Uhrman reports that ESA, the organisers behind E3, called the police to close down their booth.
Why, you ask? Well, prior to this year's E3, Ouya confirmed that it would be demonstrating its product at this year's convention, all be it in a slightly unconventional way – by renting a car park opposite the E3 expo.
Instead of renting a booth inside the main E3 hall, which is housed in the LA Convention Center, Ouya opted to rent an entire parking lot facing the centre.
A clever idea indeed, but one that didn't sit well with the ESA.
Now, Uhrman has told IGN that the organisation allegedly called the LAPD in to close down the Ouya booth. However, a quick flick through the firm's permits and the law officials were off on their way.
This is where it gets interesting, as tweets posted by Uhrman and the official Ouya Twitter account indicate the ESA – not wanting to have its ejection plans foiled by the legal system – opted to switch to plan b.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...a-booth/031167

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Samsung unveils Galaxy S 4 Zoom

June 12th, 2013, 21:07 Posted By: wraggster

Further blurring the lines between consumer smartphone and camera technology, Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S 4 Zoom.
The device is yet another rendition of Samsung's flagship Galaxy S 4 device, but with one key difference – it's armed with a 16-megapixel camera and 10x zoom lens.
From the outset, the device resembles a traditional camera more so than it does a smartphone, but the Zoom retains the features of the original S 4 device.
In addition to the high-power camera, the Zoom sports a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED 960x540-pixel screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and Android 4.2 operating system.
Rounding off the device is 8GB of internal memory, which is upgradeable to 64GB via microSD, and LTE connectivity.
Interestingly, prior to Samsung's confirmation of the device's existence, the Zoom was leaked by a Russian tech site, which posted its review of the device online. Ooops.
Hi-tech.mail.ru posted a detailed review of the Zoom, including images of the device and its overly bulky frame, thanks to the 10x zoom lens.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-4-zoom/031165

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Pay-outs shoot up to $10 billion for App Store developers

June 12th, 2013, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster

Nearly a third of pay-outs have come in the last six months alone
Apple has paid out $10 billion to developers since the App Store began.
As reported by TechCrunch, Apple also revealed that there were now 900,000 iOS applications for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Of these, 375,000 were created specifically for the iPad. As recently revealed, there have been more than 50 billion app downloads in total, with a number of games leading the way in the all time top downloads and top grossing charts.
The rise to $10 billion in revenue is already up $3 billion from the $7 billion announced in January, and twice as much from the $5 billion in revenue announced a year ago.
This means that nearly a third of developer pay-outs during the App Store's lifetime have come in the last six months alone.
Games leading the way in developer pay-outs include the likes of Supercell's Clash of Clans and Hay Day, which are said to be generating the developer $2.4 million a day.
GungHo's Puzzle & Dragons meanwhile is thought to be making $3.76 million in revenue a day for GungHo Entertainment.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...elopers/021586

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Third party controller for iOS accepted by Apple

June 12th, 2013, 21:10 Posted By: wraggster

Apple has green-lit support for third-party game controllers for iOS and OS X devices.
A new game controller framework to be added in iOS 7 as the company looks to make it easier for the device to find a connected controller. Games will then read controller inputs as part of normal gameplay.
The framework will also be introduced to Macs in OS X v10.9.
Controller inputs must be optional however, and developers must ensure games can be played without them and take advantage of the touch screen input on iOS.
OS X games meanwhile will still also require a mouse and keyboard input.
Although confirmed support was announced during the WWDC, Apple has said information regarding officially support controllers are subject to change...

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...y-apple/021583

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Mobile media market to smash the $200bn barrier by 2017

June 12th, 2013, 21:11 Posted By: wraggster

Powered as increasing number of consumers buy content from their phones.
A new Strategy Analytics report finds that the global mobile media market spend will pass $200 billion by 2017, which is a rise $161 billion last year. The huge sum excludes tablet-based spending and only accounts for buys from handsets, with apps, games, music, video and more to drive the revenue.
Operators are concerned as an increasing number of consumers use over-the-top services like WhatsApp and Skype, thus restricting revenues from text messaging and calls.
The report notes that data revenue accounted for 62.5 per cent ($100bn) of the total mobile media spend in 2012 and operators will still profit. However, today's Juniper findings suggest networks will lose 50 per cent of data traffic to wi-fi this year.
The main challenge is expected to be in emerging markets where 2G is still prominent, limiting the access to mobile entertainment and content. Casual tariffs and flexible pricing packages are said to be the key as low priced smartphones roll out in the developing regions.
Meanwhile, mobile ads are said to become a more key revenue stream, tripling to pass $42bn by 2017.
David Kerr, VP at Strategy Analytics, said: "Mobile is becoming a core part of digital advertising with companies like Google making it easier for advertisers to deliver ads to mobile devices.
"Facebook also reported 30 per cent of its digital ad revenue derived from mobile, which underlines advertiser demand to test and experiment with well-targeted mobile inventory provided by popular social networks."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...by-2017/021579

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Unu Android tablet / console

June 13th, 2013, 01:33 Posted By: wraggster

Another Android gaming console at this year's E3? Kind of, sort of, yeah. But Unu's (née Snakebyte) looking to set itself apart from the OUYAs, Gamesticks and M.O.J.O.sof the world (to name but a few) by becoming the "Swiss Army knife" of the space. The device isn't so much a console as tablet that plugs into your TV, meaning that you can do pretty much whatever you can do on a standard Android slate (which, arguably, you can also do with Mad Catz's device, but we digress).
The tablet itself runs Android 4.2, display through a seven-inch, 1280 x 800 IPS screen. The rear sports a brushed aluminum surface and a 5-megapixel camera (with a 2.0 module on the front). Inside, you've got 8GB of storage and a 1.6GHz quad-core chip. Unu does Bluetooth 4.0 and has two micro-USB ports, a microSD slot and, most importantly, a mini-HDMI port, which lets you turn the thing into a living room console of sorts, by connecting it to your HDTV. If you're feeling fancy, you can go in for the docking station, which does video out and charging -- and also props the tablet up nicely, so you can watch the same thing on two displays at the same time.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/12/u...ands-on-video/

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Rovio teases Angry Birds Go! racing game

June 13th, 2013, 01:36 Posted By: wraggster

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Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 coming to AT&T with LTE in the coming weeks

June 13th, 2013, 01:41 Posted By: wraggster

We already knew Samsung's 8-inch Galaxy Note would be coming to the United States, but only as a WiFi variant. Fortunately for US hopefuls craving a version that's capable of getting an actual data connection outside the safety of the nearest wireless hotspot, AT&T will be bringing an LTE-enabled version to its network in the coming weeks -- though this appears to be an exclusive to the operator. We're still waiting to hear about pricing, but anyone interested in grabbing this particular tablet should be taking a close look at their bank accounts right about now. Full press release and video after the break.

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pi...sumer|wireless

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Nokia ships its last Symbian phones this summer

June 13th, 2013, 01:44 Posted By: wraggster

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ITV Player for iOS offering ad-free subscriptions for £3.99

June 13th, 2013, 01:47 Posted By: wraggster

Fancy catching up on The Jeremy Kyle Show without sitting through adverts for and hair cream? ITV is offering iOS users a premium upgrade for ITV Player that'll cut the commercials and provide simulcasts of ITV3 and 4 over 3G and WiFi. The upgrade will set you back £3.99 per month and is part of the company's attempts at testing business models that don't involve Ant or Dec. The Cowell-factory is also boasting that the iOS edition of the app has been downloaded more than seven million times, a tribute to the enduring popularity of Downton Abbey.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/12/i...emium-upgrade/

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'Don't expect Mario for smartphone,' says Nintendo boss

June 14th, 2013, 00:52 Posted By: wraggster

Smartphone users have long cried out to see their favourite Nintendo franchises appear on their mobile device, but there's only one thing standing in their way: Nintendo.
The firm's president, Satoru Iwata, has crushed the hopes of a Ninty generation by reaffirming that characters such as Mario and Zelda won't be appearing on the likes of iOS or Android anytime soon.
Whilst highlighting the short-term benefits that Nintendo would reap from porting its key franchises over to mobile devices, Iwata stressed that such a move would only hurt the firm in years to come.
Talking to the Wall Street Journal, Iwata said: "If I was only concerned about managing Nintendo for this year and next year - and not about what the company would be like in 10 or 20 years - then I'd probably say that my point of view is nonsense."
"But if we think 20 years down the line, we may look back at the decision not to supply Nintendo games to smartphones and think that is the reason why the company is still here," continued the Nintendo chief."
Both fans and shareholders of the company have called out for such a move to take place, as the smartphone market continues to hurt the handheld games market – a major area of business for Nintendo – with smartphones, tablets and their associated app stores luring gamers away from dedicated gaming devices, such as Nintendo's 3DS console.
For now, at least, gamers wanting to see their favourite plummer on their iPhone will have to remain disappointed.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...do-boss/031173

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Apple has bad case of screen envy, eyes-up 5.7-inch iPhone

June 14th, 2013, 00:53 Posted By: wraggster

Tired of not measuring up to Samsung and its Galaxy devices, Apple is reportedly looking to add a few inches of its own.
A report from Reuters indicates that Apple is exploring the possibility of larger iPhone devices, with two potential devices in particular sizing in at 4.7 and 5.7-inches.
Citing sources from the Asian supply chain, Reuters claims Apple is mulling over the introduction of "at least two bigger iPhones next year".
The report continues to state that "suppliers have been approached with plans for the larger screens" but emphasised that the plans were "still under discussion."
Given the success Samsung has seen with its large-screen devices, Apple's motive for larger iPhone devices is clear: screen envy.
Samsung's Galaxy Note device boasts a 5.5-inch screen, whilst the Galaxy S 4 sports a five-inch display, so a 5.7-inch iPhone would not only nestle itself amongst these devices, but outperform them entirely.
As consumers increasingly opt for phablet and large-screen smartphones, it would appear Apple has finally realised that it's not all about getting smaller – as rumours surrounding an iPhone mini continue to circulate.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-iphone/031171

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51 per cent of UK mobile users lack a lock PIN

June 14th, 2013, 00:55 Posted By: wraggster

Poll reveals the majority of UK adults fail to secure their phone
Following recent data released from the Office for National Statistics which displayed a rise in mobile phone theft in the UK, mobileinsurance.co.uk carried out a poll asking 2,214 UK adults whether or not they had a lock screen PIN function on their phone and if they use it.
89 per cent of those asked said they had the function, however the majority said that they didn't use the security settings - 16 per cent saying they didn't know how to, whilst 44 per cent said that they didn't feel the need and 21 per cent worried that they'd forget the code.
Amongst those who used the PIN code and were happy to divulge their code, it was discovered that the most common number was 2580 - straight down the middle of the keypad.
The aim of the poll was to discover what measures Britons took or didn't take to protect their devices from both theft and damage. less than a third of participants owned a protective case and 42 per cent admitted to being disregardful when putting their phone down, or leaving it on display and at risk of being stolen.
Jason Brockman, Director of mobileinsurance.co.uk said: "It's really important that people do what they can to keep their phones safe in all scenarios, particularly due to the fact that the cost of handsets is sky rocketing.
You wouldn't risk not having a PIN on your credit card if it wasn't compulsory and letting a thief get their hands on £400 worth of mobile phone is no different to allowing a criminal to dip their hand into your bank account and take some free money."
It is certainly becoming increasingly important to protect your devices as much as possible, not just due to the price but also the content and personal information we store on them. Maybe we could create a catchy quote to encourage people to be safer, something like 'it's not a sin, use a PIN!' (That one's for free)

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ock-pin/021592

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iPhone Apparently Open To Old Wi-Fi Attack

June 14th, 2013, 01:09 Posted By: wraggster

Security researchers say that iPhone and other Apple devices are vulnerable to an old attack, using a fake Wi-Fi access point. Attackers can use an SSID which matches one that is stored on the iPhone (say "BTWiF"), which the iPhone will connect to automatically. Other devices are protected thanks to the use of HTTPS, which enforces HTTPS, but iPhones are susceptible to this man in the middle attack, researchers say."

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...d-wi-fi-attack

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Active coming to AT&T June 21st for $199.99

June 14th, 2013, 02:05 Posted By: wraggster

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Reuters: Apple considering 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhones, $99 model

June 14th, 2013, 02:17 Posted By: wraggster