Source: http://thesims3.ea.com/view/pages/screenshots.jsp
Jumat, 12 September 2008
The iPhone’s Move to Intel
Coming to an iPhone near you: Intel Processors. The Inquirer is reporting more information from CeBIT where the iPhone was used to represent the smartphone move to Intel’s Moorestown platform. It would be wise to point out the iPhone could have well been representing smartphones in general and not meant a thing about the device itself, but iPhone 24×7 wouldn’t be a true Apple-related blog if we didn’t make the jump.
To clarify, the Moorestown platform is based on Intel’s Atom processor which will still use the Core 2 Duo instruction set. This means bringing an amazing amount of power and flexibility to the iPhone, especially when it comes to software. In addition, reports are telling us these chips could cut idle power consumption 10 times over.
The platform likely wont be making a move to the iPhone until 2010 according to AnandTech, so all recent or considering iPhone buyers can rest assured that they won’t be missing out on this at least for another while.
To give you a sense of how small these processors are, the image above is a picture of Intel’s Atom processor, formerly known as Silverthorne.
These chips are literally the future of mobile computing and could end up in a “MacTouch” device, an idea I have mentioned before. Not only could these chips bring seamless integration between computers and mobile devices for software, but they can bring the horsepower to run those applications.
With platforms such as Moorestown, “The Future is Calling,” and Apple is waiting to pick up.
See More:
Inquirer Article
What Steve Jobs Might Say to Microsoft’s Bid on Yahoo
What might Steve Jobs think about Microsoft’s bid for Yahoo? Here’s a hint.
Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer, has had his own experience of seeing Microsoft enter a market and overwhelm the original innovator (the Apple Macintosh) with a similar, competing product (Windows). Jobs regards the Web as “the defining social moment for computing.” He foresees all current mail-order commerce (15 percent of the retail economy), and more, shifting to the Web. He approves of the provocative fact that on the Web, the smallest company can look like the largest, and regards the Web as having “breathed a whole new generation of life into personal computing.” Steve Jobs is also both a perennial critic and partner of Microsoft and its monolithic tendencies: “The Web is incredibly exciting, because it is the fulfillment of a lot of our dreams, that the computer would ultimately not be primarily a device for computation, but metamorphosis into a device for communication. And with the Web that’s finally happening. And secondly, it’s exciting because Microsoft doesn’t own it, and therefore there is a tremendous amount of innovation happening.”
That quote is from Nerds 2.0.1: A Brief History of the Internet by Stephen Segaller.
Google has already come out and made a the statement on their blog as to why Microsoft acquiring Yahoo would be a very bad thing. To sum it up, if you think of massive sum of IMing and Email accounts Microsoft owns though MSN, and you were to add those to the substantial amount Microsoft would be gaining from Yahoo you will find Microsoft left with a large chunk of the Internet’s communications.
We’ve all seen what happened when Microsoft gained too much control over browsers or operating systems. I don’t think that needs too much more explanation.
Now to the quote, why does Steve Jobs think the Internet is exciting? “Because Microsoft doesn’t own it.” To take words out of Steve’s mouth, if Microsoft were to acquire Yahoo it could make a fundamental basis of the Internet crumble to pieces. Again, the reason the Internet is moving forward and innovating is because Microsoft (or any other single company such as Microsoft) doesn’t own it.
In my opinion, if Microsoft does acquire Yahoo it could very well mean some of today’s developing Internet companies and technologies could be trumped by Microsoft’s need to “make sure things are just right.” Even for the mobile device user, technologies that are moving us forward could be inhibited if Microsoft chose to make that level of influence.
My every hope is a company with the fundamentals of Google or Apple will acquire Yahoo and make good use of its resources. We all know Yahoo is on the decline and will be acquired by some company, but does it have to be Microsoft?
See More:
Lenovo Offering Sweet Deals on its Laptops
The manufacturer is promising at least 25% off on its laptops, setting an expiry for this September 15 to add some urgency to the offer. Check out the discount line-up here. ThinkPads may now sport a different brand, but the Chinese company has done a decent job of upholding the rugged business tradition of IBM, at least in our opinion. The X Series remains on the top of our list, thanks to its good mix of portability and power.
Now if only Lenovo can do away with that damn eraserhead.
Asus Eee PC 901 Modded for Mobile Broadband
That’s right folks! An enterprising member of the eeeuser forums has found a way to give the Asus Eee PC 901 HSDPA.
The instructions, stripped down for the layman, involve opening up the netbook, installing a HSPA or EVDO miniPCI-E card, and setting it up properly in the OS. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, can we expect an add-on kit from Asus? (And how does this mod affect the Eee’s battery life?) While you’re waiting though, feel free to check out the complete how-to here.
iPhone/iPod Touch Tips and Tricks
Whether you’re on an iPhone or an iPod Touch these tips and tricks from PhilMUG member dubeditions is certainly a must read. It’s really an iPhone centered tips and tricks list but soem of them will also work with the iPod Touch. I tried it on my iPod Touch.
Some of them are just great. My favorites are the screenshot and saving images from Safari. Here are the first 5 tips you can read the rest on the thread he started.
1. Double-down with scrolling. Many Web pages contain separate text boxes with their own scroll bars. If you’re trying to move around in one, try this: Zoom in, and then scroll with two fingers instead of one. That will let you scroll just inside the box and not affect the position of the entire page.
2. Maximize battery life, part 1. iPhone and iPhone 3G models have more sensors than just the accelerometer. For example, they have a separate sensor, situated right above the earpiece, that detects ambient light. The iPhone uses this sensor only once per session, though, just as you unlock the handset. But if you cover the sensor as you unlock the phone, you will trick the handset into thinking it’s in a dark room, and it will power down the screen brightness as a result.
3. Maximize battery life, part 2. The iPhone’s newfound e-mail synchronization abilities are useful, but they also drain the battery more quickly. If that’s a concern, under Fetch New Data, set e-mail fetch time to Hourly, and turn Push off.
4. Keep Safari’s address bar handy. Ever scroll pretty far down a Web page, only to find that the address bar has disappeared? No need to scroll back up—instead, tap the top part of the screen. The address bar will reappear, regardless of where you are on the actual Web page.
5. Enter punctuation quickly. To enter a period while using the on-screen keyboard, hold down the Punctuation key and slide your finger over to the Period button. Then release it.
Read complete list here.
Kamis, 11 September 2008
What’s your kid’s school policy on cellphones? A suspension if used??
For the longest time, cellphones have been banned in the classroom for the most obvious reason - they aren’t needed. Students don’t need their mobile phones during class. What they NEED is concentration. But that’s changing. According to this article, some schools in the USA are allowing mobile phones to be brought inside class not just to be “kept in pockets in silent mode and never to be brought out” but as real tools for education.
Mobile phones are used to transmit lectures, podcasts (wow!), and even check attendance. Of course, you can’t just use any cellphone - you’d need a smartphone to do this. I guess it is the same thing with how some schools have partnered with tech institutions like Apple and Microsoft to have laptops loaned out. In this case, the “laptop” fits in your pocket.
I honestly believe that educational institutions should start taking a less academic look at cellphones as “objects of distraction.” A lot of learning does take place with mobile phones. But it isn’t easy as 1-2-3. I guess, as an educator myself, one of the things the academe hates most is …. change. Ironic isn’t it? The very “renaissance” that the academe aspires is the one catalyst it can’t cope with.
Even for practical reasons, I believe cellphones should be allowed. Strict rules should be let down in place of more practical ones. If teachers fear cellphones as cheating devices, then why not deliver more tests that look into opinion more than fact. The “battle” of cellphones vs. the school is actually a microcosm of a traditional vs. progressive way of thinking.
At the end of the day, I’d let my kids keep their mobile phones in schools. The world has changed in the last 10 years since the cellphone was invented, “planning ahead” isn’t as easy as it was.
[image courtesy of Newscom]
Amilo Mini Ui 3520 is Fujitsu’s Netbook Entry
Looks like all those ultraportable but fully-functional laptops have a new name: netbook. More importantly, it seems that Fujitsu has joined the netbook game, with the introduction of the Amilo Mini Ui 3250:
For 399 euros, you get: a netbook with an 8.9’’ 1024 x 600 Display, running on the Intel Atom Processor N270 (1,6 GHz). 1GB of DDR2 667 RAM will probably be enough to make the preinstalled XP Home run smoothly, while a 60 or 80GB hard disk (3600 and 4200 rpm respectively), plus WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB 2.0 will keep you connected.
An ExpressCard slot, VGA out, an integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam and a built-in microphone round up the full computing experience. All that in a package weighing less than 1kg. (jkkmobile.blogspot.com)
Netflix Player On 360, Movies Gawking On TV
If you got a Xbox 360, Windows Vista PC with Vista Media Center and a Netflix subscription, you can have a streaming Netflix player on your TV and save some bucks.
Where To Hack:
Lifehacker {Turn Your Xbox 360 into a Streaming Netflix Player}
Image: Lifehacker | Via: MAKE
Pikachu LED Chinese Lantern, Spidey Joins In The Fun Too
The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the much celebrated Chinese holidays, falls on the 15th of the 8th lunar month (14th September 2008). To celebrate, the Chinese will savour mooncakes, carry lanterns and guess riddles.
Throughout the years, lanterns have changed much. From paper lanterns with candles to plastic ones with loud LEDs, lanterns evolve with the times. Design wise, you can have anything plain to something fancy like this Pikachu LED Chinese Lantern with a mismatch of Tamagotchi friends. Weird but cute. $3.99 for one.
Where To Buy:
DealExtreme {Cartoon Colored LED Chinese Lantern}
NBA Street Online Philippine Partner Named
Along with EA’s long-term goal to provide the perfect casual gaming experience to their players, comes NBA Street Online. It’s the first NBA MMOG, by Korean developers Neowiz Games and EA Canada. And EA just inked a deal with X-Play to publish it, their Philippine partner. Read More
Casual Games Can Get Sloppy
That’s according to James Patterson, the mystery-thriller author of Women’s Murder Club books. At least his books were done justice, thanks to the game development partnership with I-play. He believes these games are better designed than the other similar offerings out there. He and I-play’s Jane Jensen are collaborating using his story-telling smarts with her game design skills. Read More
The NESBuckle, Carry The Big NES Everywhere & Play It On TV
Playing the reto NES anywhere is a dream come true with this NESBuckle. This buckle let you carry the old console with the contollers, light gun and Nintendo stuff. It is like a Full Battle Order (FBO) and you can be sure you’ll get the attention of everyone around you. A hefty 300 bucks.
Where To Buy:
Nintendo Entertainment System Belt Buckle
Via: SlipperyBrick
NOKIA Mobile Phone : Nokia N79: Xpress On Covers and Phone Maturity
At some point in a phone’s life, engineers would decide that it no longer needs an overhaul. The upcoming N79 is a proof of this postulate I have when it comes to “matured phones.” A phone reaches its peak (fastest UI, best real estate design, OK features) when all that’s left to add are neat covers. The N79 is a downgrade of the N82 - no Xenon flash, but it has a 5MP Carl Zeiss lens and brings forth much of the bells and whistles of the N78 and N82. Call it a midpoint in terms of features (I don’t really care - it has WiFi and HSDPA, so those are great already). In terms of design, the main difference would be a better looking (and hopefully more comfortable) keypad.
Do the Xpress-on covers really matter? I remember when Nokia was still “young” it made a killing selling overpriced phone covers for customization purposes. Today, 3rd party phone accessories manufacturers can get away with casings for about $2.00. OR … since Nokia makes so many phones, 3rd party accessory guys don’t bother much with these in-between models?
Dell Inspiron Mini 9 for $99
Dell really wants the Inspiron Mini 9 to do well from the very start, so consider the following phrases below:
“If you can wait until 6 a.m. Central tomorrow, Sept. 5, you’ll be able to get a Mini for only $99 with the purchase of a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 laptop through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 (U.S. only).” -direct2dell.com
“That’s not bad considering the Dell’s Studio 15 laptop starts at $649 and features an Intel’s Pentium Dual Core, Windows Vista, 160GB hard drive, 1GB memory, and comes in a variety of colors. Sounds like a great back to school computer, especially if you’re getting a netbook for $99.” -Yahoo! Tech
Continue to watch a video of one of the people who put the netbook together. Read More
How to Get a Laptop With 4GB RAM and 1GB Video Memory for Less Than $1,250
- Click on the link below:
More Savings on Some of the Hottest Laptops at Newegg.com - Look for the “ASUS M50Vm-X1″. Click on it.
- To verify, click on “Specifications” and see if the “Memory Size” is “4GB DDR2″ and that “Video Memory” is “Dedicated 1024MB”
- Click Add to Cart
- $1199.99 + $16 3-day Shipping = $1,215.99
That’s all you have to do! Though take note, as a 15.4″ laptop, the Asus M50Vm-X1 isn’t as portable as say, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9.
Fake Bloggers Pretending for Free Gadgets
Here’s the danger when you’re giving out gadgets like candy to reviewers. CrunchGear’s telling everyone to watch out for a certain Paul Deery, who’s apparently asked one company to fork over some PC parts for him to “review”—and pretending that he’s representing CrunchGear.
The online publication tries to elicit some sweet revenge by publicizing his email address here. Read More
Sony to Recall Over Half-a-Million VAIOs
Looks like Sony’s got a big problem on their hands, but at least their doing something about it. Some VAIO laptops in the VGN-TZ may be suffering from wiring problems that lead to overheating. This has led to at least 15 reported complaints, and at least one case of a user getting burnt. On top of that, it’s probable that Sony isn’t pleased how Apple once again steals the limelight, with Yahoo Tech explaining that “The TZ is the super-miniature laptop to which Steve Jobs famously compared the MacBook Air”. Way to be sensitive Yahoo!
The recall announcement is pretty straightforward, requesting that VGN-TZ owners have their units inspected (and repaired if needed) as soon as possible. They promise to pay for everything of course, and even to go wherever you are when practical. For more details visit Sony’s eSupport page. (tech.yahoo.com)
Could This be Why Google Chrome is Faster Than Other Browsers?
Ok, first things first: personal tests have shown that Google’s new browser is faster than what’s currently available. Not bad for an app currently in early beta stage. But Douglas did have something to say about that:
Keep in mind that every new browser or version of browser always has a speed advantage… until they plug up the security holes. We see this in every browser comparison on a new release.
Makes sense. Let’s see what happens as Google fixes everything up—if they ever take Chrome off “Beta” status. Anyways, what do you think of the new browser? So far so good, but some bugs crop up from time to time. We still have to use Firefox to get anything in Facebook for instance.
September 7th, 2008
Awesome Pong Watch Tells Time Through Score
The concept’s so simple it’s pure genius: a game of Pong is automatically “played” on the watch face, with the left side score representing the hours, and the right side the minutes. As the hours and minutes pass by, the appropriate side “loses” to keep the score matched to the current time. Let’s hope John Maushammer is interested in getting someone to mass-produce his homemade work of art. But in the meantime, fellow engineers are invited to check out his build log and plans.
What LG Needs to Do With its Phones
For better or worse, Nokia is still the king of cell phones. The Finns’ stranglehold on the perfect balance of reponsiveness, portability and functionality continues, despite the assault of hype-driven competitors like (sigh) the iPhone 3G. Hard to believe? Just look at the sales figures for Q2 2008.
Anyways, one company that should take a cue from the dominator is LG. Lately, they’ve made some inroads into Europe and Asia with their style-driven offerings. But this kind of focus limits the potential for success. Read More
A Small MacBook Under $600
A pretty simple—if somewhat overused—premise. Why not hack an Asus Eee PC 1000H so that it can run on supposedly the best OS around, Mac OS X?
Easier done than said. The staff of The Cult of Mac is probably going apeshit over their newest toy, an Asus Eee PC 1000H that runs on Mac OS X. Interesting how those dock icons practically fill-up the entire low-resolution screen. And what about performance?
“Performance is on par with my MacBook,” says Gilbertson. “Benchmark-wise, I think it comes in around the equivalent of a G5.”
Ha Apple! Expect mass defections as people decide to go for the cheap Asus alternative. Oh wait, maybe that’s why you prohibit people from installing your dear OS on non Apple machinery, right?
A Small MacBook Under $600
A pretty simple—if somewhat overused—premise. Why not hack an Asus Eee PC 1000H so that it can run on supposedly the best OS around, Mac OS X?
Easier done than said. The staff of The Cult of Mac is probably going apeshit over their newest toy, an Asus Eee PC 1000H that runs on Mac OS X. Interesting how those dock icons practically fill-up the entire low-resolution screen. And what about performance?
“Performance is on par with my MacBook,” says Gilbertson. “Benchmark-wise, I think it comes in around the equivalent of a G5.”
Ha Apple! Expect mass defections as people decide to go for the cheap Asus alternative. Oh wait, maybe that’s why you prohibit people from installing your dear OS on non Apple machinery, right?
4G iPod Nano Finally Gives Apple Customers What They Want
Even for a (mostly) rabid anti-Apple virtual rag like this, credit is due where credit is due, especially since the newest iPod nano is unprecedented for Apple.
You see, by coming out with an iPod nano for every color in the rainbow—as well as in black and white—Apple has pretty much covered every visual base, providing the consumer with a surprisingly wide array of choices (gasp!).
Could this be the beginning of something special over at Cupertino? That’s kinda an exaggeration there, but hope springs eternal, right?
How to Conserve Laptop Battery Life
Sure, HP managed to squeeze out 24 hours of battery life from one of their laptops. But we all know how possible that is in real-world conditions.
Still, maximizing battery life is a laudable goal, because that means you get more for each charge, or more what you pay for electricity. Read More
Samsung Jumps on the Netbook Bandwagon
Not wanting to miss out on the netbook game, Samsung recently came out with its own offering in Korea. The yet-unnamed device features the following specs:
- 10.2 inch 1024 x 600 screen
- Intel Aton 1.6Ghz
- 1GB RAM
- Option of 80GB, 120GB, or 160GB HDD
- Wifi and Bluetooth
- 1.3 Mpix webcam
- 3 x USB, VGA out, LAN and 3-in-1 card reader
- 6 cell battery
- 1.3kg
Pretty par for the course, don’t you think? This baby costs around $550. (jkkmobile.blogspot.com)
The New iTunes Visualizer Rocks
iTunes has long been our music manager, but its visualizer never really struck our fancy. That is until now.
More visual goodness, so click-through! Read More
Asus Eee PC 901 Modded for Mobile Broadband
That’s right folks! An enterprising member of the eeeuser forums has found a way to give the Asus Eee PC 901 HSDPA.
The instructions, stripped down for the layman, involve opening up the netbook, installing a HSPA or EVDO miniPCI-E card, and setting it up properly in the OS. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, can we expect an add-on kit from Asus? (And how does this mod affect the Eee’s battery life?) While you’re waiting though, feel free to check out the complete how-to here.
Senin, 08 September 2008
8 Megapixel LG KC910 Set to Debut Soon
Set for an October 2008 release, the LG KC910’s main draw will probably be its 8 megapixel camera, on top of its large 3″ touchscreen.
Continue for a spec rundown. Read More
Minggu, 07 September 2008
GTA Coming to the Game?
Take Two CEO Ben Feder revealed that the company has not ruled out a Wii version of the popular Grand Theft Auto franchise. Indeed, the video game publisher has solid plans to “grow its relationship” with Nintendo, which could only mean good things for Wii owners and GTA fans.
“So without commenting on whether GTA specifically whether it is coming to the Wii or not, I will say that Nintendo and Take-Two work very well together. Nintendo and Rockstar are beginning to work well together and we intend to continue to grow that relationship.”
Gotta love it when they’re vague. But I still hold out hope of seeing GTA on the Wii. It would make my day.
Via | MCV
Image courtesy of Rockstar/Take Two.
Mario Super Sluggers, Gonna Hit Some Balls
This week new pick will be Mario Super Sluggers for your Nintendo Wii. Intutively, you know you can use your Wii Remote as a bat to hit the baseball. As for your Nunchuck, it’s used to control the outfielders. There are 2-player baseball games and 4-player mini games for some party maniac.
My conclusion: A easy-to-play family game. Jolly good baseball fun.
Where To Buy:
House of the Dead: OVERKILL, Retro B-Movie Shooting Fest
Development Team Dead Photo
House of the Dead: OVERKILL is slated for the Wii (with no release date yet). In short, play as Agent G and Agent Washington to clean up tons of zombies in Bayou City.
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL
Age Rating - 18+ TBC
Format – Wii
Product Overview –
THEY’VE COME FOR BRAINS, YOU’LL GIVE THEM BULLETS!
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL™ charges you with mowing down waves of infected, blood-thirsty zombies in a last-ditch effort to survive Bayou City and uncover the horrific truth behind the origins of the House of the Dead.
Survival horror as it’s never been seen before! A pulp-style take on the classic SEGA light-gun shooter series. Back when the famous Agent G was still fresh out of the academy, he teamed up with hard-boiled bad-ass Agent Washington to investigate stories of mysterious disappearances in small-town Louisiana. Little did they know what blood-soaked mutant horror would await them in the streets and swamps of Bayou City.
Features –
• Pulp Funk Horror.
Zombie cool, one of the most popular shooter classics injected with a whole new retro b-movie look.• An utterly in-your-face zombie-dismembering blast.
Non-stop light-gun style action on Wii, blow apart zombies for high-score thrills.• Superb co-op action on Wii.
Bring a friend and play the game as intended in your own buddy action movie as two of the meanest characters in video gaming.• Relentless, gore-drenched, over-the-top action.
Only the coolest, most cold-hearted agent’s going to keep his head against the zombie flood. Use “Slow-Mofo Time” to make the perfect head-popping shot and “Evil Eye” to spot moments of opportunity that’ll send the whole environment up in flames.• Wii remote reactions.
Get knee-deep in the dead with motion-sensitive Wii-controls. Shuck a shotgun and when the zombies get too close, pistol whip jaws off or cave some heads in with the stock of your pump-action – all in stomach-churning close-up.
Image: Sega Europe
Pirates Vs. Ninjas Confirmed for Wii
Gamecock has confirmed that Pirates Vs. Ninjas will be hitting the Wii console this winter. The game has its origins in a popular Internet meme, and has now been turned into a dodgeball battle.
The game allows competition up to eight players and offers a total of seven teams, including pirates, ninjas, robots and zombies, plus three unannounced ball slingers. Each team utilises its own unique techniques and strategies to try and ultimately defeat the enemies. The Nintendo Wii build of the game (it’s also being launched on Xbox Live shortly) features a number of new features, including fresh challenge modes and a number of customisable control options.
Look for it in time for the holidays.
Via | Nintendic
Image courtesy of Gamecock.
Nyko Wing Wireless Classic Controller, Still Connects To Wii Remote
The Nyko’s Wing wireless classic controller connects to your Wii Remote via an adapter. This Wii peripheral runs on 2 AAA batteries and can be recharged via an USB cable. No word on pricing or release date yet.
Can we just skip the Wii Remote?
Image: IGN | Via: Wiifanboy
Sony to Recall Over Half-a-Million VAIOs
Looks like Sony’s got a big problem on their hands, but at least their doing something about it. Some VAIO laptops in the VGN-TZ may be suffering from wiring problems that lead to overheating. This has led to at least 15 reported complaints, and at least one case of a user getting burnt. On top of that, it’s probable that Sony isn’t pleased how Apple once again steals the limelight, with Yahoo Tech explaining that “The TZ is the super-miniature laptop to which Steve Jobs famously compared the MacBook Air”. Way to be sensitive Yahoo!
The recall announcement is pretty straightforward, requesting that VGN-TZ owners have their units inspected (and repaired if needed) as soon as possible. They promise to pay for everything of course, and even to go wherever you are when practical. For more details visit Sony’s eSupport page. (tech.yahoo.com)
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