Archivio mensile:marzo 2012
Evernote Launches New Developer Website
Evernote has this week launched a new website tailored for developers to assist them in integrating the Evernote API into their applications and creations.
A number of great smartphone applications already use the Evernote API to addition functionality to their services. But Evernote is now hoping their new site will attract even more and make it easier for assistance when required through the community of developers.
Evernote explains a little why developers should consider integrating the Evernote API into their applications.
“When you build on the Evernote platform, you’re giving your app a memory. This may sound like fuzzy marketing speak, but we’re serious about it – our goal is to help our users remember everything. We see Evernote as a user’s external brain, the place where they keep all of the assorted information that’s crucial to their lives. We store this information securely in the cloud and synchronize it to all of their devices so that they can access it whenever they need it, wherever they are.”
To signup and become a Evernote developer jump over to the new Evernote Developer website.
Source: IntoMobile
Google Drive To Come With 5GB Of Free Storage?
Earlier in the week we heard a rumor that Google’s cloud based storage offering, Google Drive is expected to launch next month and now it would appear that we have some more details about the service.
According to a leaked screenshot of Google Drive, which you can see below, the cloud based storage service will give users 5GB of storage for free.
Paper: the iPad sketchbook app from the brains of Courier (video)
Go figure — Microsoft’s Courier project lives again… as an exclusive app on Apple’s iPad. FiftyThree, a company that features folks who previously worked on the aforesaid Courier initiative, has just put forth a monumental effort dubbed Paper. The app, which is available for free in the App Store, is a sophisticated sketchbook with a highly unique user interface that’s seemingly designed with the budding artist in mind. Put simply, the company feels that this app is “where ideas begin,” enabling users to capture mental light bulbs as sketches, diagrams, illustrations, notes or drawings before sharing them across the web.
Of course, “free” only gets you in the door; in-app purchases ($2 per brush, for example) keeps the creators in business, but it’s unclear at this point if a paid edition will be offered for those who aren’t much on cherry-picking what they do and don’t want to pony up for. Not surprisingly, the app ships with native support for the new iPad’s Retina display, and while fingers are welcome, a capacitive stylus is recommended. Eager to see more? Peek the video just after the break, and get your download on in the source link.
Incident Tech’s gTar gets teased, remains largely silent (video)
What you see above is the gTar, an upcoming electronic musical instrument from Bay Area-based startup, Incident Technologies. It’s got what appears to be an iPhone docked in the pick-guard and it looks pretty cool lit up in the teaser video after the break. Beyond that, there’s not a ton of information about the thing available online, but we did some digging and have pieced together a pretty good idea about the thing. The device made an appearance at South by Southwest earlier this month, and bits and pieces have made their way into the web by way of startup site AngelList and social networks like Facebook, Twitter and, of course, YouTube. A posting on the former describes it as “a consumer electronics device that enables an interactive music entertainment experience to anyone without any kind of previous musical knowledge.”
From the looks of it, the thing is a little bit Guitar Apprentice and a little bit Tabber. Unlike the plasticky Guitar Apprentice, however, this device looks like a genuine guitar (strings and all), albeit one with a light up fretboard for Tabber-like educational purposes and a “docked mobile device.” The guitar also makes it possible to share music socially, though it’s not entirely clear whether this is accomplished via the docked smartphone or an external output like a PC, though given the company’s connections to the developer community, we suspect that both will be options, be it through built-in functionality or available APIs. The gTar is also being positioned as a music creation device, rather than simply an educational tool (à la Tabber) or a simple overblown Guitar Hero-style controller.
Check out a flashy, if rather uninformative teaser after the break.
Apple and Foxconn agree to drastically improve working conditions following Fair Labor Association report
The Fair Labor Association has released its findings from the lengthy investigation of working conditions at Foxconn’s Chinese plants where Apple products are made. While the PR and report largely avoid over the top rhetoric and direct condemnations of the companies, they hardly paint a rosy picture. The watchdog found that in the last year all three factories violated not just FLA code for hours worked, but Chinese legal limits of 36 hours of overtime per month. During peak periods, employees worked more than 60 hours a week on average and many more than seven days in a row. But, to its credit, the group has extracted an agreement out of both Apple and Foxconn to drastically improve conditions at the factories.
Foxconn has agreed to meet FLA and Chinese legal codes by July of 2013, including cutting the number of monthly overtime hours from 80 to 36. To compensate for the lost work hours the manufacturer will boost wages and plans to hire thousands of new workers to help maintain current production levels. A concerted effort is also planned to improve the safety and health conditions at the plants and their accompanying dormitories. The moves may be felt here in the US as small increases in the cost of electronic goods, but the price will be easy to swallow considering the weight it’ll help lift off our conscience. Hit up the source link to read the full report for yourself and check out the PR after the break.
Rdio continues its plans for world domination, focusing on Europe
Rdio already has a number of stamps in its passport, Canada, Australia, Brazil and New Zealand amongst them. But, the current focus for the streaming music service is Europe, where it’s already launched in Germany, Denmark, Portugal and Spain. While we still don’t have any solid dates, Scott Bagby, the company’s VP of partnerships and internationalization, told paidContent:UK that a pile of new nations are on deck for the coming months, with hopes of covering the entire continent. With licensing deals already struck in the UK, we’re pretty confident England will be part of this next batch of rollouts, but Rdio has no intentions of confining itself to the western world. Bagby said in the interview, “we already have a guy on the ground in Asia,” so look for the service to go live in a few more locales across the pacific. No time frame was given for the Asian launches but, if the company is serious about establishing a foothold there, it should do so sooner rather than later. As Bagby points out, Rdio is “a couple of years behind others in terms of expansion.”
New Ridley Scott Prometheus Film Trailer (video)
A couple of weeks ago the first trailer for Ridley Scott’s new Prometheus film was released, since then a few teasers have also trickled out. But this latest trailer reveals a little more of the action, horror and madness you can expect within the film once its officially released.
The new Ridley Scott Prometheus film is a prequel to Scott’s 1979 film Alien, and includes rewrites of Spaihts’s script by Lindelof who developed a separate story that precedes the events of Alien, but is not directly connected to the films in the Alien franchise.
“Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.”
The first trailer explained a little more about the story of the Prometheus film and you can view it in our earlier article.
Source: Awesomer
HTC One X Gets Unboxed (Video)
The HTC One X will go on sale in a couple of European countries next week, and now we have the first unboxing video of the device from the guys over at HTC Hub.
The video is in French, but we get a quick look at HTC’s new flagship Android smartphone which comes with a quad core 1.5GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and the latest version of Google’s mobile OS, Android 4.0 ICS.
Other specifications on the HTC One X include a 4.6 inch HD Super LCD 2 touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, plus a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera which is capable of 720p video and a rear facing 8 megapixel camera which is capable of full high definition video in 1080p.
Source Android and Me
TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case (Video)
The TAT7 iPhone Scuba case is a case for your iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S that will let you use your smartphone underwater, and the case will apparently keep you device waterproof up to 100 feet.
This fun underwater iPhone case and it even comes with some built in buttons so you can access the camera app on your device, although we are not sure if that will work now on the home screen with the latest version of iOS.
If you want one,the TAT7 iPhone Scuba case is available for $85 and it is compatible with the iPhone 4and iPhone 4S have a look at the video of it in action below.
Google Chrome Version 18 Brings Improved Graphics
Google has this week released a stable version of its Chrome Browser version 18, which brings with it a number of new features. Including improvements to both Canvas2D’s speed and WebGL’s reach.
GPU-accelerated Canvas2D has been enabled in the Beta channel from sometime. But now Google has now enabled GPU-accelerated Canvas2D to run on capable Windows and Mac computers, with the aim to make web based applications such as games perform even better than a pure software implementation.
Google has also enabled Swuftshader to help out older systems to run WebGL 3D apps such as Windows XP systems or systems equipped with integrated Intel video chips. Google explains:
“WebGL enables compelling 3D content on the web, so we want to ensure that as many users as possible have access to this technology. That’s why we’ve enabled SwiftShader, a software rasterizer licensed from our friends at TransGaming, for users with older configurations.”
Source: Electronista : Google
HTC One X, One S And One V Land In Europe April 2nd
HTC announced a new range of smartphones under the ‘One’ name at this years MWC last month, and now the three device will go on sale in Europe next week.
According to the guys over at The Unwired, HTC have confirmed that The HTC One X, HTC One S and the HTC One V will go on sale in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on the 2nd of April.
It looks like we now have some pricing for Europe on the three devices, the HTC One X will be 599 Euros, the HTC One S 499 Euros and the HTC One V will be 299 Euros.
We don’t as yet have any other information on when the devices will launch in the UK and the US, as soon as we get some more information we will let you guys know.
Source Engadget
Max Payne 3 Multiplayer Gameplay Includes Bullet Play (video)
Rockstar Games have today released a new trailer showcasing the new multiplayer modes within the upcoming Max Payne 3 game. Max Payne 3 multiplayer will also include the awesome bullet time features that the Max Payne series is known for together with highly responsive and cinematic shooting action.
Providing a different slate on traditional multiplayer gaming. Watch the video after the jump to see Max Payne 3 multiplayer in action.
The video below is the first in a special two-part series unveiling and detailing Max Payne 3 Multiplayer, which is played in third-person perspective. Rockstar Games explains: “allowing players to connect with a character they can see while still retaining full fluid control during gunplay.”
Rockstar Games will be launching Max Payne 3 in May 2012 on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Source: Destructoid
Apple progetta un nuovo device con Display Retina da 5″ Rumor
Secondo alcuni rumor riportati dal sito Giapponese Macotakara Apple starebbe lavorando ad un nuovo device, da lanciare nell’arco del prossimo anno, con display retina da 5 pollici; la risoluzione di tale display dovrebbe essere di 1.600×960 pixel oppure di 1.280×960 pixel. Sebbene sia un ennesima fantasia sulle dimensioni diverse di un ipotetico nuovo device Apple, quello di cui la fonte non chiarisce è se il device possa appartenere alla famiglia iPad o a quella iPhone/iPod Touch o ancora, ad un segmento nuovo di prodotti.
Questa nuova voce di corridoio va ad aggiungersi a quella di un probabile nuovo iPhone con Display Retina da 4.6″ divulgata circa una settimana fa dal sito Reuters. Tante sono le soluzioni che l’azienda di Cupertino potrebbe proporre a breve ai suoi clienti. Non manca anche un’ipotesi che vede un nuovo iPad con display da 7.85″.
Ovviamente al momento questo sono più fantasie che rumor reali e vedremo se davvero Apple deciderà di ampliare la propria gamma di prodotti. Certamente un iPad più leggero, leggermente più piccolo e meno costoso potrebbe non essere un’idea malvagia.
Beatsurfing iPad App Creates Custom MIDI Instruments (video)
A new iPad application has been created which is currently under development called Beatsurfing, which has been designed to enable you create custom MIDI instruments directly on your iPad tablet.
The custom MIDI instruments within Beatsurfing can be customized from the ground up and tailored to be played in anyway you like, to suit your style. Watch the video after the jump to see the Beatsurfing iPad application in action.
“By sliding (‘surfing’) your finger across the screen. This very special approach to beat making and production allows for more creative expression and brings back a human touch and feel to your MIDI habits.”
More details can be found over on the Vlek website, and the new Beatsurfing application is hoped to be available by the end of spring to be downloaded now from the iTunes App Store. You can also signup for beta testing from the Vlek website.
Box OneCloud Brings Cloud Storage To The iPad
Box has today announced new features for its OneCloud app which has now be integrated with iPad applications to enable users to be able to store import files within the cloud.
The Box OneCloud app, will showcase over 30 applications designed to work with the Box service, and Box will be rolling out integration with four “premier” apps including Quickoffice, Adobe Echosign, Nuance PaperPort Notes, and PDF Expert.
The premier Box application partners will include technology in their applications that will update content instantly on Box storage servers. Box has now also opened up their Box framework for developers to include the new storage functionality within their applications and expand Box growth.
The Box OneCloud is now available to download on iOS today, with an Android app currently being developed for release in the near future. Box has included a button in its main application that once pressed will indicate to you what other applications on your ipad support Box.
Source: Slashgear
Nokia To Launch Two Budget MeeGo Smartphones?
According to a recent report from the guys over at Netbook News, Nokia is working on two budget MeeGo based smartphones, which will slot into Nokia’s Next Billion strategy for developing markets.
Nokia are apparently developing two budget devices with MeeGo as their OS for their developing markets, and because the OS has low specification demands it may be better suited for the task than Microsoft’s Windows Phone.
There are no details as yet on any specifications on these two new budget MeeGo smartphones, as soon as we get some more information we will let you guys know.
Source Slashgear
FreeSpace Gesture Control Arriving On Smartphones And Tablets In 2013 (video)
In a recent interview Hillcrest Labs the creators of gesture based technology called FreeSpace. Has revealed that their new FreeSpace motion engine technology will be arriving in smartphones and tablets by the first quarter of 2013.
The FreeSpace motion engine who enable devices fitted with the technology to be controlled with gestures rather than touch. Watch it in action in the demonstration video after the jump.
In an interview with All Things D, Hillcrest’s Senior VP, Chad Lucien expained they already have a (not to be named) customer eager to harness the power of gesture recognition.
The FreeSpace motion engine is already in use in a number of Smart TVs and set-top boxes such as the Roku. So you can expect the technology to be arriving sooner rather than later. The first to sport a gesture based system is the new Sony Xperia Sola which is pencilled in to launch in Q2 2012.
Source: Android Authority : AllThingsD
New Sony A99 Camera Equipped With 102 Autofocus Points?
Its been reported on the SonyAlpha Rumours website today that a close source has contacted the and revealed that the new Sony A99 camera currently in development is equipped with a massive 102 point autofocus system. Apparently Sony is already testing the new system on A99 prototypes which according to the source are currently in the hands of photographers under going field testing.
The A99 will use a new generation SLT and OLED viewfinder technology, and now only will it be equipped with 102 point autofocus but all the points will be the more accurate cross-style points. Which provide a much more accurate way of focusing that just standard point focus systems. Cross-style points focus both vertically and horizontally providing a more accurate reading.
Unfortunately no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet regards the new Sony A99, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.
Source: Sony Alpha Rumours : CNET
ODOC iPhone Dock Twists To The Perfect Viewing Angle (video)
The ODOC iPhone dock is currently over on the Kick-starter website, looking to raise enough money to help it into production. One of the unique features of the ODOC iPhone and iPod docking station, is the ability to change the angle of your Apple device simply by twisting the dock. Allowing you to position it perfectly for Facetime or Skype calls.
The ODOC iPhone dock has been designed by Richard Singer an independent designer from Silicon Valley. Singer explains a little more about what makes his iPhone dock stand out from the crowd.
Ridge Racer Unbounded Launch Trailer (video)
Namco Bandai and developer Bugbear Entertainment have this week released a new launch trailer for their Ridge Racer Unbounded driving game. Ridge Racer Unbounded part of the long-running Ridge Racer franchise will be arriving this month, hopefully within the next few days for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Ridge Racer Unbounded includes a mass of changes from the traditional Ridge Racer game. With the addition of a track design tool and the ability to share tracks. Together with a new emphasis on crashing into opponents or through the environment to find shortcuts.
Unfortunately there has been a little confusion over the release date, and the game was originally expected to arrive on March 2nd 2012. However its now thought the release date would be March 30th. But this still has yet to be confirmed.
Source: Joystiq
