Category Archives: Technology

Google Music Beta offers up free songs through Magnifier

Music, News, Technology, , , , , , ,

This week Google launched a new music discovery site called Magnifier for Music Beta users. If you managed to score an invite to Google’s (currently) free music locker in the cloud, you probably noticed the Auto Playlist named Free songs idly sitting there. Well, now we know its intention. Magnifier offers free tracks for people looking to discover new music and expand their library. The portal is split up into three sections. The home page puts front and center a featured artist. This week it’s indie rock band My Morning Jacket. The post includes a write-up about the band, a video interview, and two free tracks (one of which is an exclusive to Magnifier). Click the “Add free music” button and both tracks will instantly fly into your Free songs playlist, ready for you to play. Inside the Song of the Day tab you’ll find “key tracks from the most innovative and exciting artists” handpicked by Googlers. The Antenna tab is home to Google’s Artist of the Week; this week Shabazz Palaces is featured and you can preview their “ghetto sound sprawl” vibe by downloading three free tracks. In addition to these featured artist sections Google also offers Free Song Archives; hundreds of songs are available to download for free and they’re grouped by genre.

So if you’ve found a way into the Music Beta, head on over to Magnifier to get your music discovery on.

[Via GoogleBlog]

Fusion Garage tries again with Grid tablet, smartphone & OS

Images, News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chandra Rathakrishnan, CEO of Fusion Garage, hosted an intimate event yesterday afternoon to introduce a new tablet experience unto the world. The creator of the failed JooJoo tablet (2009) is back and hopes to regain consumer faith with his second attempt at creating a new kind of post-PC device. Rathakrishnan ran a lengthy and expensive viral marketing campaign leading up to yesterday’s unveiling; he invented the faux company TabCo (short for Tablet Company) and posted viral videos at the site WhoIsTabCo.com. The campaign had the public at large buzzing about who might be behind TabCo. Now that we know it’s Fusion Garage, journey downward to learn more about the forthcoming products and decide if the hype was worth it. Continue reading Fusion Garage tries again with Grid tablet, smartphone & OS →

Google buys Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion

News, Technology, , , , , , ,

In an interesting move, superpower Google bought the consumer-oriented arm of Motorola known as Motorola Mobility for a cool $12.5 billion (at a price of $40 per share) on Monday. In a press release the pending acquisition is explained:

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

Google CEO Larry Page says, “Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”

This is a huge move made by Google. Like Microsoft and Nokia, Google and Motorola are going to take advantage of their partnership by harnessing the power of Android software and the might of Moto’s hardware to create amazing products for consumers. Keep in mind that the Mobility division goes beyond smartphones and also includes other consumer devices like set top boxes; no doubt Google will work with Motorola to ensure the growth of products like Google TV. And on the business end of things, the acquisition “will increase competition by strengthening Google’s patent portfolio, which will enable us to better protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies,” says Page.

As the acquisition takes hold, a few questions remain. What will happen to Moto’s custom Android skin called MotoBlur? Will all future handsets built by Moto come loaded with the latest version of plain vanilla Android? Will the next Nexus phone come from Goog’s new partner? Time will tell.

One thing’s for certain: even though Google and Moto are tied to one another, the Android platform remains open for all hardware manufacturers to utilize; healthy competition is here to stay. Full PR after the break.

[Via GoogleBlog] Continue reading Google buys Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion →

PlayStation 3 hits new low price point: $249; matte PSP model coming to Europe

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Today at Gamescom Sony announced new low price points for the PlayStation 3. The two standalone models currently in the marketplace are receiving $50 price cuts effectively immediately. The 160GB PS3 now costs $249 and the 320GB model costs $299. All of the current console + game bundles (Call of Duty: Black Ops, Killzone 3, inFamous 2 (new)) remain at the $299 price point. The Sports Champion Move bundle is the priciest at $349.

In related PS news, Sony has introduced a new PSP model into the European market. The PSP E-1000 features a sleek new matte design and ditches WiFi functionality. The new low price is €99.00 and will hit European PAL territories this fall. See images at the second source link. No word on whether or not it’ll make its way into the States. But no matter; Vita is coming.

[Via PlayStationBlog 1, 2]

Glossy Xbox 360 to be discontinued

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , ,

According to Xbox LIVE’s Major Nelson, all shiny Xbox 360 consoles are being phased out. Here’s the news straight from the horse’s mouth:

We are actively transitioning all our Xbox 360 S consoles to a matte finish.  The consoles will start to arrive in stores over the coming weeks, so if you really love the idea of a glossy console don’t wait much longer.

And there you have it. ‘Tis a sad day for fans of the glossy sheen. Major Nelson goes on to assure gamers, however, that future Limited Edition consoles such as the upcoming Gears of War 3-themed console might just bring back the glossy look from time to time. But if you’re in the market for a standard shiny black Xbox 360, today’s the day to order up.

[Via MajorNelson]

Google+ got game(s)

News, Technology, , , ,

When they first unleashed their social service unto the world, Google promised that it was just the beginning and that there was so much more to come. The first major addition to added since Google+‘s launch is games. Google’s partnered up with a handful of developers to bring popular games to Plus including Angry Birds, Zynga Poker, and Bejeweled Blitz. Google is giving Games its own section; a new Games icon is located right next to the Circles button at the top of the interface. Google reassures users that “Games in Google+ are there when you want them and gone when you don’t.” This means that you shouldn’t expect games-related news to fill up your Stream; Google is clear about keeping that area “focused on conversations with the people you care about.” When you want to browse and play games, see game notifications, and find out what games your friends played recently, you must enter the Games section of Google+. From the get-go Google is drawing a line between conversations and gameplay, and this is something I think most users will instantly appreciate.

Google says that the Games section is starting to roll out to Google+ users today and it will be made “fully available to everyone soon.”

[Via GoogleBlog]

Nintendo screams FLAME ON! with shiny new 3DS out September 9

News, Technology, , , , , , , ,

On September 9 a new Flame Red version of the Nintendo 3DS will join the Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue paint jobs on retail shelves. Remember, the significant 3DS price drop goes into effect tomorrow August 12, so all three color variants will be sold for a reasonable $169.99. (Don’t forget: If you’re an early adopter and already own a 3DS, connect to the Nintendo eShop before midnight tonight to become eligible for a boatload of free Virtual Console games!)

In a press release (pasted after the break) Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime pumps up anticipation for the holiday sales season. “Nintendo 3DS is poised to be on fire for the holidays, with its new suggested retail price, great games and our new Flame Red color,” said Fils-Aime. “With major upcoming releases in the Star Fox, Pokémon and Mario series, in addition to downloadable offerings from Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Video and Netflix, the system offers new and fun experiences to owners on a daily basis.”

3DS sales have been waning since the initial launch surge in March due to lack of must-get titles. Nintendo is aware of this, and that’s why they’re gearing up for an exciting games lineup starting in September.  Star Fox 64 3D releases alongside the Flame Red 3DS in September, Super Mario 3D Land (featuring the famed Tanooki Suit) drops in November, and Mario Kart 7 races to the 3D handheld this December.

[Via Nintendo] Continue reading Nintendo screams FLAME ON! with shiny new 3DS out September 9 →

Facebook releases dedicated Messenger app for mobile users

News, Technology, , , , , , ,

Facebook’s been cooking up a dedicated messaging app and today they’ve released it for iPhone and Android users. It serves as “an extension of Facebook messages” and it aims to “give you a faster way to message friends and small groups.” In a nutshell, it transplants the Messages section of the traditional Facebook app into one of its own so that the user has less jumping around to do when he or she wants to send and read messages. The app culls together your Facebook friends and your cell phone contacts so that they’re available to pluck from without hassle. For example, when you type John Smith his name will come up and you’ll be able to select how you want to reach him. If he’s a close friend and you have his cell phone number saved in your device and you’re friends with him on the social network you can choose which way you want to contact him: Facebook notifications or texts. It’s all done right inside the app and messages are delivered instantly. The app also makes group messaging a snap; simply type two or more names in to To field and your message will be sent to everyone at once. You can attach and share pictures and location data as well. Since the Messenger app is an extension of Facebook messages, all of the conversations you have inside it will transfer instantaneously to the proper Facebook app and web experience.

After playing around with the app, it’s plain to see that Facebook is trying its darnedest to prepare for the impending Messaging War that will be fought between it and Apple (iMessage), Google (Huddle), and BlackBerry (BBM). Download the free Messenger today: iPhone / Android.

[Via FacebookBlog]

Skype drops new app tailor-made for the iPad

News, Technology, Video, , , , , , ,

At long last, Skype for iPad is here. Everything you’re used to using on the iPhone/iPod touch version of the app has been ported to the tablet and optimized for the bigger screen. Like the iPhone version this app allows for two-way video calling between other iPads, iPhones, iPod touches, Android devices, PCs, Macs, and HDTVs over WiFi and 3G. It also takes advantage of both the front and back-facing cameras. For the rest of the deets, hop after the break to read the full app description. There you’ll also find a brief demonstrative video. But I know what you really want: click here to download the free Skype for iPad app today.

[Via SkypeBlog] Continue reading Skype drops new app tailor-made for the iPad →

OK Go teams with dance troupe & Google to get interactive in latest music video

Images, Music, Technology, Video, , , , , ,

Viral video masters of alt-rock band OK Go have gone the distance (yet again) to create a masterful music video. And this time it’s interactive! OK Go has partnered with dance troupe Pilobolus and Google to form a music video for “All Is Not Lost,” a cut off their 2010 studio album Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. The four-piece band and the dance troupe have created a visually memorizing clip in which they dance around in synchronized fashion atop a glass, see-through surface. If you watch the regular music video in YouTube, you’ll see the bodies contort into all kinds of shapes and letters. If you’ve got Google Chrome installed, however, you’ll want to watch the interactive version of the video from within that browser. Thanks to the power of HTML5, viewers can type in a message prior to watching the video and during it you’ll see the contortionists perform the message! Additionally, the video will play in a myriad of open browser windows and they will move around and open and close at will; the experience is not unlike Arcade Fire’s experimental video “The Wilderness Downtown.”

Click here to initiate the interactive version of “All Is Not Lost.” Browse the gallery below to check out some behind-the-scenes pictures from the set.

[Images via NYT]

Nintendo to slash 3DS from $249 to $169 in August, “Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors” to get 20 free games

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , ,

Since the Nintendo 3DS released in the US on March 27, more than 830,000 units have been sold nationwide. Apparently this number isn’t high enough for the house that built Mario, and so Ninty has plans to drop the 3D-capable handheld from a pricey $249.99 to a much more affordable $169.99 on August 12. To show their appreciation with those early adopters who paid more for the 3DS prior to the price cut, the company will inaugurate 3DS owners into the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program. If you own a 3DS and connect to the Nintendo eShop at least once before 11:59PM ET on August 11, you’ll automatically be registered into the program. Once you’re in, you’ll soon receive the opportunity to scoop up 20 Virtual Consoles for free! Nintendo explains:

Starting Sept. 1, Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors will be able to download 10 NES Virtual Console games at no charge and before they are available in the Nintendo eShop to the general public. These games, including Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Jr., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber and The Legend of Zelda, are slated to become paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors get them early for free. Once the paid versions of the games are posted to the Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost.

By the end of 2011, Nintendo will provide Ambassadors with 10 Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games. These include games like Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. These games will be available exclusively to Ambassadors, and Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future.

You see that? Sometimes it is worth being an early adopter! In related 3DS news, the new Nintendo Video Service app is now available to download in the eShop. The app automatically delivers short 3D videos from the worlds of music, comedy, animation and Hollywood. Ninty promises exclusive 3D animation and videos from OK Go, Jason DeRulo, Foster the People, CollegeHumor, and Blue Man Group to start. Expect new content to be delivered to your device on a regular basis. To start, the app offers an intro video, two short films (Sunday Jog and Dinosaur Office), and a Captain America movie trailer–all in 3D.

Update: Nintendo confirmed to IGN that the Virtual Console games will not be upgraded to 3D; bummer. However, when the games become available to the general public later in the year some will be upgraded to feature multiplayer simultaneous play at no cost to the consumer; super!

[Via Nintendo 1, 2]

Microsoft outs new Star Wars-themed Xbox 360 bundle, wireless headset, media remote & Avatar Kinect

Images, News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Let’s start with the coolest bit of news straight from Redmond. Microsoft is pushing out a Star Wars-themed Xbox 360 bundle to celebrate to release of Star Wars Kinect. The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars bundle includes an R2-D2-themed Xbox 360 console with custom sounds, a C-3PO-themed golden wireless controller, a white Kinect sensor, a 320GB HDD, a wired headset, and copies of Star Wars Kinect and Kinect Adventures. The bundle’s price: $449.99. It’s available for preorder today, comes out this fall.

Next up is the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth. The sleek new headset connects to the Xbox through the console’s standard radio frequencies, and since it packs Bluetooth functionality it can double as a regular old BT headset and pair with your mobile phone and computer. The communication device goes on sale early November 2011 and will cost $59.99. Jump after the break to watch Major Nelson give a quick tour of the packaging.

Also announced was the Xbox 360 Media Remote. Media playback controls include play/pause, skip forward, fast forward, skip back, fast back, and display to control DVD, CD, or streamed media. The TV controls include power on/off, volume up/down, mute and TV input. The Xbox 360 Media Remote’s menu navigation controls include A, B, X, Y buttons, D-pad navigation, back and select. Live TV, if provided on the Xbox 360 by your TV service provider, can also be controlled with the remote. It’ll cost $19.99 when it comes out alongside the wireless headset this November.

And last, but certainly not least, is Avatar Kinect. Explains Microsoft: “Avatar Kinect is a new social entertainment experience that brings your avatar to life. Avatar Kinect captures your facial expressions and voice so when you smile, nod or speak, your avatar does the same. Invite up to seven friends to join you in 24 imaginative virtual stages – discuss the latest celebrity gossip or news on the Talk Show Stage, try out your hysterical comedy routine on the Performance Stage, or wager who will win the big game in the Sports Party Stage.” The experience gets even more social as the Kinect sensor can record your sessions and you can upload them to KinectShare.com, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. After the break you’ll find a short video demonstrating the software’s abilities.

Also out is Kinect Sparkler, a fun Kinectified app that “transforms simple finger painting into an aerial light show” using advanced finger tracking. Kinect Avatar and Kinect Sparkler  are out now; the former is free to all Xbox LIVE Gold members (it is unlocked for all Xbox LIVE members (Free or Gold) to enjoy from 7/25 to 9/8) and the latter costs 240 Microsoft Points. Both can be found in Kinect Fun Labs section in Xbox LIVE.

[Via Engadget 1, 2, 3] Continue reading Microsoft outs new Star Wars-themed Xbox 360 bundle, wireless headset, media remote & Avatar Kinect →