Google Launches Chrome Apps for Mac
Google today announced that it is bringing Chrome Apps to the Mac, following a beta period that began in May. First introduced in September for Windows and Chromebook users, Chrome Apps are designed to function like native Mac apps, working offline, updating automatically, and syncing on any computer where a user is signed into Chrome.
Chrome Apps work offline, update automatically and sync to any computer where you’re signed into Chrome, so you can pick up where you left off. Your Chrome Apps on Mac behave and feel just like native software. For example, you can find your Chrome Apps in the Applications folder on the Dock. Search for apps by name in the Spotlight search—just like any other Mac program that you already use.
Chrome Apps, which are separate from Chrome browser apps, are downloaded into the applications folder and work like any other Mac app. The apps have access to local storage for offline support, differentiating them from standard Chrome apps, and are able to easily sync content between multiple computers.
Chrome Apps for the Mac also work with Google’s Chrome App Launcher, which will be automatically installed when any Chrome App is downloaded. The Chrome App Launcher aggregates all Chrome Apps into one convenient expandable grid on the Mac’s dock.
Google has several different fully functional Chrome Apps available for download from its Chrome Web Store, including offerings like video editing app WeVideo Next and project management app Smartsheet.
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iPod and Nest Creator Tony Fadell May Have Purchased (RED) EarPods and Mac Pro for $1.4 Million
Earlier this year, Apple design chief Jony Ive and designer Marc Newson created a number of one-of-a-kind items to be sold at a Sotheby’s charity auction to benefit Product (RED). Two items in particular were Apple related, a pair of solid gold Apple EarPods and a new Mac Pro with a special red finish.
According to a pair of tweets by photographer Kevin Abosch, Tony Fadell — one of the creators of the iPod and the founder of Nest, the company behind the Nest Thermostat and Protect smoke detector — may have purchased both the Mac Pro and the EarPods at the auction.
The Mac Pro sold for $977,000 while the solid gold EarPods sold for $461,000. Other items sold at the auction included a Steinway & Sons grand piano that sold for $1,925,000 and a magnum of Dom Perignon 1966 with a custom red label that sold for $93,750.
My friend @tfadell stopped by with 1 of a kind solid rose gold earbuds. Very cool! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
– 5:45 AM Pacific, December 11, 2013
Both 1 of a kind… @tfadell with the (RED) Mac Pro and he’s already trying to hack it!!
The red Mac Pro is one of the few out in the wild at the moment, as Apple has not yet started selling the device to the public. First shipments of the new Mac are expected later this month.
We have reached out to both Kevin Abosch and Tony Fadell for confirmation of the purchase and will update if we hear back.
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JetBlue fills a plane with reporters for the ultimate Fly-Fi satellite internet test
JetBlue’s been quoting some pretty ambitious figures for its new ViaSat-powered in-flight WiFi, and during our test flight last month, the Ka-band satellite service seemed to be up to the task. The promise? 12 Mbps internet at every seat on the plane; enough to stream HD video, download new apps and conduct your online business just as quickly as you would on the ground. That performance pledge generally assumes that only a handful of passengers will be watching Netflix films and YouTube clips — however, that condition went right out the boarding door when the airline filled a few dozen A320 seats with journalists eager to push the service to its limits on today’s official launch flight. It was a charter plane to nowhere — a 90-minute journey from New York’s JFK airport to New York’s JFK airport — but for this group of passengers, it was the ultimate adventure.
Gate-to-gate WiFi is coming soon — perhaps even before the end of the year — but on the flight today, Fly-Fi came online above 10,000 feet. After a few minutes of inconsistency, the service screamed for the rest of our time in the air. I uploaded Instagram photos and videos and responded to tweets using my iPhone 5s, which was connected to JetBlue’s free service, while my laptop was hooked up to the $9-per-hour Fly-Fi Plus. Both offerings performed just fine for basic surfing, but the paid version also excelled when it came to video streaming. I loaded 720p YouTube videos in only a few seconds, with minimal buffering, as you can see in the hands-on video below. Generally, the connection was much faster on the plane than it was in the JFK terminal, but it did seem to stutter a bit compared to the super-fast Verizon FiOS I’m used to at home.
With a latency of nearly one second, websites didn’t load as quickly as they would on the ground. That speed bump comes courtesy of the 22,000 miles between ViaSat-1 and our plane, but after a few minutes of surfing with Fly-Fi, I didn’t mind the delay. As I experienced with the pervious flight, the service far exceeded competing ground-to-air services from Gogo and the satellite-based Panasonic WiFi on United’s fleet. But there’s good news on that front: LiveTV, the JetBlue subsidiary tasked with installing the Fly-Fi on the airline’s A320s, has already begun rolling out an equivalent service on select United 737s. UA is expected to launch its own ViaSat-connected internet within the next few months. Still, JetBlue’s been tapped as ViaSat’s launch partner, so if you want to try out the most powerful in-flight internet on the planet, that’s your best bet today. Other North American airlines may soon follow suit, however — this is the beginning of the end for frustratingly slow in-flight WiFi.
Filed under: Transportation, Wireless
Android Device Manager now available for your downloading pleasure on Google Play
There’s a good chance you’ve already gotten Android Device Manager as an OTA update or checked it out via the web version, but for the rest of you, the device-tracking app hit the Play store today. Using the app, you can find your devices on a Google Map, ring to locate or add a lock screen or system reset for dire circumstances. Peep the source link below for the download.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google
Source: Google +, Google Play
Pinterest outfits iPad app with retooled navigation for iOS 7
In order to fully flex its digital collecting muscle on Apple slates, Pinterest has revamped its iPad app with new features for iOS 7. Redesigned navigation is said to gain a speed boost via a bottom-aligned menu and recent boards are kept handy for easy pinning. A press and hold on any board now will bring up a menu for viewing related repositories or sending its contents to your best mates. As you might expect, those extra secret boards that the outfit gifted users with last week will also be accessible keeping those shopping ideas shrouded until December 25th.
Microsoft rolls out tool that makes it easier to switch to Outlook from Gmail
Microsoft has never made any bones about the fact that Outlook.com was designed to lure users away from Gmail. Heck, the company said as much at launch, and even went out of its way to note that a third of its first 60 million users came over from Google. That’s a good start, but it’s clear Microsoft wants an even bigger piece of the pie: the outfit is introducing a tool that will make it even easier for new Outlook users to import their Gmail messages, contacts and folders. With this new feature, Microsoft can copy your emails from Google, marking them as either read or unread, depending on whether you got a chance to read them over on the Gmail side. The import tool also preserves your existing folder setup — something Outlook didn’t do when it first launched. Finally, you’ll still be able to send emails from your Gmail account, even from within the Outlook.com interface.
Granted, some of these things have been possible for a while now; they just haven’t been as intuitive. For instance, you could already forward new Gmail messages, and also transfer over older emails. But, says Dawn Martynuik, Director of Outlook, because this new tool is built on the IMAP standard it should be easier to use. So, if you’re one of the reported one in four users (according to Microsoft) who would switch email providers if it were less of a hassle, you might want to look into it. The tool is rolling out now, but be warned: Microsoft says it could take a few weeks before everyone sees this import option in their settings.
Google Drive Sheets gets offline document creation and editing, speedier calculations, smoother scrolling
Google Sheets isn’t quite as capable as its counterpart from Microsoft, but Mountain View’s preferred spreadsheet platform just got a bit more powerful with an update today. Should you choose to opt-in to the new Sheets, you’ll be able to take advantage of several new features and the new version’s faster performance. Among the highlight feature additions are the ability to create and edit spreadsheets offline (assuming you’ve set up offline GDrive access), and a Filter Views feature that lets users customize their view of a collaborative workbook without changing the way that same spreadsheet is seen by other users. Plus, there’s now inline access to improved help articles and other tweaks like the ability to assign different colors to sheet tabs.
We got to spend a bit of time using the new Sheets before today, and we can say, unequivocally, that the performance improvements are as advertised. Where the old Sheets would get bogged down scrolling through massive data sets, the new version does it as smoothly and easily as when using Microsoft Excel. Furthermore, the addition of sheet tab colors turned out to be more useful than we first thought — the differing hues made it much easier to find specific sheets within larger workbooks. Don’t believe us? Opt in, friend, and see for yourself.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Google Drive blog
Digital Storm teases hybrid Steam Machine, reveals $1,469 starting price and not much else
We’ll have to wait until CES for a real peek at Digital Storm’s forthcoming Steam Machine, but thankfully the show’s only a few weeks away. In the meantime, the company’s got a few details to offer up, calling the box “one of the most advanced small form factor systems” ever, thanks to options like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN graphics card, liquid cooling, airflow thermal management and up to a 700W power supply. The system will offer up both SteamOS and Windows, with a starting price of $1,469. Digital Storm says it opted not to compete with the price of current-gen consoles. Fair enough. In the meantime, here’s a dark teaser page for you to stare at for the next couple of weeks.
Source: Digital Storm
Engadget’s Holiday Gift Guide 2013: For the Geek who has everything
Welcome to Engadget’s holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides.
We all know at least one of them: that borderline-annoying person who always seems to have the latest gadgets the moment they’re announced. The Nexus 5 isn’t going to cut it for such people; you’ll need to think outside the box if you want to really impress them. Consider the ideas below — from 3D-printing pens to a stunning e-motorcycle, these (probably) haven’t found a place in your friends’ lives just yet.
ON THE CHEAP
Arduino YUN
The nearly ubiquitous Arduino had one major weakness, if you ask me: a lack of on-board WiFi. It’s pretty rough building an internet of things with piles of shields and yards of Ethernet cord. The YUN solves this most basic of conundrums by putting the versatile ATmega on the same board as a MIPS-powered WiFi SoC. You can even reprogram the Arduino wirelessly, so you can load up a whole new set of instructions without having to pull apart your meticulously crafted project. — Terrence O’Brien, Deputy Managing Editor
Key specs: WiFi, microSD slot, ATmega32U4 microcontroller, Atheros MIPS WiFi SoC.
Price: €52 (about $70) from Arduino
3Doodler
Here’s something for artists who have just about everything. This brand-new 3D-printing pen will have them drawing in air in no time. At $99, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than desktop 3D printers, and it’s a small price to pay to unlock some really cool creative potential. One small caveat: Unless you donated to the now-funded Kickstarter, you won’t get the pen before February of next year. — Brian Heater, Director of Media
Key specs: Ships with 50 strands of ABS or PLA, wall-powered via included cable, fast and slow speeds.
Price: From $75 on Kickstarter, $99 pre-order from 3Doodler
Fitbit Force
When it comes to fitness wearables, few brands are as recognizable and prominent as Fitbit. From the clip-based models of old to the more recent Force, the company’s devices count steps, calculate calories burned and track the quality of your sleep. Personally, I’d opt for the Force merely because it also works as a watch and an alarm clock. Plus, with a future update, it will handle caller ID information when paired with an iPhone 4s (or later model) running iOS 7. — Nicole Lee, Associate Editor
Key specs: OLED screen, altimeter, Bluetooth 4.0, small and large sizes, seven to 10 days of battery life.
Price: $130 from Fitbit
Western Digital My Book 4TB
Don’t underestimate the value of an external hard drive as a gift, as it can be a lifesaver for those with valuable data. If you know someone who needs that extra peace of mind, we’d recommend Western Digital’s 4TB My Book drive. For less than $200, you’re buying a fast USB 3.0 disk with enough space to back up just about everything on a typical computer. It’s not as exciting as other gifts here, but trust us — the lucky recipient will likely thank you later. — Jon Fingas, Associate Editor
Key specs: 4TB hard drive, USB 3.0 interface, Mac and Windows compatibility, Dropbox integration, hardware encryption support.
Price: $160 (for 4TB) from Western Digital
MID-RANGE
Mission Workshop Vandal Roll Top Backpack
It always helps to have your full gadget arsenal at hand, so you can be ready for anything, but keeping all that gear safe and dry is a challenge. The folks at Mission Workshop have made it their job to provide a variety of quality, weather-resistant bags that play nice with your electronic gear, and this Vandal bag in particular caught our eye. Not only does it look good and keep moisture at bay, but its flexible sizing also allows you to stuff several days’ worth of necessities on top of your regular kit. — Jon Turi, Associate Editor
Key specs: Weatherproof compartments and materials, urethane-coated zippers, carbon fiber-reinforced internal frame, roll-top and flap-down modes, capacity of 1,800-4,000 cubic inches.
Price: $295 from Mission Workshop
Teenage Engineering OP-1
You don’t need to spend thousands for a studio setup in order to start churning out some quality beats and rhythms anymore. Teenage Engineering created this portable and versatile OP-1 Synth with both the budding producer and seasoned professional in mind. The unit includes a selection of synthesizers, sequencers, effects and recording and tape-edit capabilities, all in a slick package. It’s perfect for live performances — just ask Reggie Watts — and it will save you a bundle on roadies. — Jon Turi
Key specs: Multiple synthesizer engines, effects and sequencers; USB MIDI controller (Mac/PC); tape editing; four-track mixer; up to 24-minute recording time; AMOLED display; mini speaker; three-axis accelerometer.
Price: $849 from Teenage Engineering
MakerBot Digitizer
Here’s something to complete the 3D-printing experience for the maker in your life. This 3D scanner lets you create printable 3D files in less than 12 minutes. Once an item is scanned, artists can further adjust and animate it via their third-party 3D modeling program of choice. Just don’t be surprised when you receive some weird ornaments this time next year. — Brian Heater
Key specs: Outputs standard 3D file formats, includes MakerWare for Digitizer software, USB connection, 6.6-pound maximum weight for scanned objects.
Price: $949 from MakerBot
Sony HMZ-T3W wearable display
Other than making you (or anyone else, for that matter) look unbelievably impressive, Sony’s new HMZ wearable display has what it takes to create a personal viewing experience unlike any other. Inside are dual 720p OLED screens that, according to Sony, formulate the equivalent of a 750-inch display for watching video content. But that’s not all; the T3W also features virtual 7.1 surround sound, a 3D mode and the ability to pair up with other devices (such as laptops, smartphones and tablets) via the HML-ready HDMI inputs. — Edgar Alvarez, Associate Editor
Key specs: Dual 720p OLED screens, 3D-ready, HDMI/MHL connectivity, virtual 7.1 surround sound, WirelessHD mode.
Price: $998 on Amazon
MONEY IS NO OBJECT
Brammo Empulse R
Brammo’s Empulse R e-motorcycle carries a premium price, but it delivers the exceptional reward of fun, guilt-free transportation. You’ll get a nimble, torque-loving bike that just happens to be good for the environment. And when it costs an estimated $4 in electricity to ride 400 miles, you may ultimately save more money than you would by springing for a cheaper, gas-powered alternative. While range and long-term battery endurance remain issues, I’d gladly take the Empulse R down a winding country backroad. — Jon Fingas
Key specs: 40kW (54HP equivalent) electric motor, 77-mile combined city/highway range, 105MPH top speed.
Price: $18,995 from Brammo
Tesla Model S
Still believe that only pinkos and Ed Begley Jr. drive electric cars? You need to spend some time with Tesla’s Model S. In addition to its gorgeous sports sedan looks, the Model S has been engineered from the ground up to make the best of its modern engine. That means your legs don’t get boxed in by a drivetrain, and there’s more than 30 cubic feet of storage space just for your luggage. Then there’s the driving experience; we’re talking shredding corners and hugging the road. Of course, looking amazing and saving the planet don’t come cheap, but $60,000 isn’t a lot considering the only thing this doesn’t do is fly. — Daniel Cooper, Associate Editor
Key specs: Electric motor, charges at up to 100 km of range per hour, 4.2 seconds to 60MPH (Performance model), up to an 85kWh battery, 17-inch touchscreen.
Price: $62,400 and up from Tesla
Virgin Galactic trip
We can think of few gifts as incredible as an off-world vacation that’ll make most any terrestrial trip seem staid and boring in comparison. Aside from the obvious allure of messing around in zero gravity and viewing the globe from outer space, you also get to join Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride on the short list of humans who have ever left Earth. Oh, and you can put a price on the perfect gift: $250,000. — Michael Gorman, Senior Editor
Key specs: IT’S A TRIP TO SPACE. ON A SPACESHIP.
Price: $250,000 from Virgin Galactic
Giveaway
Sony Cyber-shot QX10
The lens-style QX10 clips onto your smartphone and uses your handset’s display as a viewfinder. It’s a nifty, portable setup, and WiFi makes it easy to share photos instantly. Though it won’t replace your standalone camera, it’s a great accessory to add to your toolkit. Enter the raffle below for a chance to win, and be sure to check out our giveaway rules.
The rules:
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone).
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One winner will receive one (1) Sony Cyber-shot QX10.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes a contact email. Social media contact details are not carried over into our system.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Sony and Engadget/AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until December 31st, 2013 at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Filed under: Misc, Transportation, Sony
AT&T’s 300Mbps internet launches in Austin, starting at $70 with targeted ads
Right on time, AT&T has launched its 300Mbps GigaPower internet service in Austin. The fast U-Verse tier is available now to residents in “eligible” neighborhoods, while others can vote fiberhood-style for a deployment in their area. A free upgrade to 1Gbps is still due sometime in 2014. Just don’t expect a traditional approach to pricing. To get GigaPower service at a Google Fiber-rivaling $70 per month, you’ll have to let AT&T target its web ads based on your browsing and search histories; Austinites uncomfortable with such tracking will have to shell out $99 per month for otherwise identical speeds. We imagine that some won’t like the ad-subsidized business model, but it may be a small price to pay for locals who aren’t willing to wait for Google’s take on high-speed fiber.
Filed under: Networking, Internet, AT&T
Via: GigaOM
AIVAnet 