Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hits Android and iOS with long-lost Palace Zone stage
If you’re looking to party like it’s 1993 you can now do it on your Android or iOS handheld device, thanks to a new Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reissue from Sega. On top of the 11 levels and seven special zones from the classic game, the portable version includes the Palace Zone, a rarely seen beta stage that was cut from the original game. There’s also a widescreen mode for easier portable gameplay, a “boss attack mode” and the ability to play as Knuckles along with Sonic and Tails. It’s now on Google Play at $2.99 (like the original version) and should hit iOS later today. So, if you’d like to revisit your childhood, but at 60fps this time, hit the source.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets
Via: Android Central
Source: Sega (Google Play)
Aereo chief: ‘We have decided not to oppose the broadcasters’ petition before the Supreme Court’
Big media may have thought its deep pockets and love of ceaseless litigation would break Aereo’s bank and spirit, but the cloud-based DVR company’s striking back at its broadcast rivals with a surprising twist. In a statement released just today, Aereo head Chet Kanojia said that his company would “not oppose the broadcasters’ petition for certiorari before the United States Supreme Court.” Kanojia echoed much of what Cablevision itself expressed in a white paper earlier today, saying that he believes the end goal of this court battle could ultimately strike down a 2008 ruling in favor of Cablevision’s cloud DVR tech which laid the groundwork for many of the cloud-based services we enjoy today.
Though Aereo and Cablevision sit on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to retransmission fees, both parties agree innovation is integral and the broadcasters’ suit, if successful, could reverse much of that technological progress. For Aereo’s part, the potential Supreme Court case could also provide a much needed light at the end of the tunnel — a final ruling in a recent string of lower court victories that would free up its resources and allow the company to pursue nationwide expansion unburdened. That’s if the Supreme Court even decides to hear the case, as that decision that won’t come until sometime in 2014.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
Source: Aereo Blog
Microsoft joins the FIDO Alliance to put an end to passwords
The FIDO Alliance is on a roll: it already has support from heavyweights like Google and Lenovo in its quest to eliminate password-based sign-ins, and it’s now bringing Microsoft into the fold. The software pioneer is taking a seat at the Alliance’s board of directors, where it will help shape open authentication standards. Microsoft isn’t revealing what it would like to do with FIDO at this early stage, but it’s easy to see the company improving both its verification methods and Windows’ support for biometric readers. There are still gaps in the Alliance’s membership — Apple and Samsung aren’t involved, for instance. Still, Redmond’s involvement makes it clearer than ever that the group will have a lot of say over our future digital security.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Microsoft
Source: FIDO Alliance (PDF)
IFTTT now lets iOS users automate their location
IFTTT (If This Then That) is a handy online service capable of connecting various apps and devices together and running automated tasks (or “recipes”) that you’d normally find mundane and time-wasting. It’s been around for a couple years and has built up a strong network of different services ranging from social networks like Instagram and Twitter to Cloud services like Dropbox and Box.net, and plenty of stuff in between. One thing that’s been missing, however, is the ability to automate your location; fortunately, IFTTT is introducing the iOS Location Channel to fill that void (well, for iOS devices anyway).
The new channel leverages location information from your GPS, cellular, WiFi or iBeacon data and uses it as a “trigger” — something that initiates an automated action. For example, you can instruct IFTTT to send a text message to your loved one as you’re arriving at your destination, or get an email when one of your Foursquare friends checks in somewhere near your apartment. If you use a Philips Hue, have it do a crazy light show to announce your upcoming arrival. There’s plenty more ideas where that came from, but you’ll have to go take a look at IFTTT’s full listing of services and come up with a few clever recipes of your own as well.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Apple
Source: IFTTT
Twitter for Mac Gains Updated Design With Photo Previews and Revamped Profiles [Mac Blog]
Twitter for Mac was today updated to version 3.0, adding several new features plus a revamped look and feel to bring it more inline with the Twitter for iOS app.
The app has gained display previews for Twitter photos, along with a detailed view for Tweets that offers photos, other Tweets in the conversation, and favorite and retweet counts. Profiles have also gained a new look, with a profile banner header that includes more detailed information on each user.
This release comes with a number of enhancements and changes.
More visual and engaging timelines
– Previews of Twitter photos will be front and center in Tweets. To see more of the photo, just click. If you want to disable previews, just go to preferences and uncheck “image previews.”Get more from Tweets
– Check out the tweet detail pane to see the conversation around a tweet as well as favorite and retweet counts.Beautiful profiles
– Profiles now show header photos to display the unique personality of every user. Learn more about them by seeing who they follow and are followed by, their lists, and their custom timelines.Updated design
– We’ve refreshed the overall look and feel of the app.
Prior to today’s update, Twitter for Mac’s last major update was in April of 2013 to add Retina support and improvements to photo sharing. Before that, the app went without an update for nearly two years.
Twitter for Mac can be downloaded from the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]
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