Facebook confirms video ads in feeds for mobile
Facebook on Tuesday confirmed that “a small number of people” will begin to see video ads in their social media feed. Indeed, this is for both the desktop as well as the mobile experience.
According to Facebook, the videos will automatically play as they appear on screen, but sound is muted. Tapping or clicking the video will open it full screen where the audio will also play.
For those worried that Facebook will chew up your data plan with advertisements, the online giant says they are downloaded via Wi-Fi in advance. This way, you’ll get the ads even when you’re offline. A real bonus, no?
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Now TV’s ‘Sky Sports’ Channel Comes to Apple TV in UK [iOS Blog]
Apple TV users in the United Kingdom gained a new channel today with the addition of Now TV‘s “Sky Sports”, notes Pocket-lint. The channel allows users to purchase £9.99 day passes providing access to six different Sky Sports channels.
If there is a particular sporting event you want to watch, you can purchase a Sky Sports Now TV Day Pass through the app which will unlock all six Sky Sports channels for 24 hours. A Day Pass costs £9.99 and although that might seem hefty in comparison to a monthly Sky Sports subscription through Sky, Virgin Media or other TV services, it’s great for those who don’t want a regular contract and really only want to watch a Formula One race or cricket test match, for example.
Apple has been making regular updates to its Apple TV content offerings over the last six months, and just last week added support for ABC, Bloomberg, Crackle, and KORTV in the United States, with several of the channels available in other countries as well.
(Thanks for the photos, Henry!)
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Wireless Computer System with Integrated Smart Projector Detailed in New Apple Patent
Apple has been awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (via AppleInsider) detailing a wireless “desk-free” computer system that consists of only a computer housing with a built-in unique smart projector including advanced capabilities.
The patent, which was filed in 2008, details a computer system housing a unique projector with advanced technology that would hold the same power as a desktop or laptop. The smart projector would also allow the “computer” to be set up anywhere, allowing any suitable surface to be used for a display screen.
The computer systems and methods described herein may achieve a synergy that is not possible with conventional computers and projectors, which may be realized in terms of the operating system, system interaction, and/or performance. This may stem, for example, from the computer system’s knowledge of the computer system’s projection output and the surface on which it is projecting. The operating system may be designed to include larger icons and/or text and/or a different style based on the knowledge that the user is likely further away from the displayed image than conventional computer experiences.
In detail, the projector would also be configurable to run solely for certain purposes, such as turning off all components except the DVD drive and the projector to run as a mobile cinema, or turning off certain components to run like a normal computer. The projector itself would also be able to automatically calibrate and perform keystoning on itself to provide the best picture possible based on sensor data, even going as far to color correct and discard lesser pixels to display a high-resolution image.
Meanwhile, Apple describes the computer system as also allowing for peripherals such as a wireless mouse or keyboard to be connected, with the device as a whole being powered in a number of potential ways, such as having a single power cord to connect to a power supply or through the inclusion of an inductive wireless charge system or integrated batteries.
It is unknown whether Apple plans to create such a product or not, but the company has researched unique projector technology before. A patent in 2011 revealed the company’s interest in developing a pico projector that would be able to take advantage of built-in cameras to automatically recognize and adjust gestures and shadows, which would result in interactive uses for situations such as presentations. Apple also currently includes a section for presentation accessories in its online store, where it sells various projectors from manufacturer Epson.
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Samsung expands HomeSync compatibility to other Android devices
Samsung on Tuesday announced that it will now allow other branded devices to connect and sync with its HomeSync storage. Previously limited to Samsung’s own devices, the 1TB storage device connects to HD TVs via HDMI and allows for up to eight separate accounts. Each account could then store and share music, photos, videos, and other content in and out of the house. Samsung HomeSync went on sale earlier this year and currently costs $299.
With HomeSync’s Android Media Center, enjoy the best of Android gaming, videos, and music, or flip through photos on your home television for a full HD viewing experience. You can also use your mobile device as a remote mouse, with easy control of compatible devices.
We took a look at the app listing in Google Play and found a rather short list of devices supported thus far. Here’s hoping that Samsung continues to expand compatibility.
- HTC smartphones : One , ButterFly
- Sony smartphones : Xperia Z , Xperia ZL , Xperia SP
- LG smartphones : Optimus G pro , Nexus4
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AT&T signs deal with EE to offer 4G data roaming in the UK
AT&T’s mission to provide superfast data outside of the US has been given another big boost, courtesy of EE. The UK carrier announced today that it has become the first domestic provider to offer 4G roaming to international travellers, with AT&T coming on board as its first partner. AT&T has been moving fast: just last week it signed a deal with Rogers to provide quick LTE data anywhere the Canadian provider has compatible coverage. EE doesn’t intend to limit itself either — the carrier says today’s agreement is the first of many deals it expects to announce over the coming months, suggesting other US operators could soon follow AT&T’s lead.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, AT&T
Google’s 2013 Zeitgeist includes Mandela, iPhones and a 3D trend map (video)
Google is back again with its annual list of the most popular searches of the year — only this time, with a 3D twist. In addition to old-fashioned 2D charts, the internet giant’s 2013 Zeitgeist includes a trend globe that lets you see what major cities were looking for on any given day. Google+ also plays a large role, as you can share and browse the social network’s most memorable public photos.
Like in years past, 2013′s top searches were a mixture of tech and tragedy. The deaths of Nelson Mandela and Paul Walker led the world’s queries, but many also spent a lot of time looking for the iPhone 5s, Galaxy S 4 and PlayStation 4. Other notable searches ranged from serious matters like the Boston Marathon bombing to the silliness of the Harlem Shake. Want to see more? Hop past the break, where we have both the full top 10 list as well as Google’s year-in-review video.
Top 10 Global Searches
- Nelson Mandela
- Paul Walker
- iPhone 5s
- Cory Monteith
- Harlem Shake
- Boston Marathon
- Royal Baby
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- PlayStation 4
- North Korea
Filed under: Internet, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Google
Via: Google Official Blog
Source: Google Zeitgeist
Fedora 20 Heisenbug arrives with ARM support and smarter virtual machines
Red Hat wants to be ready for a world of ARM-powered PCs, and it just took a big step toward that goal by releasing Fedora 20 Heisenbug. The Linux distribution now supports ARM as a main platform; users and developers no longer have to use Intel-based chips if they want Red Hat’s full blessing. The OS also brings much-improved virtualization through both a new visual interface and “first-class” virtual machine images. There are updates to desktop environments like GNOME and KDE, too. Whether you’re setting up an ARM server or just appreciate Red Hat’s nod to Breaking Bad, you’ll find full details of the Heisenbug upgrade at the source links.
Filed under: Software
Source: Fedora Project (1), (2)
PointGrab will let you control devices and appliances by pointing at them
The future of motion and gesture control is quickly approaching, and a few companies are already working hard to make this kind of a tech not just a reality, but also practical for general consumers. One such company, Tel Aviv-based PointGrab, has maintained radio silence for nearly three and a half years while working on its next-generation product, and it looks like we’re finally going to see it at CES next month. Back in 2010, the company began integrating some of its tech into a few specific laptop models, and involved holding the palm of your hand straight up in front of a 2D webcam. PointGrab’s next effort, however, takes that concept and refines it so that all you have to do is point your finger at an electronic device or home appliance and mimic touchscreen gestures in order to get it to do your bidding.
The tech, PointGrab tells us, works by “using depth information to create a ‘transparent space’ in front of the user, enabling a ‘touch-like’ operation of devices, but from a distance.” Below the break you’ll find two YouTube videos detailing the ideas. The first one shows off PointSwitch, which focuses on various appliances around your home: for instance, you can do things like dim the lights, pull down your shades, adjust your air conditioning and lock/unlock your door. The second video is for AirTouch, which lets you interact with your computer monitors, HDTV and other consumer electronics. We’re still waiting to try it out for ourselves and get more details at CES next month. PointGrab tells us that we can expect to see the new tech integrated with manufactured products sometime in early 2014.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Laptops, HD, Mobile
Edward Snowden reminds the world that he’s still homeless
While the US justice system slowly begins to digest everything Edward Snowden revealed about the NSA, the whistleblower himself remains stateless and living under temporary asylum in Russia. In an open letter to the people of Brazil, following revelations of widespread NSA “data collection” in that country, Snowden has made it clear that he’s not happy with his current situation and won’t be content until an appropriate government grants him permanent political asylum. He says he’s willing to help the Brazilian authorities to understand the extent of the NSA’s surveillance of their citizens, which allegedly covered over two million mobile calls and text messages in a single month, including calls made by Brazil’s president, but insists he can’t do anything while the US limits his “ability to speak” from Russia — with the obvious hint being that he’d quite like to move to Latin America. You’ll find the full text of Snowden’s letter at the source link below.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet
Via: The Guardian
Source: Folha De S. Paolo
Apple includes Ridiculous Fishing and Wunderlist in its top iOS and OS X apps of 2013
As is tradition near the end of the year, we look back on our most recent lap around the sun and try to forget all those resolutions we didn’t meet. Today, Apple’s the one in a reflective mood, having published its “Best of 2013″ selections for the iOS and Mac App Stores as well as iTunes. Free language teaching app Duolingo tops the iPhone chart, with chainsaw-assisted angling title Ridiculous Fishing snapping up the game-specific award. The iPad app of the year accolade goes to Disney Animated, an interactive guide to the iconic studio’s animation process, and SFCave-meets-Super Meat Boy platformer Badland stands at the top of the podium in the games category. The iOS edition of Minecraft is the best selling paid app of 2013 despite its age, while puzzler Candy Crush Saga is both the top free and the top grossing app of the year. In the OS X App Store, to-do list manager Wunderlist takes home the prize for best app of the year, with Lego Lord of the Rings being named the greatest game. For all honorable runner-up mentions and the best-of selections for iTunes music, books, TV, films and more, load up the relevant store and look out for the banner.
Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Internet, Software, Mobile, Apple
Via: TechCrunch
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