This Prototype was Almost the HTC One
The HTC One is on the top of the list on numerous tech websites for best designed phone of 2013. But that design almost wasn’t going to be what the HTC was going to go with for their beloved HTC One. Turns out, there was a whole other design for the One, and Engadget got their hands on a prototype HTC One, taking a slew of images of it.
Kind of resembled an HTC DROID DNA, but a little wider. No front-facing speakers, which ended up being a huge selling point in the actual design. So check out all the images, and let us know if you like this design more than the actual design.
Source: Engadget
BYU image algorithm can recognize objects without any human help
Even the smartest object recognition systems tend to require at least some human input to be effective, even if it’s just to get the ball rolling. Not a new system from Brigham Young University, however. A team led by Dah-Jye Lee has built a genetic algorithm that decides which features are important all on its own. The code doesn’t need to reset whenever it looks for a new object, and it’s accurate to the point where it can reliably pick out subtle differences — different varieties of fish, for instance. There’s no word on just when we might see this algorithm reach the real world, but Lee believes that it could spot invasive species and manufacturing defects without requiring constant human oversight. Let’s just hope it doesn’t decide that we’re the invasive species.
Filed under: Alt
Via: SlashGear
Source: Brigham Young University
Square Enix launches Final Fantasy VI, with all the Usually Blocking
Those that might have been too busy to keep up with things might have missed that Square Enix released Final Fantasy VI to the Play Store today. Chiming in at the tradition $15.99, the game is already racking up some serious downloads. Final Fantasy VI first made its debut in 1994 in Japan, but was Final Fantasy III in the states. At least, according to Wikipedia.
In this epic iteration of the gaming franchise, all the main characters from past come together in one epic story. You are able to play as all your favorites from the past in an intertwining story. FFVI, like all the rest, has been completely redone by Square Enix to recreate the magic that once was, on your mobile device. It received a complete overhaul to the battle interface to accommodate all our touch controls and even includes some magicites and events that were recreated in the 2006 remake.
Of course Square has high standards and higher prices. At $15.99 and 493MBs, it is up to you to decide if you want to continue where the storey left off. Be warned though, we are seeing some user complaints as always. The wonders of KitKat and ART seem to be a problem and so does the Xposed framwork (Need to disable all modules and reboot before playing). Interestingly enough there’s G+ sign-in, but no cloud back-up for gaming progress. We wonder if they will implement that at some point. Mind you, that is based on the comments on the Play Store, not personal experience.
If you want to pick it up, then just hit the link below.
Final Fantasy VI Play Store Link
‘Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition’ Now Available for iPad [iOS Blog]
Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition, the sequel to the original Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition for iOS released in late 2012, can now be downloaded from the App Store.
The game, which has been made available thanks to a collaboration between Beamdog, and Atari, is a remake of Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn and the following expansion packs: Throne of Bhaal, Fist of the Fallen, Unbound, A Shadow’s Life, In Defense of the Wild, The Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay, and Gallery of Heroes II.
“He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster… When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you…”
Kidnapped. Imprisoned. Tortured. The wizard Irenicus holds you captive in his stronghold, attempting to strip you of the powers that are your birthright.
Can you resist the evil within you, forge a legend of heroic proportions, and ultimately destroy the dark essence that haunts your dreams? Or will you embrace your monstrous nature, carve a swath of destruction across the realms, and ascend to godhood as the new Lord of Murder?
As with the original Baldur’s Gate for iOS, Baldur’s Gate II includes multiplayer functionality, remastered artwork, and interface improvements. Baldur’s Gate II has also been available from the Mac App Store since November.
Baldur’s Gate II can be downloaded from the App Store for $14.99. [Direct Link]
     |
Apple Updates WWDC App with Video Fix [iOS Blog]
Apple today updated its WWDC app, fixing an issue that prevented developers from being able to log in and watch videos from the June 2013 event.
According to reports on Twitter, some developers had been unable to use the app to view session videos following the security breach on Apple’s Developer Center that shut it down for an extended period of time in July 2013.
This release addresses an issue where developers were unable to log into the app to watch videos. Thank you for your bug reports and feedback.
Apple’s WWDC app was also used for the evasi0n iOS 7 jailbreak, and it is unclear if the new update also has something to do with that.
WWDC can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
| |
CyanogenMod Installer comes to the Mac in beta form
Mac users no longer have to sit on the sidelines while their Windows-using friends install CyanogenMod with ease. Cyanogen has just released an OS X beta for its Installer app, making it trivial to flash your Android phone with a new ROM from the comfort of your MacBook. Just be sure to check out the compatibility list before you dive in — the beta won’t work with some Samsung devices. Provided that everything lines up, you can start downloading at the source link.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Via: Droid-Life
Source: CyanogenMod (Google+)
Successor to the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine teased in promo video
What you see here is a leaked image that claims to be the upcoming successor to the classic TR-808 drum machine from Roland. If you’re in need of a refresher, the unit debuted in 1980 and powered a truckload of iconic sounds over the past 30 years, including Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” and Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock.” Heck, it’s still getting plenty of use by musicians and producers today. In a video teaser discussing the heritage of the original device, Roland’s Atsushi Hoshiai notes that the outfit feels “it’s time to take the next step.” Near the end of the video, you’ll catch a glimpse of what appears to be the new drum machine — labeled the Aira — that matches up well with the snapshot. A green-rimmed black unit is flashed briefly and what’s shown of the button layout seems to match up with that image obtained by Attack Magazine.
Details are scarce at this point, but the big question is whether the Aira will be a brand-new digital version or a reissue that’s analog like the original. It’s also worth noting that Korg has gone analog with recent product launches, like the Volca synth series and MS-20 mini, so hopefully Roland will follow suit. We’re just days away from NAMM 2014, so the new unit may get a proper unveiling in Anaheim… if we’re lucky. The aforementioned video awaits just past the break, so you can have a look for yourself.
Filed under: Misc
Via: Attack Magazine
Source: YouTube
Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:45PM ET
It’s Tuesday and time for the Engadget HD Podcast. We hope you’ll join us live when the Engadget HD podcast starts recording at 8:45PM. Tonight we cover the news following CES, a wrap up of the storm, as well as a kick off of 2014. If you’ll be joining us, take a peek at the topics after the break — then do everything else you’ll need to do in order to be ready to participate in the live chat.
Aereo vs. TV networks case will be heard by the Supreme Court
Charter makes a $61 billion bid for Time Warner Cable, could be the first of many
CES 2014: HDTV & home theater roundup
Samsung: cheap OLED TVs won’t be ready for three to four years
iOS gets a Google Play Movies & TV streaming app, but it only works over WiFi
Sky’s AdSmart brings targeted advertising to your TV
BBC rolls out enhanced ‘Red Button’ features to major Smart TVs
DirecTV drops The Weather Channel, accuses it of loading up on reality TV
Michael Bay’s ‘Black Sails’ hits iTunes, Amazon and YouTube a week before TV premiere
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s ‘Cosmos’ reboot hits FOX on March 9th
Netflix plans season 3 of Lilyhammer, new show based on Marco Polo
Must See HDTV for the week of January 13th: Archer, Sherlock and The Square
Filed under: HD
Starbucks app stores log-in credentials, location info in plain text
If you’re concerned about someone getting their hands on your personal data, you’ll want to read on — this latest method’s an unlikely culprit. The Starbucks mobile-payment app is reportedly saving user data, including email addresses, passwords and even your GPS location in plain text. Theoretically, anyone with access to your phone (and a computer) can download your private data with less than an hour or work. Company executives confirmed the flaw to Computerworld, admitting that they’re aware of the issue.
Daniel Wood, a security researcher, first came upon the unencrypted information last year. He downloaded and re-tested an updated version the app, which Starbucks claims now includes “adequate security measures,” only to find that the same information is still easily accessible. A log file also includes GPS coordinates that are captured every time you search for a nearby Starbucks store. Of course, the global caffeinator’s mobile application isn’t free of other weaknesses, too — payments are processed by scanning an on-screen barcode, which can be reproduced and used to drain your account by anyone close enough to photograph your phone.
Source: Computerworld
Daily Roundup: FuelBand SE Silver Edition, privacy-focused Blackphone and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Facebook may launch a reader app
A report from Re/code says Facebook may be working on its own news aggregator called Paper. The app is apparently based off a failed News Feed project, but the social giant has yet to confirm any plans. Follow the link for details.
FuelBand SE Silver Edition hands-on
The FuelBand SE Silver is Nike’s latest addition to its fashion-centric Metaluxe Collection. Priced at $169, this fitness tracker may cost a bit more than its predecessors, but it’s got the bling to back it up. Click through for our hands-on.
Chrome data compression for iOS
Google Chrome is inviting iOS users to enable its new data compression feature, reducing data usage and improving security. Click through for more information.
Privacy-focused Blackphone
Spanish manufacturer Geeksphone says it’s working on a privacy-focused smartphone for release at MWC. The Android-based handset, called Blackphone, will utilize a “PrivatOS” skin to secure calls, texts and web browsing. Follow the link for details.
Filed under: Misc
AIVAnet 