Skype rival Viber purchased by Japanese e-commerce giant for $900 million
Japan’s answer to Amazon, Rakuten, has just got into the mobile communications business by purchasing internet calling app-maker Viber for $900 million. Viber was one of the first to introduce 3G VoIP on the iPhone, and now lets you call any land-line or mobile phone, send messages and even push-to-talk. The app is available on all major mobile and desktop platforms, and is one of Skype’s biggest rivals with over 300 million users worldwide. According to the WSJ, Viber’s global userbase helped draw Rakuten, which is trying to expand its business interests beyond Japan’s shores. It also recently purchased a huge stake in Pinterest and bought e-reader maker Kobo. Rakuten’s CEO confirmed that Viber “perfectly compliments” its goals and said the acquisition “will enable it to penetrate new markets with multiple digital content offerings.”
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile
Via: WSJ
Source: Rakuten
Roland revives the 808 and other classics with its AIRA line
Roland has been teasing new entries in its black-and-green AIRA series for about a month. Now, it’s pulling the wraps off of the new lineup that’s led by the new TR-8 drum machine. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the instrument maker has revisited the legendary 808, 909 and 303 units that debuted in the ’80s. If you’ve listened to a bit of hip-hop, dance or techno, you’ve likely heard the trademark sounds of the trio already — like the iconic snare of the 808. Building on decades of TR-808 and TR-909 use, Roland “obsessively analyzed and faithfully recreated every detail and nuance of the analog circuitry” of those machines and packed it all inside the TR-8 Rhythm Performer. There’s “full reproduction” with new Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) tech that recreates the tone and behavior from the original pair. If you’re thinking that this sounds like the new device is all-digital, you’re correct. However, Roland says the tone and character of the analog units have been enhanced with new features like tune and decay controls on each instrument and an added scatter function. The latter feature is said to “freak and tweak” sounds with real-time adjustments and accurate sync. Needless to say, we’re anxious to try it out.
Like the 808, the TR-8 houses a 16-step sequencer that now has full-color LED lighting for visual status updates. In terms of recording, an improved version of TR-REC is also modeled here for creating patterns, while toggling between programming and performance modes can be done easily. For keeping tabs on tempo, there’s an LED display and tap functionality for quick adjustments. A USB jack allows audio and MIDI connections (which the original didn’t have) and the device can use MIDI clock info to sync with external instruments — like the other AIRA series units that we’ll examine after the break. If all of that sounds too good to pass up, the TR-8 will retail for $499 when it arrives next month.
In another look back into its archives, Roland’s System-1 harkens back to the System 100, 100M and 700 synthesizers. ACB is on board once again in order to recreate the fine details of the analog circuitry that debuted on those three machines in the ’70s. The main selling point here is Plug-Out tech that allows you to load plug-in versions of other Roland synths onto the System-1, making for a quite versatile instrument. What’s more, all of that content addition can be done without the need to tether to a computer. Inside, four oscillators handle the tones with scatter control of 10 different phrase variations and a smattering of modulators. Roland is touting this as its “most compact” synth ever, despite the unit wielding 25 regular-sized keys for playing duties. A price of $599 nets you a System-1 in Q2 2014, in all of its green-lit glory.
The TB-3 also pays homage to a classic instrument: the TB-303 bass synth. You may recognize the 303 as a popular choice for techno/house music. Here, the TB-3 Touch Bassline uses that ACB technology to model “each component and every aspect of the original TB-303 sound.” The sawtooth and square oscillator waveforms have been recreated with attack, slide and tie elements along for the ride. So what’s been added? Well, there’s now a pressure-sensitive touchpad and 134 sounds including four oscillator tones across four separate banks with that same programming/performance mode-switching that we mentioned on the TR-8 and more. As you might expect, the $299 TB-3 is also USB- and MIDI-compatible for use with a computer or other rhythm-making gadgets — starting next month.
For those looking to lend some processed vocals to their musical exploits, the VT-3 will do just that for both studio tracking and live performances. With nine different voice characters (including auto-tune and synths), the Voice Transformer serves up pitch, formant, reverb and mix balance sliders for needed adjustments alongside footswitch control for on-stage access. There are standard XLR and 1/8-inch mic jacks with stereo outputs and USB audio for recording to those previously recorded tracks. At $199, the VT-3 is the most affordable new entry into the AIRA series and it ships in March as well.
Pre-orders for the entire line are live now from Roland and select retailers.
Filed under: Misc
Source: Roland
House of Cards season two is ready for viewing on Netflix
After an all-too-long wait, the second season of House of Cards is available for streaming on Netflix. Season one (feel free to revisit it with director’s commentary if you like) wasn’t Netflix’s first foray into streaming (regionally) exclusive content, but the series has served as its highest profile jewel, winning awards — the first ever streaming exclusive nominated for a primetime Emmy — and garnering critical praise for all involved. That includes producers Beau Willimon and David Fincher, as well as stars Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Kate Mara. As is Netflix’s custom, the entire season is available for viewing so whether you want to watch it all in one sitting, skip directly to the last episode and work back from there, or take it one week at a time old-school style, it’s all up to you. Naturally a third season is in the works so whenever you finish, take solace in knowing that it’s not over for good — and there’s more original Netflix content on the way. Let us know how your viewing party is working out in the comments below, however as the Commander in Chief has asked — no spoilers, please.
10 minutes to go. Everyone is getting situated to flip some switches… #houseofcards pic.twitter.com/GcmCa0M22h
– Daniel Jacobson (@daniel_jacobson) February 14, 2014
Welcome back. #HouseofCards Season 2 is Now Streaming on Netflix http://t.co/Ut6TckaVYn pic.twitter.com/I8oXNCHKoG
– House of Cards (@HouseofCards) February 14, 2014
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Netflix
BBM for iOS Updated With Voice Calls, Channels, Dropbox Support [iOS Blog]
BlackBerry Messenger for iOS was today updated to version 2.0, adding a number of features to the app that have long been a part of the native BBM function on BlackBerry’s own line of phones.
Version 2 of BBM for iOS now supports direct voice calling between BBM users over Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Channels, another feature new to the update, allow users to communicate in a group setting focused on a specific topic.
BBM Channels lets users chat with other BBM users about topics that interest them. Customers can join channels about a range of topics from products, hobbies and sports to entertainment, fashion, cars and more. Channels can be created by brands, businesses and BBM users alike and are a great way to communicate directly and immediately with people who share common interests in the broader BBM community. By posting to their channel, channel owners immediately reach their subscribers with a message that can spark discussions.
One-click sharing has been added to the app, making it easier for BBM users to share content like photos and voice messages. The app has gained support for Glympse, which allows users to share locations, and Dropbox support for file sharing is also available.
Finally, the app’s emoticon repository has been expanded and users now have access to 100 additional emoticons.
BlackBerry Messenger, which was previously restricted to BlackBerry devices, made its way to iOS and Android back in October of 2013 after several delays. BBM offers basic text chats, group chats, voice messaging, image sharing, and with today’s update, voice calls and channels.
BBM can be downloaded from the App Store for Free. [Direct Link]
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HTC Plans an AMA on Reddit Tomorrow
Have questions for HTC? Well tomorrow will be your chance to question the OEM. They announced that there will be a AMA (ask me anything) tomorrow on Reddit between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm PST. I am sure many of you will have many questions about the HTC M8, or you will have questions about the future of the OEM. Well they are ready to answer them, so bookmark the page for tomorrow so you can ask those pressing questions. Let us know what you plan to ask them.
Google deems Android ready for more Chromecast apps, let the floodgates open
With Google’s latest update to Play Services, it shouldn’t be long before the Chromecast section of its app store gets a little more lively. Now that the Android SDK has support for the HDMI dongle baked in, developers can add the functionality to virtually any app they want, at-will. Google opened access to the streaming stick’s inner workings earlier this month, but, as Phandroid tells it, the search giant asked devs to hold onto their releases until the public’s phones and tablets had the framework, too. Now that it’s out, swaths of cast-capable apps could start hitting the Play store relatively quickly. It may have taken longer than some expected, but Google’s plan to embed the casting tech across an array of devices has finally come to fruition — and the users stand to reap the rewards.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals, HD, Mobile, Google
Via: Phandroid
Source: Android Developers (G+)
Nintendo to add more NES remixes, GameBoy Advance titles to Wii U this Spring
Unless you still own a GameCube GameBoy Player, it’s probably been awhile since you’ve seen a GameBoy Advance title up on the big screen. Come April, that could change: Nintendo announced today that the Wii U eShop will start carrying GBA classics this Spring, starting with Metroid Fusion, Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (both of which were 3DS Ambassador bonuses, by the way) and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Naturally, Japan’s getting a similar pen of classic releases, but its library of pending GBA games includes Mario Advance 2, Wario Ware, Golden Sun, F-Zero and Advance Wars — Japanese gamers were also teased with a price-point: ¥650 a pop (about $6.35).
If that’s not enough nostalgic news to tide you over, Nintendo did have /one/ more thing to announce. Remember when Nintendo cherry-picked specific moments from a ton of classic NES games and released them in a mini-game bundle a few months back? It’s at it again: NES Remix 2 is everything the original downloadable title was, but to a collection of NES classic picked from later in the original Nintendo’s life cycle. This means there will be remixed and scripted challenges from games like Punch-Out!!!, Super Mario Bros. 3 and Metroid. The new Remix also includes a “new” full-game titled Super Luigi Bros. — essentially a mirrored version of the NES classic with Mario’s younger brother in the starring role. When was the “Year of Luigi” supposed to end again?
Source: Nintendo Direct (1), (2)
Chromecast’s Fireplace Visualizer hopes to set hearts aflame on Valentine’s
Hey, loverboy/gal, Don Juan called to let you know that listening to Sinatra during a steak dinner isn’t enough to set the mood for Valentine’s. You need a roaring fire to induce some serious cuddling time, and that’s where Chromecast’s seasonal fireplace mode (that’s just been redesigned for V-day) comes in. Thanks to the media player, you don’t need to chop firewood to woo the person of your dreams: simply enable Fireplace Visualizer on the Google Play Music page and watch the faux flames flicker on your TV while music plays in the background. Sure, you can’t roast marshmallows in it, but it still might heat up your lovelife — assuming your date doesn’t find fake fireplaces as tacky as gas station greeting cards, that is.
PS: It’s not just the Chromecast team that’s going all out for V-day at Google’s HQ. Google+ is also celebrating the event by taking user images with people kissing in them and turning them into (shudder-inducing) GIFs replete with animated hearts.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google
Source: Google Play (Google+), Erik Murphy-Chutorian (Google+)
PlayStation 4 tops next-generation console sales in the US for January
As it turns out, Microsoft’s lead in US next-generation console sales was short-lived. The NPD has just released estimates which show that the PlayStation 4 outsold the Xbox One during January. Neither the NPD nor Sony is providing exact numbers, although Sony Senior VP Guy Longworth states that PS4 sales were almost twice as high as Microsoft’s. The system was certainly alluring enough to drive game sales during the quarter — the PS4 was the platform of choice for five of the top 10 games, while the Xbox One was never higher than second.
Microsoft also isn’t divulging Xbox One figures, although the NPD tells us that the system was the runner-up in hardware sales. The company can trumpet the strength of the overall Xbox brand, though. Together, the Xbox 360 and Xbox One represented 47 percent of game sales; the Xbox 360 was also the most popular system for five of the top 10 software releases. Nintendo has a silver lining on its dark cloud, too. Game sales for the 3DS and Wii U respectively increased by six and 26 percent year-over-year. That’s no mean feat when overall spending was down by a quarter. Whichever platform you prefer, we wouldn’t declare the console wars over — not when expected system sellers like Titanfall could easily shift the balance of power.
This just in: PS4 the #1 selling game console in the US in January, still #1 worldwide. Thanks, guys! pic.twitter.com/1vOFmtUukX
– PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 13, 2014
per @LuckyLongworth: PS4 was #1 in sales for next gen consoles in January, nearly doubling the nearest next gen competitor.
– Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) February 13, 2014
Filed under: Gaming, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
Source: PlayStation (Twitter), Xbox Wire, Geoff Keighley (Twitter)
Nintendo finally starts testing free-to-play titles in eShop, will let gamers haggle for DLC
At E3 last year, Nintendo gave itself until March to launch a free-to-play title in the Nintendo eShop. That same week, Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that the gratis game would be based on Steel Diver, a 3DS launch title. Today, Nintendo delivered, releasing Steel Diver: Sub Wars on the 3DS eShop. Technically, it’s not the first free-to-play title to grace one of Nintendo’s online storefronts (that distinction goes to Namco’s Tank! Tank! Tank!), but it is the publisher’s inaugural first-party attempt at aping the mobile gaming market. It won’t be its last either. During today’s Nintendo Direct livestream, the company also announced Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball, a mini-game collection that will let players haggle over the price of DLC expansions.
In the wake of floundering Wii U sales and underwhelming financial performance, what these titles represent may be more important than the content of the game. Despite Satoru Iwata’s insistence that it “doesn’t make sense for Nintendo to do business on smartphones,” these releases show that his statement might not apply to how Nintendo runs its business — augmenting a barebones gaming experience with piecemeal purchases and expansions has far more in common with the smartphone gaming market than Nintendo’s traditional competitors. It sounds a little dicey, true, but it’s also the kind of experimentation the company needs to dabble in if it hopes to suss out its next-gen strategy. Oh, and if you just dropped by to take a peek at the new game trailers, skip on past the break; they’ll be there.
AIVAnet 