Watch Dogs arrives on May 27th
When Ubisoft showed off Watch Dogs for the first time in 2012, there was no such thing as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Well, okay, they existed in some sense of the word, but both consoles were far from publicly ready, making Watch Dogs an unbelievably pretty game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Unbelievable to the point that many journalists were incredulous about it not being touted as intended for next-gen, but Ubisoft couldn’t say it was headed to unannounced consoles. In so many words, Watch Dogs was essentially the first “next-gen” game shown off…even before the consoles were unveiled. It’s somewhat hilarious then that we’re here to tell you today that Watch Dogs now has a release date — May 27th — after being delayed past the actual launch of the new consoles. It’s unclear if that means all versions (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC and Wii U) will arrive on the same day, though the Wii U version was already given a release date sometime after the other versions. Sorry Wii U, owners!
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
Source: Ubisoft
Mad Catz Android game console first to get OUYA content
When OUYA announced it was expanding its gaming platform beyond its own hardware, it also said it’d share its first deal with a hardware manufacturer within two weeks. Well, it turns out that we only had to wait a couple of days, after accessory maker Mad Catz confirmed it’s signed a deal to bring OUYA’s software to its M.O.J.O. Android game console. The company says it’s already working to incorporate its new partner’s content and expects to roll out an update “later this spring,” giving die-hard Android gamers access to exclusive OUYA titles on top of regular Google Play and Amazon app store downloads. If this unexpected Android union leaves you pining for some dedicated console action, Mad Catz has slashed $50 off the price of the M.O.J.O. in the US, although the new $199.99 price tag is still pretty hard to swallow.
Filed under: Gaming
Source: Mad Catz (Businesswire)
Emotient’s Google Glass app tells you how others are feeling
It’s not always easy to read someone’s emotions — and that’s a problem for retailers, which can’t easily tell if their products intrigue you or simply confuse you. They may not have to guess for much longer, though, as Emotient has launched the private beta for a Google Glass app that identifies feelings using the device’s camera. The software scans faces for emotional cues that reflect an overall sentiment, even if it’s subtle; the app can tell if you’re mildly pleased, for instance. Privacy shouldn’t be an issue, since the app is only saving anonymous data, not images.
Emotient is testing its app with just a handful of companies right now, but the finished app should help stores please customers in the future. There’s also a chance you’ll see the underlying technology in something you can try for yourself. The company tells The Next Web that its emotion detection will reach Intel’s RealSense platform, so don’t be surprised if your next webcam can tell that you’re in a good mood.
Filed under: Wearables, Google, Intel
Via: The Next Web
Source: Emotient
Display Technology Company Pixelworks Discloses Strategic Relationship with Apple [Mac Blog]
Shares of video and pixel processing company Pixelworks have climbed over 40 percent after the company revealed a strategic relationship with Apple that contributed significantly to the company’s revenue in 2013 (Via SeekingAlpha).
Pixelworks confirmed in a recent Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that Apple, along with Hitachi and NEC, each accounted for more than 10 percent of the company’s revenue in 2013.
Revenue attributable to our top five end customers represented 57%, 53% and 51% of revenue in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. End customers include customers who purchase directly from us as well as customers who purchase products indirectly through distributors. Sales to Hitachi Ltd. represented more than 10% of revenue in each of 2013, 2012 and 2011. Sales to each of Apple Inc. and NEC Corporation represented more than 10% of revenue in 2013. Sales to Panasonic Corporation represented more than 10% of revenue in each of 2012 and 2011. Sales to Seiko Epson Corporation represented more than 10% of revenue in 2011. No other end customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
It’s not clear what Pixelworks is providing to Apple, but it likely involves Apple’s high-resolution retina displays, which are noted in the company’s 10-K filing.
Recent advancements in display manufacturing technology have allowed display manufacturers to pack an increasing number of pixels into tighter spaces. This transition was led by the mobile segment, and in particular by Apple’s “Retina” display, which set the standard for smaller screens. The resolution on display devices in all segments is increasing.
Pixelworks is known for its video display processing technology and holds over 120 patents that cover the display and processing of digital image data. The company provides display technology for digital projection systems, flat panel displays and mobile displays.
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Twitch to stream live E3 game announcements directly to your console
If you aren’t among the lucky few attending the Electronics Entertainment Expo each June, Twitch wants to take a bit of the sting out of that. 2014 is the start of a three year deal with the ESA making it the official streaming partner for the tradeshow. According to Twitch, this means its broadcasts will be integrated into every facet of the show, and it’s bringing news, original interviews and behind-the-scenes programming from the LA Convention Center directly to your Xbox 360, Xbox One or computer (unfortunately, there’s still no Twitch viewing ability on PS4). It’s also likely that you’ll be able to catch all of the major press conferences this way too, similar to last year. Of course we’ll be on the ground with liveblogs, breaking news and and hands-on coverage making the remote experience just as informative and much easier on your feet, however it gets to you.
Filed under: Gaming
Jawbone’s ‘Up Coffee’ app tracks your caffeine intake, estimates when you’ll finally be able to sleep
Ah, caffeine. So addictive. So energizing. So unhealthy. It’s no secret that coffee lends itself to spurts of early-morning productivity, only to be followed by mid-afternoon slumps. And yet, we’re somehow always surprised when that 4PM frappuccino keeps us up past a reasonable hour. “Up Coffee,” a new iPhone app from Jawbone, probably won’t wean you off the good stuff, but it might take the surprise out of your next coffee coma. Here’s how it works: you enter a few specifics, including your sex, weight and caffeine tolerance, and then it’s your job to start logging. And let’s be clear here: this isn’t just a coffee-tracker, but a caffeine app, so in addition to all those coffees you consume throughout the day, you also should be logging any late-night Red Bulls.
Then, with the help of some pretty graphs, Up Coffee estimates when the caffeine will wear off — i.e., when you might be able to fall asleep. What’s nice is that you can use the app even if you don’t own an Up band; your sex and weight alone will help the software estimate what effect a cup of coffee will have. However, if you do happen to own a Jawbone Up band, you can link it up with the app and view your recent sleep data against your caffeine intake, confirming that yes, it really is a bad idea to drink java after five o’clock. Over time, the app might even challenge you to try experiments, as in, “What happens when you drink three cups instead of two?” There’s only one way to find out.
Up Coffee is available today on iOS only. In an interview, VP of Product Management Travis Bogard would neither confirm nor deny plans to release it on Android; it all depends on how successful the iOS version is (“we’ll see” were his exact words). In the meantime, Jawbone is also updating its regular app, the one that works with the Up and Up24 bands. Here, too, the updates are for iOS only — for now, anyway. All told, the changes are fairly minor. These include: sunrise and sunset times in the sleep graph; the ability to create custom reminders; new “Today I Will” challenges; and “Insight Reports,” which establish a connection between things like your bedtime and how many steps you’re likely to take the next day. Oh, and you may also notice a change in terminology: Jawbone now says “sound sleep” instead of “deep sleep,” which is technically a clinical term — a narrowly defined one, at that. Again, if you’re on iOS you can download the update today. If you’re on Android, well, we can only assume that version will catch up eventually.
Dell’s ruggedized Latitude 13 laptop was designed to take abuse from kids
Dell may have just released its first Chromebook, but that doesn’t mean it’s counting on schools to make the switch to Chrome OS. The company just unveiled another education-focused laptop, and this time it runs good old-fashioned Windows. All told, the new Latitude 13 Education Series is cut from the same cloth as Dell’s business-y Latitude line, except it was built to withstand abuse from careless little children. In addition to meeting the military’s MIL-STD specification, it sports rubberized edges, a Gorilla Glass screen and a spill-resistant keyboard, along with a hinge that can fold back 180 degrees without snapping. In addition, the 13-inch notebook has a discreet LED indicator at the top of the lid shows internet connectivity — a handy way of telling if kids did as they were told and took a break from Facebook during class.
Given that this was designed to be used by children as young as kindergarteners, the entry specs are, as you’d expect, fairly modest. The Latitude 13 will start at $399 with a Celeron processor and no touchscreen, though you could, if you wanted, add a touch panel and go all the way up to a fourth-generation Core i5 CPU. Other options include 2GB to 8GB of RAM; a regular, hybrid or solid-state drive; and a four- or six-cell battery. What’s nice is that even a mid-specced $599 model with a Core i3 processor comes with a generous three-year warranty. And, you don’t have to be a school district to get one; there’s nothing stopping you from buying one off Dell’s site. So, if you’re a parent looking for a cheap, durable laptop for junior to play with, this could be a very nice deal indeed.
Spotify just bought the company that powers most online radio
Spotify now owns The Echo Nest, better known as “the company that powers the vast majority of internet radio.” That includes competing services like Pandora, Twitter Music, Rdio and more. But today’s news doesn’t necessarily mean that those services will lose support from Echo Nest’s API, as Spotify’s news announce today says, “The Echo Nest API will remain free and open to support its robust developer ecosystem.” The Echo Nest is staying in Somerville, Mass., with employees assuredly making Revolutionary War jokes every now and again to their Spotify counterparts in England. It’s not clear just yet what this will mean for Spotify Radio, but there’s this one oblique line about the acquisition’s potential impact: “The addition of The Echo Nest to Spotify will also strengthen Spotify’s ability to help brands and partners build amazing music experiences for their audiences.” Sure! Anyway, Spotify now owns the company that powers most of your internet radio. Take that as you will.
Source: Spotify
Getting the best for your Ortho Network
Your Ortho Network is an important part of your practice and you should have the best technology and equipment in place for it. When you consider what your dental practice needs, many different things come to mind and it is easy to get overwhelmed. By organizing your priorities and considering what will benefit your patients, you can create a list of what is most pressing for your business. Following that, you can find a provider who can supply for all of your needs efficiently while at affordable prices. They should be able to assess the requirements of your network and make the best suggestions accordingly. In the meantime, below are some considerations you can make when establishing and improving your Ortho Network.
One of the first considerations you should make for your Ortho Network is that of installing computer upgrades. These upgrades can prove instrumental in moving your business forward and helping you take your practice to the next level of service and quality. Your patients depend on you to provide them with quality services marked by efficient and up to date technology. By staying current with the latest dental software and the most current upgrades, you will be able to meet the needs of your patients faster and with more enhanced efficiency. Ultimately, you will have more peace of mind as you move forward with figuring out the best solutions for your business.
In addition to computer upgrades, when considering the needs of your Ortho Network, you will also want to keep in mind your X-ray capabilities. Every dental practice needs to be able to take X-rays of their patient’s teeth and if you are still working with outmoded solutions, it may be time to consider a much needed upgrade. X-rays have evolved and are now available with digital capabilities. You can get rid of the older models that depended wholly on film strips and select digital X-rays which are more advanced and up to date. This option has fewer radiation emissions which are proven safer for patients especially those that are pregnant. With less radiation and more accuracy, digital X-rays are one of the best additions to your Ortho Network.
Computer records are safer and more efficient than using paper records. By transitioning your practice towards being a paperless office, you can streamline day to day operations and ensure stricter patient doctor confidentiality. In addition, you will be able to access medical records much more quickly than before. Transitioning towards being a paperless office is also one more thing you can do to help the environment. Consider this as you move forward in your dental practice and improve the structure of your Ortho Network.
Ultimately, building a practice from scratch can take a lot of planning, time, and consideration. Working with a professional dental solutions expert can facilitate you greatly on this journey. Take the time to find a solutions expert who can help you meet the needs of your business in a comprehensive manner.
For additional assistance on integrating new solutions into your Ortho Network, contact Pact One the dental technology experts. Visit them online today.
Sony Xperia Z2 available for UK pre-order April 11
Phones4u have unveiled their on-contract pricing for the Sony Xperia Z2 for the UK and state that it’s set to be available for pre-order on April 11, 2014.
The Sony Xperia Z2 will be available in black and white for free on a 24-month contract from Vodafone and EE at £47 per month. The purple version of the Z2 will be available exclusively at O2, with Phones4u getting the exclusive rights to the white model.
If you pre-order the Xperia Z2 you’ll also get a free Sony SRS-BTX300 wireless speaker, valued at £119, in addition to ”exclusive Sony content including games, music and six movies”, together with a 50% discount on Sony Smartband accessories. Not a bad deal if you’re considering picking up the Z2.
The Xperia Z2 run a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 3,200mAh battery, as well as a 20.7-Megapixel camera.
Drop us a comment if you plan on picking up an Xperia Z2 on April 11th.
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