Microsoft teases DirectX 12 reveal for GDC, rumors pit it against AMD’s Mantle
That death knell AMD has been ringing for DirectX? Microsoft’s having none of it. The software giant is now teasing the next version of the Windows graphics API, inviting developers to join it at GDC for the official reveal of DirectX 12. The splash page reveals little besides the version’s numeric and announcement time, but it does feature partner logos for Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia and, of course, AMD. AMD’s disdain for the platform helped birth Project Mantle — a competing API that gives developers lower-level access (and as a result, more leverage over) PC graphics hardware. One of Microsoft’s GDC sessions suggest that something similar is in the works for its own development platform: “You asked us to bring you even closer to the metal… …so that you can squeeze every last drop of performance out of your PC, tablet, phone and console,” reads the description for one of the firms DirectX presentations. “Come learn our plans to deliver.”
It sure sounds similar, and indeed, it meshes well with recent rumors. Sources close to ExtremeTech say that while the two APIs will have different implementations, both should offer the same benefits. They also say that Microsoft’s “close to the metal” lower-level access API is a relatively new project in Redmond, meaning it probably won’t muscle in on Mantle’s territory until sometime next year. Between that, and the fact that Microsoft has recently taken to limiting Direct X upgrades to Windows upgrades, it’s possible that we might not see DirectX 12 in access until we’re installing Windows 9.
Filed under: Gaming, Microsoft
Source: Microsoft, ExtremeTech
“What’s Up” Command added to Motorola Touchless Control Update
Motorola pushed an update out for the Touchless Control app for the various supported Moto devices tonight. The update adds quite a few little things that are pretty cool. In addition to the usual bug fixes listing, the update also offers up enhanced end-of-speech detection for improved accuracy and faster responses.
While those are nice, it is the two new voice commands that were added that are really interesting. Now you can say “What’s Up” and “Read notifications”. The new voice commands are fully supported U.S. English, Spanish and Italian. While it is in beta in other languages. To clarify a little, you still need to say “OK, Google Now” prior to the new commands, so “OK, Google Now, What’s Up” or “OK, Google Now, Read notifications.”
What is a bit more interesting, and some what irritating, is that the updated commands are only supported on Android 4.4 KitKat. Which leaves a possibility for some users to not bea able to use it yet until their device gets updated. Obviously the app is only available legitimately for the Moto X, DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini.
You can now mirror your Android screen on Chromecast, if you have a Nexus 5
Cyanogen’s Koushik Dutta has been teasing the prospect of mirroring your Android screen on Chromecast for a few weeks, and today you can finally try the feature — if you have the right smartphone, that is. An updated version of the Mirror for Android beta includes early support for mirroring to either a Chrome browser or Chromecast, but only if you have a Nexus 5. Google’s phone is the sole device with the hardware video decoder needed for this mirroring technique, Dutta says. You also have to get root-level access to the operating system with the current release, although that won’t be necessary in the future. Provided you meet the app’s exacting requirements, you can give mirroring a spin at the source link.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Mobile
Source: Koushik Dutta (Google+)
Motorola’s Touchless Control gets updated with ‘What’s up’ hotword
Motorola is hip. You want proof?
Touchless Control, Moto’s ‘always listening’ app, just updated with an awesome feature. If you have a new notification, you can now say “What’s up?” or “Read notifications” and your phone will read your notifications aloud.
Keep in mind that if you have multiple new notifications, it will read all of them, not just the most recent. Kudos to Motorola for adding functionality to an already awesome app.
They also added end-of-speech detection, allowing users to voice type normally, rather than saying “period” after every sentence.
Be sure to update if you have a compatible device!
The post Motorola’s Touchless Control gets updated with ‘What’s up’ hotword appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Titanfall’s ode to 8-bit gaming is proof that robots make everything better
Need further evidence that robots improve just about everything? EA and Respawn are more than happy to provide it. They’ve launched Titanfall Arcade, a promotional gaming website that thrusts Titanfall‘s namesake giant machines into classic 8-bit Atari titles. The only working game at present is an Asteroids remake, but it proves the point — the typically nerve-wracking space shooter becomes easy once a Titan’s weaponry comes into play. Tributes to Centipede and Missile Command are coming in the future. The arcade is primarily meant to whet your appetite ahead of Titanfall‘s release next week, but we’d say it’s worth a visit even if you don’t plan to buy the game — it’s a nostalgic gaming experience without the frustrating difficulty levels that often come along for the ride.
Filed under: Gaming, Robots, Internet
Via: Titanfall (Twitter)
Source: Titanfall Arcade
Google Play Games for Android now shows you who wants to play
Google Play Games just became much, much more useful for avid Android gamers. A newly released update to Google’s entertainment hub lets you see all your invitations; it’s now much clearer that someone wants to play. The upgrade also shows you a not-quite-live view of who’s playing, and a new Find Games area (shown here) suggests titles you can try. Play Games still won’t compare with advanced gaming frameworks like PlayStation Network or Xbox Live, but it’s likely worth a download if your smartphone regularly doubles as a handheld console.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Mobile, Google
Via: Android Central
Source: Google Play
Evernote for Android now supports handwritten notes
No matter how great your Android keyboard is, sometimes good old handwriting is the best way to take notes in a meeting or jot down your next big idea. If carrying a notebook with you everywhere isn’t your style, starting today you can create digital handwritten notebooks using Evernote’s Android app. To use the feature, just tap the pen icon at the top right of any new note. A spotted canvas will appear, and you’re free to write with your finger or stylus to your heart’s content. There are four color and three thickness options if you’re feeling creative, and audio and text files can be added to the same page to spice things up. Like everything else in Evernote, your handwritten notes are searchable, so you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for later on. In addition to handwriting, Evernote dropped a few other updates for Android users: an improved note editor and a faster camera. You can get everything now by downloading the latest version of the app by heading over to Google Play.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile
Via: The Next Web
Source: Evernote
Daily Roundup: the travels of Myspace Tom, a business card that plays Tetris, 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.
Where are they now? The travels and trash talk of Myspace Tom
Remember August of 2003? That’s when many of us gained our first friend on Myspace. Since then, however, the once thriving social network has transitioned to a music hub. But what about its creator? Read on as we explore the travels and mishaps of the site’s founder, Tom Anderson.
A business card that plays Tetris
It’s a bird… It’s a plane… Nope, it’s a business card that runs Tetris! Built by Oregon programmer Kevin Bates, this Game Boy look-alike is comprised of a barebones Arduino board with an OLED display. And yes, a Pokemon version is on the way.
OnLive is back with two new features
If you thought cloud-based gaming platform OnLive was down for the count, you weren’t alone. But today, the company announced two new initiatives, CloudLift and OnLive Go, which it hopes will spawn new life for its community.
A guide to Xbox One gamepad updates
The March Xbox One update is live, and that means new gamepad firmware is available. Revamping your controller isn’t required by Microsoft, but should you attempt it, we’ve got a nifty step-by-step guide that’s sure to ease the process.
You also might like:
Dyson’s latest Cool series bladeless fans are 75 percent quieter
For those without the luxury of central air conditioning, summer can often be a season of roaring wind machines that plague your attempts at peaceful sleep. But there’s hope on the horizon: Dyson has revamped its fan tech and toned down the decibels with its Cool series of bladeless fans. Easily mistaken for chihuahua accelerators, these fans are the successors to Dyson’s 2009 Air Multiplier line, which offered a breakthrough design at perhaps a too-precious price. The new Cool series, which we caught a glimpse of earlier this year, are up to 75 percent quieter than the previous models (with the small AM06 issuing the least noise of the bunch), and the difference is definitely noticeable. This time around, the fans put all the controls into a handy remote with 10 airflow settings and a sleep timer that can be set for up to nine hours. If you can handle the sticker shock, the entire Cool fan range including the AM06 ($300), AM07 ($400) and AM08 ($450) are available at Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond or Dyson.com starting today.
Filed under: Household
AT&T to pick up the HTC Desire 610
At MWC HTC announced two new mid-ranged smartphones. The HTC Desire 816 and the Desire 610. Both have an emphasis on design and affordability over high-end specs. As per the norm, HTC didn’t make an announcement to who an where the two new devices would be going specifically. They did make mention of the 816 headed to China though.
The HTC Desire 610 is supposedly going to be a global device that will hit a plethora of carriers and continent sometime in May. So the story goes. HTC has been slipping in the sales department as of late, not for the lack of trying. The HTC One did well for them, but that is the only device that stands out in most peoples minds lately. HTC does need a good mix of high-end and mid range devices in multiple markets to gain some of their footholds again. According to the infamous Evleaks, AT&T is inline to pick up the HTC Desire 610.
HTC Desire 610 headed to AT&T.
— @evleaks (@evleaks) March 5, 2014
That is as far as the talk goes though. A global launch in May is listed on HTC’s website, but it also say ‘Across Europe’. The Desire 610 doesn’t have terrible specs and would make a pretty good little device for plenty of people.
Desire 610 Specs
- 4.7-inch qHD screen
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad core, 1.2 GHz
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB internal storage
- MicroSD card slot
- 2040 mAh battery
- 8 MP Rear camera
- 1.3MP front camera
We will have to see what the budget friendly midranged device will end up going for, and in what colors, when AT&T gets to announcing it.
Source: Evleaks
Via Unwiredview
AIVAnet 
