SteelSeries claims its Sentry Eye Tracker can improve a gamer’s focus
While most of us are happy just to avoid Luigi’s death stare, how you look at the screen apparently has a big bearing on your gaming prowess. SteelSeries has just launched a new device to give you an edge in that regard, the Sentry Eye Tracker. Created in partnership with Tobii Technology (which previewed the tech at CES 2014 in January), the product uses eye-tracking strictly for coaching, rather than gameplay. It’ll track such parameters as “fixations per minute,” since apparently the less your eyes flick around, the more information you can process. All of this is aimed at serious gamers, since SteelSeries so much as admitted on its Facebook page that it’s “probably” a waste of money for the average player right now. However, SteelSeries and Tobii are developing eye-tracking tech to control gameplay and even use it in social gaming platforms — but that’s in the future. There’s no word yet on price or availability, but unless you scrupulously chart your gaming stats, you probably don’t need to be an early adopter.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: SteelSeries
Viber’s new desktop app arrives with a huge focus on stickers
There’s no doubt that people have a common interest in emojis and stickers, so Viber knows how important it is to keep that market content. With that in mind, the service is now getting a revamped version of its desktop calling/messaging app, featuring a much more accessible way to find stickers than in previous versions. You can now search for those colorful (and mood-telling) stickers in a quicker way within the application, as well as have them docked as a menu right alongside your conversations. Viber also revealed that there are now over 100 million users on the platform, which is a pretty good number if it wants to keep up with the big players in the game — hey, Skype, Viber’s looking at you.
Filed under: Desktops, Internet
Source: Viber
Apple Removing Music Downloading Apps from App Store, Asking Developers to Change Apps [iOS Blog]
Apple appears to be removing many of the popular music downloading apps from the iOS App Store, including those that allowed users to obtain files from third-party file sharing sites. The move is likely in an attempt to push the iTunes Store and iTunes Radio, as well as to clean up the App Store ahead of an overhaul in iOS 8.
A search for the term “music download” in the App Store displays a message inviting users to try out iTunes Radio, while glancing through the first few results shows apps for streaming services such as Spotify and other music-based apps that lack downloading capabilities.
Previously, the same search would show results for a number of apps that could download music and audio files from websites such as Soundcloud and YouTube, with many appearing on the App Store’s “Top Charts” section. Some developers have also noted that Apple has asked them to remove audio downloading functionalities from their app, perhaps to prevent potential piracy.
A previous search for “download” apps in the App Store. (Image credit: evolver.fm)
The crackdown on music downloading apps may very well be related a revamp that Apple will launch alongside iOS 8. Among those changes to the App Store include an improved search algorithm, an “Explore” feature to improve discoverability, app bundles, and TestFlight beta testing for developers. A report yesterday also highlighted Apple’s crackdown on apps that incentivize ad watching and social sharing.
Thanks, Branden!
Amtrak wants trackside WiFi that keeps you online for the whole ride
To put it bluntly, Amtrak’s current on-train WiFi sucks; even if you don’t mind sharing 10Mbps with hundreds of passengers, there are significant gaps in coverage. Relief may be on the horizon, though. The mass transit company is soliciting bids for a trackside WiFi project that would deliver at least 25Mbps across whole routes. The improved access would both keep you connected for more of your trip and let Amtrak lift some of its restrictions on streaming media and other bandwidth-heavy tasks. If all goes according to plan, you might not have problems watching an online movie (or at least, listening to online radio) during a lengthy journey.
Just be prepared to wait for this much-needed capacity boost. Whoever wins the bid still has to construct the near-track WiFi, and it won’t amount to more than a “proof-of-concept” that runs between Boston and Washington, DC. The faster speeds will only expand to the rest of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor region if the trial run shows that it’s feasible. Until that happens, you’ll likely be stuck using slow data on high-speed rail.
[Image credit: Cliff, Flickr]
Filed under: Transportation, Networking
Source: Amtrak (PDF)
Japanese carrier Docomo wants to move your phone’s SIM card into a wearable
The Portable SIM, as Japan’s Docomo is calling it, will combine your tiny mobile card with Bluetooth and NFC to make a standalone authentication device, allowing users to ‘wave’ the portable over tablets and smartphones to connect and login to phone networks, transferring information, like phone numbers and login details and opening up the possibility of multiple devices with a single SIM card. (Android and iOS, all at once!) It will even store multiple online logins for shopping sites and social networks, according to the Japan’s largest phone carrier. The current prototype is around the size of a WiFi hotspot, although Docomo plans to shrink the tech down to a size that would fit into a wearable device, likely to be around the size of current wearables like Acer’s Leap band we’ve used in the mock-up above.
The Japanese carrier’s plans don’t stop at miniaturization, either, as it’s already looking into bringing this connectivity and authentication to TVs, music and in-car systems, while also aiming the technology at businesses and other security-conscious types: transferred phone-numbers and logins will apparently lock if the Bluetooth connection is lost. Maybe it could meet up with some Samsung engineers — both teams are thinking along similar lines.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile
Source: NTT Docomo
Android 4.4.3 for the Moto X, Moto G, and Moto E – Device Updates
Monday is over my friends. Time to see if some Android 4.4.3 is in your future. Yes, some of you already have the update, but a lot of us are still waiting. Any of you rocking a Moto X, Moto G, and Moto E should have it, or you’re pretty close to getting it. Motorola said they will be rolling out the update, so keep your eyes peeled.
Device Updates
Moto x, Moto G, and Moto E should start seeing Android 4.4.3
Moto G Android 4.4.43 update captured
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Apple starts banning apps that reward video views and social sharing
With revamped policies in the iOS 8 App Store, Candy Crush and other apps that reward you for social sharing could soon be booted. Apps that provide users incentives for sharing on social networks aren’t the only ones to violate Apple’s latest terms and conditions for developers; those that provide in-game credit for watching videos are also under fire, along with apps that promote other apps.
Several developers have received rejections that reflect Apple’s new rules, with one individual reporting that a previously approved app was turned down even though he had only added a new skin. According to an Apple rep, his game violated guidelines around in-game credits for watching videos and promoting apps other than one’s own. Other developers have received rejection notices for using social sharing as an incentive.
Considering how common these app monetization strategies are, Apple’s policies will have a huge effect on developers. Platforms like Tapjoy, which lets you download an app instead of making an in-game payment, will clearly be affected as well. And while the strengthening of Apple’s ban hammer will help clear the App Store of the apps made just to earn cash, plenty of legit titles could be squashed as well. It’s unclear whether Apple will reinforce its ban retroactively, and — if so — how many big-name titles would be pulled.
At WWDC last week, Apple announced several improvements to the App Store in iOS 8, including video previews, developer bundles and a new “Explore” tab for browsing categories and sub-categories of apps. Search is also enhanced, with the ability to see what’s trending.
Apple clearly wants these tools to power app discovery rather than developers’ cross-promotion and social sharing incentives. Still, the company isn’t forbidding devs from promoting their apps in other ways. As an app reviewer told one developer who received a rejection notice: “You can advertise your own games via the standard ad networks. However, when you have a ‘More Games’ or ‘Other Games’ you should only market your own games.”
Filed under: Internet, Software, Apple
Via: MacRumors
Source: TechCrunch
Engadget Daily: the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Tesla opens Supercharger patents and more!
Today, we dive into day one of the Electronic Entertainment Expo and pore over a load of new games like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Forza Horizon 2, learn about Tesla’s plan to expand the EV market and ponder the applications of an Arduino-equipped hoodie that can send text messages. Read on for Engadget’s news highlights from the last 24 hours.
What you need to know about the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
Earlier today, we joined thousands of developers, publishers and video game fanatics in Los Angeles, California for one of the biggest industry trade shows in the world: the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Read on for everything you need to know about this gigantic three-day event.
All the games from Microsoft’s E3 event
Xbox’s Graeme Boyd told us to expect plenty of games during day one of E3, and that’s just what we got. Continue reading for a complete rundown of the announced titles, including new additions to the Call of Duty, Forza and Halo franchises.
Tesla will open up its Supercharger patents to boost electric car adoption
We knew Elon Musk was up to something, but now we know exactly what the hints were about. In a bold effort to set an industry standard and boost electric car adoption, Tesla Motors will share designs for its Supercharger system with other EV manufacturers.
This smart hoodie lets you message friends on the sly
What you’re looking at is the combination of a cellular-equipped Arduino board and a regular ole’ hoodie. What does it do? This garment let’s the wearer send messages by simply rolling up a sleeve.
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Filed under: Misc
Microsoft’s next big Windows Phone may use Kinect-like motion gestures
Yes, the Lumia 930 and 1520 are fine Windows Phones, but where’s the sequel to the fan favorite, the 1020? Apparently, it’s coming — and it’s bringing a clever control scheme along for the ride. Sources for both WPCentral and The Verge claim that Microsoft’s future Lumia hardware, nicknamed McLaren, will incorporate both a giant camera and “3D Touch” that uses motion gestures (some of them Kinect-like) to control the phone without poking at the screen. We’ve seen some of the rumored concepts elsewhere; you can cover the phone to mute it, or bring it to your ear to answer. Others, however, are unique. McLaren will reportedly react to your grip, and will let you see features ‘hidden’ inside a Live Tile (such as messaging in the Facebook app) by making a tapping motion that doesn’t touch the glass.
If WPCentral‘s leak is accurate, McLaren will show up in November alongside a few third-party apps that use 3D Touch. For many, though, the big news may simply be widespread availability. While Nokia previously shot itself in the foot by regularly agreeing to US’ carriers demands for exclusives, that might not happen on Microsoft’s watch. Both WPCentral and @evleaks hear that McLaren will be available on multiple American networks — few people would have to switch providers just to get the Windows Phone du jour.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
The adventure game classic Grim Fandango is coming to PS4
Just because LucasArts as an active game studio is no more doesn’t mean that some of its original franchises are going the way of the dodo — far from it. Double Fine’s Tim Schafer has revealed at Sony’s E3 event that the classic 1998 adventure game Grim Fandango will be re-released on the PlayStation 4. Details of the remake aren’t available just yet, but it’s safe to presume that some visual upgrades are coming to Manny’s journey through the Mexican Land of the Dead.
AIVAnet 