Bittorrent tests the waters with paywall bundles for TV and music
BitTorrent is set to dabble in paywalls by teaming up with an independent producer for a sci-fi series called “Children of the Machine.” Rapid Eye Studios will produce and fund the $1 million pilot, which will revolve around teenagers, global warming and technology gone awry. BitTorrent has worked with TV makers and major studios in the past, but is trying a brand new tact for the show. To fund a full eight-episode run, at least 250,000 users will have to sign up for a “BitTorrent Bundle” for $10 after seeing the pilot. Right now such bundles are free, but it plans to introduce paywall bundles starting in September with music content from a yet-unnamed “major artist.” BitTorrent told the NYT it’s looking for users “willing to reward creativity by paying a fair price” for the new scheme. It admit that it’s a risky experiment, though — users may be too set on a fair price being “free.”
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
Via: NYT
Source: BitTorrent
Raspberry Pi launches Model B+ with extra USB ports, microSD support
When you’ve got more than a few upstarts gunning for your throne, it seems wise to keep ahead of the game. That’s why the Raspberry Pi foundation has announced an upgraded version of its Model B, the, uh, Model B+ — which is described as the “final evolution” of the first-generation Raspberry Pi. The tweaked hardware now offers two more USB 2.0 ports, a microSD card reader and 14 more GPIO pins, making a total of 40 on the board. In order to achieve this, however, some sacrifices had to be made, including a new layout which promises to be both “neater,” but may not fit your current cases. The outfit has also merged the composite video and audio ports into one and promises better audio, which is good, because Wolfson’s audio card may no longer be supported. Thankfully, despite all of the changes, the foundation has pledged to keep the price the same both in the US and the UK. Fans of the older hardware need not worry either, as Eben Upton has pledged that the model B will continue to be manufactured for as long as the public demands it.
Meet the Raspberry Pi Model B+ from Raspberry Pi Foundation on Vimeo.
Filed under: Desktops
Via: Adafruit
Source: Raspberry Pi
Airbus’ latest jet will bring 3D movies to the skies
While Airbus is busy testing its answer to Boeing’s Dreamliner ahead of its first passenger flights later this year, the aviation giant has also found time to give its A330 wide-body jet a makeover. Promising more seats and improved aerodynamics, which will reduce fuel consumption by 14 percent per seat, the plane-maker is also promising to drag the A330neo’s in-flight entertainment into the 21st century. As well as WiFi, mobile connectivity and HD video, Airbus’ new plane will also offer passengers the chance to watch films in 3D. Chances are you’ll need glasses to enjoy the latest 3D movies when the A330neo takes to the skies in late 2017 — hopefully Airbus will also account for those of us who are always placed behind someone who just loves to recline.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Airbus
Google’s augmented reality turf war, ‘Ingress,’ arrives on iOS
Google’s Niantic Labs grew the potential audience for Ingress in a big way late last year, when it put out the finished Android version of its augmented reality game. Today, the studio is taking the next (if fairly obvious) step toward grabbing more players: it’s releasing the long-promised iOS edition. Both iPad and iPhone owners can now capture territory (“portals” in Ingress-speak) and build up their virtual skills by visiting real locations. The experience will be very familiar if you’ve played before; missions give you an incentive to keep coming back, while faction chats let you coordinate turf battles and meet fellow players. There aren’t any major tweaks or upgrades that we’ve seen. The game ultimately remains an excuse to explore new places, but that’s not a bad thing if you’re tired of visiting the same old haunts — hit the App Store if you’re willing to give it a spin.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile, Google
Source: Ingress
Feedback Loop: DOS gaming and tech-themed vacations
In this week’s Feedback Loop, we fondly remember the golden age of Sega, recommend technology themed places to visit on a vacation, share tips for getting a good deal when switching carriers and talk about the first DOS games we ever played. Head past the break to talk about all this and more with your fellow Engadget readers.
Forget next-gen consoles: Remember the old days?
Immersive games with open worlds and top-notch graphics are fun and all, but Frank fondly recalls a simpler time, back when Sega was king and they were making some of the best consoles on the market. Head over to the forums and share your own memories of Sega’s gaming systems.
Tech-themed vacations
After assembling a few ideas to make the most of a business trip to San Francisco, our very own Kris asks for ideas on tech-themed vacations for gadget lovers. Where would you go?
Switching carriers to find the best deals
Switching carriers is a big old hassle but sometimes we need to do it. Irishdoom recently moved to a new place and is forced to switch from T-Mobile due to lack of coverage. He wants to get the best deal possible from his new potential carrier. What tips should he should keep in mind when shopping around for a new deal?
DOS gaming nostalgia
Growing up, some kids might have had some variation of Atari or Nintendo gaming hardware, but the rest of us weren’t so lucky. Instead, we made do with boxy PCs and the DOS command prompt. But you know what? We still had fun. We’re sharing some of our earliest DOS gaming memories right here.
Other discussions you may also like:
- Share your early impressions of the new RX100 M3!
- Halt and Catch Fire S1E6: Do the cabbage patch
- I was thinking to switch to Android but iOS 8 gives me a lot of doubt on that. Help me to choose between the two.
- Making the most of a business trip to San Francisco?
Want to talk about your favorite gadget or have a burning question about technology? Register for an Engadget account today, visit the Engadget forums and start a new discussion!
US claims Chinese exec used hackers to steal warplane data
The US isn’t done throwing the book at alleged Chinese industrial spies. The Department of Justice has charged a Chinese executive living in Canada, Su Bin, with stealing sensitive info for Boeing and Lockheed Martin warplanes like the C-17 cargo hauler and F-22 fighter. Reportedly, Su partnered with two people to hack into the aircraft makers’ networks and either pass along or sell any secrets to interested parties in China. Unlike other targets of the DOJ’s wrath, though, it appears that Su was more concerned about profit than helping any government intelligence efforts. While he was handing over data to state-owned aviation firms, he complained of “stingy” buyers and was willing to take a long time to hash out a deal — not exactly the hallmarks of a government-backed spy.
Neither Su’s lawyer nor the Chinese government are commenting on the case. However, there’s an already an extensive amount of email evidence; the odds aren’t high that the exec will emerge unscathed from the impending court battle. Whatever happens, it’s safe to say that the charge won’t do much to ease tensions between China and the US over cyberspying.
[Image credit: Jason Mrachina, Flickr]
Filed under: Transportation, Internet
Source: Wall Street Journal
Mobile Moto: The Pairing of Motorcycles and Technology
Arguably one of the most impactful moments in the modern era was the invention of the combustion engine. While Henry Ford was busy perfecting the automobile and assembly line, bicycle makers were transforming their pedal products into motorized machines that would take the world by storm. Few will argue that, aside from the computer, few things have done more to shape the course of modern society.
During the First World War motorcycles, which had been around for years but had yet to achieve a strong presence, were quickly identified as one of the best and easiest modes of transportation. Their low cost and high speeds proved to be an invaluable asset, ideal for communication and message relay, scouting, and policing. During World War II the need for motorcycles was obvious right from the beginning and they were instrumental in helping the war effort.
The frequent use of the two wheeled transports overseas led to an inevitable rise in their popularity back home. In the 50’s movies like “Rebel Without a Cause” showed a life of excitement and adventure that could be achieved by riding a hog and doing whatever you wanted. Since then, the popularity of motorcycles has seen a steady climb, whether it be the traditional biker who’s lived his whole adult life on the back of a custom Harley Davidson, or the college student needing cheap transportation. Recent statistics from MotorcycleRoads.com show some states with almost 1 motorcycle for every 12 people in the state.
With so many bikes on the road, technology has raced to keep up. Most technology today is focused on one of two areas: safety and convenience. Safety is obvious. Along with Share the Road campaigns, safety technology is struggling to overcome the reluctance to wear equipment by many lifelong riders, while endeavoring to get the word out on the importance of helmets and proper clothing to younger riders.
The great new is that many technological breakthroughs have drastically increased both the comfort and effectiveness of safety gear, and also given way to amazing partnerships with electronics and equipment. Companies like Bike Bandit have hundreds of options when selecting a helmet. Custom designed gear can be created to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a half shell to provide some protection but still allow you to experience the wind in your face, or a modular helmet that can adapt to various weather and temperature variables.
With smart phones and instant communication a necessity in today’s fast-paced world, many companies can offer Bluetooth and wireless options built right into the helmet. Music can be streamed directly into built in speakers and two way communication systems can be integrated, allowing bikers to easily speak with each other as they ride. The future is even more amazing showing the potential for built in heads-up displays and early warning systems.
Google Launches iOS Version of Multiplayer Augmented Reality Game ‘Ingress’ [iOS Blog]
Google’s mobile-augmented reality game Ingress today launched for iOS devices, coming seven months after the game’s general release on Android. The title’s product manager confirmed last October that an iOS version of the game was in the works after a closed beta saw over ten thousand active players a month and one million total activations.
The title’s story centers around The Enlightened and The Resistance, two factions who compete against each other to unlock clues about a mystical technology. Events in the game progress in real-time as Google delivers new clues each week, while players claim local landmarks in the real-world to earn points for their respective team.
The World is the Game
Move through the real world using your iOS device and the Ingress app to discover and tap sources of this mysterious energy. Acquire objects to aid in your quest, deploy tech to capture territory, and ally with other players to advance the cause of the Enlightened or the Resistance.Strategy
The struggle is being played out globally. Track the progress of players around the world, plan your next steps, and communicate with others using an Intelligence map.Form Alliances
The struggle to save the planet spans the entire world. Groups of people acting together can be more effective than individuals acting alone. Cooperation across neighborhoods, cities, and countries will be needed to achieve the ultimate victory.
Ingress is a free app for iOS devices and can be downloaded through the App Store. [Direct Link]
How would you change the Lumia 720?
Just like the Star Trek movies, we’ve mostly preferred the even-numbered ranges of Nokia Lumia handsets to the odds. We heaped praise on the 620, for example, with equal vitriol being poured onto the 520 that nestled beneath it. The Lumia 720 suffered the same fate when we reviewed it, finding that no matter how gussied-up the outside was, the low-power internals were an instant turn off. But what about you? It’s likely that plenty of you only had room in your budget for this device, so was the experience as bad as you’d expected? Why not hop into our forum and talk yourself some Lumia.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
Source: Engadget Product Forums
Apple Facing Production Issues with iPhone 6 as 5.5-Inch Version May Be Delayed Until 2015
The launch of Apple’s 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may be delayed into 2015 as Apple’s production issues with the smaller 4.7-inch version will likely carry over into the larger model, according to a new report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Production bottlenecks on 4.7-inch iPhone 6 center on the yield rate of in-cell touch panel and metal casing. As in-cell touch panel becomes larger in size, the edge of the panel may become insensitive to touch. Meanwhile, under new manufacturing process for the iPhone 6 metal casing, color unevenness is an issue.
Kuo adds that these problems become more complicated with the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6. As these new concerns are coupled with earlier concerns about the production of sapphire displays for the larger device, the analyst believes that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may not launch by the end of 2014, or may launch after October in very limited quantities. In the event that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 is delayed to next year, Kuo believes that Apple will cut the prices of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c alongside the launch of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6.
Early rumors about the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 pointed towards production issues with the device’s display and battery life. However, a report from Bloomberg last month noted that both models would enter production and launch at the same time. Concerns over the metal casings used for the iPhone 6 were also reported late last month, as Apple rejected casings from partner Catcher Technology. However, those issues were said to be over parts found within the casings as opposed to color disfiguration mentioned in this latest report.
Apple is expected to announce and launch the iPhone 6 in September. In addition to a larger screen, both models of the device are expected to include a thinner profile and a faster A8 processor. Both sizes of the iPhone 6 are also expected to feature improved cameras, with the bigger model featuring an optical image stabilization system, while the smaller one will include an enhanced camera module.
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