Microsoft wants its smartphone screens to touch you back
While your fingers are in firmly in control of hand-held devices, they’re guided strictly by your eyes — and Microsoft thinks that’s a waste of your sense of touch. Researcher Hong Tan found that using so-called haptics to add tactile sensations to screens can have some concrete benefits. For instance, by adding a keyboard-like “click” feeling to a Surface keyboard cover, one study showed that subjects could type faster and more accurately on it. Other potential uses include enhanced interfaces that let you feel resistance when you move a folder on the screen, or the ability to feel “textures” like rough cloth on a screen.
Several methods can be used to create such feedback. One way is to put a material that bends when charged under a screen to simulate a click, while another uses electrostatic vibration to put a cushion of air under your finger, making a surface feel smooth or sticky. I’ve experienced such haptic feedback myself, and while some sensations are accurate, others are just weird. There’s also the question of extra cost, weight and power consumption to consider. Still, Tan thinks it could find a place in specialized applications like devices for the blind — and Fujitsu even plans to launch a tablet using the tech as early as next year.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Microsoft Research
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Celebrities outside of the US can now get Facebook’s Mentions app
If you didn’t already know, Facebook is targeting the celebrity set with a new iPhone-only app called Mentions. However, when it launched in July, it was only available to musicians, actors, athletes and government officials in the US. Today, the company has lifted one restriction, making it available to socially important people in over 40 countries worldwide, including the UK. The bad news is that you’re probably not a big enough deal to use it. Mentions is designed to help VIP’s interact with fans via their verified Facebook page, allowing them to post updates, host live Q&A sessions and identify if they’re trending. Tyrese Gibson supposedly used it to share news of Apple’s Beats acquisition with the world, but really it’s the overworked PAs trying to keep on top of their employers’ social lives who will be secretly rubbing their hands following today’s expansion.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Facebook
Source: Facebook Mentions (App Store)
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SexFit is a pedometer for your penis
It was only a matter of time before wearable technology moved from people’s heads and wrists and ventured downstairs. British adult retailer Bondara is leading the charge, showing off a prototype activity tracker and sex toy that goes on the gentleman’s region. The SexFit is a ring that sits at the base of the penis, trapping blood for better, uh, erections, but also packs an accelerometer and Bluetooth module. That way, your in-and-out statistics will be shared with a companion app on a smartphone that’ll tell you your thrust per minute and even the calories you’ve burned. Oh, and you can even share those figures with your shocked friends on social media.
The hardware also vibrates, enabling you to set it at specific intervals, either for enhanced pleasure or so you can put the metronome back downstairs in the music room. There are even five LEDs that sit on top of the device that’ll light up when you hit a steady rhythm. Assuming, that is, that you’d prefer to use that rather than some of the more obvious clues that might be available during intercourse — although we’d find the idea of a strange glow emanating from someone’s genitals more unsettling than erotic. It’s worth mentioning that the project isn’t even at prototype stage yet, and there’s always a risk the company might pull out before completion, but at least it’s livened up a slow news day.
Filed under: Wearables
Comments
Via: Recombu
Source: Bondara
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Wireless charger uses ultrasound to power your phone from across the room
We first came across uBeam’s unusual wireless charging technology three years ago, at the All Things D Science Fair, where the fledgling company was only just introducing its creation to the public. Today, the company’s finally ready for a big move forward — uBeam co-founder Meredith Perry just announced that the team has created a fully functional prototype, one that will be used as a model for upcoming consumer versions. So, what makes uBeam so “unusual” anyway? Unlike other wireless charging standards that require you to place gadgets in contact with mats, uBeam’s ultrasound-based technology allow you to move freely while charging. We’re not talking about being able to charge phones merely two feet away from the mat: if the technology works as intended, you can actually move around the room while your device’s battery gauge fills up.
Here’s how it works: a thin charging station takes electricity and converts it into sounds, which are then transmitted over ultrasound. A receiver stuck to a phone or any other device then catches those sound waves and converts them back into energy. It does have limitations, though, such as not being able to pass through walls like WiFi, so you’ll have to buy several transmitters if you want to be able to charge wirelessly in every room. Despite that, Perry has huge faith in her brainchild and believes that it has the potential to become as ubiquitous as WiFi. She even believes that it could influence the way manufacturers design their devices, leading to smaller batteries, since phones with uBeam receivers will constantly be charging anyway.
The company founder didn’t say when the first consumer devices will come out, but she promised to sell directly to consumers and to businesses when the time comes.
Via: The New York Times
Source: uBeam
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Dixons Carphone celebrates its merger with seven new upgraded stores
After almost three months and a number of important approvals, Dixons and Carphone Warehouse have officially become one. Dixons Carphone, as it’s now known (no, we’re not making it up), is getting straight down to business, opening seven “store-in-stores” across the UK today with plans to open another 23 by the end of the year. When you enter one of the new “combined” shops, there will be dedicated areas for white goods, computers and now contract phones. That approach is mirrored across its websites too, pointing customers to new branded areas to better serve their needs. As time moves on, though, you may notice smartphones and tablets are given more prominence inside Currys & PC World stores as Dixons Carphone tries to lure you away from Amazon and offer everything under one physical and digital roof.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Internet
Source: Dixons Carphone
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United Airlines Rolls Out Passport Scanning for International Flights to iOS App [iOS Blog]
United Airlines today updated its official app for iOS with the ability to scan passports to check-in for international flights using a device’s camera. The new feature can be accessed when a user checks in within 24 hours of a departing flight, as all passports uploaded are verified by credential management service Jumio. Once a passport is verified, users can obtain their boarding passes and save them to the app.
– Customers can now use the United app to scan their passport for international check-in
– Upon check-in, verify your existing stored passport data (if already in our system) or scan your passport.
– Your device camera will be accessed, similar to many mobile banking deposit functions, and the scanned passport information will be verified for additional security. Once the image is validated, you will be able to complete your check-in and receive your boarding pass, saving you time at the airport.
United notes that flyers who require additional travel documentation such as a visa will still have to physically check-in at the airport. Passports that are scanned and uploaded can also be stored by United MileagePlus members for later flights. The app also includes additional bug fixes and more information on cards regarding flight boarding times.
United Airlines is a free app for iOS devices and can be downloaded through the App Store. [Direct Link]
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Square-Enix Releases Turn-Based RPG ‘Dragon Quest IV’ for iOS [iOS Blog]
Square-Enix’s classic RPG Dragon Quest IV has launched for iOS devices. Originally released over ten years ago, the game allows players to take the role of five different protagonists through five different chapters, with a bonus sixth chapter included in this newest release. Gameplay centers around a turn-based battle system, as the game’s controls, menus, and overall interface are all optimized for iOS devices.
Dragon Quest IV, the first installment in the Zenithian Trilogy, is now out on mobile devices!
– This epic adventure, unfolding over five unique chapters, each focusing on a different cast of characters, can now be enjoyed on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad!
– Chat with your loyal companions any time you like during your adventure!
They’ll tell you all kinds of interesting things, depending on where you are in the story, and what heroic feats you have accomplished!
– Tired of giving orders? Your faithful companions can be instructed to fight automatically! Use the various tactics at your disposal to see off even the toughest enemies with ease!
– Chapter 6? Experience an extra chapter past the ending and explore a challenging bonus dungeon.
Dragon Quest IV is available for the iPhone and iPad for $14.99 and can be downloaded through the App Store. [Direct Link]
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Google Now Launcher for Everyone! Google Music Changes! – App Updates
Happy Hump Day gang. Some app updates have come about in the past week, so this is where we talk about some of those. The Google Now Launcher can now be put on all devices running Android 4.1+. Google Music and Google Search have updated as well, so make sure you have your apps updated.
App Updates
Google Now Launcher update
Google Search update
Google Music update
Equalizer update
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The post Google Now Launcher for Everyone! Google Music Changes! – App Updates appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
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United Airlines app can now scan your passport for international flights
Even if you can check in online, you still have to show your passport somewhere at the airport if you’re flying international. United Airlines wants to do away with that step, though, so the company has updated its iOS and Android app with the capability to scan passports on your own. When you check in within 24 hours of departure, you’ll have the option to scan your passport using the phone’s camera, like how you’d take pictures of a check for a mobile deposit. A third party (specifically, a credentials management service called Jumio) still has to verify your document, but so long as everything’s in order, you can get a printable boarding pass. Sadly, you can’t have everything — if you’re traveling to a place that requires a visa, you’ll still have to line up at the airport. In addition to the new scanning feature, the updated apps now also display when boarding time ends, so you don’t spend more time at the gates than you need to.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Source: United Airlines
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BLU Products’ candy-toned Android phones are still cheap and unlocked
It might take a while before BLU Products (makers of affordable and unlocked phones for North America) comes out with Windows Phone devices like it promised. Until then, we’ll likely see it launch more Android phones first — like these four KitKat devices from its new Studio C series line. Since C stands for “color,” the phones comes in different hues, with the HD version boasting the most number of variants. As its name implies, Studio 5.0 C HD has a 5.0-inch, 720 x 1080 IPS screen with a 294 ppi density. It also has an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front cam and a 64GB microSD card slot. The device runs on a 1.3GHz Quad Core MT6582 processor with a 2,000 mAH battery. Next comes the Studio C Mini, which shares many of the 5.0 C HD’s specs, ‘cept it has a 4.7-inch 480 x 800 IPS screen, a 5-megapixel rear camera and 512MB of RAM.
The third device in the series is the Studio 5.0 C, which has a 5-inch 480 x 584 resolution screen, a 5-megapixel rear and a VGA front camera, a 32 GB microSD card slot and 512MB of RAM. It runs on a 1.3 GHz dual core MT6572 processor and a 1,800 mAH battery. If the Studio C Mini’s the smaller version of the 5.0 C HD, then the 5.0 CE is the 3G-less version of the Studio 5.0 C — in fact, it’s the only phone in the line without 3G capability. Other than that and its 3.2-megapixel rear camera, it shares the 5.0 CE’s spec list. All these phones come with 4GB of internal memory, dual-SIM support and, as is typical for Blu phones, they’re all unlocked and work with any GSM network in the US.
You can now get the Studio 5.0 C HD ($149) and the C Mini ($119) from Amazon, while the 5.0 C and the 5.0 CE will be available soon for $109 and $89, respectively.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Via: (2)
Source: Blu Products (1)
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AIVAnet 