Twitch starts dumping Flash for HTML5
Twitch is ditching Flash. The first step is a redesign of its video player controls, swapping out the old Flash model for shiny, new HTML5 and Javascript controls. Twitch videos are still Flash-based for now, but this is all in preparation for a full HTML5 player. The new controls will be rolled out gradually to all users, and you’ll notice them on channel pages first.
Twitch follows in YouTube’s footsteps with today’s switch: In January, YouTube dropped Flash to make HTML5 the default player for its videos. This came fiver years after YouTube started extolling the virtues of HTML5, while noting that Flash was, at the time, the “best platform” for the site.
As for Twitch, whatever keeps our weekly JXE Streams rolling, we’re happy.
Filed under: Gaming, Internet, HD
Source: Twitch
Skype update improves ‘Recent’ tab, online status notifier and more
Skype continues to be one of the most popular instant messaging and video calling services. It’s an important software for many companies and individuals, especially since Microsoft acquired it in 2011. The Redmond giant has made a plethora of improvements since then, but I think we all agree Skype’s Android app is still in need of some work.
The latest update to the application brings it to version 5.6 and offers a few welcomed UI improvements. For starters, the ‘Recent’ tab has been revamped and can now fit more conversations in the provided space. This will allow users to go through their threads without dealing with the hassle of excessive scrolling.
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In addition, round avatars and online status information now appears on all screens. Lastly, there was an adjustment to the color of the chat bubbles, making it easier to read and distinguish text. As it goes with most updates, Skype also managed to squeeze in a bug fix here here and there. Gotta keep things running smoothly!
These are not exactly huge updates, but they will make a difference for frequent Skype users. We know many of you are fans of the video calling service, so head over to the Google Play Store and get your update. I just downloaded mine and everything seems to be working to perfection. Hit the comments to let us know if everything is working fine with you!
Kodi 15.0 hits Play Store with tons of new features
Kodi has officially been updated to version 15.0 and uploaded to Google Play. This update, nicknamed Isengard, comes with a slew of new features that should greatly improve your media experience.
Among other things, Kodi 15.0 supports chapter selection (if the source file format supports it), better adaptive seeking for quickly fast forwarding and rewinding video, audio and subtitle listings, better language add-on support, and a vastly improved add-on manager to make it easier to find plug-ins for your setup.
There are a handful of other performance tweaks, plus a few specialized changes, including some just for Android. Android 4.2 is now the minimum required OS for Kodi, and the app no longer needs root permissions. A small tweak has been implemented to allow the Android system to handle volume instead of Kodi, too.
You can find the download link below, plus a few screenshots from the newer version of the app.
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Pebble Time receives first major update
The first major update has begun rolling out to Pebble Time owners. The update, v3.2, will bring improvements and many bug fixes. In case your wondering, Pebble mentioned it’s working hard to bring enhancements to Pebble watches of any generation. The company promised it will push the update to the original Pebble and Pebble Steel later this year. Pebble noted the update will come with the timeline features and unlimited applications.
The update is available to download today through the Pebble Time app for Android.
Release notes with v3.2 include:
- New Backlight settings: Adjust intensity and time-out duration.
- New Font Size settings: Adjust the displayed font size in notifications, layouts, and other areas of the system.
- New Vibration settings: Adjust the vibration strength for notifications, incoming calls, alerts, etc. Default vibration setting is less strong than the previous default. Vibration strength increases automatically if watch is in motion.
- Music (Android): Added support for most music players (e.g. Pandora, Spotify, Songza), improved display of track metadata, play/pause detection (app now displays separate pause and play icons to match current playback status).
- Notifications: A collection of improvements and fixes to enhance the notifications experience, including a new Dismiss All action.
- Bug fixes and stability improvements.
- To update: Select Menu » Support » Update Your Pebble within the Pebble Time app for iOS or Android.
Source: Pebble
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‘Hearthstone’ expansion, The Grand Tournament, coming next month
Next month, the millions of people playing Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft will have new content to devour. Blizzard Entertainment revealed that The Grand Tournament, the game’s second expansion, will be released across multiple platforms worldwide in August. Players head to the Frozen North where the weather has improved and battle is welcomed. A festive gameboard is included, too, showcasing the landscape of the tournament.
The expansion comes with 132 new cards covering spells, weapons, and characters. All of them, unsurprisingly, will come at a cost. Either use in-game gold or have a credit/debit card at the ready. Pricing will be the same as other Hearthstone card packs.
Hit the break for the trailer.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Come comment on this article: ‘Hearthstone’ expansion, The Grand Tournament, coming next month
Verizon considering getting into the mobile streaming game, completely disregards net neutrality
The wireless industry is getting increasingly competitive, so we’re starting to see carriers branch out into other markets to try to look for other avenues of making money. AT&T wants DirecTV, and it looks like Verizon wants to throw their hat into the ring for video streaming services.
Verizon has dabbled in live content before, especially with sports partnerships. So far, it hasn’t done as well as hoped, especially against giants like Netflix. That might change with their upcoming video streaming service, which Verizon says is completely unlike anything else that’s currently being offered.
They haven’t revealed any specific details, but the company is apparently looking into several models for this upcoming OTT (over-the-top) service that will supposedly be available to anyone with an internet connection. One of those models would involve an ad-supported streaming service that wouldn’t eat into Verizon customers’ data caps. On paper, that sounds great, but that’s 100% against the spirit of net neutrality and would be a horrible precedent for other video streaming services if it caught on. Two other models include a standard video stream that does use up data, as well as one with a premium charge.
This move is pretty similar to T-Mobile’s Music Freedom service, which allows you to stream music over the carrier’s network without incurring data charges. You can at least argue in favor of T-Mobile by saying that they don’t actually own those music streaming services, and it’s a pretty inclusive list. If Verizon rolled out a video streaming service like this, it would be in Verizon’s interest to promote this over other services like Netflix and would completely cut out any smaller start-ups (or DirecTV streaming, for example, since it’s owned by rival AT&T) from being able to be competitive, especially to customers with low data caps.
This move makes Verizon’s acquisition of AOL make way more sense, too. Although, like lots of Verizon’s other services, there’s a pretty good chance this one launches dead in the water and never gains any traction with consumers. Anybody remember the Verizon App Store?
source: Cnet
Come comment on this article: Verizon considering getting into the mobile streaming game, completely disregards net neutrality
Watch this EV racer go from 0-100 KPH in under two seconds
It’s no secret that electric vehicles are strong performers, both on the streets and in professional racing tracks. But in case you had any doubts, a group of students from GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart have set a new world record with their battery-powered car, becoming the first ever to go from 0-100 KPH in 1.779 seconds. Once evaluated by Guinness World Records, GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart will officially have the fastest accelerating electric vehicle in the world — the previous record was set at 1.785 seconds by the AMZ Racing Team, another Formula Student competitor, in 2014. It’s quite an achievement, to say the least, so watch how it happened in the video below.
Filed under: Transportation
Via: Electric Autosport
Source: GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart e.V.
Google introduces 360-degree YouTube ads
Google’s already rolled out 360-degree videos on YouTube, like Bjork’s latest musical venture, and now the company has announced that it’s doing the same with advertisements. The new feature debuted on Wednesday for both Chrome and the mobile YouTube app on Android and iOS. It works exactly the same way existing 360-degree videos do — just scroll your mouse up, down, left or right to adjust the view. The new ad format is also compatible with Google’s Cardboard VR headset.
[Image Credit: WireImage/Getty]
Filed under: Internet, HD, Google
Source: Google Adwords
Pebble Time update helps you see your watch outdoors
Wish your Pebble Time smartwatch was easier to read in bright sunlight, or didn’t shake so violently that everyone can tell when you have new messages? Your wishes have been answered. Pebble is trotting out a firmware update for the Time (and Time Steel, when it ships) that lets you tweak the intensities of both the backlight and the vibration motor, so you won’t have to squint outdoors or apologize for noises. You can also go for a larger font size, in case your vision isn’t what it used to be.
Oh, and don’t fret if you’re a classic Pebble owner — the company hasn’t forgotten about you. It’s promising to give both the original Pebble and the Pebble Steel an update to the timeline-based interface sometime later this year. The lack of a firm schedule isn’t much consolation if your Time-toting friends are bragging about their software experience, but you won’t be stuck with that old code.
Filed under: Wearables, Mobile
Source: Pebble
Apple Expanding Made for Apple Watch Program to Include Stands With Integrated Chargers
While the release of the Apple Watch has seen a boom in third-party docks and stands for the device, those accessories have needed the stock charger that Apple supplies to charge the Apple Watch. However, Apple will soon allow manufacturers to make official third-party Apple Watch docks and stands with integrated chargers, according to 9to5Mac.
Mophie’s Watch Dock with non-integrated Apple Watch charger
The change is coming for manufacturers in Apple’s Made for Apple Watch program, which is similar to the Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad program, known more simply as the MFi program. This will allow manufacturers to obtain the charging pad at the end of the Apple Watch charging cable so that they can install them in their dock and stand accessories. Previously, users had to insert their own charging cables into third-party stands and docks, making those products a little complicated to set up.
However, the charging components are currently only available in “sample quantities” and official plans for accessories with integrated chargers cannot be submitted for approval. It’s unknown when the first Apple Watch docks and stands with integrated chargers will be available.
AIVAnet 