Valve’s testing a new look for Steam on TVs
The November release Valve’s fancy Steam Controller is right around the corner, and the company seems to be getting the rest of its platform ready for launch day. Specifically, Valve is giving Steam’s Big Picture Mode a visual overhaul, redesigning UI navigation in the TV-interface’s game library with a more dynamic layout, making tweaks to game-specific pages within that library and updating the look of user profile pages. Valve is also adding FLAC, OGG, Vorbis and M4A support to its music player, as well as experimental Streaming-host support for Macs. Curious? Try it out for yourself by opting into the Steam beta client in your settings menu, or simply check out the gallery below.
Slideshow-316951
Filed under:
Gaming
Source:
Valve
Tags: beta, gaming, pcgaming, steam, steambigpicture, SteamBigPictureMode, valve, videogames
Experience bullet time in Epic’s crazy VR demo
Game-tech powerhouse Epic Games and its Unreal Engine are capable of some seriously impressive stuff, and now the North Carolina-based outfit wants you to experience what it’s capable of in the virtual reality space. “Showdown” is the demo that the outfit’s been showing off at industry events for the past year or so (I got to try it at CES back in January) and it’s by far the most bad-ass bullet-time walk toward a hulking, missile-happy, bipedal robot I’ve ever experienced. The path is predetermined, sure, but as the street explodes into chaos around you, it’s entirely possible to duck down or peer around objects like pop cans or even cars as they hurtle toward you in slow motion.
Epic says that the “project and all its assets” are available for immediate download and it’s compatible with the Oculus Rift Dev Kit 2 and beyond as well as Sony’s Project Morpheus, and the HTC Vive Steam VR setup. Oh, and it’s free.
Filed under:
Gaming, Home Entertainment, Software, HD
Source:
Unreal Engine
Tags: bullettime, demo, epicgames, free, gaming, hd, hdpostcross, oculus, oculusrift, showdown, unreal, video, vr
New Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides features make schoolwork less miserable
Being a college student myself, Google Drive has been one of the best tool to use for writing papers, working on group projects, and otherwise staying organized. The best part is, I don’t have to spend my precious student’s budget on it: it’s free!
Google is continuing to add value to Google Drive with its slew of updates, tailored for students (although, anyone can use them!).
First up, the “Research” tool, which has been accessible in Google Docs on the web version for awhile is now available in Docs for Android. This allows you to search Google without having to leave Docs, and then insert what you find directly into your Doc.
Next, you can now dictate your Docs! This is available in both the web version and app. Voice typing will even recognize formatting commands like “new paragraph” or “exclamation point”. Voice typing is even available in more than 40 languages, helping language students, and students around the world.
The next update isn’t a new feature so much as a change of location and design. Looking at revision history is now accessible in a fancy little button that says “See new changes” (shown above). This lets you see what recent changes were made and by whom, especially useful when collaborating on a project.
Forms has also been updated with a new design, and now easier ways to insert images, GIFs, or videos.
Also added are a bunch of new templates in Docs, Sheets, and Slides! Now templates for reports, portfolios, resumes, and more are all available to make your project look that much better.
Sheets has been updated with a fancy new feature called Explore.
“ Explore creates charts and insights automatically, so you can visualize trends and understand your data in seconds on the web or on your Android. It’s like having an expert analyst right by your side.“
The last new feature is something for Google Classroom users. Teachers can now instantly send websites to the entire class with a Chrome extension.
This is one big update, and a few of these are definitely features I’m excited to try out myself!
Do these features seem useful to you? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
SOURCE: Official Google Blog
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Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact and Z5 Premium availability – what we know so far
Sony took the stage at IFA 2015 and announced its latest smartphone series this morning. This includes the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z5 Premium. We can finally put the rumors to rest and focus on the facts. Now that you know all the details, we are sure your plan is to buy these smartphones as soon as they become available… but when will that be?
While not all information about this has been uncovered, we do know quite a bit about the phone’s release window and different market availability. Let’s run you through the details, shall we? By the way, this post will continue to be updated as soon as we learn more, so keep it bookmarked!
General availability
Sony is keeping it pretty hush on the pricing, but they did mention the Xperia Z5 family will be priced competitively with other premium handsets. This likely means they will range somewhere between $500 and $700? I would think so.
As for the actual launch, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed we can expect the Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact by October, which is pretty soon. Xperia Z5 Premium customers will have to wait a bit more, though, as the larger handset is expected to launch in November.
United States availability
Sadly, us USA residents are left in the dark; at least for now. Sony has announced no release information for these handsets yet. The same applies for American carriers. We are sure at least one (if not all) of these handsets will make it to the stateside, though. After all, the Japanese manufacturer is good friends with T-Mobile and Verizon.
We’ll definitely let you know as soon as we find out more!
UK availability
Any of our British readers looking to get a new Xperia Z5 series smartphone? We have both good and bad news for you. Let’s start with the bad: we have no details on the Xperia Z5 Premium release. The good news is that you will have plenty of options for the other two handsets, though.
The Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will be available from EE, Vodafone, Virgin, Three and O2.
EE – This carrier is not wasting any time. They plan to offer the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact in Graphite Black. Not a fan of the classic look? You can also opt for a golden Xperia Z5.
Virgin – Aside from the Graphite Black Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact, Virgin will also offer a couple other colored handsets. Namely, the Xperia Z5 in Green and the Z5 Compact in Coral.
Vodafone – Of course, Vodafone couldn’t stay behind. These guys are looking to cater to the public with Graphite Black versions of both the Z5 and Z5 Compact. Just like Virgin, this carrier couldn’t stay behind and decided to also put the Green Z5 and Coral Z5 Compact in its shelves.
Three – This mobile service provider will be less colorful, but that should be OK for most of us. They will have the Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact in Graphite Black. A Green Z5 will also be added to the collection.
O2 – Yes, O2 is also offer the same two handsets in Graphite Black. In addition, the Z5 can be purchased in Green and the smaller phone in Yellow.
Canada availability
There’s no details on a Canadian release, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see some of these devices reaching our northern neighbors soon. Likely within the same time frame as the USA.
Online availability
Of course, there will be plenty of online availability for all Sony smartphones. If you can’t get one officially, you will likely be able to import any of these phones from a plethora of websites. Sony is closing its online stores, though, so you likely can’t get these new Xperia Z5 handsets directly from them.
Know any others?
We try to keep our eyes everywhere, but we know sometimes you catch some details faster than us. Have you heard any more details on availability in your own markets? Please do hit the comments and let us know!
IFA 2015: The Sony Xperia Z5 is now official, features world’s fastest autofocusing camera
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After several months of not very well kept secrets, the Sony Xperia Z5 is now official after Sony announced its latest flagship at IFA 2015 in Berlin. Not much about the device is particularly surprising, but we were interested to see more of Sony’s new camera which it kindly obliged. The focal point of Sony’s Xperia Z5 presentation was the 23MP Exmor RS camera which features on its whole Xperia Z5 family line and boasts the world’s fastest autofocus, requiring just 0.037 seconds. Having used last used the LG G3’s laser focus, I can tell you that a fast focusing camera makes all the difference. Check out Sony’s feature video on the new camera:
This marks the first time that Sony has overhauled the camera since the Z1 and makes the Z5 seem like a worthy upgrade for the first time in years. If you’re interested in the device’s other specs – which we know you are – you’ll be looking at a 5.2-inch 1080p IPS display powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB RAM. 32GB storage, IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance, and a 2,900mAh battery that Sony says will last two days rounds out the pretty ordinary specs. Oh, and the power button now also has a fingerprint scanner built into it, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Sony says that the Xperia Z5 is going to be available in October in four colours, including White, Graphite Black, Gold, and Green. What do you think about the Sony Xperia Z5 now that it’s official?
Source: Sony Mobile via XperiaBlog
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IFA 2015: the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is now official and features a 4K display
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Sony‘s press conference at IFA 2015 wasn’t exactly filled with surprises, but the announcement of its devices confirmed some features that we didn’t necessarily believe in the rumours. Chief among its announced devices, the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is now official and boasts the world’s first 4K display on a smartphone. On its 5.5-inch display, that makes for an utterly mind-boggling 806ppi (pixels-per-inch) and Sony says that the device won’t suffer to much from this extra visual acuity thanks to a 3,430mAh battery that will last two days. While it may take awhile for the world’s technology to even take advantage of the Z5 Premium’s 4K display, the device includes 4K upscaling technology to help make the most of its early adopter status.
The Z5 Premium also wasn’t named that way for the fun of it – unlike the Z5 and Z5 Compact, the Z5 Premium will feature a special mirror-like finish that gives it a rather futuristic look. It also features the same 23MP camera on the Z5, and for all intents and purposes, is pretty much the same device on the inside as well, rocking a Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 32GB with microSD support and the same IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance. And of course, it features the same fingerprint scanner that is now embedded in the power button.
Sony says that the Xperia Z5 Premium will become available in November this year. What do you think about the world’s first smartphone with 4K display?
Source: Sony Mobile via XperiaBlog
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Panasonic is reviving Technics’ legendary DJ turntables
Ask DJs about their favorite turntables and they’ll frequently swear by Technics’ SL-1200 — even though it hasn’t been made since 2007, the super-reliable deck is still the gold standard for vinyl spinners. If you’re one of those enthusiasts, you’ll be glad to hear that Panasonic is bringing Technics turntables back as part of a larger revival for the audio brand. Many of the details are still under wraps, but the turntable set will have a new direct-drive motor that should improve the audio quality. The gear won’t show up until sometime during Panasonic’s next fiscal year (sometime between April 2016 and March 2017), but more development time is likely a good thing. After all, the SL-1200 thrives precisely because its makers were careful to preserve elements that worked well — a rushed product could easily hurt more than it helps. Slideshow-316938
That’s not the only Technics-badged device making a debut today, either. Panasonic has unveiled a trio of devices geared towards the home audio crowd. The highlight is arguably the EAH-T700, a set of closed-back headphones with large 50mm main drivers and 14mm “super-tweeters” that theoretically give you a very wide sound range. There’s also the Grand Class G30 series, which includes both a “reference-class” amp and a networked music server, as well as the Ottava Premium Class C500 HiFi system and black C700 speakers. While you’ll have to wait for release dates and prices, it’s evident that Panasonic is paying more than lip service to the Technics name.
[Image credit: SSPL/Getty Images]
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, HD
Source:
Wall Street Journal, Panasonic
Tags: amp, amplifier, audio, cd, dj, hdpostcross, headphones, ifa, ifa2015, music, ottava, panasonic, sl-1200, technics, turntable, turntables
US will pay over $133 million to protect OPM data breach victims
That massive data breach at the US Office of Personnel Management is going to cost the country a lot more than you might think. Officials have awarded ID Experts a contract to protect the 21.5 million affected government workers against identity theft. The arrangement will cost the government at least $133.3 million, and options could bring its value to as high as $329.8 million. Suddenly, Sony’s identity protection offer following the 2011 PSN breach seems like small potatoes. And that’s just part of a smaller effort to mitigate the effects of data breaches — the General Services Administration has handed out a separate $500 million contract for responding to these kinds of attacks.
The effort could be reassuring if you’re one of the many current or former staffers worrying about whether or not a hacker will misuse your personal info. However, there’s a question as to whether or not the money will be well-spent. Any short-term damage has likely already been done, after all. And as you might have guessed, identity theft protection may not do much to stop state-sponsored Chinese hackers from creating havoc. Look at it this way, though: the contracts may serve as a (very) expensive lesson in the importance of tight security.
[Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Filed under:
Internet
Via:
Nextgov, CNN, Beth Cobert (Twitter)
Source:
OPM.gov
Tags: breach, databreach, government, identitytheft, idexperts, internet, officeofpersonnelmanagement, opm, privacy, security
How to Move Your Data From Android to iOS
In just a couple of weeks, Apple is going to make it ridiculously easy for Android users to switch to iOS with an upcoming app alongside iOS 9 called “Move to iOS.” It will give Android users the ability to wirelessly migrate contacts, message history, photos and videos, web browser saves, mail, calendars, and more. Until then, we have to do these things manually.
Luckily, it isn’t difficult to switch from Android to iOS. It just takes a few extra steps to get all of the data you want from one device to the other. We’ve got a guide for helping you transition from Android to iOS as simply as possible.
Before following any of the instructions below, be sure to back up your Android device to ensure that you don’t lose any important data in the event that something goes wrong during the migration process.
Transferring Contacts, Mail, and Calendars
Luckily, Google makes it incredibly simple for you to sync your email, calendar, and contact information across practically any device. So, if you’ve been on Android for long enough, chances are most of your data is easily available to sync on iOS.
- Open the Settings app and tap Mail, Contacts, Calendar from the list of available options.
- Tap “Add Account.” Then select Google from the list of available options.
- Enter the required information, including your email address, password, and description.
- When prompted, toggle the Contacts and Calendars switch to the on position.
CBS Sports to Stream Super Bowl 50, Other NFL Games Free on Apple TV
CBS Sports this week announced it will expand its streaming NFL coverage on the Apple TV, with plans to stream two regular season games, four playoff games, and Super Bowl 50.
The games will be available on laptops, computers, and tablets via CBSSports.com, in addition to being available on connected television devices like the Apple TV, Roku, Xbox One, and Chromecast. Games will be streamed live and will be free to watch, with no cable authentication required.
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins in London will be the first regular live game streamed for free, and it will be broadcast on October 4 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The second regular season game CBS will show is the Carolina vs. Dallas on November 26 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. AFC playoff coverage will also be streamed, including Wild Card, Divisional, and Championship games.
“We’re very excited to offer more NFL ON CBS streaming coverage across more digital platforms than ever before,” said Jeffrey Gerttula, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CBS Sports Digital. “All NFL fans will have access through their computers, tablets and now Connected TVs to two regular season games for the first time in addition to all of the AFC playoff action, culminating with a truly historic Super Bowl.”
While CBS will be streaming NFL games to connected television devices, computers, and tablets, most iPhones will not be able to be used to stream CBS NFL content due to contractual agreements with Verizon. Verizon iPhone owners will have access to streaming content through the NFL Mobile app.
CBS’s plan to stream additional NFL games comes just days after the NFL introduced a new Game Pass subscription plan available on the Apple TV, which lets users watch live preseason games and standard season games on-demand after they’ve aired on broadcast television.
AIVAnet 