‘Retro City Rampage’ is getting a ’16-bit’ sequel
Retro City Rampage is getting a sequel named Shakedown Hawaii. Like RCR, Shakedown is a top-down action game in the same vein as the original Grand Theft Auto. The new game is set 30 years after RCR and promises a large open world to explore. It also swaps in “16-bit” graphics in place of the original’s “8-bit” look, and adds destructible environments to the mix. It’s been confirmed for launch on PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. Developer Vblank says this isn’t a Sony console exclusive per se, but it’s not going for an Xbox One launch as RCR hasn’t been ported to Microsoft’s machine, making development more complex. It’ll also come to “at least one Nintendo platform” at some point. Vblank tells Polygon that a 3DS release is being targeted, and it’s waiting to hear more about Nintendo’s next-gen “NX” console before it makes a decision on a port.
Source: PlayStation Blog
ICYMI: Smartest lights yet, robots on the farm and more
Today on In Case You Missed It: BeOn Home has made smart lightbulbs that recognize noises like a doorbell or fire alarm and turn on accordingly. A robot designed to check fertilizer levels and smash weeds should help the average family farmer one day. And the US Army is checking its soldier’s brain waves to understand what part of an image captures their attention.
Wu-Tang Clan sells its one-of-a-kind ‘Shaolin’ album for millions
Remember Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time In Shaolin album? The group spent nine years recording 31 tracks for a special LP, then decided to sell just one copy of it — for a very high price, of course. It was finally purchased by a private American collector for “millions,” according to Forbes. The deal was completed in May, but the contract was finalized only recently. The buyer will get to listen to the album now, but won’t have the right to release it publicly for another 88 years. “The Wu-Tang Clan has always been driven by innovation, and this marks another moment in musical history,” said co-founder RZA. He added that “we hoped that this concept would inspire debate and new ways of seeing creativity.”
Source: Forbes
Samsung UK says the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 won’t be updated to Lollipop
Do you remember the Galaxy TabPRO series of tablets that Samsung launched last year with high-end specifications, a premium price and a short shelf life? If you do, you may have a better memory than Samsung because according to Samsung UK’s Twitter team, the TabPRO 8.4 model won’t be updated to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Which means you can probably forget about getting a Marshmallow update as well.
@JSmoove_12 We really don’t like bringing you news you don’t want to hear, but the TabPRO 8.4 will not be getting Lollipop. ^ES
— Samsung UK (@SamsungUK) November 24, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
When Twitter user @JSmoove_12 asked about a possible update to the TabPRO 8.4, Samsung UK replied with the bad news. The TabPRO 8.4 will be marooned on Android 4.4 KitKat, despite running hardware that is still quite capable. With its quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM, the TabPRO 8.4 should be able to run Lollipop smoothly.
If running a newer version of Android on your TabPRO 8.4 is important to you, and you don’t mind tinkering a little with your device, you can always turn to third-party ROM’s. With remarkably good timing, CyanogenMod just yesterday announced that the TabPRO 8.4 was eligible for CM13 (Marshmallow) nightlies.
It’s a poor showing from Samsung to be honest, and while it’s easy to say that you buy a smartphone or tablet for the things it already has or can already do, most of us expect at least one major update to be issued in the device’s lifetime, especially when you buy an allegedly premium product. This hasn’t been the case for the TabPRO 8.4, which launched with KitKat, and is presently still running KitKat 18 months later.
That being said, it’s possible that Samsung UK is only referring to units sold in the UK, so there is a chance that the TabPRO 8.4 could receive an update in other regions. All I’m saying is that there’s a chance, slim though it is.
Source: Samsung UK (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Samsung UK says the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 won’t be updated to Lollipop
Moto X Limited editions designed by Jonathan Adler now available for pre-order
Those hoping for a bit more style for the Moto X Style will be pleased to know that the limited Moto X Pure Edition models with designs by Jonathan Adler are now available for pre-order at Motorola’s website. As of this piece, the phones are all listed as back-ordered with a delivery date of December 15th.
The three models can be seen here:
Each costs $479.99 before tax and any shipping charges that are applicable.
The devices all have a specific theme to them, with the left-most being a honeycomb pattern, the center one being a dot design, and the right-most described as “Bridget style”. These designs appear to be fixed products, that is to say, customers are not able to modify the parts in Moto Maker. This might come as a bit of a disappointment to some customers who had perhaps assumed the back covers would simply be another option in Moto Maker.
Unfortunately Motorola’s website does not provide specific specs for these devices, however an earlier report indicated they would include 32GB of on-board storage. Also as only the back side of the products are visible, we will assume, based on the silver frame, that each makes use of a white front. As listed in Moto Maker, both the silver and champagne gold frames are only available for the white front models.
For those in need of a spec-recap, please consult the following table, noting that the “Colors” section does not apply to these particular products:
| Display | 5.7-inch display Quad HD resolution, 515 ppi |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor Adreno 418 GPU |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 16/32/64 GB expandable via microSD up to 128 GB |
| Camera | 21 MP rear camera with dual LED flash 5 MP front-facing camera with wide angle lens and front-facing flash |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac Universal LTE bands Bluetooth 4.1 NFC GPS+GLONASS |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh |
| Software | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop |
| Colors | Moto Maker Coated Silicon Rubber Horween leather and natural wood Metallic accents Engraving |
What do you think? Are these darling devices worth waiting for, or are you eager to get moving in Moto Maker and design something different? Let us know in the comments section below!
Pre-order the Moto X Pure Limited Editions here:
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua price cut to $200 at Amazon US
Sony’s mid-range Xperia M4 Aqua was probably a little overpriced when compared to similar devices from low cost manufacturers, but this situation should now be remedied, as the company has just announced a new price cut for the handset in the US.
M4 Aqua by #Xperia now available for $199 only on @amazon Watch the full video and Buy Now: https://t.co/EdAbgEcs6n
— Sony Xperia US (@SonyXperiaUS) November 24, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The old $300 price tag has been thrown out in favour of a $200 listing, which works out to a pretty substantial 33 percent saving. However, this discount appears to be an Amazon US exclusive and also only applies to the 16GB model for the US market. The international version is now more expensive at $230 and other retailers are still selling the US version for the regular $300-$349 price.
Although some may find it a little frustrating to be restricted to one retailer, Sony used Amazon’s retail channel to launch the Xperia M4 Aqua in the US back in June. I imagine that other sellers will eventually have to drop their prices to match Sony’s offer.
Read more: Sony Xperia M4 Aqua review
We have to say that at $300+, the Xperia M4 Aqua probably had too many compromises to justify the cost, but the lower price tag certainly makes the handset more appealing. Check out our full review if you would like to know more. As an added bonus, the smartphone also made it onto Sony’s recent list of handsets that would eventually be upgraded to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, although we don’t have an exact release schedule yet.
LG announces 5.5-inch mid-range LG Ray
Today, LG has announced its latest smartphone for the mid-tier of the market – the LG Ray. Sporting metal-brush look, high resolution camera sensors and an octa-core processor, there’s some promising hardware to be had at a very reasonable price.
Starting with the plus points, the LG Ray comes with an 8 megapixel selfie camera and a 13 megapixel rear camera combination, which should keep the keen photographers happy. The smartphone is powered by a 1.4GHz MediaTek MT6592M octa-core processor, comes available with dual-SIM slots and a removable 3,000mAh battery. There’s also Android 5.1 Lollipop on board and a selection of flagship G-series features, including Knock Code unlock and camera Gesture Shot.
The handset is not without its compromises though. The processor is paired up with just a single gigabyte of RAM, the SoC’s Mali-400 GPU isn’t even a mid-range smartphone part these days, and the phone doesn’t support 4G networks. Although to be fair, the phone is targeted at markets where 3G is still the dominant network technology. The phone’s large 5.5-inch display is also only packing a 720p resolution, which won’t be as clear as other large smartphones on the market.
“Customers in 3G markets continue to be a priority for LG so we will continue to develop new products with these consumers in mind,” – Juno Cho, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The smartphone’s design keeps up with the familiar LG style. The volume rocker is located on the back just underneath the camera, while brushed look on the back of the phone gives a nice metal look. Although I’m going to assume that it is plastic.
LG’s latest and greatest:
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The LG Ray is destined for the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) regions this week, followed by Latin America shortly afterwards. The phone has been spotted with a RUB 15,000 ($232/€215) price tag in Russia and will arrive in Silver, Gold, and Titan Black color options.
Australia’s using drones to protect its coasts from sharks
While shark attacks are rare in Australia, every year a handful of people lose their lives while swimming off the country’s coastlines. New South Wales (NSW) government officials know there is no easy way to reduce risks, but have committed to spending AU$16 million ($11.6 million) on a new “shark strategy,” which includes drone patrols and deploying GPS technology to make its beaches safer. As part of the drone trial starting today, operators will send out drones off the coast of Coffs Harbour (located midway between Sydney and Brisbane), which will feed back live footage of any marine life swimming in shallow water and let them alert swimmers and surfers of any risks in the area.
Via: BBC News
Source: NSW Government
O2 also considers blocking phone ads
More than one UK network is weighing up whether to offer its customers mobile ad-blocking tools. After EE stepped forward over the weekend, O2 is doing the same through an interview with Business Insider. Robert Franks, managing director of digital commerce at O2, says the carrier is “absolutely” looking at the practice. “When I say we are looking at these technologies, we are not just paying lip service to them,” he explains. “We are absolutely having conversations which are well-advanced in terms of what that technology would do in our network…and how we would position this with customers.”
Source: Business Insider
LG Ray with 5.5-Inch HD display, Octa-core processor and 13MP rear camera launches in select 3G markets
While 4G is available in many countries (and we look forward to the arrival of 5G), it’s easy to forget that some of us have to make do with 3G. With this in mind, the LG Ray has just been announced, with the South Korean manufacturer making the entry-level handset available in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) sometime this week and Latin America later on.
The LG Ray’s power and volume controls are placed on the rear panel that features a brushed metal finish. Let’s take a look at what else the LG Ray has under the hood.
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 5.5-Inch HD display (1280 x 720), 267ppi
- Octa-core processor @ 1.4GHz
- 1GB RAM
- 16GB Internal storage
- MicroSD card support
- 13MP Rear camera with flash, Gesture Shot
- 8MP Front camera
- Network: HSPA+ 21Mbps (3G)
- Single/Dual SIM
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery: 3,000mAh (Removable)
- Dimensions: 152.5 x 76.4 x 9.3mm
- Weight: 158 grams
- Available in Gold, Silver, and Titan Black
As you can see from the specifications above, the LG Ray is a curious blend of both entry and mid-level components. How much the LG Ray will cost is unknown for the moment, with the Korean manufacturer stating that “price and availability will be announced locally at the time of launch”.
Full Press Release:
SEOUL, Nov. 25, 2015 — LG Electronics (LG) will begin rollout of LG Ray1 to key global 3G markets, starting with the CIS region this week followed by Latin America. LG Ray features a stunning metallic design and comes loaded with best-in-class features such as an expansive 5.5-inch HD display and an 8MP front camera, features unavailable in competing devices.
With its impressively large display powered by a 1.4GHz Octa-Core processor, LG Ray enables users to enjoy multimedia content seamlessly. Thanks to LG’s superior optical technology, this device captures impressive images with its 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera unmatched by other smartphones in its category. Gesture Shot, LG’s exclusive UX inherited from its G Series, delivers an easier way to take selfies and LG Ray also features a removable battery with a capacity of 3,000mAh for longer usage time between charges.
“Customers in 3G markets continue to be a priority for LG so we will continue to develop new products with these consumers in mind,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “No matter the country or the device, every LG customers will receive a unique user experience with a balance of design, performance and value.”
Details such as price and availability will be announced locally at the time of launch.
Come comment on this article: LG Ray with 5.5-Inch HD display, Octa-core processor and 13MP rear camera launches in select 3G markets
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