Google tool helps devs make their games play nicer with Chromecast
The mobile gaming world is ever-ramping up as more and more developers are starting to consider the Android operating system a serious gaming platform. However, there’s only just so much immersion you can get on a tiny screen (unless you go the VR route). That’s why Google is trying to convince developers to make their games more friendly to televisions via Chromecast. They’ve even released a plugin to simplify the process: the Google Chromecast Remote Display plugin.
The light plugin helps developers using the Unity Game Engine create a multi-screen experience for their project. For a lot of games, this could really open up the doors to a lot of interesting features that they might not have previously considered. It’s not just immersion that can be improved by casting mobile games. With visuals out of the way, the smartphone can become more of an input device. Google discusses the possibility of creating “abstract controls” that let users interact with the screen through motion and touch.
Alternatively, it’s possible to turn the smartphone into something like an inventory screen, allowing players to see what they’re carrying just by looking down. Google does warn, however, that from a player experience perspective, having players constantly looking back and forth from one screen to the other is fatiguing. Google has released a guidebook to help keep the Remote Display experience consistent.
If you want to know more about Remote Display, head over to Google’s blog post and download the plugin. Are you a developer with experience building for multiple screens? Let us know how this will affect your work in the comments.
Cardboard Fender Stratocaster shreds without being shredded
The Signal Snowboard crew is known for its unorthodox snowboard projects. Now the team has partnered with Ernest Packaging and Fender’s custom shop to create a playable cardboard Stratocaster. Except for its corrugated body and neck, the guitar is outfitted with the usual pickups, electronics, frets and knobs found on traditional wood guitar. The end result is something you can see through while shredding.
Via: Gizmodo
Source: Signal Snowboard
Wetherspoon hack exposes over 600,000 customers
Another week, another hack. JD Wetherspoon, the owner of countless cheap British pubs, has revealed that an older version of its website was hacked between June 15th and 17th, putting over 600,000 customers at risk. The company says it was informed of the attack on December 1st and immediately called in security specialists, who confirmed the breach a day later. All customers were then notified via email on December 3rd.
Source: Wetherspoon
Latest IDC wearable numbers show Xiaomi’s continued surge
While there was no change in the top two spots for the Q3 2015 IDC wearable numbers, Xiaomi made a staggering jump. In terms of market share, Fitbit is still in the top spot with a 22 percent market share and 4.7 million units shipped in the quarter. The company’s numbers were padded by the fact that a number employers are giving their workers Fitbit devices, including Target’s order of 335,000. Apple remains at number two, where it debuted in Q2. Cupertino shipped 3.9 million units, aided by both the release of WatchOS 2 and its gadgets going on sale in more locales.
Source: IDC
The Solove Roco 10000mAh portable power bank is an all around beauty
About a month ago I published a review on a portable battery that sticks out in my mind as one of my favorite accessories. It is just a portable battery, but the Solove Titan 20000mAh battery is functional, well-built and beautiful at an affordable price. Appreciating high design and craftsmanship is something that is easy to overlook. The Titan is one of the very few products that has earned a perfect five star rating.
In many cases, I simply do not need a large 20000mAh battery, and for that reason I have been using the Titan’s little sibling for the last month. That is Solove’s other beautiful battery called the Roco. Like its bigger sibling, it is beautiful, well-built but is half the size making it much more portable. It’s been in my messenger bag and has been my go to power source when I need extra power. Let’s check it out.
Design
The Solove Roco is everything the Titan is, just half the size. It comes in a full metal case that is sleek, slim and looks like it belongs in Apple’s lineup next to a Macbook Pro. I can’t argue that the Macbook Pro isn’t one of the best looking laptops available today, and I simply cannot argue that the Solove Roco is not one of the best looking portable batteries to come across my path. The silver version is the same color as Apple products and has the same cold, sturdy and metallic feel.
The portable power bank measures in at a very useful 10000mAh, which enough power to charge my Nexus 6P(3450mAh) almost three full times, or it can charge my Huawei Watch(300mAh) an astounding 33 times. Basically I can go almost two months with my Huawei Watch without connecting it to a wall outlet, or I can go three to five full days on my Nexus 6P on portable power alone.
The Roco comes with an LED digital that shows the power level to the exact percentage. It isn’t necessary to have the exact percentage, as most batteries of this size typically come with a basic four LED indicator set-up, and most people manage quite well on that type of system. But having an exact measurement of remaining power is more suited towards my style, because I really do need to know how long I can go on portable power. The percentage indicator also blinks while charging, showing the battery level increase one percent at a time.
A standard microUSB input exists on the front of to charge the battery, making it convenient if you own an Android device as you can simply use the same charger you use to charge your phone(unless you have USB type-C) to charge the Roco. Two 3.1A output ports are available on the front to power two devices at the same time. The Roco doesn’t have Qualcomm’s Quick Charge built-in like some portable batteries do today, but I don’t find that feature crucial in a portable battery. Although that’s up for debate and I’m sure most would disagree.
Solove thoughtfully includes a microUSB charging cable in the box, as well as a grey felt case that is a nice touch. The felt case fits the battery like a glove and keeps it protected while also looking good. Most portable batteries I have come across do not come with cases, but most also do not look this good. There’s also a pocket on the backside of the case that provides a perfect spot for storing two USB cables and a couple pens or styluses.
Design wise, you won’t find a better looking battery.
Usage
As far as portable batteries go, the Solove Roco serves its purpose quite well. I definitely got the power I expected from it, and being half the weight of its beefy sibling, made the Roco a definite must have for the times I know I will be away from a wall outlet. Being slim, I found that it fit perfectly in the small pockets within the front pocket of my messenger bag which is perfect for staying organized. On the occasions that I didn’t have my bag with me, I simply threw the battery in my back pocket when I needed it. I used to strictly use phones with batteries that could be swapped like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 or Note Edge, but the days of removable batteries seem to be limited. The Nexus 6P, Note 5, Moto X Pure and other flagships do not have batteries that can be swapped, so an external battery is essential in keeping me powered.
The felt case actually fits my secondary phone, the HTC One M8, perfectly and it matches it too in design. It also matches my Black Huawei Watch quite well too. Having two 3.1A output ports is a must for me as I usually have more than one device that might need charging at any given time. This may not be the case for everyone, but having dual ports is fantastic if there is more than one person in your family. Most everyone these days has a smartphone or tablet, and with increased functionality comes an increased need for power. And it really sucks to run out of power.
I really like having products that look good while offering functionality that suits my needs. The competition is stiff among portable batteries so if Solove makes a great looking device, I’m definitely not going to complain. I love it.
Specs
Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 0.5 x 3.2 inches ; 11.4 ounces
Battery Capacity: 10000mAh
Input: 2.1A microUSB
Output: Dual 3.1A USB
Shake-to-Wake power meter: Built-in figure digital LED indicator, easy to know the remaining capacity by a simple shake
Warranty: 18 months
Summary
It often isn’t the case where we dole out perfect ratings, but Solove has knocked it out of the park again. Without straying far from the Solove Titan 20000mAh portable battery, the Roco is the perfect sibling for people who just don’t need an overabundance of power. 10000mAh is more than enough power to charge two cell phones at the same time with remaining power to spare.
With a great looking felt case to protect the Roco, the battery should last a long time with the sturdy all metal build. At $29.99 you may not find a better overall package in a portable power bank. I encourage you to check it out at Amazon.com. If you appreciate products with meticulous design and high quality materials, the Solove Roco is made for you.
If you’re interesting in learning more about the Solove Titan 20000mAh portable power you can check out the review here.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is coming to the UK after all. Probably.
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When the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 was announced back in August, it was the phablet that everyone was expecting, but for the people in the UK, it was the device that they could never get their hands on (at least, not though official channels). There was the suggestion that it would never be released there, but it appears that rumour was either untrue or Samsung has had a change of heart as there are fresh reports that the Galaxy Note 5 is coming to the UK after all.
According to a source speaking with Gadgette, the Galaxy Note 5 is going to be released in the UK in January 2016, almost 6 months after its initial release, and if the rumours are correct, the same time that Samsung announces its 2016 flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S7. If this turns out to be true, this may bum out Samsung fans who bought the Galaxy S6 Edge+ believing the Note 5 would never come to the UK – and we’d be interested to know why Samsung thought now is a good time to change its game plan.
What do you think about the news the Galaxy Note 5 is coming to the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Gadgette via TalkAndroid
The post Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is coming to the UK after all. Probably. appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google crams fully-functional smartphone apps into mobile ads
You probably ignore most of the mobile ads that pop up on your smartphone — “Cookie Jam” may promise to be a engaging, fun experience but you’re not going to hunt down the app to find out for yourself. Now you don’t have to: starting today, Google will embed 60-second trials of smartphone apps directly into some of its mobile ads.
Source: Techcrunch
Robots expected to run half of Japan by 2035
Data analysts Nomura Research Institute (NRI), led by researcher Yumi Wakao, figure that within the next 20 years, nearly half of all jobs in Japan could be accomplished by robots. Working with Professor Michael Osborne from Oxford University, who had previously investigated the same matter in both the US and UK, the NRI team examined more than 600 jobs and found that “up to 49 percent of jobs could be replaced by computer systems,” according to Wakao.
Via: Motherboard
Source: NRI
Apple Offering $60 Apple Music / iTunes Gift Card With Beats Headphones and Speakers for Limited Time
Apple today launched a new promotion in its retail and online stores, offering a $60 Apple Music / iTunes gift cards with the purchase of Beats headphones or speakers. The promotion, first spotted by 9to5Mac, runs from December 3 to December 28, 2015.
The promotion is available for all Beats headphones and speakers save for a select few, including the Beats Mixr high-performance headphones, the urBeats in-ear headphones, the special edition Beats Tour in-ear headphones and the special edition Beats PowerBeats 2 wireless in-ear headphones. When users purchase an eligible Beats headphone or speaker, they will receive a $60 iTunes gift card that can be used to pay for an Apple Music subscription.
Apple also launched a promotion involving Beats earlier this year, giving away free Beats Solo2 headphones with the purchase of a Mac in its annual Back to School promotion.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 5 coming to the UK this January
The Galaxy Note series is one of Samsung’s most popular lines. Everyone instantly knows it’s a Samsung Galaxy Note the second they see the S Pen come out . However, it was quite strange that the Note 5 didn’t make its way to UK shores when it launched around the world.
Since then, we have heard no plans from Samsung to bring the Note 5 to the UK. However, we have been hearing rumours that Samsung will launch the Note 5 in the UK in late January 2016. Why an almost six month wait? We aren’t sure, but better late than never I guess. Also, to add some credibility to this rumour, the source this information is coming from is the same one who originally told us the Note 5 wouldn’t be launching in the UK before the Samsung press event happened.
Source: Gadgette
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