Weekends with Engadget: Apple vs. Samsung round two, the new Engadget and more!
Welcome to Weekends with Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines from the past seven days — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. For even more action, subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
The new Engadget: it’s all about you… except when it’s about us
Like technology, Engadget is evolving. Our new Editor-in-Chief Michael Gorman and Executive Editor Christopher Trout tell you about how we plan to be your guide for this connected life.
Nokia X review: what happens when Nokia makes an Android phone?
With the acquisition by Microsoft now complete, it is a weird time for Nokia to be releasing an Android phone. Yet, here we are. Meet the Nokia X, a $120 device aimed at developing markets, from a manufacturer that, for a long time, devoted itself to Windows Phone.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is this year’s entry, starring Kevin Spacey
The first trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is out. And interestingly enough, the House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey appears to be cast as a (surprise, surprise) powerful, politically driven antihero.
This is what Amazon’s phone looks like
What do we know about Amazon’s upcoming smartphone? Well, according to BGR, it’s got 2GB of RAM, six cameras and looks like the picture seen above. Everything else about it remains a mystery.
Apple vs. Samsung trial round two: Samsung infringed three patents, owes Apple $119.6 million
The latest chapter in Apple and Samsung’s global legal war has come to a close. Though there’s still one outstanding damages issue left to decide, the jury delivered a verdict that has Samsung owing Apple almost $120 million. However, that’s not necessarily bad news for the Korean company.
Xbox Entertainment Studios has at least 12 projects in production, committed to half
We don’t know a ton about Xbox Entertainment Studio’s future plans, but we’ve learned a bit more about its push into original programming. According to XES president Nancy Tellem, the studio has 12 projects in the works and Microsoft is “committed” to at least six of them.
The true story of the worst video game in history
Back in the 1980′s, Atari created (and buried) ET, widely considered to be the worst video game in history. Howard Scott Warshaw is that game’s creator, and our own Timothy Seppala spoke with him about the experience doing so.
Researchers think water helped ancient Egyptians build the pyramids
Well, it looks like aliens might not have built the pyramids after all. According to researchers at the University of Amsterdam, a sledge and some wet sand were the winning combination that allowed workers to pull stone for miles across the desert.
Hulu will bring free TV shows to your phone, and it’s trying to reach your cable box
This week, Hulu announced that it’s bringing a selection of add-supported shows to mobile users for free streaming, regardless of whether or not they have a Plus account. Hulu’s also bringing some new interactive ads that’ll let you order pizza from inside the app, so you don’t have to leave the latest episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Popular login services have a security hole, but Facebook and Microsoft can’t fix it
Wang Jing, a researcher from Singapore, claims to have discovered a potentially serious security hole involving OAuth and OpenID login services used by the likes of Facebook, Microsoft, Google and others. Jing alerted those companies of the issue, but it appears impossible for any of them to singlehandledly squash the bug.
Filed under: Misc
Variety: Microsoft finds a co-op partner in Showtime for Halo TV series
It’s been almost a year since Microsoft first announced its live-action Halo TV series, but the amount we know about it hasn’t exactly changed that much. That stops now, as we’ve learned that Redmond and premium network Showtime are deep in talks to tag-team distribution, according to a recent Variety report. Apparently, the program is scheduled to debut first on the cable channel and then become available on the Xbox platform with “enhanced interactivity” of some sort. A deal with a pair of showrunners is also close to being locked, as Variety tells it, which indicates that at least some progress has been made toward moving into production. With this not surfacing during Microsoft’s original-programming focused event earlier this week, though, it’s possible that we could hear new details (or maybe even see some video evidence) of the Spielberg-produced drama come E3.
Filed under: Cameras, Gaming, HD, Microsoft
Source: Variety
Recommended Reading: Sound, noise and Xbox in Hollywood
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you’ll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read.
Sonic Boom
by Megan Garber, The AtlanticPocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”);
Over the course of centuries, our notions of sound and noise have changed dramatically, and technology has played a large part in that. Through the lens of a Bourbon Street uproar and the history of ordinances, The Atlantic’s Megan Garber hashes out the transformation. There’s a look at how municipalities might design urban areas to cater to the public’s varied sonic sensibilities and how appliances are built to sound a certain way when in use.
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NBA Y2K If you’ve seen any installment of Jon Bois’ Breaking Madden series for SB Nation, you know how a hobby of staging insane matchups by creating players in Madden 25 turned into a stellar weekly column. Now, Bois has taken to NBA 2K14 during the playoffs to do the same. Highlights so far include OutKast joining the Atlanta Hawks to score a combined 404 points and the return of BM favorite Clarence BEEFTANK as a key piece for the Memphis Grizzlies. If you’re into sports games, trust me, you’ll see one and you’re hooked. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
Microsoft Xbox Struggles in Big Hollywood Foray The Halo series that’s to be produced by Steven Spielberg was announced last May, and we’ve yet to hear any details, a release timeline or even peep a video teaser for the project. Sure, we’ve heard about Ridley Scott’s effort, but as for the main feature? Not much. This piece from Re/code takes a look at what’s going on behind the scenes, while we wait for Scott’s likely much shorter digital feature to premiere in November. Until then, we’re left watching Master Chief’s console-based exploits. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
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How Facebook is Streamlining the Web Facebook’s annual F8 event took place this past week, and the most notable announcements had little to do with new app reveals or major feature introductions. Many of the important tweaks came in the form of small changes aimed at improving the experience across desktop and mobile usage. As Mark Wilson writes, “Facebook wants to knock down the walls separating our phones and desktops, and our apps and web pages.” Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
This is What a WWE Raw Script Looks Like At some point, anyone who’s seen a pro wrestling match has wondered whether or not it’s fake. Well, thanks to a post from Deadspin this week, we can finally set our minds at ease. What’s interesting is that while the outcomes are in fact scripted, how the two wrestlers reach the final bell is left up to them. |
[Image credit: Leon Morris/Redferns via Getty Images]
Filed under: Misc
Microsoft wants you to help improve Kinect 2.0’s voice recognition
Using the Xbox One’s Kinect for voice commands is still pretty hit-or-miss for many, and Microsoft knows it. With the console’s next update, Redmond is adding an option for speech data collection as a way to crowdsource the sensor’s improvement. Writing on his blog, Xbox’s Major Nelson says that the more voice samples the company has to add to its algorithms, the more accurate the console can be. If you aren’t keen on the company collecting samples of your voice (which is entirely understandable!), it’s an entirely opt-in process. Should you want to help out, however, all you need to do is dip into the console’s privacy settings and enable it. This isn’t the first time that Microsoft has done such, though — a similar function was in place on the Xbox 360 as well.
The update also brings in a few user-requested features, too. The Xbox One is also getting a sound mixer for snapped apps and volume control for voice chat. The former gives you control over which app on-screen is the louder of the pair — perfect for listening to The Daily Show in the background while trouncing ghosts in Forza 5, we’d imagine — while the latter allows for control of volume levels if you’re using Kinect for voice chat.
What’s more, the on-demand system update button that arrived with the last …update is finally getting some action. This’ll allow you to grab the latest system software as soon as it becomes available — no more waiting for the roll-out fairy.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Microsoft
Source: Major Nelson
Engadget Daily: Google’s modular smartphone, Kevin Spacey stars in COD, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Here’s how Google’s modular phone will get its 3D-printed parts
Project Aura faces plenty of obstacles. But one of the biggest will be finding a way to manufacture millions of specialized smartphone modules while keeping costs down. Thankfully, the experts at 3D Systems have a plan.
Popular login services have a security hole, but Facebook and Microsoft can’t fix it
Wang Jing, a researcher from Singapore, claims to have discovered a potentially serious security hole involving OAuth and OpenID login services. Jing alerted Facebook and others, but it appears impossible for any of these companies to singlehandledly squash the bug.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is this year’s entry, starring Kevin Spacey
The first trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is out. And interestingly enough, the House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey appears to be cast as a (surprise, surprise) powerful, politically driven antihero.
LG’s G3 breaks cover with narrow bezels, redesigned back button
What do we know about LG’s upcoming G3 smartphone? Well, according to a tipster and leaked photos from GSM Arena, it appears the handset will be made of plastic, have 2 or 3GB of RAM and a 3,000mAh battery. As long as it comes with that Quad HD display we’ll be happy.
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Filed under: Misc
Soon, you’ll be able to browse files on your Windows Phone
Windows Phone’s latest update added a lot of features that we’ve been waiting years for, such as a virtual assistant and notification menu, but a file manager is still notably missing. In a Reddit “Ask me Anything,” Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore announced that his team is working on having one ready in the Windows Phone Store hopefully by the end of the month, and even had screenshots to prove that it’s pretty close to becoming final (shown below). Of course, Microsoft’s OS isn’t the only one that’s mysteriously neglected this particular feature: iOS doesn’t have a dedicated file system, either (unless you count third-party apps), so this is a good opportunity for Windows Phone to set itself apart from one of its larger competitors.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Reddit
Game values your PS3 and five games at £100 in console upgrade promotion
A long bank holiday weekend is the perfect excuse to spend a little bit more time than you would normally in front of your TV, controller in hand. If the impending opportunity to do just that has you mulling an investment in one of Microsoft or Sony’s newest consoles, then retailer Game is happy to nudge you in that direction with a trade-in promotion that takes at least £100 of the console asking prices. From today (May 2nd) until next Thursday (May 8th), bringing a 250GB or 320GB PS3 slim and five games into a Game store will allow you to leave with a PS4 for £250 (£100 off the regular price). Similarly, you can swap a 250GB Xbox 360 slim, five games and £270 for an Xbox One plus Titanfall (a £110 saving).
As attractive as those discounted prices are, however, we’d have trouble letting go of a console and five games for a fraction of their purchase price. It’s a convenient way of stepping up a generation, sure, but it’s Game who’s getting the better end of the deal. We’re not saying you’ll get massively improved offers for the same gear elsewhere, but is nostalgia worth nothing to you monsters?
Filed under: Gaming, Sony, Microsoft
Via: MCV
Popular login services have a security hole, but Facebook and Microsoft can’t fix it
The recent Heartbleed scare caused a huge stir, even though it was effectively fixed before it even happened. There are other sorts of security hole, however, which can’t be plugged so readily, and which affected companies therefore have less incentive to publicize. A researcher in Singapore, Wang Jing, claims to have uncovered a potentially serious example of this, involving the widely-used login services OAuth and OpenID. He says that he’s tried to alert major web services that rely on these platforms, including Facebook, Microsoft and Google, but they’re refusing to take responsibility for the issue.
If exploited, the vulnerability inside OAuth and OpenID could reportedly allow a malicious website to use a genuine website — such as Facebook.com — to authorize its illicit requests for personal information. Any pop-ups shown to the user, asking for their approval, would also appear to be coming from the genuine site. According CNET, Google says it’s “tracking the issue,” Facebook says it’s aware of the problem but solving it is “something that can’t be accomplished in the short-term,” and Microsoft says it can’t fix something that “exists on the domain of a third party.”
Other security analysts have corroborated Jing’s central finding, but some have described it as a “known WONTFIX” or as a fundamental problem with web security as a whole. Either way, the best advice is to be wary of following links that immediately ask you to login to Google or Facebook, and to close the tab if this happens, in order to prevent redirects. As ever, just don’t assume that the sites and services you use every day are necessarily safe — in the future, we could well look back on these years as the Wild West era of the internet.
[Image credit: Gamma Man/Flickr]
Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft, Google, Facebook
Source: CNET
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer features futuristic action, Kevin Spacey
With Call of Duty being one of the most successful game franchises out there, you know there’s always going to be a next one. Well, the first trailer for that game has dropped, revealing its full title of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, and Kevin Spacey. The House of Cards actor appears to be cast in the role of a powerful, politically driven antihero (how original), but what we’re more interested in is the little hints of new and changing gameplay elements. Just as CoD 4: Modern Warfare brought the series out of the WWII era, Advanced Warfare will send us further into the future, as the presence of spider tanks, hover bikes, the ‘copters from Avatar and weaponized exoskeletons suggests. The trailer shows super jumping too many times for it not to be one of the new mechanics, which we assume will be joined by cloaking and a perk that lets you see through walls — it looks something like the Active Radar Pulse from Titanfall in the fleeting clip, if you’ve been playing any of that recently. There’s also soldiers shown scaling walls with special gloves and unravelling a section of plantable cover, but as the whole trailer is shot cut-scene style, there’s no telling what gameplay elements you will actually be able to use, and whether they’ll be single-player or multiplayer only.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is being developed by Activision and Sledgehammer Games, a lesser-known studio that had a hand in creating Modern Warfare 3. This trailer footage comes from an Xbox One, but you can bet Advanced Warfare will also come to the PS4 and PCs, at the very least. With the hype train now rolling, you can bet we’ll be hearing a lot more about the game before its release date of November 4th this year. Trailer below the fold.
Filed under: Gaming, HD, Sony, Microsoft
Source: YouTube
Apple, Facebook and Google will tell you when the government wants your data
The companies that asked the US government for permission to publish federal data requests last year have apparently lost their patience waiting for a reply. Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft are updating their privacy policies to expand the types of disclosure notifications they give individual users about how often and when the government requests their data. As The Washington Post tells it, the tech companies will only reign themselves in in the event that they receive gag orders from a judge or someone else with legal authority. Naturally, the government isn’t too keen on this and the Department of Justice worries that this could give criminals under investigation ample time to flee or even destroy any evidence that could be used against them.
Google updated its policy this week, adding that data is only withheld when there’s “imminent risk” of physical harm to a potential crime victim, while an Apple spokesperson said that later this month the company will update its policies so it can notify customers in “most cases” when law enforcement requests their personal information. Neither Apple nor The Social Network or Redmond, however, have finalized their updates just yet. If it helps you sleep a little better at night, the Post reports that companies that notify their users have a little more sway with the fuzz: apparently investigators would rather drop their data requests entirely rather than suspects learn they’re being watched.
[Image credit: Google/YouTube]
Filed under: Internet, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook
Source: Washington Post
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