General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article

Ooma Announces Wireless Adapter for Low-Cost VoIP Service

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:13 PM PDT

telo

We took a look at the Ooma Telo recently, and found that this almost free VoIP service was a great solution for penny pinchers. Ooma's Telo bay station connects to your home network and offers nearly unlimited calls, and all you have to pay is a few bucks in taxes. Today, Ooma has announced the system is getting a refresh with a new wireless adapter and free Bluetooth capability.

Ooma previously required a direct ethernet connection to operate, though the handset itself was cordless. This was our primary gripe with the device; the wired set up was a bit of a pain. With the new wireless adapter, the Telo bay station can go anywhere in the house. The adapter supports 802.11n, so you won't need to dumb down your network.

Ooma is also set to make the Bluetooth service a standard feature. Users previously had to pay for the premium $10 per month service to make use of this. The new Ooma wireless adapter and Bluetooth adapter will be available soon at a plethora of online retailers. They will sell for $49.99 and $29.99 respectively. Intrigued? We've got a review unit for the wireless adapter, so expect a review next week.

Apple Files New Suit Against Samsung in UK

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 03:18 PM PDT

ipadtabThe Apple legal onslaught continues as the iPad maker files suit against Samsung in the UK. The case was brought before the High Court on Monday. Apple claims its case is a counter-claim to a Samsung case originally filed back in June, but no details on that case are known. This move bring the total number of patent cases between the two tech firms to about 20 worldwide.

Apple holds that Samsung tablets and smartphone devices infringe on Apple patents and trade dress (i.e. physical appearance). In a case that is playing out in Germany, Apple has won a partial ban on the Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1, and a Dutch decision is forcing Samsung to make a change to its phone software. 

The UK is one of Europe's largest tech markets, so a ban on Samsung devices there could be troublesome. Do you think Apple will secure an injunction against Samsung products in the UK?

YouTube Gets New Video Editor

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 02:59 PM PDT

editGoogle has added a new feature to YouTube that will hopefully make the viewing experience better for all of us. Users will now have access to a handy web-based video editor when uploading clips. This isn't a serious product for splicing together clips, like the one in Google Labs, but it provides the essentials. Users can adjust video properties, audio, and add effects in just a few clicks.

The interface is tabbed with a section for Quick Fixes that allow users to pump up the brightness or contrast to make a video more watchable. This is also where uploaders can apply image stabilization. The Effects tab is (shudder) a little bit like Instagram for videos. The Audio tab exposes a feature that has existed for a while now. Users can swap out the audio with one of Google's licensed tracks. 

All the changes preserve the original upload as a backup. So if a user changes his or her mind later, they can go back to the original and start over. URLs and view counts will be preserved for videos under 1000 hits, but after that any changes made will require the video to be posted as a new entry. The new features should be live for everyone soon.

Facebook IPO Delayed Until Late 2012

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 02:42 PM PDT

fbInvestors have been chomping at the bit for months in anticipation of getting a piece of that sweet, sweet Facebook stock. But the Financial Times is reporting that Zuckerberg and company have pushed the expected IPO back until late 2012 at the earliest. The upshot, you have more time to save your pennies in hopes of buying a share.

Facebook is just one of several companies like Groupon that have ended up delaying IPOs in the wake of market volatility. Facebook has not filed any papers, or even officially announced its plans for a public offering, but multiple sources have confirmed the deal is in the works. We last heard April 2012 as the deadline for the filing, but a late 2011 date was also on the table. As such, the late 2012 change is a significant one.

This isn't just a bummer for investors, but also for Facebook employees that would like to realize some value in their stock options. In general, employees have very few opportunities to sell off stock before an IPO. Do you think Facebook is playing the long game, or are there issues behind the scenes?

BUILD Conference: What We Know Now About Windows 8

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 11:11 AM PDT

We share our updated impressions of Windows 8 from Microsoft's BUILD Conference

Day one of Microsoft's BUILD Developer conference is over. Conference attendees have received their Samsung Developer Tablets, and information overload has set in. Though this event is specifically targeted at developers, there is a wealth of information for the consumer to digest. Let's look at some of the key features we learned about today, as well as some that we've received more detail into.

Metro Apps

The number one difference you will see in Windows 8 is all about Metro Apps. If you've been following the evolution of Windows Phone 7 you won't need much of an introduction to the Metro design language. Essentially the idea stems from Microsoft attempting to create consistent interface elements and controls across all of their platforms (Windows, Xbox, and Windows Phone). The implementation of Metro Apps in Windows 8 certainly takes some cues from Windows Phone, but there are a number of new tricks in the Windows 8 bag. It is important to note that Windows 8 is not limited to Metro Apps, and many of the rules and new functionalities may not apply to classic Windows Applications running in the traditional Windows UI.

Live Tiles are extremely similar to the implementation in Windows Phone 7. For the uninitiated, Live Tiles are somewhere between static icons and widgets. These square or rectangular buttons can contain live data updated from whichever service or application they reference, providing at-a-glance updates for weather, sports scores, or stock prices without even entering the application.

Multitasking with Metro Apps is going to take some getting used to for Windows Power Users. Generally, Metro Apps are intended to run in full-screen mode, with minimal buttons or scrollbars (also known as chrome). Users can easily cycle between their open Metro Apps by swiping a finger from the left border of the screen towards the middle. If instead of swiping all the way to the center of the screen you stop short on the left side, you will be given the option to 'dock' the app to the side of the window, giving you access to two applications at once.

HTML5 support is on full display here at BUILD. The classic web languages of HTML and JavaScript are now full members of the Windows developer toolset. Metro Apps can be designed and built entirely using standard web technologies familiar to the multitude of web developers in the world.

Lock Screen

If you were concerned that Microsoft would lack attention to detail in Windows 8, look no further than the lock screen. The locked view is of a full-screen image of your choosing with 'Glyphs' that provide you with connection status and message count information. The UI to actually unlock your screen supports standard passwords and pins, as well as a sweet pattern-based system that allows you to use gestures against a picture. Demos of the lock screen included tapping on parts of the screen and tracing others. Very cool stuff, and very personal, which is one of Microsoft's mantras with Windows 8.

Start Screen

The Start Screen in Windows 8 isn't entirely new, as Microsoft has demonstrated it briefly over the last few months, but there were some additional features and functionalities demonstrated throughout the day. Unlike Windows Phone 7 Live Tiles can be grouped logically, providing an easy method to organize and prioritize your applications. Whole groups can be easily rearranged, increasing usability. One brilliant scenario was demonstrated, where the presenter used one finger to 'grab' a group of apps, and with another finger scrolled through to the opposite end of the Start Screen, where the application group was dropped into place.

Charms

More of a critical piece of the user interface than a real feature, 'Charms' are hidden on the right side of the Windows 8 Metro interface. Swiping from right to left on the extreme right border of the screen will activate the Charms menu, providing you access to Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings. Don't think of these as simple shortcuts, as that is most certainly selling them short. The Start Charm simply returns you to the Start Screen, and we haven't seen the Devices Charm demonstrated yet, but the others provide some nifty functionality that is worth mentioning.

Search integrates deeply into Windows 8, and this post will not be able to cover the scope of this feature. Tapping the Search Charm will allow you to search both the device and the web in a single UI. Additionally, Metro Apps that have made their content available to the search function will show up in a list on the right side of the screen. Selecting one of these search-aware applications will focus the search to the confines of that individual application. This provides a consistent and simple method of finding content wherever it may be located.

Sharing is another integral part of the Windows 8 system. In the past individual applications required code to integrate with each service they wanted to connect with, a notion that is rendered obsolete in Windows 8 Metro Apps. Applications can register to either share content from the app or to accept content from another app to share with a service. Choosing the Share Charm from within an imaging application could give you access to photo sharing or social media apps which would allow you to easily post the content to the associated service.

Settings would seem like an area that didn't need a lot of work, but Microsoft has 'reimagined' (a competitive square in buzzword bingo) the way Settings work and integrate into individual apps. Clicking the Settings Charm while in a video player will launch a context sensitive settings bar on the right side of the screen. Application specific settings will be listed at the top of the screen, while applicable system-wide settings will be listed at the bottom. This method again stresses Microsoft's endeavor to create a consistent experience throughout the OS.

File Explorer

Metro Apps will make use of a new File Explorer which provides access to locally stored media and files, or files accessible on network shares or the HomeGroup. Microsoft also provides an avenue for services to deeply integrate into File Explorer, allowing you to browse pictures from your Facebook or Flickr account using the same UI you would use to browse your local hard drive.

Live Integration

Combining services into the File Explorer are just one of the functions provided by Windows 8's integration with Windows Live. System settings, application preferences, and authenticated services are just a few of the items that can be automatically synchronized and configured on any machine you log into using your Windows Live ID. Windows Phone 7 users will be happy to hear that this also integrates fluidly with similar functionality on their mobile devices. If that weren't enough, Windows Live allows for you to synchronize files to your SkyDrive, and will even allow you to remotely view files stored on your home or office PC.

System Reset

If you've ever experienced assisting a friend or family member restore their machine to working condition you will appreciate the built-in ability to reset Windows 8 PC's to the default build state, either preserving the user's files and settings or completely resetting everything.

Windows Store

Like it or not, the centralized Windows Store for software is here. The Windows Store is the clearinghouse for Metro Apps, but classic Windows software will also be available through the store. Metro Apps submitted to the Windows Store will go through a series of tests to verify stability and security, as well as making sure that the application developer isn't attempting to do something malicious to your machine.

Sensors and Connectivity
(NFC, GPS, 3G, Sensitivity to Metered Data)

Windows 8 natively supports GPS and Accelerometers, sensors commonly found in smart phones and tablets. NFC (Near Field Communication) support is also baked in, providing capabilities that combine features of Bluetooth, RFID, and Bar Codes. Cellular Data connections over 3G are also native to Windows 8, giving you more control over how the PC should act differently over a metered data connection (not looking for software updates for example).

Performance

A baseline Windows 8 install uses less memory and runs fewer processes than a comparable Windows 7 SP1 machine, but a smaller footprint is just one of the ways Microsoft is looking for performance enhancements in Windows 8. Microsoft had previously demonstrated improved boot times with Windows 8, though we're taking those with a grain of salt until we can test it ourselves. UEFI support is on full display, and promises to speed up boot times and provide enhanced security against pre-boot malware.

Conclusion

We're fairly certain we haven't done justice to the amount of information that was dumped on conference attendees today, and Microsoft isn't done yet. Be aware that all of the demos are on Developer Preview builds of Windows 8, meaning we're a long way from a final product.

Are there any features or changes that you've been waiting for? Has Windows 8 met your expectations so far? What would you like to see tweaked before the final release? Let us know in the comments.

Blue Screen of Death Lives On in Windows 8

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 11:04 AM PDT

Good news for the haters, when Microsoft said it reimagined Windows, it also reimagined what the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) should look like, which means Windows 8 isn't immune to crashing. If you think about it, it's kind of comforting in a way. After all, what would Windows be without a BSoD revealing what went wrong? You could answer "Linux," or even "Mac OS X" if you're trying to start a flame war, but we won't go there.

As much as we all hate getting a BSoD, they're actually pretty helpful if you know how to decipher them. They're also a little intimidating, despite the use of the color blue, which studies show have a relaxing effect on people. It appears Microsoft wants them to be even less frightening in Windows 8.

Pocket-Lint.com posted a screenshot of what it says is the new BSoD for Windows 8. There's a giant frownie face emoticon in the upper left, followed a message that reads: "Your PC ran into a problem that it couldn't handle, and now it needs to restart."

The type of error is displayed -- for example, SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION -- followed by a countdown clock, at the end of which Windows 8 will restart.

What do you think of the new BSoD? Do you find it to be better or worse than previous versions, or are you indifferent?

Image Credit: pocket-lint.com

Intel Shows Off A Windows 7 Computer With A Thunderbolt Port

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 11:01 AM PDT

In case you haven't noticed, Gordon's been updating the Maximum PC Twitter feed with timely bursts of insight from the ongoing Intel Developer Forum. If you didn't notice, shame on you! You've been missing out on all kinds of info, like the fact that Intel dsiplayed nifty things like an Ultrabook running Windows 8, Ivy Bridge tidbits and next-gen Haswell and Atom news. Something else you missed: the announcement that next year, the super-speedy Thunderbolt connection is coming to the PC.

Thunderbolt ports are capable of 10Gbps transfer speeds over two channels; in contrast, the new USB 3.0 standard only pushes 5Gbps. Up until now, Thunderbolt ports have only been available on Apple computers because the boys and girls in Cupertino co-developed the standard alongside Intel.

At IDF, Mooly Eden, the VP of the PC Client Group, showed off a Haswell-based Windows 7-running laptop that was sporting the taboo-until-now Thunderbolt port. Not to beat a dead horse, but if you were paying attention the Maximum PC Twitter feed you'd already know that Acer and Asus are set to deliver systems with the new interface beginning in 2012. No exact dates were disclosed, though. Intel – what a tease!

10 Game Changing Dual GPUs

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:47 AM PDT

Let's face it: like any major computer component, tracking the evolution of GPUs can be daunting, eye-opening, and cathartic all at the same time. I mean, take a look back at the ATI's Rage Fury Maxx that sported a whooping 32MB of SDRAM, and that was only a few short years ago. But dual-GPU's--really the whole concept of cramming two full sized cards into one mega monster that still only needs a single PCI-e slot to sit comfortably--has always intrigued us.

So we decided to take a short trip back in time, and look at all the uber-beast graphical powerhouses that brought us where we are today. Enjoy!

IDC: Tablet Shipments Up Three-Fold Since Last Year

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:41 AM PDT

The Earth isn't flat (Flat Eath Society begs to differ), and neither are tablet or eReader shipments. On the contrary, these devices are flying off the shelves all around the globe. The folks over at International Data Corporation (IDC) did some number crunching and determined that media tablet shipments jumped nearly 89 percent on a sequential basis, and a mind boggling 303.8 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2011.

"Media tablet shipments grew at a solid pace in the second quarter, led by continued strong demand for Apple products," said Tom Mainelli, research director, Mobile Connected Devices. "We expect shipment totals to continue to grow in the third and fourt quarter, as additional vendors introduce more price-competitive Android products into the market and Apple works to maintain its dominance in the category."

IDC says Apple shipped 9.3 million iPad 2 devices in the second quarter, which accounts for 68.3 percent of the global tablet market. RIM's PlayBook clutched to a 4.9 percent share, while Android tablets collectively tripped up from 34 percent in the previous quarter to 26.8 percent in Q2.

The numbers weren't quite as robust for eReader shipments, which experienced a seasonal dip in the second quarter and dropped 9 percent to 5.4 million units. However, eReader shipments skyrocketed 167 percent year-over-year, with Amazon leading the way with a 51.7 percent share of the eBook reader market. Barnes & Noble, meanwhile, took a 21.2 percent share.

These are all big numbers, but does it mean we're officially in the post PC era? We'll let our own Gordon Mah Ung answer that one.

DisplayLink Unveils World's First USB 3.0 To HDMI Adapter

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:36 AM PDT

It's not all quad cores and Sandy Bridges at the Intel Developer Forum this year; DisplayLink brought a touch of home theater to the party with the announcement of the world's first USB-to-HDMI adapter that taps into the raw speed of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connections. It's built around the company's DL-3500 chip, sports the creative name "Winstars SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter," and (probably) spells an end to the jaggies you see when streaming PC video to your television.

DisplayLink's press release divulges all the dirty details: "The DisplayLink DL-3500 chip gives the Winstars USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter the ability to use an HDTV monitor in either mirror mode or extended mode, at resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, with ultra-low latency, smooth window and cursor movement, and full support for full-screen 3D games and video playback. It also features 2.1/5.1 channel audio and auto-sensing hot plug support."

Well, that about explains it. DisplayLink says the adapter's going to be ready to roll with USB 3.0-packin' Intel CPUs later this year (that's probably how they snuck this into IDF). They didn't mention any pricing or date specifics.

Pssst... that's an old USB 2.0 model in the pic.
Posted by Shri Krishna

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