Friday 10 December 2010

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!


US Update: Xbox 360, Apple iPlay, Uncharted 3

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 07:00 PM PST

US Update: Xbox 360, Apple iPlay, Uncharted 3It's time to start off your weekend on a high note in what we like to call the US Update. Breaking headlines this fine morning is news on Xbox 360 sales numbers, Canon's camera encryption has been hacked, concept of Apple's iPlay gaming console and more.

First up we take a look at the latest NPD Group sales data for November 2010 where for the sixth consecutive month Xbox 360 has outsold the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3. The combination of Microsoft Kinect and Black Friday surely did a number on the sales data, take a look here.

Canon camera encryption has been cracked. A vulnerability was discovered and subsequently demonstrated to show that photos can now be doctored while still passing integrity checks. A concept of the Apple iPlay gaming console was released and if you're even slightly interested in the future of Apple gaming we recommend giving it a peek.

A new launcher for Android which brings the Windows Phone 7 UI is now available. Dubbed Android Windows Phone, you can install the launcher now for free in the Android Market. Last up this morning is news on the third title in the Uncharted trilogy, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. The game was confirmed by developer Naughty Dog and is scheduled to appear front and center during this weekend's Spike TV Video Game Awards.

That wraps up things this fine morning from the states. Thanks for spending your morning with us as we break the headlines fresh off the press from our side of the world. Until tomorrow, this is Nick saying over and out.

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Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception outed, trailer included

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 06:00 PM PST

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception outed, trailer includedIt's confirmed — Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is coming to the Playstation 3. The forthcoming title will be based in the Arabian desert and we've got all the juicy details.

Nathan Drake will return to your PS3 in 2011 with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. Confirmed by the game's creators, Naughty Dog, Uncharted 3 will also offer 3D support, much like Killzone 3. Looking at the cover art above which shows Drake standing infront of a wrecked plane, we can't help but be pumped for the release.

Helping to build buzz, a trailer of Uncharted 3 was released on YouTube. According to denofgeek.com, the trailer is scheduled to appear during Spike TV's Video Game Awards. Additionally, Kotaku reported that on Monday December 13, Jimmy Fallon will show off the first live footage of the game.

Uncharted 3 Drakes Betrayl

While the trailer is but a mere 30 seconds, that's just enough time for us to catch a glimpse of the deep Arabia theme. The symbols and books spread across the table are likely a sign of the complex puzzles the game will inevitably throw our way. We know the setting, we've seen the cover art and by Sunday we'll have seen the extended trailer at the Video Game Awards.

So Playstation gamers, what's your take on Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception? Is this shaping up to be the perfect title to complete the trilogy or is it still too early to tell? We'll certainly have more to report on the title come Monday, but until then let us know what you think.

Via DenofGeek

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Windows Phone 7 UI comes to Android

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 05:00 PM PST

Windows Phone 7 UI comes to AndroidIn love with your Android smartphone, but itching to give the Windows Phone 7 UI a spin? A new launcher let's run take the Metro UI on your Android device, but are you ready for a test drive?

The flexibility of Android is unparalleled. With the use of a launcher you can quickly and easily change the entire look and feel of your phone and in this case, you can mimic Windows Phone 7. There are plenty of launchers out there, some of the more popular include LauncherPro and Netfront Life Screen, but Windows Phone Android takes things to the next level.

By using "Windows Phone Android" your home screen will be replaced with a grid of tiles called the Start screen. Keep in mind that this Start screen is still in its early stage of development so it remains a bit limited at this time. However, that will not stop you from enjoying the basics and just from our short hands-on with Windows Phone Android, the future looks promising.

There's two version of Windows Phone Android available in the market. A free version with limited features or a paid version for $2.99. We opted to go with the paid version, but since the launcher is still in its early stages of development we'd recommend sticking with the free version, at least now.

Windows Phone 7 UI comes to Android

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from Windows Phone Android: up to 265 tiles can be pinned to the Start Screen (vertical scrolling), swipe to slide to all apps, uninstall apps directly from app screen, two themes (light/dark), four accent colors (blue/green/red/orange), status bar with wireless connection information, and you can use it as a launcher or a standalone app.

As we said, the launcher is still it its early stages, but the developer has promised a future update will include live tiles, hubs, replacement apps, movable tiles and support for system notifications. Currently Windows Phone Android only supports WVGA devices so not every Android device can test drive the launcher. We're going to get back to playing with Windows Phone Android, but do let us know if you decide to take it for a spin and sound off in the comments.

To download Windows Phone Android simply search the term in the Android Market

via PocketNow

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Apple iPlay gaming console concept exposed

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 04:00 PM PST

Apple iPlay gaming console concept exposedApple's entry into the console gaming market is not a new topic of discussion, but seeing concept renderings takes things to a whole new level. In the latest set of concept renderings for the Apple gaming console, dubbed iPlay, we get our first glimpse of what the future of Apple gaming might look like, are you ready?

Here it is, Apple iPlay. The Apple gaming console looks to be a mix of the first generation Playstation 3, mixed with an older iMac — you remember, back in the day when the iMac had the hump down beneath the monitor. We're not entirely sold on the idea of a wired control, especially in its current form which looks awfully similar to the Playstation remote, but the overall concept is not half bad.

Apple iPlay gaming console concept exposed

A glowing Apple logo is a nice touch and if Apple does decide to make a gaming console, this looks like a good design to start with. I've been known to be a sucker for early adoption so you might as well pencil me in. Anyone else ready for the Apple iPlay gaming console?

via Concept-Phones

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Canon cameras: encryption cracked by Russian programmer!

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 03:00 PM PST

Canon cameras: encryption cracked by Russian programmer!Nine years after being detained in the United States, Russian programmer and encryption expert Dmitry Sklyarov has cracked Canon's encryption system. Should we be worried?

The story of Dmitry Sklyarov began back in 2001 when the FBI arrest him after presenting information about cracking encryption of an Adobe Systems eBook electronic book format. Charged with criminal violations of the DMCA, Adobe back off its support of the case and eventually Sklyarov was acquitted.

Fast forward to 2010 and Dmitry Sklyarov is back in the spot light, but this time with the help of his company, Elcomsoft. News came in this morning that Sklyarov and his company had found a vulnerability in Canon's OSK-E3 system for ensuring that photos such as those used in police evidence haven't been tampered with.

Simply put, the encryption has been cracked and now Sklyarov and his company can doctor photos without detection. To illustrate a point, several photos (seen below) were released — all of which pass Canon integrity checks.

Canon cameras: encryption cracked by Russian programmer!

For the moment Canon has not responded on the situation and a request for comment fell on deaf ears. To Sklyarov's credit, he discussed the method in a conference where he offered some advice on how Canon could fix the issue in future cameras. Along with the technical advice he recommended that Canon, "hire some people who really understand security".

The new question is whether the FBI made a mistake back in 2001 when their case against Dmitry Sklyarov crumbled under the court of the law. Granted, he is doing his due diligence to make sure Canon is aware of the issue and he's even offered up some technical details, but had he been convicted back in 2001 there's no telling whether this vulnerability would have been uncovered. Now it's your turn to let us know what you think — is Dmitry Sklyarov out to help or hurt Canon?

via Cnet

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Xbox 360 outsells Wii, PS3 for sixth straight month

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 02:00 PM PST

Xbox 360 outsells Wii, PS3 for sixth straight monthThe success of Microsoft Kinect has catapulted Xbox 360 sales above and beyond the competition, Wii and PS3, for the sixth straight month. With a reported 1.37 million Xbox 360s sold in the U.S. during November, the combination of Kinect and Black Friday have done wonders for Microsoft's bottom line.

This news comes fresh from the latest sales data via NPD Group. Compared to a year ago, the 1.37 million sales represent a 68 percent increase. Following closely behind the Xbox 360 was the Nintendo Wii with 1.2 million units sold while the Playstation 3 is estimated to land in third place. Unfortunately Sony has not released NPD sales figures for the PS3.

After last week's announcement from Microsoft that it has sold 2.5 million Kinect motion sensors in the 25 days since launch, today's news is not a total shock. You've read our review on the Microsoft Kinect and clearly we are not alone in our love for the next-generation gaming gadget.

In an interview with seattlepi.com, Xbox spokesman David Dennis said, "we certainly felt like we had a hit on our hands before launch, and its great to see consumer validation of that". 2.5 million Kinect units and 1.37 million Xbox 360 sales is a little more than consumer validation in our books.

To put sales into perspective, this November was the biggest on record for both Microsoft and the video game industry as a whole. Overall industry sales hit 2.76 billion for an eight percent year-over-year increase, despite video game sales being down five percent from last year.

With the success of the XBox 360 and the video game industry as a whole this November, it's time to take a look at the top ten game titles: Call of Duty: Black Ops ; Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood; Just Dance 2; Madden NFL 11; Fable III; Donkey Kong Country Returns; Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit; Gran Turismo 5; NBA 2K11; Wii Fit Plus.

You've heard the latest sales data, the numbers are in and November was a blockbuster month. Anyone want to throw out a guess for December sales and whether or not the Xbox 360 will remain top dog going into the new year?

via Seattlepi

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Teatime Tech: The Google Nexus S unboxed, iTunes Beatles shock, plus our Sony Ericsson LiveView guide

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 12:40 PM PST

You’re done for the week, but the tech news certainly isn’t. We’re going to plough on right through bringing you all the latest, but if you’re not sure where to start, hit up our news roundup right here, containing all the best stories from the last few hours. It’s teatime tech time!

First up, the Google Nexus S landed. That’s right: it’s not out until the 20th, but we’ve got one already, unboxed it for you, and asked you what you want to know about it in our review: tell us!

Online meanwhile, ex Macca Heather Mills has been making a wild claim: that she set up the Beatles iTunes deal from last month. Yeah, alright then.

Finally, if you’re tempted by Android, be sure to take a look at the ultimate accessory, the Sony Ericsson LiveView: we’ve got all you need to know about it here in our guide!

Still want more news? Click on back to the homepage, updated with stories around the clock.

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Google Nexus S review: What do you want to know?

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 12:33 PM PST

Our Google Nexus S review is coming in the next few days, so you’ll know in plenty of time whether it’s worth shelling out for and shoving in your own stocking (or pocket) in time for Christmas. But before that, it’s time for you to tell us: what do you want to know about it?

Unsure whether to go with the Google Nexus S or the iPhone 4? Whether Android 2.3 is worth hacking onto your current blower? Just how curved that screen is? Whatever you want to know, just drop your query in the comments below and we’ll get back to you with our full Google Nexus S review very soon.

Out 20 December | £varies | Carphone Warehouse

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Google Nexus S unboxed: hands on photos!

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 12:30 PM PST

The Google Nexus S is here! The holy grail of Google phones has just landed here on the Electricpig gadget test bench and we’re about to put it through its paces. Before we do though, check out the very first Android 2.3 phone coming out of its box right now in our gallery.

We don’t think we’ve been alone in wishing for a Samsung Galaxy S-esque phone that doesn’t suffer any delays or network hampering when it comes to software updates. And the Google Nexus S is it.

Well, almost. There are some subtle differences: the super thin, humped and smudgy shell of the Galaxy S is still there, but it’s now curved on the sides, giving it a slightly different look and feel.

You’ll be relieved to know that the new curved screen doesn’t seem to be a bad thing. The Super AMOLED panel still pops colours like a nail gun does balloons, and viewing angles are great. We’re not sure the Galaxy S was ever uncomfortable to hold while calling, but the Google Nexus S certainly isn’t any more so.

As for Android 2.3 itself, we’ve not had much of a chance to test the new features, but it’s nippy alright, and we’re loving the new shades in the notification bar – and the new stock keyboard is a revelation. We’ll be sure to test it out thoroughly for you in our Google Nexus S review.

We’ll be honest, there’s going to need to be some disturbing manufacturing error we’ve not yet discovered for this to not be amazing, but just sit tight while we find out and tune in next week for our full Google Nexus S review.

Out 20 December | £varies | Carphone Warehouse

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Win a MiFi HotSpot: Wave goodbye to Wi-Fi NotSpots this Christmas

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 08:00 AM PST

This week we launched our competition to win one of five MiFi hotspots from Three, pre-loaded with a whopping 12GB of data for when you’re out and about and stuck for a signal. To find out how you could win one of the MiFi hotspots, click through for full competition details.


Check Out Our Most Recommended

To be in with a chance of bagging a MiFi, we want to hear about your Wi-Fi Heroes and Villains. Head over to the Say No To Wi-Fi NotSpots Facebook page and drop us a line on the wall. Tell us the time, the place, any other details to help other hotspot users. Make your story of woe, or celebration of greatness count though – we'll pick five of the best and hand over a brand new Three MiFi!

Click through to the Wi-Fi NotSpots Facebook page to be in with a chance. Competition closes 22nd December 2010, our usual terms and conditions apply.

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