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Google Wallet NFC payments revealed, Offers to take down Groupon
Evo 2: Five ways an Android console can take on the Wii HD
The cost of rooting your Android smartphone: movie rentals, paid streaming services
Apple iPad 3 to sport Samsung AMOLED display?
CNN and Nokia team up to deliver mobile news and mapping with free app
Samsung AF310 all-in-on PC: Windows 7’s answer to the Apple iMac
iCADE video review: turn your iPad into a funsize 1980′s arcade machine (Legwarmers optional…)
Ofcom reveals mobile broadband speed rankings: O2 wins!
The Android games console, Facebook Spotify lovefest and TomTom gets sexy: Lunchtime Lowdown
Modern Warfare 3 vs The Daily Mail: time to ignore the idiots

Google Wallet NFC payments revealed, Offers to take down Groupon

Posted: 26 May 2011 10:14 AM PDT

Google Wallet, the wireless payment scheme we’ve heard reports about, has just been announced at an event in New York. Is this the revolution that’ll get rid of that piece of leather you carry around in your pocket all day?

UPDATE: Video!

If you’re using an Android 2.3 phone with NFC (so, er, the Google Nexus S) in the US, you’ll soon be able to download and use a Google Wallet app, which will work with Citi MasterCards and Google Prepaid cards to bleep your moolah over to the cashier wherever Mastercard PayPass contactless payment units are used.

Google Wallet will integrate with a new Google Offers service, which delivers a local deal based on location – exactly like Groupon, but only available in Portland and New York City for now – and will let you tap to pay at supported shops.

As ever with all the most appealing Google services, there’s no release date beyond “soon”, and not a peep about when it will be hitting the UK. But this is the start of something big: Android is now the biggest smartphone OS on the planet, so if anyone can hit critical mass for this to work, it’s Google. It’s safe to say though that the folks in Cupertino will be looking on with interest.

Out TBC | £TBC | Google

Evo 2: Five ways an Android console can take on the Wii HD

Posted: 26 May 2011 09:45 AM PDT

As the successor to the Evo Smart Console, the upcoming Evo 2 looks to bring Android 2.2 and loads of HD content to your living room. Nvidia graphics, built-in WiFi, and the ability to sync with your Android smartphone or tablet are just the tip of the iceberg for this Android console. With the Nintendo Wii HD expected to be unveiled at E3 next month, the Evo 2 might just give the gaming console a run for its money.

1. Stupendous price $149.99 (£91)
Cost of admission is always a cause for concern, especially when you're considering a high-end gaming console. While we can't confirm the price of the Nintendo Wii HD, early reports suggest pricing between $350 (£212) and $400 (£242). At less than half the cost, the Evo 2 brings Nvidia graphics, a stylish wireless controller, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, HDMI output, five USB ports, and Toslink optical audio output — not to mention the Evo 2 app store.

2. Media streaming to better the Apple TV
The PlayStation 3's mantra has long been "it only does everything". After the recent PSN outage the slogan, Sony might want to add *offline to that ending. Current generation gaming consoles offer media streaming capabilities, but the capability seems more of an afterthought than a primary function. The Evo 2 makes it very clear: media streaming from your home network on your TV is a top priority. With a wider variety of video format support and an equally attractive price point, the Apple TV's future may be in doubt.

3. HD visuals
The original Nintendo Wii was limited to a maximum output via component cables of 480p, better known as DVD quality. The upcoming Wii HD looks to change that. Armed with Nvidia graphics and HDMI output, the Evo 2 will be more than willing to deliver high definition gaming and video at a moment's notice.

4. Smartphone and tablet syncing
Our favorite feature of the Evo 2 is without a doubt the smartphone and tablet synchronization. Instead of pulling out your Android smartphone every few minutes to keep tabs on your email and messages, simply direct your attention to your TV. Whether you are trying to keep tabs on email or looking to bring over some gaming titles from your smartphone, Evo 2 has you covered.

5. Game streaming via OnLive app
Future compatibility with the OnLive app for Android means your Evo 2 gaming can be shared not only on the big screen in the living room, but also with friends online. Now your friends can enjoy the perks of online gaming without needing to buy a console of their own, simply head to the website, sit back and relax. This is the future of cloud gaming and the Evo 2 will be along for the ride thanks to OnLive.

Coming Soon | Envizions | $149 ($15 pre-order)

The cost of rooting your Android smartphone: movie rentals, paid streaming services

Posted: 26 May 2011 07:45 AM PDT

With Android updates becoming a scarce commodity outside the circle of Google Nexus devices, the need for rooting Android smartphones is on the rise. Unfortunately, there's a cost of doing business that might have you retracing your steps. Google has officially blocked rooted phones and tablets from accessing its movie rental service. Other paid online streaming services such as Blockbuster have also followed suit.

Protecting video content on Android is becoming Google's primary concern. Concerns over video content security have plagued the OS; just take a look at the 10 month delay between the iOS and Android releases of the Netflix app. Now that Android 3.1 has added a new 'Movies' tab which provides HD movie rentals ranging in price from $1.99 to $4.99, Google is cracking down on rooted devices.

Rooted Motorola Xoom users are reporting an error 49 "failed to fetch license" when attempting to download movies. Meanwhile, Blockbuster has taken similar steps with its Android app. A Widevine Error will appear alerting a rooted Android user, "TamperDetected: Device detected as rooted", and preventing any sort of video playback. Google Movies and Blockbuster might be the only video streaming services blocking rooted devices now, but which apps are next?

In related Android news, DigiTimes is reporting the HTC 10.1-inch Puccini tablet will begin "volume production" this June. The tablet will be powered by a Qualcomm MSM8660 1.5 GHz processor and run Android Honeycomb 3.1.

Apple iPad 3 to sport Samsung AMOLED display?

Posted: 26 May 2011 07:00 AM PDT

Much of the world is still patiently awaiting the launch of the iPad 2, but that's not stopping The Korea Herald from beginning iPad 3 speculation. According to its sources, the newspaper believes Apple is "actively courting Samsung to build AMOLED displays" for the third generation iPad. Adding fuel to the fire are reports Apple's head Tim Cook took a trip to South Korea last week to begin discussions with Samsung's top brass.

An updated Retina display was rumored to hit the iPad 2 leading up to its launch. As you and I both know, that never happened. The current 9.7-inch LED backlight display featuring IPS technology is no slouch, but higher-resolution AMOLED displays may be in sight.

"Apple wants to tap into Samsung's AMOLED technology for an upgraded version of the iPad2, considered as many as the iPad3 that is likely to be launched toward the end of this year. During Cook's trip last week, Apple seems to have offered Samsung an advance for the AMOLED displays."

Although The Korea Herald is a respected news source, 9to5Mac is quick to point out several glaring issues with the story. For starters, there's no AMOLED tablets to date, making it highly unlikely Samsung would allow Apple to become the first. Not to mention Samsung has several tablets of its own which will be due for a refresh next year. Also, there's currently a lawsuit filed by Apple against Samsung which needs to be addressed.

Despite these issues we can't help but smile at the though of Samsung AMOLED displays powering the iPad 3. The lower power consumption, fast refresh rates, deep blacks, vivid colors and visibility in direct sunlight would be well received.

via 9to5Mac

CNN and Nokia team up to deliver mobile news and mapping with free app

Posted: 26 May 2011 06:16 AM PDT

Let's face it, there are far more worldwide events than international journalist to cover them. Realizing this deficiency, CNN has teamed up with Nokia to deliver rich mapping for its mobile news. Armed with location data and highly-detailed maps, the new CNN app allows users to submit submitted stories, turning Nokia smartphones into real-time reporting tools. Simply snap a photo or capture video and submit an iReport to begin.

Nokia and CNN's paths first crossed when its 3D maps were use to show the royal wedding procession. Today. the collaboration continues with the new CNN app, now available for free in Ovi Store. Realizing that times are changing in the modern news cycle, CNN has embraced feedback and discussions from Twitter during its live broadcasts and now hopes user submitted content via the CNN app drive further growth.

Early feedback suggests the CNN app is one of the most polished Symbian apps to date. The clean UI, simple iReport submission process and smooth video playback over 3G or WiFi demonstrate this claim. The only question left unanswered is whether you're ready to become a citizen journalist? Head on over to the Ovi Store and take the CNN app for a spin to find out.

Out Now | Ovi Store | Free

Samsung AF310 all-in-on PC: Windows 7’s answer to the Apple iMac

Posted: 26 May 2011 05:41 AM PDT

Apple isn't the only game in town when it comes to ultra stylish all-in-one computers. In fact, Samsung's newly announced AF310 PC might even be declared sexier than the new iMacs. Equipped with a 23-inch full HD LCD display capable of wide viewing angles and Samsung's 2D/3D output, the AF310 packs a punch in both design and performance, with more than enough bells and whistles to win your hearts.

The AF310 features an 11mm bezel to keep your focus on the screen. 3D SRS sound and realistic 3D imagery when combined with Samsung 3D glasses make for the ultimate gaming and movie experience. Under the hood is a Core i5 processor, 1TB 7200RPM HDD, and USB 3.0 connectivity — capable of transferring 1GB of data in just 15 seconds.

One really nice touch is the left side of the AF310 features 'smart charging only USB ports' which remain powered when the computer is off. Even more impressive is the computer's speakers can be paired over Bluetooth and used for music playback, also when the computer is off. Standard accessories include a pair of 3D glasses, wireless mouse and wireless keyboard.

The Samsung AF310 goes on sale in Japan today for 2.1M won (£1174). A roll out to the UK and Europe is expected to follow shortly. If you've been eying the new Samsung Series 9 laptops, but want a desktop packing similar style and design, the AF310 is your meal ticket.

Coming Soon | Samsung | £1174

iCADE video review: turn your iPad into a funsize 1980′s arcade machine (Legwarmers optional…)

Posted: 26 May 2011 05:21 AM PDT

Remember the iCADE iPad arcade cabinet? This nostalgia-fest turned heads at CES back in January, but it’s now on sale in the UK. We pulled together all the spare change we could to play on it: read on to see our hands on video with Cupertino’s slate playing Atari classics in HD!

The concept behind the iCADE couldn’t be simpler: fold and screw the pieces together, drop the iPad (or iPad 2) in the holder, and you’re away. The controls connect over Bluetooth (2 AA batteries are included) and you don’t have to drop money in the coin slot to play.

The games are handled by the Atari Greatest Hits App, which will let you download up to 100 titles, including hits like Asteroids. The eight buttons and retro joystick are sturdy and seriously mashable, unlike the delicate screen on the slate itself.

If there’s one problem, it’s that no other developers are down with the iCADE right now. As you can see in the video, other games don’t support the controls, so you can forget about Angry Birds with buttons, or Tiny Wings with parachute pants – actually, that last one’s up to you.

Still, for the asking price, it seems like the perfect boy’s toy for anyone in your life who already owns an iPad.

The iCADE iPad arcade cabinet is available to pre-order at Firebox.com, priced at £79.99.

Ofcom reveals mobile broadband speed rankings: O2 wins!

Posted: 26 May 2011 04:57 AM PDT

Trolls, sharpen your blades and pull out your clubs: Ofcom‘s just come back with its independent mobile broadband speed tests to settle once and for all which network is fastest. Let’s breakdown the winners.

Of the five operators, O2 was found to load webpages the fastest, and provided lower latency than every network save for T-Mobile. Ofcom says that O2, Vodafone and 3 all offered faster overall download speeds than T-Mobile and Orange.

Over 4.2 million tests were run from September to December last year, using three different methods to collect data, and 97 locations, hourly, to asses varying speeds over time of day. Mobile broadband dongles and SIM-cards, rather than smartphones, were used to measure speeds.

The study also turned up some other interesting general trends. Averages across all networks hovered around 1.5Mbps for download speed, peaking at 2.1Mbps in areas of stronger coverage – but a far cry from theoretical 7.2Mbps maximum speeds.

A surprisingly large seven percent of the UK population uses mobile broadband as their sole means of access to the internet, up from three percent two years ago.

You can see the full results in the report here and here.

What do you make of the findings? Sound right to you? Shout up with how you’re seeing things in the comments.

The Android games console, Facebook Spotify lovefest and TomTom gets sexy: Lunchtime Lowdown

Posted: 26 May 2011 04:45 AM PDT

The hours have flown by, and so have the headlines: luckily we caught them all and cruelly shoved them into a cage called the lunchtime lowdown. Read on for your news roundup right here.

First up, let’s talk computing. A major Microsoft investor has called for CEO Steve Ballmer’s head, while online, reports are emerging that Facebook has hooked up with Spotify for song streaming skills.

In gaming meanwhile, Portal 2‘s soundtrack went up for sale, while we got a look at an Android home console incoming, complete with motion sensing skills like Kinect.

Lastly, our news feature looked at TomTom‘s powerplay to take on Google and free satnav software: by making traffic “sexy“.

Still want more news? Roll on over to the homepage and help yourself to it all as it breaks!

Modern Warfare 3 vs The Daily Mail: time to ignore the idiots

Posted: 26 May 2011 04:42 AM PDT

The Daily Mail is at it again. The trailer for Modern Warfare 3 which features scenes of battles in London as well as other European cities has set the hyperbolic scandal sheet into overdrive.

Because the game features scenes in London and the trailer includes a moment with a Tube train, the paper has jumped immediately to the most horrific association possible: the 7/7 bombings. But, as is quite often the case with The Daily Mail, the “controversy” that its wailing about begins and ends with its own story…

Though it claims that “supporters of those affected by the 7/7 suicide attack…[have] called for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 to be banned”, The Daily Mail doesn’t actually offer any quotes from them.

Instead the paper pads out its threadbare story with wild assertions, a hysterical quote from MediaWatch (the modern version of Mary Whitehouse’s National Viewers’ and Listeners’ Assocation) and a selectively culled section from Kotaku’s Modern Warfare 3 preview.

The Daily Mail has form on this stretching way back before even the original topdown version of Grand Theft Auto and the great Carmageddon kerfuffle of 1997.

To the Daily Mail, the idea that normal, law-abiding humans might not suddenly be turned into homicidal crazies at the merest touch of a gamepad is a confusing and frightening idea. In its worldview, games can’t depict realworld settings without somehow being a slap in the face to people who have suffered in a tragedy.

Modern Warfare 3 is fictional like Spooks which uses London as a backdrop for extreme danger on a weekly basis or 28 Days Later which put the capital at the mercy of hordes of zombies.

But, of course, by featuring a terrorist attack as one of its missions, Modern Warfare 3 is acting as bait precisely for the kind of scaremongering hacks that churn out anti-gaming stories for The Daily Mail. Activision knows what it’s up to just as The Daily Mail does, both are participants in an almost yearly dance of faux-outrage.

The Daily Mail writes an indignant story about the shocking content, Activision denies that there’s anything much to worry about and the public rushes out in droves to buy the game prompting talk of the biggest sales figures of all time. It’s time to ignore the whole process. Just let the two of them get on with it.

If you’re excited about Modern Warfare 3, buy it, but don’t be fooled into thinking that anything in that title will be truly shocking. The really shocking stories of our time tend to get ignored while the papers debate things like whether Call of Duty really has gone too far this time…

Made for Life

Friday, 27 May 2011

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

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