Mesmerizing Touch Wood SH-08C ad showcases Japan's beauty, mankind's ingenuity (video)

Sharp isn't apt to sell but 15,000 of its Touch Wood SH-08C handsets, but after watching the ad below, you can bet there will be demand for more. It's a bit baffling to think of the trouble Drill, Inc. went through in order to assemble the pieces necessary for a wooden ball to trickle down a homegrown marimba, particularly in the midst of Kyushu, Japan's woodlands. Kenjiro Matsuo was responsible for the creation of the instrument, while Morihiro Harano is being handed credit for the idea itself; in fact, he confirmed to The New York Times that no artificial music was added whatsoever, with only the background levels being adjusted up for effect. You may have never listened to a piece of classical music in your life, but you're sorely missing out if you ignore Bach's Cantata 147, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Or, at least the version in that video below.

Continue reading Mesmerizing Touch Wood SH-08C ad showcases Japan's beauty, mankind's ingenuity (video)

Mesmerizing Touch Wood SH-08C ad showcases Japan's beauty, mankind's ingenuity (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/mesmerizing-touch-wood-sh-08c-ad-showcases-japans-beauty-manki/

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HTC Video Reveals Hot Android Tablet Details

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer HTC will soon debut its own Android-powered tablet. From the looks of a new promotional video, it could be a strong competitor in a very crowded market.
Dubbed the Flyer, HTC’s tablet will come equipped with accoutrements similar to most other Android tablets — 5-megapixel back facing camera, 1.3-megapixel front facing camera, Wi-Fi [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/03/htc-android-tablet-flyer/

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Why Can't I Just Watch TV on the Goddamn Internet?! [Rant]

News Corp, Viacom and Discovery issued to formal complaints to Time Warner this week, demanding the cable provider remove any of the trio's channels (MTV, FX, Discovery, etc.) from their iPad app, which streams live television to cable subscribers while they're at home. Today, Time Warner caved and removed the channels. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Ox_7jzXdYck/why-cant-i-just-watch-tv-on-the-goddamn-internet

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Aluratek Bump Portable Mini Speaker Review

For every expensive audio component out there, there are countless cheaper alternatives; some good, some not-so-good. Aluratek makes and markets all kinds of affordable tech from eBook readers to internet radios. The Bump portable mini speaker is just what the name Implies, a speaker you can take with you in your backpack for those times [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/28/aluratek-bump-portable-mini-speaker-review/

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GameSalad Raises $6.1 Million For iPhone And iPad Game Creation Tool

GameSalad, formerly Gendai Games, has raised $6.1 million in funding, led by Steamboat Ventures, with participation from Greycroft Partners, DFJ Mercury, DFJ Frontier and ff Asset Management. GameSalad's game creation tool allows non-programmers to build, develop and publish 2D casual games games for the iPhone and iPad. The benefit of using the platform is that developers can design, publish and distribute original games for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Web without needing to write a line of code. To date, GameSalad has been used to create powered over 8,500 titles in the iTunes App Store including more than 30 top 100 U.S. Games in Apple?s App Store.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/xWez6gdOivQ/

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Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game

So, you're a ball. A Tarzan Ball, to be precise. You've earned the nickname thanks to your astonishing ability to shoot out a lengthy 'vine' (I hope it's a vine) at objects, and then pull yourself towards those objects.

That's a handy ability to have, especially since you've got no legs, no arms, and no other means of transportation. In Tarzan Ball, the rope is everything. But you don't just swing around the screen aimlessly - that wouldn't be much of a game now, would it?

Instead, your goal in life is to collect "targets". Each level has one of these "targets" hidden away somewhere on the screen, usually behind some kind of barrier. Once you navigate close enough to the target, you can shoot your rope at it and just reel it in. That's when you pass the level.

You can't die in this game, but it can still be very frustrating. It's actually one of the tougher games I've posted recently. Still, if you enjoy physics games, this one is quite nicely made.

[This is actually the sequel to IQ Ball, which we covered last year! -Ed]

Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/21/tarzan-ball-is-a-tricky-hook-and-pull-physics-game/

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Will iPad 3 Arrive In 2011

It’s incredible how fast new technology becomes outdated and obsolete these days. The iPad 2 hasn’t even gone on sale yet and there’s already rumors about iPad 3 making it’s debut sometime during the fall, around September to be exact. There’s no confirmation on whether or not these rumors are true. However, Apple must be [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ipadbuzzblog/~3/PyEB7Vmqv2c/

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iPad Smart Bezel by Apple Revealed

Once again Apple wows us with new and highly sophisticated innovations, this time with Smart Bezel. This new patented technology could really change and improve the way we use the iPad. So you’re probably asking “What is Smart Bezel and why is it so special?”. Well for starters, if this new technology is integrated, with [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ipadbuzzblog/~3/tJOTGudfgto/

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Put Some Joulies In Your Java

I’ll come right out and admit that I have an obsession with Kickstarter lately, and with the sorts of brilliant ideas that have been rolling out of there recently, it’s pretty obvious why. One of the more recent projects up for funding is Coffee Joulies.� What appear to be large, shiny coffee beans are in [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/31/put-some-joulies-in-your-java/

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CyanogenMod RC 4, Video calls on the Thunderbolt [from the forums]

You all know what tomorrow is right? April fools day. Yes, that glorious day where everyone gets to play pranks on each other and possibly even get away with some of them. We don't have any April fools jokes lined up for you all but it'd be kind of cool if Google themselves pulled one. You all got any pranks on tap? If so, let us know in the Android Central Lounge. If you're not down with pranks then hit up the forums for some straight up Android talk:

• Rumored Devices Forums - Will you avoid a Motorola Nexus? [Poll]
• Motorola Droid Forums - CyanogenMod RC 4 now available!
• HTC Evo 3D Forums - So how 3D is it really?
  
• Motorola Atrix 4G Forums - SPB Shell 3D on the Atrix
• HTC Thunderbolt Forums - Video chatting, not very successful

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

CyanogenMod RC 4, Video calls on the Thunderbolt [from the forums] posted originally by Android Central

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/qeVWkK_BVZE/cyanogenmod-rc-4-video-calls-thunderbolt-forums

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Must-have Firefox 4 add-ons for Chrome and Internet Explorer converts

So you've finally realized that while Chrome might be fast, it sacrifices creature comforts to be so. It's a little bit like living in a whitewashed room with nothing more than a beige-box PC and keyboard -- it works, but it's not a particularly fun experience. If you like car analogies, Chrome is like a race-tuned Ferrari with hard-plastic bucket seats and tubular titanium roll cage.

Likewise, Internet Explorer 8 and 9 will get you safely around the Web -- and quickly, in the case of IE9 -- but if you want to change the UI, or strap on extra functionality, you're bang out of luck because it has less add-ons than Opera has users. Internet Explorer is, in short, the Volvo of Browser Land.

If you want speed, security, functionality and full-featured add-ons, Firefox 4 is the only browser worth talking about. Let's dive in and check out the best add-ons for first-time users and browser converts.

Continue reading Must-have Firefox 4 add-ons for Chrome and Internet Explorer converts

Must-have Firefox 4 add-ons for Chrome and Internet Explorer converts originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/firefox-4-add-ons-for-new-users-chrome-and-internet-explorer-converts/

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Black & Decker PlantSmart SO Cool!

Plant Smart by Black & Decker: a whole new techie way of gardening. Black & Decker has just found a way into my heart. � I love to garden! �I’m not the best at it. �But I really like it. � Let’s face facts… when it comes to all this blather about soils and additives [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/31/black-decker-plantsmart-so-cool/

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Put Some Joulies In Your Java

I’ll come right out and admit that I have an obsession with Kickstarter lately, and with the sorts of brilliant ideas that have been rolling out of there recently, it’s pretty obvious why. One of the more recent projects up for funding is Coffee Joulies.� What appear to be large, shiny coffee beans are in [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/31/put-some-joulies-in-your-java/

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Arctic ozone levels dropped by as much as half in the past year [Video]

Check out the stark difference between these two satellite images, taken on March 19, 2010 and March 19, 2011. The left image shows much more ozone (in red) over the Arctic than the right image. What's happened? More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/gbiwfmGGaf0/arctic-ozone-levels-dropped-by-as-much-as-half-in-the-past-year

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Water Leak Alarms Will Make Your Neighbors Hate You Even More

You have a smoke alarm, right? And maybe even a burglar alarm. But do you have a water alarm? Probably not.
The Water Leak Alarm is ready to join the bevvy of paranoia-salving gadgets in your home. Place one next to a washing machine, in the basement or anywhere else that water is likely to leak, [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/03/water-leak-alarms-will-make-your-neighbors-hate-you-even-more/

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Softbank to offer free iPhone replacements and calls for earthquake and tsunami orphans in Japan.

Following the awful earthquakes and devastating tsunami that hit Japan, it is good to hear that Japanese carrier Softbank are offering assistance to children that were left orphaned by the recent disaster, including free replacements for any damaged iPhones. Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son has announced via twitter that all earthquake orphans will receive free phones with [...]

Softbank to offer free iPhone replacements and calls for earthquake and tsunami orphans in Japan. is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/4K3GnypeNtY/

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Softbank to offer free iPhone replacements and calls for earthquake and tsunami orphans in Japan.

Following the awful earthquakes and devastating tsunami that hit Japan, it is good to hear that Japanese carrier Softbank are offering assistance to children that were left orphaned by the recent disaster, including free replacements for any damaged iPhones. Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son has announced via twitter that all earthquake orphans will receive free phones with [...]

Softbank to offer free iPhone replacements and calls for earthquake and tsunami orphans in Japan. is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/4K3GnypeNtY/

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myYearbook Bets Big On Android With Acquisitions Of Five Apps, FlockEngine

Social networking company myYearbook this morning announced it has acquired five new Android apps to support its mobile strategy and grow its team. In addition, the company acquired FlockEngine, which powers multiplayer games on Android phones. The acquisitions include Toss It, Tic Tac Toe (both of which are among the top 30 most downloaded free Android games), Minesweeper, SpringDroid, and Line of 4.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/G79sW6_cGAQ/

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Kinect hacked to work with PlayStation 3, plays Killzone 3 badly

Microsoft's Kinect, the fastest-selling gadget ever, has now been hacked to work with the PlayStation 3.

The Kinect isn't directly plugged into a PS3, though (that would be too awesome). Instead, it's plugged into a conventional PC laptop, where PrimeSense's first-party drivers are used to interface with Kinect. The data from Kinect is then converted into a format that the PS3 can understand, and output directly to the console using using diyps3controller, which lets the laptop USB controller interface with the PS3.

There's a video of the developer logging in and playing Killzone 3 on his PS3 using the Kinect after the break. Well, attempting to play Killzon 3, we should say. It seems like the hack has a little way to go before it's actually usable...

Continue reading Kinect hacked to work with PlayStation 3, plays Killzone 3 badly

Kinect hacked to work with PlayStation 3, plays Killzone 3 badly originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/kinect-hacked-to-work-with-playstation-3-plays-killzone-3-badly/

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Why Photoshop for iPad Marks the End of the Desktop Computing Era [Video]

The real Photoshop for iPad exists. Adobe showed it yesterday and it looks like a solid digital darkroom. But, more importantly, it marks another step in the ongoing evolution that is changing the way humans interact with machines. One that, in fact, is putting back our human nature into computing. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/QV7b5Ofo1-o/why-photoshop-for-ipad-marks-the-end-of-the-desktop-computing-era

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How Secure is My Password lets you know just that

We've all heard it before; you need to select a lengthy password, one that's hard to guess. Not a dictionary word. And it has to have some capital letters in it too, and some digits, and a symbol or two won't hurt either.

That's a handy set of rules to keep in mind, but How Secure is My Password helps us understand why they're important.

It's basically like a full-screen version of one of those password-strength meters websites sometimes use. But instead of showing you a bar going from "weak" to "strong", it shows you an estimation of how long your password would take to crack. That's a much more visceral way to understand why your password is strong.

For example, when I entered "rabbit", it came back with "your password is one of the 500 most common passwords. It could be cracked almost instantly". "rabbit5" would take two hours, "$rabbit5" would take 38 days, and "$rabbitZ5" would take 237 years. It's quite enlightening to see what a difference three simple characters can make.

How Secure is My Password lets you know just that originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/05/how-secure-is-my-password-lets-you-know-just-that/

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Royal wedding app for iPhone and iPad now available

If you can?t get enough of the impending British Royal Wedding, now there is an app for that! Trinity Mirror has launched a universal iOS app that includes photo galleries, video clips and audio from its royal correspondent James Whitaker. Appealing to all users, whether they be staunch Royalists or just swept up in the fairytale [...]

Royal wedding app for iPhone and iPad now available is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/eOEEF61ckcw/

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Corel releases VideoStudio Pro X4, we go hands on (video)

Corel seems to be on a roll lately; after releasing WinZip System Utilities just last week, this morning the company announced VideoStudio Pro X4.

VideoStudio Pro is aimed at home users and small business professionals who want to create professional-looking videos, but without the hassle, steep learning curve and price of Adobe Premiere Pro and the likes.

This new version introduces several features:

• Stop motion animation: You can now capture still frames using a webcam, camcorder or DSLR and use them to produce an animation. Tools such as "onion skin view" let you compare the previous image in the sequence with the current one and make the animation as smooth as possible.
• Processor optimization: Corel says the app is optimized for Intel's new Sandy Bridge systems, and have shown us some graphs with very impressive numbers. We've been unable to test this particular point, but if you have a recent-generation Intel or AMD Fusion system, VideoStudio performance should be blazing. Even on our older test system performance was quite impressive.
• Customizable workspace: You can drag the video preview window to your secondary monitor (if you have one) and tweak just about any other element in the window layout. Once done, you can save your ideal workspace in one of three slots.
• Share-to-Web: VideoStudio Pro X4 hooks directly into YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Flickr, so you don't even have to launch a browser to upload your final product. Edit, produce and share from within the app itself.
• Smart Package: Video projects typically consist of many files; Smart Package lets you bundle all video assets for a given project into one ZIP file which you can password-protect and keep in a safe place once you're done editing.

I've had a chance to play around with a pre-release version for a few days, and have put it through its paces editing a short video for my day job. Overall, I've been impressed with how easy it was to create pro-looking results. If you do any sort of video editing but are leery of the investment other apps require (both in dollars and effort), VideoStudio Pro is well worth checking out. To see a bit of the interface itself and what the app can do, watch the video after the jump.

Note: We'll be running a give-away of ten VideoStudio Pro X4 licenses later today, each worth $100 USD. Keep your eyes peeled for the giveaway post!

Continue reading Corel releases VideoStudio Pro X4, we go hands on (video)

Corel releases VideoStudio Pro X4, we go hands on (video) originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/22/corel-releases-videostudio-pro-x4-we-go-hands-on/

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Jetbus is a retro-tastic physics game, with a bus

Once upon a time, there used to be a DOS game with a caveman and a human powered helicopter. The caveman would shuttle around the screen, madly trying to get customers to where they wanted to go.

Jetbus is not that game, but it's obviously inspired by it. You're driving a yellow school bus which has jets. I guess the jet engine takes quite a bit of space inside the bus, because you can only pick up one person at a time.

There are several doors on the screen, each with its own number. As you pick up a person, the status bar at the bottom of the screen shows you which number door you have to take them to.

You must fly your bus carefully, because if it gets bumped around too much, you lose. You earn money on each level, and can visit the garage to buy better jets and damping, power-ups, or even a whole new vehicle.

So while this game isn't made as well as the original that inspired it, it does provide a few minutes of fun. And now, which one of you guys remembers the original and feels like pointing to it in the comments?

Jetbus is a retro-tastic physics game, with a bus originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/15/jetbus-is-a-retro-tastic-physics-game-with-a-bus/

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