Software

Microsoft patent application outlines system to recommend and transfer apps across devices

Ready for your latest tour through the dense and meandering wording of patent applications? Well, dig in, because it's Microsoft's turn to confuse lawyers the world over with this latest USPTO doc, submitted in November of 2010. The filing describes a computer-based program that would, essentially, analyze a primary device's installed applications, cross-reference it with a different device and then either migrate that software batch or suggest similar apps to download on a secondary unit. Sounds a lot like a potential Windows Phone Marketplace recommendation / app transfer engine to us, but what exactly Redmond intends to use this pending patent for is anyone's guess. As always, if you care to sacrifice a few minutes of your life to mind-numbing legal jargon, then by all means hit up the source link below.

Microsoft patent application outlines system to recommend and transfer apps across devices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update)

It's safe to say that anticipation is high for the upcoming Windows 8 Release Preview, which will become available in the first week of June. While we're still curious to see if Microsoft can better integrate the desktop and Metro environments of its latest operating system, the company has now revealed a significant change to the desktop portion of Windows 8 -- a completely restyled visual appearance. As you might remember from the Consumer Preview, window borders and widgets featured a simplified and subdued look in comparison to the glass-like materials of Aero, which Microsoft now calls "dated and cheesy." With the latest refresh, however, the company has pushed its modernistic philosophy even further to reveal a spartan (yet functional) interface that draws less attention to the chrome elements and allows the user to focus more on content.

Microsoft's latest reveal was made as part of a larger, retrospective look at its development of Windows and the evolution of the operating system. At every step, the company states that its emphasis has been on the overall "learnability" of the environment. As such, Microsoft claims that it's making great strides to ensure that consumers may quickly get up to speed with the latest OS, and hints that it has a number of reveals yet to be seen. In its very next breath, however, it also emphasized people's ability to adapt and move forward, which suggests the number of changes might not be as conciliatory as some might've hoped. Regardless, we'll know for sure what Microsoft has in store in just a few weeks.

Update: Well, this is interesting. In the screenshot above, you'll notice a highlighted mail-esque icon at the bottom of the taskbar. As it would turn out, Techblitz recently discovered that Microsoft swapped that shot for a nearly identical replica, albeit without the icon. Is this miniscule peek into something new in the way of Windows Live mail or similar? At this point it's anyone guess, but we'll keep you posted if we find out more. You'll find the new screenshot after the break.

Continue reading Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update)

Kiss Aero goodbye: Latest Windows 8 build reveals minimalistic desktop UI (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft sets sandbox boundaries for Metro developers

With so many apps running around the Windows playground, Microsoft wants the grown-ups to be in charge of Metro. Programs for the new interface will be available only through the Windows Store, which will allow one-click installs, user feedback and crash monitoring. Developers shouldn't worry too much, as the heavy lifting for those features will all be handled by the OS. Redmond's demanding some tit-for-tat, however, asking programmers to resist the temptation to invoke APIs not included in the development kit. All the software will be vetted, App-Store style, while access to devices like GPS and cameras must be granted by users before the apps can grab them. We've already seen that the old BSOD is gone, so hopefully this new course plotted by Metro will keep those frowny faces away.

Microsoft sets sandbox boundaries for Metro developers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Chameleon adaptive home screen replacement for Android tablets

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

If you're an Android tablet owner, you're likely very familiar with the drill: after you unlock the device, you're presented with a static home screen full of apps and widgets, which may or may not be relevant to your current need. The creators of Chameleon, a home screen replacement for Android 3.2 / 4.0 tablets, would like to change all that with a dynamic environment that'll adapt to your current GPS location, WiFi network or the time of day. Users may design and customize their ideal layouts, which may include news and social feeds in the morning, a calendar and tasks for the work environment and an assortment of entertainment options for the evening at home. Switching between these layouts isn't a problem, either, as you'll be able to flick between home screens just as you would with the standard Android interface.

Like a good rug, the interface is attractive and really pulls everything together. Chameleon is currently a Kickstarter project, and its creators intend to unleash the creation into the Google Play Store this September. Those who donate $5 or more can expect early delivery of the app, which is currently slated for August. It never hurts to be early in line, and Chameleon might just rekindle your love for Android tablets. For a quick peek of what's in store, check the video after the break.

[Thanks, Greg]

Continue reading Insert Coin: Chameleon adaptive home screen replacement for Android tablets

Insert Coin: Chameleon adaptive home screen replacement for Android tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Evernote 4.0 for Android sweeps in new home screen, list UI (video)

'Tis the season for major Android app remakes, this time with Evernote going for a much appreciated adaptation to a more swipe-friendly universe. The 4.0 update of the note-taking app has a new home screen that lets you swipe out a hidden menu to get to your notes without having to always jump backwards -- one of our pet peeves. Much of the overall navigation now leans towards swipes over buttons, and the list views for notes and notebooks are a good deal simpler. Combined with new contextual action bars, the revamp puts the text, audio and photo recorder much more at home in the Android 4.0 era than earlier versions. It still requires just Android 1.6, so nearly anyone can take a look by visiting the Google Play link below.

Continue reading Evernote 4.0 for Android sweeps in new home screen, list UI (video)

Evernote 4.0 for Android sweeps in new home screen, list UI (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN Radio app gets a refresh, now properly outfitted for the iPad

If you're needing to keep Mike & Mike an arm's length away at all times, ESPN has refreshed its Radio app to help with just that. Now optimized to the iPad in addition to the iPhone and iPod touch, the software allows you to sort your listening habits by sports, teams and athletes that you follow. The free version offers access to podcasts, the 20-minute SportCenter cycle, and offline listening for on-demand content. Currently, the premium version of the app is free as well -- touting custom stations / playlists, live audio pause / rewind, myESPN personalization, alerts / push notifications and a few more gems to keep you well informed on the latest Red Sox debacle. After a "limited time," though, you'll have to shell out $4.99 for the premium app and its 35 ESPN radio stations. What about Android and WP7 devices, you ask? The folks in Bristol claim that apps for those platforms will arrive later this summer.

Continue reading ESPN Radio app gets a refresh, now properly outfitted for the iPad

ESPN Radio app gets a refresh, now properly outfitted for the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 03:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Worst Company In America

The Consumerist has posted the results for the 2012 Worst Company in America award and not surprising (at least to me) is the fact that EA has won this years "Golden Poo" award! Listen/Watch to the video above to see one of the many reasons why everyone hates them. It's so bad they even beat out Bank of America!

But what is becoming the biggest sore spot to video game customers is the increasing amount of add-on content that the company doesn't include in the games it sells, but only makes available in deluxe editions, store-specific versions or as a la carte downloadable content. For example, Destuctoid recently calculated that you would need to spend $870 to get access to all of the content in the newest big EA release, Mass Effect 3.

Related articles

• Consumerist's Worst Company in America award goes to EA (slashgear.com)
• EA Wins A Golden Poo And Is Named Worst Company In America, Reacts To News (mynintendonews.com)

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Tribute to the golden days of gaming

BoingBoing posted this video celebrating the games of yore in a fitting tribute to some of the great arcade games from the past. I tried to name all of them, but failed miserably! How many can you name from this? Music is a cover of Mad World, by Tears for Fears  

Related articles

• Fun With Game Over Of The Day (geeks.thedailywh.at)
• Shed a Tear for This Classic Videogame Death Montage (escapistmagazine.com)

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Duke Nukem Forever delayed....Again!

Duke Nukem Forever being delayed again really shouldn't be a surprize to anyone, but the way they announced this one was very well put together in my opinion: It's nice to see them keeping it light-hearted and fun. What else can you do really? Every one is used to it and will just slam them anyway, might as well make fun of it your self!

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Xobni Is Coming To Gmail, Android, And iPhone (100 Beta Invites)

Ever since Xobni launched at the first TechCrunch 40, it’s been about Outlook and then Blackberry. But those of us who use Gmail also want to make our inboxes smarter. Today, Xobni is launching aprivate beta for Gmail, and will soon also launch iPhone and Android apps. The first 100 readers to sign up for the Gmail beta will get in (use the code XOBNI-TC100). The Gmail app comes in the form of a browser extension for either Chrome or Firefox (Safari and IE will come later). Once you install it, a Xobni sidebar appears in your Gmail Inbox. Once you allow it to index your contacts and.... Read the rest of the story at TechCrunch: via Xobni Is Coming To Gmail, Android, And iPhone (100 Beta Invites).

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SMS On Steroids – eBuddy Debuts Realtime, Cross-Platform Messaging App

eBuddy, the Dutch company that enables millions of people worldwide to communicate with each other on the Web and a wide range of mobile phones, is today introducing a brand new application for iPhone and Android. With the app, dubbed eBuddy XMS, the company aims to go “beyond SMS” with a free realtime messaging tool that functions across a range of platforms (BlackBerry coming soon). eBuddy believes it can add value to the fast growing mobile messaging apps category based on its wealth of digital messaging expertise and by focusing primarily on the user experience. Already, the company enables over 30 million monthly active users to send via SMS On Steroids – eBuddy Debuts Realtime, Cross-Platform Messaging App.

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RipTen Review: Homefront (PC) | RipTen Videogame Blog

War. War never changes- but only because it doesn’t need to in order to sell 14 million units. I pen this journal on scraps of paper in my parent’s basement reinforced bunker, far underground. The bombs from battles above shake dust loose from the floorboards and give the entire room a dull brown haze. The pallet is quite familiar to me, as I’ve seen it dozens of times over the last few years. This is because we are at war. No, I’m not talking about the war the wealthy in America have successfully waged against the other 80% of the country, or the war the current iteration of the Republican party has waged against minorities, women, free speech, common sense, and decency. I’m talking about the war fought between gamers who.... Read the rest of the story at: RipTen Review: Homefront (PC) | RipTen Videogame Blog.

Related articles

• Homefront sells 375,000 units for first day of US sales (news.bigdownload.com)
• Massive Homefront Sales On Day One (godisageek.com)

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How much is too much?

Let me start this out with this: I like the Call of Duty games....well....most of them! The ones put out by Infinity Ward are great, the ones by Treyarch.....not so much.

Now that that is out of the way: how many times can you rehash the same game? OK, I know...you can rehash Guitar Hero and Mario to death and people will still by the new ones. But come on, FPS WWI, WWII and modern war games, in my opinion, have reached the saturation point. Take the latest Battlefield: Bad Company 2....the first mission in the single player talks about an OP that supposedly took place during WWII, lasted 20 minutes the all records of it was destroyed. Now I am not saying this didn't/couldn't happen, we all know the government always has secret ops we never know about.

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Chatty Cathy

Ok.......I know that phrase probably out dates alot of you, but it is something most of you know alot about.....IM's. How many IM accounts do you have? I have at least 4......plus I have one I can't remember the login for and have no hope of getting it back Now everyone knows what a pain it is to have several Instant Messaging programs running at the same time........they eat memory as if you had 32 GB of the stuff, and the you have 2, 3, 5, maybe even 7 extra icons in your systray for all of them.

Wouldn't it be nice to have just ONE program to use to log into all of your "chatty cathy" programs? Some of you probably use Trillian to solve the issue and thee is nothing wrong with that, but admit it, Trillian has gotten to be bloatware too! I started looking about a year ago for one program to handle all of my IM accounts. I tried Miranda, Pidgin, PowWow and others before finally deciding on digsby!

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