Hasta La Gadget!

Madfinger Games pushed out a new update for Dead Trigger yesterday fixing a lot of problems: in-app purchases, not working controls, easier enemies on higher ranks, crashes in the menu when there were too many missions available, booster ammo supply not working properly, revive kit, aiming at crawling enemies, shop items, damage caused by mines, exploding barrels not injuring enemies, enemy AI and more. But it looks like they will also be addressing the backlash they faced after turning the game from a paid app to free to play.

The folks at Phandroid spotted an interesting post in the game’s news bulletin saying  ”Here is a good news for everybody who bought DEAD TRIGGER. Wait for the next update, you will be rewarded! Wondering what? We will keep it secret for now…” Since a lot of people felt ripped off after paying $0.99 before the game became free, it looks like they will be compensated with something. In game currency? A new weapon? We can only guess. But for now you can grab the latest version of Dead Trigger on the Google Play Store.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Madfinger games explains why Dead Trigger on Android is free to play, Dead Trigger now free to play on Android,

Sony has unveiled a new Home Cinema Network AV receiver that features built-in Wi-Fi and AirPlay capability. The new receiver is called the STR-DN1030 Home Cinema Network AV Receiver. The receiver supports up to 7.2 Channel audio and has 120 W per channel of power. This is the first AV receiver to include built-in wireless connectivity, and it has five HDMI ports on the back.

Sony also equipped the receiver with HD Digital Cinema Sound and Advanced Digital Cinema Audio Calibration technology for powerful and precise sound. With the integrated wireless connectivity and AirPlay support, the receiver allows the user to stream music from the iPhone, iPod, or iPad. The receiver can also stream music from a computer and supports on-demand entertainment through the Sony Entertainment Network.

The receiver uses its integrated auto calibration technology to optimize the surround sound based on the position of the speakers in the room. The device also has a range of acoustic modes ranging from jazz club to sport allowing the user to select the best setting for their tastes. Other connectivity options include a single HDMI output, five HDMI inputs, the USB 2.0 port, and more. Sony also offers a Media Remote app allowing the user to control the receiver with a smartphone or tablet.

Sony unveils STR-DN1030 Home Cinema Network AV Receiver is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

GE has announced the creation of a new world-class traction motor for hybrid and electric vehicles. The new prototype electric motor delivers higher power density and better acceleration efficiency in a smaller frame at a lower cost than existing electric motors. The goal for GE is to extend the range of electric vehicles and reduce fuel consumption for hybrids using the new motor.

GE notes that the new electric motor has almost twice the temperature tolerance of a conventional hybrid-electric motor and doesn’t need a separate cooling system. The elimination of a separate cooling system allows the vehicle to be lighter, which directly translates into longer driving distance. The new electric motor is a prototype Interior Permanent Magnet traction motor that was developed as part of the $5.6 million US Department of Energy project to extend the range of DVDs and hybrids.

The prototype traction motor operates at a peak power level of 55kW and exceeds state of the art motors in the same class in several areas. The motor has nearly twice the power density offering better acceleration compared to similar motors and is 3 to 5% more efficient. The motor also achieves the required torque using lower DC bus voltage as low as 200 V versus 650 V and other motors. The GE electric motor is designed to be cool with normal engine coolant in a hybrid vehicle rather than needing its own dedicated cooling system.

“This is a significant accomplishment. We at GE are pushing the boundaries to build more robust, yet more efficient motors for hybrid and fully electric platforms,” said Ayman El-Refaie, Electrical Engineer, in GE Global Research’s Electrical Machines Lab. “We have built a motor that is substantially more powerful than what’s commercially available now, all while improving efficiency by up to 5%.”

GE researchers create new prototype traction motor for hybrid and electric vehicles is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Skype has hit back at allegations that it has opened up greater access of its instant messaging systems to law enforcement authorities, insisting that nothing has changed post-Microsoft acquisition. Concerns over Skype’s transparency around monitoring and backdoor access surfaced earlier this week, when the company refused to comment on specific wiretap provisions; however, the truth is that you’re no more likely to be monitored now – and in no greater depth – than you were before, Mark Gillett, Chief Development and Operations Officer at the company, explains on the official Skype blog.

It had been suggested that following the switch to so-called server based supernodes, Skype had extra provision for monitoring instant messaging conversations and user data (though not VoIP and video calls, something Gillett also reiterates). In fact, “the move to supernodes was not intended to facilitate greater law enforcement access to our users’ communications” the Skype exec says, and “the enhancements we have been making to our software and infrastructure have been to improve user experience and reliability. Period.”

Gillett also highlights Skype’s privacy policy and specifically that section which deals with instant messaging communications.

“Your instant messaging (IM) communications content may be stored by Skype (a) to convey and synchronise your messages and (b) to enable you to retrieve the messages and history where possible. IM messages are currently stored for a maximum of 30 days unless otherwise permitted or required by law. Skype will at all times take appropriate technical and security measures to protect your information. By using this product, you consent to the storage of your IM communications as described above” Skype

In short, Skype is doing just what the most recent suggestions indicated the company was – making chat conversations available when correctly requested from law enforcement, as long as those conversations took place within the last 30 days – but nothing more. Gillett’s comments are carefully phrased, of course, to take the emphasis off of Skype doing anything specifically and primarily in the name of law enforcement; even the rumors earlier this week suggested that the supernodes moving in-house to Microsoft’s servers had merely had the side-effect of making monitoring of IM chats more straightforward.

Skype snipes back at security change claims is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Paul Chambers, who was previously found guilty of sending a “menacing tweet,” has been acquitted by the High Court after two-and-a-half years trapped in legal limbo. On hearing of the closure of his local airport, the 27-year-old had sent out a facetious tweet to his 600 followers that mentioned “blowing the airport sky high!” However, despite airport authorities realizing the message was a joke, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service took the man to court and won. The social network quickly rallied around, with many repeating the tweet with the hashtag #IAmSpartacus and involving celebrities such as Stephen Fry, who helped raise funds to launch an appeal. The court today found that its joking nature was “obvious” and that it was sent by someone who did not hide their identity — clearing Mr. Chambers name once and for all. For the record, here was the original tweet with expletives removed:

“C**p! Robin Hood Airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your s**t together, otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!!“

Man acquitted as #TwitterJokeTrial appeal ends in victory originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 05:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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