Vic Gundotra says Nik’s ‘high-end tools and plugins’ will survive. Snapseed? Maybe not.

Vic Gundotra says Nik's 'high-end tools and plugins' will survive

After Google effectively killed Sparrow’s apps when it purchased the company (they’re still available and supported, but don’t expect much future development) there was some worry about the future of Nik Software. Well, Vic Gundotra took to Google+ to salve some of those fears.

Earlier this week I proudly welcomed +Nik Software to Google. They’ve been making pictures more awesome for 17 years, and we’re excited to bring Nik’s expertise to the entire Google+ community!

I also want to make something clear: we’re going to continue offering and improving Nik’s high-end tools and plug-ins.

Professionals across the globe use Nik to create the perfect moment in their photographs (e.g., http://goo.gl/aDtkO), and we care deeply about their artistry.

There is one bothersome caveat in that quote: “high-end.” Gundotra may be promising a future for Capture NX and Efex Pro, but it’s clear that the popular Snapseed doesn’t fit that description. Now, he has not expressly announced the death of the Instagram competitor, but it seems to us that the writing is on the wall. The Android camera app may already have a set of friendly filters, but it lacks the simplified sharing and marketing buzz of Facebook’s recent acquisition. Don’t be surprised if the Snapseed team simply gets folded into Google+ or Android while its creation slowly withers and dies.

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Vic Gundotra says Nik’s ‘high-end tools and plugins’ will survive. Snapseed? Maybe not. originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chocolate Record Woos Your Tastebuds and Destroys Your Needles [Video]

Vinyl records have been supplanted by other musical formats many times over by now, but a band called BreakBot has found the perfect way to help vinyl reclaim its popularity—delicious chocolate records! More »

Apple alleged to have copied Swiss railway clock’s design

Apple recently rolled out the iOS 6 update with a whole host of new features for the iOS users. For instance, iOS 6 replaces Google Maps with Apple’s own Maps and contains a far more improved Siri. Also, it has improved on social media integration by including Facebook in the fold.

Among the new features was also an all new look for the Clock app for iPad. The app now shows off a sleek, new clock design which looks pretty cool. However, it seems that the design didn’t exactly originate with Apple. In fact, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has alleged that it originally owns the rights to this design and that Apple didn’t seek permission to use it.

(more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: YouTube videos served on older non-iOS 6 versions, Apple acknowledges that Maps app is a “work in progress”,

Verizon iPhone 5 is unlocked, able to accept GSM SIMs right away

Verizon iPhone 5 is unlocked, able to accept GSM SIMs right away

Great news for those waiting anxiously at the door for their UPS / FedEx delivery… well, for those awaiting a Verizon iPhone 5, anyway. We’ve already broken down the differences between the trifecta of iPhone 5 models, and it seems that the one VZW is hawking is a real gem for travelers. Aside from handling Verizon’s LTE waves just fine, the nano-SIM slot will also accept cards from any other GSM carrier worldwide. In other words, AT&T nano-SIMs will get you onto its HSPA+ network, and T-Mobile nano-SIMs will play nice as well. If you’re heading overseas, you can pick up a local nano-SIM on arrival and plug it straight in — no unlocking code necessary. To confirm, this even applies to Verizon iPhone 5 units that were purchased under contract. You can hit the video after the break for proof, but heed one word of advice: wait until you find a legitimate nano-SIM to throw in there. It looks as if the cut-and-stuff approach leaves a bit to be desired.

Continue reading Verizon iPhone 5 is unlocked, able to accept GSM SIMs right away

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Verizon iPhone 5 is unlocked, able to accept GSM SIMs right away originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Does the iPhone 5 Fit in Your Hand? A GIF Guide [Iphone 5]

The new iPhone isn’t just faster—it’s taller. It’s your more athletic, better looking friend who you kind of hate. But how does it fit in your mitt? We put together an animated guide versus the competition. More »

GeeXboX 3.0 lands with XBMC 11 integration

After nearly a year of waiting, GeeXboX 3.0 has arrived with XMBC 11 integration in tow. The developers announced the latest build today, revealing that it also includes PVR functionality, which means that you can watch and record live TV using GeeXboX 3.0. That feature will definitely be appreciated, as will the fact that the developers of GeeXboX have made this latest version compatible with a number of different ARM systems, in addition to the typical x86 32 and 64-bit systems the program typically supports.


The total size of your GeeXboX 3.0 download comes in at 140MB. You have the addition of new firmware and driver support to thank for that bump up in size. Of course, those additional firmware and drivers improve hardware support, so we’re thinking it will be quite easy to live with the increase in download size. The development team still wants GeeXboX to be available on “as many PCs and devices as possible” though, which suggests that future releases of GeeXboX won’t be quite as big.

Still, 140MB definitely isn’t bad for what you’re getting. Have a look at the full list of release notes below, straight from the GeeXboX website:

New features

• XBMC Media Center 11 “Eden” frontend.
• PVR support for DVB Digital TV, to watch and record live TV
• Improved remote control support
• Support for Full HD videos on PandaBoard
• Support for Full HD videos on Cubox
• Improved HDD installation
• Installation support for (U)EFI systems
• Installation support for SSD’s

Supported Architectures

• x86 32 and 64 bits PCs
• ARM TI OMAP4 Pandaboard
• ARM nVidia Tegra2 Harmony
• ARM Cubox (armada5xx)
• ARM Snowball ux500

System

• Linux Kernel v3.4.4.
• Systemd v188.
• BusyBox v1.21
• Connman Network Manager v1.6.
• Xorg Server v1.11.4.
• Mesa v8.0.3
• OPKG Package Manager v0.18
• USB persistent user data storage.

Audio Drivers

• ALSA v1.0.24.1.
• Support for Analog, SPDIF and HDMI output devices.

Video Drivers

• Support for Intel, nVidia, ATI, Matrox and VIA GPUs.
• Support for CRT, LCD and HDMI output devices.
• OpenGL and OpenGL|ES hardware assisted graphics acceleration.
• VDPAU, VA-API and Crystal HD hardware assisted video decoding for nVidia, Intel and Broadcom GPUs.

Input

• Mouse and Synaptics touch pads.
• HID Keyboards.
• Remote Controls.
• PluseEight CEC devices.

Networking Features

• NFS shares.
• Samba auto-discovery.
• UPnP / DLNA media discovery.
• ZeroConf services announcements.
• HTTP server.
• FTP server
• SSH server

MediaCenter

• XBMC Media Center 11 “Eden” frontend.
• Movies and TV Shows, with subtitles support.
• Music Collection
• Pictures and Slideshows
• CDDA, DVD and (non encrypted) Bluray support.
• Media Database Support.
• Internet MovieDB / TVDB metadata and covers grabbers.
• Skins
• Vu+ addon
• Xvdr addon
• Vdr server
• Tvheadend server

That’s quite a long list, so GeeXboX enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to with this latest release. A download of the ISO is available right now from the GeeXboX site, and in order to begin using it, all you need to do is download it, stick it on a USB drive, and reboot your computer. After that, you’re free to enjoy, and be sure to check out our interview with the folks behind GeeXbox while you’re waiting for your download to finish!


GeeXboX 3.0 lands with XBMC 11 integration is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Hulu Plus, HBO GO, and Max GO get closed captions on mobile

A few of those popular video streaming apps we all use on our mobile devices have just received a nice little update today. If Netflix isn’t cutting it and you’ve resorted to Hulu Plus, HBO GO, or Max GO then we have good news. They’ve all been updated this week for Android (and iOS) with support for full closed captions.

Back in June Netflix had a lawsuit tossed against them regarding not offering CC, which ended in their favor, although this has nothing to do with that but they could be avoiding it. Earlier this week all three of the apps mentioned, Hulu Plus, HBO GO, and Max Go received updates for iOS which brought closed caption support, and today Android is getting the same.

Those moments where you don’t have headphones, or are in public and would rather have the volume down and use CC this will really come in handy. It isn’t a major improvement, but something I’ve been waiting to come to HBO GO for months and months — well that and tablet support on Android.

Hulu specifically mentions that a few languages are available other than English, but the others make no mention of that, nor did we find the option in settings. Hulu also added Facebook integration where users can share what their viewing (links, not the content) and a few other new features but sadly no rewind capability like iOS received. Obviously to truly enjoy any of these options on Android or iOS you’ll need a subscription to each individual service, but we welcome any and all new features. Get ready to enjoy Boardwalk Empire and more with CC. Personally I’m a Dexter fan.

[via AndroidCommunity]


Hulu Plus, HBO GO, and Max GO get closed captions on mobile is written by Cory Gunther & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Call of Duty: Black Ops arrives on Macs on September 27th

Call of Duty: Black Ops has been around for quite some time. In fact, the Windows users have been lucky enough to be able to play it ever since 2010. However, Mac users weren’t so lucky and haven’t been able to lay their hands on the game until now since a Mac version hasn’t been released yet.

The good news, though, are that there wait is finally going to be over very soon. It has been officially announced by Aspyr Media that the game will be released for Mac machines within this week, on September 27th to be precise.

Mac users will be able to get the game both through the Mac App Store as well as the Steam for Mac. The game will set you back a cool $49.99 if you are aspiring to get your hands on this soon-to-be released Mac version.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Call of Duty Black Ops 2 MQ-27 Dragonfire drone passes the FCC, Apple patent suggests that Siri for the Mac might be a possibility in the future,

Valve Portal Turret Replica Not a Lie, Not for Sale Either.

We finally have more details on the extremely faithful Portal turret replica that Valve showed off last week. It turns out that it was commissioned by Valve from Weta Workshop, the award-winning special effects, design and prop makers known for their work in The Lord of the Rings.

valve portal turret replica weta workshop

The replica even came in a crate marked with Aperture Science Labs’ logo, adding to its slick presentation and pants-wetting geekiness. Aside from the light-up eye, sound effects and the protracting guns, Valve also mentioned that the turret is indeed life-sized and has a motion sensor.

Some of you may remember that this is not the first time that Weta Workshop made a replica for Valve; they also made the replica of the Team Fortress 2 Sentry Gun that now guards the entrance to Valve’s headquarters. While you may never have a chance to own these one-offs, Weta is selling licensed Valve collectibles based on DOTA 2.

[via The Verge]


LG Intuition review: Optimus Deja Vu with a Verizon LTE twist

LG Intuition review Optimus Deja Vu with a Verizon LTE twist

It’s not uncommon for US carriers to take an international smartphone under their wings, make a few adjustments to hardware and firmware, stamp their fat logos in multiple places and then sell it to the masses. Verizon is no exception: the LG Intuition is its interpretation of the Optimus Vu, a 5-inch phablet we reviewed over the summer. Perhaps calling it an “interpretation” is a bit of an overstatement: aside from a bump in firmware and Big Red’s LTE, it is the Optimus Vu. In fact, going into this review, we had a difficult time believing our experience would be much different than our run-in with the Korean version.

Our first reaction is that this doesn’t bode well for the carrier. If Verizon opted for the Intuition in order to fill a gaping hole in its lineup, we have a hard time understanding why it would choose to greenlight this particular device with the Samsung Galaxy Note II coming within the next two months. The device’s quiet launch is a solid enough indication that the network isn’t planning on throwing a lot marketing dollars behind it, so it feels as though the Intuition’s main reason for existing is to bolster Verizon’s rapidly expanding LTE portfolio. Is there something intriguing about the Intuition ($200 with a two-year commitment) that wasn’t there when we first played with the Vu? Or will we find ourselves in the Twilight Zone, reliving the same moment over and over again? Let’s find out.

Continue reading LG Intuition review: Optimus Deja Vu with a Verizon LTE twist

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LG Intuition review: Optimus Deja Vu with a Verizon LTE twist originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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