Virginia Beach McDonald’s adds free iPad use to its menu, McRib still seasonal

DNP McDonald's adds free iPad use to its menu, McRib still seasonal

In an age of grab and go eating, it seems somewhat odd that a fast food restaurant would feature an attraction that causes its patrons to drop anchor and stay. However, the house with well over one billion served is doing just that. A Virginia Beach McDonald’s has leveraged the popularity of another Big Mac maker, by stocking its location with free to use iPads. Yes, the tablets are mounted on tables, but after polishing off a hearty array of Mcfixings, you’re likely to be bolted to your seat as well. Franchise owner Hugh Fard got the idea while attending the annual worldwide McDonald’s convention in Florida. While it’s great to see major eateries incorporating the use of new technology, we can only wonder just how greasy shiny those fancy Retina displays will be after spending a day under the golden arches.

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Virginia Beach McDonald’s adds free iPad use to its menu, McRib still seasonal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 22:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These Badly Recreated Animated Film Frames Crack Me Up [Humor]

Here’s something that will bring a smile to your face. This site takes a still frame from a big-time, multi-million dollar animated movie and tries to replicate it in Maya, the 3D animation software, in under 30 minutes. The results are hilarious. More »

Hulu adds Nickelodeon shows, renews Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert

Hulu lovers, rejoice: the online video service has widened its current standing with Viacom, and as a result, will now offer a range of Nickelodeon TV shows. If that’s not good enough for you, the new expansion will also include another two years of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, both of whom are responsible for a large percentage of Hulu’s visitors. Viacom and Hulu reached their first deal back in 2011.

Nickelodeon shows destined for Hulu include “Spongebob Squarepants,” “iCarly,” and “Big Time Rush.” Unfortunately for those with younger kids, the deal doesn’t include any Nick Jr. shows like “Max and Ruby.” This may be due to licensing issues that would arise, given that several of the shows are currently licensed for other video providers, including Amazon.

Recently, Viacom has been criticized for offering content online and via Netflix, with some claiming that by doing so, the network is shooting its TV ratings in the proverbial foot. In addition, Hulu is apparently in for some major changes, with an alleged leaked internal memo that reads: “Outline transition plan for new CEO. Discuss potential candidates and process.” Fortunately, Hulu’s seemingly uncertain future hasn’t affected its relationship with Viacom.

Hulu is owned by NBCUniversal, Fox, and Disney-ABC. It offers content from its own networks, as well as content from CBS and Nickelodeon, to name a few. Viewers can watch clips and many episodes online for free, with access to premium content available via a Hulu Plus subscription.

[via All Things D]


Hulu adds Nickelodeon shows, renews Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Spotify coming to Samsung Smart TVs in Europe

Spotify is a great service, but do you ever wish you could use it to stream music through your smart TV? Soon you’ll be able to, thanks to a new team up between Samsung and Spotify that will see an app developed specifically for Samsung’s 2012 E-Series smart TVs. Before you US Spotify lovers get too excited, however, we should let you know that this app will only be available in Europe.


Don’t own a Samsung smart TV? You won’t be left out in the cold, as the joint announcement says that Spotify will be coming to Samsung’s Blu-Ray players and home theater systems as well. All you need to do is downloaded the Spotify app on you smart TV or Blu-Ray player, log on, and you’ll have access to Spotify’s library of 18 million songs. That is, provided you’re a Spotify premium subscriber.

Yes, it sounds like this app will only be available to those who have a Spotify premium subscription, but if you’ve yet to shell out the cash for a premium membership, you’ll have the opportunity to test it out with a free trial. There’s no word on how long this trial period will last, but we’re willing to assume that it will last just long enough for you to integrate Spotify into your day-to-day life before it cuts you off. That isn’t to say that signing up for Spotify premium is a bad idea, as premium members will have their playlists synced across their devices and get to enjoy ad-free listening.

Hopefully this is the first of many partnerships that see Spotify launching on a variety of devices. There’s no word on a solid release date for this app, which comes complete with an interface designed for large screens, but Samsung and Spotify say that it will arrive later this year. Considering there are only two months left in 2012, that means European users should be getting the app relatively soon. Stay tuned.


Spotify coming to Samsung Smart TVs in Europe is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Sony Cyber-shot RX1 sample images and video

Sony Cybershot RX1 sample images and video

When we first got our hands on Sony’s full-frame compact camera, the Cyber-shot RX1, we were allowed to touch it, but we couldn’t use it for its stated purpose. Today, however, we got to put its 35mm image sensor and Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.0 fixed prime lens to the test at a Sony event in San Francisco. Join us after the break to see a bit more of the City by the Bay and learn how the RX1 performed shooting stills and video.

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Sony Cyber-shot RX1 sample images and video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 21:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translating Steve Ballmer’s Letter to Microsoft Into Real Talk [Microsoft]

Steve Ballmer just wrote a letter to Microsoft shareholders about the future of Microsoft and to update them on how much money they’re printing with Office and the Enterprise market. The letter is mostly a bore fest but Ballmer points Microsoft’s future towards devices. Meaning, Microsoft believes in making actual stuff. More »

Dospara Galleria WarRock HX Gaming PC

Dospara-Galleria-WarRock-HX-Gaming-PC

Dospara is bringing you their newest gaming PC, the Galleria WarRock HX. Powered by a 3.40GHz Intel Core i7-3770 quad-core processor, the system is packed with an Intel H77 Express Chipset, a GeForce GTX 660 2GB graphics card, an 8GB DDR3 RAM, a 1TB hard drive, a DVD Super Multi Drive, a 550W 80PLUS BRONZE power supply and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS. The Galleria WarRock HX is priced at 89,980 Yen (about $1,149). [Product Page]

Slingbox 350 and 500 review: Sling Media finally upgrades its line of media streamers

Slingbox 350 and 500 review

It’s hard to believe that the Slingbox has been around for seven years, but that only makes it harder to accept these are the first retail models that have been released since 2008. That finally changes today, though: Sling Media just introduced two new place-shifters: the Slingbox 500 and 350 (pictured). Available on October 14th for $299 and $179, respectively, these new set-top boxes replace the Solo and Pro-HD. While the 350 simply adds 1080p streaming for the same price, the 500 adds SlingProjector, a feature that lets you take photos stored on your iOS or Android device and send them to your television (video streaming will soon be supported as well). The Slingbox 500 will also soon be able to play content on USB-attached storage, but that will come in a future software update. The SlingPlayer apps get a refresh as well, adding reminders and an easier way to share your Slingbox with friends. What we set out to determine in this review — and what you’ll discover if you click through — is how big of an upgrade this really is. Is it worth chucking your old hardware for one of these boxes? What if you’re thinking of getting your first media streamer? We’ll delve into all that after the break.

Gallery: Slingbox 500

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Slingbox 350 and 500 review: Sling Media finally upgrades its line of media streamers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Media officially unveils the Slingbox 350 and 500

Sling Media officially unveils the Slingbox 350 and 500

The company that takes almost full credit for inventing place-shifting is back in retail action with new models and new software features too. The Slingbox 350 takes the place of the older Solo at $179 and adds an integrated IR blaster and the new ability to stream 1080p HD. The $299 Slingbox 500 also does 1080p, but adds WiFi — which really should be in both — and an HDMI input and output for. The HDMI output does more than just pass-through too, in conjunction with the new SlingProjector feature it can render your pictures and videos (soon) on the big screen. Both can take advantage of the new SlingPlayer apps with optimizations like reminders as well as a revamp Slingbox.com web interface that makes it easier than ever to share your place-shifting joy with friends and family. These boxes go on sale in the States on October 14th with our friends to the north getting them in November. What might be interesting to all Slingbox owners is that the SlingPlayer client for various platforms is now half the price at $15. Thirsting for more info? Check out the press release after the break, or our review of both right here.

Continue reading Sling Media officially unveils the Slingbox 350 and 500

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Sling Media officially unveils the Slingbox 350 and 500 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elecom M-BL19DB Wireless Mouse

Elecom-M-BL19DB-Wireless-Mouse

Coming in a 5-button design, the M-BL19DB is the newest addition to Elecom’ wireless mouse line-up. This Windows 8 / Windows RT compatible mouse features a 2.4GHz radio frequency (works up to 10 meters), a BlueLED sensor, an 800/1600dpi resolution (switchable) and a tiny USB receiver. Powered by 2x AAA batteries, the M-BL19DB will become available from mid-October for 5,880 Yen (about $75) in silver, black, blue, pink, red and orange color options. [Elecom]