The Micro consumer 3D printer launches on Kickstarter

the-microWhen we talk about 3D printers, most of the time we would think of them to be something that is really, really expensive. You know, the kind that costs a whole bomb, and just when you thought that inkjet printing in color is expensive, raw 3D printing materials cost a whole lot more, not to mention the fact that you would need to have a proper design in place before you get to realize your ideas. The Micro is a consumer class 3D printer that has just launched on Kickstarter, where it hopes to raise enough cash to make it a reality so that the masses will be able to enjoy 3D printing right in the comfort of their own homes.

The early bird special would allow you to pick up The Micro for $199 a pop, where it is touted to be the “first truly consumer 3D printer; compact and accessible, seamlessly designed, and incredibly intuitive.” In fact, it is so easy to use that you can have it function right out of the box, now how about that? This is ideal for everyday users and experts, since it has been specially designed for anyone and everyone to bring their ideas to life. It does not matter if you are running a business, in the education line, learning, or simply having fun, The Micro is more than capable of creating items such as toys, jewellery, and even real engineering prototypes.

To begin your 3D printing adventure, all that you need to do is to plug in the printer, download or create models, press print, and presto! Your eyes will see your very own imaginative creations become a reality right before your very eyes. As The Micro does use open source software for experienced users, there is also an alternative option to make use of the M3D software that delivers a seamless, modern, user-friendly experience. It has the ability to print objects as tall as 4.6 inches or 116 mm.

Press Release
[ The Micro consumer 3D printer launches on Kickstarter copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

First Working Project Ara Prototype To Be Ready This Month

First Working Project Ara Prototype To Be Ready This MonthOne of the decisions we make when choosing smartphones is deciding if we are happy to trade off one feature for the other. For example you might like the HTC One M8’s design, but you prefer the Sony Xperia Z2’s camera, or you might like the Nokia Lumia 930’s design but prefer the Lumia 1520’s large screen instead.

This is why Google’s Project Ara has managed to get so much attention because modularity could eventually allow us to create the perfect smartphone for ourselves, much like how PC builders mix and match components to create the rig of their dreams, or at least one that’s value for money.

That being said, when can we expect Project Ara to be released? That is unfortunately still a mystery but the good news is that things have been progressing pretty well at Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group because it seems that the first working prototype of Project Ara can be expected this month, and could be just in time for the Project Ara Developer Conference which will be taking place next week.

It has also been revealed that Google could be planning on testing Ara devices in South or Central American countries. These devices will be pretty basic and features a WiFi module, chipset, screen, and battery. This is because wireless hotspots are pretty common in such regions and by creating such devices (which apparently only cost $50 each to make), it could target emerging markets as well.

All in all Project Ara sounds like it is shaping up rather nicely and it is definitely something to look forward to in the future, so if you’d like to learn more, do check back with us from the 15th-16th of April during the Project Ara Developer Conference for the details!

First Working Project Ara Prototype To Be Ready This Month , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, , , project ara,



Warlords Of Draenor New Tauren Animations Shown Off

Blizzard’s MMORPG, World of Warcraft, is a very old game, but yet extremely popular due to Blizzard constantly updating the game with content patches as well as scheduling new expansions that adds major content to the game, like new raid zones, new classes, races, and so on.

The upcoming Warlords of Draenor expansion is no different and in a recent blog post by Blizzard’s Steven Aguilar, the lead animator for World of Warcraft, he shares some of the changes that Blizzard has been making to the character models and giving them a much deserve upgrade in terms of textures, animation, and even facial expressions that could go a long way in revitalizing the otherwise aging game.

Some of the changes that have been made were done to the standing/idle position, facial expressions, and even making the character’s mouth move according to different sounds and expressions, like “ah”, “eee”, “oh”, “ooo”, and “f”. Perhaps this might not matter so much since you’re pretty much looking at the back of your character, but you will be able to see it when interacting with others, like NPCs, which could add to the gameplay and make it more immersive.

Not all the changes are very obvious and some of them are pretty subtle, so if you have some time to spare, do check out the videos above and below to see the changes that Blizzard has made to the Tauren character mode (more can be found on Blizzard’s website)l, and leave your comments below and let us know what you think about the changes Blizzard has made so far! Yay or nay? Does this make you want to get back into the game?

Warlords Of Draenor New Tauren Animations Shown Off , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Gaming, , warlords of draenor, ,



Apple iWatch Rumored For Q3 2014 Launch

Apple iWatch Rumored For Q3 2014 LaunchThe Apple iWatch has been rumored about for quite a while now. In fact we have been hearing about the rumored device for more than a year now so we guess it’s either the device is fake and does not exist, or it could be that it is nearing its official reveal.

In fact according to supply chain sources (via Taiwan’s Economic Daily News), it seems that the device could be launched as soon as Q3 2014, which coincidentally enough is also around the time that Apple could launch their next-gen iPhone, assuming that Apple keeps to schedule, of course.

The report goes on to claim that Quanta Computer will be manufacturing the watch, while companies like Richtek Technology and TPK will be supplying the chips and sapphire touch panels that will be used in the watch respectively. This recent report seems to contradict earlier claims that Quanta would be manufacturing the device in time for a Q2 release, while TPK will be supplying flexible AMOLED panels, and not sapphire touch panels.

Then again these are merely rumors so safe to say that we have no idea which is real and which isn’t, or it could be that both rumors weren’t even real to begin with. That being said if there’s one thing that the rumors all seem to suggest, it is that the iWatch will be focusing on health. In fact rumors about iOS 8 hints that there will be health-related apps, like Healthbook for instance. The latest rumor about the iWatch also hints at possible UV exposure sensors.

In any case take it with a grain of salt for now, but with companies like Google, Samsung, LG, and Motorola making the smartwatch push this year, we expect Apple will want to get something into the market before it is too late.

 

Apple iWatch Rumored For Q3 2014 Launch , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Apple, Gadgets, Rumors, , , ,



Duke researchers create self-healing lab grown muscle

Researchers from Duke University have made a break through with artificial lab grown muscle tissue. The team has created an artificial muscle that is able to contract powerfully and rapidly … Continue reading

SK Hynix 128GB memory module uses 8Gb DDR4

SK Hynix has announced a new high-density memory module that it claims to be the world’s first to hit 128GB. The module uses 8Gb DDR4 and is built on advanced … Continue reading

Do You Drink Enough Water? H2O-Pal Can Tell You

H2O-PalAbout 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. What that means is they don’t drink enough water. H2O-Pal could help many remedy that problem. The device makes your water bottle a "smart bottle" and helps you monitor your water intake.

YouTube live streaming comes to the Chromecast

It seems that Google is quietly trimming back the restrictions around sending YouTube videos to your Chromecast. In addition to being able to share private videos, you can now push live streams from your desktop to the cheapie streaming stick….

Sky looks to fibre-optic networks to bring you TV without the dish

Sure, Sky’s been quick to embrace streaming, but the broadcasting giant has relied upon the humble satellite dish to bring TV to your home for almost two decades. However, there may soon be a conspicuous absence of those little black dishes in some…

Apple Working On In-House Baseband Chip Design For The iPhone [Rumor]

Apple Working On In House Baseband Chip Design For The iPhone [Rumor]Apple’s desire to control everything from start to end is pretty well-known. This is compared to other OEMs who might either use ready-made parts or utilize reference designs to create their products. This is perfectly fine as not many companies have the resources or have plans to start up their own R&D division.

Now according to a report from DigiTimes, they are claiming that Apple is currently putting together a new engineering team that will allegedly work on creating baseband hardware for future iPhone models.

At the moment, the baseband chips used in iPhone models are being supplied by Qualcomm and manufactured by TSMC and if the reports are true, Apple shift to an in-house design will affect both Qualcomm and TSMC.

The report also suggests that these chips will not be making their debut this year and will most likely be reserved for iPhones in 2015, which could be the iPhone 6s assuming that Apple maintains its release cycle.

DigiTimes also adds that it is possible that Apple could eventually develop SoCs that will integrate application processors and baseband chips, although the likely scenario is that Apple will keep to using discrete baseband chips, at least for the time being. It should be noted that while this sounds like something Apple would do, DigiTimes’ track record has been pretty spotty so do take it with a grain of salt for now.

It is also unlikely that this is something Apple will actually announce publicly so if we wanted any confirmation, teardown of 2015’s iPhones would probably be a good way to figure out if the reports have any merit to them.

Apple Working On In-House Baseband Chip Design For The iPhone [Rumor] , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Apple, Cellphones, Rumors, ,