Hasta La Gadget!

If you’re a user of Hotmail or Outlook.com who is waiting for an important e-mail message, we have some bad news for you. Microsoft currently lists both Hotmail and Outlook.com as being down. That means that users of both of those services won’t be able to log into accounts.

Microsoft so far has detailed the Hotmail problem stating that “we are having a problem accessing e-mail.” Microsoft says that you may not be able to see all of your e-mail messages and that it’s working to fix the service right now. That update was made as of March 12 at 4:35 PM.

Microsoft has also noted that it’s taking longer to fix the problem and it hoped and that it will provide an update by March 13 at 8:12 AM. Microsoft also points out that it’s having the same problem with Outlook.com and is working to restore service. The first update for Microsoft for Outlook.com was posted March 12 at 4:35 PM.

Microsoft isn’t offering any hard details on the Outlook.com problem either simply stating that fixing the problem is taking longer than it had hoped. Microsoft says users can expect an update by 8:12 AM today. Microsoft is offered no official comment indicating what may be causing the outage. With all the hacking that has been going on lately, you have to wonder if the service interruption has anything to do with hackers. At this point, there is no indication that Microsoft has been the victim of a hack or that any security issues have caused these outages.

[via Live.com]

Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook.com outage continues is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

For a lot of people, it’s impossible to make it through the day without having music playing constantly. There’s no shortage of Internet radio stations or digital audio content to purchase or stream from a variety of services online. If you’re a fan of Stitcher, the company has announced a couple new browser plug-ins.

Stitcher now has browser plug-ins customized for the Google Chrome web browser and Firefox. Stitcher says that fans can now listen to the streaming service any time on any browser thanks to the two new browser plug-ins. Using the new Chrome or Firefox plug-ins, users can stream their favorite programs along with over 15,000 shows using easy toolbar access providing full playback control.

Stitcher says that the web app will sync with your mobile application and grab all of the custom stations you have set up allowing you to resume listening on your computer where you left off on your mobile device. The web experience includes Smart Discovery allowing you to discover new shows you’ll probably like based on your listening activity. Users can also fine tune chosen shows for more personalized recommendations.

The browser plug-ins also support on-demand listening without the need to download content or synchronize. Users can also login using the browser plug-ins and create custom stations. The new plug-ins support Facebook sharing and allowing you to share your favorite shows on Facebook and discover what your friends are listening to as well. Both the Chrome and Firefox plug-ins are available to download now.

[via Stitcher]

Stitcher launches plug-ins for Firefox and Chrome browsers is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

If you’re a big fan of the StarCraft franchise, a new expansion pack for StarCraft II is now available to purchase. The expansion pack is called StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. This expansion pack launches the global zerg invasion and pits Kerrigan and her brood against Arcturus Mengsk.

The expansion pack is available in retail stores within the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia, and a number of other countries. The game will be launching in mainland China at a later date. The expansion pack offers new multiple player units and maps along with Kerrigan’s campaign.

The game is available for Windows and Mac computers for $39.99. The expansion pack can also be purchased as a digital download for the same $39.99. Blizzard also has a retail only Collector’s Edition of the game available in stores only that includes digital and physical bonus items selling for $79.99. The physical bonus items include a behind-the-scenes DVD, soundtrack, and a hardcover art book.

There is a Digital Deluxe version of the expansion pack that includes the digital items from the Collector’s Edition, but obviously lacks the physical bonus items. That version of the game is available for $59.99. The digital bonuses include a Torrasque look for the zerg Ultralisks. It also comes with portraits and decals to customize your online profile and in-game Army. It also includes a World of Warcraft in-game pet and a Diablo III Blade Wings and Banner Sigil.

[via StarCraft II]

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Expansion Pack Now Available is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

While helmets aren’t required in many states to ride a motorcycle on the streets, a huge number of riders do choose to wear a helmet to help protect them in the event of an accident. One of the complaints of wearing a helmet is that it limits some of your vision and makes it more difficult to see what’s going on behind you. A company called Reevu has a helmet that has the world’s first rear view imaging system built right in.

The helmet is called the RV MSX1 Motorcycle helmet and has a flip up front. The helmet will be ready for the 2013 riding season and has been tested and approved to DOT standard for the US and ECE 22.05 standards for European markets. The helmet has an integrated optical device that allows motorcyclists to view the road behind them through the helmet.

At first glance you might think that the helmet uses a camera system, but it doesn’t. The optical device that shows the rider what’s behind them uses a number of reflective surfaces that are coated onto a bullet proof material. The optical device bends light over the top of the wearer’s head allowing them to see what’s behind them using their peripheral vision.

The company already has a standard full face model planned (pictured) called the RV FSX1 that will launch later this year. The helmet offers motorcyclists a rearview mirror system. The optic system can be moved to adjust the rearview to suit the rider’s needs. The reflective polycarbonate plate used in rearview system also act as a crumple zone in the event of an accident helping to protect the rider even further.

[via Reevu]

Reevu shows off the world’s first rear vision motorcycle helmet system is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Neato Robotics has unveiled the new XV Signature series robot vacuum cleaner. The company has also unveiled the XV Signature Pro with both new models featuring the company’s square front, low-profile design. The robotic vacuum cleaners are both designed to be able to go under furniture and into corners to pick up the most dirt and pet hair possible.

The vacuum cleaners are programmable allowing them to come on and clean on the schedule the owner programs. The vacuums can be set up for daily cleanings, spot cleanings, and will begin to clean instantly at the press of a button. Both of the robotic vacuum cleaners use advanced laser-guided navigation to map the room.

Using that information, the vacuum cleaners are able to choose the smartest cleaning path and the tech avoids stairs as well as furniture. The vacuum can return to its charging station to recharge its batteries and remember where it stopped cleaning allowing it to return after the batteries are full. The XV Signature series promised to pick up 50% more dust than previous models.

The high-powered vacuum picks up dirt, debris, pet hair, dander, and microscopic fibers. The vacuum will work on carpet, wood, tile, and rugs even if those rugs have fringe. The vacuum has integrated filters to remove allergens from the air in the home and particles down to 3 µ in size. The vacuum series use bagless designs. The XV Signature Pro will sell for $449 while the XV Signature sells for $399. The difference between the two models appears to be that the Pro has a combination brush and a blade brush for superior cleaning on multiple surface types.

[via Neato Robotics]

Neato Robotics XV Signature vacuums debut is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.