Sony and Crisp Thinking Make Free Realms More Kid Friendly
September 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under PC Games, Video Games
Crisp Thinking has announced that Sony Online Entertainment, taking a major step to help secure the online safety of children in its hit game Free Realms, has installed Crisp Thinking’s online threat protection software, NetModerator. The product identifies and blocks predators and other threats in online games in real time as well as providing an unprecedented level of analysis of veiled online communications which might be a well-disguised wrong-doer or an escalating situation of bullying.
“We take our responsibility to ensure child safety in our products very seriously and that makes it a priority in Free Realms especially. We feel strongly that it’s up to us to implement protections for children while they’re playing our games,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “After installation and weeks of testing, we found Crisp NetModerator is a high-quality product that works well. It goes far beyond anything else we’ve seen. We are looking to implement it into other SOE games in the future.”
Designed for the next generation of family-orientated Massively Multiplayer Online (MMOs) games and virtual words, NetModerator analyzes the intent of dialogue between players as well as the actual words they are using. The software therefore can identify potentially escalating situations such as potential self-harm or cyberbullying as well as immediately calling attention to predators. In tests undertaken by Cambridge University in the UK in 2007, NetModerator proved 98.4 percent accurate.
Crisp Thinking’s system blocks potential threats in real time, quickly finding behavioural situations of immediate concern, and also offers ongoing, in-depth analysis of communications between players in an online game or virtual world so that perpetrators that are hiding their intent as well as situations that started out innocently, but are escalating, are identified to be further monitored. It even takes over some of the moderation tasks, freeing technical staff for other work.
NetModerator claims it is the only system available that can monitor and store all communications, analyze ongoing conversations between individuals over time, decode content and give developers and publishers a better understanding of the true meaning of the communication between users.
“NetModerator sets a new standard for moderating communications in online games, websites, social networking sites, instant messaging services and forums,” said Andrew Lintell, CEO of Crisp. “Our solution goes way beyond black lists of ‘bad’ or inappropriate words and filtering solutions. We analyze context as well as content so we catch coded and invented words and slang, for instance. Our software raises the bar, substantially improving the safety of game play.”
Child and family-friendly MMOs and dynamic, fun and engaging virtual worlds such as Free Realms are proving to be popular with consumers. At the same time, parents want assurance that companies offering these online playgrounds are including safety measures to protect users.
Crisp clients include Cartoon Network/FusionFall, ZulaWorld and SuperSecret, along with Internet service providers, Sky and Tiscali. Full details of all Crisp Thinking solutions can be found at www.crispthinking.com.
iPhone, Android, and Pre Beat BlackBerry per CFI Group Customer Satisfaction Study
September 30, 2009 by Doug
Filed under Cell Phones
Smartphones with consumer-oriented functionality score best in a customer satisfaction study released today from CFI Group. A new generation of smartphone, lead by Apple’s iPhone and including Google’s Android and Palm Pre, is bringing in a new customer audience no longer dominated by business users. The CFI Group Smartphone Satisfaction Study, based on surveys of more than 1,000 smartphone users, also finds little relationship between smartphone satisfaction and satisfaction with the provider. Moreover, exclusivity contracts may have drawbacks for carriers if they invite customers drawn to the device and not the provider.
Using the methodology of the American Customer Satisfaction Index to compare smartphone platforms, the iPhone is the undisputed leader in customer satisfaction, scoring 83 on a 100-point scale, 8% higher than its nearest competitors, Android and the Pre (77). Smartphones popular among business users, like Research In Motion’s BlackBerry (73) and Palm’s Treo (70), trail significantly in customer satisfaction, while the “others” category, which includes Symbian and Windows Mobile, scores 66.
“The iPhone is the best thing to happen to the smartphone industry because it captured the imagination of a whole new set of consumers that might not have made the smartphone jump,” said Doug Helmreich, program director with CFI Group. “The iPhone raised the bar not only for other smartphones, but for the networks as well. The new breed of smartphone consumers expect more from their phones, and the iPhone may represent only the tip of a data-intensive iceberg.”
The iPhone, which is by far the leader in smartphone satisfaction, has done little to help AT&T’s customer satisfaction among smartphone owners.
Among smartphone providers, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile tie in overall provider satisfaction, scoring 79. Sprint scores 74. AT&T’s non-iPhone smartphone customers score 73, while its iPhone users rate AT&T 69
The majority of new smartphone owners are using them for mostly personal use, a departure from the early adopters that originally used smartphones primarily for business. This new customer audience has much higher expectations of the smartphone, and the platforms that satisfy these needs rate the highest.
See full results of CFI Group Smartphone Satisfaction Survey at www.cfigroup.com.
PhotoBin Debuts New Sharing Options
September 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
PhotoBin.com has announced the launch of its photo sharing, archiving and sorting subscription products, including PhotoBin Basic, PhotoBin Plus and photo-customized merchandise. PhotoBin Basic provides free accounts for consumers new to photo sharing, while PhotoBin Plus provides subscription-based accounts for advanced photo enthusiasts and professionals. In addition to its core products, Photobin.com also features the ability to turn favorite photos into affordable gifts, including canvases, prints, mugs and puzzles.
PhotoBin.com’s welcome page is the home base for new and returning users. Within the welcome page, the My PhotoBin menu provides a fast and easy path to access all photo organizing tools and help menu items. Public and private options offer users the ability to invite, accept or reject contacts. And consumers can tag and share their photos in personalized Web sites directly from any computer with an Internet connection.
“It’s all about making uploading your kid’s birthday party pictures fast, easy and fun, and not a tedious chore,” says CEO Steve Weber. “It’s about sharing moments with your family and friends days later — even hours later — rather than months later. And it’s about giving photo enthusiasts an amazing look for their own portfolio galleries.”
Among its key features, users can toggle between two views: 3-D and 2-D. The visually engaging and interactive 3-D Photo Wall feature allows users to view photo collections in an interactive, cinematic perspective, and without the clutter of advertising. (The 3-D Photo Wall is not a plug-in and does not require a download.) For those who prefer a slower, more traditional view, the 2-D panel is also available.
PhotoBin.com values its customers’ images, using SSL, firewall-protected servers and redundant storage methods, backing up files at co-location centers across the United States.
For more information, visit http://www.PhotoBin.com
T-Mobile Gives Availability of Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR
September 29, 2009 by Doug
Filed under Cell Phones
T-Mobile today announced the Motorola CLIQ, the first Android-powered device from Motorola Inc. and the first device to feature the MOTOBLUR solution, will be available for pre-sale for existing T-Mobile customers starting Oct. 19.
Beginning today, customers can visit http://www.t-mobile.com/CLIQ to register for CLIQ updates, learn more about the phone and check out a demo of MOTOBLUR. Those that register to receive CLIQ updates are entered into a grand prize sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip with five friends to one of four select destinations. In addition, those that register before Oct. 19 will also have the opportunity to instantly win a new CLIQ.
About Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR
The MOTOBLUR manages and integrates communications — from work e-mail to social messaging activity — all to your home screen. Updates to contacts, posts, messages, photos and more are streamed together and synced from sources including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Gmail, and work and personal e-mail. MOTOBLUR automatically delivers these updates to the home screen in easy-to-view streams so there is no need to open and close different mobile applications to keep up with the latest content.
CLIQ
In addition to the unique MOTOBLUR experience, the CLIQ features a premium design with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a 3.1-inch HVGA full touch-screen display. The phone comes in Titanium and Winter White. The phonesupports both T-Mobile’s 3G network and Wi-Fi. Additional CLIQ features include a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture, a 3.5mm headset jack, a music player with pre-loaded Amazon MP3 store application, Shazam, iMeem Mobile, AccuWeather, MySpace Mobile, Quickoffice and a pre-installed 2GB microSD memory card with support for up to 32 GB of removable memory. TeleNav GPS Navigator is also preloaded on the device with a free two-week trial, including voice-activated turn-by-turn directions.
With integrated Google technology, CLIQ brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, YouTube and Picasa. CLIQ also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. E-mail is also supported by Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, and other POP3 and IMAP e-mail services.
Price and Availability
Customers who order the CLIQ during the pre-sale period, Oct. 19–Nov. 1, will have an opportunity to be one of the first in the U.S. to experience T-Mobile’s latest Android-powered phone, which automatically syncs and streams social messaging updates, text messages, and work and personal e-mail directly to the home screen. Devices ordered during pre-sale will be shipped to customers as orders are received and will include a complimentary car charger. The CLIQ will be available exclusively to eligible T-Mobile customers for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles
September 29, 2009 by Doug
Filed under Video Games, XBOX 360
On the heals of $50 rebate on regular 260 Elites, Microsoft has announced two new Xbox 360 gaming bundles aimed at kicking off the Holiday season
The first is the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle, which packages the Elite version of the Xbox 360 with Pure, an all-terrain racing game, and the kids’ action title Lego Batman. The Elite has 120GB hard drive and HDMI output. This family targeted bundle should already be in Canadian and American stores, and lists for $299 US. .
The second bundle, the 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack, is based around a black gamepad and costs $60. It includes the Xbox Live Arcade titles: Lumines LIVE!, Bomberman LIVE!, Geometry Wars 2 and
Latitude Z - The World’s First Laptop with Wireless Docking and Inductive Charging
September 29, 2009 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, PC Hardware
Dell today unveiled a new flagship business notebook - the 16-inch display Core Duo 2 Latitude Z. The new laptop should mark a number of firsts: The thinnest and lightest mid-size notebook to date at just 0.57 inches deep and 4.4 pounds despite its 16-inch display, the first that can charge wirelessly. Dell Claims the inductive charging plate in the notebook bottom can power the system as quickly through contact with an optional charging stand as quickly as the optional AC adapter.
Dell’s Wireless Angle
Owners can buy a ultra-wideband wireless docking station and mini-card for $350 combined that gives it wireless access, added USB ports and an external display port.
Webcam
Ethernet connection is built in and angled back
The webcam can autofocus so well, Dell claims, it can be repurposed out of the box for scanning documents to save the need for yet another peripheral
Latitude-On - Instant, Always ON Connection to Email, Web, Contacts and Calendar
The Z has a touch-sensitive area on the right side of the LCD bezel, which gives users quick access to shortcuts, as well as a secondary, ARM-based processor dedicated just to Latitude-On mode. Switching to the lesser chip both speeds up access to the pre-boot environment and should extended battery life vs. having to use the main system.
Price
The new Latitude starts at $1,999 (currently on sale for $1,799) with a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of fixed-in-place RAM and integratedIntel video and 64GB solid-state drive with an external DVD burner as stock. A bundle with the wireless charging stand normally costs $2,397 (for now $2,159), while upgrades can take the system to a 1.6GHz processor with 4GB of RAM, up to two 256GB SSDs and an external Blu-ray combo drive.
Elgato EyeTV Comes to Your iPhone
September 29, 2009 by Doug
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Elgato has released an EyeTV app for the iPhone, which is an extension to the company’s desktop software. Users can watch both recorded TV and live TV (over Wi-Fi). 3G is not supported due to bandwidth and carrier restrictions, live TV can only be streamed over Wi-Fi. Plus Bonjour is support on Wi-Fi networks, so the app can discover local Macs running EyeTV.
The app also feature controls to let you remotely changing channels, browsing program guides, or scheduling a Mac’s recording functions. It costs $5 in the US App Store, and requires iPhone 3.0 firmware as well as a Mac with EyeTV 3.2 and a TV tuner. Macs must have a Core 2 Duo processor in order to serve live TV. EyeTV 3.2 is available as a free update for EyeTV 3 users.
Linotype Updates FontExplorer X Pro
September 29, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Mac Software, Software
Linotype has released version 2.0.3 of its FontExplorer X Pro font management solution, adding support for the Mac OS X 10.6x (Snow Leopard) operating system.
The new version includes various enhancements, including the ability to see which languages a font’s character set supports. In addition, FontExplorer X Pro enables the ability to directly clear the font cache when using QuarkXPress 8 graphic design software.
Current FontExplorer X Pro users with Mac OS X Snow Leopard version 10.6x can receive this maintenance update at no cost through the integrated update function of FontExplorer X Pro or by downloading the latest version from www.FontExplorerX.com, where product information can be found. A 30-day trial version of FontExplorer X Pro is also available for download for new customers.
Designed for easy organization and management of fonts, FontExplorer X Pro includes a host of features designed to enable precise control of fonts. Users are able to activate and deactivate fonts based on established criteria, such as activating user-defined fonts when opening Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or QuarkXPress applications, and then deactivating the fonts when applications are closed. Users may set up access to typefaces from a certain typeface foundry or all fonts tagged with a user-defined keyword. At any time, users may examine complete character sets of fonts, as well as the shapes and forms of individual characters. Users may also compare kerning pairs or create sample paragraphs to see how a font will look before committing to its use. When seeking new fonts, users may access an integrated, online store to browse and render typefaces in user-defined text strings, before licensing and downloading the fonts. Access to font files may also be regulated by passwords. Backup capabilities enable users to save font configurations, including pre-determined font sets and preferences.
Rockstar Releases Beaterator for PSP
September 29, 2009 by Laura
Filed under PSP, Video Games
Rockstar Games has announce that Rockstar Games and Timbaland present Beaterator is now available in North America for Sony’s PSP system in stores and for digital download on the PlayStationNetwork. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, Beaterator combines the power of music creation with unparalleled ease-of-use and accessibility for people of all ages and skill levels. Beaterator will be available at retail on UMD and digitally from the PlayStation Network internationally on October 2, 2009.
“Beaterator is a new direction for interactive music,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “What makes Beaterator truly astounding is that literally anyone can be up and making music within minutes.”
Beaterator is a professional-level, portable studio that guides users through the process of constructing beats and songs with thousands of loops and sounds made by both Timbaland and Rockstar. Jam in Live Play mode with genre-specific templates, or jump into Song Crafter to compose original drum beats, melodies, and even record vocals. No matter the skill level, Beaterator puts the power to make studio-quality music at peoples’ fingertips in a format that’s portable, accessible and fun.
“My partnership with Rockstar Games has resulted in something amazing,” said Grammy Award-winning producer, Timbaland. “Beaterator puts studio-quality production tools in your pocket, and makes them easy enough for anyone to use.”
Beaterator has received outstanding press across the board: USA Today called Beaterator “a powerful, portable music studio for your back pocket.” Wired says Beaterator “teaches children (and adults) the fundamentals of song-crafting by removing the sense of intimidation” around music creation. Top digital music site, CreateDigitalMusic claims Beaterator “could be a revelation.” MTV exclaimed that Beaterator is “one of the most interesting titles coming to the PSP this year.” Gaming site, Kotaku raves “Beaterator is digital music creation made easier.” GameSpy elaborated, stating “the difference between Beaterator and these rhythm/music games is that here you’re creating music, not imitating it.”
Beaterator is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will also be available later this fall on the iPhone and iPod touch. For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator.
Toshiba Intros New Satellite T100 Laptops
September 29, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, PC Hardware
Toshiba has unveiled the Toshiba Satellite T100 Series, a new class of consumer ultra-thin laptops designed to meet the demands of everyday mobility with laptop-class performance and all-work day battery life – with price points starting at $449.991.
Measuring less than one inch thick and starting at 3.49 pounds, the slim and sleek Satellite T100 Series laptops do not cut corners on features or performance. With Windows 7 and power-efficient Intel ultra-low voltage processors, the new ultra-thin laptops have the performance, flexibility and functionality consumers have come to expect from standard-sized laptops, yet in a highly portable package.
Toshiba’s ultra-thin laptops will be available in two screen sizes and various color options. The Satellite T135 features a 13.3-inch diagonal widescreen display and will be available with Toshiba’s Fusion Finish in Nova Red, Nova Black and Nova White. The Satellite T115 offers an 11.6-inch diagonal widescreen display and will be available in Nova Red and Nova Black. Designed to be stylish both inside and out, Toshiba’s Fusion Finish design extends inside the laptop, around the keyboard, touch pad and the display.
The Satellite T100 Series laptops are engineered to feature the comfort and convenience of a standard laptop yet in an ultra-thin package. The laptops feature full-sized keyboards and full-sized Touch Pads with Multi-touch Control, enabling greater flexibility to browse and control what’s happening on-screen with gesture commands, such as two-finger pinch, swipe, rotate and scroll.
Equipped with Windows 7 Home Premium, spacious hard drives, ultra-fast DDR3 memory and lots of expansion ports, including HDMI-out, the laptops have the horsepower to handle the day’s tasks or evening’s entertainment. Built-in Wireless N technology and Bluetooth (available on select models) keeps users productive, online and in touch.
Features available on the Toshiba Satellite T135 include:
- 13.3-inch diagonal widescreen HD TruBrite LED Backlit display
- Windows 7 Home Premium operating system
- Intel Pentium SU4100 processor or Intel Pentium SU2700 processor
- DDR3 RAM
- Starting at 250GB (5400 RPM) HDD
- 802.11b/g/n wireless and 10/100 Ethernet
- Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR (available on select models)
- Toshiba Hard Drive Impact Sensor
- Touch Pad with Multi-touch Control
- Lightweight at only 3.88 lbs.
- Long-life 6-cell battery delivering up to 9 hours of battery life
- One eSATA/USB combo port with USB Sleep-and-Charge and two USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI port
- Built-in Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition, stereo speakers and microphone
- Toshiba PC Health Monitor
- 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader Slot
Features available on the Toshiba Satellite T115 include:
- 11.6-inch diagonal widescreen HD TruBrite LED Backlit display
- Windows 7 Home Premium operating system
- Intel Pentium SU4100 processor or Intel Celeron 743 processor
- DDR3 RAM
- Starting at 250GB (5400 RPM) HDD
- 802.11b/g/n wireless and 10/100 Ethernet
- Toshiba Hard Drive Impact Sensor
- Touch Pad with Multi-touch Control
- Lightweight at only 3.49 lbs.
- Long-life 6-cell battery delivering up to 9 hours of battery life
- One eSATA/USB combo port with USB Sleep-and-Charge4 and two USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI port
- Built-in Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition, stereo speakers and microphone
- Toshiba PC Health Monitor
- 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader Slot
Pricing and Availability
The Toshiba Satellite T135 (starting from $599.99 MSRP1) and Satellite T115 (starting from $449.99 MSRP) will both be available on October 22, 2009 at major retailers, e-tailers and direct from Toshiba on toshibadirect.com.
More information about the Toshiba Satellite T100 Series configurations can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/Satellite/T100.