Final Fantasy XIV Hits Windows PCs on Sept 30, 2010
June 30, 2010 by Doug
Filed under PC Games, Video Games
Square Enix announced today that the highly anticipated massively multiplayer online game Final Fantasy XIV is set for global release on September 30, 2010 for Windows PC.
In advance of the September 30 release, Final Fantasy XIV Collector’s Edition will offer early access to adventurers eager to embark on this new chapter in the Final Fantasy series. In addition, the Beta phase for the Windows PC version will begin in early July 2010.
Pre-Order In-Game Item
Final Fantasy XIV PC Collector’s Edition pre-orders will include the Onion Helm, an exclusive in-game item which accelerates character recovery after falling in battle. Final Fantasy XIV Windows PC Standard Edition pre-orders will include a pair of Garlond Goggles, an exclusive in-game item which increases the speed of skill progression.
Collector’s Edition Features
- Behind-The- Scenes DVD – Get an insider look at the making of FINAL FANTASY XIV, with exclusive video content, interviews and more in this special documentary DVD.
- Security Token – A Final Fantasy XIV–branded Security Token for use with your regular password.
- Travel Journal – Record your travels in this beautifully bound journal filled with pages of never-before-seen concept art.
- Right of Passage – Redeem a voucher to receive your fully-personalized Right of Passage Certificate, each stamped with a unique serial number.
- Amano Cover – Special PC Collector’s Edition illustration by renowned artist Yoshitaka Amano
Price
The Windows PC Standard Edition will have an SRP of $49.99. The PC Collector’s Edition will have an SRP of $74.99. Both will have Free gameplay for 30 days. After the first 30 days the price is $12.99 a month.
The Final Fantasy XIV XIV PlayStation 3 system version will be available early March 2011, with pricing to be announced at a later time.
Map the Oil Spill with New Mobile App
June 30, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Trimble Navigation released today a free mobile app called Map The Spill. Knowing that the general public is a crucial part of the reporting, Trimble created this free app to empower science-driven public participation like never before.
Focused on helping to capture the impacts and clean-up efforts of the largest oil disaster in U.S. history, Map the Spill allows users to log reports, upload photos, map their locations and share updates with other users. MapTheSpill.org will serve as a content repository as well as a source for the latest news and tweets on the oil spill.
The Nature Conservancy and its volunteer groups have endorsed and are using Map the Spill. Alabama Coastal Foundation and Mobile Bay Keepers are just it in their efforts.
Features
- GPS-enabled: Map the Spill uses your phone’s built-in GPS. It’s designed to work even in areas without cellphone coverage.
- Maps: View your location on street, satellite, terrain, topo, or aerial maps. Tip: Going to remote areas? Preview maps in the area you plan to visit before you leave the cell network or Wifi coverage. The app automatically stores maps on the phone so you can view them again in areas or seas without cell coverage.
- Photos: Capture photos and see their exact location on a map.
- Video: Shoot video to enhance your field reports. Video is auto-saved to YouTube for fast online playback.
- Waypoints: Mark important points of interest you find in the field.
- Audio: Save time and record your observations with an audio waypoint.
- In-App Messaging: Receive important messages from mapthespill.org or response teams.
- News: Read the latest news on the Gulf oil spill in this live feed from Yahoo.
- New Reports: See the latest reports posted by fellow mappers.
- Helpful Info: Find safety tips, important contacts, and more.
- Distance: Track how many miles you traveled during your field report.
- Time: Record the time you spend in the field.
- Social Networks: Coming soon: Share your field reports on Facebook and Twitter.
- Post Reports: Every field report is shared with the public at mapthespill.org. The data can be freely accessed and exported by any person or organization.
How to Download
Map the Spill runs on Android-compatible phones and is free for download in the Android Marketplace. The app also runs on 16 BlackBerry devices and is free for download at MapTheSpill.org. It will be available soon in the BlackBerry App World and iTunes App Store for Apple iPhones. You can also follow on twitter @MaptheSpill
IMDb Launches Android App
June 30, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
IMDb.com today announced IMDb Movies & TV App for Android as well as its new mobile and social initiative, “IMDb Everywhere.” Via the IMDb Movies & TV app on the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android, as well as social integrations on Facebook and Twitter, users can now discover, view and share IMDb content whether they are online or using their preferred mobile device.
“We’re making a significant commitment to our ‘IMDb Everywhere’ initiative, expanding our footprint across the web and onto emerging technologies and platforms,” said Col Needham, IMDb founder and CEO. “Our customers want to socially engage with IMDb’s comprehensive and authoritative entertainment content anywhere they are – from IMDb.com to their mobile phone to Facebook and Twitter.”
IMDb’s New Android App
IMDb’s Movies & TV App for Android-powered devices is custom-made for the Android platform, optimizing the user interface based on the capabilities of the platform. Functionality includes voice search, sharing, option menus and much more. As with IMDb’s other leading apps, users can search and browse the web’s largest entertainment database, look up local movie show times and TV listings, watch trailers, shop, share and much more.
Mobile Momentum:
- In just six months, the IMDb’s Movies & TV app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad has been installed by millions of users worldwide and is being downloaded at a rate of nearly 1 million per month.
- IMDb’s Movies & TV App for iPad, which gives customers mobile access to the most comprehensive movie and TV database on the web as well as high-resolution video, is frequently ranked in the Top 10 on the iTunes Top Free Apps chart within the Entertainment category.
Social Momentum:
- IMDb’s new “Like” and “Share” buttons further expand the IMDb experience, making it easy and fun for users to indicate their favorite movies, TV shows and celebrities and then publish their preferences on Facebook and Twitter.
- In response to positive customer feedback, “Like” and “Share” buttons have just been added to all movie trailers, character pages and news stories on IMDb, with deeper integrations to come.
- IMDb recently launched an interactive Twitter page. Fans can tweet a question about a celebrity name or film, and the relevant information is tweeted back (follow @imdbbot or visit http://twitter.com/imdbbot). IMDb’s main Twitter account (@imdb) has more than 86,000 followers.
To learn more and download IMDb’s just-launched Android app, go to: www.imdb.com/android/.
Worldwide Mobile Subscriptions Forecast to Exceed Five Billion by 4Q-2010
June 30, 2010 by Doug
Filed under News, News/Events
ABI Research forecasts over five billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2010, with an approximate 4.8 billion connections having been reached by the end of the year’s first quarter. Much of this growth will be registered in developing markets in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
Africa remains the fastest growing mobile market with a YoY growth of over 22%. Mobile penetration in Asia-Pacific will rise significantly to 65% by the end of 2010. “This unprecedented growth is driven by India and Indonesia, which have together added over 150 million subscriptions in the past four quarters,” comments ABI Research analyst Bhavya Khanna. “Falling monthly tariffs and ultra-low-cost mobile handsets have democratised the reach and use of the mobile phone, and aggressive rollouts by mobile operators in these countries will see the current rate of subscriber addition maintained for some time to come.”
At the other end of the spectrum, developed countries in North America and Europe continue to add subscriptions despite already having crossed the 100% penetration threshold. Driving this growth in subscriptions are new mobile devices and the ‘third screen’ - including netbooks, tablet computers, USB dongles and e-book readers. “The success of Apple’s iPad 3G shows that even operators in saturated markets can add subscriptions by introducing innovative and user-friendly devices,” says vice president of forecasting Jake Saunders.
In addition, the introduction of 4G data networks such as WiMAX and LTE will see more consumers ditch their cables and access the Internet through mobile broadband connections. Operators such as Clearwire in the United States and Yota in Russia have seen consumers turn to their networks as fast and mobile alternatives to fixed-line broadband.
ABI Research’s “Wireless Subscriber Forecasts” series of Market Data products – North and South America, Asia-Pacific, Western and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Worldwide – tracks key subscription trends by quarter by operator for over 120 markets. The database forms part of ABI Research’s: The Mobile Consumer Research Service which includes Research Reports, market updates, industry databases, ABI Insights and analyst inquiry support.
“Apple of My Eye” - A Short Film Shot and Edited on iPhone
June 30, 2010 by Doug
Filed under News/Events, On The Web
“Apple of My Eye” - an iPhone 4 film - UPDATE: Behind the scenes footage included from Michael Koerbel on Vimeo.
The above film was shot and edited entirely on the iPhone 4 using the new iMovie app in 48 hours. Just shows the power of what a good mind can do with today’s mobile media tools. It stars Greta Charness and Timothy Guest.
Starting at time mark 1:27, you get to see the behind the scenes footage, which lasts another three and half minutes. While they do have some rigs to hold the iPhone and other gear the most of don’t have, it is still worth watching to gain ideas on how to shoot your family and trips.
Great job Majek team.
The Crew
Directed by Michael Koerbel
Produced by Eric Edmonds and Rebekah Koerbel
Written by Anna Elizabeth James and Michael Koerbel
Photographed by Michael Koerbel
Edited by Anna Elizabeth James
Production Design by Leigh Koerbel
Original Score Composed and Conducted by Corey Wallace
Michael Koerbel and Anna Elizabeth James are current MFA students at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
Eric Edmonds is a Chapman University grad.
Corey Wallace is a graduate student from USC’s Thornton School of Music.
Rebekah Koerbel graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Arizona.
Samsung Exclusive HDTV Partner for Invitation-Only Preview of Hulu Plus
June 29, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics, News, News/Events, Televisions
Samsung announced today that it is the exclusive HDTV partner for the invitation-only preview of Hulu Plus on connected devices, expanding the amount of premium HD content that is available to Samsung consumers.
Hulu Plus, the first ad-supported subscription service to offer full current season runs of hit TV programs from ABC, FOX and NBC across multiple Web-connected devices, in HD, for only $9.99 a month, will give TV lovers access to their favorite shows from current hit programs such as Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, 30 Rock and The Office to classics such as The X-Files, Arrested Development and Ally McBeal. It will be available today for download through Samsung Apps on select 2010 Blu-ray players, Blu-ray home theater systems, and the majority of 2010 Samsung TVs 40” and above.
Consumers who download Hulu Plus on Samsung Apps, the world’s first HDTV-based application store, can watch sample content and request an invite for the preview of the Hulu Plus service. After the end of the preview period, all Samsung Apps users will be able to download and subscribe to the full Hulu Plus service.
Panasonic Introduces the RP-HC700 Noise Canceling Headphones
June 28, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Gadgets, Other Accessories
Panasonic has introduced RP-HC700 noise canceling headphones, which rare claimed to reduce outside noise by 92% (22dB at 200Hz). They are designed to filter out background noise by generating a signal of the opposite phase to effectively cancel it. Additionally, the headphones reduce low frequency noises such as the drone of a plane’s engine or a loud air conditioning unit. Making them a great flight companion.
The noise-canceling feature can also be switched off to allow the user to converse or to reduce background noise by virtue of the headphone’s comfortable insulated housing. When the noise canceling effect is off, the headphones can still be used as normal headphones.
The headphones feature large, 40mm drivers with Neodymium rare-earth magnets for pure, natural sound reproduction and a well-rounded response that keeps the bass pumping without overwhelming the music. The ultra thin diaphragm is made from natural fiber bio-cellulose which has the sound velocity advantages of both aluminum and titanium, along with the warm, delicate sound that a paper diaphragm provides. Trebles are sparking clear, and bass notes are deep and rich.
Boasting ergo-design earpads made of soft, high-grade synthetic leather, the RP-HC700 headphones provide long listening comfort. Thanks to their swivel mechanism they conveniently fold for compact storage and come with a protective carrying case, making them ideal for travel. They operate on one AAA Alkaline battery and have a frequency response of 8Hz – 22kHz.
Availability and Price
The RP-HC700 noise canceling headphones are currently available, with a suggested retail price of $199.99.
Android and iPhone May Be Turning Heads but Shanzai is Opening Wallets
June 28, 2010 by Doug
Filed under News, News/Events
Smartphone shipments are expected to grow 21% this year to 224 million, according to the latest forecasts from ABI Research. Vice president of forecasting Jake Saunders says, “While there is considerable fanfare and interest around the latest iPhone and Android phones from Apple, HTC and Motorola, ‘White Box’ or ‘Shanzai’ handset manufacturers are rapidly reshaping the low-cost handset segment as they redefine the ‘look and feel’ of the low-cost/ultra-low-cost segments.”
Many of these low-cost handset “brands,” such as the “BlueBerry” handset, sail pretty close to trademark infringement. While it has “Bold” looks, RIM definitely does “not” manufacture it. These handsets have very localized distribution, lack the full functions of the originals, and cater to end-users who, while they may not have deep pockets, do aspire to be smartphone users. These limited-function handsets, along with other low-cost models, will notch up 219 million sales in 2010.
After four quarters of decline, the global mobile handset market has shown signs of rebound starting in 4Q 2009 with an expectation of further growth in 2010. “Total shipments of mobile handsets are projected to hit 1.3 billion in 2010, and are forecast to surpass 1.7 billion in 2015,” says industry analyst Celia Bo. “Moving to 3G technologies and beyond, increasing demand for smartphones is a key factor that will drive market expansion over the next five years.”
Despite ABI Research forecasts of a 7% drop compared to 2009, 2.5G handsets still hold the lead in the market, set to account for approximately 50% of this year’s total handset shipments. The decline in 2.5G handset shipments is expected to accelerate, taking 2.5G to 25% of the total market by 2015. The 3G handset market is forecast to show an 8% increase compared to last year. Total 3G handsets shipments should surpass 2.5G from 2011 to take the lion’s share in 2015 with 68%.
ABI Research’s market data product “Mobile Devices Market Forecast Analysis” addresses marketing and technical analysis of mobile handset devices. It reveals the penetration of advanced features including wireless connectivity, market trends by user segment and by value segment, and the penetration of advanced software and middleware.
MimoMonitors Intros New 10″ Touchscreen
June 28, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, PC Hardware
MimoMonitors.com recently announced availability of the long-awaited iMo Monster 10″ Touchscreen Monitor among their line of products available at www.mimomonitors.com. Now the largest in the submonitor class, the iMo Monster stretches the screen real estate from the previous standard of 7 inches to a full 10.1 inches of display area, while also adding new features and upgrades.
Designed to be easily portable with a fold out stand for tablet style use or mounting, the iMo Monster is only 1-inch thick, weighs just 1.77 lbs. and features a best-in-class 1024 x 600 resolution – offering sharp graphics and clear images for video, graphics, and a full range of business applications. With full touchscreen capabilities, the 10″ Monster is ideal for Point-of-Sale (POS) data input, signature capture, educational software, Photoshop tool palettes – as well as providing the versatility for use in health care, hospitality, retail, education, sound/video editing, and other industries.
Like all Mimo and iMo monitors, the Monster requires just a single USB 2.0 connection for both connectivity and power – meaning no extra VGA cables or video cards. The Monster also features a built-in stylus for touchscreen use, two additional USB input ports, 4.5-inch USB cord, Kensington lock compatibility, and is EnergyStar certified. Supporting both Windows and Mac OSX operating systems, the Monster allows users to de-clutter their crowded, primary desktop monitor and offload applications such as web browsers, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, plus social networking platforms like Tweetdeck, media players, chat windows, and more.
Availability and Price
Available today at www.mimomonitors.com, the iMo Monster is priced at $259.99 plus shipping. For more product information, visit http://www.mimomonitors.com/products/imo-monster-touch-10-inch-mini-usb-touchscreen-monitor.
Blockbuster On Demand Coming to Droid X
June 28, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Verizon Wireless said it is expanding the mobile video choices for its smartphone customers with the introduction of Blockbuster On Demand presented by V CAST Video. The application will be available first for Droid X,customers and will offer them access to hundreds of new releases from Blockbuster.
Built to take advantage of the video capabilities and screen size of Droid X, Blockbuster On Demand will offer customers the hottest new release movies available to download the day they become available, alongside Blu-ray and DVD releases. Droid X customers will be able to rent or buy titles to watch on their smartphones and other Blockbuster On Demand devices.
“Movies and other video content look tremendous on Droid X which has the screen, resolution and size to make it like nothing we’ve ever seen before on smartphones,” said John Stratton, chief marketing officer at Verizon Wireless. “Right out of the box, Droid X customers will be the first to experience the hundreds of movies that will be available through the Blockbuster app.”
Getting movies and television shows from Blockbuster On Demand presented by V CAST Video is simple. Located on the application tab on Droid X , customers can browse and search for movies using Verizon Wireless’ leading 3G data network. Customers will be able to sign up for a Blockbuster account directly from the phone, and within minutes can be renting and buying movies. Downloading content to Droid X requires a Wi-Fi connection.
Movies cost $9.99 and up to purchase and $3.99 each to rent. In addition to watching on their Droid X , customers can watch rented or purchased movies on any Blockbuster-enabled device. Movies that are rented will be available for viewing on one screen within 30 days of rental, with a 24-hour viewing period once the title is first played. Purchases will be available to watch on multiple devices and screens, including compatible mobile devices and computers.