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BetaNews.Com (10 non lus)

Chrome 18 arrives, with GPU acceleration -- get it now!

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 10:39pm CEST par Mike Williams

Google Chrome 18 has just landed as a stable release, and while it has the usual mix of minor tweaks and security fixes, the real news is its graphics improvements.

Part of this comes from the browser enabling GPU-accelerated rendering for 2D Canvas content, which could bring a real performance boost to canvas-based animations and games. (Or that’s the plan, anyway. If you have any issues, or just want to find out what’s happening on your system, then entering chrome://gpu will give you more information on the browser’s current GPU acceleration usage.)

And if you’re running Chrome on an older system then you’ve probably already noticed that it can’t display rich 3D content via technologies such as WebGL. But that all changes with Chrome 18, thanks to the inclusion of SwiftShader, a software rasterizer which automatically activates for users who can’t run content on the GPU.

While this kind of software solution is never going to compete with a real GPU, SwiftShader is fast enough to be genuinely useful. As the authors point out, the system can be 100 times faster than basic implementations, like Microsoft’s Direct3D Reference Rasterizer, and is even quicker than some integrated graphics hardware. So although you’re not going to want to play Call of Duty with it, for 3D web content the technology makes a great deal of sense.

Other changes are less newsworthy, though still important, as they include a lengthy list of bug fixes and resolutions for some notable security issues. A post on the Google Chrome Releases blog tells you more, if you’re interested, or you can simply download Google Chrome 18 now.
Got Ice Cream Sandwich? Get Google Maps 6.5 for Android now

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 9:36pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

Google isn't waiting for the install base of Android users to move to Ice Cream Sandwich, not that carriers or handset manufacturers help much (if you're waiting for that upgrade from Gingerbread, you know what I mean). Today the search and information giant updated Google Maps for Android to version 6.5, packing in capabilities specific to version 4.x. Don't you feel cheated? I would.

Google offers the best to a minority of users, and small is too big a word to describe them. According to Google's official stats, as of March 5, Ice Cream Sandwich accounts for a mere 1.6 percent of Android devices. But, hey, many of these users are the bleeding edge of influencers Google should want to reach -- and keep enthusiastic.

The big changes are to Navigation, which is a beta feature. Harlan Hile, Google software engineer, boasts: "So far, Navigation on Google Maps for Android has provided 50 billion kilometers of turn-by-turn directions, the equivalent of 130,000 trips to the moon, 334 trips to the sun, 10 trips to Neptune or 0.005 light years!"

The new version sports a redesigned screen on Android 4.x devices, which Hile says makes it "easier to enter a new destination or select from recent and favorite locations by swiping left or right". Additionally:

If your device has a high pixel density screen, such as those on Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S II, Droid Razr and others, you’ll now get higher resolution map tiles that take better advantage of the pixels-per-inch on your screen. The result is a crisper, less cluttered map that is easier to read.

Changes may not be immediately apparent. "You'll start seeing the new style as you navigate around new areas on the map; however, you can see these changes immediately by clearing your cache from the Maps settings", Hile advises.

The early reviews are generally positive. User Elderon gives the app five stars: "This is probably the most important Android app on my phone. aside from the fact that I like Google the company, maps with GPS navigation was and is the biggest selling point for me. It works great for me (I can't find a way out of a paper bag lol). Wish maybe there were more addons in the lab option section. Anyways works great and is free, can't beat that". Elderon has Galaxy Nexus, which ships with Ice Cream Sandwich.

Keith says: "Brilliant and invaluable on Nexus S running ICS, but absolute disaster on Acer A500 running Honeycomb 3.2.1 -- crashes 9 times out of 10 within seconds of launch (other apps work just fine) So 3 stars for inconsistent performance, hope for improvement when ICS rolled out to tablet".

"The best app on android that isn't on iOS", says Jon, another Galaxy Nexus user.

Google Maps for Android (with Navigation beta) is available now. The app will install the appropriate version for your device. It's v6.5 for Ice Cream Sandwich.
Epson's Android-powered display glasses: do want...don't know why

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 9:21pm CEST par Tim Conneally

Proving that head-mounted displays aren't just PC peripherals, Japanese electronics company Epson on Wednesday launched the Moverio BT-100, the first self-contained, Android-powered head-mounted display.

The $699.99 unit include stereoscopic .52-inch (960×540) TFT LCD displays that create a perceived 80-inch display, which is powered by Android 2.2 touch navigation. Since you can't touch the actual screen without jabbing yourself in the eyeball, all touch interface activity is done through a handheld touch pad.

The device is equipped with its own apps for browsing the web, playing games, and of course, consuming media. It has its own Wi-fi radio, so it is considerably more versatile and mobile than the displays that must be hooked to a PC or television receiver. The BT-100 is battery powered and can run for six hours per charge, and it includes 1GB of internal storage and a microSD slot supporting cards up to 32GB in size.

It's goofy, yes, but there is something undeniably cool about the possibilities the device affords Android developers. Epson will be showing off the BT-100 at AnDevCon III in San Francisco between May 14 and 17, and it clearly wants developers to consider making unique new applications for the platform.

If you've got ideas like Thomas Sohmers, who integrated the BT-100 with the Parrot ARDrone, check out Epson's Moverio developer portal.
Who bought 5 million Galaxy Notes, because I want to know

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 7:52pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

Today's big Samsung Galaxy Note announcement -- 5 million shipped in five months -- has me wondering "Who?" Is it you?

It's a big number for an over-sized smartphone, under-sized tablet measuring 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 mm, weighing 178 grams and packing beastly 5.29-inch display. On Dec. 29, 2011, Samsung announced shipment of 1 million Galaxy Notes. Just weeks ago Samsung put shipments at 2 million. That's a helluva jump in just three weeks.

I'm totally intrigued by the Galaxy Note concept, just not the size. It's too damn big for me. I can see loads of creative potential in the device. A January video by colleague Tim Conneally shows off Galaxy Note as a tool for artists and musicians. Ha! Try that with your puny iPhone, Bud.

In mid February, I mentioned in passing that a good friend back East planned to replace Galaxy Nexus with the Note. Three weeks later, he returned the so-called phablet. Top complaints: Pen accuracy, available pen apps and TouchWiz UI inferior to Android 4.0. He's in process of switching to Verizon; AT&T must reset his contract first.

My friend, Sebastian, really wants to like Galaxy Note, too, and he isn't put off by the size as much as I am. But he's a gadget geek and chases every newfangled thing. So I wasn't terribly surprised he ignored me and bought the phablet, knowing he could return it within 30 days.

My interest in Galaxy Note started as soon as Samsung launched the phablet internationally in October. The specs certainly impress: 1.5GHz dual-core processor; HD Super AMOLED display with 1280 x 800 resolution; 1GB RAM; 16GB storage, expandable with microSD card; 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash; 2MP front-facing cameras; 1080p recording and playback; touch and pen input; 4G LTE (US AT&T model); HSPA+; Bluetooth 3.0; WiFi N; 2,500 mAh battery; TouchWiz UI; and, unfortunately, Android 3.2. C`mon, give us some Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung!

After seeing the phablet up close, I couldn't get passed the whopping size. I wear my phone in a belt clip and couldn't see the fit in my digital lifestyle. Sigh. Besides, I love Galaxy Nexus.

Galaxy Note's early sales success shows what's right about Android compared to iPhone: Differentiation, which, as I claimed in November, trumps Android fragmentation. Android OEMs can and do create compelling devices and so more choice for consumers. Samsung is leader by far, with, for example, Note, Galaxy S II series and TouchWiz UI (I like it more than my buddy, but agree that pure Android 4.0 appeals more).

AT&T started selling Galaxy Note here in the States on February 19 for $299.99, with two-year contract. AmazonWireless has the phablet for $50 less.

So, did you buy Galaxy Note? Why? I just got to know.

Photo Credit Samsung
Box brings the mobile cloud to the enterprise

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 6:59pm CEST par Nick Peers

Today, cloud-storage provider Box updated its iPad and iPhone app to include support for the newly-launched Box OneCloud. The service is Box.com’s pitch to the enterprise and business market for the “post-PC era”, providing users with a means of using their iPad to directly edit documents that can be stored online, collaborated on and shared with other users as well as accessed via desktop.

Box for iPhone and iPad 2.7.1 is a free-for-personal use app that allows users to access the contents of their Box accounts via their iOS device. The app also allows users to upload files back to the service as well as edit them using supported apps on the mobile.

Box OneCloud is the service provider's answer to the question of how users can directly access, edit and save changes to files stored online on the iPad using favorite apps as opposed to the Box app’s own tools. The new release allows users to open files stored on their Box.com account through 30 companion apps quickly and easily from within the Box app itself.

Of the 30 supported apps, four are “premier” status: Quickoffice, PaperPort Notes, PDF Expert and Adobe EchoSign. Premier apps are integrated more directly with Box, allowing users to not just open files in these apps, but save any changes directly back to their Box.com accounts in the original file location.

Box’s online storage is available for personal, business and enterprise users, with different pricing tiers and features for each. Personal accounts include a free 5GB taster account, which is free for personal use only and is limited to individual files of up to 25MB only. Two paid-for accounts lift this restriction to 1GB, offering 25GB and 50GB overall storage accordingly for $9.99 and $19.99 a month respectively.

Business accounts require a minimum of three users, each paying $15 a month to access shared storage of 1TB, with 2GB file limits and extra features including password protected sharing and Google Apps integration.

Users can access their Box.com accounts through a variety of mobile apps, including Box for iPhone and iPad, while access via desktop or laptop must be done through a web browser, with drag-and-drop file support limited to Firefox and Chrome.

Box for iPhone and iPad 2.7.1 is a free app for Box.com account holders on iOS devices. Box OneCloud is an extension of the Box.com service that is currently restricted to iPad users.

Photo Credits: James Thew/Shutterstock
'This summer, when hunger strikes, and all hope seems lost, a small device will change your destiny' -- the VIP Fridge Magnet

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 6:23pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

Pack my bags, I'm moving to Dubai.

Local shop Red Tomato Pizza promises to make available a fridge magnet that you tap to place orders. For all I know, it's all gimmick. The promotional YouTube video is a smart production. Spoiler: You will want to order pizza after watching it.

I often rave about the importance of user interfaces, of making them as simple and straightforward as possible. This concept takes the crown. One button, attached to your fridge. Press and order. I love it! Say, can Apple's Siri do that, click and speak? To order a pizza? Now there's one for the gamer: Pizza advertisement pops up during Xbox Kinect play. Wave and order. That would be good UX, too!

The concept is creative. A Bluetooth-enabled magnet synced to your mobile. Tapping texts the pizzeria, which prepares and delivers your default order. Of course, it can be changed any time, but you'll have to call. Oh the inconvenience of nine button pushes!

If you live in Dubai, or will by summer, a magnet ordering page already is available.
NTIA says public and private sectors could share 95 MHz of wireless spectrum for broadband

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 5:31pm CEST par Tim Conneally

This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that they have isolated 95 MHz of "prime" wireless spectrum that could be repurposed for mobile broadband uses.

The 1755–1850 MHz band was examined by NTIA as potentially viable for commercial wireless broadband services (.pdf here.) Currently, more than 20 federal agencies own more than 3,100 individual frequency assignments in this band. Their uses range from law enforcement surveillance, to military tactical communications, to unmanned aerial vehicles, to guided munitions.

And there's an interesting twist to the story.

It's been just about two years since the Federal Communications Commission introduced the National Broadband Plan, wherein 300 MHz of wireless spectrum is slated to be reclaimed for mobile broadband services by 2015.

Because wireless spectrum is so scarce, and government wireless demands are so complex, NTIA says the current approach of relocating federal users is too slow and too costly to be feasible.

In its report, the NTIA actually proposes a combination of relocating federal users and sharing spectrum between federal agencies and commercial users.

"Spectrum sharing will be a vital component to satisfying the growing demand for spectrum, and federal and non-federal users will need to adopt innovative spectrum-sharing techniques to accommodate this demand," the announcement from NTIA said on Tuesday.

The noteworthy thing here is that the NTIA's report says: "Promising advances in commercial wireless technology suggest it may be possible for the wireless industry to design services to be more tolerant of interference with minimal degradation to quality of service. Industry’s need for additional spectrum suggests the value of exploring 'early entry' through sharing, which also optimizes transition paths and costs by leaving federal systems in place where possible."

LightSquared, which sought to use the repurposed "L-band" of wireless spectrum for terrestrial LTE networks, discovered its band caused interference for certain GPS receivers. Even though the company revealed a device for filtering out the interference, the NTIA deemed the issue "unfixable," after relentless lobbying from the GPS industry.

However, in this report, the NTIA singles out the Tracking, Telemetry, and Communications systems in the L-band, and appears to have left a five-year window open for LightSquared.

[The Department of Defense] cannot transition SGLS out of the 1755-1780 MHz band (L-band) in the five-year timeframe without abandoning control of mission-critical national security spacecraft. However, DOD believes it can accommodate commercial broadband systems in the 1755-1780 MHz band within five years by using exclusion zones around SGLS ground terminal sites used for L-band uplinks and taking other steps to mitigate interference."

Photo: Phuriphat/Shutterstock
Little changes add lots to Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 4:11pm CEST par Mike Williams

Kaspersky LAB has released a new version of its flagship do-it-all security suite, PURE 2.0 Total Security.

Although the upgrade is relatively minor, which is no surprise, really; the previous version did so much that there isn’t much left to add, the company has made a few useful tweaks which should appeal to fans of the package.

These start with the Password Manager, which now includes a Portable Version option. This can synchronize your password database with a removable drive, creating a portable database that you can use on other PCs, even if they don’t have Kaspersky PURE installed.

If you use the program’s Home Network Control system to manage your networked PCs then the good news is you don’t have to rely on it automatically detecting remote computers any more. Just click “+ Add computer manually” and specify the computer name or IP address you need.

Elsewhere, the Parental Controls now do a better job of controlling who your kids can contact (or be contacted by) on social networking sites. Backup speeds are reportedly faster (though we’ve not yet benchmarked this ourselves). And there’s the obligatory interface revamp, which aims to simplify operations and provide a little more feedback on your PC’s security status.

And of course there’s still all the features and functionality from the previous editions, including strong real-time and on-demand antivirus protection; a straightforward backup tool; a firewall, spam filter, phishing protection, sandbox, virtual keyboard, data shredder, encryption module, PC cleanup tool, and the list goes on.

As updates go, then, the additions seem fairly small and so unlikely to attract much new business. If you already use Kaspersky PURE or are looking for a comprehensive security solution then the new release should appeal, though, and if you’d like to find out for yourself then 30-day trial builds of Kaspersky PURE 2.0 Total Security are available now.

Photo Credit: Kheng Guan Toh/Shutterstock
Game on with Adobe Flash 11.2 and AIR 3.2

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 3:59pm CEST par Nick Peers

Adobe Flash Player 11.2 and AIR 3.2, major updates to its browser plug-in and runtime environments, are now available. Flash Player, which is built into Chrome and available as a separate download for Internet Explorer, was until the advent of HTML5 the de facto standard for accessing rich, multimedia content on the web.

Both updates are aimed very much at repositioning Flash as a rival gaming platform to consoles, focusing on providing developers with tools to produce immersive, graphically rich games across all supported platforms.

Flash Player 11.2 has one notable improvement for the end user -- the Windows version now updates silently without forcing the user to jump through a series of dialog boxes first.

Other major improvements are aimed at games developers as Adobe attempts to position Flash as “the game console for the web”, pointing out that games developed in Flash will run seamlessly across a variety of different devices and platforms.

New gamer-friendly features include mouse lock, middle- and right-click events and multi-threaded video decoding. It also adds support for 2D and 3D graphics at up to 60fps, while hardware driver support now goes back to 2008 in order to improve gaming performance across a wider range of machines.

Developers will also be able to easily upload 3D games to Flash Player via a new partnership with Unity as part of a new premium package. This new package provides enhanced tools for building games that will rival consoles for quality -- the tools are free for all until August 1, at which point they’ll be licensed for commercial use, with developers expected to pay a 9-percent premium on any revenue earned over $50,000.

At the same time, Adobe AIR 3.2 also makes a pitch for the mobile gaming market by adding support for Stage3D graphics on both Android and iOS platforms, which it claims will vastly improve rendering times and produce “cinematic, stunning games” with “jaw-dropping visuals”.

Again, Adobe’s pitch to developers is the fact they only need to produce code on a single platform that will run across a variety of desktop and mobile platforms, including Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch range. The same premium features will be available to AIR 3.2 developers, but there will be no charge for their use.

Flash Player 11.2 for other browsers (including Firefox, Opera and Safari), and Flash Player 11.2 for Internet Explorer are both available as freeware downloads for Windows and Mac -- separate 64-bit builds are also available for Internet Explorer 64-bit and other 64-bit browsers. Flash Player 11.2 is already built into Google Chrome, while Adobe AIR 3.2 is also available as a free download for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Photo Credits: Yuri Arcurs/Shutterstock
Undo tweets with Windows 8-inspired MetroTwit

Publié: mars 28, 2012, 12:18am CEST par Mark Wilson

Inspired by the look of Windows Metro, MetroTwit is a unique-looking, clean Twitter client that oozes style and simplicity. The app has just hit version 1.0, having already proved itself to be worthy of note in the beta stages. The official release sees the addition of a number of important new features including highly configurable filtering that helps you to ensure that your stream is not cluttered up with tweets you are not interested in.

In a similar vein to TweetDeck, the MetroTwit interface includes multiple columns that can be used to display different aspects of your Twitter account, and there is great integration with Windows 7 that sees notification area popups revealing direct messages and other interactions.

A feature that will be welcomed by many users is the undo tool. Whether you change your mind about a tweet you posted in haste, or notice an embarrassing spelling mistake, you can take a step back in time in a couple of clicks.

As with previous versions of the client, MetroTwit is fast and is, on the whole, a nicely rounded package that can greatly enhance your Twitter experience.

If you’re wary of shortened URLs, just hover your mouse over one and the complete URL will be revealed, while when it comes to catching up with a stream you haven’t looked at for a while, you can take advantage of infinite scrolling so you do not have to manually load more tweets when you reach the end.

The free version of the app is ad-supported, but if you start to find this too irritating, there’s always the option of upgrading to the Plus edition, although at $16, this does make for something of an expensive Twitter client. Going down the paid-for route does open up another new feature of the app – support for multiple Twitter accounts.

While MetroTwit is an interesting and good looking app, it may be hard to justify this cost when there are free alternatives that can already be used to sign into more than one Twitter account simultaneously.

You can find out more and download a free copy of the Twitter client by paying a visit to the MetroTwit review page.