Apple releases 11A444d update for Lion Developer Preview 2

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

All you Apple devs out there (and anyone who coughed up $99 for a Mac dev account,) hit Software Update when you get a chance because Apple just released an update to the Lion Developer Preview 2. Build 11A444d sits at 1.7 GB, and looks to be an actual seed build this time around. We are keeping our eyes out for any new features or enhancements. Also, for those interested, Xcode 4.1 Developer Preview 4 is also available.

Gears of War 3 beta review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Reviews, Third Person Shooters, Xbox 360,

"Gears of War 3," the final installment in the Gears of War trilogy, is slated to hit store shelves on September 20, bringing the war between The Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG) and the Locust Hoard to its conclusion. However, you don't have to wait until the fall to play the game; developer Epic Games has given those who purchased "Bulletstorm: Epic Edition" or pre-ordered "Gears of War 3" a chance to take the online multiplayer for a spin. New and returning gamers will appreciate all the new weapons, characters, and the smooth online experience.

The "Gears of War" beta comes with a purpose. Besides letting gamers preview the title before its release, Epic Games is using it to test its new dedicated online servers. The studio is also looking to iron out any bugs, glitches, and exploits that plagued the previous series entries.

The gameplay of "Gears of War 3" multiplayer remains mostly the same, but it incorporates new weapons, maps, game modes, and game play mechanics. Gamers will continue to strategically go in and out of cover to get a better position for the kill.

Click to continue reading Gears of War 3 beta review

TomTom apologizes for selling your traffic data to law enforcement

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, GPS,

TomTom has apologized for selling user data from personal navigation devices to police.

It wasn't exactly a surprise. When Netherlands-based TomTom reported weak first quarter earnings earlier this year, it said it would try to supplement earnings through certain methods like selling traffic data to governments.

But when Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad revealed that the information was obtained by Dutch police, who used it set targeted speed traps, people got upset.

But TomTom CEO Harold Goddijn said the company only had the best of intentions, because the company believes it "can help make roads safer and less congested."

Click to continue reading TomTom apologizes for selling your traffic data to law enforcement

Best Buy offering free phones today and tomorrow, plus white iPhone in stock

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Hot Deals,

Best Buy Mobile said that the company would offer three smartphones for free today, and stock the white iPhone, too.

The free phones? The Samsung Fascinate (Verizon), the Samsung Captivate (AT&T) and the BlackBerry Curve 3G (Sprint). But the offer is only good through Friday and Saturday, April 29 and April 30 - an extension from the "free phone Fridays" the retailer ran last year, including the offer of a free iPhone.

And if you're looking for one of those white iPhones? Well, they'll have those too, Best Buy said. The white iPhone will also be available online. There's no word on the available stock, however.

"We've had tremendous success with the 'Free Phone Friday' campaigns we ran last October and December, and we've been waiting for the opportunity to do it again with a great lineup of in-demand phones," said Scott Moore, vice president of Marketing for Best Buy Mobile, in a statement. "We've worked hard to make it as easy as possible for people to find the smart phone that's right for them with the most smart phones under one roof, exclusives and expert advice, and this is just one more reason to visit Best Buy Mobile."

Click to continue reading Best Buy offering free phones today and tomorrow, plus white iPhone in stock

Motorola says they’ve shipped (not sold!) 250,000 Xoom tabelts

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Google, Handhelds,

Motorola Mobility shipped 250,000 Xoom media tablets in the first quarter while improving year-over-year revenue to $3 billion but taking an $81 million loss in the three months ending April 2.

Motorola Mobility, recently split off from Motorola Solutions, also shipped 4.1 million smartphones in the first quarter of 2011, the company said Thursday. In all, Motorola Mobility said it shipped 9.3 million mobile devices in the quarter, beating analyst expectations.

Motorola split into two independent public companies in January with Motorola Mobility generally considered a spin-off. Motorola Solutions—which makes bar code scanners, police radios and other products—also reported earnings Thursday and had net income of $497 million, up from $69 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Click to continue reading Motorola says they’ve shipped (not sold!) 250,000 Xoom tabelts

British Comics: Hagar The Horrible?

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Reviews,

When I lived on the East Coast, I knew a lot of old school cartoonists like Jerry Marcus and Orlando Busino. I’d met Mort Walker and his son Brian and Ron Goulart and comics historian Rick Marschall. The cartoonist and their friend Dik Browne, creator of Hagar The Horrible, had long left Connecticut for the warmer pleasures of Florida so I never got to meet him.

But they spoke of him with such awe - of his abilities as a cartoonist and how his irreverent sense of humor was perfect for his chosen profession - that I was really sorry I hadn’t moved to the area much earlier.

Click to continue reading British Comics: Hagar The Horrible?

Bleeding Edge TV 381: Hulu Plus on Xbox 360 review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Features, Home Entertainment, Microsoft, Movies, Podcasts, Product Reviews, Videocasts, Videos,

Earlier today we brought you the news that Hulu Plus will launch on the Xbox 360 tomorrow morning, noting that it will be free for all Xbox Live members (Gold or Silver) for a full week, even for those without a Hulu Plus subscription. After that, you'll need both a $7.99 per month Hulu Plus membership as well as an Xbox Live Gold account. Well, we've had access to a Hulu Plus preview on the Xbox 360, and we've put together a tour through the service and interface so you'd know exactly what to expect. We even give you a look at the (somewhat limited) Kinect support for Hulu Plus as well. Hit the play button above, or grab the download from one of the links below!

Big thank you to JackThreads for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out, we've got exclusive invite codes that give you $5 to use towards anything you'd like.

Mothers Day Gift Guide: Barnes & Nobile Nook 3G deal

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Wireless / WiFi, Women, Under $100,

We're been keeping our eye on gadgets that are worthy of being given to your mom for Mother's Day, and we've got another one for you. eBay has a deal where you get 50% off the Nook Wi-Fi + 3G e-reader. Original price on these is $199, and you get it direct from Barnes & Noble for $99 - and that includes shipping! There's a limit of one per customer. If you're interested, head on over:

Save $100 on Nook 3G

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals.

Read More | Nook 3G deal on eBay

Deal of the Day: $120 off 11.6-inch MacBook Air

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Hot Deals, PC / Laptop,

This is a hot one, guys - for the next three housr, eBay has brand new 11.6-inch MacBook Air units for $120 off regular price! The MacBook Air typically sells for $999, so this deal brings it down to $879 Even better? Shipping is free. They've got limited stock, and again, this only lasts for a few hours. If you're interested, head on over:

Save $120 on 11.6-inch MacBook Air

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals.

Read More | MacBook Air sale

Hulu Plus launches on Xbox 360 tomorrow with one-week free trial for all

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Home Entertainment, Microsoft, Movies, Video Games,

Xbox 360 users in the U.S. will have access to Hulu Plus starting Friday, Microsoft announced today.

Hulu Plus members will be able to stream the site's content over the Xbox 360 console, and those with the Kinect can control their Hulu queue with their voice or gestures.

As a promotion, Microsoft is teaming up with Jack Link's Beef Jerky, which will offer all Xbox Live users free access to Hulu Plus from April 29 to May 6.

"Through this sponsorship, all Xbox Live members (Free or Gold) will be able to enjoy Hulu Plus on Xbox Live, no Hulu Plus subscription or Xbox Live Gold membership required for an entire week," Larry Hryb, the director of programming for Xbox Live, wrote in a blog post.

For $7.99 per month, Hulu Plus provides users with access to full seasons of the TV shows it has available, as well as movies.

Click to continue reading Hulu Plus launches on Xbox 360 tomorrow with one-week free trial for all