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PlayStation 4 reportedly introduces ‘new styles of play’
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: PlayStation 4, Rumors, Sony,
While Sony Computer Entertainment is readying its unveil of the PlayStation 4 on February 20, we'll have to take what we can get in the meantime. This little kernel of information, however, might say a lot about what to expect (and not expect) on the 20th.
According to an anonymous SCE official, the PS4 will try its hand at becoming more of a home entertainment hub than ever before, and that its main selling point will be its new styles of play. It seems Sony might be taking a cue from Nintendo, focusing on outside-the-box innovation, rather than just internal hardware specs.
As a home entertainment "nerve center," the PS4 will emphasize the ability to connect and share with mobile devices, perhaps through cloud-based gaming. The console is reportedly going to release by the end of the year.
Read More 
| Edge
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Rumors of iPhone 5S and 4.94-inch iPhone 6 surface
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,
The rumor mill is churning again, and it's saying that not just one, but two new iPhone models may see daylight in 2013. The two iPhones are rumored to be the iPhone 5S and a new 4.94-inch iPhone 6 (or iPhone +.)
This information comes courtesy of laoyaoba.com and a source claiming to have seen the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 at Apple suppliers. The source also claims the iPhone 5S resembles the iPhone 5, and that the iPhone 6 is the lightest and thinnest iPhone to date.
The report states that Apple is planning to bring the iPhone 5S to market this year, no surprise there. The larger iPhone +, however, is supposedly to be released as a backup against the rising popularity of larger Android phones.
Hit the source to see mocked images of what a bigger iPhone would look like.
Read More | Macro
Fitbit Zip review
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Features, Product Reviews,
Wearing a device to track your steps is nothing new, but the Fitbit Zip looks to be the budget solution that brings users into the connected fitness data world. The verdict is still out as far as if wearing fitness gadgets will make you more fit, but it's hard to argue that it doesn't at least make you more aware. The Zip is the least expensive way to start tracking and syncing your steps, calories burned, distance, and other stats, linking easily to your smartphone to give you a pretty look at all the data. The question is, does the Fitbit Zip do enough to take attention away from the more feature-rich Fitbit One, Nike FuelBand, and other competing devices? Join us for our full Fitbit Zip review as we find the answer.
Click to continue reading Fitbit Zip review
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Facebook to reveal ads targeted to user behavior patterns
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Advertising, Corporate News, Social Media, Social Networks,
Facebook is now compliant with the Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program, and has to show the AdChoice icon in behaviorally targeted Facebook Exchange (FBX) ads. This allows users to know when an ad is marketed to them on their browser behavior. The catch, however, is that the icon is only displayed when a user interacts with it by scrolling of the gray "X" over the ad.
Facebook will change the "Report this Ad" text with "Learn About Facebook Ads," and users can choose to opt out of specific ad networks. As Engadget notes, however, whether this legally complies with the Federal Commission guidelines for "clear and prominent notice" is unsure, as the ads only reveal itself as targeted once a user interacts with it.
AdChoice implementation will start at the end of March.
Read More | ASRC Reviews via AdAge
Apple releases OS X 10.8.3 build 12D65 to developers
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,
Apple has seeded OS X 10.8.3 build 12D65 to developers just a week after releasing the 12D61 build. Apple is asking developers to focus on AirPlay, AirPort, Game Center, graphics drivers, and Safari in 12D65. The update also appears to fix the "File:///" bug that currently plagues OS X, where by typing that into a text field, you immediately crash the app you are working in. If you're a Mac dev, you can grab the update through the Mac App Store right now.
Australian courts overturn ruling the ACCC brought against Google
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Corporate News, Google,
Six grueling years of the ACCC dragging Google in and out of Australian courtrooms and hearings for "misleading advertisements" displayed in search results have now come to an end.
Five Australian High Court judges have overturned a ruling requiring Google to set up programs that properly vet ads. The lawsuits started because of the specific claim that if one were to search Google in 2006 for "Honda Austrailia," the user would also be shown sponsored ads from competing car companies. This new ruling, however, proves that the concern of the ACCC is an outdated one.
Read More | Reuters
Belkin FastFit Bluetooth keyboard for iPad mini announced
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Apple, Handhelds, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
Belkin has announce its FastFit Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini. Measuring in at 7mm thick, the FastFit Bluetooth case provides about three months of battery life, equating to about 150 days of active use before its 200mAh battery needs to be charge. It attached to the iPad mini magnetically, and automatically wakes the tablet when opened. Belkin also touts the TruType keyboard layout, which is says has well-spaced keys for fast and accurate typing. No word on a ship date, but it'll be available from Belkin soon for $79.99.
Read More | Belkin
RIAA Google takedown requests near 10 million
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Corporate News, Google, Internet, Music,
Thanks to Google's Transparency Report, we can see just how many copyright takedown requests it gets, and who issues such requests. The RIAA tops the list with nearly 10 million takedown requests issued. The RIAA issues hundreds of thousands of notices every week in regards to piracy sites, and has topped the most recent monthly requests. This goes to show just how severe the piracy network is, or even perhaps, how futile the RIAA's attempts are at squashing it.
Read More | Google Transparency Report via Engadget
Twitter acquires Bluefin Labs to create innovative ad products
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Acquisitions, Advertising, Social Networks,
Twitter is expanding on its Nielsen deal to develop social TV ratings through an acquisition of Bluefin Labs, a firm specializing in statistics for television networks. The acquisition, says Twitter, will allow the social network to create "innovative new ad products."
Second-screen apps seem to be on the rise these days, but in the case of Twitter, people are more than likely already using it while watching TV. The question is, how much money will this bring Twitter through advertising?
Read More | Twitter Blog via Engadget
USPS to cease Saturday mail delivery on August 1
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Smart Home,
Saturday mail delivery through the United Stated Postal Service will be a thing of the past beginning August 1, 2013. It's a move focused on cutting costs as the USPS tries to deal with, and recover from, massive financial losses due to mandatory retiree health care benefits, and should end up saving the struggling agency about $2 billion per year. Not all Saturday mail activity will go away--packages will still be delivered, P.O. boxes will receive mail as usual, and post offices will still be open on Saturdays. Of course, with the proliferation of email, snail mail demand has decreased significantly over the years. We're sure that this is unwelcome news for Netflix DVD subscribers, but on the bright side, with Saturday mail delivery ceasing, it's another junk mail-free day to look forward to on the weekend.
Read More | AP
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