Facebook Home ‘Airplane’ ad brings one traveler’s News Feed aboard — literally
Sure, Facebook had a weird ad with Blink-182 for the HTC Status, but its sneak peek at its newest TV spot for the First and Home is on another level. Posted today on its Facebook profile, the campy piece literally brings one traveler’s feed to life inside the cabin of his flight during boarding. We won’t spoil the goods for you, but it’s interesting to see Facebook’s first thrust at marketing this skin and smartphone combo out to the masses. Catch the full clip after the break.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Software, Mobile, HTC, Facebook
Source: Facebook
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Apple brings two-step verification to iCloud and Apple ID users
It’s been a strong selling point from Google for security-minded users, and now Apple has finally come on board with a two-step verification process for Apple ID and iCloud users. Not surprisingly, the system works much the same as with Google and others: you first need to enable it on the Apple ID website, then you can use your mobile device to receive verification codes as needed (either via text message or the Find my iPhone app) to sign into various Apple services. You can also stash a recovery key away in the event you lose or are locked out of your phone.
In our testing, it appears that the functionality is slowly rolling out to US-based users, but in practice, the changes aren’t actually sticking. We’re hitting plenty of time-outs, and even after registering a device, we’re noticing that the verifications aren’t sticking within the Apple ID account. If you’re running into issues, you may want to just wait as Apple irons out the kinks.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Apple
Via: 9 to 5 Mac
Source: Apple
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Dropbox’s redesigned desktop client brings more notifications, faster sharing and a fresher look
In a world that’s becoming increasingly swamped with cloud storage options, it’s good to see a true, original gangster innovating like the pressure is on. In a matter of moments, Dropbox is going to launch a re-imagined desktop client — one that promises “more visibility into activity in one’s Dropbox, faster access to your files, and a brand new look and feel.” The changes here are fairly subtle, but they’re ones that power users are bound to appreciate. You’ll be able to accept invitations with less friction, see links or albums that people have shared with you, and keep tabs on what’s changed in your Dropbox. There’s also a newfangled way to share your stuff with a link, right from the Dropbox menu.
Over on the mobile side, notifications for shared folders will also show up on the latest versions of our iOS and Android apps (and on the web at dropbox.com/events). Keep an eye on the source link; the new download links should be live any minute.
Filed under: Storage, Internet
Source: Dropbox
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Leave a commentFotodiox brings 140-megapixel images to your NEX, medium format lens not included
Fotodiox has a new take on E-mount lens adapters that’ll give you 140-megapixel images by performing an interesting trick: moving the camera. The rather spendy device uses an interchangeable lens mount that accepts either Pentax 645, Mamiya 645 or Hasselblad V medium format lenses, coupled with a moveable platform to mount your Sony NEX. When ready to fire, you check the built-in exposure screen to frame the shot and the system moves the NEX around to grab images at predetermined, “precisely-positioned” locations in the lens’ field of view. After stitching it all together in Photoshop or similar software, the result is either a panorama or medium format photo (depending on camera orientation) — 140-megapixels’ worth in the case of a Sony NEX-7. Besides the $500 adapter, the aforementioned medium format lens and a tripod, you’ll likely require a healthy dollop of patience to use it, too — and forget about video, of course. Check the PR after the break for more.
Filed under: Cameras
Via: Sony Alpha Rumors
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Leave a commentInsert Coin semifinalist: SmartKnob brings keypad access to your front door
Keys? Who needs keys? The Smart Knob is an attempt to do away with those pesky metal things for property managers and renters, attaching a keypad to your front door’s deadbolt. Owners of the property can issue codes remotely for a chosen period of time. Visitors can also get codes by calling the service’s automated phone system. The Smart Knob is compatible with all standard circular deadbolts, and its creators insist that the installation process takes under a minute. The battery should last “up to two years” with daily use — and when it gets low, a warning will let you know.
Check out a video of the original plastic prototype after the break. The final version will, thankfully, be made of metal.
Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here — and don’t forget to pick a winner!
Source: The Smart Knob
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Skitch update for iOS brings improved text editor, faster UI response
First went Skype, now goes Skitch. (Must be something in the Sk-water.) Yet another app update is on its way today for iOS users and this time, it’s Evernote’s productivity app that’s seeing a version bump. Bundled into this 2.0.3 update is a new text editor that the company claims will allow users to easily add and resize image annotations without adding unnecessary steps to their workflow. A host of unspecified, “under the hood” improvements have also been added to address various bugs and speed up overall app response time. So, if you’ve been finding that app a little too laggy or just needed a faster way to add “LOLZ” to pics of your friends, head on to the source for your iTunes fix.
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Lovefilm signs TV deal with NBC Universal, brings the Office, 30 Rock to British homes
Following Lovefilm’s deal with NBC Universal to bring the latter’s movie catalogue to the streaming service, the pair have hooked up again to do the same job for the studio’s TV productions. Shows such as The Office (US), 30 Rock and Knight Rider will all be available for viewing, whenever your desire for some Corporate Hijinks / Alec Baldwin / talking cars takes hold. We’ve just checked and the shows are already filtering through — although you can only catch the first three years of Liz Lemon’s adventures so far.
Filed under: HD
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Ceton brings major Echo WMC Extender update out of beta, fixes 1080i and more
We’ve been eagerly tracking Ceton’s Echo Windows Media Center Extender since its debut at CES, however as we noted in our review, at launch its appeal was held back by some bugs. The team over there responded to the issues by extending the warranty and return period, and today announced that a patch fixing our biggest issue — 1080i video playback — is available to all users. We’ve been checking out the update in beta and can confirm it works (check out this week’s Engadget HD Podcast for more details), and also brings other changes. Those include a new native resolution mode if you’d rather let your TV or other device do the video processing, fully functional Echo settings webpage plus fixes for aspect ratios, color space, green screen issues and much more. Owners can get all the info and find out how to grab the update at the source link — if you’d like to be in the beta group (no new info on that Android update, yet), you can join just by choosing it in settings.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Source: Ceton
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Microsoft launches Socl into Beta, brings the part(ies) to social networking
Microsoft has unleashed Socl into beta for all comers to probe, bringing it out of the experimental stages and a step closer to a full-fledged site. We first heard about the project back in July when it was dubbed Tulalip, and MS Research’s Fuse Labs officially launched it internally and into some universities back in October last year. The site carries the Windows 8 tiled look, and Fuse says that imagery is emphasized over “blue links” for search, helping democratize the site “even for people who speak different languages.” That lets you find others via posts, a people gallery, or someone’s page — where new posts, people and interests can be viewed all at once. A nav bar allows articles to be created by topics like web, videos or news, and users can create “parties,” where they can chat, create playlists or watch videos with others in a similar fashion to Google Hangouts. The project was coded using Redmond’s Java-hued Typescript to allow for rapid coding changes, according to Fuse’s blog in the source below. To try it out for yourself, check the “more coverage” link.
Filed under: Internet, Microsoft
Via: Techmeme
Source: Microsoft Research FuseLabs
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Marvel brings a gig to WiFi with new 802.11ac 4×4 system-on-chip
If you need data to flow more copiously than your current wireless connection will permit, Marvell has just announced a new WiFi product that might let you finally cut the cord. The Avastar 88W8864 802.11ac “4×4″ SoC will permit WLAN products to stream data at up to 1.3Gbps using four antennas, over three times faster than the 802.11n standard used now. The system also sports a specialized transmission method called “beamforming,” that “greatly improves link robustness and wireless performance,” according to Marvell, enabling seamless HD streaming in traditionally difficult spots, for instance. The new tech will also let you stretch out your wireless range by at least six times, while increasing the battery life of any connected device, to boot. The company expects the new technology to start arriving to products like set-top boxes, access points and “carrier-grade” HD by mid next year — so you may want to put that messy wire-routing project on permanent hold.
Continue reading Marvel brings a gig to WiFi with new 802.11ac 4×4 system-on-chip
Filed under: Wireless, Networking
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