Feed - OnSoftware

See how Call of Duty: Ghost evolved from Modern Warfare 3 [video]

Lewis Leong — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:30:03 +0200

To show off the impressive graphics of Call of Duty: Ghosts, Activision has released a comparison video between Modern Warfare 3 and Ghosts. The company touched a little bit on the improved graphics during the Xbox One event yesterday but this comparison video goes more into detail about how the leap in graphics was achieved. In the video, Activision shows off improved polygon counts that make objects look completely smooth, with high-definition textures. The side-by-side comparisons of the graphics show just how far they have come and how powerful the PS4 and Xbox One will be. Call of Duty: Ghosts will be coming out November 5th with timed-exclusive DLC for the Xbox One.

Xbox One's gameplay capture details revealed

Lewis Leong — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:57:05 +0200

Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will support recording gameplay video Microsoft has a trick up its sleeve. In an interview with Polygon, Ben Kilgore, corporate vice president of Xbox program management, revealed that the Xbox One will automatically capture "magic moments" without users prompting the console to do so. Kilgore says that players will be able to say "Xbox capture that" to tell the console to grab part of the buffered gameplay video. All of the gameplay footage is recorded and kept on the hard drive temporarily. Microsoft will also release an API for the Xbox One that will allow games to automatically capture "magic moments" for its players. Kilgore gives this example:

"We're going to give game developers access so they can actually go out there and record your magic moment for you because they'll be likely to know when something epic is about to happen in the game...Single-player [moments] or it could be something like you just make 10 head shots in a row. Something really cool is happening, and you're on a rampage, I'm going to grab a magic moment for you because I'm smart enough to detect that, you know, you're capturing the flag and and your last 10 yards before you get to the base sort of thing."

By constantly buffering video in the background, the Xbox One consumes a lot of resources but Kilgore promises that it won't slow down the console. "We're very carefully engineering it so it won't affect any performance or your hard drive," said Kilgore. After a video is captured, it can be shared instantly using Xbox Live and other video services like YouTube. [Source: Polygon | Image: Xbox.com]

How to enable Twitter login verification

Christopher Park — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:44:53 +0200

After Twitter was hacked back in February, it announced that it would roll out two-factor verification. Now in May, the company is rolling out the feature its users. Enabling the feature will add a second layer of security to your account. Twitter is mimicking the security measures of popular sites like Facebook, Dropbox, Google, and Apple. Twitter is currently pushing the login verification option to users so if you don't see it yet, it will be updated in your profile settings page soon.

Access your Settings

To enable two-factor verification, you have to access your Twitter account through the web. Once you log in, open your Settings by clicking on the gear icon and selecting settings. The option is for verification is called Account security. Be aware that when you enable two-factor authentication, Twitter will send a code to your phone through text message. Depending on your carrier, this may be an additional cost. If you've already connected your phone number to Twitter for SMS tweets and alerts, you can bypass this step. If you need to add a phone, just follow Twitter's prompts. All you need to do is assign a phone number, and then text Twitter to verify your number. After you have verified your phone, you should sign out and sign back into the service to make sure that verification is enabled correctly. Twitter will send you a login code for Twitter.com. Anytime you need to log into Twitter.com, it will send you an new verification code to enter the site. There's no way to mark an authorized machine to prevent Twitter form asking for a code every time.

Applications require temporary passwords

If you use apps to access Twitter, you will have to generate temporary passwords so these apps can reconnect. You can only create temporary passwords through the website so if you are updating mobile apps, it's good to complete them all at once if possible. You will need to reenter your Twitter password to generate the temporary password. Here's an example when I tried to log back into my Twitter on my Android. It recognized that I needed to create a temporary password. For apps that you are currently logged in, Twitter doesn't automatically sign you out. This means it's also a good time to look through connected apps and revoke access to apps that you don't use anymore. Adding security to apps you use a lot is good to protect your user data and to prevent someone from hijacking your profile. Twitter is a little late to the two-factor verification game, but it wouldn't be unusual for Tumblr or Pinterest to eventually introduce the system for users to protect their profiles. Along with two-factor verification, it's also good to make sure your passwords are strong with a combination of words, numbers, and symbols.

Chrome for Android updates with fullscreen browsing, tab history

Lewis Leong — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:21:52 +0200

Google is on a roll with its Android app updates today. Drive for Android was updated earlier today with a new layout and document scanner and now there's a new update for Chrome. The browser will get a fullscreen browsing experience on phones and tab history on tablets. While these updates aren't groundbreaking, they make Chrome an even better mobile browser. Most users won't even notice the fullscreen feature since it's very subtle. When a web page loads and you scroll down, the omnibox will disappear. It's not a true fullscreen experience as the notification bar still sits up top but it does maximize viewable space. Tablet users can look forward to the tab history feature which lets you long-press the back button to view a history of pages you've visited. It's curious that Google omitted this feature on phones but space constrains may have hindered the user experience. Last but not least, the update brings "a ton of stability and performance fixes." You can get the update in the download link below. [Source: Chrome Releases | Download: Softonic]

Twitter introduces "login verification" to boost security [video]

Lewis Leong — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:55:41 +0200

Back in February, we reported that Twitter was working on two-factor authentication to secure its users' accounts. Almost four months later, the feature is finally here. Dubbed "login verification," this feature will require users to register a verified phone number and confirmed email address. If you need to sign into your Twitter account on an unrecognized device, hop over to the applications page for your Twitter account to generate a random and temporary password to log in. To turn this feature on, simply go to your settings page on the web and select the option to "Require a verification code when I sign in." You'll then have to text Twitter at 40404 with the message, "GO" to verify your phone. Note that Twitter will automatically opt you into receiving text notifications for select Twitter activity so be sure to un-check them if you don't want text alerts. Once your phone is verified, you'll be required to generate a temporary password when linking new apps and services to your Twitter account. This method is similar to what Google is doing with its two-factor authentication but Twitter doesn't utilize a generator app. Instead, Twitter will send you a random number password via SMS. [Source: Twitter]

Pandora gets social with Facebook in latest update

Lewis Leong — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:40:55 +0200

Pandora finally gets social features with its new Facebook Open Graph integration. Users will now be able to automatically publish Pandora activity to the social network, much like what Spotify has been doing.

For those who don't want to publicize everything they listen to, don't worry; Pandora retains the ability to controls what you share specifically. Users can toggle the "Publish" button in the settings on the mobile apps to enable or disable publishing Pandora activity to their timelines. If you want to remove something that you published to Facebook, you can do so from the web version of Facebook. The update is available for Android, iOS, and on the web. [Source: Pandora | Download: Android, iOS]

Google Drive for Android updates with document scanner, card layout

Lewis Leong — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:13:57 +0200

Google Drive for Android is getting a major update today with a new layout and document scanner. At the top of the app you'll notice a new button to switch to the "card" view. This basically displays your folders and files as cards, making them easier to distinguish visually, instead of relying on reading the document names. Documents will show up as large thumbnails, giving you a sneak peek into what's inside. There's now also an option to download documents from Drive to keep locally on your Android device. Another big addition in this update to Drive for Android is the inclusion of a document scanner that utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to make scanned text searchable. To access the new document scanner, simply hit the menu button (three dots), tap on "Add new," and select "Scan." Additionally, there are improvements to editing documents like font adjustments (size and type) as well as editing cell text colors. While web users could do this for a while, it's the first time the mobile version of Drive is getting this feature. [Source: Android Blog | Download: Softonic]

Hands on with the new Google Maps

Kurtis Seid — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:11:36 +0200

Images of the new Google Maps leaked shortly before the keynote at Google I/O, but a preview is available. I've received an invite and tested the new features. The most noticeable difference is the removal of the sidebar and old navigation interface. Google Maps doesn't just have a new appearance, there are also new services and more personalized maps.

User Interface

The new design uses the entire browser, allowing for a greater focus on the map. The search bar sits discreetly in the top left of the map. When you find a location, additional information will appear directly under the search bar. This may include links to building interiors, Street View, directions, public transit routes, nearby restaurants, details on retail stores, and more. Compared to the previous version of Google Maps, zooming and movement is much more fluid and responsive, allowing you to explore faster. The redesign includes new icons, colors, and text that make landmarks and major street names more noticeable. The interface is minimal, which I find aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.

Visual Exploration

Google Maps has integration with Google Earth, allowing 3D exploration of satellite photos. Note that your web browser will need WebGL to display such graphics. As mentioned previously, viewing these satellite images can bog down performance. You can also zoom out to get a full view of the entire globe, complete with real-time clouds and solar cycle. This might not be practical for many users, but it is stunning to explore. What I see as a more commonly used feature is photo tours inside buildings and around neighborhoods. Mobile phone users can submit geospheres to Google, allowing a unique perspective similar to Street View. This will let you explore far off tourist destinations from the comfort of your seat.

Smart and personal maps

The new Google Maps continues to integrate data from other Google services. You can quickly filter between top user reviews and reviews from people in your Google+ circles without having to switch services. Reviews may also include a professional Zagat review in supported countries, which is very useful in the United States. My Places are also easier to add and find, placing more distinctive icons for home, work, and starred locations. I have yet to run into any of the loading errors that the My Places previously had, which makes me hopeful that those issues are a thing of the past. These features makes it much simpler to populate your map with locations that are important you. My favorite aspect is that when you pick specific locations, nearby streets and related business will be highlighted. When I click on a hotel in San Francisco, other hotels are stressed with bold text and streets outlined with a thicker edge. Even smaller unnamed streets will suddenly become labeled to help guide you to the location.

Simplified directions

Planning out a trip or simply finding directions is much easier. The new interface allows you to click on the map to see the best route between two locations. The map displays several alternate routes, along with estimated times, potential cost, and mode of transportation (driving, public transit, or walking). There is even an option check travel by plane via Google Flights. When these tools are combined you can easily avoid traffic or navigate through places you've never been to.

Final thoughts

The update to Google Maps is very impressive. Nearly all of the new features make an already excellent service even more powerful. The interface is fluid, loads fast, and provides a wealth of information. There are some minor issues with the update, but they can be smoothed out with a few easy updates. I eagerly look forward to the final release and corresponding versions for other devices.

Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and Watch Dogs confirmed for Xbox One

Lewis Leong — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:11:35 +0200

There was a noticeable lack of gameplay footage during the Xbox One event today. Fear not, as game publishers have come out to confirm that their games are, in fact, coming to the new Xbox. Electronic Arts' Battlefield 4, will be released on October 29th this year for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The game will also make it onto the PS4 but there's no firm release date. EA and Dice will reveal more information about Battlefield 4 at this year's E3 event in Los Angeles on June 10th. As usual, pre-orders will come with exclusive content like bonus in-game items and access to the mutliplayer beta. Ubisoft has also come out and announced that their games, Watch Dogs and Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag will be released on the Xbox One "later this year." The game will be available on November 9th in the US with versions for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and Wii U. The PlayStation 4 will also get a version but there's no release date for the console yet. Ubisoft will reveal more information about these games during E3 as well. [Source: Polygon 1, 2]

Opera browser for Android exits beta

Lewis Leong — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:59:37 +0200

Opera's browser for Android is stable enough that it has shed its beta label. The WebKit-based browser now has to overcome Google Chrome's domination on Android devices. Opera for Android was first shown off at Mobile World Congress back in February. The browser is completely different from Opera's previous Android browser, Opera Mini. While Opera Mini felt like a stripped-down version of a browser, Opera for Android feels like a complete, full-featured browser that can contend with Chrome. One similarity between the two Opera browser is their ability to compress web pages, speeding up the browser speed while minimizing data use. This is handy for users who have restrictive data caps. Opera made a dramatic move abandoning its Presto framework in favor of the WebKit engine. Now the company has come out and said it would support Google's fork of WebKit named "Blink" when it becomes available. Blink is basically a streamlined version of WebKit with a lot of unnecessary code removed. As of the writing of this article, Opera for Android has between 10-50 million installs and over 350,000 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5. [Source: TechCrunch | Download: Softonic]

Chrome 27 update brings performance boost, security patches [video]

Lewis Leong — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:32:30 +0200

Google has updated its Chrome browser to version 27 today, bringing a speed boost as well as security patches. The browser will now be about 5% faster overall because of "smarter behind-the-scenes resource scheduling." What this means is that the new scheduler will demote processes that don't interfere with critical assets. Chrome is already pretty quick but it's nice to see that Google isn't sitting on its laurels. There are also plenty of bug and security fixes for the browser in this release. Google paid over $14,000 as bounty for the users who discovered the security holes. A more technical update to Chrome comes in the form of the Sync FileSystem API, which lets developers sync data across different clients using Google Drive. The Sync FileSystem API works in conjunction with the HTML5 File API and FileSystem API. Lastly, there are some improvements to the spell checker, Omnibox rankings, and Omnibox predictions. This means your search queries in the Chrome Omnibar should show more relevant information with this release. UPDATE: Chrome 27 also brings the voice search function that Google showed off during its I/O conference last week. Users can now tap on the microphone icon at google.com to activate the voice search feature. Check out the video below to see how it works. [Source: The Next Web]

Everything you need to know about the Xbox One

Lewis Leong — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:44:37 +0200

The next generation Xbox has just been revealed. The Xbox One is a powerful console with an impressive amount of software updates and games. While previous versions of the Xbox focused on gaming, the Xbox One is more of a complete entertainment package. Microsoft's new mantra for the new Xbox is "All in One System," and "Simple, instant, and complete." Microsoft wants to control your living room entertainment experience and for the most part, it delivers. With exclusive deals with ESPN and the NFL, sports fans can look forward to watching live sports while managing their fantasy teams. There will also be support for watching live TV, though Microsoft didn't show exactly how this is achieved. The demo gave a quick look at the voice activated channel surfing of the Xbox One. Simply say the name of the network you want to watch, like "CBS" or "NBC" and the Xbox One will automatically switch to it.

Kinect voice and gesture controls

When the Kinect debuted, it seemed more like a tech demo than an actual product. With the release of the Xbox One comes a new version of Kinect. Every console will ship with the motion control and voice command device. The experience will be personalized as the Xbox will remember your face and voice, logging you into your own account immediately. Microsoft revealed new gestures that make multitasking with the Xbox One a reality. Previously, the Xbox 360 only allowed running one app at a time. With the Xbox One and Kinect sensor, users will be able to return to the home screen by simply grabbing and panning with their hands. Users can also wave left and right to navigate menus. There will also be a "Snap Mode" for the Xbox One, which is lifted straight out of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. This is how multitasking will be achieved with the new console. In the demo, Microsoft showed off how you can Skype with someone while watching TV and how you can watch live sports while managing your fantasy team on the side.

EA Sports: FIFA 14: Ultimate Team, NBA Live 14, Madden 25, UFC

We learned that the next FIFA game was coming to the next gen Xbox this morning but what we didn't know is that it would be an exclusive title. FIFA 14: Ultimate Team will be released exclusively on the Xbox One but details are scarce. During the event, EA Sports concentrated on showing off the new in-game engine that will be implemented across all of its games. There will be more contact between the character models, making the game look and feel more realistic. EA Sports also revealed that the new game engine would do four times more calculations per second than the previous version, which should help make characters act more realistically.

Forza Motorsport 5

Microsoft's flagship racing game is back. While Forza Horizon featured a more arcade-like driving game, Forza Motorsport 5 is a return to form of a true racing simulator. The brief video that was shown of the game was pre-rendered footage that looked really impressive. There were close up details of the lighting effects of pain, the wear and grit of a worn tire, and the detailed body work of the new car models. The only info we have about Forza Motorsport 5 is that it will be available at launch this year, with more details to come during E3.

Halo show

Steven Spielberg is making a live-action Halo TV show with 343 Industries. Enough said.

Call of Duty: Ghosts

The next Call of Duty game will be released on the new Xbox, as previously speculated. Previous leaks show that Ghosts will be a continuation of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 storyline, with Lt. Riley making his return. Activision seemed aware that gamers were becoming fatigued with generic Call of Duty games and took time to point out what's "all new" about Ghosts. They've hired Academy Award winner, Stephen Gaghan, to write the script, which should help with character development and the story. There will be a new world, new narrative, and new characters that you'll actually care about. They've also added a new dog character that will aid you on your missions. We also already knew that Call of Duty: Ghosts is coming out November 5th for the Xbox 360 and PS3. While Activision didn't reveal a solid release date for the game, we assume it should be coming out at the same time on November 5th.

No backwards compatibility

After the Xbox One event, an FAQ on Microsoft's site revealed that the new console will not support Xbox 360 games nor Xbox Live Arcade titles. If you want to keep playing old titles, you'll have to have your old console handy. The reason behind the incompatibility is the different architectures of the two consoles. The Xbox 360 features a PowerPC-based architecture while the new Xbox One will use the x86 architecture, similar to what Sony is using for their PlayStation 4. Microsoft responded to Engadget by saying, "We care very much about the investment people have made in Xbox 360 and will continue to support it with a pipeline of new games and new apps well into the future." The Microsoft rep continued, saying that the Xbox One was designed, "to play an entirely new generation of games -- games that are architected to take full advantage of state-of-the-art processors and the infinite power of the cloud."

Still a mystery

Microsoft has trumped Sony in the fact that it actually revealed their new console but details about both the Xbox One and PS4 are scarce. How exactly will the life TV functionality work? Will it require a cable box or will it function as one? What's new in Forza Motorsport 5? When will the console come out? Microsoft promises that the console will be released some time this year but there's no solid date. It's probably safe to assume that the Xbox One will be released during the holiday season, like the PS4. Microsoft will be at the E3 conference this year to reveal more information about the Xbox One so stay tuned for our E3 coverage.

Yahoo! redesigns Flickr, offers 1TB of free space

Lewis Leong — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:26:27 +0200

On Friday, Yahoo! invited press to an event in New York City for an announcement. There was speculation that the event would unveil Yahoo!'s acquisition of Tumblr but Yahoo! confirmed that news over the weekend. Instead, the event today announced a completely redesigned Flickr experience. The overall look and feel of Flickr has changed dramatically. Before, the old site showed a lot of white space with small thumbnails for photos. The new Flickr has virtually no white space, taking up the entire screen with tiled photos. The service looks similar to Google+ and Pinterest with large, flat looking UI elements. Photos look great if they're different sizes but will show up in a simple grid if your photos are all the same aspect ratio. Flickr still has great photo editing features, using Aviary's technology. When you're done editing, you can quickly share your photos via email, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Blogger. There's a new option to start a full screen slideshows right from the web. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any way to modify the slideshows with text or music. Some elements of the old Flickr are still around. Editing photos will take you to the same interface for batch editing that the old Flickr featured. Commenting on photos also takes you to the old, single photo viewing page. It seems that Yahoo! focused on changing the front-end of Flickr while the old backbone remains. Mobile apps for Android and iOS will be receiving an update soon with the all new redesign. The Android app "maintains your photos' original quality." This is a direct shot at Google, since the company only allows unlimited photo uploads at low resolution, and only 15GB of combined space for full resolution shots. Flickr, in comparison, will offer full resolution uploads and 1TB of space. In terms of pricing, the $24.99 yearly plan has disappeared since everyone will be getting 1TB for free. Those who want an ad-free experience will have to pony up $50 per year. There's also an option for 2TB of storage for $500 a year. [Source: Yahoo! | Wired] [Download: iOS | Android]

Google Hangouts Easter Eggs lets you change background colors, release ponies

Lewis Leong — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:28:43 +0200

Google's Hangouts messaging app already includes 850 different emoji icons but what if you want something a little different? Well you're in luck since the engineers at Google have built in some hilarious Easter Eggs into the app. To activate these, simply refer to the chart above. These commands are simple with a "/" followed by the command. For example, "/ponystream" unleashes a torrent of "My Little Pony" looking characters across your chat window."/bikeshed" will change your chat background to a random color. There's also the famous "KONAMI code," which lets you change your background to an cartoon landscape. My personal favorite is "/pitchforks," which unleashes an angry, pitchfork-wielding mob. To get rid of the Easter Eggs, simply close and re-open the chat window. Unfortunately these Easter Eggs don't work on the mobile version of Hangouts. If you want to try them out, you'll have to use the web or Chrome app. [Source: Moritz Tolxdorff (Google+)]

Google+ 4.0 for Android brings location sharing, better photo editing

Lewis Leong — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:54:14 +0200

Google+ received a ton of updates during Google I/O last week and some of those features are making their way to Google+ for Android. In this new version, users can look forward to location sharing as well as a ton of useful photo editing features. One of the most impressive things about the new Google+ is the amount of automation it offers for organizing and editing your photos. The "Auto Highlight" feature from Google+ on the web makes it to this version of Android, which allows Google to put together a selection of top shots from a photo album. Google uses algorithms to figure out which photos look best by examining blur, exposure, and faces. The "Auto Awesome" feature also makes an appearance on this version of Google+ for Android, letting users create animations or panoramas from multiple shots. While Auto Awesome is a bit gimmicky, "Auto Enhance" isn't. If you're not a photo professional, Auto Enhance works wonders by making a more vibrant and dynamic looking picture. There's also a ton of editing features baked right into the Android app for editing photos manually, courtesy of Google's acquisition of Snapseed. Location sharing is also new to the mobile app, letting your friends know your exact location, making it easy to meet up. Google takes your privacy seriously so your location will only be shared to the circles you want. Last by not least, hashtag integration in the stream will bring up related posts. You can get the updated Google+ for Android app in the download link below. [Source: Google Plus | Download: Softonic]

Official: Yahoo! buys Tumblr for $1.1 billion cash

Lewis Leong — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:51:30 +0200

On Friday, we reported on rumors that Yahoo! was in the process of acquiring Tumblr for close to $1 billion. Over the weekend, news broke that the deal has indeed gone through and that Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for a staggering $1.1 billion in cash. In a blog post written today, Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer promised not to "screw [Tumblr] up." Tumblr will continue to operate independently, meaning Tumblr CEO David Karp will get to keep his job. Mayer is optimistic about the acquisition, naturally, as it "could grow Yahoo!'s audience by 50% to more than a billion monthly visitors, and could grow traffic by approximately 20%."

First ever acquisition announced by animated gif :) @yahoo is acquiring @tumblr. finance.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-acq…#keepcalmandcarryon
— marissamayer (@marissamayer) May 20, 2013

In addition to increased traffic for Yahoo!, the company also gets a chance at capturing a younger audience with Tumblr's social network. Younger users are more likely to share and interact with content, giving Yahoo! a more youthful and active community. With this deal, Tumblr will also become Yahoo!'s new blogging platform. The corporate Yahoo! blog has already moved to yahoo.tumblr.com and the announcement of the Yahoo!/Tumblr acquisition featured an appropriate animated gif, something Tumblr is known for. [Source: Yahoo!]

Instagram Photos You're Tagged In feature goes live

Lewis Leong — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:19:05 +0200

About two weeks ago, Instagram released a new feature called "Photos of You," which allowed users to tag friends or themselves. The feature launched quietly and put all of your tagged photos in a section on your profile page, which could only be seen by you. Today, those photos you're tagged in will be visible by all who have access to your profile. For those who have private accounts, don't worry; your photos are still safe. Only people who you've allowed to flow you will have access to tagged photos of you. For people with public accounts, your tagged photos will be accessible by anyone. If you find an awful tagged photo of you, you can quickly set Instagram to hide photos you're tagged in until you approve of them. This is similar to Facebook's Timeline Review feature. If you want to see how Photos of You works, check out the video below. You can download Instagram for iOS and Android right here on Softonic. [Via: Softonic IT]

Yahoo! press event Monday, may announce $1 billion Tumblr acquisition

Lewis Leong — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:16:03 +0200

Yesterday, All Things D reported that Tumblr and Yahoo! may be working on a partnership or acquisition. With Tumblr's latest valuation at over $800 million, there are rumors that the acquisition would cost close to $1 billion. Today, CNBC tweeted that Yahoo! would be holding a "product-related news event" in New York City on Monday. Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer will be speaking at the event. Yahoo! has been aggressively reinventing itself with all new Android and iOS apps and a strategic partnership with Twitter. The acquisition of Tumblr could further Yahoo!'s evolution by providing the company with a new demographic: users 18-24 years of age. Yahoo! CFO, Ken Goldman, said that the company needed to be "cool again." Goldman goes on saying "One of our challenges is we have had an aging demographic. Part of it is going to be just visibility again in making ourselves cool, which we got away from for a couple of years." Yahoo! seems to be on a buying spree, with reports that the company is in talks to purchase Hulu. Recently, Yahoo! tried to buy the video streaming site, Dailymotion, but that deal fell through. The event on Monday will take place at 5PM EST. [Source: All Things D | The Verge | Image: Lewis Leong]

Electronic Arts abandons Wii U development

Lewis Leong — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:12:19 +0200

Nintendo fans have a bit of bad news today as EA has said it's not currently developing any games for the Wii U, though the company is open to developing for the console in the future. The latest console from Nintendo has been struggling to sell, especially with the lack of games. Now that EA, one of the biggest video game publishers, is abandoning development for the console, the future of the Wii U is uncertain. This news is in stark contrast to E3's partnership with Nintendo at E3 2011. CEO of EA John Riccitiello took to the stage and spoke enthusiastically about the Wii U.

"What Nintendo's new console delivers speaks directly to the players of EA Sports and EA Games. Nintendo's new console will produce brilliant high-definition graphics and new gameplay opportunities. We look forward to seeing great EA content on this new platform."

With EA abandoning development for the Wii U, major titles like Madden and FIFA won't be coming to the console. The Wii U isn't even listed for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto V game, which only supports PS3 and Xbox 360 for now. Still, not all hope is lost. The upcoming futuristic open-world game, Watch Dogs, is still heading to the Wii U. [Source: Kotaku | Image: Lewis Leong]

Windows 8.1, Google Hangouts and GT6 in the Softonic Minute

Niamh Lynch — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:35:11 +0200

Google Maps, Windows 8.1, Google Hangouts and Gran Turismo 6 in the Softonic Minute

Here's your Friday dose of this week's top news in the world of software.

Windows 8.1 has a release date. Microsoft has confirmed that on June 26, you’ll be able to download the first version. It will be a completely free update and could include features that users have been demanding since day one, like a start button.

Gran Turismo 6 confirmed. The driving simulator will go on sale at the end of the year for PS3. An official trailer has been released and this July, we’ll see an official demo.

Google reinvents Google Maps. Significant improvements were presented during the Google I/O developer’s conference and include the best features of Google Earth and a recommendations feature. The design is notably better and focuses on providing information that’s of use to you.

Google Hangouts can be downloaded. A new threat to Whatsapp and LINE was one of the major announcements at Google I/O. A multiplatform messenger that spans all the Google services, it also offers group videocalls. All that, and free.

For all these stories and more, click here.