Although the new Xbox One is a little more pricey than expected ($499), there’s more than meets the eye, providing some serious next-generation innovations that no one else is doing right now.  From the Kinect camera to the live TV integration, Microsoft’s new system offers a lot of “firsts” for gaming.

Design wise, the chassis isn’t anything spectacular.  The polished front of the console contains only a slot-loading disc drive, which Blu-ray discs now, and on the rear houses eight different connectivity ports. The most exciting of those eight connections is the HDMI In. This is where Microsoft makes the Xbox One truly an all-in-one device. When combined with the HDMI Out, this input port allows for pass-through technology that can take over a cable box signal. And we’re talking real live TV here. Gone are the days of having to constantly switch inputs to flip between video games and TV. Now, with the Xbox One’s triple-layered operating system, flipping back and forth is very simple.

This instant switching functionality, which is a camera sensor that gamers are going to enjoy using, is built into the new Kinect.  The Xbox One also comes with this 1080p Kinect, right out of the box.  With everyone now owning a connect, considering it’s now included, more developers are going to take advantage of its next-generation functionality and make their games compatible with the sensor.  Kinect can process a massive 2GB of data per second and track up to six skeletons at once. Microsoft’s Time-of-Flight technology also measures the time it takes photons to rebound off of a person or object.

The new controller is not bad either.  With over 40 new innovations, its refined dual analog sticks are the most important. Not only are these two joysticks sleeker and smaller than the ones on the Xbox 360 controller, both contain a grippy micro-texture.  MS has also added add impulse triggers to the Xbox One controller’s left and right analog shoulder buttons. Not all Xbox One game demos have implemented this new technology, but the system’s tech demos prove that it’s a worthy refinement.  The controller is even more comfortable now, and with new contoured handles that fit a wider variety of hand sizes.

Microsoft is touting the size and scalability of its next-generation games as proof that cloud and internet connected gaming isn’t just a requirement, it’s a necessary evolution. Offloading the system’s processing power to Microsoft’s server gives developers the ability to create better, more complex games.  The “One” also has a lot of horsepower to make its games and entertainment experiences really spectacular.

More Xbox One reviews to come when production models hit stores in November for $499…

Check out the video…

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The new Duracell Powermat PowerSnap Kit for iPhone 5 now gives your “5″ device wireless charging, bringing an inductive charging system that’s a “Snap” to use.  It’s the same technology used with Duracell’s 24-Hour Power System for the iPhone 4, however, the PowerSnap ushers in a new design, compatible with Apple’s Lightning Connector.  The new PowerSnap  also has a snap-on battery pack that turns it into one of the few battery-case solutions available on the market for the iPhone 5.

Feature-Set
The PowerSnap kit contains two pieces: a removable SnapBattery and a snap-on AccessCase.  The SnapBattery is a battery pack that attaches to the case for mobile power, while the snap-on AccessCase is a light and thin plastic frame that adds wireless charging capability to the iPhone 5.  The AccessCase comes apart into two pieces.  The top part looks a lot like your typical plastic snap-on case, while the bottom piece houses the Lightning Connector and slot for the 3.5mm headphone jack. The bottom portion also snaps in and out pretty easily, which is cool for installation. 

On the back of the AccessCase slides and snaps the SnapBattery, and together the kit measures a thin 5.36 by 2.41 by 1.15 inches and a feathery 4-ounces.  On the back of the SnapBattery are four LED indicators and a Power button, along with a spring-loaded door that covers a micro USB port for charging both the iPhone and battery.

Functionality
To charge, you place the AccessCase-clad iPhone 5 or the SnapBattery on a Duracell Powermat to charge. The magnetic attraction helps guide the accessories into place and a chime lets you know it’s charging. You can charge the two pieces separately, or together with the SnapBattery attached to the AccessCase.  Syncing must be done wirelessly, and you’ll have to supply your own Duracell Powermat accessory, which runs around $34.99 for one device and $69.99 for three devices.

Bottom-Line

The PowerSnap Kit, along with the SnapBattery attached, is basically a battery case for the iPhone 5, which, based on our testing, were able to gander around 5 1/2 hours of talk time, which is pretty decent. The fact that the PowerSnap Kit adds inductive charging is a very premium bonus because if you’ve ever used a wireless charging setup, you’re probably familiar with the fact that it makes charging a mobile device, effortless. Duracell is right at the forefront of an inductive charging revolution.  Many big phone manufacturers, (including Nokia and HTC), have been gearing up their breadth of offerings with wireless charging for a couple of years now, and inductive charging stands to be the charging solution for the near future for most mobile devices.

The Duracell PowerMat PowerSnap Kit comes in white and black, and you can purchase it for around $99.99 at select retailers. 

Check out the video review by SethFitzgeraldHD….

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Sungale recently released the latest generation of the Cloud TV box, model STB370 also known as the “G2 Cloud TV Box”, a TV Set Top Box also known as a Smart TV Box that provides Internet TV content, streaming video content, Android applications, browser, video chat, multimedia player and more, all for free without any contracts or subscription fees.  Physically speaking, the G2 Cloud TV is a simple looking black box with a host of connections including Ethernet, HDMI, AV outs，a trio of USB ports, a mini SD card slot and a DC power connection.  Included with the TV box are a power supply, a U-wand remote, HDMI cable, AV cable, and a quick start guide.

Powering and setup are pretty simple. The home screen is user friendly as functions are separated conveniently into sections so they’re easy to understand. The home screen has a much more attractive look to it than other boxes will tend to look more bland. Because it has Android on-board, many of the navigation items will be familiar if you’re a Google mobile OS user. Navigation is laid out pretty well, and it’s also pretty responsive thanks to the U-wand remote control. It’s the first time I have seen this sort of remote control specifically for a Smart TV Box and it is very well suited for this sort of device.

Regarding Internet TV, most of the content includes recent shows, video clips and webisodes of a lot of the shows you might want to watch. The Cloud TV, does do a pretty good job of getting a variety of content into one place. 

In addition to internet TV, the G2 Cloud TV Box has various streaming video content offered as well including Netflix, YouTube, Crackle, and several others. Some of these like Netflix will need a paid membership to login and access their content. Video quality is way above average. Its 1080p setting displays sharp images, including the menus, and when you plug in your own content, it’s very high quality, thanks to the included hardware 1080p decoding.  

The G2 Cloud TV Box also offers several different preinstalled Android applications including Angry Birds, Twitter, Facebook, and Skype, to name a few and if you have your own personal favorites, they can be downloaded using Google’s Play Store. For those who like video chatting, a webcam can be plugging into one of the USB ports and you can video conversations right in front of your television.

At the bottom of the home screen are other functions available which include a browser for surfing the internet and a multimedia player. Just throw in an external drive with music, movies, or photos, and the G2 Cloud TV Box will play or display them quite nicely. There is a news feature where you can access several different news media providers to get the latest news updates and a weather feature where you can get your local daily weather forecast in one click. For family enjoyment there are a couple of fun folders to choose from. One has many popular Android games that are ready to be installed and enjoyed and the other folder focuses on education by offering applications that are geared toward learning for children.

If you at any point encounter difficulties or might not be sure how to access a feature or function, there is a Q&A and tutorial section which include videos as well, which will help solve or answer them.

Round-up

The Cloud TV is a pretty nice option for those looking for an Smart TV Box that has more to offer than just streaming content. It benefits from running on an Android OS, and it’s easy to find niche apps. If you like the idea of an Android-based TV Box for your television, the sturdy G2 Cloud TV box should fit the bill.

You can purchase the Sungale STB370 Cloud TV box for $139.99 through Skymall, here

Check out the video….

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Now practice, play and record guitar and bass on any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac, with superior digital quality sound

May 30, 2013 — IK Multimedia, a leader in mobile music creation apps and accessories, is proud to announce that iRig® HD, the highly anticipated guitar and bass premium digital interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, is now available from electronic and music retailers worldwide. Guitar players around the globe can now plug into their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac, and rock out with studio quality sound. The new iRig HD also comes with IK’s AmpliTube App and software for a complete “out of the box” playing experience.

iRig HD is a high-quality, compact digital interface designed so that guitar and bass players can easily plug their instrument into an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, and rock out with studio quality digital sound. iRig HD features a compact ultra-slim design, fits in any gig bag, backpack, computer case or pocket, and comes with interchangeable adapter cables to provide universal device compatibility. As with many other IK accessories, iRig HD is manufactured in Italy using only premium components and rigorous quality standards.

Lightning compatible — all cables included

iRig HD is a Lightning compatible mobile guitar interface that comes with all the cables you need to make the right connections with your devices.  It is a simple “plug in and play” interface, featuring a 1/4” instrument input jack, and plugs directly into the digital input of any iPhone or iPad via the included cables. Not only is the iRig HD perfect for mobile guitarists, but players can also use iRig HD with a laptop or desktop Mac computer, thanks to the included USB cable.

Supports your favorite mobile music-making apps

While iRig HD offers great performance with any digital audio processing app, it comes with the AmpliTube App, a superior sounding “ready to go” expandable guitar rig complete with virtual effects pedals, amplifiers, speakers and a recorder, plus four new virtual amps and effects available exclusively for HD users. AmpliTube FREE can be greatly expanded via in-app purchase with the entire range of AmpliTube apps including officially licensed versions based on Fender®, Jimi Hendrix™ and Slash sounds.  Guitar and bass players now have the widest range of amplifiers and effects at their fingertips with over 55 outstanding mobile gear models for jamming and recording on the go. iRig HD is class compliant, so it can be used with any mobile app, like Apple’s GarageBand, that supports digital audio processing.

Supports your favorite studio setup

Not only is iRig HD the perfect interface for guitar and bass players on the go, it can also be used on Mac laptops and desktops and take advantage of the superior processing power of the Mac OS platform. For Mac users, iRig HD comes with AmpliTube Custom Shop**, IK’s free amp and effects application and DAW plug-in, which allows players to choose from hundreds of top quality amplifiers and effects from world’s top manufacturers like Fender®, Ampeg®, Orange®, and Soldano®. Players can purchase this gear à la carte, as they need it, thus creating a truly customizable software rig.

Plus, exclusively for iRig HD users, AmpliTube Metal**, the definitive collection of the world’s best high-gain amps and distortion stomp boxes for every imaginable metal tone, is also included for free. AmpliTube software can be used as a standalone amp and effects processing powerhouse, or as a plug-in with many popular digital audio workstation (DAW) programs, such as GarageBand or Logic.

iRig HD at a glance:

• High-quality instrument-level 1/4” Hi-Z input jack

• Detachable cables for Lighting, 30 pin and USB connector compatibility

• Preamp gain control


• High-quality, low-noise, high-definition preamp


• High-quality 24 bit A/D conversion

• Powered by the iOS device or USB

• Ultra-compact and lightweight


• Comes with AmpliTube FREE* app plus 4 new HD exclusive gear models – The Metal 150, the Metal W, the Wharmonator “whammy” pedal and the X-Flanger

• Comes with AmpliTube Custom Shop and AmpliTube Metal** software for Mac laptops & desktops

Price and availability

iRig HD is available now from music and electronics retailers worldwide, and costs $99.99/€79.99 (excluding taxes). For a complete set-up, also check out the other IK mobile products including the iKlip™ iPhone and iPad supports for stage and studio, the soon-to-be-released iRig® BlueBoard wireless foot controller and the iLoud® range of musicians’ portable speakers.

*Download from the App Store^SM. Four free gear models are available after an iRig HD is plugged into the device. **Register and download from the IK Multimedia web site.

For more information:

www.irighd.com

www.amplitube.com/studio

www.ikmultimedia.com

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Is your Web site traffic growing dramatically? Are you concerned about the cost and administrative issues associated with running your own server, but tired of the performance issues that often come with shared hosting? Perhaps it’s time to consider virtual private server (VPS) hosting. Linux, in particular, offers an an affordable, flexible product. Here is what you need to know.

What Is VPS hosting?

VPS hosting is a compromise between shared hosting and having a dedicated server all of your own, according PCWorld. With VPS, you have your own dedicated portion of a server, with your own slice of memory, bandwidth and processing capability. Therefore, you don’t have the potential service issues that exist with shared hosting when one user sees a dramatic spike in traffic.

Advantages t​o VPS hosting

Advantages to moving to VPS hosting from shared hosting include faster load times, a greater capacity for customization and more control of your domains and Web sites. With VPS, you’re no longer subject to performance issues based on the other accounts sharing your server. Switching to VPS makes sense if your sites receive 1,000 or more pageviews per day, since VPS ensures consistent site performance for your website visitors. Cost is also a factor. In general, VPS is more expensive than shared hosting but considerably less than renting a dedicated server. In general, shared hosting will cost around $3 to $5 per month, VPS $15 to $20 per month, and a dedicated server more than $100 per month.

What is Different About Linux?

Linux VPS is available via a number of Web hosting companies, such as Host Gator, Inter Server and Dream Host. Prices start at around $10/month for 300 MB of RAM and increase based on the amount of RAM required. The prime features of Linux virtual hosting packages are unlimited domains, unlimited emails, a dedicated help desk, and an easy-to-navigate admin panel. Many web hosting companies offer a variety of Linux virtual hosting packages, based on the amount of RAM and the amount of customization desired.

Linux virtual hosting is considerably less expensive than Windows VPS, its closest competitor. Since Linux is an open-source program and doesn’t require a licensing fee, most VPS plans can be offered with Linux for less. Linux also offers a wider choice of control panel options, including the popular cPanel, which is only available with Linux, according to HostReview.

Security is always a concern with hosting. Linux virtual hosting is no more vulnerable than similar products, and they offer a dedicated support site for updates and suggestions on how to best configure your VPS to minimize any security risk.

The Bottom Line

Linux virtual hosting is one of the hottest hosting products available on the market today. Their VPS hosting packages offer increased control, security and performance to small and medium-sized web companies, companies that previously had to rely on capriciousness of shared hosting or pay the premium for a dedicated server. Clearly, Linux is filling a void in the market.

Have you or your business used Linux VPS? What do you think are the pros and cons? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The post Linux VPS: Why This VPS Is Gaining Momentum appeared first on BestStuff.com.

The Royal Vegas Online Casino App will give you access to the best casino games, free of charge. The app is easy to download, simple and fun to use, and could be your gateway to an exciting online community where bonuses are plenty and games are exhilarating.

If you like to have your online entertainment close at hand, then the Royal Vegas app is perfect for you. You can get all your casino entertainment in a compact version suitable for your mobile phone or tablet. The download is free and the games are all free. You will have access to a range of games, including video poker, table games and slots. There is no need to worry about buying credits, unless you want to play for Real Money.

If you do decide to take the Real Money plunge, Royal Vegas will welcome you with a bonus of up to 1,200* free. The New Player Welcome Bonus is broken into three deposit-based parts:
You will get a 100% match bonus on your first deposit, up to 250 free*
You will get a 25% match bonus on your second deposit, up to 200 free*
You will get a 50% match bonus on your third deposit, up to 750 free*

Find the Royal Vegas app in the Google Play store, and get fun on the go, in an instant!

*All values are available in the following currencies: GBP, EUR, USD, CAD and AUD.

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A half-billion personal computers populated homes and businesses across the globe just a decade ago, reports the NY Times. Now the once-revered PC may be lumped into the same category of extinction as the phone booth, cassette and typewriter.

Research firm IDC reports that PC shipments plummeted 14 percent since last year, a rate double their predicted decline. But IT research and advisory firm Gartner Inc. forecasts 665 million tablets in use by 2016.

As mobile devices and PCs cross paths toward two different trajectories, consumer demand suggests the dynamic nature of cloud computing’s online data backup is helping to seal the fate of the older technology.

The Limitations of PCs

PCs keep consumers and businesses anchored to old habits in more ways than one. Confined virtually and physically to one location’s online connections, PC mobility limits user access.

Sharing data requires additional layers of backup with local storage devices like flash drives and hard drives, which can be easily lost. If something happens to the physical computer or storage device, valuable data is equally at risk.

Personal computers may also show their age through less intuitive interfaces. Updates are not always automatic. Installations and application removals require multiple steps through command prompts.

PC-compatible software can become an added expense for users and businesses. Just one install of Microsoft Office can cost $140 or $110 per application. Multiply those costs for a business with multiple desktop computers and operation costs can spike.

Another factor holding the PC back is its inability to distinguish itself among mobile and cloud innovations. Windows 8 fell short for many PC lovers. The platform was chided for mimicking the touchscreen technology and interface of tablets while getting rid of the functionality that built the Microsoft empire.

The Advantages of Cloud Computing

The “cloud” may be a euphemism for the Internet, but developers are using it to leverage mobile device functionality to rival the standby PC. Smartphones, tablets, and even cloud-based creations like the Samsung Chromebook give users the ability to access documents or programs from their browser.

Mobile technology’s cloud computing means users don’t have to endure expensive software purchases or updates. They can access apps like Google Drive freely to share and update data with other users. Updates are automatic, occurring in real time.

This portability has made the consumer’s voice louder. With social media platforms on-the-go, consumers are empowered with decision and influence on the commercial market to create conversations about their likes.

While businesses may have been a refuge for PCs, their desire for flexible, cost-effective IT solutions has them following consumers to the cloud. Software as a service (SaaS) enables businesses to access applications via web browser.

Approximately 40 percent of customer relationship management (CRM) systems use SaaS to tap into consumer behavior to identify lead opportunities quickly and effectively, according to a report from Forbes.

McKinsey reports a staggering 80 percent of big businesses in North America are using or considering cloud computing. These companies see the potential of cloud computing for businesses and seek ways to mitigate potential IT risks to capitalize on the technology.

Cloud computing may not be without its unknown variables but when factoring in its mobility, business scalability, and functionality, the PC could become a mere stepping stone in technology’s evolution.

Dinosaur photo from Flickr user nerissa’s ring.

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Infographic by CJ Pony Parts

Every city has a story and many residents never explore their own hometown before they move. Staycations are a great opportunity to have a vacation without killing your budget. CJ Pony Parts recently published the infographic below visualizing the benefits of a staycation and few ideas how you can have a successful one. To start planning your staycation, check out the following sites to find great deals and exciting adventures in your own backyard.

Especially if you reside in a large city, adventures can be limitless. Target has a list of community events that families can enjoy together. Many of the activities are free or discounted. An example for those who live near Chicago, Target is sponsoring a free Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park. Most local newspapers and radio stations have a list on their sites. CityPass, a great site to find deals, offers 50 percent off combined prices of various must-see attractions in eleven major cities. Before blocking off those vacation days, research when activities are near your area.

Consider a bed and breakfast or fancy local resort to visit for a relaxing and distressing staycation. Many people pay thousands of dollars to go to a resort on a far away island but never travel outside of the resort. You can save money on travel and still get the feeling of peace and seclusion at a local resort. Treat your staycation like an actual vacation. Hype up the kids and start a countdown.

Living Social Deals is a great resource to find discounted escapes and adventures in your own state. Discuss various activities with your spouse and kids. Let each choose a must-have activity. Groupon is another local deals site. Sign up to receive emails with the best deals in your area. If you plan ahead of time, this is a great way to assure you get the adventures you want at the very best price.

Since you will be saving money not traveling, you can feel guilt free spending a little extra money at a museum souvenir shop or buying an extra scoop of ice cream. Little benefits like these can make a big difference in enjoying a staycation. If you stay at home, still treat your staycation as a real vacation. Work and cleaning should be on hold. Your week off should not be spent catching up with laundry and setting up armadillo traps. The benefits of a staycation lie in your freedom to have fun with your family and rejuvenate your senses without breaking the bank.

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What does the future of cars look like to you? Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award for 2013 went to the Tesla Model S—an electric car. The company was often seen as too concept-driven to be viable as a major car manufacturer. Such a perception is fading away, as is evident from the recent award, and it is indicative of the speed at which technological advancement is taking place.

What seemed futuristic only a few years ago is quickly becoming commonplace by today’s standards. This change is even discernible in the buy here pay here venue of used car dealerships with SmartWay vehicles. The fact of the matter is that manufacturers and consumers are becoming both increasingly eco-friendly and accustomed to advanced technology. Consumers are even beginning to take certain features for granted that, only a few years ago, would never have been something many new owners would expect to have in their car.

A Greener Car

The EPA estimates that half of the air pollution is America is caused by automobiles burning fossil fuels, National Geographic notes. Regardless of the consequences this may have in terms of altering the planet’s climate, everyone can agree that such a smoggy state of affairs is far from ideal. Furthermore, the cost of gasoline has become a massive burden for many Americans. This is due to many reasons, but the two primary culprits are the rapid growth of emerging economies—especially China—and, according to Mother Jones, the decrease of easily accessible oil available in reserves. In other words, demand is increasing and the supply of cheap oil is dwindling.

While most car manufacturers are not eager to go electric, they do recognize the benefit of pursuing technologies that will make each drop of gasoline count. Hybrids such as the Ford C-MAX can squeeze 100 miles out of a gallon of gas, while cars such as the Chevy Volt do not even use gasoline until the driver has traveled an EPA-estimated 38 miles. Even if consumers are only driving these cars to save at the pump, the benefits to the environment are massive.

A Smarter Car

With an increasingly connected lifestyle, the need for mobile Internet service has become paramount to many younger individuals. In a recent survey, 30% of those in the 18-24 age group said that they would choose having Internet access over possessing a car, according to Wired. It is this essential aspect of modern life that may lead to the “Internet of Cars.”

With recent systems, such as the MyFord Touch, consumers are beginning to get a picture of what the smart car of the future will look like. In the past, if one wanted to update their navigation system, they would have had to purchase the hardware to do so. With the MyFord Touch, however, the hardware is already in the car. The consumer need only install the software in order to have a better navigation system, more music options and the ability to search out where to find the best Thai without having to play with their phone while speeding down the highway.

This latter aspect is crucial, as it means, on top of everything else, a less distracted driver. Furthermore, as smart cars become more interconnected, they will be able to share information that will ultimately benefit drivers and keep them safe. For example, if the car is coming up on a red light too quickly, the smart car can send an alert message to the driver to tell him to slow down, notes Car and Driver.

While these features may make cars safer on the road, the possibility of having your car hacked is very real, and could become one of the biggest problems for carmakers. Between malware that can affect vital systems, such as your brakes, and some hacker’s ability to manipulate your key fob, there are multiple problems that will need to be addressed before all consumers fully embrace the smart car.

A Signing Car

The driver interface system for the Hyundai HCD-14 doesn’t require drivers to touch anything. Instead, it relies on 3-D hand gesture recognition, Motor Trend notes, which allows drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road. The system was recently revealed at the 2013 Detroit auto show, and has certainly turned some heads. While this may not be as futuristic as a self-driving car, it is a technology that already exists, and it is one that will certainly become standard within the coming years.

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By Tim Kridel for Digital Innovation Gazette

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