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Augmented reality iPad app enhances Philadelphia Inquirer
The Philadelphia Inquirer is working with Augmented Reality specialists Aurasma to provide an enhanced version of their newspaper says a report in ITworld. The project would allow people to launch a custom iPad app built by Aurasma that would show animations, video and audio when it's pointed it at a printed copy of the newspaper. AR technology can be useful when used in the right context, but, as ITworld writer Keith Shaw points out, it's somewhat unnecessary to require people to have a printed newspaper and an iPad app. Instead, The Inquirier could roll all that interactive material into a dedicated iOS app or even a multimedia-rich webpage that doesn't need a printed copy of the paper.
Philly newsies to offer Archos Arnova 10 G2 tablet for $99 with subscription bundle
Taking a cue from other publications pushing tablet content, two major Philadelphia newspapers are offering discounted subscriptions bundled with a discounted device to read it on -- the Android-based Arnova 10 G2. The Philadelphia Media Network and Arnova will offer the tablet for $99 when purchased with a two-year digital subscription to The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News for $9.99 a month, or $129 for the year. That tally is substantially lower than the HK $1,680 (around $250) mark that the slate alone hit when it launched last month, but it's not apt to attract too much attention outside of Brotherly Love's favorite locale. So... which paper's lined up to play copycat? Check out the more coverage link after the break for some hands-on video with the tablet.
Xbox cited in trial of child-slaying father
Xbox is in the news this week, again linked to tragedy. During the opening hearing for Tyrone Spellman's murder trial we were reminded how Spellman beat his 17-month-old daughter Alayiah to death after she allegedly knocked his Xbox off of the shelf while he was playing Ghost Recon. "I thought it was broken. I popped her in the face," Spellman told police.Alayiah's death is one of several child slayings, at the hands of parents, recently profiled by the Philadelphia Inquirer in an effort to expose the Department of Human Services' failings. DHS workers had visited Alayiah's home twice during the month before she was murdered.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]See also:'Xbox Killers' get death
Another suit over GTA -- with good punchline
Under normal circumstances Grand Theft Auto lawsuits would make us yawn, but this one this one causes a yawn/chuckle, just wait for the punchline. The Philidelphia Inquirer reports that a man has filed a federal lawsuit against publisher Take-Two Interactive for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' simulated sex mod. John Robinson seeks damages because consumers weren't offered refunds for the game after the abhorrent scene was discovered. When Robinson learned of the "Hot Coffee" mod for the game, he confiscated the copy of GTA he purchased for his son ... now imagine what this child looks like in your mind's eye. Ready for the kicker? His son was 20 or 21 years-old at the time.
