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ICYMI: This power tool might save you from yourself
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: Shaper's Origin is designed to use augmented reality and an on-screen display to guide you through cutting wood pieces. And Australian National University researchers developed the most efficient solar receiver in the world. The chopstick piano video is here and the airship crashing in what looks like slo-mo; here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
Sky News launches on-demand hub for Sky+HD boxes
News programming isn't something you'd think a good fit for catch-up TV when up-to-date reporting is so readily available. That's why we were a tad puzzled to hear about Sky News' catch-up service launching today, probably because it's better described as a news content portal accessed via your Sky+HD box. With videos split into several categories, you can quickly take in the day's headlines and bulletins, visit the featured section for important stories and longer reports, and look specifically at happenings in the tech and "showbiz" worlds. You can also check on the weather, and delve into Sky News' archives to revisit important events, as well as catching a variety of weekly round-up shows, including some new ones. All things considered, it sounds like a pretty good idea as long as the interface is slick enough, bringing the browsing style of news consumption websites afford us into the living room.
Yahoo's spending spree continues: conference call and photo apps, Sky News streaming deal
After blowing $1.1 billion on Tumblr, we'd assumed that Yahoo would need a lie down in a darkened room while its accountants hunted around for more cash. Turns out that it was just the first in a raft of new deals, including several that the company has made in the last week. First up, the search firm has splashed out on free conference-calling service Rondee, which has been folded into Yahoo's small business team. Then there's GhostBird software, makers of iOS photography apps KitCam and PhotoForge, which will now be folded into Flickr's mobile offerings. Finally, Yahoo has signed up with the UK's Sky News to broadcast morning show Sunrise online, as well as the main Sky News feed during breaking news events. There's no word on how much this spending spree has cost, so we'll keep an ear out for any anguished screams emanating out of 701 1st Ave., Sunnyvale.
The Beatles finally coming to iTunes, according to Yoko Ono (update: EMI says not tomorrow)
Even more than in past years, the build-up to Apple's iPod event this Wednesday has been nothing if not a bevy of The Beatles / iTunes rumors -- the company even broke with its traditional Tuesday event date to have it instead on "09-09-09," the same day The Beatles Rock Band and a new box set are due to hit store shelves. Now it looks like we've heard it from none other than Yoko Ono herself, who in a now-pulled Sky News article confirmed that the Fab Four's headed for digital distribution. All that's left of the piece is a Google cache of the first sentence, so for the full skinny, it looks like we'll have to wait until tomorrow. Update: EMI is telling Financial Times that, while conversations are still going on, no announcements will be made tomorrow. Read - Yoko Ono reveals Beatles on iTunes Read - Google cache
Michael Jackson memorial service gets HDTV broadcasts around the globe by 1 p.m.
Today's broadcasts of Michael Jackson's memorial services have become s big of a television event as there has ever been, with networks domestically planning to cover the proceedings in high definition, but Sky News HD is following up on its broadcast of the Obama Inauguration by taking of the Sky Arts 1 HD channel again, and Cinedigm flicks on its digital distribution network, though not in 3D, it will air the memorial starting at 1 p.m. EST for free at theaters around the country. If not for anything else, this should extend even beyond Presidential Address' ability to compare the audio/video delivery capabilities of different networks, with CNN, Fox, ABC, Fox News, CBS, E! and more broadcasting, plus internet streams available from most (CNN, Sky, CBS, ABC are confirmed), plus Hulu and the StaplesCenter.com website itself. So let us know, which network will you be tuning to / avoiding this afternoon, or are you already switching back and forth with one gloved hand on the remote, comparing camera angles and contrast levels in detail?Update: A live HD stream from Microsoft & Canada's Inmusic.com is available and apparently not subject to geographic restrictions for those tuning in via desktop (Thanks, Aaron) Read - Jackson memorial live in high definition in movie theaters and on TV Read - World will watch Jackson memorial Read - Michael Jackson Memorial In High Definition Read - Media is all about Michael Jackson Read - Michael Jackson Memorial Coverage times / networks
Rumor: Sony announcing 40GB PS3 this week
Sky News is reporting that a 40GB model will soon be announced by Sony. According to an "electronic manufacturing news source" of theirs, Taiwanese manufacturer FoxConn will handle production of the unit, the same company that produces the PS2. Sky News goes on to speculate that the new console might lose "USB ports or backwards compatibility" to keep the model cheap.With no announcement made during Tokyo Games Show, Sky says the introduction could be made early this weak to "spoil" the Halo 3 launch. Well, that window seems to have passed as it's already evening in Japan. All we do know about the 40GB PS3 at this point is it's a rumor that just won't die.[Via NextGen]
