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Mozilla shows off Epic Citadel web version ported with Unreal Engine 3 (video)
Mozilla wants to quell any doubt that its Unreal Engine 3 Firefox port works well, so it's just released a demo browser version of Epic Citadel so you can see for yourself. The game was ported to Javascript using the technology, and will run in HTML5 on most browsers without any plugins -- though using the latest nightly build of Firefox is recommended. Epic says that the performance of such games "rivals native" with "stunning" visuals, and in a short test, we managed to get about 16fps on a reasonably equipped PC. Mozilla wants to recruit more developers to the new platform as part of its Emscripten project (see More Coverage link), but meanwhile you can grab the game at the source or see the video after the jump -- just don't count on wreaking any havoc, as the demo's strictly a scenic tour.
DevJuice: WebCode premieres, generates JavaScript+Canvas
As I've been working on a new book on iOS Quartz Drawing, I've been using PixelCut's PaintCode app pretty heavily. Today, a new PixelCut tool just hit the Mac App Store. WebCode (US$49.99) generates JavaScript+Canvas, CSS+HTML or SVG code on your behalf. If you've used PaintCode, WebCode will feel immediately familiar. Similar tools and same panes make the new app very much like the original. Instead of generating Objective C, however, you're presented with ready-to use Web source. The app just debuted, so I have only played with it a little bit. WebCode, I should note, supports Photoshop PSD import as part of its base features -- no in-app purchase needed.
Mozilla partners with Epic Games to bring Unreal Engine 3 to the web
Building on its recent advancements in JavaScript optimization, Mozilla has announced a partnership with Epic Games that will bring the Unreal Engine 3 to Firefox. Unlike the ill-fated InstantAction, this gives developers the opportunity to port high-end titles to the web without the use of plugins. Hardly content with enhancing desktop browser-based games, Mozilla is aiming to bring this experience to mobile devices -- but it's stopping short of providing any details beyond that. The company notes that it's currently working with major developers such as EA, ZeptoLab and Disney to bring optimizations to their existing titles. Mum's the word on when 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand will get the chance to soak browsers everywhere, but you can catch a video preview of something slightly less spectacular just after the break.
Firefox Nightly now packing OdinMonkey JavaScript optimization
Today, Firefox's Nightly channel received a pick me up in the form of its asm.js optimizer known as OdinMonkey. Baked into June's stable release of Firefox 22, this subset of Mozilla's rendering engine lets developers compile C or C++ to JavaScript by using Emscripten. This gives the code the potential to run within 2x its native performance. For those of you who've now gone cross-eyed, simply put this should give Firefox a hefty performance boost and open the door to more sophisticated browser-based games as well as faster web apps. For its inaugural offering, OdinMonkey is only available to Windows and Linux users, but the company says that OSX and ARM version are near completion.
Enyo arrives to Windows 8, WP8 and Blackberry 10 with version 2.2
Enyo originally came along from HP to help developers create resolution-independent webOS apps, but since version 2.0, it's become platform agnostic. While support for Windows 8 and WP8 through IE10 has been around for awhile, version 2.2 now brings packaged app creation for those OSes along with Blackberry 10 at the highest Tier 1 support level. The platform still requires native "container" software to package apps, with Enyo advising Visual Studio for Windows 8 and Cordova for WP8 and Blackberry 10. The company's swatted a few bugs and added contextual popups too, so if you're looking to get your JavaScript on, hit the source.
iPhoneDevSDK responds to attack
Yesterday, Apple disclosed it had been targeted by a malware attack. Apparently, related to a recent Facebook breach, Apple issued a statement regarding the situation: "The malware was employed in an attack against Apple and other companies, and was spread through a website for software developers. We identified a small number of systems within Apple that were infected and isolated them from our network. There is no evidence that any data left Apple. We are working closely with law enforcement to find the source of the malware." By the end of the day, Apple had released a security update addressing the breach. An AllThingsD write-up discovered the software developer website in question. It turned out to be the iPhoneDevSDK community. Today, iPhoneDevSDK responded: "What we've learned is that it appears a single administrator account was compromised. The hackers used this account to modify our theme and inject JavaScript into our site. That JavaScript appears to have used a sophisticated, previously unknown exploit to hack into certain user's computers...We're still trying to determine the exploit's exact timeline and details, but it appears as though it was ended (by the hacker) on January 30, 2013." The site, which only became aware of the situation after seeing the AllThingsD post, is now working with Facebook, the Vanilla forums host and law enforcement.
Apple issues Java security update and malware removal too, iTunes 11.0.2
Following today's widely reported breach of security affecting Apple's employees, 1 Infinite Loop has issued Java for OS X 2013-001, an update intended to address the issues leading to the hack. Aimed at Macs running OS X 10.7 and later, the download -- available now through Software Update/MAS -- updates Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_41. It also includes a new malware removal tool. In addition to the Java update, Apple has rolled out version 11.0.2 of iTunes via Software Update. This release lets users sort songs and other content by composer, improves app performance when syncing large playlists and fixes a bug that was preventing some purchases from appearing in users' libraries. It also brings with it the usual "stability and performance improvements" -- we love those things!
Safari-to-1Password search bookmarklet for iOS
1Password on iOS is the best way I've found to manage secure passwords, but the 4.0 version did not make it easy to search for passwords straight from Safari, iCab or another browser (well, not Chrome, which doesn't support bookmarklets). The recent 4.1 release added several bug-fixes and added two URL schemes: Added support for ophttp:// and ophttps:// URLs. To open 1Password from Mobile Safari, simply type "op" in front of the address. Added support for onepassword://search/search_text to open 1Password and perform search. Unfortunately, opening 1Password's browser from Safari (or iCab) isn't really what I want. I want to be able to use iCab and retrieve login information from 1Password. Generally what I want to do is search 1Password for the current domain, but it's not an exact science. For example, if I'm at "www.instapaper.com" I might want to search for "instapaper.com" or just "instapaper". I could have just thrown up an empty prompt, but I didn't want to type any more than I had to, and I still think it's easier to delete what is not necessary than type what is necessary. What I needed was a compromise. Instead of an empty prompt or just automatically searching for current domain, I decided to combine them, and put up a prompt showing the current domain information pre-filled, but editable. It works like this: 1) Tap the bookmarklet and JavaScript prompt will appear with the current domain name pre-filled in the editable area: 2) If you're happy with what's in the prompt area, just tap 'OK' (But in my example I'm going to assume I want to search for 'instapaper' instead of 'www.instapaper.com') 3) Once you have the search term you want, tap 'OK' and Safari will ask you to confirm if you want to open this in 1Password: After you tap 'Open', 1Password will open (prompting for your Master Password if necessary), and then search for the term. Voilà! You can find my bookmarklet at Github. (Again, please note that I don't know JavaScript very well, so I've pieced this together from other examples. If you can make suggestions on how to improve it, please do, either here or at Github.) Update 2013-02-11: Thanks to Duane Toler for suggesting an improvement in the comments below. I have updated the Gist so you will get his corrected version, which will search for the root domain (i.e. 'google.com' rather than 'www.google.com'). Note that the version in the comments has a mismatched quote, but the Github version does not. Remember, you'll need version 4.1 of 1Password on iOS for this to work. Other 1Password for iOS articles you might be interested in: 1) ios-browser-pw-integration: This is proof of concept code that shows how an iOS password management app (like 1Password) could use URL schemes and JavaScript bookmarklets to communicate with mobile Safari and Chrome to make it easier for users to fill in login forms on websites. 2) MacStories has some more information on using the new search terms, including a bookmarklet to open the current page from Safari in 1Password's internal browser.
Dune 2 ported to Javascript, play it for free in your browser
Dune 2 is a Westwood Studios game put together back in 1992, and it's probably best known for being the prototypical RTS, one of the first games to put together all of the elements that later led to the genre that made StarCraft and Command & Conquer so popular. An open-source recreation of the game was started up a few years ago, and that version has now been ported to HTML 5, which means the original can now be played online in your browser.This version is authentic, but t's obviously not as easy or user-friendly as you might expect from a more modern real-time strategy game. It's a nice trip down memory lane, or maybe just a free introduction to a piece of PC gaming history.
Moonbase offers up a visual editor for creating HTML5 animations, memes
HTML5 holds great potential for creating interactive in-browser experiences, but wielding its power typically requires assorted web design skills and a good handle on JavaScript. However, Jake Lodwick -- who had a hand in creating Vimeo and College Humor -- is making an effort to lower the barriers holding back internet denizens from crafting web-based animations. Moonbase, the first project of Lodwick's new company, Elepath, replaces hand coding with a visual editor that enables users to create animations with custom text, images, colors, movements and more. Results vary based on a user's prowess with the tool, but the founder envisions the service as a fertile spawning ground for memes. Moonbase even has support for sharing animations, and the option to fork existing creations, allowing users to put their own spin on works of art. The service is free in its current state, but Elepath is contemplating charging for tools aimed at pros. Hit the jump for a video of the service in action or click the neighboring source link to give Moonbase a go.
Internet Explorer flaw may let ad firms track mouse input, Microsoft says that will change
Many of us already complain that web ads follow us too closely. You can understand why Internet Explorer users might be nervous, then, when Spider.io claims that the ads are even tracking their mouse movements. A JavaScript hole in Internet Explorer 6 through 10 reportedly lets intruders follow along with the onscreen pointer, regardless of whether or not the browser is the active app. That could easily prove a security risk for anyone using a virtual keyboard, including some tablet owners. Microsoft has confirmed that it's investigating and plans to "adjust this behavior," although it takes issue with Spider.io both focusing on IE and decrying two ad analytics firms that are supposedly exploiting the flaw today. The Redmond team argues that other browsers have "similar capabilities" and that Spider.io has ulterior motives, being an ad analytics firm itself -- it allegedly wants to knock down two competitors that it doesn't think are playing fair. We've asked Spider.io for its reaction and will get back if we're told more. In the meantime, don't be too alarmed when the vulnerability would likely only work with detailed knowledge of the target PC.
Microsoft pins Windows Store app purchase exploits on insecure code
Attention has swirled around what, at least initially, looks to be a surefire way to pirate Windows Store apps: as a warning to developers, Nokia engineer Justin Angel has detailed how at least some Windows 8 apps can be hacked to avoid paying for full versions or in-app purchases, and even strip out ads in free titles. Several apps he tested are stored in such a way that that it's easy to modify apps' data files and Internet Explorer 10 requests. According to a Microsoft spokesperson we contacted, however, many of the vulnerabilities are common to any app store, and supposedly thwarted with the right code. The company points to a recent Dev Center document emphasizing Windows 8's optional app receipt system, which can require any transaction be validated on the developer's server. Programmers can also mask content or move the more valuable material to the internet, Microsoft says in the note. While we're wondering why safeguards like receipts aren't mandatory, we wouldn't immediately fret if our livelihood depended on the Windows Store -- at least, not if we were careful. Read Microsoft's full statement after the break.
Google Drive adds site publishing, won't quite replace your Geocities page
The hit parade of Google Drive updates continues. As of today, account holders can publish web content to their Drive storage in a public folder accessible from any browser; it can even host JavaScript for those who want to run web apps from their personal space. Lest we rush to toss out our existing web hosts, however, Google has some inherent ground rules. Content has to be static, and any links to other pages or files in the folder need a special approach to show web addresses that make sense to mere humans. As such, Google Drive won't quite relive the glory days of 1998 and simple web tools; at least we can still add a permanent "under construction" GIF.
More options for programming on iOS
Yesterday I posted about Python on the iPhone, and how cool it was to be able to put code together right on an iOS device. We've previously posted about Codea a few times, but since yesterday, I've heard about a few other good options for writing and running code inside of an iOS app. First up, Pythonista is an app that a few people recommended to me -- it's an iPad app that also includes a Python interpreter, and has a number of modules built in and ready to go to help you assemble prototypes and apps quickly. Pythonista can even export directly to Xcode on a Mac, so you can put together an app on the iPad, and then bring it over to the desktop to get it ready for eventually even publishing it. The app looks great -- it's available on the App Store for US$4.99 right now. And today, word is going around about an app called ScriptKit, which uses a very interesting drag-and-drop interface to put together apps in what looks like Javascript, which can then be run and exported from your iPad. You'll still need some code knowledge to put apps together (and familiarity with APIs might help too, it sounds like), but the idea with ScriptKit is to keep users away from the iPad's keyboard completely, instead just swiping and dragging around the screen to assemble code. That is fascinating, and it's one reason why I'm so excited about the possibilities of using a device like the iPad for actual app creation. Apple's built a great marketplace for apps, and with the popularity of the iPhone and the iPad, it's created a huge userbase of people ready to spend money to support them. Right now, there's still a fairly large wall of knowledge required to put an app together. But with new interfaces like ScriptKit (which is free, with an in-app purchase of $19.99 for full functionality), we're moving closer and closer to the point where anyone with a really great idea will have the chance to drag some code together and make something really useful and cool. [via MacStories.net]
Jolicloud Open Platform arrives, lets developers put most any cloud service into one hub
Jolicloud has portrayed itself as a sort of one-stop shop for cloud services and web apps, where a single sign-in keeps us on top of everything. It's mostly been limited to big-league content as a result, but that's changing with the new Jolicloud Open Platform. Developers now just have to build JavaScript-based Node.js components that hook their own apps, media and storage into the same central Jolicloud repository we'd use to manage Instagram and Tumblr. More details and full documentation are forthcoming, although the "open" in Open Platform leads us to think there won't be many technical (or financial) barriers to entry.
Google toasts Dart's one-year anniversary with first stable SDK (video)
It's not a real birthday party without a present, so Google has just pulled the wraps off the first stable version of the Dart structured programming language, one year after it was launched. Along with "thousands" of bug fixes, the rejuvenated version will have a faster virtual machine, new JavaScript translator, HTML, server-side I/O and interoperable JavaScript libraries, the Pub package manager and Dartium, a Chromium build with native Dart support. Mountain view promised to keep the improvements coming "while maintaining backward compatibility" for the language, so if you feel frisky enough to jump JavaScript's ship, check the source below (or video after the break) to see how to grab it.
Firefox 16 final launches with Reader on Android, VoiceOver on Macs and web app support
Mozilla knows how to keep on the fast track. Just weeks after the Firefox 16 beta first showed, the finished version is ready and waiting. Surprises are few if you were an early adopter, although the update still has some welcome changes for the right audiences. Mozilla is most keen to talk about preliminary web app support for the Mozilla Marketplace, but you'll also find device-specific additions like a Reader Mode for the Android flock and VoiceOver support automatically switched on for Macs. More responsive JavaScript and on-by-default Opus audio playback give existing surfers extra reasons to upgrade. Firefox 16 is immediately available through all the usual channels, so hit the relevant source link if you're ready to live on the not-quite-bleeding edge.
Google adds mouse lock to stable Chrome 22 for 3D shooter mavens
Google's fast-track approach to updating Chrome gives a different theme to each update: last time, it was all about visual acuity. For the just launched Chrome 22 stable version, the focus swings to gaming. Web apps can now lock in the mouse control for first-person shooters, simulations and other 3D content that needs the full attention of the pointer during play. Not keen on action games through the browser? There's still some fine-tuning in place for those who live on the cutting edge, including Windows 8 users and Retina MacBook Pro owners. The update may already be sitting on your computer if you're running Chrome; if not, you can get your gaming-friendly fix (and the security notes) through the source links.
Adobe Edge swells to include Tools & Services, streamlines the designer web
Adobe really wants web designers to kick things up a notch. Not satisfied with where Edge has gone so far, it just released a full-fledged Edge Tools & Services suite to cover the bases for polished desktop and mobile pages on most any modern platform. Motion tool Edge Animate (formerly Edge Preview), automated previewing tool Edge Inspect (formerly Shadow) and mobile app packager PhoneGap Build have all arrived in the suite as version 1.0 releases, and come with both Edge Web Fonts as well as TypeKit to spruce up text. A pair of pre-release utilities, Edge Code (Brackets) and Edge Reflow, are also joining the group to tackle the nitty-gritty of editing web code and layouts. Any of the apps will readily cooperate with third-party software, although they won't always be cheap: while most of the Edge suite is free to use in at least a basic form as long as you have a Creative Cloud membership at any level, Edge Animate is only free during its initial run and should eventually cost either $15 per month or $499 in a one-time sale. For pros that want to burnish their corner of the web to a shine, the result just might be worth the expense.
Google releases Course Builder, takes online learning down an open-source road
Google is well-known for projects with unexpected origins. It's almost natural, then, that the code Google used to build a web course has led to a full-fledged tool for online education. The open-source Course Builder project lets anyone make their own learning resources, complete with scheduled activities and lessons, if they've got some skill with HTML and JavaScript. There's also an avenue for live teaching or office hours: the obligatory Google+ tie-in lets educators announce Hangouts on Air sessions. Code is available immediately, although you won't need to be grading virtual papers to see the benefit. A handful of schools that include Stanford, UC San Diego and Indiana University are at least exploring the use of Course Builder in their own initiatives, which could lead to more elegant internet learning -- if also fewer excuses for slacking.
