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Pre-order Persona 4 Golden for a Vita skin
By now, you know to expect a lovely artbook and/or soundtrack as a pre-order bonus with any new Atlus game. That's just what Atlus wants you to think, and then it shocks you with a Vita skin! Surprise!The "limited" pre-order bonus for Persona 4 Golden is the above Vita skin, along with eight Persona 4 Golden Vita wallpapers that line up nicely with said protective skin. The game (and the skin) are due this fall.%Gallery-162635%
Cell-infused 'spray-on-skin' helps leg ulcers heal more quickly
Spray-on medical solutions packed with cells certainly seem to be catching on. A new study published in The Lancet highlights a spray infused with skin cells and blood clotting proteins that helps leg ulcers heal quicker. Normally, the open wounds only undergo a compression bandage treatment and typically heal after six months. Patients who were also spritzed with the cell-imbued solution, however, experienced a rapid decrease in ulcer sizes soon after being treated. Three months into the regimen, 70 percent of those who had the mist applied were healed of the malady. Not only does the new remedy speed up the healing process, but it also avoids the need for a skin graft, another method used to hasten rehabilitation. Cost is a potential concern, but further tests are still needed to determine the therapy's practicality. [Image credit: Shutterstock]
Electronic skin lets machines sense water droplets and heartbeats, wonder why they were programmed to feel
A team of researchers at South Korea's Seoul National University have been busy developing biologically-inspired electronic skin that is capable of "feeling" subtle stimulus such as bouncing water droplets and human heartbeats. The skin's surface is covered in two interlocked arrays of 50-nanometre-wide polymeric nanofibres that act like hairs on the surface of the skin, coming in contact with one another under the strain of external force. That contact then generates a current to help the skin gauge the changes in pressure, according to New Scientist. The creators of the flexible skin say that sensor response can be repeated up to 10,000 cycles, displaying their output on a computer in real-time.
Huawei's Emotion UI for Ice Cream Sandwich devices starts rolling out in China
We knew its arrival was imminent, and it looks like the time to shine for Huawei's Emotion UI is right about now -- well, at least in areas near the Great Wall. To celebrate its official debut, the company's launched a new website where it goes into nearly every detail about its novel Android skin, touting fresh features such as a voice assistant, smart contact finder, customizable fonts, smart triggers and an all-new chat application that's very reminiscent of Cupertino's iMessage or Samsung's ChatOn. Unfortunately, the Emotion UI overlay is only available to Huawei devices -- that are running Ice Cream Sandwich -- in China, but word has it coming to the US of A and Europe once the outfit's upcoming Ascend D Quad finally hits the shelves. Update: As it turns out, our dear friends from Engadget Chinese have pointed out that Huawei's website is listing the updates as "coming soon" and "ROM developing," meaning the Emotion UI isn't quite making its way to devices just yet.
I've got you under my skin: Huawei to cover Android in new Emotion UI
In the animal kingdom, reptiles shed their skins. In the mobile marketplace, Android smartphones do just the opposite. So, in keeping with the natural order, Huawei's preparing a June coming out party for a UX of its very own, dubbed Emotion UI. The Chinese manufacturer's no stranger to custom interfaces, as we saw at CES 2012 with the optional 3D launcher it employed on the Ascend P line. But as the company continues its trek towards major mobile player status, certain stock perks were sure to fall by the wayside. It's a bid for differentiation that should arguably "enhance" the user experience, but if forums and comment sections are to be believed, this great leap forward is actually a devolution of the worst kind. Hit up the source below to gander at the garbled word constructions of good 'ol Google translate.
LG shows off UI 3.0 for Ice Cream Sandwich devices, says it's 'unobtrusive and simple'
Love them or hate them, those ubiquitous Android skins aren't going anywhere any time soon. Now the latest one to make an entrance to the overlay game is LG's UI 3.0, which the Korean outfits says will make the overall experience of its handsets easier, speedier and "more convenient." The new UI brings features such as a novel drag anywhere-style lock screen, an Icon Customizer for setting your own photos as icons / shortcuts, a revamped Pattern Lock that lets you preset apps for quicker launch and a Voice Shutter trait for taking snaps via voice commands -- à la Sammy S Voice. UI 3.0 is set to make its debut next week with the launch of LG's Optimus LTE II in Korea, while the Optimus 4X HD will also come sporting the fresh skin once it launches in June.
Fujitsu app analyzes zits and skin tone, delivers professional advice to your phone
That's right, you can finally get rid of that Tamagotchi you've been using to pick those perfect skincare products. Fujitsu is teasing a new app that's capable of measuring specific characteristics of the skin, even with less-than-ideal lighting conditions. We normally have to put up with the hassle of having to visit our friendly neighborhood skincare professional every time we need accurate info about our zits, blemishes or what color makeup to wear to the Star Trek convention. Fujitsu wants to put that power in your pocket, identifying appropriate products before you get to the beauty bar. Maybe this one isn't destined for record downloads, but it could make life a little bit easier -- take a look at the descriptive graphic above if you don't believe us.
HTC exec: we didn't have much time with ICS when making Sense 4, but our skin is still better
HTC's Drew Bamford is a long-time defender of the Sense UI, but in a fresh interview he's switched tactics and rushed headlong at the competition. He told Laptop that Sense 4 beats native Android 4 (as seen on the GNex) on a number of fronts, possessing a more inviting look, greater personalization of the lockscreen and wallpaper, plus faster camera performance. Of course, he would say that, but having spent many balmy evenings with both the One S and the One X we're inclined to agree that the latest version of the skin is lighter-footed and, actually, pretty nice. What's perhaps more revealing is Bamford's statement that HTC's software guys had "not a lot of time" with ICS before they released Sense 4, and had to build key components in isolation from the new OS. This could explain why HTC was forced to see sense (ahem) and tone down its custom layer. More broadly, if manufacturers are struggling to keep their handset launch schedules in sync with Google's in-house development, it's no wonder that Android skins seem so unsympathetic to the green robot's natural complexion.
Axel free to all in Twisted Metal tomorrow, Sweet Tooth skin for Starhawk previewed
For those of you still firing missiles in Twisted Metal (but didn't think of pre-ordering it ahead of time), good news! Axel was formerly only available as a pre-order bonus, but as of tomorrow, April 18, his vehicle will be available to all. You too can run around on two wheels, pushing smaller vehicles around with your special moves. The PSBlog has also posted a video, embedded below, of the Sweet Tooth skin going to Starhawk when it launches early next month. Every (new) copy of Twisted Metal has a code for the Outcast skin, so you'll just have to punch that in when the Starhawk comes out.
HTC Sense 4 review
Over the last year, HTC has established a reputation for fragmenting its proprietary Sense UI even within the same version of Android. Why, Gingerbread alone is the foundation for at least three different iterations (2.1, 3.0 and 3.5) of the firmware. The bump to Ice Cream Sandwich is no different, with legacy devices getting an update to Sense 3.6 and the One series (and presumably any future devices) benefiting from version 4.0. More Info HTC One X review HTC One S review Sense 3.6 preview When we previewed Sense 3.6, we were disappointed at its similarity to previous versions and the sloppiness of its integration with key features in ICS. Even though it marked an improvement in functionality and performance, it seemed as if the OS and customized UI were at war with each other. Sense 4 is a different story. It's lighter, cleaner and much more visually appealing than older versions of the user interface, and it has the full suite of ICS goodies to go along with it. HTC also throws in its own imaging technology, dubbed ImageSense, to offer some cool new enhancements to the camera. Ultimately, HTC has successfully tweaked Sense's design in a way that keeps the spirit of stock Android 4.0 alive, while still offering something familiar to loyal HTC fans. The tour is about to begin, so park yourself in your favorite chair and join us.
Nokia applies for skin-friendly haptic material patent, hints at notification system
If US patent application 20120062371 is to be correctly understood, Nokia has at least thought about a topical haptic notification system. The first claim covers "An apparatus comprising: a material attachable to skin, the material capable of detecting a magnetic field and transferring a perceivable stimulus to the skin, wherein the perceivable stimulus relates to the magnetic field." It then goes on to clarify its relation to telecommunications messages and communications indications. Based on ferromagnetic powder, the material would respond to magnetic fields and vibrate in response. Our guess is that this could be used as a notifier that could be "painted" onto the skin, and although there is mention of the word tattoo, we're hoping that's just part of the required legalese. But alas, until it's granted, it's just a subject of our curious imaginations. Those curious, can read more at the source.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung patents phone skins, mood swings, Amazon
See that crazy faceplate with matching wallpaper that sells for two-a-penny on Amazon? Well, Samsung wants to patent something even worse. It's so bad we had to hide it away after the break. (Honestly, don't look at it -- unlike the USPTO, you won't get paid for your trouble.) At first we believed the hype that it was some kind of wild Super-OLED-lenticular-transparent-flexible-display concept for smartphones, but now we're not so sure. The patent application simply refers to a printed "film layer" stuck onto a smartphone's case, which aligns with images on the display and gives the impression of a seamless all-over skin. Refuse to believe that anyone would try to claim exclusive rights over something so old and so commonplace? Go on then, have a gander.
KDDI's au Infobar C01 coming soon: ten keys and very Japanese (video)
Many Japanese thumbs still love that classic ten-button keypad, so they should feel right at home on the newest model in KDDI's designer Infobar range. The 3.2-inch, 854 x 480 touchscreen shows off the same tile-based custom UI as last year's A01, once again running on top of Gingerbread and a single-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 processor. The rear camera captures eight megapixel stills and HD video, while dual-mode GSM / CDMA connectivity makes it worth taking abroad -- if only so foreigners can remark on its checkerboard aesthetics (available in three different color schemes) and 1Seg TV tuner. Just make sure you're still in Japan on February 3rd, or you'll miss the release. Click onwards for a video tour.
Canadian researchers aim to build a more life-like robot, one piece at a time
It may not be all that human-like in its current state, but a team of researchers at the University of Ottawa are promising that this robot will get there sooner or later. Dubbed "Pumpkin," the bot will apparently have its parts replaced piece-by-piece with more life-like counterparts over time, including parts that make use of a new artificial skin the researchers have developed. It not only includes the usual array of sensors that give the robot some degree of tactile sensitivity, but a network of tubes that circulate hot water to actually increase the temperature of the skin. According to the researchers, the eventual goal is to have a robot that appears and behaves naturally enough to make humans feel at ease when they're interacting with it, but it might get a bit worse before it gets better -- the next step is to replace the head with an anatomically correct model of the human skull, which will have the aforementioned artificial skin stretched over it. [Thanks, Jeff]
Serious Sam 3 gets free Serious Santa multiplayer skin for the holidays
His eyes -- how they twinkle! His dimples -- how merry! His cheeks are adorned with phat shades from Burberry. His mouth is set hard, like grayscale concrete, And his scraggly man-beard leaves the ladies effete. For this elf isn't jolly, or chubby or plump; This Santa, he ain't putting up with no coal or no chumps. No this Santa's a free skin in Croteam's new update. So go ahead, download him -- do it now, don't be late! Yeah he's armed and he's angry and he's all out of gum, And he don't care if you're naughty or nice, smart or dumb. You might hear him exclaim, as he breaks you like glass, "Merry Christmas to all, now let's go kick some ass." %Gallery-141390%
Energy Sistem's new tablets promise a taste of Honeycomb on Android 2.3
A trio of new tablets from Energy Sistem (a company known for low-end PMPs and e-readers) may not ordinarily turn many heads, but if you look closely at these you'll notice they don't quite match your average budget-minded slate running Android 2.x. They're not actually running Honeycomb, unfortunately, but rather a "Honeycomb-style" skin that's been slapped on top of Android 2.3 (much to the displeasure of Google, we presume). Otherwise, there's decidedly few surprises to be found -- you can choose from a 16:9, 7-inch or 4:3, 8-inch screen (with the higher-end model topping out at 1024 x 768), and they each pack an ARM A8 processor and either 4GB or 8GB of storage (with a microSD card slot for expansion). Prices are also expectedly on the low-end, running between $185 and $270, and all three are set to ship on November 19th. Hit the link below for the complete rundown.
Drink NOS, get a Batman Beyond skin for Arkham City
The Batman: Arkham City preorder plan is so complicated, with various offers from retailers all over the place enabling different costumes and content, it seems like you need to be the World's Greatest Detective just to figure it all out. And here's another clue to the mystery: That Batman Beyond skin seen so long ago is now being offered as a reward from energy drink NOS. To get it, all you have to do is chug a NOS (or just buy it and pour it out, we won't judge), grab a code from the can and plug it in on the website, and then redeem the point you earn for the skin. According to the NOS rewards page, you can use the skin after you complete the game's main story, or in any of the challenge maps. Was Terry McGinnis always this buff? NOS also notes that this reward is offering "early access" to the skin, so if you can't buy NOS where you happen to be, this (and the other bonus skins) will be available later through normal DLC channels. [Thanks, Ben.]
Cool Bananas SmartShell complements your Smart Cover in TPU
The Cool Bananas SmartShell Case for the iPad 2 is a TPU Smart Cover-compatible back cover for the iPad 2 that's available in five different colors. Coverage The SmartShell provides good all-round coverage including complete bottom, top and side edge protection. There are, of course, the usual cut outs to allow for access to the power button, microphone, headphones port, camera, volume buttons and switch as well as the speaker and dock connecter port on the bottom edge. The SmartShell covers over the bezel on the front of the iPad 2 with a small lip that extends onto the glass boarder of the screen by about 1mm meaning you can lay it flat on the deck without touching the glass. Thickness and material Cool Bananas have chosen to use TPU for the SmartShell, which is just over 1mm thick and has a textured feel to the back that reminds us of new car seat leather -- a not unpleasant feel to the back of your iPad. The TPU is well manufactured with smooth edges and feels tough and durable. While it's not going to absorb much impact energy, it will certainly keep scratches at bay and provide you with a decent non-slippery feel. %Gallery-134783% Verdict The Cool Bananas SmartShell Case is a simple TPU skin that covers all the right areas, feels great in the hand and comes in enough colors, including transparent, to complement your Smart Cover. If you're looking for a TPU skin as a companion to your Smart Cover, the SmartShell deserves to be up near the top of your list and will set you back approximately US$26 plus shipping and handling.
iSkin solo Smart: an iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible case
Today we'll be looking at the first in a series of reviews following up on our iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible backplate roundup. If you want a case to cover the back of your iPad 2 that still allows you to use your Apple Smart Cover, then these are the cases for you. On the chopping block today is the iSkin solo Smart, which is a clear Smart Cover-compatible iPad 2 backplate case that covers more than most. Coverage The solo Smart not only covers the back of the iPad 2 like most Smart Cover-compatible cases, but also covers all edges and a front lip of the bottom of the iPad, stopping just short of the Home Button. This means that the iSkin provides some of the best coverage available for an ultra-thin backplate, covering the top, bottom and sides of the iPad well with cut outs for the speaker on the bottom, the microphone on the top, the side switch and the camera on the back. The dock port and headphones port are covered by built-in dust cover plugs (as you can see in the gallery below), while the volume and power buttons are covered by a thinner flexible layer allowing you to push them through the case without issue. Thickness and material The iSkin solo Smart is made from a pretty thin layer of TPU, measuring approximately one millimetre thick. TPU is a rubbery material and so the case might afford some impact absorption, but at that thinness, don't bank on it saving your precious tablet from dents and cracks resulting from drops of any decent height. It's good for preventing scratches though and provides increased grip over the smooth aluminium of the iPad 2. Features The iSkin solo Smart does one thing none of the others on the TUAW testing bench manage and that's lock the Smart Cover into place. The left-hand side edge has an inlay of polycarbonate that clips over the top of the Smart Cover's magnetic attachment edge holding it securely in place, while still allowing it to fold and move as it normally would. %Gallery-134779% Verdict The iSkin solo Smart covers all sides and edges, doesn't add much to the weight or thickness of the iPad 2 and will certainly prevent scratches and minor bumps. It covers the ports with pop-out plugs, which in my opinion is a bit overkill and hinders usage, but if you don't sync your iPad or listen to it through headphones much then why not have them covered up? The same could be said for the Smart Cover lock-in mechanism. I would prefer the option to remove the Smart Cover when not using it, which isn't easy with the solo Smart on. But if you never remove the Smart Cover, the iSkin works well. If you're looking for good coverage from a thin TPU case that's compatible with your Apple Smart Cover, then the iSkin solo Smart gets the job done admirably for around US$50.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: 9/11 Memorial designs, an electric helicopter and laser headlights
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. Today a day of reflection dawns in New York as the city recognizes the ten-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks with the official unveiling of the National 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. Tranquil though the memorial may be, it has had a tumultuous past - this week we showcased seven unrealized designs for the WTC site that will never see the light of day, and we took a look at what happened to Daniel Libeskind's original plans for the WTC Freedom Tower. We also saw green buildings soar as Sydney unveiled Australia's greenest office tower, we learned that the new Batman movie may be filmed in a salt mine in Transylvania, and we spotted an amazing replica of the Trump Tower built from 65,000 LEGO bricks. It was also a record-breaking week for green transportation as the world's first manned electric helicopter took flight and scientists developed the world's tiniest electric motor. Meanwhile, pedal-powered transportation got a major boost as Hertz launched an electric bike rental program in London and Silverback unveiled a series of bikes with built-in USB chargers for your gadgets. We also brought you the latest news from the Frankfurt Auto Show as Rimac teased the unveiling of its 1,000 horsepower electric supercar and Audi and BMW both unveiled vehicles endowed with ultra bright next-gen laser headlights. Speaking of shining examples of green design, this week we brought you a first look at the Samsung Galaxy Skin concept phone, which features a flexible AMOLED display that can fold to fit inside your pocket. We also saw several inspiring ways to reduce waste as scientists worked on a fuel cell that generates power while cleaning up nuclear fallout, Think Geek brought us a clever set of Fridgeezoo icebox pets that encourage kids to save energy, and we looked at Sloan's innovative AQUS grey water toilet system that recycles your sink water. Finally, we brought you the state of the art in wearable tech as we reported that scientists developed a Terahertz "Invisibility Cloak" and researchers discovered a coral reef secret that could lead to sunscreen in a pill in five years.
