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Researchers develop cheaper, more flexible smart glass
Thanks to the work of a team of researchers at the University of Texas, Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering, your next car windshield or apartment window could have an efficient, low-cost way of electronically controlling its tint, while also keeping your heating and cooling bills in check. According to a release from the University of Texas, associate professor Delia Milliron and her team of chemical engineers have invented "a new flexible smart window material" that can lighten or darken with a small electric charge and can easily be applied with a new low-cost, low-temperature process.
Turn on your Xbox One from an app with the latest update
Ever wanted to turn on your Xbox One before you've even reached the living room? If so, it's time to upgrade your console. Microsoft has released the Xbox One's promised May update, and you now have the option of turning the system on (or off) from the SmartGlass app -- your system will be ready by the time you sit down to play. The refresh also brings voice messages to the One, and it enables dedicated party chat servers (rolling out over the weeks ahead) to make sure a finicky router won't get in the way of your conversations. It's not a gigantic update, but it's a big deal if you're either impatient or hate typing with a gamepad.
Xbox One update preview targets the SmartGlass app
The May Xbox One update preview is all about SmartGlass. First up, users will be able to turn their consoles on or off directly from the Xbox One SmartGlass beta apps on Windows, Windows Phone and Android. Also, the console will support Miracast screen mirroring from Windows PCs, Windows Phone 8 and some Android devices, including the Samsung S5 and Nexus 7. This allows users to display photos and videos from their smaller devices on the Xbox One screen. May also brings some Windows 10 updates: Preview members will have the option to stream live TV from the console to a PC with the Xbox app or directly to the SmartGlass app. To make this magic happen, users in Europe or Australia need an Xbox One Digital TV Tuner, while those in the US and Canada can use the Hauppauge 955Q TV Tuner. This update adds a power-saving option to the Xbox One set-up process, a new feature for US consoles in particular. Read the full preview rundown on Xbox Wire or watch the video below.
Google Glass app can help socially awkward penguins speak in public
Fear of public speaking is quite common, and chances are you either know someone who has it or you suffer from the phobia yourself. This smart glass app called Rhema, created by researchers from the Human-Computer Interaction Group at the University of Rochester, was designed for people who need a bit of help addressing crowds. Rhema can listen as you speak, upload your recorded voice to a server, analyze its pace and volume, and then give you feedback in real time. To test it out, the team had 30 subjects try out several different feedback systems installed on Google Glass. These include ones that shows a traffic lights-like scheme and another that uses graphs.
Sony can make any eyewear more like Google Glass
Sony has just announced a new attachable display module that can turn a "pair of fashionable glasses, goggles, sunglasses, or other type of eyewear" into smartglasses. And, yes, it's completely detachable so you can remove it whenever you want to. This module is comprised of a control board where the Bluetooth and WiFi sensors, processor and other components live, along with a 640x400 OLED microdisplay that serves as your screen. The company sees a long list of potential applications for sports, work and entertainment, so it plans to provide "partner organizations" with an SDK.
Xbox One's next update adds custom backgrounds and Twitter
Microsoft only just unleashed its October update for the Xbox One, and now it's talking about what to expect next month. The update will hit consoles for those in the preview test group soon, and adds many features Major Nelson and crew say the community has been asking for, including custom backgrounds (with the PS4 getting themes soon, it's Blu-ray 3D all over again), and extra details for profiles. The custom backgrounds will launch with a selection of pictures and the ability to post based on achievements, and after a media player update later in the month, gamers will be able to import any image they want. A returning feature from the Xbox 360 will put details like your location and custom bio back on the profile page, plus a self-curated selection of game clips and achievements. Oh, and those game clips? You'll be able to share them with the masses easily, because the update adds the ability to share any of your favorites directly to Twitter. Check after the break for a video demo and more details on what's coming.
Toshiba prototype is a simpler, lighter Google Glass rival... with a catch
Nearly every tech company wants in on the wearables game, but they can't all be Google Glass or Apple Watches -- not that they have to be. But hey, here's Toshiba -- and it's got a Toshiba Glass prototype to show off. We'll say this right at the start: this remains a reference product that the company's showing off at CEATEC in Japan this week. And yes, technical specifics (let alone a price) aren't being discussed yet, but the vision for Toshiba's eye-based wearable prototype is a gentle, predictable one. The hardware is the combination of a tiny projector, attached to admittedly normal-looking frames. However, there's actually a special kind of one-sided reflective glass to catch the projection. The projection module itself is kind of bulky, but actually lightweight... which is great, until you realize that this prototype requires a constant wired connection to work.
Microsoft now lets you record gameplay with Xbox One SmartGlass
Microsoft has been working hard to make Xbox One SmartGlass more useful and appealing for users, and it's doing a great job so far. The most recent update to the app, however, may just be its best yet. Most notably, you can now record Xbox One game clips directly from the SmartGlass application, making the process easier for gamers who, for example, have a Kinect-less console. In addition to that, you can use the app to view your profile's activity feed, post status updates on it and share stuff that pops up there. New TV and OneGuide features are here as well, although those had been available previously in beta on some devices. Speaking of which, perhaps the nicest part of this refresh is that Microsoft is doing it across the board -- the revamped Xbox One SmartGlass is available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
Madden 15 passes CoachGlass to PS4
EA Sports will bring its playcalling and analysis app, CoachGlass, to the PS4 version of Madden 15. The second-screen features for Madden 25 will be marginally enhanced this year, offering players charts that quickly display their opponent's tendencies on either side of the ball, such as blitzing percentages and the amount of run, pass and option plays the opposing team tends to call. Additionally, players will be able to call offensive plays and use their timeouts from the app. The initial concepts for CoachGlass were briefly shown during a trailer for Microsoft's SmartGlass app during its E3 2012 press conference. EA bypassed SmartGlass features for Madden 13 that year before introducing CoachGlass for Xbox One players in last year's game. Given that EA Tiburon only noted that CoachGlass will be available for PS4 and Xbox One players this year, it seems those with Xbox 360 and PS3 copies of the game won't be able to use the app. Madden 15 will launch next Tuesday, August 26. [Image: EA Sports]
Latest Xbox One update adds remote game buying, 3D Blu-ray
On top of the updates that Microsoft announced at Gamescom last week, the folks in Redmond are rolling out August's monthly update to Xbox One consoles. First, you'll be able to purchase extra content for that title of choice before you head back to your living room with SmartGlass or by visiting Xbox.com on a mobile device. During marathon gaming sessions, you'll now get a pop-up notification when that trusty controller is running on fumes. Despite lacking the feature at launch, this round of addition finally brings 3D Blu-ray support to the Xbox One. To round out the update, Activity Feed now sports a single-column view with more sharing ability, notifications can be disabled when watching video and your Friends List will display the last time your mates were online. The tweaks are on the way to consoles starting today, so you'll be getting cozy to the new features shortly.
The Xbox One is getting major media updates: here's a breakdown
Microsoft has just kicked off Gamescom 2014 by announcing a plethora of new features coming to the Xbox One -- some you may have known about, and some not. First up is a much anticipated feature: a new app will soon turn the Xbox One into a media player, letting you stream movie and audio files from a USB key or DLNA network. Microsoft's Major Nelson has promised that the console will support many more media formats than the Xbox 360 did, including new file types like MPEG2 TS, animated GIF and MKV. A preview version of the app will arrive first with USB support, while DLNA and certain file formats like MKV won't come until later. (For a list of compatible file formats, check the source, and look after the break for a demo of the new features.)
Xbox One June update arrives so you can drop the nickname and add storage
Whether or not we love the update process, we're quickly getting used to the rapid pace of improvements coming to Microsoft's Xbox One. After the usual beta period, the promised June update is here, and brings several features we've been waiting for since launch. Old school automatic logins are once again an option, so even if your Kinect is unplugged (or nonexistent) all saves and settings will be available right away without any extra clicks. There's also support for up to two external hard drives, as long as they're USB 3.0 and at least 256GB. That's a boon not only for the extra storage space, but for speed too -- some beta testers reported faster loading times after adding 7200RPM drives that outpace the standard laptop option Microsoft put inside the XB1. The Xbox One version of Games for Gold and a new VIP section are here too, letting subscribers nab Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault without spending another dime or try out Hulu Plus free for three months.
Smartglass interface turns any surface into a touchscreen using AR and fingertip heat
A developer called Metaio believes it can make a smartglass interface far more interesting than what Google has done thus far: one that can turn any surface into a touchscreen. Unlike Disney's REVEL or that Ubi Kinect app, which can do similar things, Metaio's technology tracks the heat of your fingertips using an infrared and a regular camera. When you do touch something, the system will complete the experience with augmented reality -- for instance, "clicking" Like on a physical magazine will show you an animation of the action through your smartglass. While the technology's far from coming to market, the company says it has a lot of potential applications. People can use it to play virtual board games, designers can use it to visualize their creations in 3D before making real-world versions and it can add digital content to toys, among many other possibilities. Sound interesting? If you're in Santa Clara, California, you can see the "Thermal Touch" prototype at the Augmented World Expo on May 27 to 29. Otherwise, head after the break for a video that demonstrates what the interface can do in the future.
Xbox One June update adds external storage support, real names, auto sign-in
The Xbox One's June update is headlined by external storage support, allowing users to connect up to two 256GB or larger USB 3.0 external drives to the system. The upcoming update also adds automatic sign-ins upon booting the system and the option to display your real name to select friends. Across the borders, Canada and Europe can look forward to finally receiving access to OneGuide and its live TV features. On external storage support, Microsoft says Xbox One owners can choose which of their drives, including the internal 500GB drive, is the default location for new game installs and so on. Microsoft also notes players can install games to an external drive, plug that drive to another Xbox One, and sign in or insert a disc to start playing there. As for displaying your real name to friends, this differs slightly to the implementation on PS4. On Xbox One you can select which - none, some, or all - of your friends can see your real name. You can extend that to include friends of those friends, but followers who aren't your friends will only be able to see your gamertag.
'Wearable eyes' take all the work out of having emotions
Ever seen one of those funny novelty spectacles with eyes drawn on them? Dr. Hirotaka Osawa from Tsukuba University in Japan has designed a high-tech version of those called AgencyGlass, and they have eyes that actually move. The digital eyes blink when you nod or shake your head, look up when you tilt your head down and (best of all) it stays open even while you doze off, all thanks to a gyroscope and an accelerometer that detects head movement. That's not all they can do, though -- the eyes also automatically look up when the system determines that a person is looking at you, as taken by the accompanying camera. In fact, Osawa designed the bizarre smartglasses for that purpose: to make you look friendlier and less socially awkward than you actually are.
Xbox One SmartGlass beta apps bring TV controls to Android, Windows and Windows Phone
Microsoft only just revealed it would test new TV remote features on the Xbox One and its associated SmartGlass apps, and Windows Phone Central points out that right now anyone can give them a try. All you need is one of the game systems and a device running Android, Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8. We tried out the apps and they install right alongside the standard Xbox One Smartglass apps, although there are some known issues and rough edges. The smiley face button serves as a way to report any issues, but overall things worked smoothly, and we were able to navigate recordings on a standard Comcast DVR or surf through the OneGuide without a problem. Download the apps now and try them via Google Play, the Windows Store or Windows Phone Store -- we haven't spotted a beta version for iOS yet. Update: Microsoft confirmed the beta apps are available to all users, and that there isn't a beta version available for iOS at this time.
Daily Roundup: April Fools' roundup, a tour of ThinkGeek's headquarters, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Xbox One update tests comprehensive Smartglass media control
Over the course of the next month, Microsoft plans to roll out a series of updates focused on the Xbox One's media playback functionality. Most notably, select Xbox One users will get the chance to test a new suite of Smartglass controls. Later this week, the first wave of updates will arrive and bring with it universal media playback on Microsoft devices. Now, users will be able to view Xbox media content on any Microsoft device, whether it be an Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 8 PC , Windows Phone or even online at Xbox Video. Alongside this, Microsoft will update the Xbox One Smartglass companion application to feature easier navigation options, mobile Xbox Live alerts and Snap functionality. In an effort to "explore some new ideas," Microsoft will also be debuting new Smartglass media controls. Explicit details are currently unavailable, but these new controls should allow users to control a TV, Xbox One, and set-top DVR directly from a tablet or smartphone. Unlike the rest of the aforementioned media playback update, this Smartglass addition will initially be rolled out to a small group of testers, then released to the general population once Microsoft has fixed any kinks. [Image: Microsoft]
TV-focused Xbox One update tests a DVR button and OneGuide on SmartGlass
We called the Xbox One a work in progress in our initial review, and to its credit, Microsoft has been hard at work addressing various software shortcomings (party system, friend notifications, Twitch streaming and so much more) over the last few months. One aspect that's remained mostly the same since launch -- besides some tweaks and a remote control accessory -- is its unique HDMI-passthrough TV experience and that's getting some much-needed attention in a new update preview test. Microsoft may be focused on gaming under Phil Spencer, but a big part of its strategy to win there is by controlling input 1 on your HDTV, and making the Xbox One more useful in other ways than as a Titanfall machine could help. Check after the break for a video preview of the new features plus a few more details on what they can do, and which countries are getting access to more TV listings and voice controls.
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Titanfall devs explain how the mech combat game came to be
It's strange to think Titanfall was borne from developers mulling things over in an abandoned office for two months, all sat in a circle of folding chairs. The Respawn team, led by ex-Infinity Ward devs, soon grew and grew, and with EA behind it the studio's now a month away from releasing arguably the Xbox One's most anticipated game to date. As such, the news train is in full flow as Respawn drip-feeds info, mostly through Twitter. We now know the mech-toting shooter has an imminent beta on Xbox One and PC, and it uses codes rather than being fully open. The game itself features SmartGlass integration of some kind, but Kinect isn't supported. Finally, the Xbox 360 version was outsourced to Bluepoint, and it's due two weeks after the game hits Xbox One and PC on March 11.
