Mark Hearn

Streaming

Streaming By Mark Hearn

YouTube live-streaming now available to channels with over 1,000 subscribers

Initially, YouTube's live-streaming service was limited to select partners and special events, but that's about to change. Starting today, all channels in good standing with over 1,000 subscribers will be able to sign up for this broadcasting option. When using YouTube Live, account holders can insert ads, display multiple camera angles and add closed captions. Meanwhile, viewers can control a broadcast stream's playback by rewinding and skipping (previously aired content, of course) ahead à la Google Hangouts On Air. To add YouTube Live to your channel, visit your Account Features page and click the "Enable" button in the Live Events section. Google notes that eligible accounts will start gaining access in the coming weeks, which hopefully gives you enough time to save up for a teleprompter.

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Big Tech

Big Tech By Mark Hearn

PayPal targets Square with hardware trade-ins, waives fees through 2013

After watching its rivals Square and Groupon play their hands earlier today, PayPal announced a program that allows merchants to trade in their old payment processing equipment in exchange for new hardware. The promotional offer features POS systems from ERPLY, Leaf, Leapset and the company's own PayPal Here. In addition to luring retailers with a fancy new cash register, the outfit is offering to waive credit, debit, check and PayPal processing fees for the remainder of the year. If the aforementioned incentives sound appealing and you'd like to know more, head on over to our source link to check out the program's all-important fine print.

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Technology

Technology By Mark Hearn

Hamster wheel used to control human-sized treadmill (video)

Sure, your pet hamster's amazing leg strength may someday power a house, but can it beat you in a race? A pair of Chicago-based artists might be able to help you solve this mystery. The duo recently hooked up a homemade tachometer to a hamster's exercise wheel and mapped the data to a treadmill's motor. The fur ball's RPMs are transferred in real time, which gives it the ability to control its bipedal competitor's running speeds. The team cautions that no animals were harmed during this experiment, however a human ego may have been bruised after trying to keep up with a tireless rodent.

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Smartphones

Smartphones By Mark Hearn

T-Mobile raises iPhone 5 down payment by $50, device now costs $150

After a month of offering the iPhone 5 for $100 down, T-Mobile has quietly increased the upfront cost by $50. Even with the price hike, it's still less expensive than on most other carriers, but some type of warning would've certainly been appreciated. As for the rest of T-Mobile's new pricing scheme, its $20-a month, two-year amortization schedule remains intact. Consider us skeptical, but hopefully this is just a case of growing pains, and unannounced promotions won't be part of the UnCarrier's game plan going forward.

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Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity By Mark Hearn

PayPal's chief information security officer says passwords' days are numbered

Recently speaking at the Interop IT conference, PayPal's chief information security officer, Michael Barrett, stated that passwords and PINs were operating on borrowed time. Barrett hopes to replace online security keys with a setup that's a blend of software and hardware-based identification. He also serves as president of the Fast Identity Online Alliance (FIDO) -- the organization's focus is to combine an effective mix of software (passwords and plugins) and hardware (USB drives and fingerprint scanners) for user authentication. PayPal's technology boss didn't allude to his company adopting these new types of security systems for its customers anytime soon. Instead he announced that FIDO-enabled devices will be hitting the market sometime this year. Progress, yes, but until this hardware becomes more widely available, it's likely that you'll be spending more time getting acquainted with two-step logins.

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By Mark Hearn

Facebook for Android adds stickers, new layout for business pages (update: and 'ongoing notification')

Facebook updated its Android app today, with a flurry of new features. The cutesy / creepy stickers that recently hit its messenger platform are now a part of its core application, along with the ability to delete unwanted comments from posts. The highlight of this new software push is a redesigned layout for business pages, which rolled out on iOS and its mobile web UI last month. Under this retooled interface Like, Directions, Check In and Call buttons at the top aid discovery in the style of Google Maps, Foursquare or Yelp. If you'd like to take closer at Facebook's refined setup for Android, feel free to socialize with the source link below. Update: Although it wasn't noted in the changelog, we've noticed a new "ongoing notification" that appears after updating, and judging by the comments, so have some of you. It can be switched off in the app's settings, but it's on by default and drops a Facebook icon in your notification bar with shortcuts to areas like messages, friend requests and service notifications. You can get a peek at the surprise addition in the pic above -- let us know if you're feeling appreciative or angered in the comments. Update 2: Without warning, the ongoing notification setting and accompanying icon / notification widget has disappeared from our Android devices, and from those of several readers. There was no update to the app, but the menu item is nowhere to be found and the bar disappeared after a device restart. Was this an accidental leak or just an early test by Facebook? We've contacted the company to find out more information, but for now all we have are these screengrabs.

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Smartphones

Smartphones By Mark Hearn

Mozilla offering free phones in hopes of bolstering Firefox OS app development

Attention HTML5 virtuosos: Mozilla is thirsty for your talents. So much, in fact, that the outfit is baiting developers with a free smartphone in the hopes they'll return the favor with fresh Firefox OS apps. In order to qualify for a device, you'll need to submit a proposal to Mozilla outlining the app you wish to build or port to its new mobile platform. If your pitch is accepted, the company will hook you up with a free Geeksphone Keon to thank you for your labor. Sure, the device's 3.5-inch HVGA display, 1GHz Snapdragon S1 processor, 512MB of RAM and 3-megapixel rear-facing camera are entry-level at best, but remember you're getting this handset gratis. The program is set to close at the end of the month or when supplies run out, whichever comes first. So, if you're interested in adding "Firefox OS developer" to your resume, hit up the source link to apply.

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Apps By Mark Hearn

By Odin's beard! Marvel Unlimited comics subscription app now available for Android

First gracing the digital pages of iOS devices in March, Marvel Unlimited is now available for Android. Part of the comic book publisher's digital subscription program, the app grants access to over 70 years of Marvel's greatest hits for $10 per month or $60 annually. Patrons looking to keep their data plans on a leash, or traveling beyond the reach of internet coverage, can stash books on their smartphone or tablet for offline reading. If your device is running Android 2.3.3 or higher (most are these days) and you're ready dive into the Marvel Universe, web sling on over to the source link below to get started.

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Google By Mark Hearn

Google Earth 7.1 for Android introduces Street View and improved location search

Google Earth's desktop version added Leap Motion controls in version 7.1, and now its Android counterpart has picked up a few new features. Available today, version 7.1 introduces Street View which lets users take Pegman from space to your neighborhood with the power of a double tap. Search is also enhanced with updated location suggestions and improved directions that displays routes for transit, walking, biking and driving in 3D. Rounding out Earth's new feature set is a revamped interface that lists layers like Panoramio Photos, 3D buildings and Wikipedia on a slide-out pane. So, if you're having trouble figuring out where your good friend Waldo is, perhaps this refreshed app will assist you with your quest. Swing by the source link below for more details.

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Google By Mark Hearn

Google Hangouts On Air updated with live broadcast rewinding and instant YouTube uploads

Did helping granny set up that Netflix account cause you to be late to your friend's big On Air Hangout? What would've been a calamity last week is but a minor hitch now. Earlier today, Google updated its live video streaming service with a new set of "highly requested" features. In addition to restarting a broadcast at will, recordings are now available on YouTube immediately after an On Air Hangout ends. As for you hams, video quality has been improved for mobile devices, so you'll look your absolute best no matter which screen your adoring public is watching you from. As a caveat, Google notes that you may experience some delays when setting up a broadcast, but it feels like a small price to pay given the upsides.

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Big Tech

Big Tech By Mark Hearn

Chromium code hints at Google Now for OS X

A few months back Chromium whiz François Beaufort spotted a piece of code in the open source web browser that hinted at Google Now possibly coming to Chrome. Today, the programmer has uncovered an issue log pointing out notification center enhancements for OS X. An entry, listed as "[Mac][MC] Implement notification updates and relayouts" could possibly indicate Google Now having a future on Apple's desktop platform. With Google's I/O a little over a week away, hopefully we won't have to wait too long to find out. In the meantime, we'll reach out to the company for a comment on Beaufort's findings and see what turns up.

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Apps By Mark Hearn

Dish Anywhere for iPad updated with remote reset and Audio Only features

Dish rolled out a sizable update for its Anywhere iPad app today, allowing on the go socialites to share viewing habits with friends via Facebook and Twitter. Less socially-connected couch potatoes will see new features as well, like the ability to remotely reset their receiver whenever they find themselves in a pinch. Version 4.0.3 also ushers in an updated DVR schedule that includes Skipped and Conflicts, along with an Audio Only mode for Hopper users. Finally, Dish customers rocking unsupported satellite receivers now have access to On Demand programming. Looking for more information? Head on over to the source link below for all the details.

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Gaming

Gaming By Mark Hearn

EA scores exclusive rights to develop future Star Wars games

Electronic Arts and Disney announced a multi-year agreement today that will see future Star Wars video games exclusively developed and published by EA. This news comes a little over a month after the house of mouse made the decision to stop internal development at LucasArts. EA's developers scheduled to take on the Star Wars universe include DICE (Battlefield), Visceral (Dead Space) and BioWare, the latter of which will continue development of its already released Star Wars MMO (The Old Republic). The financial terms of the agreement have yet to be disclosed, but EA will create games for a "core gaming audience" while Disney will produce casual titles for mobile and social outlets. Now that the force is strong with EA, our fingers are crossed for a new installment in the KOTOR franchise.

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Sports

Sports By Mark Hearn

Fullscreen BEAM app sends Google Glass videos directly to YouTube

Sure, using Google Glass to record a video is a pretty neat trick, but how about uploading it to YouTube without a computer? Thanks to Fullscreen's BEAM video sharing app for Glass, you can do just that. After setting up an account with the company's website, Glass owners can use their high-tech eyewear to send clips to YouTube along with a tweet linking directly to the video. If you've managed to get hold of Google's modern-day monocle and would like give BEAM a try, you can register at the source link below. As for the rest of us, at least we can watch the demo video after the break.

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Apps By Mark Hearn

T-Mobile's official TV app now available for iOS

Holy Magenta! T-Mobile TV is now available for iOS. Just a few weeks removed from the carrier's launch of the iPhone 5, its entertainment streaming app offers a free 30-day trial run with content from Fox News, the Associated Press, Campus Insiders and ACC Digital Network. Those looking to extend their mobile media fix can opt for a $13 a month Prime Pack that opens up programming from the likes of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MTV, Spike TV, Comedy Central and VH1. In addition to its flagship package, the carrier offers a set of themed packs that range from $6 to $10 a month. To take the self-proclaimed UnCarrier's mobile boob tube for a test drive, head on over to the source link below -- just be sure that your device is running iOS 4.3 or higher.

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Apps By Mark Hearn

YouTube Capture for iOS updated with optional WiFi only uploads

Still completely absent from Android, the Google-made iOS only YouTube Capture video sharing app has received a minor update. Version 1.3 introduces a smorgasbord of colorless enhancements like a faster startup, an upload timer and HD previews of image enhancements. The real showstopper here is the addition of a WiFi only sharing option, which may prove useful for people trying to curtail their wireless data usage. To pull down this 28.3MB software bump, head on over to the source link below.

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Smartphones

Smartphones By Mark Hearn

AT&T's Galaxy Note getting Jelly Bean via Kies on May 3rd (updated)

After watching its international counterpart make the jump to Jelly Bean, Ma Bell's version of the original Galaxy Note is finally scheduled to receive its due. Starting on Thursday, Samsung's Kies servers will begin offering Android 4.1.2 to AT&T customers rocking the smartphone / tablet hybrid. While the update brings a host of new features, the main course is the introduction of Popup capabilities for notes, video and browsing. Surprisingly absent from AT&T's changelog is a mention of Google Now, which is typically embedded in devices running Jelly Bean. We'll reach out to the carrier for clarity on this missing item, but in the meantime classic Note owners, prepare to bid Ice Cream Sandwich adieu.

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Google By Mark Hearn

Google Keep now available in the Chrome Web Store

After laying down its foundation with a mobile app, Google Keep is expanding to your desktop. Now available for Chrome, the note taking service syncs with Google Drive for a seamless transition from phone to computer. The app runs in its own separate window for fast access on the fly. In addition to keeping your grocery list in the cloud, you can add photo attachments to your memos, so there's no excuse for someone bringing home the wrong kind of coffee. Should you find yourself away from an internet connection, the app also works offline which should sooth anxious Chromebook owners. If you'd like to see if there's anything noteworthy about using Keep on your desktop, head on over to the source link below.

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Google By Mark Hearn

Google Hangouts add remote desktop control, let you play tech support

Google recently updated its Hangout chat client with the same remote desktop control tech integrated into Chrome. This slick new feature gives you the option to take control of someone's computer (with their permission, of course) during a video call. If you often find yourself recruited to help friends and family members with technical issues, you'll definitely dig this. To begin a remote session, start a Hangout and click View More Apps > Add Apps > Hangouts Remote Desktop. Now that you've got this light work out of the way, it's time to move on to some heavy lifting -- like helping grandma set up that Netflix account she's been asking about.

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Nintendo

Nintendo By Mark Hearn

Wii U allegedly hacked, Nintendo addresses would-be pirates (updated)

While some people associate the word "jailbreaking" with prison riots or smartphone hacking, the most mainstream of cracking subcultures also takes on video game consoles. A mod chip developer known as WiiKey is now claiming to have reverse engineered the Wii U's disk encryption, making it possible to play "backed up" copies of games via a USB drive. The group says its "WiikeU" optical drive emulator is region free and compatible with all Wii U console models. So far the hacking brood has yet to furnish any proof of its claims, but Nintendo is very much aware of the situation. Nintendo is aware that a hacking group claims to have compromised Wii U security; however, we have no reports of illegal Wii U games nor unauthorized applications playable on the system while in Wii U mode. Nintendo continuously monitors all threats to its products' security and will use technology and will take the necessary legal steps to prevent the facilitation of piracy.

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Wearables

Wearables By Mark Hearn

Tokyoflash reissues its Kisai Rogue SR2 and Kisai Stencil watches in wooden form (updated)

Tokyoflash is known for crafting some seriously cryptic, over-the-top timepieces, and its latest efforts are no exception. Today, the company announced a revised pair of wristwatches that aim to pull your attention away from your smartphone's clock. Unlike the original Kisai Rogue SR2, its wooden successor is a combination of maple and sandalwood wrapped around a prominent always-on LCD lined with a circle of connecting blocks in place of a traditional set of numbers. The watch's display comes in three natural colors -- we know red and green are on deck but the third remains a mystery (though blue seems a safe bet). The second time-teller to get a makeover is the Kisai Stencil. This limited edition design sports a natural maple or sandalwood casing and your choice of a black or white leather wristband. The Stencil's enigmatic LCD displays time in an almost scrawled four block space that the company claims is "very simple to read." In celebration of the launch of its new gear, Tokyoflash is offering both watches at a discounted price of $99 until Friday at 4PM JST.

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Big Tech

Big Tech By Mark Hearn

UberTAXI returns to NYC in a limited capacity

Just a few days after receiving the nod from New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), UberTAXI has officially returned to the Big Apple -- with some limitations. For starters, automatic fare billing is not yet available, so passengers will have to pay drivers directly via cash or credit card. Uber warns that ride availability will be limited as the company is working on adding more cabbies to its system. Also, while New Yorkers can use a mobile app to call for a ride, drivers cannot be requested by SMS. Finally, the TLC's e-hail pilot program prohibits UberTAXIs from making trips to both JFK and LaGuardia airports along with accepting fares going outside of New York's five boroughs. Restrictive? Yes, but at least it's a start.

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Science

Science By Mark Hearn

Extreme closeup! IBM makes 'world's smallest movie' using atoms (video)

After taking a few shadowy pictures for the scientific world's paparazzi, the atom is now ready for its closeup. Today, a team of IBM scientists are bypassing the big screen to unveil what they call the "world's smallest movie." This atomic motion picture was created with the help of a two-ton IBM-made microscope that operates at a bone-chilling negative 268 degrees Celsius. This hardware was used to control a probe that pulled and arranged atoms for stop-motion shots used in the 242-frame film. A playful spin on microcomputing, the short was made by the same team of IBM eggheads who recently developed the world's smallest magnetic bit. Now that the atom's gone Hollywood, what's next, a molecular entourage?

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Accessories

Accessories By Mark Hearn

Mophie Juice Pack for the HTC One now available

If you picked up an HTC One and found that its battery isn't quite cutting it, Mophie may have a solution for your dilemma. The accessory maker is now offering its popular extended battery line for HTC's crown jewel. In addition to its slim protective casing, the freshly minted Juice Pack keeps the party going with an embedded 2,500mAh backup cell. Mophie claims that its added pick me up can increase the One's battery life by two-fold, placing its performance on a par with the marathon-ready RAZR MAXX HD. Available in two colors to match whichever hue you're sporting, the $100 Juice Pack is a surprisingly attractive backup plan for HTC's aluminum marvel.

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Space

Space By Mark Hearn

Visualized: Space hurricane! NASA's Cassini records super cyclone on Saturn (video)

If the crashing sound of lightning striking Saturn wasn't enough to excite your inner-meteorologist, then perhaps footage of a raging extraterrestrial hurricane will win you over. After orbiting the ringed planet for nine years, NASA's Cassini probe has managed to snag video of a super storm on the celestial body's north pole. Cloaked by the darkness of winter, the hurricane's eye became visible as Saturn's northern hemisphere transitioned into spring. Unlike the tropical cyclones of Earth (see: Hurricane Katrina, Sandy and Irene), this furious typhoon has been spinning for several years and has winds that flow at speeds exceeding 300MPH. Further differentiating itself from our world's whirlwinds, this alien cyclone is locked to its planet's north pole and is fueled by small amounts of water vapor instead of an actual ocean. Completely in a category of its own, the hurricane's eye measures about 1,250 miles wide and is surrounded by fluffy white clouds the size of Texas. To see this Saturnian fury in all its glory, check out the video after the break and feel free to leave your gratuitous hurricane names in the comments below.

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