PlugAndPlay
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Chrome to gain plug and play gamepad support and WebRTC video chat in 2012
Seems like Big G updates its browser of choice with fresh features every time we turn around, and one of Google's own, dev advocate Paul Kinlan, revealed that another spate of upgrades are arriving for Chrome early next year. The headliner is plug-and-play support for gamepads, but native support for cameras, microphones and open-source video chat framework WebRTC are on the docket too -- features that give Chrome some considerable gaming chops when combined with its existing WebGL and HTML 5 prowess and, he says, could bring OnLive to the web without plugins. If you thought Angry Birds on a browser was a great, we can't wait to see what's in store when a proper controller and integrated video chat are involved.
Researchers say any USB peripheral could steal your data, even a coffee-cup warmer
So you've got a nice secure thumbdrive, but did you ever think to lock its port? Engineers at the Royal Military College of Canada say the plug and play functionality built into most computers automatically trusts whatever's plugged into the USB slot. That doesn't just go for flash drives left out on the street, but all manner of other peripherals as well, as the trio of triumphant researchers demonstrated when they (presumably) infiltrated colleagues' offices with a totally sweet spy keyboard. That particular device flashed an LED or made the mark's sound card warble to covertly transmit stolen data, but such exotic methods are reportedly not required -- so you've yet another reason to cringe when your coworker trots out his Humping Dog.
JAKKS to further produce Namco TV games
Like Jumpstyle and Pogs, retro gaming is here to stay. JAKKS Pacific (creators of freakishly well endowed WWE action figures) and Namco Bandai (creators of King & Balloon) have done the corporate mambo and extended their contract to produce more plug-and-play TV games.Coming off a four year run with Namco, JAKKS hopes to go for even more as Josh Ardell, their senior VP of marketing said, "To date we have sold more than 15 million units based on Namco's top-selling franchise and look forward to at least another three year-run with the titles."We'll know when the well has run dry when we start seeing Baraduke plug-and-play games.
