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Snakebot and quadcopter combo makes for a go-anywhere rescue drone
Everyone has different ideas on what the perfect search-and-rescue robot is, and for a University of Pennsylvania Mod Lab team, it comes in the form of a snake drone-quadcopter chimera. The Hybrid Exploration Robot for Air and Land Deployment or H.E.R.A.L.D. is composed of two snake-like machines that attach via magnets to a UAV. After being carried to the site by the quadcopter, the snake bots can detach themselves, slip through the holes and cracks of a collapsed building, for instance, and slither to their destination. The researchers have been working on H.E.R.A.L.D. since 2013, but now that all its components can properly merge and work together like the robots in Power Rangers, they presented it at the 2014 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems. You can watch the machine ace the tests its creators put it through in the vid after the break, including a part where a researcher used an Xbox controller to navigate a snakebot through a pipe.
Dark Age of Camelot launches new website
It's extreme makeover time for Dark Age of Camelot's website, and it's a good thing too. The game launched in late 2001, and while its former web portal wasn't quite GeoCities-awful, let's just say it was time for an update in terms of aesthetics and layout. The new version of The Herald is leaner, meaner, and much easier to navigate, though it does come with an "under construction" caveat. DAoC producer Stuart Zissu provides users with a brief introduction to the new site via an embedded video on the front page, and he also hints at the long-running title's 10th anniversary celebration currently scheduled for October. Head to the official website to, er... check out the new official website.
The further adventures of Captain Vault and the amazing LotRO!
As we barrel toward the September 10th release date of LotRO's Volume III Book 2 update and F2P craziness, Turbine's devs are rushing to cover as many of the changes as possible in their detailed dev diaries. The first diary covers the changes to the metal-clad captain class, which is receiving an overhaul thanks to player feedback and extensive fine-tuning. Ken Burd explained the rearrangement of two traits lines, Leader of Men and Lead the Charge, which have been reworked into tank and DPS specialties, respectively. Burd also discussed the changes to heralds, standards and armaments. For everyone else who isn't a captain (and, OK, captains too), games systems engineer Ransroth gushes over the improved vault system. In an attempt to make the vault easier to peruse, Turbine is changing the bank UI to resemble the shared storage UI, which results in an easier-to-read interface. When beta testers responded negatively to the new vault interface, the devs worked to find a solution to mimic the old structure of multiple chests. Vaults 2.0 also come with a number of spiffy tools, such as dynamic filtering, sorting, automatic stack merges, and searches. Both the captain revamp and the vault improvements are scheduled to hit the servers in a little over two weeks.
Dark Age of Camelot overhauls classic drops
Rejoice, Mythic fans -- the dark days may be over now that there's a new loot sheriff in town! Michael Knudson, a new developer on the Dark Age of Camelot team, is jazzed to share an exciting update to the game. Starting with DAoC's patch 1.104, sections of the Classic World are getting a loot overhaul. Apparently, the loot set long ago by Mythic has been made obsolete due to the improvements handed down by the expansions, and they're looking to fix that. "It is our intent that these changes will make these items once more desirable to both new and veteran players leveling up through the Classic World," Knudson writes on the Camelot Herald. "Over the coming months, we will be revisiting additional classic world dungeons in a similar fashion with the goal being to breathe new life into other existing dungeons. Additionally, as one more way to sweeten the pot, we have added several new and unique items that will drop from some of the more notable denizens in these respective dungeons." Stonehenge Barrows in Albion, Spindelhalla in Midgard, and Coruscating Mine in Hibernia are first up for the upgraded loot treatment, with more to follow in successive patches. More yummy loot -- what's not to like? You can check out all the details on the new DAoC itemization in the 1.104 patch notes. [Via MMOCrunch]
LG bringing 20-key, WinMo-powered HQ to AT&T?
The Jack's just fine and dandy if you want a WinMo Standard device on AT&T with a portrait QWERTY keyboard, but what if you're, say, coming from a Pearl? Odds are you're pretty comfortable with a SureType-style 20-key layout, and that's what the GW600 HQ from LG promises. This device sorta made the rounds -- albeit covertly -- at MWC a few months back, and we hadn't taken it as a likely candidate for American release, but this slide seems to prove us wrong. It's got triband 3G, a 2 megapixel cam, microSD expansion up to 16GB, Windows Mobile 6.1, 320 x 240 non-touch display, and a lofty target date of July 6, which might give you just a little more pause before you make that Jack buy. Follow the break for a closer look at those 20 glorious keys -- along with the rest of the HQ.
Warhammer mod automatically reports tell spammers
According to a ticker at the Warhammer Online Herald, Mythic has banned over 4,000 WAR users for gold farming and selling. Now to further the battle, its representatives at the Herald have suggested that players download a third party UI mod called "Spam Me Not" which not only automatically blocks incoming gold seller spam tells, but reports the sender of the tell.We haven't used the app, so we don't know how well it works. It might block legitimate tells from friends. If you try it out, tell us how that works for you.The post at the Herald says that the mod is not endorsed by Mythic, although one would think that mentioning it on the official site is at least a tacit endorsement. Mythic did go on to say that players should continue using the game's built-in spam reporting features as well.
DAoC Grab Bag Q&A regarding patch 1.94
In this week's Grab Bag for Dark Age of Camelot, we're treated to yet another of what we'd expect from this aptly-named Q&A session from the Herald. The Bearded Wonder and the Balancinator answer eleven questions this time, each with their own focus on what the game has to offer with the upcoming patch 1.94.One interesting question centers around rest XP, and how certain locations give more rest XP for players. This question brings up a great point about how the rest XP should be higher in the housing zones, as opposed to the capital city zones, which would make perfect sense. Another question asks about expanded vault space, for which the Bearded Wonder responds, "We are working on some adjustments to housing that will assist this issue indirectly. Some of these changes can be seen in 1.94 that is coming up." It looks like this new patch will be full of goodies for us all!
New Empire vs Chaos info dump
The official Warhammer Online news hub has posted up a slew of Empire and Chaos information. The article discusses classes and most of their respective mastery paths -- three for each class. The only class that seems completely left out of the mix is the Empire tank, the Knight of The Blazing Sun. There is a chaos correspondence letter and then a ton of lore to chew through -- if you like. Finally, we're treated with tons of new screenshots to obsess over -- including some pretty interesting captures of the Chaos Marauder class.
HTC P4350 Herald gets Windows Mobile 6 update
HTC's slowly coming around on Windows Mobile 6 upgrades for its full suite of recent self-branded handsets, thank goodness. Latest to get blessed is the P4350, HTC's very own rendition of its thin, EDGE-only QWERTY slider. Of course, if you've had a T-Mobile Wing, you've been feeling this love for quite some time now -- but if the HTC logo rests atop your unit, go grab yourself an update, will ya?[Via the::unwired]
T-Mobile Wing hands-on
The T-Mobile Wing is a Windows Mobile 6 phone, alright -- and the specs aren't anything to write home about, especially not for $400. 200MHz CPU, EDGE data, QVGA display. And yet we find ourselves mysteriously attracted to the T-Mobile Wing. It's nigh-sticky soft-touch finish, it's thin profile (for a WM QWERTY slider, anyway), it's divinely clicky d-pad and keys, it's rubbery keyboard that we just didn't think HTC could make any better. Check out the pictures, decide for yourself; but if you're a T-Mobile customer, if you're willing to plunk down this thing is kind of a no-brainer.%Gallery-3345%
Evidence grows for imminent T-Mobile Wing launch
We're not sure if it's the newfound presence of the Wing on T-Mobile's support site or the ever-growing throng of individuals reporting that customer service agents and in-store reps are touting May 22 as the launch date, but something tells us that tomorrow's starting to look pretty good for getting some Windows Mobile 6 Professional love. Seeing how T-Mobile is without a Pocket PC phone option right now, the Wing's arrival isn't just welcome -- it's necessary -- and as 2.5G Pocket PCs go, the Wing's a doozy. The slim case and soft-touch finish alone are enough to make Wizard owners shed a tear, but the real prize is likely Windows Mobile 6 Professional and a revised, spring-loaded keyboard with a more traditional numeric layout. Get your pocketbooks ready, ladies and gentlemen.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
T-Mobile Wing gets unboxed
MyMobile911 has somehow managed to acquire a "production package" of T-Mobile's upcoming Windows Mobile 6-equipped Wing, and perhaps the most interesting news here is that it is, in fact, called the "Wing." Previous reports had suggested that execs weren't happy with the name, but hey, they could call it "Poo" for all we care -- the fact that retail packaging is in the wild suggests that a release could very well be imminent. The box's contents turn out to be pretty standard fare: a charger, stereo headset, cables, software, and a handful of manuals, though one gem is the audio/charging dongle that appears to let you juice the battery and rock out at the same time. With the MDA axed from the lineup, T-Mobile's Pocket PC-less shelves are looking a wee bit bare; Wing, you can't possible get here soon enough.[Thanks, Wally S.]
T-Mobile "Wing" to change name, see Q2 release?
Call it a T-Mobile device... just don't call it "Wing." Word has it that execs at the nation's number two GSM carrier were less than pleased with the naming for its latest Pocket PC phone (but "Dash" somehow made the cut?), though it's unknown what the new name will be. But wait, we haven't gotten to the good part yet: the same rumor claims that the release date has been pushed up (not a typo) to May 27 for a mere $249 on two-year contract, perhaps a nod to perceived pressure from Sprint and Verizon's latest round of HTC superdevices. That's quite a launch bump from the original estimate of August; we'll believe it when we see it, but we're doing our best to stay optimistic.[Thanks, Seth]
Hands-on with O2's Xda terra
While O2 announced two new Windows Mobile handsets yesterday -- the Xda terra and nova -- sadly, we were only able to get our mitts on one of them this morning at CeBIT. It seems the Nova part of the "Terra Nova" duo was missing in action, as the device is apparently still being tweaked to perfection by the gents at O2. Unlike its HTC Herald-based twins known as the Vodafone VPA Compact IV, Dopod C800, and the original HTC P4350, the Terra flies out the door rockin' Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Thinner than the TyTn and sporting that full QWERTZ keyboard we all love, you can expect it to hit O2 retail in May.%Gallery-2119%
O2 Germany announces new HTCs as Xda "terra" and "nova"
Though O2 spends plenty of time getting cozy with Quanta for its Windows Mobile needs, that doesn't mean they've thrown HTC to the curb. The latest two HTCs to get the O2 treatment -- in Germany, anyway -- will be the Herald and Elf, released as the Xda "terra" and "nova" respectively. As you might recall, the Herald is the facelifted Wizard, replacing O2's own Xda mini S and offering all the same slide-out QWERTY action in a 17 millimeter shell; 3G data is sadly missing, though O2 is going to one-up the competition here by rolling out Windows Mobile 6 Professional on this bad boy out of the gate -- expect it in May for €150 (about $200). Meanwhile, the Xda nova (also a 2.5G device) brings Windows Mobile to the masses with a relatively low price point -- €100, about $130 -- while still managing to pack 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, microSD expansion, and version six of Microsoft's ubiquitous platform. Look for it a month after its Xda terra stablemate in June.Read - O2 Xda terraRead - O2 Xda nova
HTC Herald makes its FCC debut
There's not a whole lot left to learn about the HTC Herald, otherwise known as the P4350, but those keeping track of the QWERTY-concealing handset's every move will no doubt be pleased to hear that it's finally made its way through the FCC's hands, making it one step closer to landing in yours. For those less-than-obsessed with the device, it boasts a 2.8-inch touchscreen, 200MHz TI processor, 2-megapixel camera, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, a microSD slot for additional storage, and quad-band and EDGE capabilities to keep you connected -- all in a 17-millimeter thick package weighing in at just under six ounces. Those looking for a little light reading can click through on the link below to check out the full FCC report on the device.
HTC P4350 "Herald" in the wild
Thanks largely to the lack of a 3G radio, we'd venture to guess that anticipation for HTC's Herald isn't building nearly as strongly as it did for the Hermes, but the 17 millimeter thick enclosure should be more than enough to woo a buyer or two away from their Wizard. As we'd previously mentioned, the device will be sold directly by HTC as the P4350 (not as the ambiguous "BRAND" pictured here) and Boy Genius has managed to get one of 'em in his paws. For the record, 17 millimeters is still more than two Samsung X820s; of course, we're probably not going to see Windows Mobile booting on that thing any time soon.
HTC Herald gets its HTC branding: the P4350
C'mon, HTC certainly wasn't fooling anyone after the Herald was unmasked and taken from under wraps, but now the QWERTY-packin' device is finally getting a proper nametag. The HTC P4350, while far from being a new release, will "officially" sport a slimmer enclosure than the Tytn and foolishly lack onboard HSDPA. Apparently hoping to compensate, the quad-band unit will boast EDGE connectivity, Bluetooth, and WiFi options along with the usual compliment of smartphone functions. Aside from handling your Microsoft Office / Outlook needs, it will sport a 2.8-inch touchscreen, five-way navigational stick, 200MHz TI processor, 2-megapixel camera, 64MB of internal RAM, 128MB of ROM, and a microSD slot to store your extra files, tunes, or CIA material. Weighing in at 5.92 ounces, the 17-millimeter thick mobile should retail for "around $735," and if all goes as planned, will hit European shores next month.[Via The Unwired, thanks Jonathan]
Dopod announces trio of HTC-based handhelds
Dopod's cozy relationship with HTC (which we're thinking just might have to do with HTC's ownership of the firm) continues with the announcement of three new models: the M700, D810, and C800, based on the HTC Artemis, Trinity, and Herald, respectively. All three designs are fairly bleeding-edge, with the Herald yet to see an official release. Meanwhile, the M700 variant of the Artemis ups the reference design's ante by packing in a full 256MB of internal storage, a move that HTC says makes this a multimedia version of the product, and so far it's a Dopod exclusive -- is HTC giving preferential treatment to its in-house brand? Say it ain't so! Look for all three to drop in Dopod-friendly regions of the world (read: Asia) over the coming months.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - the::unwiredRead - MSMobileNews
HTC Herald reviewed (in Polish)
We can't make out much of of PDAclub.pl's review of the new HTC Herald even with the wonders of machine translation, but thankfully they've provided a plethora of pics, and even a video clip, so you can at least a good look at the device. From what we can discern though, they seem to have come away with mostly favorable impressions of it, digging the handset's overall design and its built-in 2 megapixel camera (among other things) but finding the RAM and battery life somewhat lacking. As the video clip shows, it also provides a satisfying 'click' when slid open. We'll have to leave it to the Polish speakers among us to interpret the more nuanced aspects of the review.[Via pocketnow.com]
