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EyeSight's hand-waving, gesture-based UI now available for Android (video)
Sure, the Evo's front-facing camera enables you to call your snookums and let them see your mug while you two exchange sweet nothings. But, wouldn't it be much better if you could tell your phone to talk to the hand? Now it can... at least in theory, with the availability eyeSight libraries for Android. EyeSight's Natural User Interface relies on a phone's camera to detect hand motions, enabling developers to write apps that change tracks, ignore callers, and display text messages with a wave. The down-side is that those apps need to be specifically written to work in this way, and while the libraries have been available for Nokia handsets since last year, right now we're seeing a whopping four programs that use it (including the hugely important "Fart Control," which turns your phone into a "motion detecting fart machine"). So, you should probably not expect a revolution here either. Video demo from the Nokia days is embedded just below.
AdLib: Apple's secret web app weapon
MobileCrunch noticed something interesting about the iPad User Guide hidden in the iPad Safari's bookmarks. It's a web app, but it doesn't feel like a web app -- the views scroll independently and smoothly, "clicking" is exact, and the whole thing runs much more like a native iPad app than anything web app developers have been able to put together yet. Why? Apple's got a secret -- Done21 is calling it "AdLib," after a file found somewhere in the source code, and apparently it's a library that connects UIKit to HTML, CSS, and Javascript. It's a go-between framework that has no documentation in the code at all, and uses practically unlabeled variables. In other words, Apple is putting their own magic into web apps, and while the code is there to see, they aren't interested in sharing. At this point, it's not much more than a novelty -- Apple obviously is depending on Xcode and the iPhone OS SDK for developing iPad and iPhone applications, and there's no need for them to share the code magic that's making this happen. But it's interesting when you think of the original emphasis that Apple placed on web apps way back in the early iPhone days. If all of those web apps we had were as well-coded and responsive as this -- in other words, if they'd actually had ties into the UI -- then maybe web apps would have been just enough.
iPhone OS 4.0: iBooks for iPhone
While we don't have a lot of detail on this tidbit from today's Apple event, we do know for sure that iBooks, the ebook reader software now available on the iPad platform, will be coming to the iPhone platform with iPhone OS 4.0 this summer. There was also a hint, but no definitive statement from Steve Jobs, that iBooks will also be available for Mac OS X. Of course, having your iBooks library on all of those different devices might make life confusing, but according to The Jobs, there will be wireless syncing of your books between platforms. Let's say you're reading a book on your iPad, and you're going to a restaurant so you decide to just pick up your iPhone and head out. When you get to the restaurant, you fire up the iPhone and bring up iBooks, and it's on the same page that you were reading on the iPad. This is currently the way that Amazon's Kindle platform works, syncing books between a number of devices. I currently have Kindle Reader on my iPhone 3GS, iPad, and two Macs, and it is refreshing to be able to switch between devices and always have the current book and page available. As with iBooks for iPad, a free illustrated copy of Winnie the Pooh will be provided with each copy of iBooks on the iPhone.
Six Ngmoco iPad titles revealed
In his panel at GDC last week, Ngmoco's Neil Young dropped the news that his company was going all out with their freemium business model -- not only are they releasing twenty iPhone titles by the end of this year, but they're planning on having six iPad titles ready to go right away at launch. Touch Arcade has done a little digging, and they've come up with what they think the six iPad titles will be. Here we go: GodFinger We Rule (both of these were previewed last week) Flick Fishing (probably re-created as a freemium app) NBA Hotshot (also likely remade into Ngmoco's model) CastleCraft (an MMO strategy/wargame) WarpGate As you may have noticed, two of those are Ngmoco originals, and four of those are Freeverse titles that were either planned for the iPad or are being remade for the new platform; again, presumably free-to-play, along with microtransactions and freemium resources in the Ngmoco mold. That's definitely a sizeable library going into the new platform, and if Ngmoco really does have these ready to go on April 3rd (and I don't see any reason why they wouldn't -- even if they haven't gotten one of those test iPads from Apple, their model is designed to release early and make updates quickly if needed), then they'll be positioned to grab iPad app space very early on.
Ngmoco picks up $25 million in funding, buys Freeverse
TechCrunch is reporting that iPhone game company Ngmoco has just picked up $25 million in another round of fundraising, which they used to buy out Freeverse, one of the most storied Mac game developers (and recently, iPhone game developers) on the block. The two companies were already close -- Freeverse went with Ngmoco's Plus+ network for social connections in its games, including Flick Fishing and Moto Thunder -- but this buyout would put Ngmoco in charge of their whole catalog. Ngmoco CEO Neil Young says that he plans to take all of Freeverse's currently paid games and convert them all into the free-to-play model that Ngmoco has grown so comfortable with. It's a pretty bold move -- Ngmoco is seriously investing in this model (even to the extent where they'll cancel planned games unless they can squeeze them into the model), and now Freeverse will have to follow suit. There's no word on what will happen to Freeverse's significant Mac game library as well -- will that part of the company be split off? Will Ngmoco shut it all down and choose to focus on iPhone apps? Unfortunately, the only available information is the post on TechCrunch. We've put out calls to both developers and will get back to you when we know more. Update: Touch Arcade has interviewed Young. He doesn't mention Freeverse's Mac titles, but he does confirm that "freemium" is the way they're going to steer all of Freeverse's titles in the future.
Apple updates patent for magic wand remote
Apple has updated a patent that they already held featuring a sort of a Magic Wand -- a remote control for operating a media system by controlling an on-screen cursor. That might sound familiar if you own a Wii -- even the pictures look very similar to the way the Wiimote currently works. And the pictures tell us something else: not only does the patent itself mention a "media system," but the user interface looks very similar to the current Front Row interface on the Apple TV. So it's likely that if Apple is updating this patent, they're working on a new remote to control their set-top box. But that doesn't mean it's the only thing they'd use a motion controller for -- I speculated a long time ago that Apple might want to put their now substantial App Store library into play on another platform, and a motion controller would go a long way towards replicating the touchscreen and accelerometer capability of the iPhone. Of course, this patent only means Apple is playing around with these ideas, not actually releasing hardware based on them. But it just shows that they're thinking along the same lines in terms of improving the browsing and interface experience.
British Library packs its least requested items into new, robot-operated facility in Leeds
The British Library's just taken the wraps off a new facility up in Leeds where they'll now house some lesser used items (things like patent specs and Martin Amis' diner receipts). The new digs are a £26 million (that's about $43 million) building in West Yorkshire controlled by seven robot operators capable of pulling items and taking them to a retrieval area when they've been requested by librarians. Hit the BBC Source link to check out the futuristic system for yourself.
Xbox Live app for iPhone
360 Live [App Store link] certainly isn't the first Xbox 360 app to hit the iPhone, but it's definitely one of the most full-featured, offering gamertag management, complete friends list access, messaging capability, games library browsing (with achievements and all), and even a CoverFlow-style friend browser just for good measure. It is pretty darn impressive -- if there's anything you need to do with your Xbox Live account (Gold account required for messaging) while away from your actual 360, this app will let you do it. There is one issue: it's $1.99. Technically, that's not bad -- an app like this is probably worth the $2 especially if browsing your friends' games is something you do often. But the catch is that Microsoft recently stated that all apps that tag in to Xbox 360's online service must be sold for the low, low price of free. So one of two things will probably happen here -- either the app will drop down to free (in which case, you might as well save your $2), or Microsoft might end up blocking it, either on the App Store or in the actual Xbox Live connection. Hopefully, whatever happens, we'll end up with a solution
Ebooks making libraries popular again, can do nothing about your 80s scrunchie
A few forward-thinking libraries in the UK have started offering ebook downloads as an alternative to borrowing physical copies of books, and the local public's reaction has been one of overwhelming enthusiasm. Seemingly attracted by the idea of being able to collect and return books without having to actually attend the library, Brits have been eagerly joining up to the new scheme. Free downloads that last for 14 days before self-deleting can be had either in the library or at home, and transitioned onto your Sony Reader, iRex iLiad, or that new hotness, B&N's nook. Naturally, the proprietary-format Kindle isn't invited to this party. We've already seen a similar initiative in the USA, and can only hope this kind of convenience becomes mainstream before too long.
Boston prep school nixes all the books in its library, replaces them with 18 e-readers
We love looking to the future here at Engadget. And while real, paper books hold a special place in our heart, we're fairly certain no one will accuse us of being Luddites for scoffing at a recent development at a Boston prep school. James Tracy, the headmaster of Cushing Academy, says that he sees books as an "outdated technology," and to that end, he's taken the drastic and expensive step of ridding the school's library of every single one of its books. Replacing the books will be a high tech "learning center," housing three flat screen televisions, laptops, 18 e-readers, and a coffee bar. The project -- which is costing somewhere in the neighborhood of $500,000 -- is one of the first of its kind. So, excuse us for our cynicism, but unless there are only 18 students at Cushing Academy, we're pretty sure the e-reader supply is going to come up short.
Killjoy: Guy goes to NYC public library to play Halo 3, gets busted
Nothing to us seems more right than sitting down in a comfy chair, in front of an HD monitor, and getting some Halo 3 on. And that's exactly what the fine gentleman above did at a New York public library recently, borrowing the free Wi-Fi for a little Xbox Live. According to Flickr user 'dynatrite' who snapped this picture with his iPhone, the whole schebang took "20 minutes to set up" and "2 minutes to get [him] kicked out." We're not exactly shocked, considering the reported items include "a monitor, Xbox [360], Wi-Fi router, external HD, earphones with mouthpiece, and a controller" -- that last, crucial piece being hidden below a copy of the New York Post. We can't help but wonder if somewhere in that library, if you listened carefully enough, a faint "Killjoy!" could be heard when he was caught. Maybe, just maybe. [Image credit] [Via G4TV]
Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Sony_announces_Reader_Daily_Edition_free_library_ebook_chec'; It flew under the radar until a quiet leak this morning, but Sony's just announced the Reader Daily Edition, as well as updated Mac-compatible eBook Library 3.0 software and a new library content service. The Reader Daily Edition has a seven-inch touchscreen with 16 levels of gray as well as a AT&T 3G modem, enabling it to pull content wirelessly -- it'll launch in December for $400, and the 3G access will be free, but limited to accessing the Sony eBook store. Yeah, sorry -- no web browser here. We're a little more geeked about the library finder service, which enables you to check out ebooks and other digital content from your local public library on any of the Readers -- for free. The New York Public Library is the flashy public launch partner, but there are "thousands more" looped in through a partnership with Overdrive.com -- check out the huge selection of top-tier content you can get through the Chicago Public Library, for example. Interestingly, the library buys a fixed number of "copies" of each title and "checks out" the licenses, so you're on a time limit -- licenses will revert after 14-29 days depending on your local branch's rules. Yeah, it's a little DRM-y and there's a lot of interesting new media and copyright implications there, but it's still a pretty amazing idea, and it's definitely a major advantage over the Kindle. We're gunning for more info now, we'll let you know as soon as we find out more -- until then, check two more images after the break. Update: We're told that partnerships with university libraries were "only a matter of time," but sadly there's no timetable for a European launch at the moment. Read - Sony Reader Daily Edition PR Read - Overdrive.com partnership PR
WWDC Demo: Mashduo compares iTunes libraries
When traveling, I am always amused to see other iTunes libraries appear in my iTunes as we all glom on to the same wireless network. "Oh, hello there, Sandy's MacBook, I didn't realize you were such a Hootie and the Blowfish fan." If you're constantly asking your friends about their iTunes libraries (excessively, perhaps?) you might want to check out Mashduo -- an OS X application that allows you to drag and drop library files for comparison. Finally you'll know who has the larger ABBA collection, or who never quite understood The Dead Milkmen (hint: they only song they own is "Bitchin' Camaro" or "Punk Rock GIrl").As you can see in the video, Mashduo is pretty fast for what it does: collating and analyzing all that iTunes data. I cut about 22 seconds out as Mashduo did its thing to over 14,000 songs in those libraries. So yeah, it's fast. It is also a limited use piece of software, yes, but it is open source, so you can monkey around with it to your heart's content. First feature request: it would be lovely to have it work with those mystery iTunes shares over the network.
Delicious Library for iPhone runs afoul of Amazon's API terms, pulled from App Store
Update: As one might expect, this API restriction has also hit Pocketpedia; the app is now pulled as well (as of 7/17).Sudden removal of an item from the App Store isn't unheard of; sometimes an app has a hidden bug or a content problem, and if Apple hasn't seen fit to take it off the store shelves then the developer can take matters into his, her or its own hands. Even applications that would seem to be wholly gratuitous and obvious ripoffs of other companies' IP might make it past the first round of Apple's scrutiny, only to be abruptly pulled under threat of litigation. Apps that leverage content from websites and online services have another hurdle to clear: they may run afoul of trademark or licensing restrictions that prevent them from doing particular things with data from those third parties... things like, ferinstance, using that data on mobile devices.This all brings us to Scenario D: the 'D' is for Delicious, and it's Delicious Monster's iPhone version of Library that's undergoing an unwelcome and rapid yanking from the App Store -- and believe it or not, Apple has nothing to do with it. Earlier today, Head Monster Wil Shipley announced that the iPhone app is on indefinite suspension and is no longer for sale; this is the consequence of a particular clause in the Amazon API terms and conditions. Part 4(e) of Amazon's agreement, which Shipley is a party to due to the desktop DL app's reliance on Amazon for book and DVD data, reads as follows:(e) You will not, without our express prior written approval requested via this link , use any Product Advertising Content on or in connection with any site or application designed or intended for use with a mobile phone or other handheld device.Amazon gave D-M an ultimatum: pull the iPhone app, or lose the API access for the desktop version of Library. Despite Shipley's requests for a mobile device exception, the big A did not relent. It's not 100% clear why Amazon chose to enforce this clause now, nor why the company is not providing exceptions to developers. We have an email in to their press office to inquire.If you've got DL on your iPhone already, enjoy. If not... it could be a long wait.Anvil photo from flickr: fboyd and remixed via CC license.
Blu-ray Discs sliding into public libraries -- has yours made the move?
We figured it would happen sooner or later, but quite honestly, we never imagined we'd see a public library stocking Blu-ray Discs this soon. A vigilant tipster has pointed out that the Washington Centerville Public Library in Ohio now has BDs for patrons to check out, though his own observances have revealed that the general public is still having a hard time understanding that these discs cannot be played back on standard DVD players. And yes, that's despite the dozen signs informing them of that little fact. In order to make them easily identifiable, all BDs in the library are kept in their iconic blue cases, and as the collection grows, guests are allowed to check out a limit of two at a time. Has your library jumped on the Blu-ray bandwagon? Give it a call and find out.[Thanks, Ryan]
American Library Association goes gaming
Today the American Library Association released its "Online Toolkit for Building Gaming @ Your Library" and with it, a 10-minute video walkthrough of the entire initiative (that we've included after the break). The ALA has been pushing various "gaming in libraries" initiatives over the course of the last two years and this new battle plan aims to bolster an already monumental effort. The toolkit is comprised of "resources, tips, and best practices" for aspiring libraries to join in the national push and hopes to inflate the current American literacy rate into the triple digits. Rather than simply adding various video games to a library's catalog, the toolkit emphasizes the use of games as a social medium -- championing a variety of board games old and new as well as the Nintendo DS and Playstation 3 in the aforementioned video. To be perfectly honest, considering the price of gaming coupled with that whole "global economic recession" thing we keep hearing so much about, heading out to the library for games sounds like a welcome change.
Coolest librarians EVER in trouble for playing Rock Band
Imagine, if you will, that you have entered a library. Imagine further that a librarian approaches and, upon meeting you, asks, "Would you like to play Rock Band?" Would you think that this librarian was A) the greatest librarian in the history of librarians or B) wasting taxpayer money? If you chose B, you appear to agree with Omaha, Nebraska's Action 3 News, which recently filed a report about a group of local librarians using state funds to purchase Rock Band for its gaming workshops. Worse still, the librarians even had the audacity to film themselves assembling and playing the game -- during work hours -- and then uploaded the results to YouTube.Indeed, the offense was so egregious that Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley launched an investigation into the matter, the results of which will be looked over by a group appointed by Governor Dave Heineman. To think that a library would purchase video games in order to attract more young people -- something many libraries are starting to do -- and then promote it via YouTube, where plenty of young people are likely to see it, boggles the mind. It's practically unconscionable.Check out the incriminating YouTube video after the break (which also includes a little DDR action).
iTunes library tool SuperSync half-off today
I haven't run the numbers thoroughly, but there's a team consensus here that iTunes library management and synchronization questions occupy high slots in the top 10 list of frequent questions to Ask TUAW and our tip line. With multiple machines, iPods/iPhones and massive libraries of media, keeping everything shipshape can be a real challenge. Past posts have discussed several options for sharing and syncing, including products like Syncopation, myTuneSync, TuneRanger and Mojo -- and one item that keeps showing up in the list is SuperSync, mentioned by Mat here. It may not be the most attractive tool for the job, but reports are that it handles the task with aplomb (though it's a good idea to back up your library first). SuperSync is discounted 50% today via MacZot, at $14.95 for a pair of licenses (allowing you to sync 2 machines); if library cleanup is on your holiday to-do list, it might be a good last-second purchase. We'll aim for a TUAW Faceoff on the various library sync and management tools early in the new year.
VUDU now home to 1,100 HD titles: "largest HD library in existence"
We realized that VUDU was on some sort of mission with its ferocious adding of high-def titles last month, and now we know what the company was up to. Indeed, it was adding around 150 HD titles per week in October in order to pump out this glowing release. As of today, there are over 1,100 HD titles available to VUDU users for instant, on-demand viewing, or as VUDU would say, "the largest library of HD content in existence." Thankfully, the company isn't planning to just rest on its laurels, as it's fully expecting to maintain its "leadership" position with continued HD rollouts in the near future. Funny how we were all questioning VUDU's viability just a few months back, huh?
DS Daily: Evaluation
Now that the DSi is moving us into a newish era of Nintendo handheld gaming, it's a good time to look back on the DS library so far. Most of us seem pretty happy with the selection that's build up over the year, but do you feel there's been a good distribution of genres and plenty of replayable games? Great concepts? Too much of anything, or too little of another?
