multitasking
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Windows Phone 7 hack brings instant app resumption, mobile multitasking to the masses
Looking for a little snappier response when jumping to and fro between apps on your WP7 device? Well, do we have just the hack for you -- a dev from Windows Phone Hacker, Jaxbot, did some poking around in the Window's Phone registry and found a way to instantly resume apps, no muss, no fuss. By setting the "DehydrateOnPause" registry key value to zero, he got rid of that pesky app dehydration / rehydration process altogether. Keep in mind there may be some "undesirable" side effects from force-feeding your device multitasking (ADD?) ahead of schedule and you'll need a developer-unlocked device to access the registry, so only advanced users need apply -- you taking notes, Mr. Ballmer? Hit up the source link for the full monty, and check out the hack in action after the break.
How to enable multitasking gestures in iOS 4.3
Unfortunately we knew that iOS 4.3 wouldn't end up shipping with those nifty four- and five-finger gestures, but what we didn't know was how easy it'd be to enable them. That's right, getting even more touchy-feely with your brand new iPad 2 is just a few clicks and a 4.5GB download (to your Mac) away -- if you've got $5 for Xcode of course. Sound intriguing? Click past the break for the info.
AMD compares upcoming Llano Fusion APU with Intel Core i7, puts the heat on Sandy Bridge (video)
So far, AMD's new Fusion chips have been all about the low-end, whether you're talking in terms of price, performance or power consumption, but the company has a vision for its future that has these new Accelerated Processing Units dominating every segment of the market. In order to do that, AMD will need to overcome Intel's latest generation of mainstream processors, the Core 2011 family we're more familiar with under the Sandy Bridge codename. Before you rush past the break and watch AMD's own comparison between said Intel hardware and the forthcoming quad-core Llano APU, be aware that processor performance can rarely be generalized from a single test alone and the one we're witnessing is specifically geared to highlight the Fusion chip's strengths. All that said, the workload demonstrated by AMD -- a 3D game, HD video playback (plus post-processing on the Llano rig), Excel calculations, and some 3D modeling, all running simultaneously -- is handled most impressively by the A8-3510MX APU, which even manages to use less power than Intel's 2GHz Core i7-2630QM. See the video after the break. [Thanks, Vygantas]
See the new Windows Phone 7 features in motion (video)
Sure, you clung to every word we typed yesterday at Steve Ballmer's MWC keynote, where a suite of new Windows Phone 7 features were announced. But sometimes seeing is believing, sometimes a picture is worth 1,000 words, and sometimes just watching a video is simply more fun. Microsoft has you covered, revealing a number of clips detailing the new Kinect "experience," multitasking, and IE9. They're all embedded below, so click on through, won't you?
Microsoft shows off WP7's future with multitasking, Twitter integration, and IE9, all coming this year
We've just barely begun to get ready with Steve Ballmer's keynote at MWC 2011, yet the company's Twitter and press feeds just scooped its main man. It's confirmed that Windows Phone 7 is getting multitasking for third-party apps and a suite of other updates, including Twitter integration and IE9 Mobile. We're still waiting on details on the multitasking, but the company has confirmed a "new wave of multitasking applications" in this next release, though hopefully that means open to all. Twitter will be integrated into the People Hub, so you can get your real-time "what's for dinner" updates right there. And, of course, Microsoft confirmed IE9 is coming. It'll deliver a "dramatically enhanced web browser experience" thanks to graphics and hardware acceleration that'll make the most of what your handset has to offer. Sounds tasty to us. We're told to expect the update in "early March," which isn't that far away at all.
The Daily Grind: Do you play multiple MMOs at once?
If MMO rehab centers existed, chances are some of us would no doubt be joining Charlie Sheen on the long road to recovery. Earlier this week I found myself "playing" not one, not even two, but three MMORPGs simultaneously, and the absurdity of that particular moment would have been somewhat sad were it not for the fact that I'm now profiting from it. When I say "playing," though, I really mean "was logged into," since even the most skilled multi-taskers would have trouble coordinating multiple MMOs without the help of macros or bots. So, while I ran a few faction missions in Age of Conan, I also toured Metropolis kiosks with Booster Gold and indulged in a bit of Atreian AFK-crafting, the better to satiate my desire to progress as much as possible in as many places as possible. I'm also guilty of keeping a second game open purely for the purposes of chatting whilst playing something more interesting, and while this could be a biting commentary on the repetitive nature of MMOs in general, cross-game UI and mechanical familiarity is appealing. What about you Massively readers? Do you "play" multiple MMOs at once? Why or why not, and if so, which ones? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Nintendo 3DS in-game menu: notes, friends and more explained
The Nintendo 3DS is a powerful multitasking beast, besting the efforts of many handhelds and consoles before it. If you don't want to quit out of your game, you can use one of the four highlighted icons to perform additional tasks on top of your game after pressing the Home button. For example, want to jot down some important notes during a game? Don't ruin the last few pages of your instruction booklet. Instead, tap the pencil icon to access Game Memo, an app that lets you draw and write anything you want. (It looks a lot like Pictochat.) Once you're done, you can save your image to the SD card. Is your system notification LED flashing orange? That means one of your Wi-Fi connected friends is online. Tap the smiley face button to see what your friends are playing. The speech bubble icon will give you insight into all of your Spot Pass and Street Pass activity, letting you know when you've downloaded something new. Finally, the internet browser (available via firmware update) should let you research some GameFAQs and read some Joystiq while you take a break from raiding some faces.
iOS 4.3 beta multitasking gestures demonstrated on iPhone, look like a handful (video)
If you came along for our most recent podcast you heard us discussing some of the new features uncovered in the iOS 4.3 beta, including multitouch gestures for multitasking like four-finger swipes to go between apps. They seem hugely useful on an iPad but, on an iPhone, sounded like a bit of a handful. Now we have some video evidence, with Antoni Nygaard managing to get them working on his iPhone, along with the lock/mute switch toggle as well. Given these multitouch gestures aren't coming to the iPad (yet) we're guessing it won't be hitting the iPhone either, but we can always hope. Update: BGR has a little more information on this, including some screenshots if the video below isn't good enough for ya. [Thanks, Crazyyen]
iPhone rumor two-pack: multitasking gestures and MobileMe Photo Streams? (Update: those pics are real)
Looks like the iPad might not have an exclusive on those new "multitasking" gestures unearthed in the latest iOS 4.3 beta, because BGR's got some shots up of an purported internal build that seem to indicate Cupertino intends to push them down to the iPhone line as well. Now, there are a couple of obvious red flags here -- using "four or five fingers" sounds pretty unreasonable for a 3.5-inch display, though it'd certainly tie in with recent rumors that Apple's turning sour on the physical Home button and might indicate that the complete redesign we're hearing about could include a slightly larger display. Of course, it could also indicate that this is really early software with the wrong (read: iPad) wording -- but at any rate, we could definitely see the benefit of, say, a two-finger gesture to swipe between apps. Now, on to part two: 9to5 Mac seems to have unearthed traces in the iOS 4.3 beta of a new feature called "Photo Streams" that seems to be -- you guessed it -- a way to share continuous streams of photos with friends you approve, presumably through MobileMe (which would fit in nicely with the Find my Friends stuff). Alone, that's not worth $99 a year -- plenty of other services offer similar functionality -- but we wouldn't be surprised if this were bundled in with a bunch of MobileMe refreshes this year. Update: We just received an interesting tidbit of information on the above pic (and others that BGR has its hands on). According to sources, after the iPhone 4 barroom debacle, Apple made significant changes to how it keeps track of -- and identifies to third parties -- its devices. Namely, the company began adding clauses to screens on the phones which read "Confidential and Proprietary, if found, please contact..." followed by a 408 number (that's Cupertino, of course). This prevents any misunderstanding from parties who may come across these devices. So what does it all mean? Well, not much, save that it seems these photos we're viewing are in fact the real deal... which means gestures may be headed to your iPhone. Intrigue!
MegaReader brings true multitasking to the iPhone, lets you walk and read at the same time (video)
Galaxy S owners will already be familiar with the awesome power of overlaying text on a live view of their phone's camera feed, but now their iPhone counterparts get to join in the fun as well. MegaReader, an e-reading app that's survived the cutthroat App Store waters long enough to reach version 2.1, has just added a "Heads Up Display" feature to its list of attributes. Its function is to make your iPhone appear transparent, which is achieved by relaying camera images of what's behind the phone to its front. A real life saver, a mere gimmick, or a golden opportunity for a hilarious promo video? Why not all three?
This is your brain. This is your brain on video games
Sure, you've probably seen countless scientific studies involving video games -- but have you have you ever wondered what your brain actually looked like while your playing video games? Well, feast your eyes on the image above. That's an MRI scan of New York Times writer Matt Richtel's brain that was captured while he played a simple driving game -- all in the name of science (and journalism), of course. As Richtel notes, however, that's just one example of the ways researchers are using such technology to "map the ethereal concept of attention," and scientists have turned up some other interesting findings as of late. Researchers at the University of Utah, for instance, have found that people's ability to juggle two tasks begins to drop off in their 30s and then sharply drops in their 40s, which contradicts earlier suspicions that people's ability to multitask only began to degrade when they're much older. Some other researchers are still suspicious of those findings, however, and Dr. Gazzaley of the University of California at San Diego is quick to point out that all of this research is still in the earliest stages -- he's expecting some more detailed findings next year when his team expands their tests and begin to incorporate EEG monitoring as well.
Action games improve 'real-world' skills, researchers suggest
"So what?" you might be thinking, "I don't care about the real world." Hey, we hear you. But! What if you could get those nagging loved ones off your back? A host of new studies could prove an important bargaining chip in convincing your parents, partners and pad-mates that you really should keep playing Black Ops in lieu of other activities, productive or not. NPR reports on a series of brain studies that suggests playing action games can improve one's attention, multitasking ability and vision skills, including spatial reasoning and "contrast sensitivity" -- "a skill that comes in very handy if you're driving in fog," says Daphne Bavelier, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester. And get this: Jay Pratt, a psych professor and brain researcher at the University of Toronto, claims his studies have shown that women, who he says typically score worse than men on spatial cognition tests, "improved substantially" after playing action games "and almost caught up to the men's scores." So, if your particular loved one happens to be both concerned and a female, reassure her: Black Ops supports split-screen multiplayer! But, um, before you forward anyone the article, you may want to edit out some parts ... Apparently, just a few weeks of "training" can show lasting effects on your "real-world" skills for up to two years, and all the researchers involved encourage (ugh) "moderation" in playtime. [Thanks, Chris; image credit: J. Adam Fenster/University of Rochester]
The Daily Grind: Do you multitask in MMOs?
One of the defining maxims of my life is "Two birds with one stone." No, I'm not an avian serial killer (well, not yet...), but I do like to combine activities as much as possible, particularly when one is boring or repetitive. While MMOs definitely have exciting parts, it's hard to deny that there's a good chunk of time where one enters the Grind Zone of repetitive tasks. Because of this, I am a proponent of multitasking while playing MMOs. I usually listen to a podcast, set up a movie on a portable DVD player next to the monitor, or even let my character auto-attack a bit while I do a bit of correspondence. I am always paying attention to the chat box scroll -- and the laughable debates that folks have in world-wide channels -- and I've been known to bounce a baby or two on my lap while downing a boss. Are you like me? Do you multitask while playing MMOs? If so, spill the beans -- what else do you do while you play? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
New 'iPad Is Amazing' ad touts iOS 4.2 features
Apple's latest iPad commercial, "iPad Is Amazing", is touting iOS 4.2's new features including AirPrint, AirPlay, multitasking, and folders. Aimed at corralling holiday technology shoppers, this new ad definitely offers up something for everyone in the family. Just for the record, I will admit that bought an iPad when they were first announced. I will also admit that I returned it one week later, as I didn't feel that it did anything that my MacBook and iPhone couldn't already do at the time. Thinking back to that week I understand why I felt that way then, but with the new OS and all the apps available now I think I could find a use for an iPad in my house today. Click Read More to check out the new ad.
iOS 4.2 brings Game Center to iPad
Apple's latest iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad software update is now available, bringing some of the new functionality we've enjoyed on iPhone to the iPad. Owners of the 2001-style monolith will now be able to multitask between apps: Engadget was able to "run video or music to our Apple TV (even 720p HD content) and leave enough horsepower for gaming at the same time," according to its review of the new OS. The other biggie for iPad gaming is Game Center. Game Center-enabled apps have already shown up on the App Store, but now you'll actually be able to track your achievements. The good news is that you've had a few weeks to get way awesome at Big Bad Sudoku Book.
iOS 4.2 available today, brings the iPad into the multitasking era (update: it's live)
You've waited a long while for this day to come, but here it finally is. Apple is today rolling out iOS 4.2 to iPads and qualifying iPhones (3G, 3GS and 4) and iPod touches (second, third and fourth generation) across the globe, delivering the long-awaited multitasking and app folder enhancements to a tablet that was already supposed to be magical and revolutionary. To see whether this new update -- replete with Game Center, AirPlay and AirPrint additions -- really helps the iPad step up to doubleplusgood territory, check out our full review; everyone else, hit up your nearest iTunes 10.1-equipped computer to get your update on. Update: Plug in your iPhones and iPads, the 624.3MB update is rolling out now. Looks like it's starting in Europe, given the joyous cackles from our editors across the pond. Screenshot after the break. Update 2: Now available within US borders as well.
Magellan RoadMate GPS app updated for iOS 4, includes real-time traffic and multitasking
Magellan may not be the head honcho when it comes to standalone PNDs here in North America, but that's not stopping the outfit from keeping its iOS app up to snuff. With TomTom, Navigon and Garmin all introducing iOS 4-compatible apps over the past few months, Magellan has finally done likewise -- version 1.3 of the app now enables navigation to occur in the background, meaning that iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 users will still hear turn-by-turn guidance while using another application. Better still, real-time traffic information is provided free of charge through NAVTEQ, alerting motorists to accidents, traffic flow and the nearest ice cream truck. If you've already sunk cash into this one, now's a solid time to check those updates -- otherwise, you can hit the source links for a trifecta of versions catering to various regions.
What's new (and gorgeous) in iOS 4.2 beta
If you're as excited as I am about the iOS 4.2 beta being released, you probably spent the majority of Wednesday paging through all of the tech blogs and/or neglecting your responsibilities as an adult. For those of you who aren't able to experience Apple's latest firmware until November, I've rounded up all the tastiest morsels and topped them with a delicious set of screenshots. iOS 4.2 beta has some great new features for all three of the main touch devices, meaning that you can expect the following on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad come November: AirPlay: Demoed by Steve Jobs at the keynote on September 1st, AirPlay gives the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch the ability to stream music to the Airport Express and movies, photos, and music to the new Apple TV with the touch of a button. AirPrint: As wireless printing has been one of the most commonly requested features of the iPad since its launch, it's no surprise that Apple has once again put pressure on the netbook market by granting consumers' wishes for full over-the-air printing from Safari, Photos, Mail, and more (provided you have a printer that is part of the admittedly limited compatibility list). Your print queue can be managed from a new "Print Center" icon that appears in the multitasking bar. The biggest surprise? You'll be able to print from your iPhone and iPod touch, too. Changing fonts in the Notes app: In what designers and artists may hail as the greatest single advancement ever made on the platform, Apple has given users the option to change the font that the included Notes app displays. Your choices now include Apple's original "Marker Felt," the equally ugly "Chalkboard," and the wonderful, majestic king of typefaces known as "Helvetica." 'Find In Page' Search in Safari: A small but incredibly useful feature makes its debut on all devices in iOS 4.2 beta. 'Find In Page' appears below the Google Suggest search results when the user activates the search box, and it works quite similarly to Safari for Mac. Follow the gallery link below to get a closeup look at iOS 4.2, or click "Read More" to see the rest of iOS 4.2's new features that are specific to the iPad. %Gallery-102504%
Memory Shocker: keeping busy makes you too busy to remember things
The New York Times has picked up the scare-story baton again, this time citing two pieces of research that supposedly indicate we're spending too much time jacked into our electronic devices. The University of California, San Francisco, has come out with some data showing that the brain needs "downtime" to properly digest, learn, and memorize events. This is supported by the University of Michigan, which confirms that people remember much better after a walk through nature than after a walk through dense urban environments. Basically, crunching new data is preventing us from assimilating older, potentially more important, information. That's neatly (though somewhat dubiously) tied into electronics by reference to their ubiquitous presence and use in daily life. If you're constantly listening, watching, or checking something, you can't very well be packaging those precious memories of grandma's 85th birthday at the same time. Of course, the same could be said of a really good book you can't put down, but that doesn't make for a sexy headline, now does it?
Skype for iPhone gets iOS4 background multitasking in version 2.1
The free Skype app received a minor update today, but the impact to iOS 4 users is going to be impressive. According to the release notes, you can now run Skype in the background on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS running iOS4. This means that Skype users can now receive Skype calls and instant messages while other apps are running or the iPhone is locked. As with the iPhone's Phone app, you can continue your call while you switch to another application. The update is free, and those who are already using the app should see an update appearing in iTunes on their iPhones soon. Thanks to Michael, Gabriel, and Gary for the tip!
