plug-and-play
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The ZX Spectrum returns as a plug-and-play console
The popular ZX Spectrum series of microcomputers has resurfaced as a crowdfunded plug-and-play console produced in a collaboration between Sinclair Research founder Clive Sinclair and tech startup Retro Computers. The ZX Spectrum was a low-cost home computer that proved especially popular among game developers and hobbyists in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s. The Indiegogo-funded Sinclair Spectrum Vega includes over 1,000 built-in games, and additional titles will debut as free downloads following the console's launch next year. Users can also add their own games to the Vega's library via an included SD card slot. Backers who pledge £100 or more will receive one of the first 1,000 Sinclair Spectrum Vega consoles to enter production. Shipments are scheduled to begin in April, 2015. [Video: Retro Computers]
Tommo denies breach of contract, will continue selling Neo Geo X plug-and-play console
Tommo Inc. has responded to SNK Playmore's recent termination of its licensing and distribution agreement over the Neo Geo X Gold retrogaming console, claiming that no breach of contract took place. Tommo will continue selling the Neo Geo X handheld unit, its companion plug-and-play console, and all related accessories at retail. Noting that the two companies recently extended their licensing agreement through 2016, Tommo now demands SNK to "retract its press release and any attempts to terminate the license agreement." Though SNK advised customers to contact retail sources for Neo Geo X Gold returns and exchanges, Tommo announced that it will continue to provide customer service and warranty support for the unit and its games. Debuting late last year, the Neo Geo X Gold is a portable console and plug-and-play unit that includes several games originally released for SNK's 16-bit Neo Geo system. Tommo followed up the console's launch with five additional game pack releases, expanding the system's library to more than 30 games.
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.
FireCore console pre-loaded with Genesis games, plays carts
We don't do usually cover plug-and-play consoles, but this one was too cool to pass up. While Innex and AtGames' Firecore Classic Console is pre-loaded with 30 Genesis games like Sonic and Knuckles and Ecco the Dolphin, it can also play all your old Genesis carts. We're not sure where all it's available, though you can find it on Buy.com right now for $50. The console also supports wireless Firecore gamepads, though you'll have to buy them separately, and newly developed "Truecolor" games. Innex is also releasing a very cool portable system with 20 Genesis games playable on a 2.4-inch LCD screen. You can get a look at it right after the break.
The bright side of owning a Mac
This morning when my alarm clock went off (playing some Harold Budd) I was reminded how things have changed over the years for Mac users.My alarm clock is a Logitech Squeezebox Boom, a well reviewed product that will wirelessly stream your iTunes playlists, give you access to thousands of internet radio stations, wakes you up, puts you to sleep, and does it with good quality audio. It's basically a Squeezebox with speakers in a clock radio form factor. It has an extensive feature set, and like other Squeezebox products, can be controlled or re-programmed from Safari or Firefox from anywhere in my house.Not too many years ago, a cool new product would come out, and the chances of it working with a Mac was pretty slim. In the mid nineties, when Michael Spindler, Gil Amelio and friends just about destroyed Apple, we Mac owners were pretty much on our own.Now, companies are falling all over themselves to make nice with Macs, iPods and iPhones. Walk into any electronics store, or even a department store, and marvel at the gaggle of products that boast about how compatible they are with Apple. Long time owners of Macs will remember those dark days when nothing mated to an Apple product other than a SCSI drive.While new owners of Apple products take this interoperability for granted, it wasn't always that way. Since we're talking about Logitech, take a deep look into its catalog. Mice, Harmony remotes, webcams, keyboards and of course the Squeezebox are almost universally friendly to Apple products. Many other companies are also on board. Even some of the Microsoft keyboards and mice advertise Mac compatibility. What's this world coming to? How about you? Do you remember the days of near-zero compatibility? Are you thrilled about how things have opened up? Think there is still a long way to go?
Sirius unveils Stilettos, Stratus and new Starmates, Sportster
So Sirius just held a little party for its upcoming crop of devices, and besides the anticipated Stiletto 100 portable receiver we already knew about, the company also introduced the WiFi-less $249 Stiletto 10 (whose name should indicate its recording capacity) along with four new universal plug-and-play radios in the vein of the Sportster. Speaking of the Sportster, the first new model happens to be a stripped-down version of the Sportster4, with the $120 Sportster3 (pictured after the break) "sporting" all the same features as its big brother minus that handy 44-minute Replay functionality. Replay can still be found, however, in the new Starmate4 (pictured above, also $120) -- though not in the "lower-end," $100 Starmate3 -- both of which feature extra-large displays and are obviously new iterations of the original Starmate. Finally we have the brand new Stratus (anyone else getting overloaded with "S"es here?), which at only $60 is the cheapest of the bunch, and seems to cut corners in the areas of both design and accessories (no remote or vehicle dock, for instance). All the plug-and-play radios are compatible with the new generation of home and car docks and boomboxes, and the entire family of new products will be released gradually throughout the months of September and October.Read- Starmates, Sportster, and StratusRead- Stilettos [Via Orbitcast]
