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A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Community timing
Welcome to this week's installment of A Mild-Mannered Reporter, where we will not be talking about Going Rogue. Well, OK, that's a lie -- but we're not going to be doing our big analysis and in-depth look at the entire expansion. As of the time I'm writing these words, I've not actually even played the game. (This will have changed by the time you are reading the article, but that's the wonderful part about writing ahead. I'm sending messages to the future from the past!) So while there are going to be several community threads for City of Heroes in this column, there will not be any of the biting commentary you might have hoped to see. You can at least check out my first impressions of the expansion, if you'd like -- which also isn't written as of the time that I'm writing this, but will be by the time you read it. (Editor's note: Eliot's first impressions of Going Rogue launched Tuesday.) You know what, just jump past the break already -- I'm giving myself a Lost headache thinking about all the time travel.
The Daily Grind: How many games can you play at once?
Most of us here at Massively play multiple MMORPGs, and we're betting a large majority of the readership does as well. Whether it's the standard main game and one or two flings on the side, or the game-hopping manifesto that compels us to try anything and everything that comes down the pipe, everyone has his own method for enjoying his favorite genre. The only problem is that of time. Personally I don't have enough of it, as I could retire tomorrow and still never get to try all the games that interest me. Currently, it's all I can do to manage two "main" games and sample several others on a weekly and sometimes monthly basis. What about you, Massively readers? How many MMOs can you realistically play at once?
Time Warner CEO hints at tying print, tablet magazine subscriptions together
We'd already heard that Time Warner was looking to offer magazine subscriptions on the iPad (and running into some difficulty doing so), and it now looks like it might have some even grander plans. As hinted at by Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes in an earnings call earlier today, the company is apparently looking at extending its TV Everywhere concept to magazines, which would give customers that subscribe to the print editions of Time, Sports Illustrated and other publications access to the digital version as well. Of course, Bewkes didn't offer any indication as to exactly when that might happen, but he did say that the "key to it all" is to give subscribers access to content "over all broadband devices as soon as possible," which is certainly promising.
iPad ads more lucrative than iPhone spots
Here's an interesting little finding regarding Apple's iOS devices -- Mobclix claims that for the month of July 2010, ads on the iPad were actually more lucrative than ads running on iPhone apps. The effective cost per thousand impressions is actually five times higher on the iPad than on the iPhone, which means that because there are fewer iPads around (but presumably ad rates are currently around even for the two devices), advertisers are actually paying much more to reach the same amount of people on the larger device as the smaller one. But that cost is paying off -- iPad users tend to spend about three times as much time playing with apps on their devices versus iPhone users of the same apps. Of course, given the brevity of a typical iPhone usage profile, that's still only about ten minutes more per app on the iPad. But it's quite clear already that the iPad presents a different use case, and that advertisers will have to consider the two almost completely different audiences. Keep in mind that the iPad is still in its relative infancy -- the iPhone has only been around for a few years, but we're still only talking about a few months (and even less than that, considering these numbers come from July) on the iPad. It'll be interesting to see how these two devices continue to diverge in the future.
Time, Inc., Apple at odds over App Store subscriptions
Remember this video demonstrating Time, Inc.'s vision for a tablet-based version of Sports Illustrated (SI)? It preceded the iPad's release and got many fans excited for the future. The real thing isn't quite so impressive, but the demo demonstrates the publisher's enthusiasm for the emerging platform. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm is turning into frustration. All Things Digital is reporting on Time's trouble with getting a mutually-agreed upon subscription model past Apple. Writing for All things D, Peter Kafka notes that Time wanted to launch a subscription-based version of SI on the App Store, only to have it rejected by Apple. Time would have users download the app from the store and then pay them directly for future issues. Apple didn't like the idea, and Time was forced to sell single copies of the magazine. Right now when you launch the app, you're presented with a number of issues that can be bought, in-app, one at a time. All of the magazines I've read on my iPad, like WIRED, Outside and Popular Science, use in-app purchases. We'll see what happens as this new union of publisher and distributor grows.
Pulsar clocks spin closer to reality
Contrary to popular legend, Pulsar wristwatches don't use the light of dying stars to keep time. However, if researchers at the University of Manchester are correct, the strobe-like effect generated by a collapsed star's spin may indeed be the most accurate clock (sorry, atoms) available to mankind. While pulsars have long been studied for insight into the nature of time and gravity, their patterns weren't as regular as scientists would like, but the U of M team believe that's because the stars are actually swapping between two different states, each with their own rotation speed. By correcting for the difference when the hunk of burning gas puts on the brakes, they can make measurements far more precise -- meaning a greater understanding of the fabric of space-time for the brainiacs, and if we're lucky, reliable pulsar clocks within our lifetime.
Time names Engadget one of the best blogs of 2010
Here at Engadget, we keep our noses to the grindstone and try not to worry too much about awards or recognition. Still, it's always nice when we are recognized, so we were pleasantly surprised to see that we've been named one of Time's 'Best Blogs of 2010.' We were especially happy to see our recent redesign (which we are extremely proud of) given a nod. Needless to say, we're incredibly proud of the work we do here with our ever-expanding team. Hit up the source to check out the whole list.
The multimeter clock doesn't fail to electrify us
This is the multimeter clock. It's made of three actual multimeters -- one each to display the hour, minutes and seconds with a 16F628A PIC microcontroller to do the actual timekeeping. Do we want one hanging in our living room? Not really: but it's still very cool.
Modern technology sent through time vortex, redesigned for 1977
A brilliant homage to today's gadgets and yesterday's penchant for Sepia tones, graphic designer Alex Varanese has reimagined four modern-day gadgets and created a series of print ads for his ALT/1977 collection: Pocket Hi-Fi, LapTron 64, MobileVoxx, and Microcade 3000. We're smitten, but of course we'd be irresponsible not to point out the paradox here: should Varanese ever accomplish his mission of traveling back in time with modern gear, it'll expedite technology advancement up to the point where he originally left and create a recursion of infinite improvements... oh, just quit thinking and enjoy the pretty pictures already!
Time ranks Virtual Boy, Farmville among top 50 worst inventions
We rarely, if ever, write rebuttals to stories posted on the esteemed, list-friendly publication known as Time, but we've got more than a few bones to pick with its recently posted "50 Worst Inventions" list. Around every turn, the list seems to get it wrong. For instance: FarmVille? There are 70 million people who'd disagree with that one. And Virtual Boy? The world's first fully-3D game console/amateur LASIK surgery machine? That's about as progressive and brilliant as inventions get. Check out the full list of so-called failed products on Time's site, and see if you share our feelings. Like, auto-tuning, guys? Really? One of the worst inventions ever? And Olestra? The ultimate nutritional cooking supplement? Did they read this list before they published it? [Via Kotaku]
iPad apps: news and magazines
Apple's done a pretty good job convincing the old media that the iPad will save their industry, so we've taken our time trying out the launch titles in the App Store -- it's plain to see that different publishers have radically different ideas about how you're supposed to buy and consume their content, and everything from pricing to UI is currently up in the air. But while the apps we've seen so far are definitely intriguing, we haven't seen any silver bullets yet -- and to be perfectly honest, in several cases we wondered why an app was preferable to an iPad-optimized web site, or even (gasp) a paper subscription. Let's run down the launch lineup, shall we? Update: We added in NPR and Zinio by popular request, check 'em out below!
iPad roundup: iDisplay extended desktop, plus Kindle and Time reader apps
Say what you will, the past couple of days have been littered with signs of a rapidly expanding set of functions that the iPad can perform. Latest on the block is the iDisplay desktop extender, which will turn any of your iPhone OS devices into a WiFi-connected second monitor, allowing you to finally unchain your Mac OS (Windows version forthcoming) desktop and take it on the move. Introductory price is $4.99 and you'll find an early hands-on experience at the TUAW link. Next up we have the Kindle for iPhone app contracting its name to just Kindle and making the expected jump to iPad compatibility with version 2.0, which comes with iBookstore-like page turning and, best of all, won't cost you a thing. We've also got word of Time Magazine pricing what's free on the iPhone at $4.99 per issue on the iPad, with the excuse being that you can "experience Time in a revolutionary new way." Good luck with that, we say.
Seiko's 'active matrix' E-Ink watch exemplifies awesome, might just be the future (video)
Seiko's been doing the whole E-Ink wristwatch thing for years now, but the vast majority of 'em could really only be viewed when looking directly down onto the so-called dial. The appropriately named "Future Now" EPD watch aims to change all that, with an "active matrix" E-Ink display that allows for the same 180 degrees of visibility that you've come to expect in the average LCD panel. The all-black watch made its debut at Basel World 2010, boasting a grand total of 80,000 pixels, each of which are capable of displaying four shades of grey. Seiko's also trumpeting the achievements in power reduction, though we aren't informed of exactly how long this thing can shuffle minutes away before needing a recharge. Either way, we couldn't be more anxious to see this gem hit store shelves -- hop on past the break for a quick look at exactly what we mean.
Steve Jobs on Time magazine cover again
There's a super article in the current issue of Time magazine featuring Stephen Fry's interview with Steve Jobs. As you may know, Stephen Fry is a writer, actor and comedian. He was also the 2nd person in all of Britain to own a Macintosh (author Douglas Adams was the first). That's precisely why this interview is such a joy to read -- Fry is a total fanboy (his tremendous skills as a writer don't hurt, either). He admits buying one of those "I visited the Mothership" T-shirts from the Company Store at 1 Infinite Loop, and describes his first meeting with Jobs like this: "I have met five British Prime Ministers, two American Presidents, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson and the Queen. My hour with Steve Jobs certainly made me more nervous than any of those encounters." Fry asks Jobs, who resurrected Apple with the iMac's introduction in 1998, if he'd use the iPad's successful release (should that happen) as an opportunity to step down on top; to end his career on a high. Jobs responded as one might expect: "I don't think of my life as a career," he says. "I do stuff. I respond to stuff. That's not a career - it's a life!" In addition to talking with Jobs, Fry met with Phil Schiller (Apple's senior VP of worldwide product marketing) and Eddy Cue (Apple's VP of Internet services) who showed off the iBooks application. At last, Stephen got some time to use an iPad which he instantly fell in love with. You can watch him unbox his own iPad here. As you pour over the media's reaction to the iPad this weekend, don't miss this article. It was a pleasure to read. While you're at it, use Time's Cover Search to find Steve's other appearances on the magazine.
iPad roundup: New York Times and others get HTML5 video, iPad app store demo, and more
The momentum towards HTML5 and away from (or at least in parallel with) Flash seems to be accelerating with today's launch of the free Brightcove Experience framework for HTML5 -- a "way to publish, distribute, and monetize web video for the iPad and other Apple devices" according to the Brightcove press release. While Brightcove might not be a household name, some of its 1,000 customers, including Time Inc. and The New York Times (a Brightcove investor), certainly are -- both of whom are already using the new HTML5 solution in preparation for the iPad's April 3rd US launch. A real coup for the Flash-hating Steve Jobs if you start factoring in the rumored Flash-free NPR and Wall Street Journal iPad sites as well as that little HTML5 iPad test CBS was testing out in the open last week. Also rumored for launch is an iBookstore filled with 30,000 free e-Books courtesy of the Gutenberg Project. See the screengrab evidence after the break in addition to a purported video walkthrough of the iPad store. The video previews several new "HD" formatted iPad apps that we've already seen as well as a few new ones like Twitterific. Sorry, still no Hulu HD. The mouse pointer in the video, however, makes it clear that this is running on desktop somewhere, not on an iPad. Still, it definitely looks the part.
Twist alarm clock has you wring math equations by the neck
Man has striven for centuries to build a better mousetrap, but in the digital age, mice are the least of our worries. No, the modern day rat race requires a better alarm clock instead, and lord knows we've seen plenty, from tickers that chomp your change to clocks that give you target practice. What we don't see that often is a clock that makes you think at the same time it provokes a physical action. Thus, the Twist Alarm Clock, which displays a simple math equation when it's time to wake up, but requires effort to silence. In order to quiet the alarm, you have to twist the numbered dials on either side of its LCD screen into the right position -- in this case, to figure out what minus what equals two. It's no Turing Alarm Clock, to be sure, but this human number cruncher's actually for sale; you can get yours for ¥2,625 (about $28) in Japan.
Zero watch concept perfects the minimal timepiece
Unless you're a fan of high-tech jewelry, few things are as irksome as an overblown wristwatch design (we're looking at you Tokyoflash). While a binary timepiece will certainly up your geek cred, it's not very useful for providing at-a-glance information. Robert Dabi's Zero concept above, however, remains simple, beautiful, and amazingly enough, useful, all that same time. Practical too if he can coax a batch of round LCD displays into a production run. More pics and video after the break.
4N wristwatch delivers digital time in a mechanical fashion
Given how simple we've made timekeeping over the years, it was inevitable that luxury watches would have to move into more esoteric lands in order to exude the appropriate sense of wonder when witnessed by those who can't afford them. You might call that the Xperia Pureness effect. Ergo, quite aside from its platinum or 18-carat gold construction options, the 4N watch tries to grab the spotlight with its quirky disc-based mechanism, which rotates numbers (four numbers, hence 4N) into position to display a digital readout of the time. The fact that all three discs -- built out of aluminum or a titanium alloy -- and the MVT01 movement are exposed to the eye earns geek cred from us, while the limited run of only 16 units should ensure the desired exclusivity for the watches' future owners. As the old saying about price goes, if you have to ask, you can't afford one.
Amazon and Gamefly agree: Singularity out June 29
The upcoming Singularity from Raven Software is supposed to give you the power to age objects just by gesturing at them, and it appears that ability is being tested on the game itself: Its release date has been slowly edging into the future, from early 2010 up into March and then on to June. But it seems like the timeshifting has finally come to an end, as both Amazon and Gamefly have listed the game as releasing on June 29th of this year. Activision originally cited the delay as an attempt to keep the game away from a crowded slate of "competitive titles," so perhaps the game will do better kicking off the dog days of summer. If Raven's time-bending twist on the FPS captures your interest, it'll be one more good reason to stay out of that hot, hot summer sun. [Thanks, Shagittarius]
Adafruit's Monochron retro clock now on sale, changes time with every match point
You might have the vaguest of memories seeing this piece before -- it made a cameo in an Engadget Show segment -- but here we are with a much clearer picture of Adafruit Industries' Monochron clock, now also on sale! As is its modus operandi, the timepiece is open source... but should you plan on sticking to default, you'll be gifted with a great retro-style Table Tennis for two. The best part? The time changes whenever the clock "loses" -- something tells us that gives one side at least a 59-to-1 advantage. See for yourself after the break.
