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Google takes you on a tour of the White House, still no sign of Lincoln's gold
With all of the hubbub around the race for the White House, have you ever wondered what actually lies behind the doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? With some help from Google, the first family is taking users on a tour of the famous residence without having to jump on the 'ole Megabus to the District of Columbia. Google Art Project has documented the White House's public areas with a 360-degree Street View-like tour of the presidential home. The White House is the latest tour in a list that includes 46 top galleries around the globe. You can check out a video introduction courtesy of Michelle Obama after the break, and click the source link to check out her digs.
Google search now shows upcoming concerts, helps you find the next gig
Google may stir controversy from time to time, but you can't deny it's one of the better provider of virtual tools that help make your life a bit easier. In this case, the Big G's bringing along some concert listings to its world renowned search engine. All you've got to do on your end is show up, pop a simple hunt query for your favorite band / artist (Kanye, Swift or whatever you're into) and within milliseconds you'll know where and when the next gig's taking place. That is, if that certain musician you're looking for is on tour or has some booked shows coming up (no, it won't get Daft Punk to come play at your house). The fresh tidbit's available now for those G-searching in English, though the plan's to "expand the feature to more countries in the future." You can also make your boy band's next gig show up in results by dropping a rich snippets markup on your site -- hit up the source link below for the full deets.
Mists of Pandaria news coming in March with press sneak peek
Blizzard has announced that some information is coming about the highly anticipated Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's fourth expansion -- well, information with regards to when there will be information about Mists of Pandaria. In the middle of March, Blizzard will hold a special press event for members of the media to see what kind of progress has been made, in showable form, since BlizzCon 2011's impressively far-along demo. As Nethaera posted, information is coming, and we now have a date. This feels like Blizzard's taking a page from the Apple book. Pressers and hype events like these work incredibly well for a company like Blizzard that is very much an Apple of its industry. By calling its own press conferences, conventions, and press trips rather than announcing information amongst the rest of the gaming industry at conventions like PAX, the message is much more focused and clear -- the cacophony is removed. I'm excited to know when new information will be available. Of course, I'd rather have the information, but a day to hope for is better than nothing. It's gonna get busy in March.
Roll up, roll up for the magical mystery Arduino tour
If this news isn't as obvious as John Obvious: Professor of Obvious studies at Cambridge University: we love Arduino 'round these parts. Phil and Limor of Adafruit Industries took a tour of the Italian foundry's Turin factory and took a gallery of pics (and video!) on the way. It's a great insight into how the building process works for the modding tool, and you can head on down to our source link to check out the gallery in full -- we've also included a direct link to the video as the guys walk down the production line in our more coverage link. We're so good to you, you know.
Some Assembly Required: SWG housing extravaganza
The sunsetting of Star Wars Galaxies. Beyond the obvious, that statement holds more meaning for me, something deeper and more personal. See, throughout my years in SWG, I would often stop whatever I was doing just to sit and watch the Tatooine suns set. Honestly. Just a simple act of sitting upon the plateau -- sometimes alone, sometimes with friends -- quietly watching one of the universe's greatest pleasures inside an MMO. It was amazing to me how vibrant this galaxy was, filled with so many little details that breathed life into it in a way that I think is still unmatched. Details such as sunsets made the world real, but what really made it "home" was the housing. Few, if any, games can claim the mastery of housing that Galaxies attained. Quite frankly, it is still the standard by which I measure housing. And there is almost no way to sum it up and do it justice in one short article. Despite this challenge, Some Assembly Required dedicates this 12th issue to immortalizing (and hopefully prodding future developers to emulate) one of the greatest housing systems ever and highlighting the very thing that made this great feature phenomenal: incredible player ingenuity and creativity. But don't just take my word for it. A number of readers joined in and sent in screenshots of and waypoints to these expressions of creativity. So step on over the threshold for our tribute in word and image to SWG housing and the player creativity it engendered.
Lucky fan gets a super-secret tour of WildStar's Carbine Studios
Being given a full tour of your favorite MMO studio must be a lot like finding the Golden Ticket and getting a week pass to Disney World, all rolled into one. So if you feel a little jealous that WildStar Source got to poke around Carbine Studios, it's understandable. While the writer who was given the tour said that he had to "stay silent on 99%" of what he saw, there are plenty of juicy tidbits for WildStar aficionados to tide us over for a while. Apparently the studio is covered with gorgeous screenshots and art from the game, and the team is already busy collecting fan art to post in the hallways. The author did get some hands-on time with the game, during which he spent exploring the world instead of killing the local flora and fauna: "While I did not find a secret treasure or a portal to another dimension, I did find an attention to detail in both my character and the surrounding world that made me pause, several times, in appreciation... Even while playing as a spell-wielding bunny-woman who was trapped on a fictional planet, what I found most engrossing when I got my hands on WildStar was really the humanness of it all... as corny as that may sound."
EverQuest II Age of Discovery launch date, new features revealed
For months, EverQuest II fans have been patiently waiting for the launch date of the latest expansion, Age of Discovery. Fortunately, the wait is over: SOE has announced that Tuesday, December 6th is the official live date for EQII's free-to-play transition, the Age of Discovery, and the Freeport Reborn game update (GU62). Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson and EQII Associate Producer Emily "Domino" Taylor both took time to give Massively a tour of some of the new features, so read on for an up-close look at Beastlords, the new Freeport, mercenaries, and the dungeon maker, and check out some new screenshots in our gallery below!%Gallery-140534%
Live from my house: The Cabela's Adventure Starts Here tour
Activision always asks me, "Justin, what do we have to do to get you to cover games in our popular Cabela's hunting series?" I never imagined, when I demanded the company drive a trailer with a fake bighorn sheep to the hospital parking lot directly behind my house, that I'd be taken so literally. So, against all odds, here's a video tour of the Adventure Starts Here trailer, coming to a parking lot somewhere near you. Oh, and you'll also get a look at the new Kinect controller for Cabela's Hunting Party and some gameplay footage from Cabela's Survival: Shadows of Katmai. Wanna see the trailer for yourself? We've got a full list of stops after the break.
Windows Phone 7.5 Mango review
Microsoft installs 'biggest Windows Phone ever' in NYC's Herald Square (video) Mango bumps NoDo, rolls the update train to Dell's Venue Pro Mango rollout going smoothly, now available to half of all Windows PhonesLet's face it: Windows Phone, as we know it, has an enormous amount of potential, but it's a first-generation operating system. For the first eleven months of its existence, it's lacked many of the common features we've come to enjoy (and take for granted) on Android and iOS, but then again, even those platforms have taken their turn getting the major wrinkles ironed out. So it comes as no surprise that Microsoft's mobile darling -- the innovative rebirth of a weak and faltering Windows Mobile platform that was quickly falling into obscurity -- would need to go through a similar process.It's finally time for Steve Ballmer & Co. to unleash its major annual update (not counting NoDo here), codenamed Mango, to a litany of devices both old and new. Also known as Windows Phone 7.5, the latest build delivers an onslaught of features -- no less than 500, according to Microsoft -- many of them we've been missing dearly. Three months ago we were given the opportunity to preview the new revamp and ogle over its smattering of new capabilities (see the full list of features here), and it's only proper for us to offer a follow-up with the update's final build. So how does the completely polished version hold up against the mobile juggernauts, not to mention its own first-gen offering? Follow us below to get the full scoop.
Pre 3 for AT&T review
This is a review of a phone that was never actually released to the public on AT&T. Despite the unfortunateness of the prior statement, we felt obligated to run this device through the wringer as a final farewell to Palm, the Pre line and webOS on consumer devices. AT&T, Deutsche Telekom withdraw FCC application for T-Mobile merger, look toward DoJ Microsoft Kin is dead Screen Grabs: Palm Pre-iPhone hybrid appears on Grimm, doesn't look half bad Man, what a weird, labyrinthine life this device has had. European carriers didn't even want the Pre 2, and for whatever reason, those folks were the only ones to even get the Pre 3. Excluding this guy, of course. This guy, as you've probably gleaned, is one of only a handful of AT&T Pre 3 handsets to make it out of the factory unscathed, and we couldn't be happier to be putting it through the paces. Well... we could be happier, but that would require Meg Whitman undoing Leo's departing shot through the webOS heart. All that aside, it's been a strange few days with the final webOS-based phone, and in a sense, the final phone that'll ever have Palm's DNA running through its circuitry. Not even two months ago, HP was telling developers to get their Pre 3 app submissions in for approval, and a mere four weeks ago, the same company affirmed that this very phone wouldn't ever arrive on US shores. You know, despite that whole "being announced for AT&T" thing. Turns out, a few of those units actually did pass the requisite QA tests, and if you've got the right connections (or a quick enough trigger finger on eBay), you too can land yourself what'll undoubtedly go down as one of the most highly sought after pieces of Palm / webOS history. But should you? Find out after the break. %Gallery-134746%
A visual tour through LotRO's Dunland
Excited for Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard's release, which is just a little over a week away? Us too, and you know how it is when you're jazzed about the future -- you want to devour every piece of info about it you can find. That's why the good folks at A Casual Stroll to Mordor (now with 45% more Lembas bread) have decided to treat us to a stunning seven-and-a-half minute visual tour through the expansion's Dunland region. Set to classical music, the tour gives you a good idea of some of the varied and detailed locales we'll be encountering when Isengard goes live on September 27th. So kick up your feet and hit the jump for a relaxing preview of the next evolution of the LotRO journey!
Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei
It's safe to say that most of our readers are accustomed to phone shops that are well lit, fairly spacious, and not peppered with KIRF products. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to take a dip in the deep end of the pool, then Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district should satisfy your strange curiosity. As we've shown you in our previous trip, our gadget paradise covers an extensive range of products, including phones, computers, cameras, all the way down to circuitry components like LEDs, chips, and resistors. Our latest discovery, however, is an entire building dedicated to mostly mobile phone products. Read on to find out what this madness is all about -- a video tour awaits after the break. %Gallery-123728%
Maker Faire 2011, in pictures: Arduinos, Androids, and angry robots (video)
The rapture has come and gone, but the Maker Faire powers on. Despite warnings of a May 21st doomsday, folks came out in droves for the annual celebration of all things DIY, and we were there to bring you the best in homespun inventions. This year's Maker Faire was light on robots and big on corporate sponsorship. Among the giants supporting the little guys were Google, ASUS, and HP, but El Goog's presence extended beyond its dedicated tents. The new Android ADK was big with at-home tinkerers this year, spawning a number of little robots and at least one DIY alternative. Perhaps no other trend proved more pervasive than 3D printing, however -- every time we turned around there was another MakerBot or RapMan pumping out everything from statuettes of attendees to cutesy salt shakers. There were robotic building blocks, a Heineken-themed R2-D2, DIY drones, custom keyboards, and a ton of repurposed gadgets, but it was an arena of destructo-bots, tucked away in the farthest corner of the San Mateo County Event Center, that really blew us away. We came away sunburned and bedraggled, but lucky for you, we did all the dirty work so you don't have to. To see what made this year's Maker Faire, hop on past the break for a video of our favorite DIY finds. %Gallery-124165% Myriam Joire contributed to this report.
Panasonic's 2011 'Experience Amazing' tour kicks off today in New York
As it so often does, Panasonic is going on the road to show off its latest HDTVs, cameras and Blu-ray players. The Experience Amazing Tour kicks off today at New York's Grand Central Terminal before stopping off at malls and such around the country through mid-May, so if you've been waiting to get a peek at a Viera set or the n3D channel, consider yourself invited.There's also a few giveaways planned, to know when and where the tour will be next check the press release after the break of the official site for a schedule.
Sony takes Qriocity on tour, hosting concerts with Big Boi, DeVotchKa
Sony's enlisting some heavy hitters to help promote its PSN-integrated music platform, Qriocity -- the company recently announced a list of events across Europe and North America, including two stops that will feature live performances by DeVotchKa and Big Boi. You'll recognize that first name as the artist behind the accompaniment to Gears of War 2's memorable "Last Day" ad. You'll recognize that second name because it's Big Boi. C'mon, everyone on Earth knows who Big Boi is. Check out the list of events scheduled for the global Qriocity tour after the jump.
Nintendo rolls a 3DS Demo Pod across US, gets gamers salivating for March 27th launch
The perks of living in a big city, eh? Citizens of Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco are being treated to some three-dimensional March madness from the guys and gals at Nintendo. For the remainder of this month, Ninty's 3DS handheld will be available to try and play in so-called Demo Pods (see above) at strategic locations in each marquee city. The Mii Maker app, nintendogs + cats, Madden NFL Football, Aslphalt 3D, and a selection of other games will be preloaded and waiting for you, letting you have a taste of what's to come on March 27th. See Nintendo's PR after the break for the full details.
Captain's Log: Into the Cryptic hive
Captain's Log, Stardate 64692.8... Hello, computer (and players). The following information has been marked classified and restricted by Starfleet Intelligence; any leaks will not be tolerated -- eh, forget it! Welcome to MassivelyLeaks! As you may or may not know, I had an exclusive opportunity to visit Cryptic Studios in Los Gatos, California last month. Since I'm arguably one of Star Trek Online's biggest fanboys, this was a dream come true (/e squeal), and I am still in shock that I was in the very cubicles where the game is made. Tucked away in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos is a small town in Santa Clara County (better known as Silicon Valley), just southwest of San Jose. It is hard to believe that the entire Star Trek universe is currently one of its residents. But it is -- I've seen it with my own eyes, and I am excited to share my experience with you. Ensign, warp 10! Let's get down to some cryptic business and invade the hive... %Gallery-118647%
Apple posts iPad 2 guided tour videos
Although the iPad 2 is launching in two days, Apple wants to make sure that you're filled with knowledge for March 11th. Sure, we showed you pretty much everything you wanted to know about the company's second slate, but if you want more, they've got you covered. You can feast your eyes on demos of Garageband, FaceTime, iMovie, as well as other first party apps for the new iPad -- these 14 videos should keep you occupied for a while. If you want to properly prepare yourself for Friday, hit the source link to watch them all.
RIM, Bank of America partnering up for Mobile Wallet NFC trial
We've known for some time that RIM is going all-in on NFC (isn't everyone?), but we didn't realize they were going retroactive, too. A NFC payment trial coming up involving RIM and Bank of America will allow selected testers to get an NFC-capable back for their Curve 8520 or 8530, Tour 9630, or Bold 9000, 9650, or 9700 -- in other words, most of the company's portrait QWERTY models from the last couple years. You'll also need an active Bank of America account, at which point you'll be able to tap your 'Berry on NFC terminals to get your pay on. The trial starts this spring; no word on when it might be open to everyone. [Thanks, Dylan]
Google's MWC 2011 Android booth tour
It'd be no exaggeration to say that Google's Android booth here at MWC 2011 has been the most popular of them all. The Mountain View secret to this preeminence has been some combination of putting cutesy costumes on its now iconic robot logo, installing a slide for weary geeks to reconnect to their childhood with, and operating a fully fledged smoothie bar that offered up free Honeycomb elixirs. In short, Ye Olde Google has aimed to be fun first and foremost and the crowds have responded by keeping its booth constantly busy. Heck, we even saw our buddy Stephen Elop walking by, though his panther-like quickness was too much for our cameras to document the moment. Never mind, we've still got a ton of photos and video for you below, so why not dig into those while they're still hot? %Gallery-116994%
