Author: Jeff Causey

Fans of the Shadowrun roleplaying game may find themselves spending some considerable time over the next few days watching and watching again a new video of gameplay for the upcoming Shadowrun Returns game. The game combines free form roleplaying with a turn-based combat system to bring the pen and paper game to the digital world. The developers, Harebrained Schemes, raised over $1.8 million via a Kickstarter project to fund development of the title. The video is labeled as Alpha Gameplay Footage and will give potential players an idea of what to expect. An Android tablet version is expected to be released later this year.

Shadowrun takes place in the late 21st century at a time when megacorporations rule the world. Technology is much advanced compared to today, with bioware and cyberware available for individuals looking for an enhancement of their normal capabilities. The setting is sometimes described as cyberpunk in the flavor of William Gibson’s imaginings. The creators of Shadowrun did not stop there though. They brought in elements of fantasy genres as well with the re-emergence of magic in the world. Along with magic, races of beings like orcs, goblins, elves and dwarves also reappeared. This results in a world that is a mashup of science fiction and fantasy.

Harebrained Schemes is currently taking pre-orders for OSX, PC or Linux versions for $15 for the basic version. Upgraded versions, including a Deluxe edition and a Collector’s Edition are available as well. Check out the 20 minute clip below for a good taste of what to expect from Shadowrun Returns.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: New gameplay video for Shadowrun Returns released

Lenovo appears to be working on a pair of mid-range devices to compete for buyers looking for more affordable devices. Although projected to be a middle tier device, the Lenovo S920 will reportedly come with a 5.3-inch screen in a case with narrow bezels, a quad-core processor, dual-SIM support, a decent battery clocking in at 2,250 mAh all running Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean when launched.

Joining the S920 will be the Lenovo S820, another quad-core cpu powered device. Images of the S820 show a handset clad in a bright red case. Chinese website MyDrivers.com indicates the S820 will be targeted at female shoppers. It is unclear what exactly would make the device more appropriate or appealing to women.

No other details about these two devices are available at present, so we will have to keep our eyes open for news about them, especially if they will end up available in markets outside China. In the meantime, check out the images below and ponder the idea that a quad-core, 5.3-inch device is now considered “mid-range.”

source: MyDrivers.com
via: Unwired View

Come comment on this article: Images of new Lenovo mid-range devices discovered

Earlier today Facebook announced changes to the newsfeed for the popular social media site that appear to mimic some features from Google+. The overall look is laid out in a manner similar to Google+ with items in the feed becoming more prominent while a ribbon down the left side of the site is full of icons for different functions. To the right side of the layout are blocks for access to specific lists of friends or other pages you may be following. Though Facebook claims the new redesign is based on mobile devices, opening a Google+ homepage and comparing it with the new Facebook newsfeed may leave you wondering whether they were copying the principles of Google+.

Another function that may strike users as similar to Google+ are the different options for what appears in the newsfeed. In their video showing off the new function, users can select to see posts of photos or music or just friends or just pages they are following. It is not clear whether users will be able to customize these selections. The idea is to limit what shows up in the newsfeed similar to the way Google+ users can use Circles.

Facebook mentioned some other enhancements during their announcement event. According to Facebook’s information, users are more visual now and are much more likely to post pictures and videos instead of plain text updates. So images and videos will be displayed much larger in a nod to this change in usage. Facebook also said links to web sites and other articles will include more text “blurbs” than they do now. Facebook also claims the clients for mobile devices will be very similar to the standard web interface so that users will have a consistent experience no matter how they access the service. Unfortunately, it appears Android users will be last in line to get any updates.

Facebook said they will slowly rollout the change in what will amount to a long soak test. Users can sign up to try to get in on the changes early in the process. If you are interested, hit the source link and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Facebook

Come comment on this article: Facebook announces revamped newsfeed with apparent nod to Google+

During 2012, Google says they received “national security letter” requests for up to 2,000 accounts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. National security letters are a tool used by the FBI and other government agencies to gather financial, phone and Internet data without a warrant. National security letters are normally subject to gag orders and even acknowledging their existence can land the recipient in hot water. Nevertheless, Google provides period reports concerning the number of inquiries it receives pursuant to the letters.

Google has provided these numbers in the past. In 2009 they received up to 1,000 letters and in 2010 the range was between 2,000 and 3,000 users. Google only releases a range for the number of letters of received due to concerns expressed by the FBI and other agencies about the impact on active investigations if exact numbers were released.

In their most recent release, Google also provided some information regarding their policy for responding to the letters. They indicate that they do not believe the government can obtain Gmail content, search query information, videos, or even user IP addresses. Most companies will not provide any information about the letters received or they will indicate in a very generic fashion that they comply with all legal requests for information. The FBI has provided template information regarding the letters which companies may respond to with up to thirteen different data points. However, only two points are known – “transaction/activity logs” and “header information” from emails.

source: The Wall Street Journal

Come comment on this article: FBI continues to seek data about users from Google without a warrant

Last fall Motorola hinted that they were planning to start moving the interfaces for their devices to being closer to a stock Android experience. Owners of Motorola DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX devices will see the fruits of that change in strategy as Motorola starts to officially roll out their Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update. According to Motorola’s software upgrade page, several Motorola specific applications have been removed and replaced with stock Android apps.

The upgrade to Jelly Bean comes with the usual set of improvements like Google Now, Voice Search, a new keyboard, camera upgrades, and the latest Chrome Browser. The new twist though comes in the list of items not included in the update. Motorola has removed MOTOACTV, MOTOPRINT, Social Location, Verizon Video on Demand, Alarm and Timer. They specifically indicate that Alarm and Timer have been replaced by Google Clock. In a similar manner, Motorola’s My Gallery has been replaced with the standard Google Gallery app and the My Music app has been replaced by the Google Play Music app. Motorola’s change log also indicates fixes for several apps have been included, mainly to make them function a little quicker and sync more often.

Owners of the devices can wait for a notification message on their smartphone that the upgrade is ready to be installed and then follow the directions. If they do not want to wait, the update can be forced by going to Settings -> About phone -> System updates -> Download. Once upgraded, users cannot revert to Ice Cream Sandwich.

source: Motorola

Come comment on this article: Motorola DROID RAZR/DROID RAZR MAXX Jelly Bean 4.1.2 update gets closer to stock Android

While many smartphone manufacturers pursue a strategy of trying to create a sense of premium-ness in their devices by using materials like aluminum, glass, or polycarbonate, Samsung continues to take a different path by creating plastic body devices. Considering the success that Samsung is enjoying, it is hard to argue with their design decision which will result in the new Samsung Galaxy S IV using the same material. In Samsung’s defense, they have solid reasons for using the plastic material as revealed in an interview with Y.H. Lee, Samsung’s executive vice president of its mobile division.

Lee indicates aesthetic quality is only one factor that Samsung considers when designing new devices and making material selections. A big factor for a company as successful as Samsung has been is the ability to quickly and efficiently produce parts since large quantities will be needed, qualities that plastic lends itself to. Benefits exist for more than just Samsung though. Consumers also benefit because the plastic material used is more durable and can withstand an impact better.

Lee does hint that Samsung is not oblivious to calls for products that exude more panache and thinks the Galaxy S IV will strike a balance between Samsung’s historical design philosophy and the call for my stylish materials and design. We will find out how well Samsung achieves that balance when the new Galaxy S IV is revealed next week in New York City.

Do you think Samsung should pursue other materials when producing their top line products? Let us know in the comments.

source: CNET

Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Lee promotes Samsung Galaxy S IV plastic body

Android gamers interested in grabbing some new titles for the Android platform may want to grab up the fifth iteration of The Humble Bundle. The Humble Bundle 5 comes with four games as part of the base package including:

• Beat Hazard Ultra
• Dynamite Jack
• Solar 2
• NightSky HD

On their web site, Humble Bundle is displaying a real-time update of the average price that users are offering to pay for the bundle. If you pick your own price that is more than the current average, you can unlock two additional games:

• Super Hexagon
• Dungeon Defenders

Humble Bundle is also including options to donate a portion of your purchase to the Electronic Frontier Foundation or the Child’s Play Charity, an organization that works to get video games and gaming systems into the hands of sick children in hospitals. You can also adjust the amount that ultimately gets paid to the individual developers and to Humble Bundle themselves.

The titles in this Humble Bundle are cross-platform and will work on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android operating systems. In addition to picking your own price for games that work on multiple platforms, they are being released DRM-free. Check out the video below for some entertaining views and commentary on the gameplay then hit the source link if you are interested in making a purchase.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Humble Bundle

Come comment on this article: Humble Bundle 5 released with up to six games

Yesterday the ‘net was abuzz with news of an alleged image of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S IV based on a tweet from normally stalwart source @evleaks. As happens when dealing with rumors and leaks though, every now and then something turns out to be completely bogus. That is what has happened in the case of the leaked images of the Galaxy S IV. Online retailer Expansys has revealed they were the original source of the image which was created as a placeholder by one of their web designers.

The episode has turned into a bit of a nasty affair as Expansys has suggested @evleaks actually stole the image and added the watermark to it. Sources indicate that @evleaks maintains the image came in via normal channels and was not stolen. While the dust settles, Expansys has been active on Twitter trying to follow-up all the retweets with directions to the correct source of the image. Meanwhile, it appears @evleaks has deleted the original tweet and has been quiet about the matter on Twitter.

How will you treat leaks from @evleaks in the future? Do they get a mulligan on this one or have then severely damaged their reputation?

source: TechCrunch

Come comment on this article: Leaked render of Samsung Galaxy S IV turns out to be placeholder from Expansys

As March opens, college basketball fans are enjoying the final days of the regular season with teams jockeying for position in post-season tournaments. Next up will be conference tournaments and then the annual event known as “March Madness” – the NCAA Tournament. To help basketball fans keep up with all the action, ESPN has updated their Bracket Bound app for the 2013 season.

The app includes some features that users may find useful now, like the ability to setup favorite teams and games to keep track of the action. Other typical sports app features include access to news, conference standings, game results, and video clips of analysis and news. ESPN indicates the app will provide quick access to their WatchESPN app to watch live or recorded events as well as access to Twitter discussions the user may find interesting.

As far as the 75th NCAA Tournament goes, users can access the latest projections of who will make the field and where. ESPN indicates users will be able to access the ESPN Tournament Challenge using the app, including the ability to complete up to ten brackets. That function is not present in the app for now, but should be available via an update once brackets are announced.

You can check out some screenshots below. If you are interested in getting ESPN Bracket Bound 2013, use one of the download links below.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: Update preps ESPN Bracket Bound app for 2013 tourney

In the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Samsung, the latest blow from Judge Lucy Koh has landed squarely on Apple this time. Judge Koh released a ruling today that has at least temporarily reduced the original $1.05 billion award to almost $599 million. Judge Koh’s ruling indicates “the Court identified an impermissible legal theory on which the jury based its award.” Koh has ordered a new trial relative to determining the correct amount due in place of the amounts she disallowed.

Koh indicated in her latest ruling that there were two main errors related to the calculation of damages. First, the jury based damages for infringement of utility patents on Samsung’s sales. This method is only used when design patents are infringed, not utility patents. The second error involved the time frame for calculating the award. The jury used a date of August 24, 2010 based on a meeting held that day between Samsung and Apple when Apple informed Samsung that they thought they were infringing Apple’s ’381 “scrollback” patent. However, a full list of all intellectual property Apple believed was being infringed upon was not provided until April 15, 2011 when Apple filed their complaint. The issue was muddied just a bit more when Apple added additional devices to their list on June 16, 2011. The jury should have only awarded damages for sales that occurred after Apple had informed Samsung of the specific violations it was claiming existed.

Samsung had asked Koh to calculate new damages herself based on these errors. However, she declined to do so citing an inability to determine the jury’s intent and process in assessing damages. Koh has suggested to the two sides that they wait for the appeals process related to the rulings of infringement to complete before filing for the new trial on damages. Koh also agreed with Apple that Samsung had sold some devices after the end of the trial that should be included in the damages calculations. It is unclear whether Apple will be able to win damages anywhere close to the original $450 million wiped out by this latest ruling.

Anyone need to refill their popcorn?

source: The Verge

Come comment on this article: Samsung strikes blow in big trial with Apple, damages reduced by 43% to $599 million

Fans of Rovio’s Angry Birds franchise may be interested in a new movie tie-in the company has in the works. Later this month Dreamworks is releasing The Croods, an animated look at pre-historic humans. Rovio has partnered with Dreamworks Animation to release a new, free game based on the motion picture. Not much information is provided regarding game play for the new title, but Rovio’s teaser text indicates the Croods will “Hunt & Gather their way through spectacular new landscapes as they tame fantastic and never-seen-before creatures.” Rovio lists the game as being available for phone and tablet devices running both Android and iOS on March 14th. You can check out the teaser video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: Rovio releases teaser video for The Croods

If you have seen one of Samsung’s recent zombie unicorn commercials for their Samsung Galaxy Note II, you may have noted the references to their SAFE standard for device security. Ensuring security on mobile devices is not just for enterprises that don’t want their latest game to leak to the public. Security issues take on a much more important role at the U.S. Department of Defense where top-secret information flows within the walls of the agency. It appears the Department of Defense is on the verge of changing a policy that limited secure mobile device approval to Blackberry devices and will open the door to some Android devices.

According to reports, the door will not be opened to just any Android device. Instead, the Department of Defense is screening the devices that will be allowed with only top-tier devices appearing to make the cut. This is good news for Android device manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, and Motorola and should encourage them to continue their efforts to implement strong, secure standards on their devices.

Currently, the majority of mobile devices deployed by the Department of Defense are from Blackberry. However, the Department has been testing both Android and iOS devices to ensure soldiers and civilian staff have the latest and greatest technology available to them. Needless to say, this door opening is bad news for Blackberry as they struggle to stay alive in the market.

source: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: Android phones OK with Department of Defense for top-secret information

Developers of voice command app utter! have discovered a nice surprise included in the latest Google Search update that increases the usability of speech-recognition on Jelly Bean powered Android devices. Much of the focus since Google released the latest update has been on the new widget for Google Now. There has also been some interest in new partners and access to college basketball teams for sports cards. The change discovered by utter! may have a more far-reaching impact than those features.

With the latest update, apps from third-party developers can now access the speech-recognition dictionaries on your device. Previously, only Google’s own apps could access the dictionaries. For end users, this means the speech-recognition function can run faster and is accessible even when no data connection is available. To add the dictionaries to your device so they will be available for other apps, go to your Google Now settings, look under “Voice” and find the dictionary you want to download.

source: AndroidCentral

Come comment on this article: Offline speech recognition for third-party apps discovered in Google Search update