Rovio feels the burn of Android fragmentation, plans 'light' version of Angry Birds

So, it's real after all, huh ? Android fragmentation is making its way into the news again, and this time it counts. Rovio, developer of a little-known title called " Angry Birds ," has just penned a new blog post detailing the night terrors that have come with coding a single program to work on a cornucopia of platforms. In the weeks since Angry Birds was released to Android users everywhere, the company has been inundated with performance complaints, mostly from users with older / underpowered Android devices or phones using Android 1.6 or earlier. A laundry list of smartphones have now been added to the "unsupported" list (shown in full after the break), but thankfully for you, a "lightweight" version of the game is in the works. According to Rovio, that build won't reduce the amount of levels (or amount of fun / frustration, for that matter), but will instead be optimized for dawdling processors and Android versions that have been helplessly malformed by carriers. Nice going, guys . [Thanks, Justin] Rovio feels the burn of Android fragmentation, plans 'light' version of Angry Birds originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink PC World | Rovio | Email this | Comments

See the original post:
Rovio feels the burn of Android fragmentation, plans 'light' version of Angry Birds

Read more »

Caption Contest: Steve Ballmer goes on kill-crazy rampage at Microsoft Store

In the photo above you see Microsoft's Steve Ballmer performing a ribbon cutting at the company's new store in Bellevue, Washington. Shortly after finishing with the ribbon, Ballmer proceeded to rampage the store and patrons, leaving 17 dead, 6 wounded, and a stunned Miley Cyrus wondering if she had made the wisest career decisions. Ballmer was finally subdued by Dave Matthews, who knocked the CEO unconscious with an 8-foot bong. Josh: "I'm a PC, and I'm going to mess up your insides so bad, you'll pray for death." Ben Bowers: "Anyone else want to claim Windows 7 was their idea?" Chris: "To the cloud! With Windows 7 and Windows Live, Microsoft can mix and match its CEO's best faces until it's able to piece together a photo it's proud to share." Ross: "Using the power of Control-X while mobile is just one of the many superpowers Ballmer has and Windows Phone 7 users don't." Darren: "Moments before this tremendous occasion, Ballmer begrudgingly confirmed a prompt questioning his true intentions to dismantle a red ribbon." Nilay: "Touch my junk and I'll have you arrested." Don: "There can only be one!" Vlad: "I love this company! I love it so much I'm gonna cut it up into little pieces and eat it!" Joe: "Clearly event organizers hadn't planned for every possible emergency." Thomas: "Baby Ballmer cuts his own cord thankyouverymuch." Myriam: "Developers! It's time to get cut and paste into Windows Phone 7..." Caption Contest: Steve Ballmer goes on kill-crazy rampage at Microsoft Store originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink    |   |  Email this  |  Comments

See the rest here:
Caption Contest: Steve Ballmer goes on kill-crazy rampage at Microsoft Store

Read more »

SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing

Outside of Word documents and IM clients, one of the most intensive uses of keyboards nowadays is in massively multiplayer online games . But, gaze upon the button array before you and you'll notice that there's nary a single concession to your ten-hours-a-day WoW habit. SteelSeries is today looking to rectify that situation with its all-new MMO Keyset, which you can see above, attached to the company's already available Shift gaming keyboard . This assortment of oddly titled keys comes with an exhaustive set of customization and macro options, so even the most hardcore of online raiders should be able to extract some added value from it. We're not sure that utility will ever add up to the $25 (€25 in Europe) asking price, but then we've never managed to get our Night Elf Mohawk to Level 80, either. Continue reading SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 07:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds .

Read the original here:
SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing

Read more »

Registry hack allows for direct loading of media on Windows Phone 7 devices

Prefer to load media onto your Windows Phone 7 device the old fashioned way? Then it looks like your solution is just a simple Windows registry hack away. Coming shortly after the USB tethering hack , the folks at Mobile Tech World have now discovered that you can effectively turn your Windows Phone into a USB drive by modifying just three entries in the registry of your Windows desktop PC. Once done, you'll be able to drag and drop files to your heart's content -- albeit only on a computer that's had the registry hack done, of course. Hit up the source link below for the complete details. Registry hack allows for direct loading of media on Windows Phone 7 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink   Phone Arena , Windows Phone Central  |  Mobile Tech World  |  Email this  |  Comments

View original post here: 
Registry hack allows for direct loading of media on Windows Phone 7 devices

Read more »

LSI's WarpDrive SSD is a steal at $11,500

We want one of these so bad. The LSI WarpDrive SLP-300 packs 300GB of solid state storage onto a PCI Express card and promises up to 240,000 sustained IOPS (Input / Output Operations Per Second), with 1,400MBps sustained throughput -- about double the performance of OCZ's substantially cheaper RevoDrive X2 . According to LSI, you would need over 400 regular hard drives in 36U of rack space and 300 times the power to match the WarpDrive for sheer IOPS. Sure, LSI recommends all sorts of fancy server applications to put this $11,500 card to good use, but we've been noticing some serious browser launch lag time lately... and we're worth it. Continue reading LSI's WarpDrive SSD is a steal at $11,500 LSI's WarpDrive SSD is a steal at $11,500 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink    |  SlashGear  |  Email this  |  Comments

View post: 
LSI's WarpDrive SSD is a steal at $11,500

Read more »

Early PSP2 dev kit in the wild?

Well, this is interesting. VG247 has published what it says are pics from an early Sony PSP2 development kit. There isn't much to go by in terms of back story, and in many ways it looks more like a KIRF from Mr. Blurrycam's vintage collection than something for software testing, but let's hear what the site has to say: HD screen, two cameras (front and rear), microphone, two thumbsticks, and a rear "trackpad" of sorts, presumably akin to what we've seen on the PS Phone leak . VG247 later updated to say that a source claims it's an earlier version of the kit and that a revision has since been developed without a sliding screen -- a move to perhaps deal with ( also rumored ) overheating concerns. We know a PSP2 exists in some form, so this can go one of two ways -- either cleaner shots will be found, or an entirely different leak will surface later. Given the suspect Fall 2011 debut, we have plenty of time to wait around and see. [Thanks, Ross M -- no relation] Early PSP2 dev kit in the wild? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink   Joystiq  |  VG247  |  Email this  |  Comments

View original here: 
Early PSP2 dev kit in the wild?

Read more »

PeeWee debuts Pivot 2.0 spillproof, drop resistant netvertible for the little ones

Kids these days use gadgets almost as much as their less disaster-inclined adult friends, and PeeWee 's been making laptops with that in mind for a while now. Well, the company's just launched its newest laptop for kids, the Pivot 2.0 -- which is basically the CTL 2go Convertible . This rugged little netvertible boasts an Intel N450 CPU, a touch screen that rotates 180 degrees and a webcam, and it's packed with 15 educational games onboard. As far as ruggedeization goes, the laptop boasts a water-resistant keyboard, a plastic shell that should withstand minor drops, and rubber grips for easier carrying. The Pivot 2.0 is available now and it'll run you $599. The full press release is below. Continue reading PeeWee debuts Pivot 2.0 spillproof, drop resistant netvertible for the little ones PeeWee debuts Pivot 2.0 spillproof, drop resistant netvertible for the little ones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink    |   |  Email this  |  Comments

View original post here: 
PeeWee debuts Pivot 2.0 spillproof, drop resistant netvertible for the little ones

Read more »

VIZIO launches latest XVT series HDTVs, new Blu-ray players with 3D today

Say hello to the new VIZIO XVT 3D series, while the XVT Pro line announced earlier this year (and that 72-inch model we were drooling over) were not to be, these 42-, 47- and 55-inch HDTVs are real and on sale today through Amazon, Sam's Club and Target's online shops and should be on shelves later this month. Features like the number of LED backlighting zones (for the 47- and 55-, the 42-inch features edge LED lighting), claimed contrast ratio, WiFi N and VIZIO Internet Apps are consistent with existing models, so the big addition this time around is 480Hz refresh rate and obviously, 3D readiness (active shutter glasses not included). VIZIO's also announced two new 3D compatible Blu-ray players to match for $189, plus a new router and some high priced HDMI cables to fill out the lineup. Full specs and prices are in the press release after the break, but with a premium of $300-$400 on Amazon over the award winning 2D-only XVT3SV lineup (we have one in for review, hint: it's excellent), most will probably want to wait for some kind of package deal unless there's a copy of NBA 2K11 3D or Black Ops burning a hole in their console right now. Update : It appears VIZIO's made one other change since its initial 3D announcement, these TVs feature 3D processing from RealD, instead of the SENSIO/XpanD combo announced for the XVT Pro line, press release is after the break. We asked if these glasses will be compatible with those from other manufacturers but haven't gotten an answer to that question yet. Continue reading VIZIO launches latest XVT series HDTVs, new Blu-ray players with 3D today VIZIO launches latest XVT series HDTVs, new Blu-ray players with 3D today originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink    |   |  Email this  |  Comments

Read the original: 
VIZIO launches latest XVT series HDTVs, new Blu-ray players with 3D today

Read more »

Panasonic's 103-inch 3D plasma hits for massive $100,000 price

Incredibly, Panasonic's been the proud parent of a 103-inch plasma since January 2006 . Here we are almost five years later learning off a 3D variant, model TH-P103MT2. The Full HD 3D plasma with 5m:1 native contrast ratio is expected to cost about 8.5 million yen or a bit more than $100,000 when Panny begins taking orders tomorrow, November 18th -- and that still doesn't include the cost to ship, handle, and install the 439 pound TV onto the wall of your country estate. At least it ships with one pair of active shutter glasses. Panasonic's 103-inch 3D plasma hits for massive $100,000 price originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink   Impress [translated]  |  Panasonic [translated]  |  Email this  |  Comments

Original post: 
Panasonic's 103-inch 3D plasma hits for massive $100,000 price

Read more »

Elecom's Actrail headphones is the tree to iPod shuffle's spanish moss

We spared you the "wireless" joke, but to be fair, that's precisely what we're looking at: Elecom's Actrail headphones are wireless, Bluetooth-less ear muffs designed for your miniature Apple-borne MP3 player. Only the latest iPod shuffle is officially supported, but we're betting some of the previous generations could fit in just fine. Or maybe even an iPod touch, if don't mind applying scotch tape liberally to your noggin. Hey, it's not like you really need to see the front as a makeshift watch, anyhow. Asking price is ¥4,200 in Japan, which is just around $50 in US coins, and it's due out sometime this month; no promises it'll make stateside release via official channels, but we're sure if you're jonesing you can find something. Elecom's Actrail headphones is the tree to iPod shuffle's spanish moss originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink   Wired , OhGizmo!  |  Elecom , (translate)  |  Email this  |  Comments

Original post:
Elecom's Actrail headphones is the tree to iPod shuffle's spanish moss

Read more »

Screen Grabs: A Droid X with a SIM card? XOXO, Gossip Girl

Sure, Verizon has the lock on Gossip Girl product placement , but even the technological reality of CDMA must bow to plot development, and if that means Serena's Droid X sprouts a SIM card so Lil' J can steal it and surreptitiously swap in a new one, well, so be it. Of course, this clever plan assumes that Serena doesn't text or call anyone using her new SIM, but, you know, just go with it. Video after the break. Continue reading Screen Grabs: A Droid X with a SIM card? XOXO, Gossip Girl Screen Grabs: A Droid X with a SIM card? XOXO, Gossip Girl originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink    |   |  Email this  |  Comments

View original post here:
Screen Grabs: A Droid X with a SIM card? XOXO, Gossip Girl

Read more »

Walmart launches Black Friday barrage early, $69 Blu-ray player, $89 DS Lite

Sick of waiting outside in the cold on the wee hours of Black Friday, only to get trampled on the way in to the store when the doors open? Walmart has a better solution: they'll open the doors at midnight. Yes, the sales start at the first minute of Black Friday , and the full list is after the break, but to get the really good stuff you'll have to hang around until 5:00am. That's when a Magnavox Blu-ray player (presumably the oft-discounted NB500 ) will go for $69, with $10 in VUDU credits thrown in for good measure.

Or, you can get yourself a Nintendo DS Lite for $89, which is a very solid deal. Sure, it doesn't do 3D , but who says games need depth? Continue reading Walmart launches Black Friday barrage early, $69 Blu-ray player, $89 DS Lite Walmart launches Black Friday barrage early, $69 Blu-ray player, $89 DS Lite originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds .

View original here:
Walmart launches Black Friday barrage early, $69 Blu-ray player, $89 DS Lite

Read more »