Just when it appeared that the dust might settle after the two tech behemoths Apple and Samsung clashed in court ten days ago, Apple resumed the attack, this time going for the Korean tech firm's jugular.
After claiming a decisive $1.05 billion victory in court, Apple early last week requested an injunction, asking that eight Samsung smartphones be banned in the U.S. Later that same week Apple has once again upped the ante, filing an amended patent infringement complaint with the U.S. District Court of Northern California. The new claim (which is completely separate from the earlier request) accuses a total of 21 Samsung mobile devices of infringing on its designs for the iPhone and iPad, including the Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note.
Samsung Galaxy S III vs. Apple iPhone 4SThe company's lawyers wrote:
"Since then [April 2011], Samsung has continued to release new infringing products, including its current flagship device, the Galaxy S III. While Samsung's new products infringe many of the same design patents, utility patents, trademarks, and trade dress rights that are at issue in the Earlier Case, Samsung's new products also infringe additional utility patents, some of which issued after Apple filed the Earlier Case."
The interesting thing about this new amended claim is that it actually differs from the previous one presented in the case. The new list of mobile devices are being called into question for allegedly infringing on Apple's patents related to the iPhone/iPad user experience, instead of physical attributes and feel. The amended claim examines such patents as the slide-to-unlock and word recommendation search features, with a total of eight patents being included in the new claim.
Samsung refuted Apple's claim this weekend going on to state to the Associated Press:
"Apple continues to resort to litigation over market competition in an effort to limit consumer choice. We will continue to take the necessary legal measures to ensure the availability of our innovative products in the United States."
Three of Samsung's most popular mobile devices the Samsung Galaxy S III, the Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 reside among the 21 devices being called into question in Apple's new claim, but not the upcoming Galaxy Note II. Having any of those three banned in the U.S. would be a significant blow to Samsung.
Should Apple successfully prove it has suffered irreparable harm as a result of these 21 devices, a preliminary injunction preventing the U.S. sale of these devices could be put into place. However, seeing that the court hearing regarding Apple's earlier request, asking for 8 Samsung smartphones to be permanently banned in the U.S. has been pushed back to December, it might be some time before we see this dispute come to fruition.
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Wednesday, September 5, 2012
AT&T Getting Sony Xperia T Cutting-Edge Android Smartphone
A retailer in the U.K. has let slip that the recently-announced Sony Xperia T is on the way to the U.S. courtesy of AT&T. This is going to be Sony new flagship Android smartphone, and will be be packed with high-end features.
Sony Xperia TThe Xperia T is going to sport a 4.6-inch display with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution (720p). It will also boast a 13MP camera that Sony says will be able to go from off to taking a picture in an instant.
The smartphone will run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) but an upgrade to OS 4.1 (Jelly Bean) is already in development. On the inside will be a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon S4 processor, with 16GB of on-board storage.
Sony is also building in 4G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, an FM radio, and a 1,850mAh battery.
Phone4u has begun taking orders for the Xperia T in the U.K., and posted several images of the device. One of these clearly shows the AT&T logo, all but confirming that this smartphone is headed for the U.S.A. The price and release date remain unknown, however.
View the original article here
Sony Xperia TThe Xperia T is going to sport a 4.6-inch display with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution (720p). It will also boast a 13MP camera that Sony says will be able to go from off to taking a picture in an instant.
The smartphone will run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) but an upgrade to OS 4.1 (Jelly Bean) is already in development. On the inside will be a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon S4 processor, with 16GB of on-board storage.
Sony is also building in 4G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, an FM radio, and a 1,850mAh battery.
Phone4u has begun taking orders for the Xperia T in the U.K., and posted several images of the device. One of these clearly shows the AT&T logo, all but confirming that this smartphone is headed for the U.S.A. The price and release date remain unknown, however.
View the original article here
LG Intuition Taking Its 5-Inch Screen Exclusively to Verizon
LG and Verizon Wireless today announced the upcoming release of the LG Intuition, which will be sold exclusively in the U.S. by Verizon Wireless. LG's newest handset is part of the ever growing movement toward large smartphones that look to blur the line between tablets and handsets.
The LG handset is going to offer a 5-inch 650 NIT display, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It will house a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and it will run on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
The device will offer 4G LTE connectivity, and will be able to offer wireless service with up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices. The handset will have a 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and 1080P HD video recording, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chatting.
In addition to those specs the LG Intuition will also offer two NFC (Near Field Communications) stickers that allow users to switch between phone modes with a single tap. The stickers can be placed at specific places such as an office cubical or home's entrance to allow users to quickly tap the NFC sticker with their phone to activate a mode such as Car Mode, Office Mode, and Sleep Mode. The different will be customizable, while tapping a sticker again will return users to their original settings.
The Intuition will be be a re-named LG Optimus Vu, which is seen as one of the top competitors for the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Both these Android models are going to have displays larger than typical smartphones.
Price and Availability
The 5-inch handset will be available online at VerizonWireless.com starting Thursday, Sept. 6 and will be available in stores at Verizon Wireless retailers starting Sept 10. It will sell for $200 with a new two-year customer agreement.
Additionally, to purchase the LG intuition customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless data plan, and customers who purchase the device online between Sept 6 and 10 will receive a free LG Tone Stereo Bluetooth as a special promotion.
View the original article here
The LG handset is going to offer a 5-inch 650 NIT display, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It will house a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and it will run on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
The device will offer 4G LTE connectivity, and will be able to offer wireless service with up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices. The handset will have a 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and 1080P HD video recording, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chatting.
In addition to those specs the LG Intuition will also offer two NFC (Near Field Communications) stickers that allow users to switch between phone modes with a single tap. The stickers can be placed at specific places such as an office cubical or home's entrance to allow users to quickly tap the NFC sticker with their phone to activate a mode such as Car Mode, Office Mode, and Sleep Mode. The different will be customizable, while tapping a sticker again will return users to their original settings.
The Intuition will be be a re-named LG Optimus Vu, which is seen as one of the top competitors for the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Both these Android models are going to have displays larger than typical smartphones.
Price and Availability
The 5-inch handset will be available online at VerizonWireless.com starting Thursday, Sept. 6 and will be available in stores at Verizon Wireless retailers starting Sept 10. It will sell for $200 with a new two-year customer agreement.
Additionally, to purchase the LG intuition customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless data plan, and customers who purchase the device online between Sept 6 and 10 will receive a free LG Tone Stereo Bluetooth as a special promotion.
View the original article here
Nokia Launches Free Music Streaming Service
There are currently over 150 playlists available for streaming, all of which are "curated and kept up to date by an expert team of US based musicologists," according to Nokia. The playlists not only cover a wide range of musical genres, there are also celebrity playlists created by popular artists such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
Those users who are looking for something a little more personalized can also use the "create" function and have a playlist generated based on their favorite artists, with songs being pulled from a library of millions of songs.
Other features include the ability to pin playlists for offline listening and the "Gig Finder," which finds nearby concerts and shows based on the user's current location.
Free and Free
The Nokia Music service is not only free of charge, but is also advertisement-free and requires no registration or subscription. It is available now in the Windows Marketplace.
Nokia says that Nokia Music is a service "exclusive to Nokia Lumia handsets," but it only listed the Lumia 900 and Lumia 710 specifically when addressing which models can download the app from the Marketplace right now.
View the original article here
IBM's Rumored RIM Takeover: The End of BlackBerry?
There are surprising plot twists, cunning moves by key players and even secret formulas and ingredients. No, it is not the best (or worst!) of reality television, but the drama and angst that has plagued Research in Motion and its BlackBerry platform for well over a year.
Now comes the rumor of a possible acquisition by the mighty IBM no less, but would this provide salvation and redemption, or a quick end to the highly-recognized BlackBerry brand?
RIMOnce the high-flying darling of Wall Street and the smartphone standard, BlackBerry now seems to be in a tailspin with the rugged ground fast approaching. The worldwide market share for the BlackBerry platform dropped from 13.6% of the world's smartphones in the first quarter of 2011 to roughly 6.4% of the world's smartphones in the first quarter of this year, according to International Data Corp. (IDC). Meanwhile, Google and its Android platform just seem to be getting stronger every day, with a 59.0% worldwide share and 89.9 million units shipped just during the first quarter this year.
A Slow Connection
Critics blame RIM for being too slow to expand its line with fancy new phones as a wealth of competing devices flood the market. They also blame RIM for keeping too tight a rein on its BlackBerry Messenger service, one of the most secure and closed systems in the world.
The real turning point for RIM came last year when the service was hit with major outages that restricted services worldwide. It was at this point that users began to question the value of the service and heed the siren's call of the competition.
The fact is that BlackBerry still has a lot of life and potential in its technology platform, and a dedicated cadre of users -- especially in the government market where there is still some incremental growth. However, even RIM execs admit government users are starting to take a serious look at Android devices as BYOD activities continue to spread.
An IBM acquisition of RIM would definitely change the dynamics of the company and the technology platform. IBM is clearly only interested in the BlackBerry Messenger service and RIM's network of highly-secure servers worldwide. This plays in well with IBM's own mobile device management (MDM) strategies and has a significant potential for revenues since IBM would likely open up the platform to its third-party developers.
RIM, the company, has very little to gain from the acquisition except for a quick influx of cash. Once IBM cuts out the pieces it wants, all that's left are the most unprofitable parts including the smartphone development and sales division. Bottom line: It is the end of BlackBerry as we know it.
BYOD Brings on an Early RIP
There are a number of questions surrounding such an acquisition and fate, so we asked our own resident expert and editor of Brighthand.com, Ed Hardy.
1. Would/Does the RIM service, separate from the BlackBerry phones, work with other devices?
Right now, BlackBerry services like BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) are currently not available for rivals like the iPhone and Android. There are licensing restrictions, as well as technical roadblocks. Palm Computer... a pioneer in the development of personal digital assistants or PDAs took the same course initially, but later spun off its software operations and tried the third-party route. However, by that point, had pretty much missed the boat as devices became more communications-centric and smarter cell phones began emerging.
Some experts have suggested that RIM give up hardware and operating systems and just offer BBM on a variety of platforms, like iOS and Android. This theoretical company might still be profitable, but it would be much smaller.
2. Have security capabilities of third-party software vendors made the need for the RIM service obsolete?
This is a bit like asking "in a price-conscious world filled with cars from Kia and Hyundai, is there a point in having a Lexus?" Answer is "yes", since this represents a new level of quality and user experience. RIM's enterprise security systems are the best. They are the ones that third-party developers wish they could be, and that many companies prefer. The BlackBerry Messenger encryption technology is still the elite platform in the market in terms of security -- so far, anyway.
3. How might an IBM acquisition impact the BYOD part of the market, given IBM's other capabilities?
Surely, it would open this instant messaging service up to rival platforms, like iPhone and Android. So those companies that use BBM and give BlackBerrys to all its employees wouldn't have a problem with those who prefer to bring their Droid from home, as these employees could still access BBM.
The basic success of BYOD (or consumerization) in the enterprise or government markets hinges on breaking down the barriers between devices, improving user interfaces, and making it easier for IT to service and support these varied devices.
AnalysisIn the end, the fate of BlackBerry really hinges on the demands of users, who right now are increasingly hooked on flashier and more full-featured smartphones. If the BlackBerry messenger technology and security are cut loose from the RIM anchor, then the personal sentiment related to the BlackBerry quickly begins to fade.
An Interview
I recently was interviewed on Washington D.C.'s Federal News Radio about the possibility that IBM will acquire some, or all, of RIM. This interview is available on the radio station's website.
View the original article here
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Horn for iOS Review: This Game Will Blow You Away
Horn, a new action adventure game app developed by Phosphor Games, takes us one step closer to closing the gap between gaming on mobile and console platforms, a divide that's also being bridged by the development of new and more powerful smarphones and tablets. Taking many of the steadfast elements that we expect in our console experiences and translating them seamlessly on to iOS devices, Horn is sure to blow fans away.
Overview
After playing Horn, there's one thing of which I'm sure. Phosphor Games loves the Legend of Zelda series as much as I do. Horn pays homage to the iconic action adventure series, emulating a number of the mechanics including its interesting concoction of action, puzzle solving and sparse RPG elements. However, that's not to say that Horn is a mere copy of the past. While outside influences are certainly noticeable, Horn combines those elements with its own unique narrative filled with imaginative characters and witty banter, giving this title a life of its own.
Story/Narrative
HORN for iOS ReviewHorn follows a number video game tropes. To begin with, players assume the role of Horn, an orphan with a convoluted past who has taken to being a blacksmith's apprentice. Through a series of unknown events, Horn awakens to find his world and its inhabitants transformed. With all of humanity now cursed to take the form of golem-like creatures known as Pygons, it falls upon Horn to reverse the curse and save his world.
Yet while Horn may start out like so many action adventure games before it, once the story matures, it reveals its own identity. Without a doubt, the driving force of the narrative lies in the dialog, particularly the relationship between Horn and his begrudging Pygon companion Gourd. Unfortunately for Gourd, he lost his head (literally) in his first encounter with Horn. He now finds himself an unwilling companion on Horn's journey. The sharp jagged edges of Gourd's skull are only matched by the cutting wit that emanates from the creature's mouth. It quickly becomes apparent to players that Horn and Gourd aren't particularly fond of each other, as each will take any chance he can get to make a jape at the other's expense.
However ,through their banter, both characters show a great deal about themselves and their respective worlds. In addition to fantastic writing, the dialog is matched by superb voice acting that is sure to make players tune in. Accompany all of this with beautifully crafted static cut scenes (similar to Fable) and you get a narrative experience unlike any other seen on the mobile platform. Never before have I found myself so invested in what characters had to say in a mobile game.
Performance
HORN for iOS ReviewAnother catalyst for this epic adventure is its serene dystopian art style. The crumbling wasteland offers an interesting contrast between majestic skylines and crumbling ruins. Though this is a land in great peril, the colors are vibrant, breathing life into the world and adding to an ongoing dichotomy between the struggles of humanity and the current peaceful state in which the world resides. A great level of detail has been placed in the world's atmosphere. Coating every corner are beautiful lighting effects and minute details, such as falling foliage. The only down side is that the environments become somewhat repetitive as the game continues. Players will find themselves entering rooms or areas that feel all too familiar as the same design concept is iterated more than once. However, while not ideal, the somewhat repetitive level design can be forgiven considering how wonderful everything looks.
Players will also find a wide array of Pygons which beautifully complement the toppled ruins of humanity. Breathing creativity into the world, the Pygons span a wide spectrum, from the small bird-like chopper Pygons whose darting patterns decorate the skyline, to the larger than life leviathans who make the world tremble in their wake. Best of all, though, despite their varied natures, each Pygon seems fully at home within the scenery, further augmenting this immersive experience.
In addition to the gorgeous scenery, players can also expect a masterful soundtrack from Austin Wintory (composer of PS3 title Journey). Much like the old action titles that Horn draws its inspiration from, the soundtrack is used to add an emotional element. The backtrack reiterates the magnitude of this grandiose tale. When players find themselves cornered by enemies, the soundtrack highlights the severity of the situation.
Gameplay
Horn suffers from split personalities, but I mean this in best sense possible. One minute, it pushes you to explore and solve puzzles. The next, you are locked into an epic battle with a giant armored Pygon. The two different game modes complement one another quite nicely and also serve to add great pacing to the gaming experience.
Horn is able to bring these two distinct styles of play thanks to its natural touch interface. When in exploration mode, players will be able to fully explore the 3D environments. Clicking on the screen sends Horn to that location. Swiping up at a ledge will cause Horn to scale it. Jumping across wide gaps requires players to quickly tap the edge for Horn to grab hold of it. Every action meshes with the corresponding control, making navigation feel natural.
Combat controls differ a bit, as Horn will only be able to navigate right or left by dodging via the two corresponding buttons that appear on both sides of the screen. Players will also be able to throw bombs and consume potions thanks to the two additional buttons placed at the top left of the screen. Swiping your fingers across the screen will cause Horn to attack in the direction swiped.
Overall these controls work quite nicely. However, due to the lag that can occur with touchscreens players, will sometimes find they are unable to dodge incoming attacks. Also, with some attacks (specifically from bosses or difficult opponents), depleting large portions of Horn's life can become somewhat problematic. Still. for the most part, the controls are well thought out, as the fluidity of the touch controls is actually a huge advancement over simply placing an awkward d-pad for players to use on the touchscreen.
Although the controls are occasionally problematic, when everything is going smoothly the combat is a pleasure. It is simplistic in that all the players really need to do is to dodge incoming attacks and land attacks on their enemies. Yet reading the enemies' attack patterns to land devastating combo slashes can be very rewarding.
Additionally, some enemies will be adorned in crystalline armor that makes them impervious to attacks from certain directions, meaning that players need to be even more tactical about how they approach each fight. Finally, each Pygon has its own weak spot. When HORN is able to attack that area enough times, this will reveal the enemies' weak points, allowing players to drop enemies exponentially faster. Again, while somewhat simple, the core combat mechanicss will have players frantically swiping their fingers to vanquish foe after foe.
Another area where the game opts for simplicity is in its puzzle design. Old-school gamers will be rushed with feelings of deja vu, as many of the puzzles are reminiscent of the similar puzzles found in the first few temples of most Legend of Zelda titles. In fact, the game even has its own magical instrument, a horn that when played alters the world using an old and mysterious magic. (I'm looking at you, Ocarina of Time.)
Unfortunately, while the game does offer some interesting puzzle mechanics, the puzzles never progress beyond a rudimentary level. The horn, for instance, is used in a great deal of puzzles, but it can only be used at certain pedestals and the game automatically chooses the corresponding song needed to solve the puzzle.
Players, though, will find themselves enticed to explore the beautiful landscapes and fanciful creatures players in Horn's world to unveil the game's numerous unlocks. Thanks to Horn's blacksmithing abilities, players will be able to create and wield new weapons and equipment, all of which harbor their own unique stats and abilities. However, to build these powerful upgrades. Horn must collect blueprints along with the required resources. Players will find these blueprints and resources scoured across the land in dark caves and reclusive recesses, giving them just one more reason to extend to every corner of the map.
The numerous unlocks can also add some replay value to players. With loads of trinket and weapon blueprints sprinkled throughout the world, not to mention a number of available character costumes, there's plenty for players to unlock. Chances are that players will still find plenty to do even once they've completed this 10-hour epic.
Conclusion
To say the least, I was surprised by Horn. I still find myself skeptical that mobile gaming can fully reach the same heights of its console counterpart, but titles like Horn might come to change my stance.
Is Horn perfect? Of course not. The controls are still a bit clunky and the simplistic puzzle design will leave many gamers wanting more. Regardless, Horn offers an unrivalled level of production value for the mobile platform. The static cut scenes and landscapes are beautiful, and Gourd and Horn's relationship serves as a great catalyst for telling this epic tale.
While Horn certainly has its faults, players will be hard pressed to find a better 10-hour experience for the price of $7 on any platform. If you're an old-school gamer who's looking to relive the glory days of action-adventure titles and epic quests, do yourself a favor and pick up Horn.
View the original article here
Overview
After playing Horn, there's one thing of which I'm sure. Phosphor Games loves the Legend of Zelda series as much as I do. Horn pays homage to the iconic action adventure series, emulating a number of the mechanics including its interesting concoction of action, puzzle solving and sparse RPG elements. However, that's not to say that Horn is a mere copy of the past. While outside influences are certainly noticeable, Horn combines those elements with its own unique narrative filled with imaginative characters and witty banter, giving this title a life of its own.
HORN for iOS ReviewHorn follows a number video game tropes. To begin with, players assume the role of Horn, an orphan with a convoluted past who has taken to being a blacksmith's apprentice. Through a series of unknown events, Horn awakens to find his world and its inhabitants transformed. With all of humanity now cursed to take the form of golem-like creatures known as Pygons, it falls upon Horn to reverse the curse and save his world.
Yet while Horn may start out like so many action adventure games before it, once the story matures, it reveals its own identity. Without a doubt, the driving force of the narrative lies in the dialog, particularly the relationship between Horn and his begrudging Pygon companion Gourd. Unfortunately for Gourd, he lost his head (literally) in his first encounter with Horn. He now finds himself an unwilling companion on Horn's journey. The sharp jagged edges of Gourd's skull are only matched by the cutting wit that emanates from the creature's mouth. It quickly becomes apparent to players that Horn and Gourd aren't particularly fond of each other, as each will take any chance he can get to make a jape at the other's expense.
However ,through their banter, both characters show a great deal about themselves and their respective worlds. In addition to fantastic writing, the dialog is matched by superb voice acting that is sure to make players tune in. Accompany all of this with beautifully crafted static cut scenes (similar to Fable) and you get a narrative experience unlike any other seen on the mobile platform. Never before have I found myself so invested in what characters had to say in a mobile game.
HORN for iOS ReviewAnother catalyst for this epic adventure is its serene dystopian art style. The crumbling wasteland offers an interesting contrast between majestic skylines and crumbling ruins. Though this is a land in great peril, the colors are vibrant, breathing life into the world and adding to an ongoing dichotomy between the struggles of humanity and the current peaceful state in which the world resides. A great level of detail has been placed in the world's atmosphere. Coating every corner are beautiful lighting effects and minute details, such as falling foliage. The only down side is that the environments become somewhat repetitive as the game continues. Players will find themselves entering rooms or areas that feel all too familiar as the same design concept is iterated more than once. However, while not ideal, the somewhat repetitive level design can be forgiven considering how wonderful everything looks.
Players will also find a wide array of Pygons which beautifully complement the toppled ruins of humanity. Breathing creativity into the world, the Pygons span a wide spectrum, from the small bird-like chopper Pygons whose darting patterns decorate the skyline, to the larger than life leviathans who make the world tremble in their wake. Best of all, though, despite their varied natures, each Pygon seems fully at home within the scenery, further augmenting this immersive experience.
In addition to the gorgeous scenery, players can also expect a masterful soundtrack from Austin Wintory (composer of PS3 title Journey). Much like the old action titles that Horn draws its inspiration from, the soundtrack is used to add an emotional element. The backtrack reiterates the magnitude of this grandiose tale. When players find themselves cornered by enemies, the soundtrack highlights the severity of the situation.
Gameplay
Horn suffers from split personalities, but I mean this in best sense possible. One minute, it pushes you to explore and solve puzzles. The next, you are locked into an epic battle with a giant armored Pygon. The two different game modes complement one another quite nicely and also serve to add great pacing to the gaming experience.
Combat controls differ a bit, as Horn will only be able to navigate right or left by dodging via the two corresponding buttons that appear on both sides of the screen. Players will also be able to throw bombs and consume potions thanks to the two additional buttons placed at the top left of the screen. Swiping your fingers across the screen will cause Horn to attack in the direction swiped.
Overall these controls work quite nicely. However, due to the lag that can occur with touchscreens players, will sometimes find they are unable to dodge incoming attacks. Also, with some attacks (specifically from bosses or difficult opponents), depleting large portions of Horn's life can become somewhat problematic. Still. for the most part, the controls are well thought out, as the fluidity of the touch controls is actually a huge advancement over simply placing an awkward d-pad for players to use on the touchscreen.
Additionally, some enemies will be adorned in crystalline armor that makes them impervious to attacks from certain directions, meaning that players need to be even more tactical about how they approach each fight. Finally, each Pygon has its own weak spot. When HORN is able to attack that area enough times, this will reveal the enemies' weak points, allowing players to drop enemies exponentially faster. Again, while somewhat simple, the core combat mechanicss will have players frantically swiping their fingers to vanquish foe after foe.
Another area where the game opts for simplicity is in its puzzle design. Old-school gamers will be rushed with feelings of deja vu, as many of the puzzles are reminiscent of the similar puzzles found in the first few temples of most Legend of Zelda titles. In fact, the game even has its own magical instrument, a horn that when played alters the world using an old and mysterious magic. (I'm looking at you, Ocarina of Time.)
Unfortunately, while the game does offer some interesting puzzle mechanics, the puzzles never progress beyond a rudimentary level. The horn, for instance, is used in a great deal of puzzles, but it can only be used at certain pedestals and the game automatically chooses the corresponding song needed to solve the puzzle.
The numerous unlocks can also add some replay value to players. With loads of trinket and weapon blueprints sprinkled throughout the world, not to mention a number of available character costumes, there's plenty for players to unlock. Chances are that players will still find plenty to do even once they've completed this 10-hour epic.
Conclusion
To say the least, I was surprised by Horn. I still find myself skeptical that mobile gaming can fully reach the same heights of its console counterpart, but titles like Horn might come to change my stance.
Is Horn perfect? Of course not. The controls are still a bit clunky and the simplistic puzzle design will leave many gamers wanting more. Regardless, Horn offers an unrivalled level of production value for the mobile platform. The static cut scenes and landscapes are beautiful, and Gourd and Horn's relationship serves as a great catalyst for telling this epic tale.
While Horn certainly has its faults, players will be hard pressed to find a better 10-hour experience for the price of $7 on any platform. If you're an old-school gamer who's looking to relive the glory days of action-adventure titles and epic quests, do yourself a favor and pick up Horn.
View the original article here
Samsung Makes Smartphones Safe for Driving with Drive Link App
Samsung hasannounced a new in-car smartphone application that aims to make roadways a little safer by eliminating a cluttered interface, making handsets running the platform ideal for quick and intuitive use when in in a car.
Dubbed Drive Link, the app is equipped with several shortcuts to useful driving applications, targeting the three most popular uses of smartphones while driving: texting, navigating to a destination, and talking hands-free. Meeting the Japanese Automotive Manufacturers Association's standards, the app gives drivers all the information they need at a glance thanks to enlarged buttons and interactive elements.
Drive Link displays information, such as weather, time, and appointments, with oversized keys to make quick tapping without looking easier. Guaranteeing that drivers keep their eyes on the road, Samsung's latest app works nicely with Android's text-to-speech engine, and can read all incoming text messages, emails and social media updates.
The Drive Link application also lets drivers select preset, recent or favorite destinations using their smartphone's GPS features. Taking it one step further, users who receive a text message with address information inside while using Samsung Drive Link can set that address as their destination with just a single tap.
While Samsung did not say whether the application will be made available in the Play Store, Drive Link is currently available from Samsung Apps on the Galaxy S III. Sammy promised that the app will be coming to other smartphones running 4.0 in the near future, so until then, drivers keep your hands off your phones and eyes on the road!
View the original article here
Samsung Galaxy Stellar Could Land at Verizon this Week
It looks like another Samsung Galaxy smartphone will be landing at Verizon Wireless soon, although the Galaxy Stallar won't offer all the bells and whistles like Sammy's latest flagship model, the Galaxy S III, its $100 price tag might get some tongues wagging.
Samsung Galaxy StallarAccording to information that has leaked out ahead of the launch the Galaxy Stellar 4G LTE is going to be aimed at the budget-minded consumer, as well as first-time smartphone adopters, thanks to its "easy-to-use" Starter Mode, which will supposedly simplify user interaction with Access apps and controls. Shipping with Android 4.0 under the hood, the Stellar 4G will pack an unnamed 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU, a reasonable processor considering the cost of the device.
With a compact design that is said to fit comfortably in hands, the 4-inch smartphone is going to weigh in at 4.73 ounces and will measure 121.92 x 63.75 x 11.94mm. Samsung's next mid-range handset will feature dual cameras, with a 3.2-megapixel shooter that will be housed in the rear and a 1.3-megapixel one in the front, and will sport an 800 x 480 WVGA display.
The Stellar made a short-lived appearance on Best Buy's website, before being quickly taken down, though potential customers be warned, it's probably best to get the device on a Verizon plan, rather than pay the $450 contract-free price from the electronic retailer. Amazon Kindle, Audible and Zappos apps will also be offered on the handset, which will have 4GB internal storage and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
With rumors pegging the Galaxy Stellar 4G LTE with a Sept. 6 release date, it looks like this is heating up to be an exciting month for smartphone fans, as the highly-speculated Apple iPhone 5 is expected to launch Sept. 12.
View the original article here
Samsung Galaxy StallarAccording to information that has leaked out ahead of the launch the Galaxy Stellar 4G LTE is going to be aimed at the budget-minded consumer, as well as first-time smartphone adopters, thanks to its "easy-to-use" Starter Mode, which will supposedly simplify user interaction with Access apps and controls. Shipping with Android 4.0 under the hood, the Stellar 4G will pack an unnamed 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU, a reasonable processor considering the cost of the device.
With a compact design that is said to fit comfortably in hands, the 4-inch smartphone is going to weigh in at 4.73 ounces and will measure 121.92 x 63.75 x 11.94mm. Samsung's next mid-range handset will feature dual cameras, with a 3.2-megapixel shooter that will be housed in the rear and a 1.3-megapixel one in the front, and will sport an 800 x 480 WVGA display.
The Stellar made a short-lived appearance on Best Buy's website, before being quickly taken down, though potential customers be warned, it's probably best to get the device on a Verizon plan, rather than pay the $450 contract-free price from the electronic retailer. Amazon Kindle, Audible and Zappos apps will also be offered on the handset, which will have 4GB internal storage and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
With rumors pegging the Galaxy Stellar 4G LTE with a Sept. 6 release date, it looks like this is heating up to be an exciting month for smartphone fans, as the highly-speculated Apple iPhone 5 is expected to launch Sept. 12.
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Ericsson in pole position to buy Nokia Siemens unit: report
(Reuters) - Ericsson, the world's top mobile network infrastructure supplier, is in pole position to buy the business support systems (BSS) unit of rival Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), Dow Jones Newswires reported on Monday.
In addition to Ericsson, U.S. telecoms equipment maker Amdocs is also interested in the BSS unit, which provides billing and charging systems for telecoms operators, Dow Jones quoted a source familiar with the matter saying.
A source familiar with the situation told Reuters the unit was among assets NSN was considering selling, but could not confirm a deal was imminent.
Ericsson and NSN, a joint venture between Nokia Oyj and Siemens AG, declined to comment. Amdocs was not immediately available for comment.
NSN is in the middle of a slimming program that will also cut 17,000 of the group's workforce - or almost a quarter of the total - in an effort to improve its finances.
Sweden-based Ericsson has been expanding rapidly in BSS and operations support systems (OSS), last year buying Telcordia in the United States for $1.1 billion.
A recent survey by consultancy Gartner ranked Ericsson top globally by revenues in OSS and BSS services, including sales acquired with Telcordia.
NSN made a profit of 27 million euros on a non-IFRS basis in the second quarter on sales of 3.3 billion.
(Editing by David Holmes)
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In addition to Ericsson, U.S. telecoms equipment maker Amdocs is also interested in the BSS unit, which provides billing and charging systems for telecoms operators, Dow Jones quoted a source familiar with the matter saying.
A source familiar with the situation told Reuters the unit was among assets NSN was considering selling, but could not confirm a deal was imminent.
Ericsson and NSN, a joint venture between Nokia Oyj and Siemens AG, declined to comment. Amdocs was not immediately available for comment.
NSN is in the middle of a slimming program that will also cut 17,000 of the group's workforce - or almost a quarter of the total - in an effort to improve its finances.
Sweden-based Ericsson has been expanding rapidly in BSS and operations support systems (OSS), last year buying Telcordia in the United States for $1.1 billion.
A recent survey by consultancy Gartner ranked Ericsson top globally by revenues in OSS and BSS services, including sales acquired with Telcordia.
NSN made a profit of 27 million euros on a non-IFRS basis in the second quarter on sales of 3.3 billion.
(Editing by David Holmes)
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U.S., Canadian zoos use apps to teach apes
(Reuters) - Humans aren't the only species on the planet with a penchant for electronic gadgets. Zookeepers across the United States and Canada are discovering that apes also get excited about apps.
As part of a program called Apps for Apes, 12 zoos across the two countries have been incorporating iPads into the enrichment time allotted for orangutans, the giant furry red primates native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
"We're finding that, similar to people, they like touching the tablet, watching short videos of David Attenborough for instance, and looking at other animals and orangutans," said Richard Zimmerman, founding director of Orangutan Outreach, the New York City-based non-profit that runs the program.
Twice weekly, orangutans are provided with access to the tablets. The animals spend from 15 minutes to a half hour using different apps depending on their attention span.
Apps geared towards children that stimulate activities such as painting, music and memory games are among the most popular apps with the apes.
At the Toronto Zoo, zookeeper Matthew Berridge uses apps such as Doodle Buddy for drawing, Montessori Counting Board and Activity Memo Pocket, a memory game, in addition to playing YouTube videos for the apes.
"It's a lot like when we're showing children pop-up books," said Zimmerman, adding that the orangutans are among the most intelligent primates, with the intelligence level of a young child.
Zookeepers are also investigating how communication apps, such as those for the autistic, can help the animals to express themselves better, according to Zimmerman.
"Let's say an orangutan has a toothache. He or she would be able to then tap on the iPad on a picture of a tooth and communicate it that way," he explained.
One very intelligent, but armless, orangutan at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida is so intent on using the device that she uses her feet to navigate through the touchscreens.
"When you see the enjoyment and focus on their faces it's special, especially for orangutans who are in an enclosure all day and you're providing enrichment for them," said Zimmerman.
Because the tablets are so fragile the zookeepers handle the apps while the animals navigate the touchscreen, but the organization is investigating creating larger, more rugged casings.
The program, which is not meant to replace physical stimulation or climbing, also aims to raise awareness about the threats orangutans face in the wild.
"We're hoping that in that moment we can make a breakthrough with (zoo visitors] and say, 'Listen, these are beautiful animals that are obviously curious and intelligent and not too far from us and this is what they're dealing with in the wild,'" said Zimmerman.
Orangutans are critically endangered because of the rapid deforestation and expansion of palm oil plantations into their rainforest homes, he added.
The program, which relies on donated iPads, will soon be expanding to zoos across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Europe.
More information about the project can be found on redapes.org/
(Editing by Patricia Reaney and Cynthia Osterman)
View the original article here
As part of a program called Apps for Apes, 12 zoos across the two countries have been incorporating iPads into the enrichment time allotted for orangutans, the giant furry red primates native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
"We're finding that, similar to people, they like touching the tablet, watching short videos of David Attenborough for instance, and looking at other animals and orangutans," said Richard Zimmerman, founding director of Orangutan Outreach, the New York City-based non-profit that runs the program.
Twice weekly, orangutans are provided with access to the tablets. The animals spend from 15 minutes to a half hour using different apps depending on their attention span.
Apps geared towards children that stimulate activities such as painting, music and memory games are among the most popular apps with the apes.
At the Toronto Zoo, zookeeper Matthew Berridge uses apps such as Doodle Buddy for drawing, Montessori Counting Board and Activity Memo Pocket, a memory game, in addition to playing YouTube videos for the apes.
"It's a lot like when we're showing children pop-up books," said Zimmerman, adding that the orangutans are among the most intelligent primates, with the intelligence level of a young child.
Zookeepers are also investigating how communication apps, such as those for the autistic, can help the animals to express themselves better, according to Zimmerman.
"Let's say an orangutan has a toothache. He or she would be able to then tap on the iPad on a picture of a tooth and communicate it that way," he explained.
One very intelligent, but armless, orangutan at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida is so intent on using the device that she uses her feet to navigate through the touchscreens.
"When you see the enjoyment and focus on their faces it's special, especially for orangutans who are in an enclosure all day and you're providing enrichment for them," said Zimmerman.
Because the tablets are so fragile the zookeepers handle the apps while the animals navigate the touchscreen, but the organization is investigating creating larger, more rugged casings.
The program, which is not meant to replace physical stimulation or climbing, also aims to raise awareness about the threats orangutans face in the wild.
"We're hoping that in that moment we can make a breakthrough with (zoo visitors] and say, 'Listen, these are beautiful animals that are obviously curious and intelligent and not too far from us and this is what they're dealing with in the wild,'" said Zimmerman.
Orangutans are critically endangered because of the rapid deforestation and expansion of palm oil plantations into their rainforest homes, he added.
The program, which relies on donated iPads, will soon be expanding to zoos across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Europe.
More information about the project can be found on redapes.org/
(Editing by Patricia Reaney and Cynthia Osterman)
View the original article here
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