Google wants to change your reality with Ingress, a mobile game played out in real life

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/google-launches-ingress/

All the viral ads courtesy of Niantic Labs told us something was coming, and now its here -- an alternate reality game from Google called Ingress. The theme is one of worldwide mind control, and it'll be played out in real life, where you'll be a part of one of two teams which either embrace or fight "the power" -- The Enlightened or The Resistance, respectively. With a companion mobile app installed, you'll venture out into the world collecting energy known as "Exotic Matter" (XM), found at real locations. This can then be spent claiming, stealing or reinforcing "portals," which are positioned at key public places. Teamwork will be essential, as the goal is to create zones controlled by your faction, and attacking those occupied by the enemy. One team will eventually win, although this end point is expected to be a year to 18 months down the line.

John Hanke of Niantic Labs said some of the inspiration for Ingress came from JJ Abrams, and hardcore Lost fans may remember a similarly cryptic internet 'game' focused around the show. The Ingress app is available on Google Play today, with an iOS version in the pipe, and if you want you play, sign up at the source below to request access. Your mobile device will provide you with an overview of your local battlefield when you're out and about, but a web client can keep you up to date on the global war while you're sat at a computer. Check out the video and app screenshots below, and if you're still confused as to what i! t's all about -- well, that's how they want you to feel.

Continue reading Google wants to change your reality with Ingress, a mobile game played out in real life

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Internet, Software, Mobile, Google

Google wants to change your reality with Ingress, a mobile game played out in real life originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let's Make This Easy: Out Of All The Tiny Tablets, Google's Nexus 7 Is The Best Buy (GOOG)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/best-tiny-tablets-2012-11

A lot of people are going to want one of the new smaller/cheaper tablets that are out now.

Since we get asked which one is the best all the time, here's a quick ranking of the order you should consider them.

Here you go:

1. Google Nexus 7, starts at $199
2. iPad Mini, starts at $329
3. Kindle Fire HD, starts at $199
4. Nook HD, starts at $199

Want more information? Check out our reviews of each tablet below:

• Nexus 7 review >
• iPad Mini review >
• Kindle Fire HD review >
• Nook HD review >

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A Sports Cam With Eyes On the Back of Its Head Captures Twice the Action

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5960519/a-sports-cam-with-eyes-on-the-back-of-its-head-captures-twice-the-action

Now here's a unique take on the seemingly unending supply of action sports cams hitting the market. Oregon Scientific's ATC Chameleon packs a pair of adjustable lenses on the front and back of the camera with 110-degree fields of view. So athletes can share what's happening behind the camera, as well as what's in front.

And instead of creating two separate videos of the action, the ATC Chameleon combines both of the 1280x720 feeds into a single hi-def clip—either split vertically or horizontally. But unfortunately there's seemingly no option to capture just one or the other, which frustratingly limits its functionality.

It comes across as a little gimmicky for a $200 video camera, but for athletes who want to relive their daredevil escapades it does provide a unique angle on the action.

On a full charge it can reportedly run for a couple of hours, and you'll need to get yourself a waterproof case if there's a chance it will get wet. But if footage from a GoPro doesn't excite you anymore, finally seeing what you've always been missing behind you might be enough to get you back to risking life and limb again. [Oregon Scientific via Gizmag]

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Camera+ Gets a Horizon Level, Front-Facing Flash, and Live Exposure Details

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5960454/camera%252B-gets-a-front+facing-flash-horizon-level-live-exposure-and-goes-on-sale-for-99

iOS: Camera+ is our favorite photography app for iPhone, and today it gets a few cool updates as well as $1 off the regular price.

The most handy new features in Camera+ are the horizon level, which puts a simple line across your screen so you can take level shots, and live exposure details so you can see what Camera+ is doing under the hood before you snap a shot. If self portraits are more your thing, Camera+ also adds a front facing flash by quickly flashing a white screen in your face.

Camera+ (99¢ on sale, $1.99 otherwise) | iTunes App Store

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Why Can't All Map Apps Be This Clever?

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5960448/why-cant-all-map-apps-be-this-clever

Augmented Reality has mostly found its niche as a way to bring virtual characters to life through a mobile device. But a Japanese developer has found a more clever use. Crossfader's AR-MAPS app syncs Apple or Google Maps to a live video feed from your iPhone's camera, so you can visualize how you're oriented, and easily locate destinations.

Using the device's GPS, compass, and gyroscope, the app automatically switches between a split-screen map/video view of your surroundings, or just a flat map depending on if you're holding your device vertically or horizontally. And not only does it let you search for a specific address or landmark, it uses augmented reality to overlay markers on the video feed so all you need to do is spin around until it highlights your destination. And best of all, it's currently available free of charge on the iTunes App Store, providing yet another alternative to Apple's Maps offering.

[iTunes App Store via DigInfo TV]

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