Trolling YouTube On Your TV Just Got Easier

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5972830/trolling-youtube-on-your-tv-just-got-easier

Last November Google announced a nifty little feature that lets you browse for YouTube videos on your Android device and then sling and control them to your Google TV TV. Pretty cool if you have a Google TV that hasn't kicked the bucket or you're even still using it.

Today Google is announcing that you'll be able to do just that with even more devices from the likes of LG, Sharp, Samsung, Philips, Toshiba, Vizio, Western Digital, Panasonic, Sony, Bang & Olufsen and "others" some time this year. And they'll all support full 1080p HD videos, subscriptions and channels.

I guess if I actively trolled YouTube for videos this would be super useful. Huh. Maybe I will start actively trolling YouTube videos now. If you're still a little confused as to how it all works, then check out this marketing page.

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eFun unveils Nextbook 7GP for $130: 7-inch screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/03/efun-nextbook-7gp/

Not to miss out on the CES action, eFun has announced it will be bringing a new slate to the show. The 7-inch Nextbook 7GP is part of the cheekily-named Google Play Series and runs Android 4.1 with help of a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and a gig of RAM -- all yours for $130 when it ships next month. The 1,024 x 600 display resolution can't really be labeled "high-definition", and most other specs are plain Jane too -- 8GB storage (expandable), dual snappers, WiFi and HDMI-out. While we aren't sure whether that moniker will jerk Mountain View's chain or not, penny-pinching shoppers can look forward to some more deets when the budget tablet graces the CES floor next week.

Continue reading eFun unveils Nextbook 7GP for $130: 7-inch screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.1

Filed under: Tablets

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Via: Ubergizmo

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A perfect match: PC game designers and the quest for compatibility

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/02/pc-game-compatibility-and-design-challenges/

Making games for computers is apparently akin to churning out sausage. For the most part, consumers are privy to the final yummy-looking package, give or take the occasional wandering bug that decides to crash their gaming spread. Underneath all that sumptuous, juicy meat, however, is a healthy helping of mystery meat. This includes the amalgamation of hours upon countless hours of the proverbial blood, sweat and tears piled up by the modern-day artisans who ply in the video game trade. At the top of their list of concerns? Making sure a game works across the multitude of computers that proliferate out in the wild.

With the industry essentially settling on NVIDIA and ATI/AMD these days, the narrowing of card choices to two brands has made working on compatibility "a little easier" than it used to be, said Travis Baldree, president and lead engineer for Runic Games. Note he said "a little easier" not "a cakewalk."

"Compatibility is always the biggest challenge -- it isn't a new problem at all," Baldree said. "The sheer number of permutations of cards, drivers, devices and third-party software -- and their unexpected interactions with one another -- can be a trial to deal with."

Continue reading A perfect match: PC game designers and the quest for compatibility

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, Laptops

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MeterPlug Bluetooth power monitor tracks usage, sends stats to your smartphone (hands-on video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/02/meterplug-power-monitor-hands-on/

If there's one constant in this world, it's that the cost of energy continues to climb, be it household electric or good ole petrol. We can't help you with the latter today, but we have found a pretty slick tool for keeping tabs on electricity consumption. Now, before you head down to the comments section or send your angry emails letting us know, we're fully aware that power monitoring solutions have been around for some time now. MeterPlug isn't your run-of-the-mill device, though. This solution is relatively inexpensive (it'll retail for about $60), very compact (it plays nicely with other plugs in your power strip), and with the included Android and iOS apps, it's quite powerful as well. The device will be available with US, UK or European plugs, and slips between your existing cord and an ordinary socket. Then, you pair it with your smartphone and you're good to go.

Once connected, MeterPlug uses your handset's GPS to find electricity rates for your location, then displays your current usage in watts and cost -- during our hands-on in NYC, a connected MacBook Pro pulled about 60 watts of power at a cost of $0.01 per hour. Connect a TV or household appliance though and you might just be surprised about how much you're spending on each gadget. Naturally, there's also a few tools to conserve energy. A simple (and responsive) power toggle lets you turn your device on and off using a smartphone, a proximity sensor cuts off power when you leave the room (and pops it back on when you arrive), ! and a fe ature called Vampire Power Shield keeps track of your gadget's typical consumption, then pulls the plug when you flip your television or Xbox to standby mode, potentially saving you a fair amount of money each year. The plug module and app worked very well during our test, as you'll see in the video after the break. Then, head over to the source link to submit your pre-order on Indiegogo.

Gallery: MeterPlug Bluetooth Power Monitor hands-on

Continue reading MeterPlug Bluetooth power monitor tracks usage, sends stats to your smartphone (hands-on video)

Filed under: Household, Peripherals, Mobile

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Source: MeterPlug (Indiegogo)

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Polaroid plans experimental Fotobar stores that will let you print your photos

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/02/polaroid-experimental-fotobar-stores/

Polaroid hasn't been shy to try various tactics as it attempts to compete in the age of digital photography, but it always seems to come back to the idea it's best known for. It's latest effort is a bit more of a roundabout way to get some tangible photos in your hands, though: a series of "experimental" Photobar stores where you can go and have your digital photos professionally printed. The first of those will open in Delray Beach, Florida in February, with a total of at least ten stores promised for 2013, including locations in New York, Las Vegas and Boston -- each staffed with so-called Photenders to help you get the best results, and equipped with a "patent-pending proprietary technology" that'll let you wirelessly transfer photos from your phone to a workstation. What's more, the stores won't just be producing glossy photos, but what Polaroid describes as handcrafted pieces using canvas, metal, acrylic, wood or bamboo -- those will be shipped to the customer within 72 hours, and are apparently of the same variety that can currently be ordered on Polaroid's Photobar website. You'll still need to get your Polaroid film elsewhere, though.

Continue reading Polaroid plans experimental Fotobar stores that will let you print your photos

! Filed un der: Cameras, Misc

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Via: Cult of Android

Source: Polaroid

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