FocusTwist app for iOS gives you Lytro-esque refocusable images

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/23/focustwist-iOS-app-lytro-refocusable/

Arqball has just released the FocusTwist app for iOS that lets you selectively focus after taking an image -- without investing $400 in a Lytro light field camera. It works by automatically taking several shots with different focus points from your iPhone's camera, delivering the best results if you hold very still and have subjects in the near foreground and far background. You can then change focus by clicking different parts of the resulting image, which is hosted on the company's server and can be shared via a link. After playing with the app ourselves for a bit (see More Coverage link), we've got to admit we're stupidly hooked -- you can grab it at the source for $1.99.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Software, Mobile, Apple

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Source: Focus Twist (App Store)

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FocusTwist: The Closest to a Lytro Camera Your iPhone Can Get

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5995231/focustwist-the-closest-to-a-lytro-camera-your-iphone-can-get

While we'll still have to wait a bit for Lytro powers to come to our smartphones on a hardware level, we can at least approximate the neat little camera's refocusing powers with what we've already got. And this is where FocusTwist for iOS steps in.

What's it do?

Lytro employs light-field technology when it takes a photo, basically absorbing every possible ray of light and merging the images together, letting you refocus the photo anywhere you want. FocusTwist uses a similar idea: take a photo within the app, hold still for a few seconds while FocusTwist goes to work snapping multiple images with differing focal planes, and come away with a photo that you can readjust as you please.

Why do we like it?

Because FocusTwist has to work with iPhone's camera, the results obviously won't be as drastic as they would with a Lytro. But if you frame your pictures carefully (the app works best when you frame your shot with a very close object in front and a larger subject off in the distance), you'll likely have a blast Twisting and refocusing to your heart's content. So while this won't be too useful for quick shooting at a moment's notice, if you're looking for a neat little trick that makes use of the camera you already have, the $2 you'll be shelling out is definitely cheaper than buying a Lytro.

FocusTwist

Download this app for:

• iOS, $2

The Best

iPhone-cum-Lytro

The Worst

Framing shots just right

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BeagleBone Black packs 1GHz ARM CPU, 512MB RAM for just $45 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/22/beaglebone-black-1ghz-cpu-512mb-ram-45-dollars/

The BeagleBone might be just the piece of kit for the DIY set itching to boot Linux in 10 seconds, but the freshly unveiled BeagleBone Black packs an even greater punch -- and the same speedy start times -- at just half the price of its predecessor. The $45 credit card-sized package totes a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 3D graphics accelerator, a pair of PRU 32-bit RISC CPUs, 2GB of built-in storage, a microSD slot and 512MB of RAM. Connectivity-wise, the canine-themed board carries support for USB, Ethernet, micro-HDMI and two 46 pin headers. Those pining for hardware flexibility can make use of the platform's existing "cape" hardware add-ons. Though it ships from Texas Instruments with Angstrom Linux on board, it's also tuned to support Android and Ubuntu, and arrives pre-loaded with the Cloud9 IDE. BeagleBone Black is already up for grabs in limited quantities, but it's expected to ship en masse by the end of May. Hit the second source link to start ordering, or head past the break for a video tour of the pint-sized computer.

Filed under: Misc

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Source: BeagleBoard, Texas Instruments

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Samsung Galaxy S 4 coming to AT&T stores April 27th, pre-orders arrive April 25th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/22/samsung-galaxy-s-4-coming-to-atandt-stores-april-27th/

Pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 have already begun at AT&T, but the operator has been oddly silent about the actual date customers can expect to purchase one in stores and online. Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have both announced specific launch dates (April 24th and 27th, respectively), the largest GSM carrier in the country has followed up by declaring its intent to sell the flagship Samsung device on the 27th of this month. This is four days earlier than the anticipated pre-order shipment date, which means the HTC One has merely a full week to bask in the spotlight by itself. What's more, if you simply couldn't wait and jumped on those pre-orders, you'll get yours a full 48 hours early (read: April 25th). As expected, the GS 4 will be offered for $200 (16GB) and $250 (32GB) in both black and white.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Samsung, AT&T

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Source: AT&T (Twitter), AT&T

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Ultra Mobile debuts $19 calling plan with unlimited international SMS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/22/ultra-mobile-19-dollar-plan/

If you're living on a tight budget but still need to keep in touch with loved ones who live abroad, you'll be glad to know of a new calling plan from Ultra Mobile. The upstart MVNO offers discounted access to T-Mobile's network, and for $19 per month, you'll fetch unlimited text messages to 194 countries, 250 voice minutes (with $1.25 toward international calling), and 50MB of data usage. For comparison, Simple Mobile offers a $25 plan that includes unlimited international texting and domestic calling, but if you let your thumbs do most of the talking, Ultra Mobile brings a lot of value to the table. You can snag its $19 plan starting tomorrow, which might be the perfect match for whatever Nokia has up its sleeve.

Filed under: Wireless, Mobile

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Source: FierceWireless

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