Want to make apps for Glass? Google opens Mirror API to all developers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/24/google-opens-mirror-api-to-all/

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Finished poring over that API documentation for, like, the millionth time? Good. Managed to hustle your way to a hackathon? Great! Finally, then, it's time to put all that knowhow to practical use -- the Mirror API is now open to all developers. Before now, you'd have needed to find your way onto a whitelist to get in on the action, but as from a few hours ago, access to the cloud-and-cards based app API is a free for all. Glassware is finally a go go go..?

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Google

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Via: Abraham Williams (Google Plus)

Source: Google

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Amazon's next-gen Kindle Paperwhite reportedly arriving in Q2 with a sharper screen, lighter design

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/24/new-kindle-paperwhite-reportedly-coming-in-q2/

Amazon only just released a new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader two months ago, but we're already hearing rumors that a newer model is on the way. According to a new report from TechCrunch, the new version, to be released in early Q2 of next year, will boast a sharper 300-pixel-per-inch screen, allowing it to better compete with models like the Kobo Aura, which has a 265-ppi screen. (Not that Kobo's represents much of a threat to Amazon's book-selling empire.) Also it's worth noting that E Ink makes the displays for basically all these e-readers, so it seems unlikely that Amazon would hold an exclusive on a 300-ppi panel -- at least not for long.

Additionally, TechCrunch claims the new Paperwhite will have a lighter design that mimics the new Kindle Fire HDX tablets, with chamfered edges, a rear power button and a glass screen that sits flush with the bezels. The device is also rumored to have haptic feedback along the edges, which will give vibrating feedback when you do things like move to the next page. There's no big software update planned, apparently, although Amazon is said to be working on a new custom font that's more conducive to marathon reading sessions. We suppose if this report is true, all will be revealed over the coming months -- hopefully those of you who just bought a new Paperwhite won't be too cheesed off by the timing.

Filed under: Amazon

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Source: TechCrunch

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Google's Getting Serious About Prescription Glass

Source: http://gizmodo.com/googles-getting-serious-about-prescription-glass-1469880397

Google really knocked everybody's socks off when it revealed Glass last year—everybody except glasses-wearers, that is. As the company prepares to bring the device to market, though, Google doesn't want to leave anybody out, and that means creating Google Glass with prescription lenses.

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HOUSE OF THE DAY: U. Of Phoenix Founder Is Selling His San Francisco Mansion With A Secret Bar For $27 Million

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/u-of-phoenix-founder-selling-ca-mansion-2013-11

John Murphy, one of the founders of  for-profit education company University of Phoenix, is selling his San Francisco mansion for $27 million.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Murphy and his wife Paula Key bought the Pacific Heights nine-bedroom house in 1997 after discovering it came with a secret hidden Prohibition-era bar.

They closed the deal on the 13,000-square-foot mansion for $6.3 million, and are now selling it through listing agent Coldwell Banker Previews International.

The home has gorgeous views of San Francisco, as well as five levels that are all easily accessible with an elevator. In addition to the hidden bar that first attracted Murphy and his wife to the property, it also has an Art Deco ballroom, staff quarters, and a library.

Originally built in 1905 by a member of the Spreckels family (of the Spreckels Sugar Company fortune), the home was sold in 1929 to the prominent San Francisco family the Schwabachers, who then added the Prohibition bar and 1,200-square-foot ballroom.

Welcome to John Murphy's Pacific Heights mansion in San Francisco.

Source: Coldwell Bankers Preview International

The gorgeous home was first built in 1905, and expanded in 1929.

Source: Coldwell Bankers Preview International

There are five levels in the mansion that are accessible either by elevator or by the grand staircase.

Source: Coldwell Bankers Preview International

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Instagram May Be Launching A Private Messaging Feature Soon (FB)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-private-messaging-2013-11

First came Instagram's video service, 15-second videos that autoplay on your Instagram timeline amidst the hoards of brunch photos and selfies.

Now, sources tell GigaOm that Instagram is getting ready to launch a new private messaging feature inside the visual content sharing platform, which will also include group messaging.

One of the most frustrating things about Instagram is the inability to contact a member privately; you have to say everything publicly. This could be a good addition.

The new features are slated to be included in the next version of Instagram, expected out in December.

"Instagram might have started out as a photographer’s platform, but it has since evolved into something that creates social connections between people and has led to an entirely different kind of social graph," GigaOm reports.

Its timing is also perfect; its competitor, Snapchat, has been making headlines over the last few weeks. It's not a surprise that Instagram wants to get back into the game.

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