Disney Movies Anywhere service comes to Android with a link to Google Play

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/04/disney-movies-anywhere-android/

After years of development Disney unveiled its digital movie service on iOS earlier this year and today it's coming to Android too. When it launched, Disney Movies Anywhere had an unprecedented deep link to iTunes, and now on Android it's sharing a similar tie with Google Play. For users it's apparently as seamless as can be -- as long as they have a Disney account, any movies they unlock will be viewable on either family of devices (or the DMA website). The agreement covers access to around 400 Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies, and to make the sign-up worth your while, Disney is throwing in a free copy of Wreck-it Ralph for anyone that signs up and links an account.

Going cross-platform makes Disney's KeyChest-based system much more appealing -- and conveniently timed for the launch of Nexus Player / Android TV -- but we're still waiting to see if a tie-up with the likes of Amazon or Ultraviolet can fulfill the promise of unlocking a single copy in one store or with a Blu-ray / DVD purchase, and then being able to watch it anywhere, on any device. The Android app isn't live yet(update: here it is), but you can check out a demo video for now (embedded after the break).

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Mobile, Google

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Source: Disney Movies Anywhere (YouTube), Disney Movies Anywhere, Google Play

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China will use lasers to take down low-flying drones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/03/china-laser-drone-defense/

In order to defend itself against small drones, China built a laser-based system that can shoot down the compact aircraft up to 1.2 miles away. According to the official Xinhua news agency, the tech can bring down the rogue flying machines within five seconds of locating them at altitudes of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). It's said to be effective against the small UAVs flying at speeds of up to 112 MPH, and will primarily be used to secure events in urban locales and lock down unauthorized mapping efforts. The new system can be installed on existing vehicles to ensure troublemakers and their drones are kept from causing any mayhem. In statement by the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), tests of the laser-based setup showed a 100 percent success rate, shooting down more than 30 drones during the trials. The CAEP is working on more robust systems with longer range as well.

[Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images]

Filed under: Misc

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Source: The Guardian

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Tri-Fold Touchscreen OLED Could Give You Way More Smartphone Real Estate

Source: http://gizmodo.com/tri-fold-touchscreen-oled-could-give-you-way-more-smart-1653959441

In addition to satellites and computers smaller than a giant room, Arthur C. Clarke also predicted mobile touchscreen devices that could be crumpled up like a handkerchief and stuffed in a pocket. Thanks to researchers at Japan's Semiconductor Energy Laboratory company, we're almost there.

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Open Source Remote Control lets you pilot just about any drone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/02/open-source-remote-control/

Drones and other remotely piloted vehicles are inherently limited by their controls; you frequently have to switch controllers when you switch vehicles, and you can usually forget about customization. You might not have to worry if the Open Source Remote Control (OSRC) project gets off the ground, however. The long-in-development peripheral uses a mix of modular hardware and Linux-based software that lets you steer just about any unmanned machine. On top of a programmable interface, you can swap in new wireless modules and shoulder switches to either accommodate new drones or improve existing controls. You can also attach a 4.8-inch touchscreen module (typically for a first-person view), use cellular networks or even share one vehicle between multiple operators -- handy if you're at a flying club or shooting a movie.

OSRC is leaning on crowdfunding to get started, and the amount you pledge dictates just what kind of remote you'll get. The core unit, which includes 2.4GHz wireless and standard shoulder buttons, costs €480 (about $600); if you want GSM, GPS and the touchscreen add-on, you'll want to spend €1,250 ($1,565) on the Advanced kit. Both devices should arrive in April 2015 if all goes well. Either is relatively expensive, but they could easily justify themselves if you take your RC craft very seriously.

Filed under: Peripherals, Robots

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Source: Indiegogo

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The iBox Nano 3D printer is almost as cheap as it is tiny

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/02/ibox-nano-3d-printer-kickstarter/

We've seen our share of 3D printers 'round these parts, but the iBox Nano could be one of the smallest yet. Its creators claim that the gizmo is not only the most diminutive resin printer, but also the most affordable in addition to being the word's quietest and lightest 3D printer to date. It achieves these bullet points in a few ways, namely by using LEDs instead of a DLP bulb for light (cuts down on size and noise) and acrylic parts for the actual printer body. The end result is a box measuring 4 x 3 x 8 inches and weighing in at three pounds. What's with going small, though? Well, the inventors say that, statistically, folks who buy bigger (and costlier) 3D printers tend to only print smaller objects anyway -- this is a matter of calculated efficiency.

Taking that theme even further, you can print without installing any software; everything is handled via WiFi and your web browser -- you can even print from Android and iOS devices. And if you're wondering what's actually possible with the Nano, like Gizmodo notes, the pitch video and Kickstarter page are rife with things like high-res chess pieces, rings and even a velociraptor head with individual teeth. Want one for custom trinkets of your own? All it takes is a $269 pledge and for the project to raise the rest of its $300,000 funding goal (about $92,000 as of this writing).

Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Household, Laptops, Peripherals, Mobile

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: Kickstarter

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