Wednesday, May 11, 2011

"Google Music" and "Ice Cream Sandwich" for Android

From 2008 to discuss the "Google I / O" professionals every year on products from the Google universe. But the group itself presents new developments. Highlights of 2011: an Android version for all devices and its own music service.

New year, new luck?

2009 saw Google Wave the light of day, 2010 saw Google TV sensation in the two-day developer conference in San Francisco. Both services started with only moderate success, Google, Google Wave has already pulled the plug. 2011, be more successful and enrich not only the Google universe of fresh features, but to bring together existing equipment and technologies. COMPUTER IMAGE shows you the most interesting innovations.

Google Music: Clouds music for U.S. users

A few weeks ago, it has led the way Amazon Cloud with the player, now, Google's own vision of a music service in the data cloud. "Google Music" allows you to upload up to 20,000 songs you play on the computer or on an Android device. For the stay in areas without network coverage, you can deliver the content to make available offline. Downside for German music fans: For now, Google released the service as a pre-release in the U.S. only. It is also unclear whether "Google Music" after the beta period is free.

Pressure on iTunes Movies on Android Market

Where Apple does with the iTunes software monster a complete solution for apps, music and movies, the Android Market has so far been limited to programs and games to its own devices. This is now final: Google makes movies as streaming offering available, please view the contents either in the browser on your phone or tablet PC. Up to 30 days, the rental of a film is valid - once you start playing, you have 24 hour access. As with "Google Music" is to movies can be downloaded in the background, if the network connection exposed. Prices: Starting at $ 1.99, from $ 4.99 for HD material. If Google offered the service outside the U.S., is still unclear.

Ice Cream Sandwich: ice cream for all devices

Android now will not only be found on smartphones, but also with Tablet PCs, notebooks, and thanks to Google TV even on the home TV. But the device classes currently require different versions of the operating system. This fragmentation will command a stop Google: The next version of Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" is to unify all the devices.

Android @ home: home control Google

But Google's plans with its own operating system already has a larger dimension. With Android @ home it should be possible in future to control the entire house by Android. This means you are in the integration of your apartment is not limited to multimedia devices, and also serve interior without WLAN functionality, Android uses a special protocol @ home. Thus, for control by power and heating and lighting of the Google operating system.

Faster and more: New Google policy

2011 is a year of success for Android: 100 million units have been activated already, according to Google, another 400,000 being added every day. The rapid development cycles, however, represent a risk for buyers, because some devices get a few months after the publication of any more updates. To stop this trend, Google with all major manufacturers and mobile operators have agreed on more consumer-friendly policies: If the built-in hardware in a position, it must be future supplies every Android device at least 18 months, with updates - with greatly reduced waiting time for the new versions.

Facebook allowed access to user accounts

Again there is debate about privacy on Facebook: The network granted advertisers access to sensitive data.

As the security company Symantec notifies allow individual Facebook applications (Apps) access to user profiles, photos and posted items. Mainly Advertisers are so in theory have been able to send messages to user accounts. Apparently it was not but according to Symantec to abuse, because the gap was not noticed.

The reason for the vulnerability lies in the "Access token", a kind of second key to Facebook profiles, for which advertisers had accidentally Apps on individual access. Meanwhile, Facebook has responded and fixed the problem for the affected applications.

Symantec advises Facebook users still used to change the password for their site. Only with a new password to access old can no longer use tokens - many of which could still be in circulation. To April 2011 provided more than 100,000 apps access to the keys.

Sony: PlayStation Network continues offline

Sony raises once more the status of the PSN. The relaunch of the online network apparently runs out for several weeks.

The Playstation Network (PSN) is obviously 31 May 2011 from the network. The Sony spokesman Shigenori Yoshida confirmed to the Financial Portal Bloomberg. In order to crush the hopes of the PS3 players go back online soon (and play) to be able to. Sony announced late as early May, some PSN services quickly back on. Whether the 31 most recent to the statements before the May happens is unclear. The company bases its longer service interval with further work on the security measures of the network. The PSN has been a hacker attack of 20 April offline.

If you have an account on the Playstation Network, beckons you to compensation. Sony has announced the following measures:

Free downloadable content from the Playstation Store
30 days free Playstation Plus membership for subscribers and non-subscribers
30-free days for Qriocity Subscribers

Sony will soon be known in order that free downloadable content is concerned.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Cheap beginner's camera: BenQ C1430

Beginners and advanced BenQ now offers an inexpensive solution for digital photography. The new BenQ C1430 "costs 59 $.

The digital camera snaps a 14-megapixel sensor, offers a three times optical zoom and records video in 720p resolution. Capturing fast action is according to the manufacturer, thanks to the "Speedy Burst shooting" function (shooting) is not a problem, the BenQ C1430 shoots up to six frames per second with a three-megapixel resolution. On board, all kinds of modes and features, such as the intelligent pre-recording or the HDR (High Dynamic Range) are image enhancement technology. The Love-portrait mode detects when two people are in front of the lens and activates the trigger.

Sony Ericsson phones presents in credit card format

With the newcomers' Xperia Mini Pro and Xperia Mini "introduces Sony Ericsson which says that currently the smallest HD-Android smartphones.

Both handsets have a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with a gigahertz clock. The installed operating system (Android 2.3) donated Sony Ericsson own user interface. It allows, for instance, the four corner points assigned to each display an application that can be used to start faster. There is also a five-megapixel camera with eight times digital zoom, auto focus, LED flash and geotagging. The sensor records video in HD quality (720p) on. The Pro model has an additional front camera (VGA) and a full QWERTY keyboard.

The Xperia Mini Pro measures 92x53x18 mm, 88x52x16 mm, the Xperia Mini, both of which have a three-inch display (320x480 pixels) from scratch-resistant mineral glass. On board are wireless-n, UMTS / HSDPA, GPS, Bluetooth, USB, and motion sensor. "Timescape" bundles all incoming messages (such as e-mail, chat program) to a person under a surface.

By Sony Ericsson's upcoming network upgrade Facebook functions more closely with the Xperia series, for example, are favorite songs divisible with only one click with the Friends and Facebook profile information in the phone book visible. Sony Ericsson brings the smartphones in the third quarter 2011 on the market, price: 239 $ (Xperia Mini) and 269 $ (Xperia Mini Pro).

HP: Noble All-in-one printer

The inkjet printer "ENVY 100 e-All-in-One " from Hewlett-Packard (HP) combines design and functionality in one device. However, this has its price.

Documents you print to the HP All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy) up to size A4. Furthermore, does the HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-one deal with envelopes, labels, transparencies, photo paper and cards. The print quality (4800x1200 dpi) reached the laboratory level, so HP. The paper tray holds up to 80 sheets. In operation, the HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-One approved 29 in readiness off 4.5 and 0.6 watts of electrical power.

On board is the "ePrint" technology that lets you send a smartphone, netbook & Co. jobs. It works like this: You write an e-mail to the address of the HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-one and hang it on your document, after receiving the printer executes the order. Spam filters and a personalized list to prevent unauthorized inquiries. Via wireless-n access multiple PCs in a network wirelessly to the printer. The inset in the front touch screen provides access to preinstalled apps. To print without a PC. The latter can, if necessary USB 2.0 connectivity. Is the end of May 2011, the HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-One for around 250 $.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Portal 2: The gateway to a new dimension to games

Tricky, funny, just terrific, Who much brain power to call its own, has in this game a real chance to see the end - no one else.

Do you know "Asterix conquers Rome, " the movie? In it, the two Gauls survive "the house to make you crazy. " And also your fate in "Portal 2 ". While Asterix and Obelix to grapple with bureaucracy, you have the pleasure with two wacky robots, a portal gun - and a lot of deadly rooms. Go through this, to save your life!

It sounds complicated - and that it is. Developer Valve, creator of "Half-Life"and therefore first choice for first-person shooter, has invented "Portal 2 " the genre of "ego-Knobler. The longer you play it, the more you have to deal with perspective, angles and basic principles of physics - from the permanent addition to your stupid comments all possible einprasselnden dead, mechanical or otherwise very vote. So real terror - terror has only rarely been so much fun!

Let's go slow

It is still all right at the beginning: As soon as the somewhat chaotic start to the game behind them and take the first tasks to tackle, you are making rapid progress: in a wall to shoot a portal into the wall behind the wide ditch another, then pass through both ready. You are on the other side and escape through a door in the next, something more difficult puzzles chamber.

And so you have already understood the whole game concept - the devil is here in the detail. Because by and by, you always get new and useful set meanness in my face, you must use appropriate in order to reach the exit of the room. For example, energy bands, which you use as a path. Their portals have in this case, the bands grow in the middle of the wall. Later you discover that a band is so good as a shield against wild ballernde robot guards - if you manage to cross it rather than install on edge. And at least at this point of the multi player is likely to move with so much ingenuity the hat. What in the portal 2 to put ideas to turn it into several other companies games.

And the bands are only a step on the way, later you arrive on gel in blue, white or orange. While the blue gel acts as a trampoline, Orange accelerated their movements as long as you run directly on the ground. With the white paint to the environment, and use portals even in dark places.

For those who are still feeling safe, whether the words in a dash must combine these gels is useful to reach the exit. Basically: At the beginning, the gel is never where you need it, but at the other end of the chamber. And now it's your turn: How do you get the orange gel right on the wall? How do you create the white stuff on the ceiling? And from where I throw myself at such a speed in a portal that I shoot out at the same speed from the other and so fly through half the room to the exit?

Almost unique

Although the actual gameplay is a little different, you feel to the classic "Lemmings" recalls. Where you had to transport a band of lemmings from A to B without losing too many. This is where the path from A to B just as important a role. But it suffices him back down himself. And "Tomb Raider" elements are related to: That one is beginning in a room and does not have the slightest idea what to there, many Lara fans will be familiar. Portal 2 is against Mrs Crofts claim but a joke - which fly into the people from Valve here are hard nuts.

Fun the whole thing only if one is really willing to engage in this crazy game idea. For despite occasional spongy control that lets you in falling ever miss a portal, are the stars in this game your little gray cells: without the right approach is nothing - and that is the action fan but in the long run on our nerves. Especially since the developers some new tools and which does not explain the entire game without a single assist.

Conclusion: Portal 2

Another gameplay, heavy tasks and puzzles, a great realization - with these concepts Portal 2 is well described. The gameplay is refreshing until you are properly incorporated into the matter, but mighty tricky. And it makes a lot of fun when you're as willing to reach with thought and consideration to the goal. For friends of cultivated experimentation is Portal 2, however, quickly became a nightmare: If you do not know why he does what has to stop.

Despite consistent refusal of the developer, any help to give the players at hand, Portal is part two of the highlights of 2011 and will certainly be in every hit list.

Sony HDR-CX360 VE

The new TV displays images with high resolution 1920x1080 pixels - high time to feed him with self-made HD video. Not only the images of the Sony HDR-CX360 VE are of superb quality, high-definition camcorder can do.

Full-HD video

The Sony HDR-CX360 filmed in full HD format with 1920x1080 pixels. Flowing movements and smooth panning generally require a refresh rate of 50 frames (p) or 50 fields (i) - no problem for your camcorder from Sony. With 30, 25 or 24 frames per second it can sometimes lead to stuttering and blur. However, these frame rates fall to less data, and it will fit longer videos on the memory. The HDR-CX360 films in standard definition (SD) with 720x576 pixels. This is useful because it allows the analog AV output on the camcorder images older CRT televisions in the SD format to play.

Touchscreen

Not just for the creative control, but also the operation of the HDR-CX 360 is partially on the touch screen. Fingertip, important features like zoom control, recording program and the section that is intended to focus on the camcorder, turn quickly. The navigation through the menu is very easy touch screen. The included remote control for the Sony HDR-CX360 VE allows complete control of the camcorder. Zooming is so very comfortable.

32 GB flash memory

Video cassettes and DV tapes have been retired long ago. The Sony HDR-CX has 360 built-in 32 GB memory (Flash) - enough for about two and a half hour movie in best quality. The internal memory can be expanded with memory cards of the type Memory Stick Pro Duo or SD / SDHC.

12x zoom

Great zooms, bring distant subjects up close to film as a bloom or full format - a powerful lens brings life to your home videos. With the 12x optical zoom 28-335 mm focal length (converted to the image) of the Sony provides sufficient scope for it. The digital zoom (up to 3900 mm) you should use only in exceptional cases. The image quality deteriorates and the camera shake is increasing rapidly. As is doing well, the effective image stabilizer no wonder.

GPS receiver stores Recording

A good example is the equipment: Thanks to its GPS receiver, the HDR-CX360 location information stored in the photographs. The included software calls you at the PC, the maps on Google Maps. If the camcorder is connected to a network-enabled Sony-TV, the TV shows the Location of Photos and Videos.

Good video in low light

Sharp and detailed images, all in dark areas where some color noise - with this successful presentation convinced the Sony HDR-CX360 VE in the viewing test the HDMI output. Even in low light get the proper shots Sony color noise with something, but many details. At the sound quality scored the camcorder: How balanced sound provided a test candidate rare. Also takes the HDR-CX360 also surround sound with five channels.

Conclusion: Sony HDR-CX360 VE

If you value good image quality, save should not. The Sony HDR-CX 360 VE offers good image quality is acceptable even in low light. In addition, the camcorder 32 gigabytes of memory and a GPS receiver is equipped.

Chrome 11: Google is the gas again

Google pushes the pace and provides the final version of the Chrome browser 11 to download. The most important new feature: The program responds to voice input. But what features the developers are still on sale?

Linguist browser

The new "HTML5 input speech API converts speech into text. You will find many apps in the future in application. How it works: If the user into the microphone transmits, Chrome is said to a Google server. This converts the data stream into text and sends it back to the appropriate web page or application. Also new: Google's logo has aligned with version 11.

Speed??: How fast is Chrome 11

Had to leave the Google browser in version 9 and 10 about the competition from Firefox 4 and Internet Explorer 9 in his place, Chrome proves once again leadership. Up on the SunSpider benchmark dominated version 11, the test field and scored well in the Webkonformitat the maximum value of 100 points.

Browser in speed check: The big benchmark comparison

The SunSpider benchmarks, octopus, V8 and Dromaeo check the speed of presentation of JavaScript. The Acid3 test analyzes the conformity to current Web standards. In SunSpider and octopus is a low value (in seconds) the better - for V8, Acid3 Dromaeo and a high value (in points / runs).

Note: Depending on the hardware covered the results of the benchmarks vary. The test of PC COMPUTER: Apple iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 (3.06 GHz), four gigabytes of RAM, Nvidia GeForce 9400M, Windows 7 (32 bit).

Conclusion: Google Chrome 11


Although the new Google browser in detail only differs from its predecessor, the developers have achieved two important results: Chrome 11 after a long dry spell again the fastest final browser - even development versions of Firefox 5 and IE10 have left behind. The HTML5-based voice conversion Google has also created a unique selling point, although let the compatible websites and applications are still coming.

Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer: What does the future of browser?

The browser market is highly competitive in a long time, the three leaders Microsoft, Mozilla and Google regularly offer new versions available for download. Whether used Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox in features and speed, shows for you.

Fresh Browser: focus on features and speed


In the current version you have Internet Explorer (IE) and Firefox radically changed in appearance. The tabs to the top, option menus take up less space. IE10 and 5 Firefox take advantage of this attractive design to compete with smart features and an even greater pace to win the favor of users. Is obligatory because the support mittlerweilse through your PC: The other untapped power of the graphics card accelerates complex page content.

Mozilla Firefox 5

The design introduced in Firefox 4 gives the Mozilla browser, a modern touch, thanks to top-placed tabs and practical options button allows the Firefox web pages more freedom. In addition to higher speeds Mozilla Firefox at their 5 on ease of use and better support for HTML5 features. Given the early state of development progress to the predecessor are still low. Since the Aurora version not even a beta, many developers have not yet amended their add-ons - only a few extensions already work fine.

Google Chrome 12

With the use of graphics cards for the calculation of web pages in Google Version 10, a further screw was found to increase the speed of the already quick browser yet. Version 11 is yet another unique feature: On a specially adapted websites converts speak into your microphone or headset and Chrome for this information thanks to HTML5 ("Speech Input API") automatically into text. An early beta version of Chrome 12 has - apart from detail changes in the design - though still not major innovations, but already shows the pace of promise.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 10

Microsoft has sought to counteract the IE9 criticism of the company's own browser - fast pace, compelling security and a new design of the Internet Explorer made ??competitive again. But the developers do not rest on our laurels, but bring an early pre-release version called "Platform Preview 1" of Internet Explorer, 10 in position. As with the IE9 represent the first releases of the browser is only a basic framework with which the tempo and try out new features. Already it is clear: Microsoft is making progress HTML5 and graphics acceleration.

Benchmarks: How fast are the new browser?

The trend continues: Google Chrome needs to be competitive in some of the benchmarks point to the courts, because Firefox 5 and IE10 speed up. Except for "SunSpider" Google's browser is still brisk in the calculation of lateral sites, even in the Acid3 test verified conformity with current Web standards Chrome remains the front. Compared with Version 4 has improved the speed even more Mozilla, Firefox 5 Aurora is on par with the "Platform Preview 1 " of IE10.

Browser in speed check: The big benchmark comparison

The SunSpider benchmarks, octopus, V8 and Dromaeo check the speed of presentation of JavaScript. The Acid3 test analyzes the conformity to current Web standards. In SunSpider and octopus is a low value (in seconds) the better - for V8, Acid3 Dromaeo and a high value (in points / runs).

Note: Depending on the hardware covered the results of the benchmarks vary. The test of PC COMPUTER: Apple iMac with Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 (3.06 GHz), four gigabytes of RAM, Nvidia GeForce 9400M, Windows 7 (32 bit).

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Mobile Phone Unlocking: Court imposed a suspended sentence

Many phones work only with SIM cards of a specific provider. This protection seems to lever. This is not a trivial offense, but punishable by law, says the district court Gottingen.

Due to professionally remove the binding to a specific mobile network (SIM-lock) in mobile phones, the District Court a 35-year-old Gottingen has lagged: seven months suspended sentence! The presiding judge held that the unlock was a "falsification of legally relevant data " and therefore a criminal data change. Mobile operators set up the lock when signing a user agreement and prevent the use in other mobile networks may be more favorable terms. The ruling is important, because there are virtually no criminal convictions to phone unlocking is, said the judge.

The defense unsuccessfully argued for acquittal. Reason: If you pick up a SIM-lock-lock, eliminate an "obstacle to use, "said the lawyer of the accused. This is at best a civil law relevant breach of contract against the carrier.

Gate Location: Apple releases fix for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

Who iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes links, available now reporting a fix. "IOS 4.3.3 fixes the problems with the much-discussed location services.

According to Apple, the update reduces the cache, where those devices collect the location data. In addition, the PC-transfer of the hidden file "consolidated.db" in which the last location data are included is inhibited. If you disable the tracking service also empties the cache automatically.

Besides the under the name "Gate Location" described problems, the IOS update brings obviously still further improvements. Says IT blog to report on a longer battery life and elimination of errors in the iPod music player.

Facebook fans of computer image with a daily chance to win!

To 31 May 2011 have a day all Facebook fans COMPUTER chance to win a cool technology gadget Pearl. To find out what the price is now giving away, visit the Facebook profile of COMPUTER BILD.

To participate in the campaign, go to the competition page on Facebook and enter your e-mail address on the form - you're on the current day with your name represented in Los pot. Open to all Facebook fans of COMPUTER BILD. If you are not a fan yet, click on the COMPUTER BILD Facebook page the "Like" button.

If you do not win, do not give up! You have up to 31 May 2011 every day the chance to play with your e-mail address in the draw. If you want to maximize your chance of winning, do you do with every day and get up to 31 chances for the prizes.

Price check: May-bargain from Saturn

The electronics retailer Saturn on 4 May a new prospectus submitted. COMPUTER BILD has compared the prices with the best offers on the web.

The new advertising brochure of 4 May be mainly digital cameras and accessories, flat screen TVs and Blu-ray player. Among the devices to find some bargains, like the LCD TV Sony KDL-32EX500 with 80-inch screen and test result "good" for 349 $, the digital camera GE X5 with 15-times optical zoom for 99 $ and the digital photo frame built-in TV receiver for 49 $. But not all offers are really cheap! Best counter-example is the LCD TV Samsung UE40D6500, which is available on the Internet for less than 100 $.

Conclusion of the computer image-comparison shopping: The new advertising brochure of Saturn are sown the true bargains rare. The majority of the devices are there in e-commerce at a similar price or even for a few $ underneath. After all, they save the shipping costs that are usually at seven euros (unless you order on delivery). Camera accessories are exclusive of delivery cost on the Internet generally lower than those in the store - this is mitigated, but by the charge for sending.

In the overview you will find the new Saturn offers, directly below the comparison from the Internet of 3 May and deeper links with the daily updated online prices (if available). If the daily price at the level of the Saturn and offer substantially lower than the value 3 Of May, the Internet trading probably only temporarily reduced the price. If the action is to terminate the electronics market, in this case rise again and the online prices.

Techwood Natus S 1026

LCD TVs with 66 inch screen size (26 inches), 1920x1080 pixels, two HDMI inputs, DVB-T tuner and a USB jack.

Saturn Award: 199 euros, 20 euros less than the Saturn prospectus dated 30/03/2011
Best Internet Rate on 3 May 2011: Product not available

Assessment: In the online price comparison is available with the LG 26LG300C only a similarly low 26-inch TV. After the test experience with TV's little-known manufacturer must take into account is the Techwood a few compromises in image quality compared to TV the "big" brands. The cheapest TV, the AUDIO VIDEO PHOTO PICTURE attested with a different screen size "good", costs a little less than 300 $ on the Internet: The Samsung LE26C450.
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