Tag: the-end

ZigBee IP spec goes public, offers open IPv6 mesh networking

While ZigBee hasn’t become as ubiquitous in wireless as the likes of Bluetooth or WiFi, it has carved out niches in home automation and low-power gear. The format is about to expand its world a little further now that a more network-savvy spec, ZigBee IP, is officially available for everyone. The upgrade adds IPv6 and tougher security to the open mesh networking formula, letting it more easily join an internet of things where there’s potentially billions of connected devices. The ZigBee Alliance isn’t naming customers at this stage, although it’s quick to note that ZigBee IP was built for smart grid use: don’t be surprised if you first see it behind the scenes, keeping energy use in check. Filed under: Household , Networking Comments Source: ZigBee Alliance

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ZigBee IP spec goes public, offers open IPv6 mesh networking

Netflix signs up The Matrix, Babylon 5 creators to develop a new sci-fi series: Sense8

Continuing its quest to sate subscribers’ appetites with a flow of original content, Netflix has announced a new original series, Sense8 . Due in late 2014, it’s being developed by the Wachowskis of The Matrix , V for Vendetta , Cloud Atlas and Speed Racer fame, as well as J. Michael Straczynski, creator of Babylon 5 . Details are thin, but the press release promises a gripping global tale of minds linked and souls hunted with a ten episode run for its first season. As it did with House of Cards , Arrested Development and other productions, Netflix is relying heavily on data from viewers to decide which programs to support. According to chief content officer Ted Sarandos, ” Andy and Lana Wachowski and Joe Straczynski are among the most imaginative writers and gifted visual storytellers of our time,” whose creations are very frequently viewed on the service. According to the creators themselves, they’ve sought to work together for a decade, and this idea started from a late night conversation about “the ways technology simultaneously unites and divides us.” If that’s not enough for now, then t here are a few more details and quotes in the press release, which is included after the break. Filed under: Home Entertainment , HD Comments

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Netflix signs up The Matrix, Babylon 5 creators to develop a new sci-fi series: Sense8

Researchers create hollow fiber optic cable, almost reach the speed of light

Fiber optic cables are usually made of glass or plastic but those materials actually slow down the transmission of light ever so slightly. Researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK have created a hollow fiber optic cable filled with air that’s 1000 times faster than current cables . Since light propagates in air at 99.7 percent of the speed of light in a vacuum, this new hollow fiber optic cable is able to reach data speeds of 10 terabytes (!) per second. Now that’s fast . While the idea isn’t new, it’s previously been hampered by signal degradation when light travels around corners. This new hollow fiber optic cable reduces data loss to a manageable 3.5dB/km, making it suitable for use in supercomputer and data center applications. Isn’t science wonderful? [Image credit: qwrrty, Flickr ] Filed under: Misc , Alt Comments Via: ExtremeTech , Gizmodo Australia Source: Nature

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Researchers create hollow fiber optic cable, almost reach the speed of light

Leaked Windows Blue build 9364 reveals multiple Live Tile sizes, same-width side-by-side apps

Want to get a first-hand look at Microsoft’s updated OS ? You might be able to download the unreleased Windows Blue operating system on your own machine. Leaked build 9364 hit file sharing sites earlier today — according to Neowin , the 32-bit edition is available for download as a 2.63GB ISO, and likely hit the web from a Microsoft partner in France. Notable adjustments include larger and smaller Live Tiles, enabling a bit more Start screen customization, along with an updated side-by-side app view, which boosts multitasking efficiency by displaying two applications with matching width. Other additions include a Play option under the Devices panel, a screenshot button on the Share sidebar, and Internet Explorer 11, which comes packaged with the new OS. Windows Blue build 9364 appears to be an unauthorized leak, but even if you have any reservations about installing it on your own machine, you’ll surely be able to check out plenty of eye candy from other users over the hours and days to come. In the meantime, hit up the source links for a few more screenshots. [Thanks, Jim] Filed under: Software , Microsoft Comments Source: Winforum , Neowin

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Leaked Windows Blue build 9364 reveals multiple Live Tile sizes, same-width side-by-side apps

Microsoft reportedly prepping significant first-party app updates for Windows 8 and Windows RT

A batch of first-party app updates could be incoming for Windows 8 very soon that have nothing to do with Microsoft’s cross-platform Blue crush. That’s according to CNet ‘s Mary Jo Foley, whose sources have indicated that the refresh, previously rumored to arrive by month’s end, would also apply to Windows RT. Microsoft’s yet to officially comment on the matter, but as you can see from the screen above, users have already reported seeing a list of “installation ready” applications within the System log now. As for that round of major OS revamps , Foley says that’s still on track and should begin to rollout sometime this summer. Filed under: Software , Microsoft Comments Source: CNet

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Microsoft reportedly prepping significant first-party app updates for Windows 8 and Windows RT

Corsair unveils $130 Vengeance K70 gaming keyboard with backlit keys

Just a few months after Corsair revealed its high-end K95 mechanical gaming keyboard, the company has unveiled a slightly lower-end K70 for those who want to save a bit of money. Essentially an upgrade to the K60 , the K70 still has those Cherry MX Red mechanical switches, but each key is now individually backlit — the backlighting can be adjusted to four levels of intensity and can be independently enabled or disabled. Other features include 20-key rollover, a 1000Hz reporting rate, contoured keycaps for WASD keys, dedicated multimedia controls, a detachable wrist rest and an extra USB connector. The K70 will be available in April for $130 in two different color schemes; silver aluminium with blue backlight and anodized black with deep red backlight. Filed under: Gaming Comments Source: Corsair K70

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Corsair unveils $130 Vengeance K70 gaming keyboard with backlit keys

Planck satellite creates most detailed map ever of cosmic microwave background radiation

The European Space Agency’s Planck satellite has been gathering data since its launch in 2009, slowly building up a map of the cosmic microwave background radiation — a distant remnant of the Big Bang. The resulting image, seen above, is the most detailed ever put together of the cold glow that uniformly covers the universe, taking us all the way back to just a 380,000 years after the explosive inflation that gave birth to all matter, energy and time. There were some surprises, including more extreme temperature fluctuations between hemispheres than predicted by the standard model and confirmation of a pronounced cold spot that can no longer be dismissed as an artifact of previous satellite instruments. For more about just what Planck has taught us, along with a few more visualizations, check out the source link. Filed under: Science , Alt Comments Via: Wired Source: European Space Agency

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Planck satellite creates most detailed map ever of cosmic microwave background radiation

Google Chrome’s World Wide Maze turns your favorite website into 3D game that’s played on your phone (video)

Google’s latest Chrome experiment is a marble maze game that binds your smartphone to your PC through those shareable tabs. Once you’ve opened the same tab on both platforms, you’ll be put in control of a metallic Nexus Q lookalike, steered by the accelerometers baked into your smartphone — as well as power and jump buttons. Better still, there’s (arguably) an infinite number of levels to tackle, with the experiment transforming your favorite sites into a multi-stage mazes. You’ll need a phone that’s running at least iOS 5.0 or Android 4.0 to make the connection. Take it for a cautious spin at the link below. Filed under: Cellphones , Gaming , Internet , Software , Mobile , Google Comments Via: Engadget Japan Source: Chrome World Wide Maze

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Google Chrome’s World Wide Maze turns your favorite website into 3D game that’s played on your phone (video)

Google Chrome’s World Wide Maze turns your favorite website into 3D game for your phone (video)

Google’s latest Chrome experiment is a marble maze game that binds your smartphone to your PC through those shareable tabs. Once you’ve opened the same tab on both platforms, you’ll be put in control of a metallic Nexus Q lookalike, steered by the accelerometers baked into your smartphone — as well as power and jump buttons. Better still, there’s (arguably) an infinite number of levels to tackle, with the experiment transforming your favorite sites into a multi-stage mazes. You’ll need a phone that’s running at least iOS 5.0 or Android 4.0 to make the connection. Take it for a cautious spin at the link below. Filed under: Cellphones , Gaming , Internet , Software , Mobile , Google Comments Via: Engadget Japan Source: Chrome World Wide Maze

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Google Chrome’s World Wide Maze turns your favorite website into 3D game for your phone (video)

GarageBand for iOS gets Audiobus support, plays nicely with other apps

Still haven’t found the sound you’re looking for in Apple’s iOS GarageBand offering? The newly released version 1.4 broadens the music app’s horizons, thanks to Audiobus compatibility, letting it work alongside titles like Animoog, ThumbJam, Samplr and pretty much all of Korg’s iPhone offerings. Sounds created on those apps can now record directly into GarageBand — assuming, of course you’re using it on an iPhone 4S, 5th-gen iPod touch, iPad 2 or later. You can pick up the latest version of the app in the source link below. Filed under: Cellphones , Tablets , Mobile , Apple Comments Source: iTunes

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GarageBand for iOS gets Audiobus support, plays nicely with other apps