Tag: throw-new

MetroPCS shuts off its old phone network on June 21st

You’d better move quickly if you’re holding on to an older MetroPCS cellphone. The T-Mobile-owned carrier has posted a Frequently Asked Questions warning that its outgoing CDMA network will effectively shut off on June 21st. Any legacy phones are “not guaranteed” to work after that, the contract-free network says. It’s no secret that the end was nigh given that MetroPCS began winding down CDMA last year . However, we won’t blame you if this early transition is catching you off-guard. T-Mobile only said it was turning off MetroPCS’ old network sometime in the second half of the year — it’s clearly eager to conduct some spring cleaning, even if it means asking people to upgrade sooner than expected. [Image credit: Jim Carroll, Flickr ] Filed under: Cellphones , Wireless , Mobile , T-Mobile Comments Via: FierceWireless , Android Central Source: MetroPCS

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MetroPCS shuts off its old phone network on June 21st

CHIP is a $9 Raspberry Pi killer

The Raspberry Pi was definitely a game changer when it hit shelves at only $35. But CHIP is hoping to make the Pi look positively pricey by comparison. The Kickstarter campaign has already blown way past its $50, 000 goal. In fact, at the time of this writing its approaching $500, 000. Like the Pi, CHIP is a fully functional computer. The tiny board is home to a 1GHz CPU, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, all of which power a full-fledged (if light-weight) Linux desktop. Even more impressive is that there’s both WiFi and Bluetooth on board. It’s mostly aimed at tinkerers and DIYers , hence the I/O pins waiting for your attention, but you could certainly use it as an inexpensive general purpose computer… so long as you’re not particularly demanding. Now, to be fair, if you want a VGA adaptor or HDMI adaptor you’ll have to shell out a little more ($19 and $24 respectively), but you could hook it up to most TVs with the built-in composite video port. The $50 PocketCHIP, however, is truly impressive. It’s the same versatile board, but it comes with a case that’s home to a battery, a keyboard and 4.3-inch touchscreen. Yes, your smartphone is definitely more powerful, but for $50, this is incredibly impressive for something no bigger than an OG GameBoy. Filed under: Misc Comments Via: TechCrunch Source: CHIP (Kickstarter)

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CHIP is a $9 Raspberry Pi killer

Nintendo rides are coming to Universal’s theme parks

Over the years, Nintendo has crafted a diverse roster of beloved video game characters. They’re colorful and instantly recognisable, so inevitably some fans have wondered whether a Disney-style theme park could be built around them. Well, wonder no more. Nintendo announced today that it’s teaming up with Universal to build new rides in some of its theme parks. It’s staying tight-lipped on the details, but says to expect “spectacular, dedicated experiences” based on Nintendo games, characters and worlds. The move is another sign that Nintendo is becoming less protective over its homegrown video game franchises. The company is already working with DeNA to develop new mobile games, and last month the Wall Street Journal reported that a Legend of Zelda TV show was in the works. That rumor was later shot down (at least partly) by Iwata, but it still signalled Nintendo’s willingness to work with others. After all, these sorts of initiatives could help Nintendo to capture the imagination and support of a whole new generation of gamers. Something that’s increasingly important, given the lacklustre sales of the Wii U. So what Nintendo rides would you like to see in Universal’s theme parks? A rollercoaster based on F-Zero , or a haunted house inspired by Luigi’s Mansion ? Of course, there’s always Nintendo Land if you need some inspiration… Filed under: Gaming , Nintendo Comments Source: Nintendo

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Nintendo rides are coming to Universal’s theme parks

‘Grim Fandango Remastered’ comes to Android and iOS

The classic point-and-click adventure Grim Fandango has made its way to iOS and Android . Originally released by LucasArts, Grim Fandango was remastered by creator Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Productions for PlayStation 4, Vita, PC, Mac and Linux earlier this year. Unlike many mobile ports of traditional games, Grim Fandango ‘s point-and-click gameplay should lend itself to extended plays on iPad and Android tablets quite nicely, although playing on smaller phones may prove problematic. The mobile version of the critically acclaimed game includes the re-release’s improved graphics and audio along with additional features like an optional director’s commentary. Grim Fandango is priced at $9.99 in both Google Play and Apple’s App Store for one week only, after which it’ll be sold at $14.99. If you don’t have that kind of equipment but are still keen to play it, Double Fine is applying the same 33% discount to the game on both Steam and the PlayStation Store. Filed under: Gaming , Mobile , Apple , Google Comments Source: Double Fine Productions , (Google Play) , (App Store)

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‘Grim Fandango Remastered’ comes to Android and iOS

Reddit creates a team devoted to original videos

Reddit is about to host a lot more than links and comments. The social site is launching a dedicated team that will produce original video content. It’ll initially focus on bringing the spirit of Ask Me Anything sessions to video, but it’ll eventually look at covering stories from subreddits and individual users — if you’ve seen the “Explain Like I’m Five” adaptation, that’s a hint at where Reddit is going. It’s hard to tell if this will click with a community that’s more about impromptu discussions than slick presentations, but Reddit is clearly willing to find out whether or not there’s money to be made in moving pictures. Filed under: Internet Comments Source: The Verge

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Reddit creates a team devoted to original videos

Dropbox for iOS will create Microsoft Office files from scratch

If you’ve ever wanted to start a report on your iPhone and save it straight to Dropbox, you’re in luck. The cloud storage outfit is rolling out an iOS update in the next few weeks that allows you to create Microsoft Office documents and save them online, not just edit them . The upgrade will also let you comment on files from the iOS app. And if you just can’t wait to try something new, the latest version packs a redesigned home view that focuses on your recently opened files. There’s no mention yet of corresponding Android releases, but those are undoubtedly in the pipeline. Filed under: Cellphones , Storage , Internet , Mobile Comments Source: App Store

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Dropbox for iOS will create Microsoft Office files from scratch

Comcast burned $336 million trying to buy Time Warner Cable

Comcast’s failed bid for Time Warner Cable didn’t just leave egg on the company’s face — it was also horrendously expensive. The cable giant’s latest earnings suggest that it chewed through a total of $336 million in “transaction-related costs” for the would-be merger, $99 million of which was spent in the last quarter alone. And, as Ars Technica notes , this only accounts for directly related costs like legal fees, hired contractors and immediately relevant lobbying efforts. Not that TWC emerged unscathed, either, as it paid $200 million. That final $99 million expense comes at a bittersweet time for Comcast. It racked up over $2 billion in profit during its first calendar quarter this year, but it also revealed that its internet subscriptions have grown so quickly that it should have more customers on broadband than TV as of this quarter. The company chalks this up to internet access being a “less mature market” with more room to grow, but it has also lost TV viewers in the past several quarters. In other words, it’s having trouble convincing people that they need much more than a decent internet connection and a Netflix account. [Image credit: Shutterstock] Filed under: Home Entertainment , Networking , Internet , HD Comments Via: Ars Technica Source: Comcast

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Comcast burned $336 million trying to buy Time Warner Cable

Microsoft Office 2016 Public Preview is now available

Office 2016 may still be getting the finish touches in Redmond, but Microsoft is opening up its productivity suite for public preview. If you’ll recall, some apps were included in previous releases of the Windows 10 Technical Preview and made available for both IT folks and devs. As of today, though, regular folks can get an early look and offer feedback on all the new stuff — including those redesigned universal apps . This means that you’ll gain access to OneDrive attachments in Outlook, real-time co-authoring and retooled applications that learn how you work to lend a hand. Specifically in Excel, there are updated charts and graphs alongside one-click forecasting and more data analyzing tools. Looking to take it for a spin before the official release this fall? Even if you’re not an Office 365 subscriber, you can nab a trial version right here . Filed under: Software , Microsoft Comments Source: Microsoft (1) , (2)

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Microsoft Office 2016 Public Preview is now available

GOG’s Galaxy platform is one step closer to taking on Steam

It seems like just yesterday Good Old Games was giving away copies of Aliens vs. Predator to get folks to try its (optional) PC gaming service , Galaxy. Times have changed and leading into The Witcher 3: WIld Hunt ‘s release — the first major title debuting on the storefront — the platform is moving from closed alpha testing into an open beta. The constant that’s carrying over from the alpha is that you aren’t required to participate in anything within the software. Not into automatic updates that might fix some of your favorite glitches in a game? That’s totally cool; you can opt out and still keep playing. Steam and Origin aren’t quite as keen on that. Let’s say that you’re going to go all in and allow Galaxy to perform the patches for you. If one breaks the game to the point of it being unplayable, you can roll back to the previous, working version supposedly without much of an issue. You can download a separate DRM-free backup copy of a game, too. As the press release quotes tell it, the idea is to make the optional features — and the platform itself — enticing enough and to such a high quality that you’ll choose to use them; it’s a motivator for the development team to do its best work. Want to see what this so-called digital freedom “tastes like?” Head over to GOG.com and grab the beta for Mac or Windows. Filed under: Gaming , Home Entertainment , HD Comments Source: Good Old Games

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GOG’s Galaxy platform is one step closer to taking on Steam

Lenovo’s super-light LaVie Z laptop is now available

If you’ve been jonesing for a featherweight laptop but feel that Apple’s MacBook rubs you the wrong way, you’re in luck: as promised, Lenovo is now selling the LaVie Z and LaVie Z 360 in the US. Both 13-inch systems largely resemble what you saw in January, and strike a careful balance between brisk performance and a light design that won’t strain your shoulder when it’s in your bag. They share Quad HD screens, fifth-generation Core i7 processors, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive. The only big difference is the 360’s namesake convertible touchscreen, which turns your PC into a makeshift tablet. Lenovo may have been optimistic about what it could deliver this month, though. The standard Z is ever-so-slightly heavier than claimed at 1.87 pounds, and the models available now are significantly more expensive than what we were quoted a few months ago. You’re looking at $1, 700 ($1, 500 after a discount) for the regular LaVie Z, and $1, 850 ($1, 699 on sale) for the 360 — that’s at least $200 higher than expected. It’s entirely possible that lower-end versions are coming, but you’ll have to pay a premium if you simply can’t wait. [Thanks, Ibrahim] Filed under: Laptops , Lenovo Comments Source: Lenovo (1) , (2)

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Lenovo’s super-light LaVie Z laptop is now available