Will Google Glass Disrupt The Smartphone Wars?

Is the future of mobile becoming a little clearer? Is it in fact settling down into a pattern that will persist over the next few years, one in which Apple and Samsung share the spoils while the rest try, vainly, to wrest from them that elusive commodity called profit? The writing is on the wall in smartphones and with an increasingly stable outlook, Google Glass looks like the only disruption in town. What we are really looking towards is a new way of presenting and absorbing information. Google Glass looks like the nearest we have to a new paradigm, but in fact my guess is it is too static. Information needs to be as pervasive as our lifestyle needs. It won’t be stuck to our heads. But it might be in our ears, on our wrists, on the objects we observe or all three together, and more. 

• Global mobile data traffic grew 70 percent in 2012
• 2012 mobile data traffic was nearly 12 times the size of the entire global Internet in 2000
• Mobile video traffic exceeded 50 percent for the first time in 2012
• Mobile network connection speeds more than doubled in 2012
• In 2012, a fourth-generation (4G) connection generated 19 times more traffic on average than a non-4G connection
• The top 1 percent of mobile data subscribers generate 16 percent of mobile data traffic, down from 52 percent at the beginning of 2010
• Average smartphone usage grew 81 percent in 2012
• Smartphones represented only 18 percent of total global handsets in use in 2012, but represented 92 percent of total global handset traffic

■ Globally, 33 percent of total mobile data traffic was offloaded onto the fixed network through Wi-Fi or femtocell in 2012.
■ Android data use is now higher than iPhone data use.
■ In 2012, the number of mobile-connected tablets increased 2.5-fold to 36 million, and each tablet generated 2.4 times more traffic than the average smartphone.

HTML5 vs. Apps: Here's Why The Debate Matters, And Who Will Win

HTML5 is a new technology that allows developers to build rich web-based apps that run on any device via a standard web browser.
Many think it will save the web, rendering native platform-dependent apps obsolete.
So, which will win? Native apps or HTML5?

A recent report from  
BI Intelligence explains why we think HTML5 will win out, and what an HTML future will look like for consumers, developers, and brands.

Here's why the Apps-vs-HTML5 debate matters:

• Distribution: Native apps are distributed through app stores and markets controlled by the owners of the platforms. HTML5 is distributed through the rules of the open web: the link economy.

• Monetization: Native apps come with one-click purchase options built into mobile platforms. HTML5 apps will tend to be monetized more through advertising, because payments will be less user-friendly.

• Platform power and network effects: Developers have to conform with Apple's rules. Apple's market share, meanwhile, creates network effects and lock-in. If and when developers can build excellent iPhone and iPad functionality on the web using HTML5, developers can cut Apple out of the loop. This will reduce the network effects of Apple's platform.

• Functionality: Right now, native apps can do a lot more than HTML5 apps. HTML5 apps will get better, but not as fast as some HTML5 advocates think. 

In full, the special report analyzes:

• What HTML5 is, giving an overview of how it is a technology done by committee.

• Why the HTML5-vs-Apps debate matters, breaking down its impact on distribution, monetization, platform power and network effects, and functionality.

• The pluses and minuses of HTML5 vs. native apps, comparing each by cost, user experience, features, distribution, and monetization.

• How and when HTML5 will take over, laying out how it has all the hallmarks of a disruptive technology.

• The success of an HTML5 pioneer, The Financial Times.

• What an HTML5 future will look like, with the promise of richer and more interactive experiences. 

To access BI Intelligence's full report on HTML5, sign up for a free trial subscription here.

The Most Ridiculously Expensive Gadgets Money Can Buy

Money can't buy everything, but it can certainly get you some really awesome gear. 
For example, if you have $190,000 lying around, you can impress your friends with a slick hovercraft.
From a custom iPad encased in solid gold, to a personal submarine, the rich and famous have a nice collection of toys to choose from. 
Take a look at some of the other items. It's hard to believe that you can actually drop this kind of cash on a gadget.

The Kohler Numi Toilet System: $6,400

Kohler

Available at Kohler.

 

 

Personalized Whac-A-Mole Game: $35,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

 

 

MWE Emperor 200 PC WorkStation: $49,150

MWE Lab

Available from MWELab.com.

 

 

Tron-style Motorcycle: $55,000

BikeExif

Megatrend MKIII Speakers: $80,000

Transmission Audio

Available at Transmission Audio.

 

 

Innespace Seabreacher-Y Submarine: $100,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Seabreacher.com.

 

Aurumania Gold Bike: $104,744

BornRich

Available at Aurumania.com.

 

 

103-inch Plasma Yalos Diamond TV: $130,000

Ubergizmo

An Actual Hovercraft: $190,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

 

 

Steinway Lyngdorf Model LS Concert Speakers: $250,000

Steinway Lyngdorf

Available at Steinway Lyngdorf.

 

 

Harry Winston Opus 12 Watch: $260,000

Harry Winston

Available at Harry Winston.

 

 

Ecosse Titanium Series FE Ti XX Motorcycle: $300,000

Ecosse

Available at Ecosse motors.

 

 

Sony PlayStation 3 Supreme: $316,800

GanerCrave

Available at Goldstriker.

 

 

 

Genuine PT Boat: $1,000,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

 

 

 

Amphibious Truck: $1,195,000

ConceptCarz

Giant Robot Warrior: $1,350,000

Suidobashi Heavy Industry

Available at Suidobashi Heavy Industry.

 

 

Dark Knight Home Theater: $2,000,000

IGN

More information on the custom home theater is available at BornRich.com.

 

 

Personal Submarine: $2,000,000

Triton

Available at Triton Subs.

 

18-Carat Gold Speakers: $4,700,000

Hart

Available at Hart Audio.

 

 

iPad Gold History Edition: $7,944,000

Stuart Hughes

Available at Stuart Hughes.

 

 

201-Carat Chopard Watch: $25,000,000

Wikicollecting

Available at Chopard.

15 Cool Hi-tech Spy Gadgets, Oh Wait…Creepy Gifts for Stalkers?

Do you have someone for whom you need a present but would classify as naughty and not nice? Do they have a desire for gadgets to make them feel like James Bond? There are spy gadgets designed to go undetected, products that were once considered science fiction, but can be purchased without needing to be a part of an elite secret service or military branch. Some of these spy gadgets barely squeak by as legal. So if you have a spy or spyette on your shopping list, perhaps one of these 15 hi-tech spy gadgets would be perfect for them. Oh wait . . . as the list goes down, they get creepy enough to almost induce full blown paranoia. Maybe these spy gadgets would be the perfect creepy gifts for stalkers?

 

Lasers

These are not toy lasers to play with indoors for your cat to chase around for your amusement. Wicked Lasers puts out two lasers straight out of some James Bond flick. On the left is the Elite Pro which has ridiculous burning power in such a tiny package. The military swears by it, using these tightly focused green beams like long distance matches for burning and melting. On the right is the Photonic Disruptor tactical laser. It was featured on Discovery Channel’s “Future Weapons”. Point the non-lethal versatile focused or unfocused beam towards potential threats at a distance and it will temporarily overwhelm a threat’s visual sense without causing permanent eye damage.

 

 

Bluetooth Spy

(image credits: esih,Brickhouse Security,Brickhouse Security)

Micro spy earphones like the upper left have been in circulation, but Brickhouse Security brings it to a new level. The invisible spy Micro Bluetooth headset goes deep into the ear and is so low that it cannot be seen. Although it requires no batteries, it would take a super-strong magnet to pull it from your ear canal. That takes care of sound spying but Brickhouse has another Bluetooth spy gadget to be your secret ear and eye in the sky. This average looking and fully functional Bluetooth headset is so much more with a pinhole camera hidden deep within. No one will suspect that your Bluetooth headset is actually capturing covert video surveillance with audio.

 

 

Lighter Spy

(image credits: Ajoka,ePathChina,varologic)

Lighters can be used to conduct secret video surveillance or are ideal for any covert operation where gathering evidence is important for you. Besides using these lighters for their obvious purpose of fire, you can leave it in your home or office to record everything that is happening while you are gone. Are you not the type to carry a refillable lighter but a disposable cheapo? These spy lighters come in all shapes, colors and sizes.

 

 

80,000 Volt Electric Briefcase

(image credits: Eurospy Shop,Ajoka)

If you are carrying around documents that cannot fall into enemy hands, or money or jewelry or anything vital to keep safe, then there are normal looking briefcases that can help you keep your valuables safe. Although they come in differing colors, all come with a remote control so you can shock the living daylights out of the thief. You can activate the screaming alarm by simply pushing a button on the remote control, but when you push a second button you will activate the electric shock alarm. Then the person who stole your suitcase will let go immediately! Nobody will be able to grab or take the suitcase without having the snot shocked out of them.

 

 

Cell Phone Spy

(image credits: Brickhouse Security, Eurospy Shop)

No matter what reason you come up with to need these cell phone spying devices, we are moving much closer into the realm of creepy stalker. The SIM card spy makes it possible to read deleted text messages and private data from any SIM card. Not enough James Bond for you? The bottom image is the world’s smallest, fully integrated GSM Listening Device. With an unlimited range, you can call from any phone and listen immediately to a conversation from anywhere in the world.

 

 

Tiniest Spy Cameras

(image credits: Spy Gadgets)

Micro cameras are getting smaller every day. The top right is the world’s smallest cam, a pinhole size CMOS camera which you can see size-wise sitting upon a dime. For another dimension of creepy spying, there are cameras in screw heads. There are also all various sizes of button cams.

 

 

Keylogger – Computer Spying

(image credits: Eurospy Shop, The Spy Store)

Yes, there are hundreds of software keylogger options. Anti-spyware vs. spyware, sooner or later most software keyloggers will be detected. For the ultimate in creepy computer spying, this keylogger plugs in and records all keystrokes. It uses no system resources and runs in the background. It stores everything typed on the keyboard and will suffer no data loss when unplugged. If this is for relationship spying, perhaps it’s time to seek counseling or get out. Believe it or not, it can get worse.

 

GPS Lingerie

(image credits: Gizmodo)

“Find Me If You Can” is the name of this lingerie with a pager-sized GPS device sewn into a bodice. For starters, unless you have some kinky thrills from it . . . run ladies if you find a GPS in your lingerie. Take it out first or else you can be tracked. In fact, if you don’t want to pull a Dirty Harry and point your gun at him to tell him to back off or make your day, then maybe you need your own covert spy/weapon gadgets like below.

For Ladies

(image credits: Made in China, Made in China Weapon Masters,Saftey Central)

Lipstick comes in all colors, glosses and now weaponry. Lipstick can be camouflaged as a stun gun, 350,000 volts worth of shock power if you need it for spying or for protection. The top left “lipstick” comes with a two-in-one function: Stun gun and LED Light. The top right “lipstick” packs 2 million volts! On the bottom left, these lipticks are actually knifes. If shanking someone is not to your liking, nor shocking someone senseless, then maybe wearing the ring would work for you. It’s not just jewelry as when you squeeze it, pepper spray squirts out from next to the stone. Whether you are a spy, want to feel a bit safe, or have some stalker putting GPS tracking in your lingerie, there are enough choices out there to suit most anyone.

Top 10 Strangest Gadgets of the Future

10. Citizen's Memory LCD

 

Citizen Japan has unveiled a new LCD technology -- called "memory liquid crystal" -- that retains the image even when turned off. Basically, its inorganic membrane and angled orientation keep the crystals frozen without needing power. Practical applications would include watches and mobile phone displays. [Source]

9. EyeMove PC

The EyeMove PC combines the functionality of a digital projector and computer into one circular-shaped device. Simply hang it on your wall or place it flat on a desk and project games, movies, or applicationNo word yet on on if this concept will go into production.

"With the wireless controller you can forget the old mouse, your keyboard, joystick, you have it all in one with a touch screen wireless controller"

[Source]

8. Scarpar - The All-Terrain Motorized Board

 The Scarpar is a futuristic board that "apparently gives you the best of snowboarding, surfing, skating and motocross". It's slated for a 2007 release. Pricing has not yet been announced. Video clip after the jump. [Source]

7. 3D Video Game

 

interactive art and gaming, xBlocks delivers a unique experience to say the least. It's currently on display at Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, Italy. Video after the jump.

"Using standard game controllers, two opposing players must help their characters navigate in and around a three dimensional maze. The real challenge comes, not from traditional game mechanics but rather from moving with your character as he sprints around corners and jumps between the installation’s two play surfaces"

6. Transparent Toaster

This innovative "Transparent Toaster" concept uses special heating glass to warm a single slice of bread. Unfortunately, the glass does not reach a high enough temperature -- at this time -- to actually toast the bread. No word yet on if this concept will go into production. [Source]
 

5. Origami DVD Player

This Origami DVD Player concept uses a fully-flexible display technology (e-paper) to ensure maximum portability. When not in use, the screen folds up neatly back into the case. From the image, it looks to sport integrated speakers as well. No word yet on if this concept will go into production.

As a product, it would target the business traveler who wants a convenient way to watch DVD movies.

4. Self Cooling Beer Can

Tempra Technology and Crown Holdings have partnered to develop the world's first self cooling beer can. It looks like a normal 500ml can, but features an integrated self-cooling device that reduces the "contents by a minimum of 30° Fahrenheit (16.7° C) in just three minutes."

"When activated, the all natural desiccant contained within a vacuum draws the heat from the beverage through the evaporator into an insulated heat-sink container."

[Source]

 

3. VirtuSphere

The VirtuSphere takes gaming to a whole new level, allowing users to walk inside a virtual space "while being totally immersed" -- through the head-mounted display system. Built-in sensors detect movement and transmit that information to a linked computer. A special platform inside the sphere allows it to rotate in any direction as the user walks. Two video clips after the jump.

The VirtuSphere is currently the only technology in the world, which permits the user to move about in virtual space through the most natural movement of all – by walking.

[Source]
 

2. Heliodisplay M2i

IO2Technology has just released a new version of their Heliodisplay multimedia projector called "M2i", it features a larger 30-inch diagonal (76cm) display area (4:3 aspect), 1600-2200 lumens brightness, 1024 x 768 SXGA resolution, and 'virtual touchscreen' controls. Video after the jump.

The interactive M2i allows desktop navigation in a PC environment such that floating images or video can be manipulated supporting a 'virtual' touchscreen enabling cursor control.

1. “On Target” Video Game Urinal

Set back into each urinal is a pressure-sensitive display, which activates an interactive game when used. This game includes sounds and images, bringing entertainment value to where you’d least expect. It will most likely will be installed in airports and schools “with the functional purpose of improving hygiene”.

The projection of the project into a museum space was conceived of as a critical-ironic measure, questioning the concept of art, but extending it at the same time.

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Bright Walk

There's a good reason why these shoes are called "Bright Walk", built-in Piezo-electric sensors convert the impact from running or walking into static energy which than power electro luminescent polymers to produce light.

"Besides its aesthetic contribution to the fashion scene (for including functional lighting), it addresses the added value of Safety for the runners."

Honorable Mention - Solar Powered LED Light

The LightCap is basically a solar powered water bottle which has a built-in LED light in its lid. It features a waterproof solar panel, battery pack, and "will stay bright for hours while the rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries will last for at least 300 cycles" on a four hour charge -- in sunlight. This device measures 8 ¼" tall and 3 ¾" wide with a 32 oz capacity. No word yet on pricing and availability.

Set it in the sun or hang it from a railing during the day and you'll have light all night long!

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Intelligent Spoon

Connie Cheng and Leonardo Bonanni have developed the world's first "Intelligent Spoon". It's equipped with sensors to measure temperature, acidity, salinity, and viscosity. Download the recorded data to any computer via a cable for furthur processing.

Apart from consolidating measurements that are normally done by an array of equipments into a single spoon, the information obtained can be used to advise the users what their next step should be; for example, it tells the user if there is not enough salt in the brine prepared to make pickles.

[Source]

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Windows Metro Style Design

On August 1th 2011, Microsoft launched Windows 8. Along with the launch, the company also launched hopes of trying to salvage the declining market share of PCs. Windows 8 promises a much better user experience geared towards making significant changes to the Operating System itself and also rendering the OS to mobile devices, touch-based screens, and tablets. Primarily, the launch was meant to be an answer to rival the likes of Android and Apple’s iOS.

So, what does Windows Metro Style Design entail? What’s with the new app store and how does Windows 8 present itself to developers?

Under the Hood

The new Windows 8 Interface features a touch-friendly, shell and user Interface, Microsoft’s “Metro” design language, an attractive “start screen”, and a Windows app store. Windows’ Metro language and Windows 8 itself runs off modern technologies such as USB 3.0, NFC (Near Field Communications), Cloud Computing, a built-in antivirus, and app synchronization between multiple devices.

Metro style apps come with the brand new user interface, plenty of emphasis on UI chrome, full screen UX/UI, flat colored “live tiles”, touch-centric capabilities, multi-tile view, and much more. It can be packed and distributed through the “Windows Application Store”. Microsoft, as expected, makes it possible to download it in various languages.

Windows 8 Metro Style Apps: A great Opportunity for Developers

It’s inevitable that all new PCs and window-based tablets will move to Windows 8. As that happens, Windows apps will be the mainstay on each of these hardware units sold. According to Erik Sherman of Inc.com, Windows 8 did have a slow start but it doesn’t mean that the behemoth release will be forgotten. In fact, it’ll be a slow but steady ride for Windows 8 and Windows RT (tablet-version of Windows 8).

So, how big is it? Erik alludes to statistics, which reveal that more than 100 million Windows devices will be shipped each quarter. The estimated market is purported to be 200 million by the time this New Year draws to a close.

Of course, size does matter (not withstanding revenues). According to Ingrid Lunden of Techcrunch.com, Windows 8 Apps are particularly strong in serving local markets with the apps. More than 10% of the apps in top 300 rankings are specific to countries. Windows 8 has shipped out more than 40 million licenses already and it continues to grow while a number of developers have already crossed the $25,000 mark to get that juicy 80% profit-retention model that Windows offers.

Changes Galore

Windows 8 boasts of anew and hybrid technology featuring a much faster start-up through UEFI integration and the all-new “Hybrid Boot” mode (hibernating the Windows Kernel during shutdown to hasten subsequent boot up processes). It has a new “File Explorer” (you might know it better as Windows Explorer), an overhauled Task manager, and much more.

Further, Windows 8 comes with much stronger safety and security protocols in place including authentication procedures tailored for touchscreens, antivirus, SmartScreen filtering, secure boot, and parental controls.

Applications Powering New Era of Development

Sticking to the Windows environment for now, Windows 7 only had desktop applications for developers to play with. Of course, Windows 8 will carry on the traditional desktop app development but it also has “Metro Design” now which opens up avenues for building apps which you can develop using .Net, C #, VB, C++, HTML, XAML, and Direct 3D.

Metro style design allows you to access accelerating hardware, right out of the box so that you can tune your apps and provide a consistent effect across the platform. The “Connected Standby” feature lets metro applications update even when the computers sleep.

The Growing Windows Store Opportunity

Majority of users worldwide still use Windows and as such, the Windows 8 App store is no kid on the block. Metro app developers have thunderous potential as far as scope and reach are concerned. The reach spreads into 200 countries and more than 100 languages. Windows also has an aggressive pricing model by allowing you to retain 80% of the profits off app (and in-app) purchases by up to 80%.

Windows also has a strong appeal to specific local markets unlike Android apps, which tend to be more general and Apple App store which tends to focus mostly on U.S and other developed markets. Overall, Windows has a far greater reach globally and that means even more exposure to your apps developed on the Metro style for Windows 8.

Build apps and Leave it to Windows

Metro Style design for Windows 8 has a “share Contract” feature where developers who build metro applications can communicate, tweak, and make changes to apps even if they haven’t been developed or even if these apps aren’t live yet as long as applications support the Payload Schema.

Also, developers can go with Windowss “Win as one” model and use the entire Windows eco-system along with the features of Windows 8.

Compatible, All the Way

Metro Style apps are more like widgets, built on Microsoft’s new API. They are cross-platform compatible. Even apps built with the standard x86 – in the old fashioned way – can still work on Windows 8 but they might not be considered as metro apps. If you are a developer, please note that metro apps use the cloud more than ever for data storage. Metro apps are also required to stay open (never quit the app unless you can reboot it with the task manager).

Everything you need. One Place

First requirement to develop metro style apps is to download Windows 8 license. After that, head toDownloads for Developers and get your tools. Then work to get a developers license, choose your programming language of your choice from javaScript, C# and Visual Basic, C++, DirectX, Visual Studio 2012, etc. While building metro style apps for the Windows 8 store, focus on simplicity. Sport a clean and open layout for your app, get the information hierarchy right, and make direct interactions with the user possible.

For developers, it’s another income stream, another business opportunity, a whole new market to venture into, and a spectacular absorption rate thanks to the sheer market share of Microsoft’s Windows.

How are you going to capitalize on this opportunity? Knowing what you do and flexing the skills you have as a developer, how difficult is it to develop great apps based on metro style for windows 8? What do you think about the opportunity metro style apps present to you?

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Facebook Poke Vs. Snapchat: What’s The Difference?

Today, Facebook launched a new mobile app called Poke. It’s strikingly similar to a new photo-sharing app that’s taken the blogosphere by storm, called Snapchat.

Both Snapchat and Poke let you send pictures or videos which are then destroyed within a matter of seconds.

But the social network has officially launched its competitor, and the differences are few but important.

The biggest difference between Snapchat and Poke may come down to Terms Of Service, which is fitting with the Instagram conversation still burning.

It’s unclear whether or not Poke keeps the images on Facebook’s servers or not. We’ve reached out to Facebook and are waiting to see what Facebook puts on the now-empty Poke support page.

If it’s in keeping with the Facebook Terms Of Service, Facebook likely gets to hold on to that content for a period of time before it’s deleted. This is what Facebook’s TOS says about your content when it’s destroyed:

When you delete IP content, it is deleted in a manner similar to emptying the recycle bin on a computer. However, you understand that removed content may persist in backup copies for a reasonable period of time (but will not be available to others).

The social network may have to develop some new language for this app, as opposed to having all of Facebook’s products fall under the same terms of service. In fact, Josh Constine has learned that Facebook may actually be completely deleting photos from its servers or is at least making them completely inaccessible to users and employees. We’ll wait for confirmation on that.

Update: Facebook has clarified it’s terms of service for Poke:

All Poke messages are stored in encrypted form and retained for two days after the last recipient views the poke — a process that helps facilitate abuse reporting. After that period, a Poke’s encryption key is deleted. However, it may still be possible to recover that key from logs or backups. After a fixed time period, this key becomes inaccessible, rendering the content completely unreadable (unless it was copied for abuse reporting.) Today, that fixed period can be up to 90 days, but we are working to significantly reduce that period over the next several weeks as we verify the stability of the Poke deletion system.

Snapchat’s method is to delete the image from its servers as soon as the recipient has seen it.

A second, and important, difference is the way Snapchat and Poke connect you to friends.

Snapchat uses Facebook to find friends, and obviously Poke does the same, so Poke has a leg up in terms of auto-integration. Still, Snapchat may help you actually find more friends with the app, as you can search by phone number or user name to add friends.

It’s also worth considering Snapchat’s username customization. The app has a loyal base of users with chosen screen names. That could be one of the bigger differences between Snapchat and Facebook Poke.

When you download Poke on a mobile device, you instantly log in with your Facebook Profile, relegating you to the name you use on Facebook and the friends you have there.

Though I don’t believe in the slightest that Snapchat is used primarily for sexting, I do think that there may be some users who enjoy snapping with randos (as evidenced by Twitter) that would like to keep their anonymous user name.

Poke also has two extra forms of interaction: text-only messages and “pokes.”

Both let you overlay text onto photos, and both let you draw over photos in a selection of colors (if we’re getting picky, Snapchat has more color options for drawing).

After you’ve taken your picture (or video) and added your text and artwork, both apps let you set a limit on how long the content will be viewable to the recipient. On Poke, the second limit is a choice between 1, 3, 5 or 10 seconds, whereas Snapchat lets you choose anywhere between 1 and 10 seconds.

The actual feature differences are slight, but it’ll be interesting to watch this space take off now that Facebook has thrown its hat in the ring.

Now On Kickstarter: A Thin, Solar-Powered, Bluetooth 4.0 Game Controller Built Directly Into An iPhone Case

Game controllers for iPhone are no longer all that rare, even though once upon a time Apple didn’t even allow them to connect to its smartphone. Still, there’s plenty of room for innovation in this space, and Justice Frangipane’s new design is a perfect example of how things can still get better in this market. Frangipane’s project is an iPhone case that while only 3mm thick, holds a Bluetooth 4.0 video game controller that recharges via solar power.

Launching today on Kickstarter, the project is a concept that creator Justice Frangipane has been working on for the last year, but now he’s working with iDevices, the creators of the Bluetooth iPhone meat thermometer iGrill, to help make it a reality. It features a controller that snaps into the back of a super thin iPhone case, providing physical controls compatible with specific games on iOS that support Bluetooth accessories. It not only charges via solar power, but can also use “trickle charging” to sip on low light and indoor light sources, too. The goal was to build a device you never had to build in, and Frangipane says in the project description that they’ve managed to achieve that.

The controller also doesn’t need that much energy to do its thing, thanks to the use of Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy tech,. That will help it connect to the iPhone without sucking down too much juice on either side of the equation, in order to get four hours of play time on a full charge without any light source. And Bluetooth 4.0 also means that response time for input is dramatically improved: BLE has a 6 second response time, Frangipane says, vs. a sluggish 100 milliseconds for older Bluetooth specifications.

Frangipane says that the project has Apple’s support, and that in fact, the iPhone maker has agreed to work with their team to help make sure the controller works with iOS devices, thanks to help from iDevices. At this stage, the prototype still looks like something created by a home hacker in a garage, but it clearly demonstrates that the concept works: by the time it ships, Frangipane says the control pods will snap into place on the front of the device in the case frame, and of course any wires or connectors will be less exposed.

Backers can get shipping devices for $60, with an estimated delivery date of June 2013. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are 125 prototype testing spots open at the $500 pledge level. Overall, the team hopes to raise $135,000 to bring the controller to market.

Mark Zuckerberg Is The Voice Behind The “Poke” Notification Sound And Wrote Code For The App

Mark Zuckerberg invented Poking, one of Facebook’s earliest features, so it’s fitting he was part of the small team that built the new Poke app over the last 12 days. Sources say Zuckerberg actually wrote code for Poke despite saying he rarely programs for Facebook anymore. And that voice that blurts out “Poke” when you get a push notification? That’s Zuck, too.

My sources say that Facebook’s CEO recorded the sound snippet on his phone as a joke. But he was convinced to run the sample through some audio filters and let it become the soundtrack to the modern Poke. You can hear the goofy little noise here:

The app’s whole development process is an example of Facebook’s “Hacker Culture.” But it’s also a signal to both would-be competitors of the social network, as well as those who might want to work for it.

Facebook saw ephemeral messaging app Snapchat exploding with popularity. Users loved sharing silly photos and videos that deleted themselves a few seconds after being received.

We heard Facebook made attempts to buy the small startup, but the team wanted to stay independent. That’s when Facebook and Zuckerberg went into hacker mode. With just a few weeks until Apple stopped accepting submissions of new apps before Christmas, it would take a sprint to get Poke built in time.

So a small squad including Facebook Director Of Product Blake Ross kicked development into high gear, Zuckerberg lent a hand with the programming, designers Mike Matas and Sharon Hwang created the icon, and Facebook just made the deadline and launched the Poke app this morning.

But why would Ross publicly post to Facebook that the team built the app in just 12 days? Maybe to show that it could. The message to Facebook’s competitors, as MG Siegler writes, is that if you don’t join Facebook, it can clone your app and compete with you at a moment’s notice.

And to top engineers, designers, and product visionaries, the moral of the Poke is that Facebook isn’t a traditional company restricted by red tape. Things get done fast at 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park. You could work for a tech company where it might take years for your product to ship. Or you could work at Facebook where two weeks later up to a billion people could be using what you built.

Download Poke for iOS here

[Image Credit: Paul Sakuma/AP]

It’s A Facebook And Google World On Apple’s App Store, Poke Hits #1 A Day After Its Release

Remember all of this excitement hoopla overFacebook’s latest standalone app, Poke, yesterday? You aren’t the only one that is interested, apparently. As The Next Web reports, Poke by Facebook has hit the No. 1 free app spot on Apple’s App Store, just a day after being released.

Make no mistake about it, the big companies like Facebook and Google are going to have the best holiday season ever thanks to Apple and iOS. It’s very rare to see utility or social apps hold the top free app spot like Google Maps has over the past week, and like Facebook Poke probably will. It’s usually a game, or a boogers app that holds that down.

And they get massive downloads because of it, especially during this time of the year.

What does this mean for consumers…and for Apple? Most iOS users who are getting new devices, or even first-timers, are swayed by what’s hot on the App Store. The leaderboard is very important to onboard new users into the app ecosystem. Apple likes to highlight the best and brightest that shows off their technology, but the leaderboard shows what users are really interested in. Today, it’s all about Poke.

When Facebook said it was focusing on mobile, it wasn’t kidding. Holding the No. 1 free app spot is like having the biggest kiosk in a mall during the biggest rush of the year. This type of crowding from big companies isn’t what the App Store has seen over the years, as we usually have a big gamelaunch right around Christmas, thus ruling the charts since Apple freezes new submissions and releases during the holidays.

Note that Snapchat is holding the No. 9 spot, and is clearly slipping in popularity, and Google is sitting pretty at both No. 2 (Maps) and No. 5 (YouTube). Even Pinger’s free texting and calling app is right up there at No. 6.

It’s also important to note that the new “hot” apps tend to surge up to the top quickly, as Poke clearly has, but remaining there for more than a few days is a real feat. Can Facebook do it? Let’s see as all of those new iPads, iPhones, Touches and iPad minis get opened next week. Also, having a billion users surely doesn’t hurt your distribution and marketing efforts.

Welcome, Facebook. Seriously. Who knew that a Poke would be so important?

TOP 5 MOST EXCITING GADGETS FOR 2013

In 2012 we witnessed the arrival of the Cube, the world's first home 3D printer; the Raspberry Pi, a computer that costs just £30; andMicrosoft's first tablet, the Surface. So what new tech are we looking forward to testing next year? Here’s our pick of the gadgets we’re most excited about in 2013...

 

Google Project Glass 

Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin loves the internet so much that he’s found a way to use it literally all the time. His new Google endeavour, Project Glass, overlays information from the web, such as weather reports, messages from friends and map directions, on top of the real world through one of the glasses’ lenses. The specs are also fitted with a camera that lets you take pictures or record video without much fuss. It’s a revolutionary bit of tech, it’s just a shame you’ll be a bit of a social pariah if you wear them in public.

Read more: Project Glass

 

Xbox 720

The Xbox 360’s successor will finally be unveiled in the summer of 2013. Currently codenamed 'Durango', it’s whipped up a veritable whirlwind of rumours. The latest intelligence – gathered from leaked Microsoft presentations and hardware – is that the console will include Blu-ray support, the ability to record from live TV, 3D gaming and a renewed Kinect device that will supposedly work with augmented reality glasses. It’s thought that the Xbox 720 will be powered by 8GB RAM and a quad-core processor, making it vastly more powerful than the current generation of consoles.
 

Nest

Normally we wouldn’t get very excited about a new thermostat, but the Nest has been designed by two former Apple employees who were involved in the creation of the iPod and iPhone. The Nest learns your habits every time you adjust it and automatically heats your house to suit. It even lets you control the heating when you’re not in via the mobile app. The makers of the device claim that this smart heating can halve your fuel bills. It’s already available in the US, and we’ve been told it’s likely to land in the UK in 2013.

Read more: Nest

Oculus Rift

Virtual Reality (VR) gaming has been every gamer’s fantasy since the film The Lawnmower Man came out in 1992. Thankfully, the Oculus Rift VR headset is nothing like that – it’s much better. Connected to a PC, it presents your environment in full 3D, with a 110° field of view that tracks your head movements so you can look around virtual worlds. It’s been trialled by some of the gaming industry’s leading figures, like John Carmack the creator of Doom andQuake, and has received their seal of approval. When the headset launches next year, its makers say they’re hoping to keep it under the $300 (£185) price mark, which is unprecedented for this kind of technology.

Read more: Oculus Rift

  

Basis band

Most health monitors rely on a pedometer to tell you how active you're keeping. The only trouble is that they’re not very good if you exercise by, for example, cycling or rowing. The Basis band is a heart-rate monitor that works without a chest strap so you can wear it all the time and get an accurate reading, no matter what you're doing. The band is also loaded with other detectors, such as a galvanic skin response sensor which monitors sweat levels and an accelerometer so you can see how changes in your heart rate correlate with your exercise habits. This device could give you a more accurate picture of your health than any other consumer gadget to date.
 

Read more: Basis