Tuesday: January 8, 2013
Netflix testing out personalized profiles for their streaming services.The test version showed separate viewing histories and recommendations for each profile. Users are able to fine-tune their profile by telling Netflix about their movie preferences, and profiles for kids under 12 are automatically based on the service’s Just for Kids UI. In addition, parents are able to restrict the type of content displayed on a kids profile based on movie ratings.
Ten awesome Super Nintendo RPG games you should probably play at least once in your life.I'm not sure if I should be proud or just plain sad to say that I've only completed five of the ten games on this list. Oh whatever, I'm proud - those were good times. For those of you who would like to relive the Super Nintendo glory days check out the OpenEmu project. It's a fantastic iTunes-like emulator for Mac that is currently under development (thanks Ant).
Engadget goes eyes-on with Samsung's new 85 inch television set.The company calls the stand a 'timeless gallery' frame, and indeed the set would fit right in with some of the more conceptual pieces at the MoMA. Still, that easel-like design could be a bit limiting for some living rooms, so you can remove the S9 and wall-mount it -- though the 2.2 channel audio is built into that frame. Unique design aside, this TV is all about the high-end specs.
Facebook testing out new single-column design for their timeline.This latest design rollout is only appearing for those residing in New Zealand at this point in time. If you really can't wait to see it the new timeline, fear not - it's just a quick 19 hour flight away (for those of us on the east coast).
A neat tutorial on how to make your very own melted crayon art.Going to have to try this out with my kids at some point in the near future. We have enough leftover crayons laying around the house to make several of these.
Monday: January 7, 2013
Disney unveils next generation guest experience in the form of digital wristbands.The new wristbands will work in tandem with a new Disney app that you can use on your smartphone. The wristband (officially called MagicBand) can be used as your rooom key, theme park ticket, photopass, payment information and even access to FastPass for quicker access to rides and attractions. So long Key to the World cards!
Watch the official Phish 2012-2013 New Year's Countdown and the golfing hijinks that followed.For those who don't know: Phish does an elaborate New Year's Eve gag every year. This year's prank featured numerous ping pong balls, dance squads, and runaway golf cart marathons.
New Lego Mindstorm sets come with iOS and Android support right out of the box.Its updated Mindstorms EV3 runs on new Linux firmware that's ready for Android and iOS control out of the box, creates an overall more hackable platform and allows further programming on the core Intelligent Brick itself; accordingly, there's an SD card slot for local storage. A built-in infrared sensor expands the possibilities for a more autonomous design, as well -- Lego suggests that EV3 constructs can follow other moving gadgets, or even their creators, around the room.
Apple would like you to know that they've had over 40 billion downloads from their app store.That's a lot of downloads. Apparently half of that number was just in 2012 alone.
Thursday: January 3, 2013
Have a peek at some concept art for Pixar's 2013-2014 movies and beyond.In 2014 it's their if-dinosaurs-didn't-go-extinct movie titled The Good Dinosaur, directed by Bob Peterson, with a tease we've seen before. In 2015 it's Pete Docter's 'Movie That Takes You Inside the Mind', now titled The Inside Out; and in 2016 they've also got Lee Unkrich's movie about Día de los Muertos, which we really don't know much about at all. Notably missing is Andrew Stanton's sequel Finding Nemo 2.
Wednesday: January 2, 2013
Avis acquires Zipcar for a mere $500 million.Avis says it expects to generate $50 to $70 million in ‘annual synergies’ as a result of the deal. FYI: The company booked $7.3 billion in revenue for the full year 2012, and employs roughly 29,000 employees today. The transaction is expected to close in the spring of 2013.
New version of iOS starts appearing in developer logs.Developers have started noticing some curious entries in there log files regarding a new version of Apple's iOS operating system. The current version of iOS is six but references to iOS 7 are being found. Along with the new version of iOS a new iPhone hardware identifier has been unearthed as well. Look forward to iPhone 6 sometime in the near future.
Wednesday: December 19, 2012
Buy some video games while supporting charity via Humble Indie Bundle 7.Need some new games to play and want to help charity out at the same time? The seventh annual Humble Indie Bundle is here just in time for the holidays. Pay what you want and enjoy cross-platform DRM free games from some great gaming developers.
Barack Obama is TIME's 2012 Person of the Year.Since the moment Obama arrived on the national scene in 2004, the very idea of leadership has been under assault. Many of the old institutions that once anchored the American Dream have been bled of public confidence. Banks, Big Business, the news media and Congress all polled at or near record lows during his first term. Obama himself was the target of uncommon vitriol, but he has somehow managed to keep the public’s faith.
Creators of Zork series to receive Pioneer Award.If you Google hard enough you can most likely find a web-based version of the original Zork for those of you looking to take a step back into text-adventuring nostalgia. You are still likely to be eaten by a grue.