Archive for July, 2011
Motorized Lego R2-D2 Shows Once Again Life Is Better When Bricked [Video]
Switched On: Desktop divergence
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
Last week's Switched On discussed how Lion's feature set could be perceived differently by new users or those coming from an iPad versus those who have used Macs for some time, while a previous Switched On discussed how Microsoft is preparing for a similar transition in Windows 8. Both OS X Lion and Windows 8 seek to mix elements of a tablet UI with elements of a desktop UI or -- putting it another way -- a finger-friendly touch interface with a mouse-driven interface. If Apple and Microsoft could wave a wand and magially have all apps adopt overnight so they could leave a keyboard and mouse behind, they probably would. Since they can't, though, inconsistency prevails.
Yet, while the OS X-iOS mashup that is Lion exhibits is share of growing pains, the fall-off effect isn't as pronounced as it appears it will be for Windows 8. The main reasons for this are, in order of increasing importance, legacy, hardware, and Metro.
Yet, while the OS X-iOS mashup that is Lion exhibits is share of growing pains, the fall-off effect isn't as pronounced as it appears it will be for Windows 8. The main reasons for this are, in order of increasing importance, legacy, hardware, and Metro.
Continue reading Switched On: Desktop divergence
Switched On: Desktop divergence originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ask the Commenters Roundup [Hive Mind]
- I've decided to pull the trigger on a MythTV like box. After recording a show via HD Over the Air, I plan to move it over to a 3TB NAS so I can watch it on any of the computers I have. Is MythTV overkill for my purposes?
- If I had a Windows 7 install disk that was previously used, and an unused product key from a Windows 7 upgrade disk, could I use that for a fresh install on a second computer?
- My question is actually about where I can store game data on a xBox 360. Will any flash drive or USB hard drive do? Can I just get a cheap OEM hard drive, put it in a cheap case and call it a day?
- I'm looking at workflow mapping tools, and I'm finding a lot of variety. Any recommendations?
- This has probably been asked a million times, but is there a way to stay signed-in to Lifehacker? It seems like very time I read an article in a different tab I have to log in again to comment on it.
- Is there a convenient Android app that would let me receive voice phone calls in the middle of the night and also, of course, let my alarm clock ring, but would essentially put my phone in something like a pseudo-airplane mode for everything else?
- How can I work around an iPod headphone port that only plays sound out of one side?
- Anyone know if I can automatically sync a Nike+ sensor with another (iOS) app?
- I'm pretty sure my power supply bit it the other day. Are there not so obvious things to be aware of when replacing a power supply?
- I'm trying to copy a 20gb folder to an external HDD. If it's getting stuck, is this the hard drive's issue, or is this because Explorer's being glitchy?
Rovi hits Hulu with patent infringement lawsuit
Mo money, mo problems, right Hulu? Seems it, considering the newly up-for-sale content hub has just been slapped with a patent infringement suit. This latest bit of intellectual property beef centers on the online content provider's alleged unlicensed use of Rovi's electronic program guide technology. According to Reuters, the company, which currently powers the streaming likes of Blockbuster On Demand and CinemaNow, is seeking financial compensation for potential "lost license revenue and treble damages," potentially tripling any future settlement award. While Hulu has yet to issue a statement on the matter, we'd be willing to bet those takeover talks are taking a backseat until this gets sorted.
Rovi hits Hulu with patent infringement lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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