Ingress

Ingress transforms the real world into the landscape for a global game of mystery, and competition. Basically, you can use post offices, sculptures, or libraries to create "portals" on your smartphone and compete in a portal battle with friends! The app was created by Niantic Labs which also created a free Android app called "Field Trip." On November 8th, 2012 the app was created. Ingress is a free app that only works on the Android Platform (Google Play Store). Recently it has been ported to work for iOS devices (Jailbroken or non-jailbroken). Click here to see more info and how to get the iOS port. Since the app is now in closed-beta, you cannot just go to the Play Store and download it. Instead, you have to go to ingress.com and request an invite. Another way to get the app is to ask someone with Ingress to request you. Note: You do need a Google Account and you need to give Ingress your email to be requested. If  Niantic Labs except your request, then you are in the world of ingress!

VERY Basic Ingress Idea (The game is very complex and will take hours to explain): Game play consist of making "portals" at real life bases like art museums, etc. and linking them together to create virtual triangles. For a more in-depth understanding and tutorial of the game, click --> "How to Play Ingress" (video by Tinkernut).  "Our world is at steak, and you must pick a side." Check it out on ingress.com

Leap Motion: The Future of the Mouse

Since launching in July of 2013, Leap Motion has achieved 1 million app downloads from its Airspace Store. What exactly is Leap Motion? Well, Leap Motion is a motion sensing mouse used for human to computer interaction. That's right, you can now use your hands to control your computer. The Leap Motion comes with the controller, a USB cable to connect to your computer, and an information guide. In total it cost about $80, and it can be purchased on the web site (leapmotion.com) or possibly Best Buy. Whats amazing is that the Leap Motion does not take over your mouse/trackpad/keyboard it actually works with them without needing any special cables. This new device can be used with Google Applications, such as Google Earth. Zoom in to various locations with your fingers, spin to various locations, without the need of a mouse. Once purchased you will be able to enjoy a whole new world of apps.  In conclusion the Leap Motion can do anything from browsing the web, painting and sculpting objects, playing the air guitar, and shooting bad guys with your fingers. Could this be the future of the mouse?

Windows 8 Start Button Has Returned: On A Mouse

The Windows team has never had it easy since Apple came around. As a result of major user backlash, Microsoft put the Start Button back into Windows 8. But, you have to buy a mouse to use it.

The Sculpt Comfort Mouse has a blue strip on the left-hand side. Swiping up on the strip cycles through apps; swiping down reveals the Metro app task switcher. Pressing the button will take you to the Start screen. The mouse connects to your PC using Bluetooth. It will cost $39.95 when it goes on sale in June.

The Sculpt Mobile Mouse has a simple Start button next to its wheel that will open the Start menu in Windows 7 or the Start screen in Windows 8. The Sculpt Mobile is a wireless USB mouse, and it will cost $29.95 when it goes on sale this month.

I'm not sure whether this will satisfy the quells of Windows 8 rebellers. This will certainly be something to watch.

 

Vdio and Rdio: The iTunes of the Internet?

Everyone knows and loves iTunes. But, there is one company that is aiming to change that. Titled Rdio, an alternate spelling of radio; the company now has an online music and video service. The music service, Rdio, is an unlimited music plan and charges by what devices you use. This price model has definitely earned its share of media attention. The new video service, just launched today, Vdio, is definitely now a competitor to iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and similar services. Vdio has the same price model as all other services: charge users by per episode. But what Vdio different, is the fact that it is web and mobile based. Consumers can watch their TV episodes and movies via their web browsers, not just using an app (i.e. iTunes) on their computers. Also, Vdio has launched an app for iPad, but I think I can make a safe assumption that they are doing quickly to get apps rolled out for iPhone, Android, and maybe even Blackberry and Windows Phone. An additional feature is that you can use your Rdio login for Vdio too. No more managing different media passwords. I think that Vdio was a wise decision. The idea of a closed system for both your music and TV episodes/movies seems intriguing. I do think that Vdio will eat up some market share, but it will be real adjustment for customers. If you are a Rdio unlimited subscriber, you can get a $25 credit. Just check your email, and you should have gotten an invitation from Rdio. All the rest of you will have to wait before you can get a peek at Vdio. They are signing people up for the public release, just take a visit over to their website, Vdio.com and click on "Get Notified". As Vdio says, "Enjoy the show!"

Younity: Slaughtering Sync

Everyone hates sync. Whether its music or videos, it just sucks. Everyone is moving up to the Cloud. Nothing is synced. It's just downloaded for offline viewing. File syncing is the worst of all the breeds of sync. It takes literally forever. You could leave your iPhone plugged into iTunes for literally hours. Ugh!

That's where a cool new service, Younity, comes in. There's no syncing involved. You download the app on your PC or Mac, Younity does a scan, and walla! If you download the app to your iPhone/iPod Touch, you can now see all of your music, photos and files with no syncing! Isn't that awesome? Younity is making Sugar Sync and iDrive start to become obsolete. With Younity, you can also download files for offline viewing. You can also view files and photos and listen to music right from the cloud. Younity is available on PC, Mac and the iPhone app store.

iOS 6.1: Is it really necessary?

So, as we know iOS 6.1 came out yesterday. iOS 6.1 is a MINOR update. Check out below to see if you should get it...

There are several reasons for why you should get it:

• If you have an 4G LTE iPhone 5 or iPad and want better "Coverage and Support"


• If you want interact with Fandango with Siri


• Ability to reset advertising identifier

Basically, if you don't have an LTE iPhone or iPad, there is no reason AT ALL to upgrade other than if you want to be able to control advertising identifying thingies on your device.