Knife Fight: 8 Chef’s Knives Tested and Rated

The chef’s knife is the indispensable multi-tool of the kitchen. The design has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years, but we tested eight knives — big names and small names alike — to find today’s best blades.

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/11/knife-fight-8-chefs-knives-tested-and-rated/

AMPHENOL QUALCOMM FEI COMPANY THQ BHARTI AIRTEL FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL IDT

Libra for Android helps you track your weight using The Hacker's Diet system

libra
I'm getting fat; that's what you see on the screenshot to the right -- my gradual move from chubby to portly. But never mind the numbers, look at the pretty graph!

If you've ever read The Hacker's Diet, this graph should be instantly recognizable. Each point shows the weight for a given day, while the trend line lets you see if you're gaining or losing weight.

When I use my "main" PC, I have a homebrew solution for creating and maintaining this graph. But I've had to find a temporary solution for Android, and Libra is it.

It's a beautifully simple app, very true to the spirit of The Hacker's Diet. You can create a shortcut on your homescreen that brings you right into the data entry screen, so you just tap the shortcut every morning, feed in your weight for the day and hit OK, and then you get to see your progress (or lack thereof) on the graph.

The app remembers the previous day's weigh-in, which makes it easy to enter today's weight (as they're usually not too different). The graph is zoomable and scrollable, and most importantly, you can export the data to CSV so you're not locked into the app.

If you ever need to track your weight using an Android device for any period of time, Libra is one excellent solution.

Libra for Android helps you track your weight using The Hacker's Diet system originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/libra-for-android-helps-you-track-your-weight-using-the-hackers/

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Car Widget Pro Goes the Distance - and Beyond

Developer Alex Gavrishev's free, widget-oriented app lets you assign home screens specifically to be used in the car, and it lets you create large, easy-to-punch buttons for six shortcuts per screen. The buttons render well at tablet-strength high resolutions, unlike other car apps I've tried. One area where Gavrishev's widget app differs from other in-car control apps is that it can still browse to other home screens on your device. All of the others I've tried force you into using only their screen once you're in car mode, which I think is restrictive.

Source: http://ectnews.com.feedsportal.com/c/34520/f/632000/s/2528ed68/l/0L0Stechnewsworld0N0Crsstory0C76530A0Bhtml/story01.htm

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Is Google planning to launch a physical Wallet credit card?

Android Central

We'll smack a big old rumor sticker on this one for now, because it isn't real, until it's real. But, according to Android Police, who claim to have a leaked Google Wallet apk, a physical, Google Wallet credit card -- for your real wallet -- could well be on the horizon. 

We already know that something is afoot for Google's mobile payment service, after a recent sign up page appeared for whatever it is that Mountain View has in store for us next. But, if this all pans out, could we really be looking at a physical credit card linked to our Google Wallet accounts and all the associated credit cards? Sounds interesting.

The story goes that even from within the application itself, you will be able to request a physical card that will work just as a normal credit card does. This would mean that you could still get away with using Google Wallet in stores that haven't yet adopted NFC payments. Not just that, but apparently we'll be able to top up and withdraw money to and from our Google Wallet account, and transit cards are also allegedly on the way. 

A famous man once sung "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?" -- Freddie Mercury, for anyone unsure -- Who knows for definite, only Google. But changes are-a-coming to Google Wallet, we do know that. For the rest, we'll have to wait it out and see what makes the final cut. 

Source: Android Police

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/_B9-eiD08As/story01.htm

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Color vulnerable to simple GPS hack, lets you spy on anyone, anywhere

Color, the $41-million-in-funding location-oriented photo sharing startup, is susceptible to simple GPS spoofing. With nothing more than a jailbroken iPad or iPhone, you can use FakeLocation to trick Color into thinking you're somewhere else. Within seconds you can be browsing photos that were snapped thousands of miles away. With a little digging, you can pore through photos not intended for your eyes.

Of course, such a hack isn't illegal as such -- every photo you take with Color is public. With FakeLocation you are simply circumventing Color's very limited location-oriented security mechanism. It does undermine Color's usefulness (and uniqueness), though -- if nefarious types can sit in their bedroom or basement and eavesdrop on classy dinner parties and wild night club soirees, people might be less inclined to share personal photos with those around them.

Fortunately, both for Color and its users, this is an easy security hole to plug -- at least in the short term. The app (or server-side) code simply checks to see if the user has 'teleported' an impossibly large distance, without any intermediate steps in between. In the long term, though, Color's users must be aware that its social graph is completely public. Color's users must realize that every photo they upload is visible by anyone, from any place.

After the break, just to elucidate a little on Color's actual business model and ultimate intention, we have two amazing quotes from Bill Nguyen, Color's founder.

Continue reading Color vulnerable to simple GPS hack, lets you spy on anyone, anywhere

Color vulnerable to simple GPS hack, lets you spy on anyone, anywhere originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/color-vulnerable-to-simple-gps-hack-lets-you-spy-on-anyone-any/

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Let it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game

letitslide
I have a thing for physics games, and I've been known to post the occasional platformer or action game here and there. But Let it Slide is one of the brainiest games I've posted to date.

The idea is very simple, and far from original: You get a board with pieces arranged in a particular pattern; you have to slide those around until you get the special piece into its target location.

It's not even about finding out where the target location is - you can just hover over "dim tiles" and instantly see where you're supposed to bring the special piece. But getting it there is a whole different story.

There are five tutorial levels, which I strongly recommend you do. Then there are twenty "beginner" levels, but that's really a misnomer. If those are the beginner levels, I don't want to know what the intermediate and advanced levels look like!

Every time you finish a level you get a score based on how many clicks it took you - each level has a "par" (the minimum number of clicks it could be completed in), and your performance is compared to that gold standard. Because it's such a brainy game, getting it right is quite satisfying. I was downright proud of myself when I managed to finish a few levels. All in all, quite recommended, especially if you've got a few minutes of quiet. It might actually help you focus better later on.

Let it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/let-it-slide-is-an-engaging-difficult-puzzle-game/

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Boomshine is a soothing-yet-frustrating time waster

boomshine
One click; just one single well-aimed click. That's all you get in Boomshine.

That single click triggers a chain reaction; circles start exploding, and other circles colliding with the shockwaves explode as well, creating their own shockwaves, which then catch other circles.

It's been done before, yes, but this one is a great iteration. The soundtrack is mellow, with lots of piano and some nice percussion (not electronic - it sounds like drums).

At each level you need to make a certain number of circles explode to go on to the next level. I got up to level 12, where you get 60 circles and need to make 55 of them explode. And then I kept trying and trying, but simply couldn't get it. I did get to 54 circles a couple of times, but as they say, you don't get points for trying.

There's no time limit, so you can carefully study the pattern of motion and place your click at the exact right place to create the best chain reaction. I've found that clicking near the middle of the screen works quite well, especially if the balls are slowly moving in that direction. By the time the first shockwave dies off, the oncoming balls usually hit it and the chain reaction continues.

What level did you reach? Screenshots please!

Boomshine is a soothing-yet-frustrating time waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/boomshine-is-a-soothing-yet-frustrating-time-waster/

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X-Mini UNO and MAX – New “Sound Beyond Size”

I love my X-Mini II Capsule and Max II Capsule speakers and X-Mini has just released upgrades to both these lines.  Both the new mono UNO and the stereo MAX now come with ceramic tweeters which produce a wider frequency range covering higher and lower sounds and battery life has been increased up to 18 hours on the MAX and 20 hours on the UNO. The UNO now has a weighted base to stop it bouncing around (something that many people actually found amusing and an “advantage” with the old line :) ) and charging is now via micro-USB to make it more compatible with current chargers (can I claim this one as it’s something I mentioned in my reviews :) )

Both new lines are available in 6 colours: gunmetal, blue, green, orange, purple and red. The UNO will retail for $39.90 and the MAX for $59.90 and they’ll be available on shelves or from X-Mini’s online store in December.

Check after the break to see the full press release.

XMI PTE LTD INTRODUCES A NEW GENERATION OF X-MINI™ CAPSULE SPEAKERS™

The latest offerings come with a new and improved driver

Singapore, November 2012 – Following the successful launch of the X-mini™ KAI Capsule Speaker™ which picked up both the red dot design and iF design awards, Xmi Pte Ltd headed back to the basics to improve on its basic Capsule Speaker™ models. The latest products from Xmi Pte Ltd, the new mono speaker UNO and stereo speakers MAX represent the upgraded standard of portable sound. Featuring an important change that significantly improves sound quality, there have also been improvements made in several of the other outstanding features of the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ series.

SOUND QUALITY

The UNO and MAX offer a new standard in portable speakers with the introduction of the ceramic tweeter. The quality of sound produced from any speaker depends largely on the tweeter material and after months of research, trials and prototype development, the engineering team at Xmi Pte Ltd found that ceramic was the most suitable material to bring the X-mini™ sound to the next level.

The ceramic tweeter brings about several advantages. As compared to aluminum tweeters, the ceramic ones can produce a wider frequency range covering higher and lower sounds. As a result of that, the distortion of sound is also much reduced because the ceramic tweeter is able to withstand high and low frequencies without producing any cracks in the sound.

When a speaker plays low frequency sound, it is difficult to maintain the depth and intensity of the bass produced. A tweeter that does not have a high enough efficiency will not be able to support a strong bass, resulting in soft and clouded music that lacks intensity. The ceramic tweeter is able to is able to produce clear and bright sounds precisely because it is capable of a highly efficient output even at low frequencies.

At each frequency point, the ceramic tweeter is able to perform better hence producing great clarity in sound even when various frequencies are mixed together in one song. With the ceramic tweeter in the UNO and MAX, details in music such as the voice of a singer and the sound of each instrument will be cleaner and clearer.

BATTERY LIFE

The X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ are known to be able to last for hours and this will be no exception with the new UNO and MAX. In fact, the battery life of the UNO has been improved to last up to 20 hours with each charge while the MAX offers a playback time of up to 18 hours. The built-in Lithium-ion batteries are charged via USB for about two to three hours. With the micro USB ports being more popular now, the charging ports of the UNO and MAX have also been updated which means that users will be able to recharge their product with the same cables they charge many of their devices with.

WEIGHTED BASE FOR THE UNO

The X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ are known to produce a bass performance beyond what is expected of its size! With the strong bass production from the X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™, it is a common sight to see them bouncing around when playing bass-heavy tunes. Even though many people have been amused at the sight of the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ bouncing around, a new feature on the UNO is that a weight has been added to the base so that it will stay in place while you enjoy the bass lines of your favourite tunes.

INDIVIDUAL STOWAWAY CABLES FOR THE MAX

The new stereo MAX speakers that come in a pair now offer an additional option of using each module on its own. Each side of the stereo speakers has its own stowaway cable built into its base, which means that you can just plug it into your media player and use it as a mono speaker. If not, just use the stereo cable that comes with the product, plug both speakers in and connect to your media player to enjoy a true stereo experience. Whichever way you choose to use it, mono or stereo, you will be able to get up to 18 hours of amazing sound!

SIX AVAILABLE COLOURS

The UNO and MAX come in a sleek gunmetal colour which is brand new to the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ range. With a snazzy selection of six colours which include the gunmetal and also favourites like blue, green, orange, purple and red, you can spice up your sound according to your favourite colour!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

UNO

Dimensions                             : 60.0mm x 47.5mm (closed resonator)

Net Weight                               : 112g

Speaker                                    : Magnetically Shielded 40mm (3.6Ω)

Loudspeaker Output              : 2.5W

Frequency Response            : 150 Hz – 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise                       : ≥82dB

Distortion                  : ≤1.0%

Playback Time                        : From 8 to 20 hours

Battery Capacity                     : 500mAh

Battery Charging Voltage     : 5V

Battery Charge Time             : Minimum of 2.5 hours

MAX

Dimension                               : 54mm x 82mm (closed resonator)

Net Weight                               : 160g

Speaker                                    : Magnetically Shielded 36mm (3.3Ω)

Loudspeaker Output              : 2W X 2

Frequency Response            : 60 Hz – 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise                       : ≥91dB

Distortion                  : ≤1.0%

Playback Time                        : From 8 to 18 hours

Battery Capacity                     : 400mAh

Battery Charging Voltage     : 5V

Battery Charge Time             : Minimum of 2.5 hours

 About the Award Winning X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™

Winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards (Germany) and the Infocomm Singapore Awards, which is the top innovation award in Singapore. The X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ is revolutionary in the world of portable audio technology, striking the perfect balance of pocketsize portability and uncompromising sound quality. The X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ has a patented extendable vacuum that mimics the resonance of a sub-woofer (Bass Xpansion System™ or BXS™) capable of producing explosive volume and bass over ten times its physical size.

 About Xmi Pte Ltd

Founded in Singapore, Xmi Pte Ltd is a technology-driven company focused on bringing the very latest wave of multimedia products to the global market. As we enter a fast-paced digital age, the ability to foresee market trends and react dynamically to market changes becomes quintessential to the success of any technology business.

Xmi Pte Ltd’s main objective is in creating multimedia devices that will precede major trends   in   Digital    Lifestyle    Technology. With unique products of superior functionality, mass-market appeal and uncompromising quality, Xmi Pte Ltd is set to push the boundaries of technology with new exciting products and build a global brand synonymous with innovation.

 Xmi Pte Ltd currently has distribution networks in 80 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia.

 

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, News

Tagged:

X-Mini UNO and MAX – New “Sound Beyond Size” originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 1, 2012 at 9:30 am.

Tidy your desk with the Cube and Clutch stands from Cooler Master

Cooler Master has introduced a tablet stand and a laptop stand to make your workspace tidier.  First up is the Cube stand for 7″ to 11″ tablets.  The Cube (left) is made of aluminum, and it has rubber surfaces to prevent scratches to your tablet computer.  It adjusts smoothly through 135 degrees, so you can find the perfect angle for using your tablet.  It also has adjustable rubber holders so you can keep the charging port available.  The Cube is great on your desk, or it folds flat to fit in your bag for travel.  It’s available for $39.99.

The Clutch (right) is an aluminum stand for people who use their laptop as a desktop replacement.  The Clutch has rubber anti-scratch and anti-slip pads to protect your laptop. It minimizes the footprint of your laptop while you use it with an external monitor, and it works in lieu of a dock and keeps ports available for use.  The Clutch works with MacBook Pro with Retina display, MacBook Air, and Ultrabooks.  The Clutch is $49.99.

Both the Cube and Clutch will be available on October 25th, 2012. Price and availability will vary based on region. Please consult your local Cooler Master Representative for more information.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, News, Tablet Computers and Gear

Tagged: ,

Tidy your desk with the Cube and Clutch stands from Cooler Master originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2012 at 10:00 am.

Ask DLS: What's your primary Web browser?

Competition is a good thing, and the browser arena has been a fierce arena for years now. There are at least four "major" browsers each vying for your attention, along with lots of smaller spin-offs (SRWare Iron or Flock, anyone?).

While the browser usage charts we share from time to time show overall browser usage amongst the Web at large, Download Squad readers are not exactly the average bunch in terms of browser use. So today we have one simple question for you:

What's your primary Web browser?

View Poll

Ask DLS: What's your primary Web browser? originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/ask-dls-whats-your-primary-browser/

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