iMore Weekly Photo Contest winner: Silhouettes!

Weekly Photo Contest winner Tatum22

It's time to announce the winner of last week's gadget photography contest. Before we do, we want to congratulate everyone on their awesome entries. We've got some talented iPhoneographer readers here at iMore and it wasn't an easy decision!

We actually have two winners this week. The photo above is by Tatum22, and is our grand prize winner!

Sculpture in NYC's Riverside Park at Sunset by chris1982

"Sculpture in NYC's Riverside Park at Sunset" was submitted by chris1982 and wins Honorable Mention.

 

Congratulations to both of you! You'll be contacted during the week with information on claiming your prize. You can check out all of the entries in the forums at the link below. Thanks for entering everyone, and be on the lookout for this week's contest!

Weekly Photo Contest: Silhouettes!

And if you want to enter and win one of our awesome iPhone photography contest, keep your eyes peeled,  your fingers on the shutter, and your browsers locked to iMore, because this week's contest will be announced soon!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/OQ8BNfYs2mU/story01.htm

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Philips gives 21:9 TVs a wide berth, ceases production to focus on 16:9

http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/philips-to-give-21-9-tvs-a-wide-berth-will-focus-on-16-9/

While LG clearly thinks there's still some life in the super-wide format, Philips isn't so sure. In fact, the electronics stalwart has apparently just announced that it won't be releasing any more 21:9 TVs, due to lack of interest. Despite having regularly released new extra-wide sets since 2009, including 3D models, according to FlatpanelsHD, a spokesperson confirmed that demand barely meets the firm's requirements for mass production, and as such it's no longer viable. That's not to say that Philips is bowing out of big screens altogether though -- on the contrary -- it goes on to state that 50-inch screens, and above, are becoming increasingly important. For now, however, it looks like it'll be back to good old 16:9.

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Philips gives 21:9 TVs a wide berth, ceases production to focus on 16:9 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/JO0Wguc92AQ/

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Manhattan Stealth Touch Mouse Review

Despite all of the gesture-based user interface systems that have become popular in the past few years (think Wii, XBox Kinect, and of course smartphone touchscreens), the mouse is still the go-to workhorse of input devices for desktops and laptops.  But nearly all mouse devices have basically the same functionality, and many share near-identical styling.  Not content with this, the Manhattan Stealth Touch Mouse is a bit different.  It has a sleek, simple look with its satin black finish and no mechanical buttons.  The styling and functionality intrigued me, so was happy to have the opportunity to evaluate the Stealth Touch Mouse.  Onward!  

 NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

Who is that ghostly figure reflected in the package?

Packaging

The Stealth Touch Mouse’s packaging is acceptable enough.  It gives a fairly clear view of the mouse itself and its tiny Bluetooth USB adapter, but only from the front and sides.  It doesn’t provide a view of the other accessories, which in this case is only the travel bag, but it is nice to be able to see everything that is included in the package if you are a prospective buyer.

Package Contents

The Stealth Touch Mouse’s package contains the follow items:

  • Stealth Touch Mouse
  • Bluetooth USB adapter
  • Two (2) AAA batteries
  • Travel bag
  • Quick Install Guide (not pictured because unfortunately I misplaced it before I got around to taking the pics, but you can view it here)

Specs

From the Manhattan Products site under the Specifications tab:

  • USB
  • Patented Curve-Touch technology
  • Mouse: laser, 1200 dpi resolution
  • Automatic power save mode
  • Controls: scrolling, swiping, right and left button mouse with patented Curve-Touch technology
  • Compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS 9 and up and Linux
  • Mouse: 30 (h) x 60 (w) x 90 (l) mm; 1.18 (h) x 2.36 (w) x 3.54 (l) in.); 79.4 g (2.8 oz.)
  • USB receiver: 20 x 12.7 x 1 mm (0.8 x 0.5 x 0.04 in.)

Features

  • No buttons. Innovative Curve-Touch technology allows for wheel-free scrolling and fingertip control on the touch-sensitive surface.
  • 2.4 GHz technology offers wireless freedom with effective range up to 10 m (33 ft.)
  • Can be used as a normal mouse or a presenter to show your PowerPoint or PDF presentations
  • Auto power management helps extend battery life
  • On-board storage compartment protects USB receiver from loss and damage
  • Compact size and ambidextrous shape
  • Low-friction base smoothly glides over work surfaces
  • Plug and Play installation — Windows and Mac compatible
  • Lifetime Warranty

Appearance

The first thing I noticed about the mouse is its sleek appearance and texture.   It resembles a cross between the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft and one of those stones you find on a beach that has been smoothed by the elements.  Manhattan claims the Stealth Touch Mouse to be the “first mouse that features all ‘touch’ technology” and that it “recognizes preprogrammed fingertip movements.”  That may be the case; however, the Apple Magic Mouse functions in a very similar way, but actually provides more functionality in terms of the number of gesture-based inputs that it recognizes, even allowing for the Stealth Touch Mouses’ presenter mode (more on this below).

 

The underside of the mouse has a bit more going on.  There are two low-friction, C-shaped pads, one on either end, to encourage the mouse to glide across surfaces.  A single round, rubberized Power/Reset button, a battery cover, a small portal for the laser sensor, and the Bluetooth USB adapter in a small cavity round out the features on the bottom of the mouse.

The battery cover pops open easily with a fingernail, and the two AAA batteries (included) are only moderately difficult to load.  The small cavity into which the Bluetooth USB adapter snaps in for storage allows it to sit nicely flush with the bottom of the mouse.

 

As mentioned above, the first thing I noticed about the Stealth Touch Mouse was its sleek appearance.  There are no buttons, no scroll wheel, nor any discontinuities on the sweeping curve of its matte black surface.  To the touch, the mouse has a very slightly rubberized, satin feel.

 

The mouse is very symmetrical in both width and length.  It has a relatively low profile (lies flatter) in comparison to other mouse designs.  Although I would not consider the mouse to be a dedicated “travel” mouse, with its low profile and smallish size in comparison to other mice, it could quite easily become a staple in your travel computer bag.

Operation and Performance

Pairing

In order to use the mouse, the first thing that must be done is pairing it with a computer.  Remove the Bluetooth USB receiver from its spot on the underside of the mouse and plug it into an open USB port on your Mac or PC, then press the round Power/Reset button on the bottom of the mouse.   This wakes the mouse from sleep mode and also activates Bluetooth pairing.

 

The ‘Manhattan’ logo on the side of the mouse then begins to slowly blink in a blue color.  Next, Bluetooth pairing is initiated per your computer’s specific procedure.  I found it quite easy to do with both my MacBook Pro and my work-issued Lenovo laptop.  Once paired, the Manhattan logo begins to slowly pulsate until it goes into sleep mode again, at which time it turns off.

Mouse Mode

The Stealth Touch Mouse can be used in either of two modes, mouse or presenter.  Laying the mouse on a surface places it in mouse mode.  In this mode, the top front portion of the mouse is actually divided into three touch-sensitive areas that are analogous to the functionality of a set of conventional mouse buttons, but without the actual buttons.  Performing a click function is accompanied by a faint “tick” sound, presumably to simulate the click of an actual mouse button.

  • Left area: tap to select/interact, double tap and hold to grab/highlight (i.e. left click)
  • Middle area: swipe forward to scroll up, swipe backward to scroll down, double tap and hold to quick scroll up/down.
  • Right area: tap to access the command menu (i.e. right click).

Here’s a look at the Control Cheatsheet provided by Manhattan that provides some additional info:

 

In theory this all sounds great.  In practice however, I found some drawbacks.  The first was that, without the benefit of actual discreet, physical buttons, it was difficult to ensure that I always had my finger in the correct touch-sensitive area—I frequently scrolled when I intended to left- or right-click and vice versa.  I got better at this with a bit of practice, but it was still a bit annoying.  The second was that it was extremely difficult to master the double tap and hold to grab/highlight.  The mouse seemed so sensitive that I keep clicking off of things or dropping something that I had selected before I intended to let it go, or I just plain couldn’t highlight/select something to begin with.  This was probably the single most frustrating aspect of the mouse and something that I never mastered, even after using the mouse for several weeks.

 

Presenter Mode

Lifting the mouse to a vertical position places it in presenter mode.  In this mode, the top front portion of the mouse changes functions, with the standard 3-button mouse touch-sensitive areas transforming into a single large area that allows the following:

  • Double tap to being or end presentation
  • Page forward/next slide with a swipe right
  • Page backward/previous slide with a swipe left

Accessories

The Stealth Touch Mouse’s lone accessory is a black drawstring travel pouch.  It is thin and adds minimal weight and bulk to the mouse, but can protect it from light scratches or dings.  Its a nice addition, but I don’t think that everyone would necessarily feel the need to use it.

Conclusion

The Manhattan Stealth Touch Mouse is a very sleek-looking mouse with no physical buttons or scroll wheel and a black satin surface texture.  Though not specifically designed to be travel mouse, its low profile lends itself to use with laptops on the road.  Though its lack of physical buttons contribute to its sleek appearance, it is difficult to perform some functions with this mouse that are common on most other mouse designs, in particular select-drag-drop, which can be frustrating when learning to use it.

Product Information

Price:$59.99
Manufacturer:Manhattan
Requirements:
  • PC or Mac with USB port and Bluetooth
Pros:
  • + Looks cool--slim, low profile, all-black color scheme
  • + Feels cool--slightly soft matte finish
  • + Mouse model or Presenter mode
Cons:
  • + Difficult to perform "click-drag-drop" function
  • + Hitting the right "click area" not always easy

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: , ,

Manhattan Stealth Touch Mouse Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 28, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads

A few moments ago, version 2 of the Banshee music player for Linux was released, bringing with it a whole slew of new features, and the addition of an official -- but alpha-quality -- Windows build. The Mac OS X build of version 2 is due later today.

The most notable new feature is support for the Amazon MP3 store -- you can buy and download music from within Banshee -- but unfortunately it's only available in the Linux build at the moment (OS X and Windows support are planned, however). There have also been some significant improvements to artist, album, and queue interactions -- and yes, you can finally right click a track, album or artist and select 'play after' to insert it into the queue.

Beyond actual playback, the user interface has been tidied up -- it now looks a whole lot smarter -- and the Ubuntu One Music Store and SoundMenu extensions have been made official. For a complete list of changes, additions and bug fixes, check the change log.

When Windows support initially appeared in February, we found it rough around the edges and fraught with stability issues. With version 2, Banshee for Windows is still a bit unstable, but it's shaping up to be a good alternative to Winamp, iTunes, or whatever other music library manager you use. It's almost as attractive as its GNOMEish brother, too!

Download Banshee 2 for Linux and Windows (Mac OS X coming soon)

Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/banshee-music-player-now-works-in-windows-supports-amazon-mp3-d/

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GNOME 3 released, ushers in an interesting amalgam of iOS and OS X

GNOME 3 desktop manager
GNOME 3, after more than two years of development, has been released into the wild. GNOME 3 is not merely the logical successor of GNOME 2: it is an entirely new project, started from scratch, to create a "completely new, modern desktop designed for today's users and technologies."

The best way to check out GNOME 3's new features -- and it has lots of new features -- is to run a live version of openSUSE or Fedora, or simply head over to the GNOME 3 website and watch the (rather pretty) introductory videos. If you want a synopsis, though, here it is: GNOME 3 looks a lot like Mac OS X, with a healthy dollop of iOSesqueness for good measure, but yet it still somehow retains an underlying feel of Linux.

The overall aesthetic is very simple, very elegant, and despite being slightly out of fashion, there are plenty of rounded corners, too. The main addition, workflow-wise, is the addition of an app-launcher-cum-alt-tab screen, where you can launch apps, or flip through your open windows. For a complete list of the new features and changes, check the GNOME 3 release notes.

Despite GNOME 3 being officially launched, there aren't actually any releases for existing, stable Linux distros -- it's the live CD/USB images, or Ubuntu users will have to wait for the launch of 11.04 for a GNOME 3 PPA, but it will break Unity in the process. Fedora users will have to wait for for the May 24 release of Fedora 15. Of course, if you're feeling crazy, you can always build GNOME 3 from source.

GNOME 3 released, ushers in an interesting amalgam of iOS and OS X originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/gnome-3-released-ushers-in-an-interesting-amalgam-of-ios-and-os/

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Everything Everywhere signs 5-year deal with MasterCard for mobile payments

Everything Everywhere signs 5year deal with MasterCard for mobile payments

MasterCard has switched up its NFC and Mobile Payments deal with T-Mobile and Orange to include corporate parent / sibling Everything Everywhere. The pairing will leverage the existing Orange Cash standard to get users onto the service, building out a person-to-person payment system similar to Pingit as they go. It's reportedly angered rival networks Vodafone and O2, still smarting from last week's 4G news, who were co-operating on a unified mobile payments service called "Project Oscar" that would have standardized the system nationwide. Given that Vodafone has partnered with Visa and O2 is trying things out on its own, perhaps the next time you choose a phone, you'll have to side with your card-provider of choice, too.

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Everything Everywhere signs 5-year deal with MasterCard for mobile payments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/everything-everywhere-mastercard/

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Former Rdio software engineer joins Google's Project Glass team

Former Rdio software engineer joins Google's Project Glass team

There's still quite a few months before those lucky early adopters can get their eager hands (and eyes) on Google's Explorer Edition set of wearables, but in the meantime, the company's not wasting any time and is building up its team to have the frames as loaded as can be. One of the latest additions to Mountain View's Project Glass squad is former Rdio and Danger software engineer Ian McKellar -- who'd previously worked on the streaming service's API, among other things. Mum's the word on what exactly he'll be tinkering with at the Project Glass laboratories, though we can't imagine it'll be anything short of amazing. In case you'd like to dive into his thoughts a little more, you can check out his tweet on the matter at the link below.

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Former Rdio software engineer joins Google's Project Glass team originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceIan McKellar (Twitter)  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/former-rdio-engineer-joins-google-project-glass/

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Video out enabled on Windows Phone 7, just not for you

Video out enabled on Windows Phone 7, just not for you

The video out feature in Windows Phone 7 is reserved for select Microsoft employees, and now one enterprising member of the XDA Developers forum. With certain files ripped from an LG Panther 7003 ROM, the help of someone on the inside and many months of work, forum member marsrogers succeeded in pushing video from his Samsung Focus to a companion PC app. Don't get too excited though -- this particular trick will not be released to the masses so the MS confidant involved is not exposed. However, it's not all bad news, as marsrogers' source reports that Windows Phone 8 will have remote desktop capability straight out of the box. Sadly, for those of you carrying around current-gen WP devices, there's still no hope.

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Video out enabled on Windows Phone 7, just not for you originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/27/video-out-on-windows-phone-7/

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Leaked Specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Show an Even More Gigantic Screen [Samsung]

If you were one of the weirdos who looked at the original Galaxy Note and thought, "Oh man, I would totally buy the shit out of that huge phone if it was more huger", you're in luck: leaked specs of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 2 show a 5.5" screen. That's .2 of an inch bigger than small fry original Galaxy Note! More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/MKMO4Ztdrvg/leaked-specs-of-the-samsung-galaxy-note-2-show-an-even-more-gigantic-screen

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MMA Cage Bed: Wrestle Your Spouse For Sheet Supremacy [Beds]

Do you spend every night in a subconscious game of blanket tug-of-war with your bedmate? Now you can use a winner-take-all approach with this MMA-approved cage match bed that lets both of you playfully battle it out and decide who gets the majority of the sheets before you fall asleep. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/DgBKS4GJCPk/mma-cage-bed-wrestle-your-spouse-for-sheet-supremacy

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