VIM Adventures teaches you keyboard shortcuts, :%s/n00b/pro/gc in no time

VIM Adventures teaches you keyboard shortcuts, :%s/n00b/pro/gc in no time

If you've ever had the pleasure of using VIM, the popular Linux (and other platforms) text editor, you'll know that dark magic lies within its keyboard shortcuts. However, with so many to learn, where do you start? Well, some fine fellows thought the answer to that question was a neat little fantasy adventure game. VIM adventures coaxes you through the learning process via ingenious little tasks that teach you the shortcuts along the way, all washed down with a healthy glug of gaming nostalgia. Before long you'll have the keys to the castle and, of course, unabated word processing prowess. Tap j to hit the source link and get started.

VIM Adventures teaches you keyboard shortcuts, :%s/n00b/pro/gc in no time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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Scissortape – Another “Why didn’t I think of that?” moment

Wrapping presents is one of those jobs I don’t enjoy.  And as bad as my wrapping skills are, it’s an added pain in my house because I can never find where the kids have left the tape. Worry no longer, one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” gadgets is at hand.  The Scissortape [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/04/23/scissortape-another-why-didnt-i-think-of-that-moment/

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Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on)

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Light-based communication seems to wind throughout the MIT Media Lab -- it is a universal language, after all, since many devices output light, be it with a dedicated LED or a standard LCD, and have the capacity to view and interpret it. One such device, coined Droplet, essentially redirects light from one source to another, while also serving as a physical interface for tablet-based tasks. Rob Hemsley, a research assistant at the Media Lab, was on hand to demonstrate two of his projects. Droplet is a compact self-contained module with an integrated RGB LED, a photodiode and a CR1216 lithium coin battery -- which provides roughly one day of power in the gadget's current early prototype status. Today's demo used a computer-connected HDTV and a capacitive-touch-enabled tablet. Using the TV to pull up a custom Google Calendar module, Hemsley held the Droplet up to a defined area on the display, which then output a series of colors, transmitting data to the module. Then, that data was pushed to a tablet after placing the Droplet on the display, pulling up the same calendar appointment and providing a physical interface for adjusting the date and time, which is retained in the cloud and the module itself, which also outputs pulsing light as it counts down to the appointment time.

StackAR, the second project, functions in much the same way, but instead of outputting a countdown indicator, it displays schematics for a LilyPad Arduino when placed on the tablet, identifying connectors based on a pre-selected program. The capacitive display can recognize orientation, letting you drop the controller in any position throughout the surface, then outputting a map to match. Like the Droplet, StackAR can also recognize light input, even letting you program the Arduino directly from the tablet by outputting light, effectively simplifying the interface creation process even further. You can also add software control to the board, which will work in conjunction with the hardware, bringing universal control interfaces to the otherwise space-limited Arduino. Both projects appear to have incredible potential, but they're clearly not ready for production just yet. For now, you can get a better feel for Droplet and StackAR in our hands-on video just past the break.

Continue reading Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on)

Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/

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PSA: If you purchased extra Gmail storage, your Google Drive just got bigger

google drive extra storage

5GB, huh? Not quite enough for you? If you were wise enough to up the capacity of your Gmail inbox + Picasa allotment before today, your Google Drive experience just got a lot more awesome. A trio of editors here at Engadget HQ managed to upgrade their Gmail boxes a couple of years ago, and at the time (read: it's no longer an available option), Google was offering an extra 20GB for use across its properties for a mere $5 per year. Upon loading Google Drive today, we each found a healthy 25GB waiting to be filled, with no expectation of additional payments to Google. Be sure to let us know if you're seeing a similar boost in capaciousness down in comments below, particularly for those who splurged on one of the more current Gmail add-on plans.

PSA: If you purchased extra Gmail storage, your Google Drive just got bigger originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/dqb7UqjV_xk/

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Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer

elephantquest
When someone tells me about a "platformer", my first thought is that it's probably a simple game that mainly revolves around running and jumping around, with a minimal plot. [Play a Zelda game! -Ed]

Elephant Quest is one platformer that managed to prove me completely wrong. Yes, you do run and jump around, and you also shoot at stuff. But the game has much, much more going for it.

Basically, as you run, jump and shoot, you gain experience points and level up. Hitting Space brings you into an interface where you can convert your experience points into Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Dexterity points. Once you've "specialized" your points, you then get to pick what exact skills you'd like to enhance in each field. For example, you could use your dexterity to enhance your weapons or increase your swiftness.

The game is played in a huge maze; you go through rooms using doors, and there's a large map. As the name implies, there are quests you can take, too. For example, one quest had me searching all over the place for ten balloons.

The bottom line is that this is a surprisingly deep game that just might ensnare you for a good bit longer than you intended to play. Beware!

Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/elephant-quest-is-an-addictive-deep-platformer/

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Help Bob make money in Sticks, a fun physics game

sticks
Sticks is another one of those rare games where the intro is actually worth watching. It introduces you to office worker Bob, who is basically a wage slave fantasizing about a better existence.

Then, on his way back home from another grueling day at the office, he passes a huge sign which says "Sticks." This is where the game starts.

Each level has a number of coins hovering in mid-air, and your goal is to place sticks that lead those coins to Bob -- but you only have a limited amount of wood to play with. As soon as you're done placing your sticks strategically, hit the big Play button and let nature, or rather gravity, run its course. The coins will drop down, and if you place your sticks correctly, they will roll all the way to Bob.

The soundtrack is soothing and playful, and didn't get on my nerves even after playing for quite a while. All in all, a very cute game, especially for a day at the office.

Help Bob make money in Sticks, a fun physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/18/help-bob-make-money-in-sticks-a-fun-physics-game/

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Cincinnati Bell pushing Ice Cream Sandwich to HTC Sensation users

HTC Sensation

Cincinnati Bell has announced the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the HTC Sensation starts rolling out today. Sensation owners will get updated to Android 4.0.3, but there's no word on what version of HTC Sense to expect. We're fairly certain it will be 3.6, just like the other Sensations received. The OTA starting today is expected to be completed by April 30. Cinci Bell also stresses that users will not have to visit a store, nor will they lose any data during the update. Interestingly, they also state that customers don't have to update their phones, which is in contrast to most carriers who require the latest official version for any technical support. Holler out if you see this one!

Source: Facebook; More: Sensation forums;
thanks, Anon!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/SodYqevKBiI/story01.htm

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Buckeyes to fire 500 trillion watt laser May 15th in a short, cheap burst

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High-energy laser fusion experiments evoke extreme numbers -- not only in power but also in greenbacks. Sure, the current champ at the National Ignition facility in Livermore, CA can pump out a 411 trillion watt pulse, but at what price? A taxpayer-busting $200,000 per shot, with a $4 billion original construction cost. Compared to that, the new Ohio State University's 500 trillion watt model seems bargain-basement, built with a mere $6 million grant from the US Department of Energy. Admittedly, that paltry sum get you a much shorter burst, lasting 20 picoseconds compared to the NIF's several nanoseconds. But with the ability to fire 100 or more times per day, instead of just once like it's pricier kin, Ohio State will be able to assist the NIF with their fusion experiments, while also carrying on its own science, like simulating star formation. And money aside, the possibility of unlimited fusion-powered energy is always a noble goal, no?

Buckeyes to fire 500 trillion watt laser May 15th in a short, cheap burst originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/Ohio-State-fire-500-trillion-watt-laser/

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Goodbye Charlie Card—Boston Bus Fares Could Soon Be Sold by Smartphone [NFC]

There are fare vending machines in fewer than half of Boston's commuter rail stations so most people buy their tickets on-board the trains. However the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority announced today that come fall, riders may be able to prepurchase their fares on their phones. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/H7VWTKz3xYE/goodbye-charlie-cardboston-bus-fares-could-soon-be-sold-by-smartphone

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The new iPad Camera

The new iPad 3 brings many of the camera enhancements that have already appeared on the iPhone 4S. Of course the iPhone 4S has already proved to be the fastest selling smartphone ever, and has quickly risen to be the most common camera phone for uploading directly to Flickr. The new hardware developments together with the enhancements in the new iOS 5.1 system truly bring the new iPad’s rear camera into a new era of tablet cameras. Previous tablet cameras [...]

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/the-new-ipad-camera/

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