Monday 17 September 2012

Mashable: Latest 25 News Updates - including “Fitbit Unveils a Smaller Ultra, Plus a New Pedometer Called Zip”

Mashable: Latest 25 News Updates - including “Fitbit Unveils a Smaller Ultra, Plus a New Pedometer Called Zip”


Fitbit Unveils a Smaller Ultra, Plus a New Pedometer Called Zip

Posted: 17 Sep 2012 04:47 AM PDT


Fitbit unveiled its new Ultra pedometer, plus a new product called the Fitbit Zip on Monday.

The marquee product -- a pedometer you can wear on your belt or, for women, in the center of your bra -- is now equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and more social sharing features.

Fitbit also unveiled a smaller, wider pedometer called the Fitbit Zip. At $59.95, the Zip costs less than the Ultra; it has the same social features as the Ultra (available for $99.95), but runs on a watch battery that lasts four to six months, so users don't have to charge it.

Fitbit Ultra:

CEO James Park said the new products address user concerns about the previous Ultra (e.g. the fact that it could be easily…
Continue reading...

More About: fitbit, fitness, pedometer


Mashable Weekend Recap: 56 Stories You Might Have Missed

Posted: 17 Sep 2012 03:22 AM PDT


The Internet was abuzz with iPhone 5 news after Apple debuted its latest smartphone last week. Mashable brought you that story, as well as other tech and social media articles, while you were out of the office.

Our team kept up-to-date on the biggest headlines, so don't worry if you missed a few. Read up on all the latest happenings in our Weekend Recap below.

Editor's Picks

Why You Don't Need the iPhone 5, by an iPhone Owner

'Gangnam Style' Hits the Big Leagues With 'SNL' Spoof [VIDEO]

iPod Nano's Evolution: Make Up Your Mind, Apple

Apple EarPods: How Good Do They Really Sound? [VIDEO]

Everybody's Talking About Pop Music [INFOGRAPHIC]

Continue reading...

More About: mashable weekend recap, weekend recap


Smartphone-Controlled Light Bulb Raises $260,000 on Kickstarter

Posted: 17 Sep 2012 02:29 AM PDT


A Kickstarter project to create a smartphone-controlled, Wi-Fi connected light bulb has smashed through its $100,000 goal, raising $260,000 with 58 days to go.

The LIFX, as this light bulb is called, is a LED bulb that saves energy and lasts up to 25 years. It's easy to install -- you merely need to replace your current bulbs with LIFX bulb, and download an iOS or Android app, which you can use to control the lighting in your house.

The project creators claim the smartphone app will also let you choose any brightness for a specific bulb, a room or a whole house, visualize music, assemble your lights into "groups" and more.

Backers of the project who pledge $69 get one LI…
Continue reading...

More About: LIFX, kickstarter, led, light bulb


Canon EOS 6D: Wi-Fi, GPS and Full-Frame — Oh My!

Posted: 17 Sep 2012 01:21 AM PDT


Canon EOS 6D




Coming in December for $2,099 (body only), the 6D is Canon's first EOS digital SLR camera with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. It has a full-frame 20-megapixel image sensor, improved low-light sensitivity and the ability to capture 1080p video (30 fps).

Click here to view this gallery.


If you're thinking about stepping up to a serious DSLR camera and had your eye on Canon's EOS 5D Mark III, wait just a second. Canon has unveiled a new model, the EOS 6D, which has many of the Mark III's features in a more compact package -- plus a couple of extra tricks, including built-in Wi-Fi.

Like the 5D Mark III (and its predecessor, the popular Mark II), the EOS 6 is a full-frame camera (meaning the CMOS image sensor is as large as a frame of 35mm film). The megapixel count is slightly less (20.2 MP instead of 22.3), though it'll be tough to tell the difference. The 6D also packs the relatively recent DIGIC 5+ image processor, which gives it a speedy continuous shooting rate, at 4.…
Continue reading...

More About: Canon, DSLR, EOS, digital cameras


5 Digital Highlights From New York Fashion Week

Posted: 17 Sep 2012 01:14 AM PDT


Designers didn't just bring new clothes to Lincoln Center during New York Fashion Week -- several introduced new uses for digital technology as well.

Diane von Furstenberg led the pack, surprising in-person and online attendees by showcasing Google Glass -- the futuristic eyewear device Google is building -- down the runway. Photos were taken backstage using the device, and shared to DVF's Google+ Page ahead of and during the show.

A short film compiled from video taken with glasses worn by models, Furstenberg and members of her team was released three days later. Tweets about the DVF show were up 160% from last season, making her the third most talked-about designer on Twitte
Continue reading...

More About: Google Glass, cutonyourbias, dvf, htc, marc jacobs, nyfw, oscar de la renta, rebecca minkoff


Shazam for TV Now Works With Any Show

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 10:44 PM PDT


Shazam, best known as a music-identification app, is venturing deeper into the social TV sphere Monday with the expansion of its Shazam for TV second-screen experience.

Shows and advertisements have already been compatible with Shazam via partnerships -- notably the London Olympics and Super Bowl commercials -- but now Shazam works with all shows on 160 channels in the U.S. except for some local programming.

When I used Shazam while watching Friends, for example, the app pulled up cast details, music from the episode, celebrity gossip about the actors, trivia, Twitter messages, the show's web pages (i.e. official, IMDB and Wikipedia), merchandise and the option to share Shazam's…
Continue reading...

More About: Entertainment, TV, apps, mobile apps, shazam, social tv, trending


iPhone ‘Paintings’ Created Using Oil from Human Pores [PICS]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 09:57 PM PDT


Using an iPhone as his canvas, New York-based artist JK Keller created "oil paintings" -- but not in the way you'd think.

While the medium that Keller uses is oil-based, it's of the porous variety -- that is, oil from his greasy face.

"It's a play on expectations of what that phrase means in the traditional sense," he tells Mashable in an email.

After smearing his face on the iPhone's surface, Keller moves the oil around with his finger to create different patterns and designs; these are accented when light hits the phone.

While the resulting art is unique, he admits his creations may be hard to stomach: "You're a little grossed out, but also think it looks pretty cool…
Continue reading...

More About: iphone, paintings, trending


iPhotography: 10 Striking Silhouettes Worthy of a Frame

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 08:47 PM PDT


1. Walking Alone, by Mutablend




This beautifully captured photo looks like an illustration from a fairy tale.

Click here to view this gallery.


Simple compositional constructs can make for incredibly effective photographs. Take silhouettes, for example. Relatively easy to capture, even on a cameraphone, the results can be stunning.

SEE ALSO: iPhotography: Find Peace With These 12 Soothing Sunsets

We have found 10 impressive silhouettes shot by iPhotographers from all over the world. Take a look through our photo gallery above and link to your impressive photography in the comment below.

More About: Photos, features, iphone, iphotography, photography, trending


Millions Watch Online Video of Topshop London Fashion Week Show

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 07:59 PM PDT


More than 2 million people from 100 countries watched online video of Topshop's Spring/Summer 2012 Unique show in the three hours after the fashion retailer live streamed it Sunday.

The London Fashion Week show was broadcast on Topshop's website and Twitter page. It was also shown on large screens at its Oxford Circus flagship store in London and on the websites of more than 200 media partners. Topshop posted video of the 10- to 15-minute show immediately after it ended.

Topshop built considerable buzz in the days leading up to the show by promising consumers a "personalized" and shoppable live stream experience. Viewers could click on clothes and accessories to browse color o…
Continue reading...

More About: lfw, london fashion week, topshop


5 Volume-Limiting Headphones Designed for Children

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 07:22 PM PDT


1. Griffin Technology Crayola MyPhones




Kid-sized, colorful, cushioned and cute, the MyPhones have built-in volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound down 85 decibels — the level recommended as safe for younger ears. Bundled with 40 stickers and three Crayola markers, children can create their own customized designs. Cost: $24.99

Click here to view this gallery.


Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage anyone's hearing, but children's ears especially need to be protected.

If your child uses headphones, you should seriously consider investing in a pair with volume-limiting capabilities, ensuring the audio stays at safe levels. We have found five pairs, designed specially for children, that offer such functionality.

SEE ALSO: 10 Charming iPhone Cases for Kids

Take a look through our selection in the image gallery above. Let us know in the comments below if you'd consider buying some for your little ones.

Thumbnail image courtesy of Flickr, TedsBlog

More About: Gadgets, Headphones, Kids, Tech, family and parenting, features, lifestyle, trending


Top 10 GIF Sounds of the Week

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 06:15 PM PDT


1. Around the World




Mashup courtesy of Reddit

Click here to view this gallery.


By now, you've probably noticed we really like GIFs. They're the perfect form of expression, punchline and, most importantly, they make you laugh.

Today, we've jazzed up our regular weekly GIF roundup to take the Internet to a whole new level: GIF sound mashups.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 GIFs of the Week (Sept. 1)

Inspired by the subreddit /r/gifsound, these GIFs come paired with highly appropriate songs. Click the link in each slide for the full musical effect.

Want to make your own? Go to the GIF Sound website and share your best mashup in the comments below.

More About: GIFs, Watercooler, features, humor, mashups, reddit


Versatile Evouni Smartphone Pouch Doubles as a Stand [VIDEO]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 05:25 PM PDT


Many smartphone holders leave little wiggle room for anything outside their specific dimensions. But Japanese casemaker Evouni has created a pouch designed to accomodate smartphones of various sizes.

Called the Nano Stand Pouch, the holder comes in multiple colors and two sizes: one for smartphones 3.8 inches in length or smaller, and another option for those from 3.8 to 4.3 inches.

What's more, the leather pouch converts into a stand with vertical, horizontal and slanted positions -- helpful when you want to Skype or watch videos.

They're available on Evouni's website starting at $30.

What do you carry your smartphone in? Would you us…
Continue reading...

More About: Evouni, case, smartphone, trending


15 Geeky Doormats for Your Nerdy Abode

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 04:15 PM PDT


1. Welcome In Binary Doormat




Welcome your guests in the language of geek. $49.99

Click here to view this gallery.


As a loud and proud geek, you should alert visitors before they even set foot inside the door. We've found 15 fabulous doormats with seriously nerdy designs, from iPhone-themed options to retro gaming references.

SEE ALSO: 10 Awesome Accessories to Organize Your Office

So come on in and take a look through our great gallery of geeky doormats. Oh, and please don't forget to wipe your feet!

More About: accessories, features, geek, home, lifestyle, trending


Theater Enlists Ninjas to Shush Obnoxious Moviegoers [VIDEO]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 03:12 PM PDT


We all loathe the people who talk, text and eat popcorn too loudly at the movies. Now a London theater has enlisted a force of ninjas to end the epidemic once and for all.

The Prince Charles Cinema in London has a team of volunteer ninjas -- clad in full-body, all-black jump suits -- who will let you know if you're making too much noise during a film. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, the ninjas get to enjoy the movie free.

Think of the ninjas as theater etiquette vigilantes, who want to enjoy their theater-going experience, just like you.

Let's just hope no engrossed fans get confused about who's a theater volunteer and who's a ch…
Continue reading...

More About: Entertainment, Film, ninjas, theater, trending


5 Fascinating Facts We Learned From Reddit This Week

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 02:18 PM PDT


1. George Washington Was Not a Fan of Political Parties




In fact, he believed they would destroy democracy. "However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." - Farewell Address, Sept. 17, 1796 Image courtesy of Flickr, cliff1066™.

Click here to view this gallery.


The Reddit community is ever hungry for engaging tidbits about science, history and culture. Sometimes a random comment opens up a whole new world of fascinating discussion -- you've just got to know where to look.

We've gathered our five favorite knowledge bites from a week of cruising the Reddit tubes. Spy anything else worthy of inclusion on our weekly list? Share those links in the comments.

More About: facts, features, reddit, reddit facts, trending


iPhone 5 is a Crushing Disappointment [SUNDAY COMICS]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 01:35 PM PDT


Some of you might be raving about the new iPhone 5, but not our friends Nitrozac and Snaggy of The Joy of Tech.

More About: Sunday Comics, The Joy of Tech, apple, comics, iPhone 5, trending


Top 5 Apps Your Kids Will Love This Week

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 01:22 PM PDT


Math is the foundation of all learning, from literature to music and everything in between. This week, we have Math Doodles and the Motion Math Hungry Guppy to satisfy any number-crunching child's appetite.

But if your kids aren't quite ready for math just yet, these apps are sure to set them down the right path. Also worth the download: PlaySquare: WordWorld's Happy Birthday Dog, a free app the publishers call "touchable television."

SEE ALSO: The Top 5 Apps Your Kids Will Love This Week

Children's Technology Review has shared with Mashable five top apps from its comprehensive monthly database of kid-tested reviews. The site covers everything from math and counting to…
Continue reading...

More About: Gaming, Kids, Mobile, Top Kids Apps, apps, contributor, features, ipad


Social Good Summit Is Less Than A Week Away

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 01:14 PM PDT


This year's Social Good Summit conference promises to once again showcase the unparalleled effects of people united through social media and technology to change the world.

More About: social good summit


Viral Video Recap: Funniest Memes of the Week

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 12:45 PM PDT


Let's face it: There are a lot of videos on YouTube -- far too many for you to ever see them all. That's why we here at Mashable have created the viral video recap, to ensure that you can keep up to speed with the best of the past week.

What's in store for you this week? Not surprisingly, cats. One purring soul music and another relaxedly sitting.

We've also got South Korean sensation Psy teaching Brittany Spears to dance on Ellen ("the mindset of this dance is dress classy and dance cheesy," Psy explains to Brittany), an X-Factor contestent telling off Demi Lovato, and Jimmy Kimmel fooling fans into thinking they're holding an iPhone 5, when i…
Continue reading...

More About: Watercooler, YouTube, memes, trending, viral videos


Top 10 Tech This Week

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 12:04 PM PDT


This week turned into one of the most exciting techno-extravaganzas of the year, and we found the best gadgets of all right here on Top 10 Tech.

More About: HP, Nikon, Peugeot, Top 10 Tech, apple, iPhone 5, iphone, ipod nano, trending


Facebook Users Judge Attractiveness Based on Others’ Comments [STUDY]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 11:10 AM PDT


What's the first thing you look at when you make a new Facebook friend?

Most likely, it's the comments on that person's profile picture, according to a new study from the University of Missouri. The comments your Facebook friends leave on your profile picture strongly affect your level of perceived physical, social and professional attractiveness.

This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as profile pictures are the first place your eye is drawn to on a Facebook profile.

Seoyeon Hong, a doctoral candidate in journalism, and Kevin Wise, an associate professor, found that the more comments (particularly the positive ones) users have, the more attractive they're perceived to be.…
Continue reading...

More About: Facebook, Social Media, research, study, trending


4 Big Gambles That Turned Into Job Offers

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 10:27 AM PDT


When times get tough, job seekers get creative to stand out from the pack. How's that done? Sometimes you have to take a big chance.

More About: Twitter, bilboards, features, job search series, job seekers, mashable, trending


Neil Armstrong Remembered in NASA’s Tribute Video

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 09:45 AM PDT


NASA created this tribute video for moonwalker and fallen hero Neil Armstrong, tracing his storied career as one of NASA's best pilots, as well as one of its most humble and self-effacing astronauts.

More About: NASA, Neil Armstrong, space


Top 10 Pinterest Pins This Week

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 09:21 AM PDT


These are 10 whimsical Pinterest pins you'll definitely want to repin for yourself.

More About: pinterest, top 10 pinterest pins


‘Gangnam Style’ Hits the Big Leagues With ‘SNL’ Spoof [VIDEO]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 08:09 AM PDT


"Gangnam Style" rapper Psy's U.S. media tour continued Saturday, with an appearance on Saturday Night Live alongside host Seth MacFarlaine, Jason Sudeikis and Kenan Thompson. The South Korean viral video celebrity performed in a shopping mall's Lids store, to help cheer up employees.

We've already seen Psy make special appearances this week on Ellen and The Today Show (see pictures below).

SEE ALSO: Epic 'Gangnam Style' Mashup Will Get You Dancing

South Korean viral sensation Park Jae Sung, aka PSY, has taken the YouTube waves by storm with his auto-tuned, pop-tastic music video "Gangnam Style." Though the lyrics are mostly in Korean, Americans have enthusiastically embraced…
Continue reading...

More About: Watercooler, gangnam style, psy, snl, trending, viral video


Apple EarPods: How Good Do They Really Sound? [VIDEO]

Posted: 16 Sep 2012 07:16 AM PDT


It's been a long time coming: Apple's earbuds have finally gotten a big upgrade. At the iPhone 5 unveiling, Apple revealed it would now include new "EarPods" with every iPhone and iPod going forward. The new earphones have a vented enclosure for deeper bass and a new design that's intended to better fit the ear.

So has Apple hit the sweet spot with its new earphone design, or is it just blowing smoke when it says the EarPods "rival high-end headphones that cost hundreds of dollars more?" With a brand-new pair of EarPods in one hand and some of the old Apple earbuds in the other, we performed a listening test with some select Mashable staffers.

SE
Continue reading...

More About: apple, earpods, iPhone 5, trending



Back to the top