T-Mobile 4G Slide Official QWERTY — Android And boosted Camera

T-Mobile 4G Slide Official QWERTY — Android And boosted Camera

T-Mobile has officially announced the myTouch 4G Slide, the carrier’s latest Android smartphone and another QWERTY handset from HTC. Packing HSPA+ connectivity for T-Mobile USA’s 4G network, the myTouch 4G Slide has a 3.7-inch WVGA touchscreen and an 8-megapixel camera; it’s that camera which the carrier is most proud of, though, with improved low-light performance thanks to a new f/2.2 wide aperture lens and a backlit sensor, along with the claim of zero shutter lag and in-camera HDR.

The camera also supports SweepShot, for taking panoramic photos simply by waving the myTouch 4G Slide in front of the scene, and BurstShot, which as the name suggests fires off a handful of frames and then allows you to choose the best one later on. There’s a dual-LED flash on the back, and a front-facing camera with Qik preloaded for video calls.

Of course, you’re also getting Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread along with HTC Sense 3.0 – so the active lockscreen from the Sensation – and inside is the 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that we’ve seen in other recent HTC devices, like the EVO 3D. An updated version of the carrier’s “Genius Button” supports new voice commands – allowing you to call or text people, or search online – as well as text-to-voice.

The T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide will be available in July 2011, in either black or khaki, priced from $199.99 with a new, two-year agreement.

Sony PS Vita May Not — Ship Until January 2012

Sony PS Vita May Not — Ship Until January 2012

Sony’s PSP successor, which has long been dubbed the NGP for next-generation portable was finally unveiled at E3 2011 as the PS Vita. It promises to bring PS3 console quality games to handheld and was slated for this fall just in time for the holiday season. However, recent reports from online pre-orders through Amazon suggest that the device may not ship until January of next year.

Several readers of Destructoid claim to have placed orders for the PS Vita on Amazon only to be notified of a January 2012 ship date. So far, rumors have pointed to a November 4th release of the PS Vita for the UK, but not much has surfaced on a U.S. release date. Destructoid is claiming a December 31 release that would suggest most shipments won’t arrive until at least January 4th. A two-month difference between the UK and US release plus missing the holiday season makes the claim a bit iffy.

The PS Vita touts a 5-inch OLED touchpad screen along with a second touchpad on the back side. It will also have dual analogue sticks, six-axis motion sensor, and both a front and back camera. It will support Wi-Fi and 3G with initial carrier being AT&T. New social features called “Party” and “Near” will also be part of the package. The Wi-Fi-only model is priced at $249 while the 3G/Wi-Fi model is $299.

Solar Sinter Uses — Sand And Sun For 3D Printing

Solar Sinter Uses — Sand And Sun For 3D Printing

A student named Markus Kayser created an awesome project for a MA Design Products project. I hope he graduates with honors simply for the coolness of this project. Kayser created a device that can take advantage of the two unlimited resources out in the desert – sun and sand. The project is dubbed Solar Sinter and is a 3D printer powered by the sun and it uses the sand as the medium to create the objects it prints.

The Solar Sinter was completed in the middle of May and then Kayser and his creation headed out into the Sahara desert in the area of Siwa, Egypt to put his creation to the test for two weeks. The concept worked and creates a cool process that can be harnessed for the design and creation of 3D items that people need. The device uses solar energy to turn the sand into a form of glass.

The Solar Sinter uses open source ReplicatorG software, which is a 3D printing program. The finished project is on display at the Royal College of Art graduate exhibit right now. Check out the video below to see the solar Sinter in action.

Olivetti Olipad 110 Android 3.1 — Honeycomb Tablet

Olivetti Olipad 110 Android 3.1 — Honeycomb Tablet

We first talked about Italian company, Olivetti, having plans for an Android tablet all the way back in December of last year. The company has since produced the OliPad 100 that was released with Android 2.2 Froyo and now has a second one called the Olipad 110 with Android 3.1 Honeycomb that’s getting ready to launch. A demo video of the Olipad 110 has surfaced recently and you can watch it after the cut, but you’ll need some Italian language skills.

The OliPad 110 will feature an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor and a 10-inch screen with resolution bumped up to 1280 x 800. It will have 1GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage, as well as a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera. Connectivity will include a micro HDMI-out, a mini USB slot, and a microSD card slot.

The new tablet with Android 3.1 Honeycomb, hardware improvements, and better display resolution is a nice upgrade from the original OliPad 100, touted as Italy’s first ever Android tablet. The OliPad 110 is also slightly thinner than the 100, packing in more performance in a sleeker package. It’s believed to be set for a July launch with pricing to be around 399 euros or about $549.

Mouse Pad Travel Pouch Raises — Question of Mouse

Mouse Pad Travel Pouch Raises — Question of Mouse

When was the last time you used a mouse? The last time I used a mouse, it was the late 1990s and I was playing the MMORPG Diablo II. Sidenote: Diablo III is coming out soonish, (within the next year, we hope,) and I may need a mouse – any suggestions? Since then, essentially every person I know, my age or otherwise, has been using a laptop for all their computing needs. A desktop replacement, rather, with a trackpad and no need for a mouse. The manufacturing and distribution group Smartfish has just released a product that, by all means, should have been invented years ago: the Mouse Pad Travel Pouch. Will you partake?

Have a look back at a device we reviewed at the beginning of this year: the HP ENVY 17 3D, a desktop replacement notebook. This laptop was (and is) so gigantic and powerful that there’s no reason for you to own a separate device. There’s no reason for you to have a separate computer unless you want to be mobile, that is. And for times like that, what will you do? Will you go for a tiny laptop like a MacBook Air 11.6?? Or will you hit the center with a lovely burnt orange Lenovo U260 IdeaPad? We’ve all got decisions like these to make – but what about that classic symbol of the modern computer, the cursor controller, the clicker, the mouse?

What’s up, world, is the mouse dead, or will you purchase the oddly enticing Mouse Pad Tavel Pouch for $14.95? Or I suppose you could just put your mouse in the bag you’ve already got. Gaming around the world, or sticking in the house?

Microsoft rumored to be working — Devs on free to play gaming scheme

Microsoft rumored to be working — Devs on free to play gaming scheme

On the computer platform there are a bunch of games that use the free to play scheme and are supported by other means. These free to play games allow the user to buy things in the game to make their gaming more fun. The perfect example of the free to play game that also makes a lot of money in add ons is Farmville. There are hoards of people that buy points to add items on the game. Sources claim that to support this style of game Microsoft is preparing a microtransaction system.

The sources also claim that Microsoft is working behind the scenes with game developers to try to get them to build games that are supported by smaller in game transactions. The games could also make money by selling premium upgrades as well. So far Microsoft has offered no official statement on the plans for free to play gaming and the micro transaction service.

The success of social games and their developers at using free to play gaming with small micro payments to support upgrades and other items should appeal to the traditional game developers. The other challenge for Microsoft may be the fact that gamers have to pay to play games online by purchasing an Xbox Gold account. One step to making this work would seem to include opening up online gaming for all Xbox users.

MasterCard Partners With CSI For Mobile — Payments App On Android

MasterCard Partners With CSI For Mobile — Payments App On Android

In a strange move, MasterCard has gone on to partner with CSI for their own mobile payments app. The “tap to pay” convenience of mobile payments is expected to really expand next year, with competing services coming from the Google Walletservice, Visa, and ISIS. MasterCard was a partner for Google’s Wallet service, so its not certain why they’ve branched off to push out a separate mobile wallet app.

The new mobile payments partnership will produce an app called CSI Virtual MasterCard that will be available for the iOS, Android, and BlackBerry platforms. The folks at Engadget confirmed that the app is scheduled for launch sometime in July and may enable GlobalVCard users to use their mobile devices of choice to make payments.

But what’s not clear is whether the app will utilize NFC technology or simply be software-based. Currently, the only devices to have NFC chips are the Google Nexus S and Nexus S 4G. Although rumors suggest that the next-gen iPhone will have NFC, the handset won’t arrive until sometime in September. Also, the BlackBerry Bold 9900, which is supposed to support NFC, has been delayed till fall.

LG Thrill 4G For AT&T — Officially Unveiled

LG Thrill 4G For AT&T — Officially Unveiled

AT&T today confirmed that the LG Thrill 4G will be arriving this summer packed with 3D content. The LG Thrill 4G looks familiar because it’s essentially the LG Optimus 3D but now tied in with AT&T. We first got our hands on the 3D-capable smartphone back when it was announced in February and now it will be ready for the summer with 4G HSPA+. LG’s partnership with Gameloft will also bring more 3D content and games for the device.

What’s nice about the LG Thrill 4G besides supporting 3D image and video capture with its dual array 5-megapixel rear-facing cameras is that it will come with plenty of 3D app support. It will ship with YouTube 3D along with 3D games such as Asphalt 6, Let’s Golf 2, and NOVA. More 3D games can be had from the Gameloft 3D store while 3D movies can be downloaded from mSpot.

The LG Thrill 4G features a 4.3-inch display that supports glasses-free 3D viewing. It has a 1GHz dual-core processor and its dual-array cameras can record 3D in 720p and 2D in 1080p. It will ship with Android 2.2 and support AT&T’s HSPA+ 4G network on launch. If you’re in the market for a 3D smartphone, you might want to take a look at our comparison between the LG Optimus 3D (LG Thrill) and the HTC EVO 3D.

LaCie And Porsche Design — Partner For Next-Gen Hard Drives

LaCie And Porsche Design — Partner For Next-Gen Hard Drives

LaCie is well known for its high-end external hard drives that pair great design with top-notch functionality. They will be one of the first to introduce Thunderbolt-enabled portable hard drives, with their Little Big Disks, using the Apple and Intel proprietary technology that promises up to 10Gbps transfer speeds. But today, they have partnered with Porsche Designs to introduce a new luxury lineup of hard drives that feature USB 3.0 technology.

The lineup includes the LaCie Porsche Design Mobile Hard Drive (P’9220) and the LaCie Porsche Design Desktop Hard Drive (P’9230). They each feature a sleek aluminum frame design that is modern and purist for a very elegant piece of hardware that packs in all the performance under the hood, optimally regulates heat, and is 100 percent recyclable. The workmanship and aesthetic reflects the Porsche Design signature.

Performance-wise, the USB 3.0 hard drives are touted as the fastest on the market, clocking speeds three times faster than USB 2.0. Software comes with the drive for both PC and Mac that includes backup utilities, eco mode for power savings, password protection, and 10GB of Wuala secure online storage.

The LaCie Porche Design Mobile Hard Drive comes in 500GB and 1TB capacities with a 750GB model available exclusively through the worldwide Porsche Design Stores. However, only the 500GB model has pricing listed, currently at $104.99. The LaCie Porsche Design Desktop Hard Drive comes in 1TB for $119.99 and 2TB for $159.99. Both models will be available through the LaCie Online Store.

iPhone 4 Titanium Case — Costs As Much As The Phone Itself

iPhone 4 Titanium Case — Costs As Much As The Phone Itself

Although we all know the iPhone 5 and 4S are on there way, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treasure your current iPhone 4. And instead of saving up for the next-gen iPhone, you might splurge on a new protective case, well, at least that’s what accessories maker Case-Mate is hoping for. The company has recently introduced a new premium case for the iPhone 4 made with titanium.

The Titanium iPhone 4 case takes on the same form as the company’s Jett Metal Case series that works like a bumper surrounding the entire edge of your iPhone without covering either the front or back sides. However, this new case is precisely micro-machined from a solid chunk of titanium. The company touts that titanium is mainly used in aircraft engines and luxury automobiles. It is often sought for its combination of extremely light weight and high durability.

The case requires a more elaborate process of attaching to your phone that involves two screws, a few buttons, and a small screw driver that all come as part of the kit. The case will fit for all models of the iPhone 4, be it from AT&T, Verizon, or even the international iPhone 4. But it does come with a hefty price tag of $300. That’s certainly enough to get you a new phone should you drop your current one off a second floor balcony. But hey, it’s all for the titanium, because, well, as the company says, it’s titanium.

Apple Final Cut Pro X To Get Updates — Every Six Months

Apple Final Cut Pro X To Get Updates — Every Six Months

Apple’s flagship film editing software finally got its long awaited update with the release of Final Cut Pro X yesterday only to face heavy criticism. The new version was rebuilt from the ground up to be a 64-bit application boasting more power and features all with a lower price. But, it turns out a lot of features pros have come to expect were cut out during the process. In response, Apple reportedly claims to release updates for improvements and missing features every six months.

The new Final Cut Pro X has been dubbed by frustrated users as the new “iMovie Pro” suggesting that the new software has been dumbed down to the consumer level. It also doesn’t help that Apple is eliminating its “prosumer” Final Cut Express and its high-end Final Cut Server, making Final Cut Pro X seem like an attempt to be everything while ending up missing the needs of its target users.

Missing are EDL or XML export and OMF output for mixing audio with Pro Tools among many other pro features. But perhaps most incredulous is that projects made in previous versions of Final Cut Pro cannot be imported to this new version. That one doesn’t even require a pro to complain about. It’s very puzzling that Apple would release Final Cut Pro X when it seems to be at such a premature stage in development. Hopefully, Apple delivers on the every-6-month update promise if not sooner, or else it could see a lot of defectors.

HTC Gives Sensation a WiMAX — Makeover For HTC EVO 4G+

HTC Gives Sensation a WiMAX — Makeover For HTC EVO 4G+

HTC has outed its latest 4G smartphone, and though the dual-core HTC EVO 4G+ WiMAX handset is initially intended for South Korea’s WiBro networks, we’d be very surprised if it didn’t make it over to North American shores. Packing both WiMAX and HSPA connectivity, the EVO 4G+ basically takes the guts of the HTC Sensation – including the 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and 4.3-inch qHD resolution display – and gives it a squared off chassis.

The 8-megapixel autofocus camera with dual-LED flash is still present, complete with 1080p Full HD video recording (with stereo sound). The EVO 4G+ also has stereo speakers for playback, as well as supporting MHL for HDMI connections via the microUSB port. Other connectivity includes Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi, a microSD card slot and quadband GSM/EDGE.

The dual-core processor is paired with 1GB of internal ROM, and there’s HTC Sense with access to the HTC Watch download/rental movie store. DLNA streaming and the clever active lockscreen are also present.

No word on when, exactly, the EVO 4G+ will arrive in South Korea, though HTC is taking the wraps off of the phone officially today.

Amenbo uses all five fingers — for computer input

Amenbo uses all five fingers — for computer input

Generally, the input we all use for our computers is a single point. Sure, we can get track pads that sense gestures and multiple fingers as well as touchscreens that allow for multiple finger input. However, for the most part we all use a mouse that has only one point of input. A company called Double Research & Development Co has unveiled a new input device that looks more than a little like a mouse and allows all five fingers to support computer input.

The Amenbo can translate the complete hand movement into computer input. Each of the mouse sensors under the fingers can also sense pressure. That means that not only can all five fingers control screen input, but the Amenbo can sense which of the fingers are being pressed and activate the correct input on the screen. The sensors under each finger are linked by a flexible printed mesh circuit to the base.

The mesh circuit will stretch to accommodate different hand sizes. The part under the plan appears to be a mouse style base. The company thinks that a good place for the Amenbo to be used is in 3D CAD design that is often controlled with a normal mouse and a 3D mouse at the same time. The Amenbo would allow the same control over CAD applications with a single hand.

Archos Arnova 7 Android — Tablet Officially $99

Archos Arnova 7 Android — Tablet Officially $99

Archos unveiled today their latest Android tablet, the Arnova 7, that’s a true budget-pleasing tablet. The Arnova 7 is a set to launch for only $99, which is cheaper than basic e-readers. But that incredibly low price also means lots of sacrifice when it comes to specs.

The Archos Arnova 7 features a 7-inch screen with only an 800×480 resolution. It will run on Android 2.2 Froyo with 4GB of RAM and support 720p video playback at 30fps of most popular media formats. It will also have Wi-Fi, microSD slot, built-in speaker, mic, and one USB port. The body measures 12mm thick and weighs in at 340 grams or 12 ounces.

However, here comes the sacrifices. No processor specs were listed, which means its definitely not at a speed worth highlighting. And, it doesn’t appear to have either a front or back camera. There’s also no mention of whether it will support GPS and Bluetooth. The device has been on sale in the UK since the end of May and should be arriving soon to the U.S., although no specific date has been given yet.

If you’re aching for an Android tablet but really do have a tighter budget and still want some good specs, then you might take a look at Vizio’s 8-inch tablet that’s set for $349 or hold off to see what Amazon has in store for its first tablet offering this August.

Imerj dual-screen SmartPad puts Android on pocketable tablet

Imerj dual-screen SmartPad puts Android on pocketable tablet

Imerj has shown off its dual-display Android smartpad, a clamshell folding smartphone which opens up to reveal a pair of 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED touchscreens pushed as closely together as the bezel will allow. Intended to offer the usability of a tablet in a phone form-factor, the unnamed gadget runs a dual-core TI processor paired with 1GB of DDR3 memory and between 32GB and 128GB of internal storage, augmented with a microSD card slot.

AT&T-compatible 3G and the usual connectivity options are onboard, as well as a 1,750 mAh battery; there’s also a five-megapixel camera that, thanks to some clever folding, can function both for regular photography and for front-facing vanity shots and video calls. It’ll also shoot 720p HD video.

As you’d expect (and, as we’ve written before, you’d hope), there’s been some customization of the Android interface to suit the form-factor. Apps can occupy a single panel or – if compatible – stretch across both; a swipe across the top bezel flips the app between the screens. You can stretch out an app to full-screen with a slow-drag across the bezel, or by physically tilting the phone so that the app expands down all the way. Imerj – and Frog Design, which the company has been working with – have cooked up a custom email app, with the inbox list on one side and individual emails on the other – and a full-screen browser, along with a sizable full-screen QWERTY keyboard.

Engadget scored some playtime with the Imerj prototype, and came away reasonably impressed. The biggest issue is that developers will need to customize their apps in order to make them full-screen compatible, and until there’s a sufficient audience it may be tricky convincing them to go to the effort (even though Imerj says it’s a minimal tweak). No word on launch details or pricing at this stage.

Fujitsu Lifebook TH40D tablet postponed indefinitely

Fujitsu Lifebook TH40D tablet postponed indefinitely

Fujitsu has indefinitely postponed the release of its Lifebook TH40/D sliding-tilting tablet because of unspecified “development” delays. The TH40/D was originally expected to go on sale this month but, Akihabara News reports, Fujitsu has postponed that.

Fujitsu first showed the Lifebook TH40/D back in mid-May, with the touchscreen tablet having a 10.1-inch display and a full QWERTY keyboard with a built-in optical trackpad. Inside is Intel’s 1.5GHz Atom Z670 paired with 1GB of RAM, while ports include HDMI, two USB 2.0 and an SD card reader. OS is Windows 7.

The lack of official information leaves us speculating on why, exactly, the tablet has been delayed. Intel’s Atom Z670 chip could be the cause; the company said it was inside 10 models, including the Samsung Sliding PC 7, but we’re yet to see them actually hit the market. The Samsung pre-order page on Amazon, for instance, has been subsequently pulled.

Alternatively, it could be the sliding mechanism causing headaches, with the potentially complicated tilting and sliding hinge a source of long-term reliability concern. Fujitsu isn’t saying anything, and nor do we know when – or indeed if – the Lifebook TH40/D will make it to store shelves.

HD Spy Camera light switch has motion detection and more

HD Spy Camera light switch has motion detection and more

If you want to be able to keep a very close eye on a certain part of your home or office the Spy Camera Light Switch with GSM Remote control from Chinavision might be perfect. I can certainly see this being used for some nefarious types looking to spy on people, but I can see the benefit of the camera for legitimate means too. In the business world often you have to keep an eye on who is in certain locations like the server room.

This camera could be mounted and if anyone walked into the room without permission, you would be notified on your phone and a photo of who was in the room. The switch is wall mountable and inside it is a pinhole spy camera with HD resolution. The video is stored on a removable microSD card and can be sent to a laptop with a USB cable.

The switch can be operated from your phone and it has video or photo mode. The alerts are sent to your mobile via SMS and you can actually get MMS messages with photos when someone is detected. The device even offers live video streaming access on your mobile. Each of the switches is $80 and they are available now.

I Refuse to Use A Smartphone or Tablet As A Remote

I Refuse to Use A Smartphone or Tablet As A Remote

Later this summer, Vizio will launch an 8-inch tablet that will come with an IR blaster. According to the company, that device will support 95-percent of the consumer electronic devices currently available in the U.S. I’m sure there are many out there that are excited by Vizio’s news. Those folks like the idea of being able to use a single device to surf the Web, check their e-mail, play with applications, and control their televisions. But I can’t agree with them. I can’t stand the idea of using a smartphone or tablet as a remote. And the idea that the Vizio tablet will come with remote functionality doesn’t appeal to me in the least.

See, I’ve used portable devices as remotes before. I’ve used my iPhone to control my Apple TV, and I’ve controlled Google TV devices with Android remote controls. And I can say beyond a shadow of doubt that the experience just isn’t for me.

Of course, I realize that there are few out there that might agree with me. Supporters of the technology say that it’s the next logical step for universal remotes, since users will be able to have all the buttons they need on their touch screen, while still having the ability to surf the Web and do other things. It’s like having a Logitech Harmony remote, but better.

However, I don’t necessarily see value in universal remotes, and I don’t necessarily want my smartphone or tablet to do everything for me.

In my experience with universal remotes, I’ve found that they’re useful for a short period of time. I take an hour to set up all the gear in my living room then take another hour to become acclimated to the experience. After seeing the limitations on the universal remote and the odd quirks that annoy me, I inevitably switch back to my multi-remote setup.

Yes, I’m the guy that has 5 remotes and uses all of them to switch from one piece of content to another.

And while I’m sure there are some that scoff at that, I find it more appealing. I don’t need to deal with a touch screen and I’m not forced to keep mashing buttons to get to the desired remote. I simply need to pick up the remote that comes with a respective device, hit a few buttons, and I’m all set.

So, I’m afraid I won’t be one of the folks buying Vizio’s upcoming tablet for its remote functionality. Though I can see why some who already use universal remotes might like the idea of using it, I don’t. To me, using a smartphone or tablet for remote control isn’t worth my time. I’d rather stick with my multi-remote setup and be done with it.£279 cost

iCloud Facebook Phone 4G Super PhonesTablets

iCloud Facebook Phone 4G Super PhonesTablets

Pentax has outed its new interchangeable-lens camera, the Pentax Q, and it has whipped the “world’s smallest” titles from out from under the nose of the Sony NEX-C3. The 12.4-megapixel Q has a 1/2.3 inch backlit CMOS image sensor and uses a new Q mount system; there’s in-camera HDR, Full HD 1080p 30fps video recording, sensor-shift shake reduction and 5fps continuous shooting.

Pentax has also thrown in a clever dog-leg style pop-up flash, which the company reckons has a 28-degree wide angle field of view along with 23 foot effectiveness at ISO 200. A Quick Dial settings wheel on the front of the camera can be preset to the Q’s various auto, scene, effects and other modes. There’s also a Bokeh Control filter and shutter speeds ranging from 1/2000 to 30 seconds.

Ports include HDMI, USB and an SDHC memory card slot, while the display is a 3-inch HVGA panel. As for lenses, Pentax is launching the Q mount system with four options (aside from the PENTAX 01 Standard Prime kit lens): the 02 Standard Zoom ($299.95), a 27.5-83.0mm zoom lens with a 30cm focusing distance; the 03 Fish-Eye ($129.95), a 160-degree lens, and the 04 Toy Lens Wide and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto ($79.95 each), offering a 35mm equivalent field of view and a 100mm field of view respectively.

The Pentax Q will go on sale in Japan initially, then follow on in the US in the fall. It will be priced at around $800 as a Prime lens kit, and in black or white. Other accessories include an External Viewfinder (EVF) which will be $249.95.

Xbox LIVE TV and NUads for Kinect could save TV advertising

Xbox LIVE TV and NUads for Kinect could save TV advertising

Microsoft’s NUads system for Kinect – combining interactive content with adverts – failed to cause waves when the company announced it earlier this week, perhaps because (unless you’re Apple) it’s a tough sell to make advertising sexy. Intended to encourage Xbox 360 users to actually pay attention to promos rather than tuning out until the real content arrives, NUads reacts to spoken and physical commands tracked by the Kinect sensor bar, pulling up more information on products, setting scheduling reminders for upcoming shows, and tweeting out anything that has particularly caught your eye. With a little work, though, it could be the entertainment industry’s salvation.

The name of the game with NUads is audience engagement. Right now, there are plenty of things to distract us while adverts are on live TV, and little reason not to skip past them on recorded content. Microsoft’s ploy is to make ads social and “irresistibly interactive” by building in simple to use commands and gestures, while advertisers themselves get vital feedback on who is actually paying attention rather than playing Angry Birds on their phone while the promo is showing.

Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE TV service, announced at E3 2011 earlier this month, met with scratched heads as people wondered exactly why the console should be their smart TV STB of choice. With the addition of NUads, however, the reasons that users and content providers might want to get Xbox involved in the viewing experience becomes far clearer. Set to launch in the fall – though with no US partner(s) yet announced – Xbox LIVE TV will compete with the STBs provided by satellite/cable TV providers (many of which are rented to viewers for a monthly fee) and use voice commands to search for shows through Bing on Xbox. Meanwhile the same Xbox LIVE TV functionality will also be available on Windows 8 PCs.