| Minecraft mod adds programmable 8-bit computer, lacks cassette deck (video) May 21st 2012, 21:16  Never one to focus exclusively on the very latest hardware, a new mod has brought an 6502 microprocessor to a Minecraft world near you. The system is made from three separate cubes, representing the CPU, monitor and disk drive, respectively, all connected by ribbon cables. Part of pre-release 5 of the RedPower 2 mod, programmer Eloraam has also thrown in pumps and solar panels to keep crafters busy -- you're no longer limited to light switches. The emulated 8-bit processor can interact with other Minecraft blocks and while the computer can be programmed alone, its creator has been kind enough to include a Forth interpreter alongside the hardware, for those looking to get a little more involved. Such types can also skip over the break for an intense 23-minute tutorial on the mod. Continue reading Minecraft mod adds programmable 8-bit computer, lacks cassette deck (video) Minecraft mod adds programmable 8-bit computer, lacks cassette deck (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  The Verge |  Eloraam | Email this | Comments | | Spotify hits Australia and New Zealand, can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? May 21st 2012, 21:00  Music fans in Australia and New Zealand are waking up some happy news this Tuesday morning. Spotify announced that it's bringing its streaming services to those markets, starting today, offering up access to some 16 million tracks via PC, smartphone and iPad, bringing Spotify's availability to a grand total of 15 countries. Each new country will also be getting Spotify apps to call their own: Triple J in Australia and NZ Top 40 in New Zealand, both of which offer up curated music access. More information on the launches -- including prices for premium accounts -- can be found in press releases after the break, and a playlist of some of our favorite local jams (and a locally-themed Kinks number) can be heard below. Continue reading Spotify hits Australia and New Zealand, can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? Spotify hits Australia and New Zealand, can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Panasonic launches 12-35mm Micro Four Thirds lens with constant f/2.8 aperture May 21st 2012, 20:43  As powerful as they've become, Mirrorless camera systems can't match the versatility of a full-size DSLR. One key component we haven't seen is a constant-aperture lens, offering a consistent large aperture size throughout the zoom range. That changed today. Panasonic's new Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm optic packs one incredible advantage over its compact competitors -- a constant f/2.8 aperture. Because of the Micro Four Thirds system's 2x multiplication factor, this 12-35mm lens covers the same zoom range of 24-70mm glass on a full-frame camera, in a significantly smaller package. The optic consists of 14 elements in nine groups, and includes UED and UHR lenses to increase image quality and minimize distortion, along with built-in image stabilization and Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating to reduce ghosting and lens flare. It's also splash- and dust-resistant, and features a metal mount on the rear. Panasonic has yet to release pricing in the US, but the European price tag has been estimated at €1,100 (about $1,400) -- by comparison, Canon's equivalent optic (from a specification perspective) will run you $1,600. For its part, the 12-35mm MFT lens is expected to hit stores in August. Full PR is just past the break. Continue reading Panasonic launches 12-35mm Micro Four Thirds lens with constant f/2.8 aperture Panasonic launches 12-35mm Micro Four Thirds lens with constant f/2.8 aperture originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Of myths and 41-megapixel sensors: Nokia looks back on the 808 PureView (video) May 21st 2012, 20:17  It's a tale as old as the introduction of the 808 PureView, itself. Something about a bar and Tokyo and scribbling ingenious ideas on a napkin -- you know, the same 'ol humble origin story that seems to surround every impactful creation. Spoon-fed mythology aside, Nokia's decided to shift things into meta mode by composing a making of mini-doc for its hump-backed Symbian Belle cameraphone shot entirely with that much-ballyhooed 41-megapixel sensor (insert feigned amazement here). If you haven't heard Espoo spin this yarn before, settle in for an eight minute, accented tribute journey that takes navel-gazing and self-congratulations to an uncomfortable level. We get it, guys, the camera's good. Really, really good -- there's no need to sell us on it any further. 'Tis a pity, then, that the handset's been restricted to "select markets." Hop on past the break to gawk at this scripted enthusiasm first-hand. Continue reading Of myths and 41-megapixel sensors: Nokia looks back on the 808 PureView (video) Of myths and 41-megapixel sensors: Nokia looks back on the 808 PureView (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Google rolls out improved Gmail search, scans your emails for better results May 21st 2012, 19:41  Oh those Googlers, always tirelessly tweaking code behind-the-scenes to make our lives that much more easily indexed. So it should come as no surprise that Mountain View's begun rolling out a streamlined Gmail search feature to English-language users today, replete with "tailored" autocomplete suggestions. Now, instead of simply returning results for labels and contacts, queries will also include relevant email info based on the conversations stored in a user's account, like flight or hotel reservations. At the moment, this improved ease-of-use applies to only the web-based version of the service, but a planned extension to its ever popular GApp is on deck, as well support for additional languages in the coming months. Hit up the source below for the finer details. Google rolls out improved Gmail search, scans your emails for better results originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Official Gmail Blog | Email this | Comments | |
