Microsoft Buys Minecraft and Mojang Studios for 2.5 Billion Dollars

The last time Microsoft bought a successful video game studio (Halo creator Bungie) it quickly disbanded and left for a competitor (Sony's Playstation). Will Mojang be next?

Will Two Wrongs Make A Right For Microsoft's Smartphone Division?

Microsoft purchased Nokia's device and services business in September 2013 for $7.2 billion. Nokia, once a dominant player in the cellphone industry, has seen its market share decline steadily since 2010.

New Samsung Galaxy Note Edge: The Far More Interesting Note 4

Galaxy Note Edge Specs

• Screen Size/Type: 5.6-inch Quad HD+ bent display (the "plus" in Quad HD+ refers to the 160 rows of extra pixels used on the side display)
• Dimensions: 5.96 x 3.24 x 0.33 inches (151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3 mm) [3.8mm wider, 2.2mm shorter than Note 4]
• Weight: 6.14oz (174g)
• Camera(s): 16 megapixels (back) with 3840x2160 (4K) video capabilities and 3.7 megapixels (front)
• OS: Android 4.4
• Hardware: Qualcomm Snapdragon Quadcore 2700MHz, 3072MB RAM, 64GB storage.
• Storage Expansion: microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC up to 64 GB
• Battery: 3,000mAh battery
• Available at: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint

What the Future Users Say

"I can bet that this stupid thing that will cost a 100 USD extra(or more) will be nothing but a gimmick that no one will use." -yon1000

"This looks fine and everything but in day to day use I prefer the regular Note4. I think the edge can get annoying specially since this model is wider." -vampyren

"While this can come off as gimmicky or a shiny object, I think it's important to keep in mind this is probably more directional for the category than practical at this point. Which is important. Once the SDK is out then the really cool stuff will start to emerge. And, as OLED/curved technology improves it will only push the possibilities of this even further. I think we're seeing the beginning of something very remarkable. I say kudos to Samsung for taking the first step." -Deano1739

The Anti-Apple Fan

"Why Samsung why?!  I was so prepared to get this model of phone.  Then you introduced the VR headset, but that only works for the regular phone.  To all the iPhone trolls on here saying it's just a gimmick, didn't Apple just applied for a multi-screen patent?  Seems like a rip-off copying move.  And what about the fingerprint scanner, like that isn't a useless gimmick app.  At least this has multiple functions and capabilities that is actually useful.  Dammit, which phone should I get." -lee cam

Top image courtesy of engadget. Other images courtesy of Samsung and Limewit Blog.

Difference Between Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion Laptop Batteries

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries were the standard technology for many years, but today they are old technology and new laptops don't use them anymore. They are heavy and very prone to the "memory effect". When recharging a NiCd battery that has not been fully discharged, it "remembers" the old charge and continues there the next time you use it. The memory effect is caused by crystallization of the battery's substances and can permanently reduce your battery's lifetime, even make it useless. To avoid it, you should completely discharge the battery and then fully recharge it again at least once every few weeks. As this battery contains cadmium, a toxic material, it should always be recycled or disposed of properly.

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are the cadmium-free replacement for NiCad. They are less affected by the memory effect than NiCd and thus require less maintenance and conditioning. However, they have problems at very high or low room temperatures which might actually cause them to catch fire. And even though they use less hazardous materials (i.e., they do not contain heavy metals), they cannot be fully recycled (yet). Another main difference between NiCad and NiMH is that NiMH battery offers higher energy density than NiCads. In other words, the capacity of a NiMH is approximately twice the capacity of its NiCad counterpart. What this means for you is increased run-time from the battery with no additional bulk or weight.

Lithium Ion (Li-ion)

Lithium Ion (Li-ion) are the new standard for portable power. Li-ion batteries produce the same energy as NiMH but weighs approximately 20%-35% less. They do not suffer significantly from the memory effect unlike their NiMH and Ni-Cd counterparts. Also, their substances are less hazardous. Because lithium ignites very easily, they require special handling. 

Need A Replacement Battery For Your Smartphone or Laptop?

Try a Limewit replacement battery today and save big on a high quality product. We offer a 30-day money back guarantee and up to 1 year manufacturer warranty on most products. Visit our eBay store and Limewit.com for great deals.

Real-Time Face Projection Mapping: Digital Makeup (Video)

"My jaw literally dropped. I think that's the first time that's ever happened to me in real life."   -Brett Chapman, UK Indie Filmmaker.

"Absolutely amazing!!! Well done!!!" -Román Reyes, Spain Actor & Filmmaker.

"Spellbound. I have been using simple projection in my performances for the past two years, but this is something else." -Miss Morphic, UK Creative Videographer

Project Members

Nobumichi Asai (Planner / Producer / Technical Producer - P.I.C.S.)

Hiroto Kuwahara (Art Director & Makeup)

Paul Lacroix (Technical Director / Programmer - Transit Digital Works)

Jin Hasegawa (Cg Designer - Spade)

Takashi Ishibashi (Cg Designer - Spade)

Ayaka Motoyoshi (Production Manager - P.I.C.S.)

Special Thanks

Aya Kumakura (Production Manager)

Yoshihiro Ueno (Production Manager - P.I.C.S.)

Koji Kojima(Producer)

Kazuhiro Nakamura (Colorist - Mcray)

Kenji Nakazono (Photographer - Creative Studio Works)

Kimihiro Morikawa (Photographer - Shooting & Lighting)

Jin Hasegawa (Spade)

Rhea Tor’s Inc.

Dan (Stylist)

K.Furumoto (Hair - &´S Management)

Yuka Sekimizu (Model - Satoru Japan)

Hideaki Takahashi (Music - Mjuc)

Spice (Optitrack Motion Capture Sensor)

Contact

Nobumichiasai.com

The Floating Bluetooth Speaker by Om Audio

Meet the floating Bluetooth speaker. It's suspended above its base thanks to an electromagnet and can play music from any Bluetooth source. It's called the Om One. It also looks awesome.

Om Audio is launching a crowd funding campaign at its website where you can pre-order the Om One for $179US. It will cost $199 when it goes on general sale next year.

Specs

• 15 hours of run-time
• 110db output
• 3 watt speaker
• Built-in speaker for conference calling
• Floating orb can be taken with you, so it acts as a portable speaker too

Navdy is the Heads Up Display (HUD) for Older Cars That Want to Upgrade

This is Navdy's first heads up display design. There might be minor cosmetic touch-ups before the final product is released.

Preorder Now - $299US (Full Price $499US)

Release Date - Early 2015

San Francisco-based company Navdy is offering a solution for people with older cars since. For $499, it's come up with a flat projector you can mount to the top of your dashboard with a heads-up display that shows you key information like navigation and caller ID. It combines that with an infrared camera and microphone that watches and listens for hand gestures and voice commands so you can control your phone without taking it out of your pocket. Think of it like eyes and ears for your phone, and one that you can use with multiple cars.

Navdy's big sell is to let you see certain apps and notifications in a single or split view, something you might not get on your smartphone. If you're driving with directions turned on and get a call, Navdy splits those things up on its screen. You don't miss out on where the next turn is supposed to be, and avoid having voice commands interjecting into your call from your navigation app. The same goes for texts and emails: if you get either, they'll pop up on the right while directions continue to run; and if you want them read out loud, you just speak a voice command or use a gesture.

Now you can be more aware of your surroundings while interacting with your smartphone contacts.

"We think this is the first time head up display technology has been combined with touch-less gesture recognition, and also a real head up display that works in cars offered on the market. There's kind of a lot of things that we've had to pull together, and the combination of those things really creates a magic experience that's far better than the individual pieces." 

-Doug Simpson, Navdy chief executive 

By Josh Lowensohn

HP Teams Up With Designer Michael Bastian For A Luxury Smartwatch

The current batch of smartwatches are boring rectangular slabs lacking in excitement and style. HP is looking to change that by teaming up with renown designer Michael Bastian and Gilt, a designer retail site.

Potential Features:

• Round watch face
• 44mm stainless steel case
• Inlaid button controls on the bezel
• Primarily function: notification hub; alerts about stocks, the weather and sports; see incoming calls, texts and email; and relay reminders about calendar appointments from the phone. It will also work as a remote control for music apps.
• Compatible with both iOS and Android phones
• 7 whole days of battery life (would compete with the Pebble and Sony Smartwatch 2)
• Release date Fall 2014
• Price: US $300+

"A watch like this should provide men with quick, simple, accurate information at a glance, much like the displays and dials of a car dashboard — you can almost think of it as a personal dashboard for your digital life.The watch's interchangeable straps in perforated leather, nylon and rubber even reflect this inspiration." -Michael Bastian

Fit Bit Flex ($99) VS. Xiaomi Mi Band ($13): Fitness Tracker Band Showdown

Studies show that 40% of all people who buy a fitness tracker stop wearing them within six months. Would you spend $100 for something that you will stop using within 6 months? Now that you put it this way, Xioami's $13 wearable tech is an even more attractive option. Let's hope Xiaomi brings this to the states and if not, perhaps Android Wear will follow suit with Mi Band's affordability and ease of use.

Fit Bit Flex™ Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband  $99.95

Features:

• Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Navy, Tangerine, Teal, Pink, Lime, Violet, Slate
• Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes.
• LED lights show progress against your goal.
• Monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm.
• Wear all day and night, even in the shower.
• Includes tracker, small and large wristbands, charging cable and wireless sync dongle.

Xiamo Mi Band™  $13

Features:

• Track steps
• Sleep pattern tracking
• Alarm clock functionality
• Identification band for smartphones Just wearing your Mi Band is enough to unlock your device without keying in a code (the caveat is that you need to own a Xiaomi smartphone)
• Battery: 30 days on one full charge

Mi Band from Xiaomi will be available in a wide variety of bright and fun colors.

Google Inching Closer to a SkyNet Reality with Boston Dynamic's BigDog Robot (Video)

Pros

• 400 lb. carrying capacity
• 20 mile range
• No dedicated driver required

Cons

• Loud.
• Slow.
• No AI capabilities (yet)

Las Vegas native Lance Cpl. Brandon Dieckmann, an infantryman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, India Co., operates the Legged Squad Support System (LS3) through an open field at Kahuku Training Area July 10-12, 2014.

The LS3 is experimental technology built by Boston Dynamics which is owned by Google. The robot is being tested by the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab as part of the Advanced Warfighting Experiment during Rim of the Pacific 2014. The robot is funded by DARPA and the U.S. Marines (aka taxpayers).

Each LS3 carries up to 400 lbs of gear and enough fuel for a 20-mile mission lasting 24 hours. LS3 automatically follows its leader using computer vision, so it does not need a dedicated driver.

There are multiple technologies being tested during RIMPAC, the largest maritime exercise in the Pacific region. This year's RIMPAC features 22 countries and around 25,000 people.

Video courtesy of U.S. Marines, filmed by Sgt. William Holdaway/Marine Forces Pacific Combat Camera
BigDog architecture graphic courtesy of Boston Dynamics

Huawei Ascend Mate 2 Phablet Video Review

PROS

• Large display: 6.1" 
• Fantastic battery life: 3900mAh 
• Sturdy build quality 
• Great performance 
• Price: $299.99

CONS 

• Mediocre camera: 5MP wide angle front camera and a 13MP rear camera. 
• Difficult to use one-handed (i.e. Large display) 

First and foremost, this is not a flagship phone. The only spec this phone offers that is worth mentioning is it's 3900mah battery since it is the biggest of any phone available. That being said, if you want a BIG phone, this could be exactly what you want.

While you'd think the only difference between the white and black model is the color, you'd be wrong. While the black model has a textured back to reduce fingerprints and improve grip, the white model has a slick plastic back reminiscent of the Galaxy S 3. I went with the white model since I was going to put it in a case anyways but the difference is something to be aware of.

This phone is BIG, but if you are like me and use two hands on your phone no matter the size then the only part of you that will complain is your pocket. In regular sized (male) pockets the phone just fits inside, but you do get a slight impression that you are wearing shin-guards on your thighs. The phone is noticeably heavier than your average phone, but if you are used to using a tablet then it shouldn't be an issue.

The screen is very nice with good viewing angles, although the color was a bit warmer than I was used to. It works well for reading or watching videos, but you may notice the lower resolution (720p) when zoomed out when web-browsing. The screen itself is larger than my last phone (Nexus 4) and is definitely a key reason to get this phone.

The Camera is a step-up from my old phone, but slightly more average than I was hoping. Colors are generally accurate, but very fine detail doesn't come through very well, especially in low-light. The Front camera was more of the same, but it was nice that has a wide lens to capture a larger area. The cameras are the same ones as seen in the LG G3, OnePlus One, and other flagship phones so software may improve this. The stock camera app can't mute the shutter sound so may want to use something else regardless. Overall pretty good for a smartphone, but definitely won't replace your DSLR. The camera can also store data to the MicroSD, so make sure to get one if you want turn this into your main shooter.

Huawei Ascend Mate 2 will be available in black and white.

The performance is more than adequate. When phones nowadays have more power than most people will ever use, this phone brings in just enough tech that you should be able to do anything the newest phones can do. All games and benchmarks play without a hitch, but some intense apps like high-end emulators (mainly PPSSPP) may not run as smoothly as the newest phones. Since this is such a specialized circumstance (and since even the highest-end phones can have issues on the same applications) I don't count it as a loss.

Calls sound average compared to modern phones and so does it's rear speaker. Very much equal to some of the best I've used in a phone, but that only means it's what you should expect. It does support HD Voice so if you are coming from an older device your may notice a nice quality improvement when calling someone who also has a newer device providing your carrier supports this. T-Mobile does.

The battery life is amazing. Even my first day with the phone and using the 63% charge the phone came with, I still got over 5 hours of on-screen time while running every benchmark in the book before I finally plugged in with 10% battery. That's longer than I've ever gotten on my other phones. It's safe to expect 9-10 hours of constant usage before needing to plugin, or 2-3 days of normal use. This was on the "Smart" power-saving mode, but there is also the "Endurance" mode if you want even more battery or "Normal" if you want a bit more performance. You can even charge other phones!

Overall this phone only does battery extremely well, but does everything else so adequately that it's really a steal for the price. The phone does run Android 4.3, but a 4.4 update is promised and hopefully more. Basically a Jumbo (if not slightly faster) Moto G LTE, it should keep everyone in need of a large phone satisfied.

Written review courtesy of David Munoz
Huawei Ascend Mate 2 Video review courtesy of Android Authority

Google Just Unveiled It's Own Version of Oculus Virtual Reality Headset

While Facebook's virtual reality effort involved a multi-billion dollar purchase of Oculus VR, Google's gone with a decidedly simpler route: cardboard. Following the end of its Google I/O keynote, Google's put out an app called Cardboard that lets users slot their Android device into a do-it-yourself cardboard viewer. When looked through using special lenses, you can interact with various Google services like a VR headset. It's not as polished as Oculus but does give you a cool VR experience.

We can't wait for FlappyBird VR and AngryBirds VR. Stoked!

Oculus VR Development Kit 2: $350 US

Google Cardboard: Free App + Cardboard cost and accessories $3 - $8 US

Move Over iPhone, Galaxy and HTC ONE. The Amazon Fire Smartphone Is Here.

Release date July 25, 2014

Price with AT&T contract: $199 (32GB)

Price without contract: $649 (32GB)

Amazon has released its latest creation; a smartphone. Designed to compete head on with Samsung, HTC and Apple. The Amazon Fire will offer three unique features that cannot be found anywhere else: Dynaimc Perspective, Firefly technology and their Mayday service. You will also get Amazon Prime free for a year and 32GB storage capacity for the price of a 16GB phone.

Dynamic Perspective

Experience interactions not possible on other smartphones. Tilt, auto-scroll, swivel, and peek to navigate menus and access shortcuts with one hand. Dive into a new class of immersive apps and games—peek to see detailed views of clothing, shoes, and more in the new Amazon Shopping app for Fire phone, or take on a character's viewpoint to see around corners and obstacles in games.

Firefly technology

Quickly identify printed web and email addresses, phone numbers, QR and bar codes, plus over 100 million items, including movies, TV episodes, songs, and products—simply press and hold the dedicated Firefly button to discover useful information and take action in seconds.

Mayday

Get free, live, on-device video support with an Amazon expert, 24x7, 365 days a year at the touch of a button. No appointments necessary. Now available over the AT&T cellular network, in addition to Wi-Fi.

Specifications

Size	5.5" x 2.6" x 0.35" (139.2mm x 66.5mm x 8.9mm)
Weight	5.64 ounces (160 grams)
Processor	2.2GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, with Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM
Display	4.7" HD LCD display, with 1280 x 720 resolution at 315 ppi, 590 cd/m2 brightness (typical), 1000:1 contrast ratio (typical)
Cameras	13 MP rear-facing camera, multi-frame HDR, auto focus, optical image stabilization, f/2.0 5-element wide aperture lens, LED flash 2.1 MP front-facing camera
OS	Fire OS 3.5.0
Storage	32 GB or 64 GB
Cloud Storage	Free cloud storage for all Amazon content, and photos taken with Fire phone
Battery	Battery size: 2400mAh. Talk time: up to 22 hours; standby time: up to 285 hours. Video playback: up to 11 hours; audio playback: up to 65 hours.
Video recording	1080p HD video recording at 30 fps (front- and rear-facing cameras)
Audio playback	Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus audio processing
TV and Video	Supports screen mirroring and Second Screen

New Samsung Galaxy Tablet: Meet the Tab S (Hands-On Video)

Introducing Samsung's thinnest and lightest tablet ever. The new Samsung Tab S will be equipped with a large screen measuring 10.5 inches. At only 6.6mm thick and weighing in 465 grams, it puts this tablet head-to-head with Apple's iPad Air. An 8.4 inch model will also be released. Also worth mentioning is the advanced WQXGA Super AMOLED display. Making it the most advanced in the market. Resolution? Just 2560 x 1600. Tab S will be released in two colors: Titanium Bronze and Dazzling White.

It's Official - Apple Confirms Purchase of Beats by Dr. Dre for $3 Billion

Dr. Dre, Tim Cook and Jimmy Iovine.

Apple has confirmed that it will purchase Beats Electronics for $3 billion (US). The sale ranks as the largest that Apple has ever made and will see it take ownership of an enormously successful and profitable line of consumer headphones as well as a burgeoning subscription music service. Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre will also join Apple as part of the acquisition, which it will pay for with $2.6 billion in cash and $400 million in stock. Dre and Iovine will work with Apple's executive team in future music and entertainment projects.

The Opinion

"Apple is all about image. Beats is all about image. People who buy Beats are all about image. From a business standpoint, it makes perfect sense for Apple to do this, even if the product they’re buying doesn't make any sense for a consumer to own compared to similar products from competitors."

"First billionaire in hip-hop." -Dr. Dre

Chris Welch contributed to this report. The Opinion by comeonguyz 

Microsoft's New Surface Pro 3 Tablet Goes After Apple's MacBook Air

Surface Pro 3, despite having a large 12-inch screen with a 2160×1440 resolution, is only .36-inches thick and weighs less than two pounds. This incarnation of the Surface Pro also has a newly-designed kickstand that can be adjusted up to 150 degrees, a thinner type cover (not included; $130) that also features an improved keyboard and trackpad, and a new Surface Pen ($50) that can be clicked for commands. The Pro 3 will also come equipped with a new stylus and will be available in the following configurations:

•     Core i3, 4GB RAM, 64GB – $799
•     Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB – $999
•     Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB – $1,299
•     Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB – $1,549
•     Core i7, 8GB RAM, 512GB – $1,949

The Opinion

Microsoft is really dropping the ball on the tablet world; because they have an opportunity to make their tablets much more utilitarian than an iPad by integrating with their dominant position in the living room and desktop arenas. 

• They should be offering incentives (and well developed APIs) to PC and Xbox game developers to use windows powered tablets as auxiliary game controllers. 
• They should be establishing the data pipeline to let desktop machines and the Xbox take some of the processor load off the tablet (over WiFi) to extend battery life. 
• They should be positioning the tablet (and windows phones) as portable terminals into the spheres where they have established dominance; but by and large they aren't running that play as well as they should be.

*Product intro brought to you by Unscrambled blog. The Opinion was brought to you by an anonymous reader. Video courtesy of Microsoft.

HP C4157X, C4127X Laser Printer Toner Cartridge (Sale!)

Original Price $167.99

Save 50%! Now only $83.99

Buy Now

At Limewit.com we only use compatible cartridges that are manufactured from scratch, they are not used cartridges that have been refilled. They're designed to be 100% compatible with your laser printer. 

This HP C4157X Laser Printer Toner Cartridge is compatible with:

LaserJet 4000	LaserJet 4000T	LaserJet 4050N
LaserJet 4000N	LaserJet 4000TN	LaserJet 4050T
LaserJet 4000SE	LaserJet 4050	LaserJet 4050TN

C4127X

C4127X (27X)

C4157X

Specifications

• Type  - New Compatible
• Shelf life - 2 Years
• Color - Black
• Page Yield (5% coverage) - 10,000 Pages†
• Weight - 4 lbs
• Warranty - 1 year or 10,000 pages
• Storage Temp -4°F to 104°F‡

†Page Yield

This toner has been tested to print 10,000 pages before running out of ink. Actual yield will vary depending upon the amount of content on the page(s) being printed.

‡Storage Temp

The desired temperature range for the safe storage of this toner.

Beats by Apple - Why Is Google Not Buying Beats by Dr. Dre?

Opinion

"Google doesn't need this. Beats is primarily for those who want the “cool, fashionable, and stylish” brand name. Google is not really any of those things to the public other than processing and projecting data. That’s where Apple fits in with Beats with both of their overpriced products." -A.Adam

News
Apple is negotiating the purchase of Beats by Dr. Dre for $3.2 billion, according to a report from The Financial Times. The deal would include streaming Beats Music subscription service (which competes with iTunes), as well as the part of the company that produces headphones and speakers.

photo courtesy of engadget

Game Boy Celebrates 25 Years of Fun Times!

Happy birthday GameBoy (aka Game Boy)!

Game designer ,Gunpei Yokoi, came up with the Game Boy on April 28, 1980 after watching a businessman playing with an LCD calculator. He also is credited with inventing the D-pad.

If you are one of the many gamers that enjoys playing the classic Game Boy games on your laptop, then you must also hate it when your laptop battery only lasts you less than an hour on a full charge. It's time to replace your dying battery with a high quality laptop battery replacement from Limewit.

Free shipping with orders of $45 or more!