Latest Gear Live Videos
Microsoft Kinect hacked to work with Linux
Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Accessories, Mods / Hacks, Video Games
;
Just a few hours ago a video surfaced on Twitter that showed the Microsoft Kinect sensor working on a PC running a Linux open source driver, just 3 hours after the European launch. The driver manages to read the input from both the video and the depth camera on the Kinect, making the information available to PC software. This was done using an open source driver now available online. Of course, this has no immediate use for you and me, but it's the first step that can lead to many cool things. Ever since Kinect was announced, people have commented that it could be used for a myriad of scenarios, such as a cheap motion capture device for animators, or a security system, which could recognize familiar faces and block intruders. Now that it's been demonstrated that the system can indeed be hacked into and linked to a normal PC, expect more code to be written to take advantage of these features in the coming months.
Read More 
| Open Source Kinect driver
Digg ThisAdvertisement
Parallels Desktop 5 build 9370 released
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: PC / Laptop, Software
For all of you who run Windows and Linux virutal machines on your Mac by way of Parallels Desktop 5, you should know that the company has released an update this morning aimed at improving performance and enhancing compatibility. The update is recommended for all users of Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac, and is free. Here’s the list of changes:
- Mac folders shared with Windows now work correctly with MS Outlook, Lotus, Quicken and other Windows applications.
- Support for Autodesk Revit 2011 was fixed.
- MS Office 2010 activation is preserved in Boot Camp virtual machines.
- OpenGL now works correctly in Ubuntu 10.04 virtual machines.
- Virtual machines using Boot Camp partitions on 512 GB solid-state disks (SSDs) now work correctly.
- The problem with invisible virtual machines list on new MacBook Pros (released in early 2010) was fixed.
- A rare problem with Windows virtual machine’s screen turning black after upgrading to Mac OS X v10.6.3 was fixed.
- Problems with Parallels Service stopping to respond when the Parallels Desktop settings file is corrupt were fixed.
- Problems with screen resolution in Mac OS X Server v10.6.3 virtual machines were fixed.
You can get a copy of Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac for $10 off with $175 in free software.
Google Chrome for Mac and Linux picks up extension support, bookmark sync
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Google, Internet, Software, Videos
For all of you running the Google Chrome browser on Mac and Linux platforms, you’ll wanna update to the latest version of the beta, which includes support for extensions, as well as bookmark syncing. There are already over 2,200 extensions available in the Chrome Extensions Gallery, so you can get a bunch more functionality in your browser, dare we say, a more Firefox-like experience, just by updating. Seriously, go do it. Oh, and if you need to see how it all works visually, hit the demo video above that Google put together.
Read More | Google Chrome
VLC 1.0 now available after 8.5 year wait!
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: PC / Laptop, Software
You may not know this, but the underground Swiss Army knife of video playing software known as VLC, a project that started 8 and a half years ago, has finally hit version 1.0. Along the new version comes plenty of new features, including high definition codecs, AirTunes streaming, support for Blu-Ray linear PCM, and plenty of bug fixes. If you play video on your computer, you’ll definitely want to give this one a download to try it out.
VLC 1.0 is completely free and is available for download on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Read More | VLC Media Player
Cuba Launches Linux Nova
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Microsoft
Cuba launched Linux Nova last week at a Havana computer conference on “technological sovereignty.” The government feels that Microsoft systems are a potential threat to their country because they say U.S. security agents have access to codes. Besides that, they say that the trade embargo makes it difficult to get the software legally and update it. Dean of the School of Free Software, Hector Rodriguez, claims that about 20% of the computers are currently using Linux but feels that that figure could climb to more than 50% in 5 years.
Read More | Reuters
Belco Alpha 400 Netbook
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Hot Deals, PC / Laptop
Belco is the latest company to unveil their netbook, the full-flash Alpha 400. It certainly is basic with its 7-inch display, 128MB RAM, 1GB internal memory, a 400MHz MIPS processor, a 10/100 MB Ethernet interface, and WiFi connectivity. It also has a SDHC memory card slot for another 32GB of storage and runs on Linux. Let’s not forget it works as an e-book, MP3 and game player and has installed business software. You can get the netbook for way-cheap. Try $169.95.
Read More | Geeks.com
Panasonic FOMA P706ie Handset
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cell Phones, Handhelds
Panasonic has joined the ranks of 22 other LiMo-compliant handsets. The FOMA P706ie will feature HSDPA networking support, 3G international roaming capacity, mobile TV support, and a 2 megapixel camera. They say it also has upgraded sound and voice clarifying features. The Linux-based mobile device will debut first in Japan. This is Panasonic’s seventh LiMo handset. If you would like to check the others, head over to LiMo’s website.
Read More | krunker
HiVision miniNote Linux Laptop
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Hot Deals, PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi, USB
They keep on getting cheaper. Based on a public Chinese low cost case mold, HiVision’s miniNote Linux Laptop has a MIPS based processor, a SDHC card reader, Firefox browser support, Abiword processor, and Skype ability. It also has WiFi, 1GB flash storage, Ethernet compatibility, 3 USB ports, and audio in and out. Of course, automatic software updates are included. The kicker is the fact that it will only cost you $98.00. Take that, Nick Negroponte.
Read More | techvideoblog
Commodore UMMD 8010/F Netbook
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, PC / Laptop
We admit that we thought the VIC-20 was pretty cool back in the day, and the 64 was unbelievable. PCs have certainly come a long way since then. Commodore proudly displayed their UMMD 8010/F Netbook with Via C7-M Processor at Berlin’s IFA. It features an 80GB hard drive, 1GB RAM wireless capability, a 1.3 megapixel cam, a 10-inch screen, and a choice of Microsoft XP or GNU Linux. It should be available later this month for ~$600.00.
Read More | Pocket-lint
Shuttle X27 Mini-Desktop
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Hot Deals, PC / Laptop
The Shuttle X27 Netbook is mini in price and size. Featuring an Intel Atom processor and Linux, the desktop comes without monitor, keyboard or mouse, but how can you pass up its $189.00 price tag? Available sometime this month, this can be just the ticket for a student rushing off to college, that second ‘puter for Mom/Dad, or those who like to check their email in the bathroom. We were just kidding about that last bit, or were we?
Read More | crave
Follow Gear Live!
Recent Galleries
Facebook Fans
Featured Poll
Which is more important to you: Audio quality or video quality?
Thanks for voting in this poll.
Categories
Advertisement
Site Links
All About GearLive
GearLive Tools
Check out the Gear Live Tools that let you integrate Gear Live into your site and add Google features.
Advertise
GearLive Store
New! Get Gear Live hats, shirts, hoodies and more at the new Gear Live Store, coming soon.
© Gear Live Inc. – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.
