Google Glass won’t launch until 2014 says Eric Schmidt

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Wearables, Google,

Despite Google Glass Explorer Edition units already being in the hands of developers, it appears that Google won't be ready to release Glass to the masses for another year or so. Originally the company had hopes to release it's wearable computing device by the end of 2013 for general consumers, but comments from Eric Schmidt in an interview on BBC Radio 4 says otherwise.

In response to a question asking when Glass will be available, Schmidt said, "there will be thousands of [Google Glass] in use by developers over the next months, and then based on their feedback, we'll make some product changes, and it's probably a year-ish away."

Obviously, we are in mid-April, so it sounds like the earliest we'll see Glass hit the market will be Spring 2014. A disappointment to many, we're sure, but a device like Glass needs to be done just right, and we're glad to see Google taking the time to get it right before releasing it. You can listen to the interview here--fast forward to the 4-minute mark to hear the Glass discussion.

More on Google Glass:

• Google Glass unboxed
• First day with Google Glass review

Analyst: iPhone 5S delayed to September due to fingerprint sensor issues

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,

Analysts are reporting that the Apple iPhone 5S is set to be delayed because of problems Apple is having with integrating a fingerprint sensor. The issue seemingly stems from the color coating of the paint and getting it to work with the rumored fingerprint sensor that will be a part of the iPhone 5S. The end result is that the next iPhone, the lower-cost budget iPhone, and the next iPad mini will all launch closer to September rather than the June/July timeframe.

One important note here: Apple has never specified a release date for the iPhone 5S (or even the existence of the device itself,) so to call this a delay seems disingenuous. These delays are really based on the best guesses of the analysts in the first place. In other words, this "delay" really is the analysts saying their guesses were wrong, but not taking the blame.

Read More | Reuters

Microsoft to bring back Start button in Windows 8.1

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Rumors, Software,

It looks like Microsoft is set to bring back the Start button in Windows 8.1, a mainstay of the Windows OS that was removed in Windows 8. According to a report from The Verge, the new Windows 8.1 Start button will not include the traditional Start button functionality, but will rather be a method of taking you back to the Start screen. In addition to the Start button making a reappearance (in name, at least,) Microsoft is also said to be including a feature that will allow users to boot directly to the desktop, bypassing the Start screen altogether.

Read More | The Verge

Netflix 4.0 for iOS brings improved episode, audio, subtitle controls

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Entertainment, App Updates, iPad Apps, Free Apps,

Netflix 4.0 has arrived on the App Store, bringing new features to the video streaming service for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Netflix 4.0 introduces redesigned controls for episodic television show selection, audio, and subtitles. On the iPad specifically, TV show episode selection and navigation has become much more intuitive, with the rest of the improvements hitting the iPhone and iPod touch. In addition to all that, the typical bug fixes and optimizations are also baked in.

What’s New in Version 4.0

• This new app release makes watching Netflix TV shows and movies an even better experience.
• Easy episode selection with a brand new episode selector on the iPad
• Redesigned audio and subtitle selector on iPad and iPhone
• Bug fixes

You can download Netflix 4.0 now, for free.

Blue Bathing Bad bath salt inspired by Breaking Bad

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech,

The super-pure, blue-hued crystal meth found in television hit Breaking Bad may be a myth, but for fans of the show looking to relax without breaking the law, these Bathing Bad bath salts are the closest thing to the "real" thing. And they're brilliant. The blue bath salt is "cooked" in Albuquerque, New Mexico using all-natural ingredients. You can get yourself an 8 ounce supply for $15.99 on Amazon.

Click to continue reading Blue Bathing Bad bath salt inspired by Breaking Bad

Read More | Bathing Bad Bath Salt

Xbox SmartGlass now available for Amazon Kindle Fire tablets

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, Xbox 360,

This morning Xbox SmartGlass made its long-awaited debut on the Amazon Appstore. You can now download Microsoft's second-screen app for the Amazon Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD, fitting perfectly on the display of all Fire and Fire HD tablet models. With Xbox SmartGlass, which has been available for iOS, Windows, Windows Phone, and Android for the past six months, users can navigate and control their Xbox 360 consoles right from the tablet or smartphone.

Read More | Xbox SmartGlass for Kindle Fire

Bleeding Edge TV 475: Sheila E on Monster Diamond Tears headphones

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: CES, CES 2013, Features, Music, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Videos,

Monster Diamond Tears headphones are definitely a fashion statement, and we talk with recording artist Sheila E in this episode about how music accessories are becoming fashion pieces just as much as they are listening devices. You may remember Sheila as the drummer for Price, or from one of her many solo albums. She is now a Monster Ambassador for the Diamond Tears headphones, a partnership with JYP Entertainment. Don't forget, we're giving away a pair of Monster DNA White Tuxedo headphones.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel!

Bleeding Edge TV 474: Tyson Beckford on Monster headphones fashion

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Music, Podcasts, Portable Audio / Video, Videocasts, Videos,

We chat with fashion model Tyson Beckford about the proliferation of fashion and headphones. Monster headphones have become almost as much a fashion statement over the years as they have been known for their sound. We also speak with Monster CEO Noel Lee about the company direction into creating great looking headphones that also provide great sound. Don't forget, we're giving away a pair of Monster DNA White Tuxedo headphones.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel!

HTC One now available on AT&T and Sprint

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds,

The HTC One is finally and officially on sale, beginning today, at AT&T and Sprint locations. As we previously mentioned, you can get the 32GB model from both carriers for $199.99 with two-year contract, but the 64GB version is an AT&T exclusive at $299.99. As of today, you can get the white model--the black version won't be available for a number of weeks. If you're holding out for the T-Mobile version, you're gonna have to wait a few more days, as the HTC One doesn't drop on Magenta until April 24th.

Hemlock Grove now live on Netflix

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Home Entertainment, Internet,

Following the success of House of Cards, Netflix has launched its next original series, Hemlock Grove. All thirteen episodes of Hemlock Grove were made available to Netflix subscribers early this morning albeit to lackluster critic reviews. Hemlock Grove is based on a 2012 novel penned by Brian McGreevy, a supernatural thriller that is set in a small town in Pennsylvania. The plot revolves around the murder of a teenage girl, and the odd and unorthodox residents who are potential suspects. The show stars Famke Janssen, Bill Skarsgard, Landon Liboiron, and Penelope Mitchell.

The horror genre is more forgiving than many others, and as such, even with the series being panned for not having much of a storyline, it may find success with the Netflix audience. Netflix invested $45 million in the production of the first season, and so far over 1,400 Netflix members have rated the show an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

What's next for Netflix? The fourth season of Arrested Development. All 15 episodes of the cult hit will hit Netflix on May 26th.