Google Chrome Version 18 Brings Improved Graphics

Google has this week released a stable version of its Chrome Browser version 18, which brings with it a number of new features. Including improvements to both Canvas2D’s speed and WebGL’s reach.

GPU-accelerated Canvas2D has been enabled in the Beta channel from sometime. But now Google has now enabled GPU-accelerated Canvas2D to run on capable Windows and Mac computers, with the aim to make web based applications such as games perform even better than a pure software implementation.

Google has also enabled Swuftshader to help out older systems to run WebGL 3D apps such as Windows XP systems or systems equipped with integrated Intel video chips. Google explains:

“WebGL enables compelling 3D content on the web, so we want to ensure that as many users as possible have access to this technology. That’s why we’ve enabled SwiftShader, a software rasterizer licensed from our friends at TransGaming, for users with older configurations.”

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Sony Xperia Play Gets Official Android 4.0 Beta ROM

Sony has released a beta ROM of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for their Xperia Play smartphone, and you can test out ICS on your Xperia Play before the final version is released.

Of course the beta ROM comes with the usual warnings, that you should only download and install the ROM if you are an Android developer.

Upon request we’re today releasing an Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) beta for Xperia™ PLAY, and we’re really interested in getting your feedback on this beta release. As games are such a crucial part of Xperia™ PLAY, we would like to know how well this ICS beta for Xperia™ PLAY works when you’re playing games.

You can download the Xperia Play Android 4.0 Beta ROM form the Sony Developers website, and you can also find out more details about the ROM there.

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Evernote Launches New Developer Website

Evernote has this week launched a new website tailored for developers to assist them in integrating the Evernote API into their applications and creations.

A number of great smartphone applications already use the Evernote API to addition functionality to their services. But Evernote is now hoping their new site will attract even more and make it easier for assistance when required through the community of developers.

Evernote explains a little why developers should consider integrating the Evernote API into their applications.

“When you build on the Evernote platform, you’re giving your app a memory. This may sound like fuzzy marketing speak, but we’re serious about it – our goal is to help our users remember everything. We see Evernote as a user’s external brain, the place where they keep all of the assorted information that’s crucial to their lives. We store this information securely in the cloud and synchronize it to all of their devices so that they can access it whenever they need it, wherever they are.”

To signup and become a Evernote developer jump over to the new Evernote Developer website.

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Leaked Details Surface on COD Black Ops 2

If you’re a big fan of the original Black Ops video game, some details have leaked on the follow-up to that game. I’m really glad to hear this because I thought Black Ops was the best game in the Call of Duty franchise.

Take all this with a grain of salt, but the launch date is said to be November 6. The game is also said to get a new mode called escort with drop zone and kill confirmed modes also coming over from the original game. The new game will apparently lose team defender and infected modes.

The thing I really wonder about is will Black Ops 2 get resurrection mode. Shooting those zombies is one of my favorite parts of the game. I hope that more details leak ahead of the launch later this year.

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Samsung Adds Extra Blink Security To Android Face Unlock Feature

Samsung has this week increased the security of its Android Face Unlock feature. That keep unwanted guests from accessing your smartphone and data using a photograph.

In the past it has been possible for the Face lock feature to be duped into providing access using just a photograph. Google has always acknowledged though that the Face Unlock feature was more of a gimmick rather than a serious biometric security feature.

But Samsung has tried to increase the security of the face Unlock feature by adding an extra measure which requires the owner to now blink in front of the Face Unlock screen to prove they are not a photograph.

So anyone thinking of accessing an Android smartphone using just a photograph will now have to use an animated Gif image to gain access instead. Before you ask, no I haven’t had a chance to check if this will work as yet.

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New PlayStation 4 Codenamed Orbis, May Include Anti Pre-Owned Game Feature?

Its been reported this week that the new PlayStation 4 gaming console which is currently under development by Sony is codenamed Orbis, and may come with an anti-pre-owned system installed once it’s officially launched during late 2013, ready for the holiday season.

Sources close to the development of the new PlayStation 4 have contacted the Kotaku gaming website to reveal a few details, including the codename and expected launch date.

In addition to these the source has also revealed that Sony planning to install some sort of anti-used games technology into the console. Kotaku reports:

“New games for the system will be available one of two ways, either on a Blu-Ray disc or as a PSN download (yes, even full retail titles). If you buy the disc, it must be locked to a single PSN account, after which you can play the game, save the whole thing to your HDD, or peg it as “downloaded” in your account history and be free to download it at a later date.”

Other leaked information also points to the new Orbis PlayStation 4 console will not be backward compatible with PS2 or PS3 games. For more information on the report jump over to the Kotaku website.

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