Intel Letexo Sliding Utrabook Demonstrated (video)

Intel has this week been showcasing its latest technology at the IDF 2012 Beijing. During which Intel has revealed its new Intel Letexo hybrid Ultrabook prototype, which is equipped with a sliding screen, and runs Windows 8 OS. The new Intel Ultrabook codenamed Letexo, has been designed to provide users with the best of both a tablet and a notebook in one slimline device.

The screen of the Letexo hybrid Ultrabook can be slide upwards to reveal the notebooks keyboard and then replace to hide it once against converting the notebook back into a tablet. Another features allows the screen to be pushed forward and propped up with a built-in stand, blocking access to the keyboard and serving as a small touch-based AIO PC.

Full specifications for the upcoming Letexo hybrid Ultrabook are still unknown at present, but its thought the device will be equipped with a Intel’s Ivy Bridge processor and will include a HDMI and USB ports. As more information is released by Intel we will keep you informed.

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Skype Web App Under Development Reveal Job Listings

Over the weekend a couple of job vacancies were posted by Microsoft, advertising for Software Development Engineers to work on Skype for Browsers. Confirming that a Skype web application is currently or will shortly be under development.

Within the job advertisements Microsoft hints that the new Skype web application, could be HTML 5 based, or at least not reliant on Adobe Flash. Making the new Skype web application available to a wider range of browsers and devices, including Apple’s range of tablets and smartphones, which don’t support Flash based applications and website.

The job advertisement posted by Microsoft states:

“Team at Skype is looking for passionate, team-oriented and self-motivated developers to help us bring Skype experience on to the Web.

You will have a chance to integrate existing Skype solutions on to the web with the support of the backend services build from the ground up using latest Microsoft technologies. Result of your work will be used by hundreds millions of thankful users worldwide.

You will work in dynamical environment with the team of true professionals participating in defining, designing, developing, testing and documenting one of the most popular applications of the modern world.

You will closely cooperate with colleagues developing Skype cross platform core library in Tallinn, Estonia, audio/video team in Stockholm, Sweden, User management team in Prague and web plug-in team in Palo Alto, US.”

For more information jump over to the Microsoft Talent Network for the full job descriptions : Microsoft 1 : 2 : 3

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Microsoft To Implement Additional Xbox Live Monetization

Gleaned from a Microsoft Product Manager’s LinkedIn profile comes the news that far from feeling the heat of Sony’s free PSN model, Microsoft will be rolling out additional measures aimed at bringing Xbox Live revenue up to an even billion. Details on the new strategy are not mentioned, but a Holiday 2012 rollout seems likely.

Microsoft’s Praveen Rutnam claims to have developed a strategy to “further monetize Xbox LIVE subscriber base that will be implemented for holiday 2012.” However, despite gamers closely associating Xbox Live with multiplayer games, it’s likely the new strategy will be targeted more at enhancing revenue from Microsoft’s push into living room entertainment content like music and movies.

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Official Angry Birds Sweets Coming Soon

Rovio has done what all game makers dream of. They have made a game that is a runaway hit and it is a name that everyone in the world knows. The merchandise alone is approaching Star wars levels. It knows no bounds. Now the Angry Birds will have their own official sweets.
The company has partnered with Fazer sweets and soon you will be able to get your hands on some sweets in the shape of pigs and birds.

The company is already sending out sweets to the press. Sadly that didn’t include me. They look tasty and are a great treat to eat while playing your favorite game. We will see if they sell as well as the game itself very soon.

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EA Pursuing Need For Speed Movie

Looking to break the pattern of great games made into shoddy movies, EA has apparently decided to see what sort of film a shoddy video game might yield. Hopefully the film will steer clear of  Need for Speed The Run’s storytelling ambitions, and at least aim for Fast and the Furious-style entertainment.

Real Steel writers George and John Gatins have reportedly been hired by EA to turn its racing franchise into a screenplay, at least giving it a fighting chance of not ending up as yet another video game movie cautionary tale. Warner Bros., Sony and Paramount have apparently shown interest, though as always this early in the process, it’s far from a done deal.

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Best Buy Closing 50 US Stores, New Details

We already knew that Best Buy planned to close 50 of its retail stores by the end of 2013 and now we have more details. They have already closed two locations and six others will close their doors before the end of the year. The last 42 will shut down before May 12th.

Employees got the bad news this weekend and were told that the company will try to re-position or give them them severance packages. So I guess it could be worse for them. The company also wants you to know that you will still have nearby locations to shop at for all the latest gear.

As far as the 100 Best Buy Mobile stores it wants to setup, there is no news. We will probably hear about it later this year. Hit the link for a full listing of stores.

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