SHIFT: Freedom! is a fun, intelligent platformer -- Time Waster

Creating a good casual game is not a simple task: On the one hand, people want to "get" the game instantly, and just start playing without having to read lengthy tutorials or figure out complex controls. On the other hand, you don't want the game to be too one-dimensional.

And really, the first thing I noticed about SHIFT: Freedom! is that learning how to play was fun. The built-in tutorial walks you through a couple of levels, but you still have to think a little bit, and it's very fast.

As you might have gathered from the title, this is one platformer that doesn't emphasize crazy speed and agility. It's more cerebral - you have to figure your way out of every level using just what you see on the screen (no extra "tools" or anything like that).

It's a lot of fun to play, and due to the way it "teaches" you, you keep finding out new things you can do during the first few levels. And by the time you're done with those, you might just be hooked!

SHIFT: Freedom! is a fun, intelligent platformer -- Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/26/shift-freedom-is-a-fun-intelligent-platformer-time-waster/

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BufferZone Pro sandboxing software now a totally free download

Trustware's BufferZone was an early entrant into the desktop sandboxing arena. Sandboxing, of course, is the security-by-isolation system which has since been built into apps like Google Chrome and Adobe Reader X. Recently, Trustware launched a promotion and gave away BufferZone Pro for free -- and now the company is making the discount permanent. From now on, BufferZone Pro will be freeware.

But, wait -- BufferZone still doesn't support x64, and maybe you're thinking that there will be a paid version once a 64-bit Windows version arrives. Not so, Trustware's Efrat Schneider told me in an email: "The product will continue to be free," he replied.

If you're looking for a free way to tighten up security on your Windows system, BufferZone is an excellent app for the job. We'll let you know when the 64-bit version becomes available.

BufferZone Pro sandboxing software now a totally free download originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/bufferzone-pro-sandboxing-software-now-a-totally-free-download/

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Vodafone's UK network taken down by a break-in (update: some services restored)

Some of our UK readers have woken up to the less than awesome discovery this morning that their phones have lost all connectivity to the outside world. 3G, 2G, SMS, and BlackBerry services on the Vodafone UK network are all down for what seems like a significant proportion of its user base -- an issue the carrier has since identified as being caused by a break-in at its Basingstoke exchange center. No further details have been provided, though work is naturally underway to repair the damage done and we're assured customers' private data has remained so. We can't imagine quite such a service disruption being caused by a random act of vandalism or burglary, perhaps a disgruntled employee felt the need to vent his or her frustrations in grand style? Or has O2 gone gangster on the competition?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: Vodafone got in touch to say that 2G and 3G voice connectivity has been restored as of lunchtime in the UK and text and data services should be up within "the next couple of hours." The company estimates the issue has affected "a couple of hundred thousand users", though it expects that number to drop to zero before the day is through.

Vodafone's UK network taken down by a break-in (update: some services restored) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/483HZCDnMfE/

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Dell Venue Pro arrives in the UK at long last: �459 off contract, shipping in 10 days (update: Germany also)

Time for a quick memory check: remember the WP7 slider that Dell announced some months ago? That's right, it's the Venue Pro -- the one that's been struggling to meet demand in the US due to some mysterious reworking. Well, here's some good news for the folks on the other side of the pond: starting today, Dell's UK store is taking orders for this unlocked slider for a hefty £459 ($745), and the first deliveries are expected to arrive in 10 days. Man, these wicked people from Round Rock sure love making us wait, but better late than never, right?

Update: We've been informed by our friends over at BestBoyZ that Germany's also getting the Venue Pro today for around €534.

Continue reading Dell Venue Pro arrives in the UK at long last: �459 off contract, shipping in 10 days (update: Germany also)

Dell Venue Pro arrives in the UK at long last: �459 off contract, shipping in 10 days (update: Germany also) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/lyrdrnH4dfw/

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How to change the screen time-out on Android

This week's tips series was all about Android, highlighting some the operating system's built-in utilities, and better ways of getting stuff done. For other technology tips, check our Tips index.

Earlier today, I was helping my brother set up his new Motorola Defy. While the phone itself was quite nice (and tough), the screen kept turning off after just a few seconds of idle time. It was starting to drive us crazy, but after quickly poking through the settings we fixed it. Here's how:

1) Go to Settings > Display

2) Tap Screen timeout

3) Tap the timeout value you wish to use

Of course there's a trade-off between convenience and battery life - having the screen time out after two whole minutes can be nice, but your battery may not last very long. And while you're here, you can also easily adjust your display's brightness.

This tip wraps up this week's Tips series. What would you like to see next week? Let me know in the comments!

How to change the screen time-out on Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/28/how-to-change-the-screen-time-out-on-android/

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Epic Makes Unreal Engine More Realistic for Small Devs

Epic Games has created award-winning series like "Gears of War" and "Unreal Tournament," as well as a popular proprietary development platform. That platform, Unreal Engine, doesn't only appear in Epic titles, though. The company has allowed other developers to license it -- for a fee. Now, it's opening up that platform to independent developers with no upfront cost.

Source: http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/71948.html

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Final Firefox 4 beta released, add-ons still languishing

Mozilla, proving just how mind-numbingly torturous public beta testing can be, has just released the final beta of Firefox 4, beta 12. If you're already running Firefox 4 beta, head to Help > About Firefox to update; or download it directly.

Other than increased stability and performance when viewing Flash content, and some tweaks to hardware acceleration, beta 12 simply represents one last bug-stomping push towards the Release Candidate. The RC, incidentally, is due in the next few days.

With only a handful of bugs remaining, it is now almost time for Mozilla to pass its new browser over to the next standard bearers: the add-on developers. Most big-name add-ons now support Firefox 4, which is a relief -- but at the same time, very few add-ons are utilizing all of FF4's new UI elements. We struggled to find more than 20 add-ons designed specifically for Firefox 4, which is odd, considering there are "millions of beta testers." Still, with the final release of Firefox 4 around the corner, things can only improve.

Finally: it may please you to hear that, in beta 12, link tooltips are yet again displayed in the bottom left corner, rather than in the address bar! If you fancy some fun Saturday afternoon reading, there's an epic thread on Bugzilla that chronicles their return to the bottom of the window -- be warned, however: open source contributers sure are a feisty bunch...

[Thanks to Silver Wave for the tip!]

Final Firefox 4 beta released, add-ons still languishing originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/26/final-firefox-4-beta-released-add-ons-still-languishing/

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CrunchGear Week In Review: The Bat And The Bees Edition

Here are some stories from the past week on CrunchGear: Video Of Escher?s Impossible Waterfall A La Rube Goldberg Irony: Smartphones Can Save The Honeybees Mimoco?s Latest Puts Your Data On DC Comic Classics HTC Announces The Desire S, Wildfire S, and Incredible S Canjo: You Know, A Banjo Made From A Can

Source: http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/02/21/week-in-review-bat-and-bees/

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iPad Smart Bezel by Apple Revealed

Once again Apple wows us with new and highly sophisticated innovations, this time with Smart Bezel. This new patented technology could really change and improve the way we use the iPad. So you’re probably asking “What is Smart Bezel and why is it so special?”. Well for starters, if this new technology is integrated, with [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ipadbuzzblog/~3/tJOTGudfgto/

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Daily Crunch: Galaxy Space Edition

Canjo: You Know, A Banjo Made From A Can Samsung Releases Handsome PMP, The Galaxy S WiFi Pac?n Twit: Pac-Man Twitter Client For The iPhone Hands On Video: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 10-Year-Old Talks About MakerBot At Ignite Phoenix

Source: http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/02/15/daily-crunch-galaxy-space/

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djtxt: Collaborative Grooveshark music playlists via SMS, Twitter and email

Fresh from the fragrant and bohemian confines of the New York 2011 Music Hack Day comes djtxt, a surprisingly awesome Web app that lets you collaborate on the perfect Grooveshark party music playlist.

All you have to do is run the djtxt 'client' (which is just a matter of opening Grooveshark and clicking a bookmarklet) on a computer that's attached to some (preferably loud) speakers. Anyone can then SMS, tweet or email to add songs to the playlist. It's surprisingly easy and it works really well! Songs are added within a few seconds of an email or tweet being received by the djtxt robot -- we didn't test SMS, but presumably it's just as fast.

If you want to see it in action, just follow the first two steps on the djtxt website, then follow the instructions on the Grooveshark page. We'll be listening to the demo playlist in the Download Squad bunker, so feel free to entertain us with your choice of funky beats! If you like what you see (hear?), set up your own djtxt party, turn the volume up to 11, and rock on. Incidentally, if there's a song that you don't like, you can even send djtxt a 'skip' message -- but you can only do it once every 20 minutes!

If you're at work and unable to test it out, there's a video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading djtxt: Collaborative Grooveshark music playlists via SMS, Twitter and email

djtxt: Collaborative Grooveshark music playlists via SMS, Twitter and email originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/15/djtxt-collaborative-grooveshark-music-playlists-via-sms-twitter-email/

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Apple starts using WebKit2 in Mac OS X Lion Safari? Will iOS 5 be next?

Looks like Apple has finally shipped WebKit2 as part of Safari 5 in the recent Mac OS X Lion beta — so does that mean we can expect it in iOS 5 for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad? Originally announced in April, 2010 just as the first iPad was arriving: WebKit2 is designed from [...]

Apple starts using WebKit2 in Mac OS X Lion Safari… Will iOS 5 be next? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/ZFQ-p8k89vc/

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OnLive offering free MicroConsole with Homefront game purchase

Considering nabbing a $99 OnLive Game System to connect your TV to the company's game streaming cloud? Here's another thought -- pre-order THQ's Homefront on OnLive instead for $50, and get a voucher for a free MicroConsole (and a free game) in the bargain. That's the deal OnLive announced the other day, which runs through March 14th, though the fine print says supplies are limited, shipping costs extra, and you won't actually receive the hardware until after the deal expires no matter when you pre-order the game. We're not sure what it says for OnLive's ongoing viability that the company finds itself having to give hardware away for less than half its worth, but we won't look a gift horse in the mouth!

OnLive offering free MicroConsole with Homefront game purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/27/onlive-offering-free-microconsole-with-homefront-game-purchase/

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Gadget Lab Podcast: Motorola Xoom, iPad 2, Intel?s Thunderbolt

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This week’s Gadget Lab podcast zooms in on the Motorola Xoom tablet, the upcoming iPad 2 and Intel’s new Thunderbolt connectivity standard.
The Motorola Xoom is a neat piece of hardware. It’s got a 10.1-inch screen (slightly bigger than the 9.7-inch iPad), front- and [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/02/gadget-lab-podcast-105/

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Paranormal Shark Activity is a hopping Time Waster

The shark is a majestic creature; it's also pretty dangerous. When Paranormal Shark Activity starts off, you're just a dude hanging out on the pier. You quickly discover there's no way to go left (back to the city or the port, presumably) - there's only one choice, which is to keep going right, into the water.

Once you go into the water, the actual game starts. A huge (and I do mean huge) shark appears on the left side of the frame, and you have to keep jumping between crates and platforms floating on the water to try and keep ahead of the shark.

When you fall into the water between crates, you don't drown - you just float there, idling about as shark bait. Hitting SPACE makes you jump for the next platform.

Once you've gone for a short while, you will start picking up the occasional bomb along the way. Hitting UP will launch a bomb at the shark, which will then disappear for a few seconds.

When the shark reappears, it may do so from any side of the screen - so don't get to close too the right side!

Paranormal Shark Activity is a hopping Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/03/paranormal-shark-activity-is-a-hopping-time-waster/

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Chinese designer makes Megatron tank a steel-toothed reality

It doesn't move and it certainly doesn't transform, but we're still not sure we'd stand anywhere near this jagged metal contraption ripped right out of the silver screen. The giant Megatron tank replica from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen not only looks like it'd grind us up like so much beef beneath its spiky treads, it reportedly weighs five tons and stands eight feet tall. It's allegedly constructed entirely out of scrap metal by a designer known as "Steel Legend" -- a honorific that we imagine few will dare question now. If only it could take on junkyard Optimus Prime in a Beijing Battle Royale. More pics of the tank at our source links below!

[Thanks, leungxd]

Chinese designer makes Megatron tank a steel-toothed reality originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/27/chinese-designer-makes-megatron-tank-a-steel-toothed-reality/

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Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game

So, you're a ball. A Tarzan Ball, to be precise. You've earned the nickname thanks to your astonishing ability to shoot out a lengthy 'vine' (I hope it's a vine) at objects, and then pull yourself towards those objects.

That's a handy ability to have, especially since you've got no legs, no arms, and no other means of transportation. In Tarzan Ball, the rope is everything. But you don't just swing around the screen aimlessly - that wouldn't be much of a game now, would it?

Instead, your goal in life is to collect "targets". Each level has one of these "targets" hidden away somewhere on the screen, usually behind some kind of barrier. Once you navigate close enough to the target, you can shoot your rope at it and just reel it in. That's when you pass the level.

You can't die in this game, but it can still be very frustrating. It's actually one of the tougher games I've posted recently. Still, if you enjoy physics games, this one is quite nicely made.

[This is actually the sequel to IQ Ball, which we covered last year! -Ed]

Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/21/tarzan-ball-is-a-tricky-hook-and-pull-physics-game/

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Lacie?s Little Big Drive Shows Thunderbolt Is Great for Storage

Boom! As quick as a flash, Lacie has announced what is probably the first Thunderbolt-compatible hard drive to market. And when I say “to market”, I mean “to have a press release.” The drive is a version of Lacie’s Little Big Disk, the compact 7200rpm USB/FireWire/eSATA drive that is already pretty well-specced as it [...]

Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/02/lacies-little-big-drive-shows-thunderbolt-is-great-for-storage/

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Crush Notifier, From The Makers Of Breakup Notifier, Finds Mutual Crushes

Breakup Notifier creator Dan Lowenhertz should just give up on Crate (his actual job) and just make a whole network of these types of things. After having his wildly popular app Breakup Notifier blocked by Facebook, Lowenhertz has dusted himself off and is back in the game, trying to "turn a negative to a positive" with Crush Notifier. From his blog:

"So what does the popularity of Breakup Notifier tell us? I believe it?s that human beings, above all else, value relationships. I never knew how many people would end up using Breakup Notifier.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/juBBbR9jy3c/

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Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice

Digging the 1080p LifeCam Studio but don't feel like spending $100? Or, maybe you don't need all those p's? Microsoft has, for you and you alone, announced the new LifeCam HD-3000. It tops out at 720p but retails for a more palatable $39.95. Also newly announced is a trio of mice, first and most exciting being the $19.95 Express Mouse (above) which, according to Microsoft, has both the looks and the moves. We're not really sure what that means, but it is kind of funky looking with the offset cord your choice of six colors ranging from "Hibiscus Red" to "Dahlia Pink." For those who'd rather stick with something less-flowery there's the Comfort Mouse 3000 for the same price, similar features in a design less likely to stand out in the conference room. Or, cough up another $10 for the $29.95 Comfort Mouse 6000, pictured below. It gives up ambidextrous pretenses in favor of a more form-fitting shape and five whole buttons. Can you handle that many buttons? Yeah, you totally can.

Continue reading Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice

Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ChipChick  |  LifeCam, Express Mouse, Comfort Mouse 3000, 6000  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/microsoft-announces-budget-friendly-lifecam-hd-3000-webcam-comf/

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Verizon CEO claims Apple LTE products are coming, doesn't specify when

Dan Mead, Lowell McAdam's successor at the helm of Verizon Wireless, has told the Wall Street Journal that we'll "see more coming from Apple on LTE. They understand the value proposition of LTE and I feel very confident that they are going to be a part of it." No further details were forthcoming from the chief exec, such as timing and the particular shape of Apple's participation in Verizon's LTE plans, but at least we now have an indication that Cupertino is actively working toward 4G connectivity. Mead's comments came as part of an interview discussing the iPhone 4's launch on his network, which has already seen the device bust through Verizon's opening sales record. Notably, at the actual launch of that phone, Tim Cook said an LTE version of the iPhone would have required too many compromises, so we suspect those compromises are exactly what Apple's working on right now.

Verizon CEO claims Apple LTE products are coming, doesn't specify when originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/f6ZdSRCHqJU/

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HTC Merge first hands-on! (video)

HTC just rolled in to set up for our San Francisco reader meetup tonight, and what's this? They brought a brand-new HTC Merge with them. No one's talking about what carrier this interesting Android slider is going to launch on yet, but that Verizon-red earpiece and search button aren't exactly coy. Apart from that, it's pretty much exactly the device we've seen leaked all over for months now -- a really nice landscape Android slider with a solid keyboard. More pics in the gallery, and a video after the break!

Gallery: HTC Merge first hands-on!

Continue reading HTC Merge first hands-on! (video)

HTC Merge first hands-on! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/htc-merge-first-hands-on/

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