Quadrant 2.0 Benchmarking App Now Supports ICS And Multi-core Processors

Aurora Softworks have this week rolled out a new update to their Quadran Standard Edition benchmarking application for Android devices taking the software to version 2.0. Bringing with it support for Google new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) and multi-core processors.

The Quadrant 2.0 software is a CPU, I/O and 3D graphics benchmark system that allows you to compare the speeds and performance of Android devices. The Standard Edition requires an Internet connection to compute benchmark results and require a device with a GPU to function.

With the launch of Quadrant 2.0 you will need to note that its results aren’t directly comparable against those produced by earlier versions. Aurora explains that scores are tallied differently from their 1.x version of the application. Because of this, some may seem results that don’t make any sense at all. Aurora say they will soon be updating their results browser to reflect the new scoring system.

Ramos W6HD - quadrant benchmark:

TOAST iPhone Speaker Dock

There are numerous sorts of docks made specifically for the iPhone, some being more practical than others of course, but every now and then, we see one that blends yesterday’s classic styles with today’s modernistic needs.

Taking a peek at the photos down below, one can instantly distinguish what they are, seeing that it’s probably a home appliance that’s sitting in your kitchen counter right now. Gavio’s TOAST! speaker dock for the iPhone emulates the look of a good old-fashioned toaster – though, it flaunts a retro-style design that brought home appliances to the limelight during the early days of the last century.

Although some might actually mistake it for a real toaster, it’s merely nothing more than a speaker dock at heart – where a speaker and a 3-watt amplifier is somehow built into one of the slots. Additionally, it features a built-in Li-Ion battery so you can take this chromed out dock on the go, while blasting your favorite tunes.

As much as some of us would love to make this a permanent fixture in our kitchens, Gavio has yet to announce pricing or an actual launch date for it. However, it’s looking to be made available sometime in early 2012 – so keep an eye out for this beauty if you’re interested.

Retro Rotary Phone Modded To Control iPhone’s Siri Assistant

Modder Davis Remmel has now created a fun and unique way to interact with Siri on your iPhone, using an old retro dial phone together with a Bluetooth headset, which has been used to create the link. Watch the video to see the Siri hack in nation after the jump.

The retro phone makes a great unique way to go hands free from your iPhone, and provides an innovative way to interact with Apple’s Siri. Dialling one on the rotary dialler creates the Siri connection. Anything longer than that number and Siri will timeout explains Remmel, as the rotary dialler takes too long to return.

More information's:
http://davisremmel.com/blog/2011/12/13/siri-enabled-bluetooth-rotary-phone/

Siri-enabled Bluetooth Rotary Phone:

Atari Greatest Hits Android App Arrives In Android Market

If you enjoy a little retro gaming you might be pleased to know that Atari have now launched their Greatest Hits application on the Android Market, which is now available to download and gives you the classic Missile Command game for free. Other game packs are available for $0.99, or you can get all 100 games for $9.99!

The Atari Greatest Hits Android App includes many popular games from the 70′s and 80′s golden age of gaming and allows you to once again enjoy classics such as Asteroids and Centipede. watch the video after the jump for a glimpse at what you can expect.

More information's:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.atari.mobile.greatesthits

AGH Android Launch Trailer:

iHome iP4 Boombox Retro iPhone 4 Speaker Dock

The new iHome iP4 Boombox might well be worth a look if you like a little retro design incorporated within your iPhone Dock. The iHome iP4 Boombox design has been inspired by the 80′s ghetto blaster but iHome has added it own modern twist to it lines.

The iP4 is equipped with a pair of 4″ carbon-composite woofers, and two 1″ ferro-fluid cooled tweeters, powered by a class D amp, and is fitted with and FM radio and 5-band graphic equaliser to add that authentic retro feel and a way to adjust your music. The iP4 also comes with a remote control that magnetically attaches to the top of the boombox keeping it safe. The system can be powered by either batteries or 6 x D Batteries just like the old days. The iHome iP4 Boombox is available in either slate grey or vibrant pink for $199.

More information's:
http://technabob.com/blog/2011/11/06/ihome-ip4-boombox/

Casio G-Shock GB- 6900 Watches Will Link To Your Smartphone

If you area a fan of the rugged G-Shock range of watches, you will be pleased to know Casio has announced this week a new line of G-Shock watches that will be arriving in December that will provide users with links to their smartphones using Bluetooth 4.0 LE.

The link will then be able to provide you with updates directly from your G-Shock watch face notifying you of new answer phone, email and SMS messages. Other features include automatic location based time adjustment directly from your smartphone together with vibration alerts which can be disabled if desired at the touch of a button. The battery on the new Casio G-Shock GB-6900 is designed to provide two years of use. The Casio GB- 6900 will be arriving before the end of the year.

More information's:
http://en.akihabaranews.com/107779/phones/new-smartphones-connected-to-g-shock-watches

MEDIAS PP N-01D G-SHOCK GB-6900:

iPhone Floating Orchestra Brings Music To Life

A new iPhone music application and very unique device has been developed by the Poietic Studio, a London-based company that specialises in ‘interactive and spatial design, art and engineering”.The iPhone Floating Orchestra allows you to control a bed of 19 floating balls with each one corresponding to a specific instrument. Every time a specific ball rises, there is also an increase in volume of the instrument. Watch the video after the jump to see the iPhone Floating Orchestra in action.

Poietic Studio explains :
“The Floating Orchestra demonstrate the interaction of digital technology with the physical world. It’s proven to be hugely successful in engaging the public of all ages. A fun and engaging experience, that mixes digital technology with the physical world. There’s something intrinsically captivating about a levitating sphere and to have direct control over those spheres is a magical experience.”

Unfortunately there is very little detail on the mechanics behind the device or iPhone application but in the future Poietic Studio hopes to make the spheres move through motion detection technology, rather than having to use the controls on the iPhone.

More information's:
http://dvice.com/archives/2011/10/iphone-floating.php
http://vimeo.com/29307511
http://www.psfk.com/2011/09/conduct-a-floating-orchestra-with-your-iphone-video.html

iPhone Floating Orchestra:

Floating Orchestra from Poietic Studio on Vimeo.

Drop Test : iPhone 4S vs Samsung Galaxy S II

If you are thinking of purchasing either an iPhone 4S or Samsung Galaxy S II you might want to view the video after the jump just in case you think your new smart phone doesn’t need any extra protection in the form of a case.

SquareTrade has taken both an iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S II and videoed a drop test on corners and front faces. As you can imagine and see from the image below the glass screen of the brand-new iPhone 4S didn’t fare as well as you would have hoped. As for the Galaxy S II that performed extremely well considering it has a plastic case and its Gorilla Glass screen stood up to the tests without a problem.

More information's:
http://gizmodo.com/5850438/obligatory-drop-test-iphone-4s-vs-samsung-galaxy-s-ii
http://www.squaretrade.com/

iPhone 4S vs. Samsung Galaxy S II Drop Test: