Unu Plays 3 Ways to the Android Gaming Crowd

It remains to be seen whether any microconsole-type device can get much traction in the near term, said Lewis Ward, IDC's research manager for gaming. "Not only are there several other microconsoles out there competing for much the same market, but with the PS4 and Xbox One waiting in the wings, I think a lot of the marketing oxygen around games will be sucked up by Sony and Microsoft."

The Android gaming market is becoming increasingly crowded, but on Thursday Sunflex announced a fresh contender: the Unu, a combination console, tablet and home entertainment device that will arrive at retail next month.

The Unu offers the promise of bringing virtually any game from Google Play to the living room TV via a TV-connected dock. The tablet device can also be used independently, offering living room as well as mobile gaming options.

"We built a custom smart TV user interface and two different controllers to match up with every entertainment experience found on the Google Play store," said Nicki Repenning, Sunflex's vice president of business development. "That's how Unu was born."

Unu Times Two

The Unu will be available in two versions, both providing full access to more than one million games and apps from the Google Play store. The Unu Media Edition will ship with a TV docking station and an air mouse controller with keyboard for US$199.99, while the "fully loaded" Unu Gaming Edition will provide players with an advanced game controller that supports tens of thousands of video games for $249.99.

The tablet device features a 7-inch full HD 1080p display and runs on Android 4.2; docked to a TV, it transforms the set into a smart TV. The Unu is powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core processor and connects via Bluetooth to an air mouse, the back side of which also includes a keyboard for browsing the Web, typing emails and texting.

Unu is now accepting preorders through GameStop, which lists the release date as Oct. 29, and Newegg, which notes a Nov. 8 release day.

A Sunflex spokesperson was not immediately available to provide further details.

Competition in the Marketplace

Sunflex is bringing out its system in a very competitive marketplace, and next month will see the release of big-name next-generation video game hardware from Microsoft -- with the Xbox One -- and Sony, which will bring out its PlayStation 4.

The market for Android devices has also increased with the release of the Green Throttle in April, Ouya in June, Nvidia Shield in July, GameStick in September and with Mad Catz M.O.J.O. scheduled for December.

"I'm skeptical that any microconsole-type device like Unu will get a lot of traction in the near term," Lewis Ward, IDC's research manager for gaming, told TechNewsWorld. "Not only are there several other microconsoles out there competing for much the same market, but with the PS4 and Xbox One waiting in the wings, I think a lot of the marketing oxygen around games will be sucked up by Sony and Microsoft in the U.S. in particular for the next six months."

Then, too, there's the fact that the ability to run on Google's relatively open Android platform makes for a "lower barrier of entry right now," noted independent video game industry analyst Billy Pidgeon. "This is an interesting play, as they are going to a mid-priced option."

Diminishing Over Time

The Unu "could be squeezed when the new versions of Google TV or Apple TV arrive," Pidgeon told TechNewsWorld. "Unu has a cool interface that could make it stand out for a time, but the conversation to smart TV features that this device offers is only going to diminish as more smart TVs come out."

The biggest distinction that the Unu offers may also not be enough to sway some consumers.

"The Unu is distinct in that one of the two bundles ships with a unique, pre-paired controller and docking station, and the company has a stronger European orientation," said Ward. "But until I see competing products/services like GameStick or Ouya break trough and make significant inroads from a sales perspective, I'll remain equally skeptical on the prospects for Unu."

The Unu's pricing may not help it, either.

"It is $50 less than the Nvidia Shield or a PlayStation 4, and it really can't even be a replacement for the PS3 at this point," said Pidgeon. "This is more for the consumer who isn't in that hardcore gaming arena."

At the same time, "that's the problem with gaming-centric tablets, because other things can come in that market a lot cheaper," he added. "That gaming-centric consumer might not be satisfied with this device."

Source: http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/79167.html
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WATCH: Shutdown barricades broken down for WWII vets

They came on an “honor flight” all the way from Mississippi to Washington, D.C., to visit a memorial for the war they fought in. A group of World War II veterans, many of whom were in wheelchairs and had waited years for this day, got off a bus to see the district’s WWII memorial on Tuesday.

But the government shutdown went into effect just hours earlier, closing all of the U.S. National Parks. The group was initially turned away.

That’s when members of Congress showed up and the barricades to the monument were broken down. Three Republican congressmen who greeted the veterans gave The Washington Post different accounts of how exactly the barricades parted, but it allowed the veterans to stroll inside and see the memorial dedicated to their service.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated Republicans would introduce legislation that would allow veterans on “honor flights” to continue to visit the war memorials even during a shutdown situation.

Watch the NewsNation video above for more.

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Christian HS Football Coach Reportedly Fired for Refusing to Attend a Church the School Required

In some high schools, football is a religion.

But for one very successful head coach, practicing that religion exceedingly well wasn?t good enough apparently.

You see, Scott Phillips, who led East Memorial Christian Academy?s football program to its first state playoff berth in years, got fired because of practicing actual religion.

Scott Phillips with his wife, Teri (Credit: Facebook)

He allegedly refused to attend a church of the Prattville, Ala. school?s liking?East Memorial Baptist Church?in favor of his family?s home church, and that spelled his end, according to Yahoo Sports and first reported in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Here?s more from Yahoo Sports:

While Phillips had never been forced to attend the school?s affiliated church when he was only a coach, that changed when he became the school?s athletic director. As confirmed by the Advertiser, East Memorial Christian Academy?s athletic director was expected to attend the East Memorial Baptist Church, even though?there was allegedly not an official clause in the contract requiring such attendance.

Phillips tried to make that work, getting his family to start each Sunday at a 9 a.m. service at East Memorial before attending an 11 a.m. service at his family?s church of choice, Church of the Highlands. Eventually that routine began to make Phillips feel dishonest, leading to a conversation with East Memorial officials where?the coach and AD told them he didn?t feel comfortable attending Sunday services at East Memorial Baptist.

That was the last conversation he would have as the school?s AD.

?I was 30 seconds from turning the job down because of the church issue,? Phillips told the Advertiser. ?They wanted me to transition from the Church of the Highlands to East Memorial. I never really liked that, so I went back in my administrator?s office and told them I was willing to give this a try, but I don?t know how this will work out?

?That was the last thing said.?

(H/T: Fark)

?

Source: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/08/03/christian-hs-football-coach-reportedly-fired-for-refusing-to-attend-a-church-the-school-required/

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Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao, Union Minister for Textiles, will be the Chief Guest and deliver the Keynote Address at the National Seminar on Innovation & Technological Advancements ? Growth Mantra for Textile Industry, tomorrow as per the following details:

Director (M&C)????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????Press Information Bureau

(Commerce, Industry & Textiles)???????????????????????????? Shastri Bhawan

Tel.: 011-23063622/23383597??????????????????????????????????? New Delhi

E-mail: press.commerce@gmail.com

August 1, 2013

INVITATION

Re: National Seminar on Innovation & Technological Advancements ? Growth Mantra for Textile Industry

Dear Sir/Madam,

Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao, Union Minister for Textiles, will be the Chief Guest and deliver the Keynote Address at the National Seminar on Innovation & Technological Advancements ? Growth Mantra for Textile Industry, tomorrow as per the following details:

Venue:? PHD House, New Delhi

Date: Friday, August 2, 2013

Time: 1000 hours

You are invited to cover the event.

????????? Yours sincerely

?

(Dhiraj Singh)

?

To

All accredited Correspondents/ Camerapersons

All accredited TV News Organizations

ADG (News), Doordarshan

ADG (News), AIR

Dir/DD (Photo Division)/ PIB Photo Cell

(Release ID :97523)

Source: http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=97523

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Review: Bieber not in pop star form at concert

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) ? For all the negative publicity that's surrounded Justin Bieber in recent months ? the alleged drinking, smoking, spitting, fighting with a paparazzo and more ? he entered the stage at the Prudential Center in angelic form: In all white, he descended to the center of the stage with wings on his sides as nearly 20,000 fans screamed at the top of their lungs.

These girls had Bieber Fever, and they didn't want to be cured.

They cheered on the 19-year-old, who kicked off his Wednesday night concert with the high energy, electro-flavored songs "All Around the World" and "Take You." There were pyrotechnics bursting to match the tracks' sparkle, fan-made signs in every row and lights beaming from the cell phones capturing pictures and video. Bieber didn't have to move, and the arena would still have been in a frenzy.

The pop star took advantage of that during his 90-minute concert. During the opening up-tempo numbers, he seemed to be lip syncing and his sluggish, lazy dancing didn't match the oomph of the beats. Bieber was far better when he slowed things down, singing on grooves or mid-tempo tunes. But the multiplatinum singer is part of a group of contemporary acts who have a plethora of hits, but have not yet learned how to fully command onstage and truly connect with an audience.

Bieber phoned in a good amount during his show; at some moments, he even appeared bored. He was clocking in ? another day, another sold-out concert (Wednesday was Bieber's second night at Prudential).

When performing the hit "Beauty and a Beat," he couldn't keep up with his background dancers. He was lip syncing again ? much like a number of today's pop stars when trying to keep up with decent choreography. Though talented, Bieber isn't as good as Chris Brown, who also appears to lip sync but dances with clarity, precision and edge. During "She Don't Like the Lights," Bieber barely moved to the track's futuristic beat (maybe it was the leather tights?)

The Canadian singer was in better form when he sang R&B numbers and groovier jams instead of high-powered, dance-flavored tunes ? much like his performance on his latest album, "Believe." He impressed when he warmed up his vocals before singing the soft "Catching Feelings" and he offered a singer-songwriter vibe during "Fall," where he also played guitar. While on the drums, Bieber was most natural, and during what feels like his life anthem ? "Never Say Never" ? he was confident as he sang the positive, inspirational lyrics to the crowd.

The singer's best effort was on "Die In Your Arms," which samples Michael Jackson's "We Got a Good Thing Going." His vocals were crisp and his dance moves slick, as he and six background dancers paid tribute with the throwback performance.

Throughout the night, videos of Bieber as a child played on the big screens. The images that stood out: A young Bieber playing the drums and singing in place.

Things haven't really changed.

_____

Online:

http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/

_____

Follow Mesfin Fekadu on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MusicMesfin

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/review-bieber-not-pop-star-form-concert-055857449.html

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Renovations at NY Public Library strike a nerve

NEW YORK (AP) ? Like the famous marble lions out front, the New York Public Library's flagship building has long symbolized serene endurance in the service of knowledge. But plans for a major change within the landmark have kindled an intellectual culture clash over its direction and the future of libraries themselves.

The $300 million-plus proposal entails moving millions of books out of the Fifth Avenue building's storied research stacks and into storage to make way for a lending library with other volumes, computers and a cafe.

Library officials say it will save the research books and millions of dollars and adapt the grand building further to the wired world. But a roster of scholars, preservationists and other critics suspect the library of masking a real estate ploy as a public benefit and say the project will turn a singular institution into "library lite."

Bibliophiles protested outside a trustees' meeting, Pulitzer Prize-winning historians have sued the library, and novelists including Salman Rushdie, Jonathan Lethem and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa signed a petition. While library leaders have made sizable concessions and say the plans are being redrawn, the uproar continues in a chorus of anxieties about libraries' roles when information is only a touchscreen away.

For libraries in general, "this is a moment of transformation," library President Anthony Marx said in an interview. "And certainly the controversy over this building and its renovation is, I suppose, the most visible aspect of that transformation."

In recent years, many libraries have grappled to balance ? and pay for ? new demands for electronic services and livelier environments against their commitments to provide repositories for books and settings for study. Their efforts have spurred commentary about the line between catering to changing times and morphing into a book-themed mall.

Those choices have come under scrutiny in cities including Seattle, where the striking, 9-year-old Central Library has been praised as a design jewel, tourist draw and boon to book circulation but faulted as short on amenable spots to, well, read. After San Francisco's new main library opened in 1996, novelist Nicholson Baker publicly deplored plans ? ultimately abandoned ? to eliminate its card catalog in favor of an online system.

But perhaps no other U.S. library has the profile of the New York Public's 102-year-old main building. Scenes from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Network" were filmed there. More than 100 books have been at least partly researched or written there, including Robert Caro's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Power Broker" and Karen Russell's acclaimed 2011 novel "Swamplandia!"

The building draws up to 2 million people a year. Any of them can request a book from the research collection, and 4 million of those volumes have been in the stacks, available for perusal in generally about 15 minutes.

Under the overhaul plan, about 1 million or more of those books would go permanently to a repository in New Jersey; the library would aim to fill requests within a day but acknowledges it sometimes can't now. Initial plans called for sending the entire research collection there, but the controversy prompted an $8 million donation to put at least 3 million volumes in an existing underground book storage adjoining the library.

In place of the staff-only stacks would be an airy space where visitors could browse and borrow from a collection of more than 500,000 books, moved in from the Mid-Manhattan Library across the street and a science and business library about half a mile away. Their spaces would be sold to generate an estimated $200 million; the city doesn't run the library but has pledged another $150 million. Officials say the initial $300 million price tag is in flux, with a new design due in the fall.

Library officials say the project would get books out of stacks that don't meet current preservation and fire-safety standards, create a better setting for the shopworn Mid-Manhattan Library's roughly 1.5 million annual visitors, and generate more than $15 million a year in savings and income from investing the proceeds of the real estate sales.

And, Marx says, "we want the public to enjoy this building more."

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Edmund Morris, a plaintiff in one of two lawsuits seeking to block the plan, says researchers accustomed to leapfrogging from one volume to another would be frustrated if they had to stop and wait for books.

For now, no changes are imminent. Amid the lawsuits, the library agreed last month not to do construction work on the stacks until at least mid-October.

___

Follow Jennifer Peltz at http://twitter.com/jennpeltz

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/renovations-ny-public-library-strike-nerve-062632682.html

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Hillary Rodham Clinton group raises $1 million

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives at the White House in Washington, Monday, July 29, 2013, for lunch with President Barack Obama. It's the most talked about lunch in the nation's capital. President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are dining privately at the White House Monday. While it's not the first time the pair have seen each other since Clinton left the administration earlier this year, each of their get-togethers are closely analyzed. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives at the White House in Washington, Monday, July 29, 2013, for lunch with President Barack Obama. It's the most talked about lunch in the nation's capital. President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are dining privately at the White House Monday. While it's not the first time the pair have seen each other since Clinton left the administration earlier this year, each of their get-togethers are closely analyzed. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

BOSTON (AP) ? She's yet to say whether she'll run, but a group working to support Hillary Rodham Clinton's prospective presidential bid has raised more than $1 million in June alone.

An official with the Ready For Hillary super PAC confirmed Tuesday that the organization has accepted donations exceeding $1.25 million since beginning to raise money in earnest this spring ? a figure that includes more than $1 million last month as the operation begins to ramp up. The figures will be reported in the group's financial report on Wednesday.

Clinton, who resigned as secretary of state in February, has not announced whether she will seek the presidency in 2016. But the super PAC dedicated to encouraging her to run has attracted several prominent Democratic donors and campaign operatives in recent weeks.

The official says that Ready For Hillary will report roughly $1 million in the bank after expenses, with three-quarters of all expenses focused on digital advertising to help build its email list and social media capacity. Wednesday's filing will show donors from all 50 states.

Clinton is not formally connected to the group, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money. She has been making public appearances and working on a book since leaving the State Department.

The activity comes more than three years before the next presidential election, although both sides are actively working to influence Clinton's standing in the race.

Earlier in the month, Ready for Hillary announced the hiring of a Democratic firm called 270 Strategies to oversee grassroots organizing, volunteer training and recruitment. The move helped improve the legitimacy of the group among some skeptical donors. The firm, started by top aides in President Barack Obama's last election, is working on a plan to expand the operation across the country.

Republicans, too, are in the early stages of an effort to chip away at Clinton's record.

American Crossroads, the GOP group tied to Republican strategist Karl Rove, released a web video in May that suggested Clinton was less than truthful in the Benghazi case, an episode they noted happened "all under Hillary Clinton's watch." An independent review last year blamed the State Department for inadequate security but largely absolved Clinton of wrongdoing.

Separately, American Rising, a Republican super political action committee led by former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign manager, created the Stop Hillary PAC and has been raising money off a potential Clinton campaign.

One email request from the cofounder of the group warned that "massive forces are aligning to begin a coronation of 'President Hillary.'"

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2013-07-30-Hillary%20Clinton-%20Fundraising/id-c2002bf3411b4d50be96464993c2fd5b

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