Apple II drum sequencer surfaces for chiptune composers

No, this isn't a recycled news item from the 1980s -- it's 2011, and MJ Mahon and 8 Bit Weapon have just announced the release of the Apple II DMS Drummer, a wavetable-based drum sequencer for Apple II-era machines. The monophonic synth reproduces eight drum sounds like bass, snare, rim shot, hand clap, tom, hat open, hat closed and "lazer," along with a sequencer that lets you plug in up to 16 drum patterns across 256 slots. Seems like just the thing for chiptune composers hankering for a way to make authentic eight-bit drum tracks using vintage Apple hardware. System requirements call for an Apple IIe, IIc, IIc+ or IIgs with 80-column capability and a 5.25-inch floppy drive -- you know, pretty modern stuff. A limited demo version is available, but if that doesn't satisfy, you can either buy it on a floppy for $14.95 or download a .dsk disk image for $9.95. Oh, and neither require a time-traveling DeLorean to go back to 1985.



[Thanks, Seth]

Apple II drum sequencer surfaces for chiptune composers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oral B Triumph IQ5000 $88.99 after $50 Cashback

I saw in Chemist Warehouse catalog they have the "Oral B Toothbrush Triumph with Smart Guide (IQ5000)" for $138.99. I assume it can be bought instore, and it can be bought online with free shipping.

As posted a few times already on OzB, Oral B are giving $50 cashback on this toothbrush, bringing it in at $88.99 which is about the best price I've seen.

I got this toothbrush at the beginning of November when shavershop had a pricing error and can highly recommend it (at least my teeth feel more sparkly, and it encourages me to brush my teeth for 2-3 minutes morning and evening!). The Smart Guide is basically a linked LCD display which has a countdown function for how long you've been brushing, an indicator for when you're pressing too hard, and when not it use, it's a digital clock.

Cashback claim form: http://www.oralb.com.au/assets/pdf/offers/12114_Xmas_2011_Ca...

Edit: I also just saw the Chemist Warehouse are offering a "free crappy gift" with any online purchase (tape measure and level keychain). What more incentive do you need?!?

http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/promotions/freegift12/

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/d1fde3

Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead

Siri hasn't been caught cooking dinner yet, but hackers worldwide have boldly taken Apple's personal assistant to a whole new level by incorporating its functionality with a plethora of different devices. We've seen Siri use custom commands, change the temperature in your house, and even allow select car owners to utilize their automobile's Bluetooth integration. Nifty, no doubt, but this assistant's evolution towards greater heights isn't over yet. Vimeo user toddtreece has whipped up a slick demo of the iPhone 4S' right hand gal (or guy) taking command of his television set. From changing channels to turning off devices, with the help of a proxy and a few parts, you can get your own home setup running on voice activation. Feeling a bit guilty for your sudden interest in slothfulness? Fret not -- Siri's apparently quite good at calling you out. Have a look just after the break.



[Thanks, Jesse]

Continue reading Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead

Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ONLY $4! Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - SAVE 87% - Shipping $7.95

Hi guys,

We have reduced our Victorinox Official Swiss Army Knife as a Christmas special to only $4, huge saving off the market value! This is not an imitation and the price is by far the cheapest out there. Perfect Kris Kringle gift idea or just an easy way to tick somebody off your Christmas list.

Buy as many as you like!

Freight Discount: Checkout with more than 3 products to get all additional items delivered for FREE! You only ever pay delivery for the 3 most costly items to ship per order.

Victorinox are the original creators of the Swiss Army Knife. Victorinox created the Swiss Army Knife back in 1897. Since then, every model has been engineered & manufacturered to extremely high standards.

Precision, quality and functionality are the hallmarks of all Victorinox Swiss Army Knives.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Player is a 9 Piece Pocket Knife which features:

Large blade
Cap lifter (bottle opener)
Can opener
Corkscrew
Screwdriver
Wire Bender & Stripper
Tweezers
Toothpick
Key ring loop for easy attachment
Limited lifetime warranty

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/9d0612

Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal

Korean scientists reckon that the capacitive touchscreens on our phones and tablets could help diagnose diseases from what's floating around in your mouth. It works through the screen's ability to detect minute capacitive differences in disease-carrying liquids placed on its surface. Experiments by Hyun Gyu Park and Byoung Yeon Won at the Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology in Daejeon managed to detect chlamydia microbes in three different concentrations. Once again, the iPhone acted as medical chief, although the setup isn't yet able to distinguish between different bugs. There are also teething troubles with the touchscreen, as capacitive read-outs can be affected by moisture and sweat that are on the screen alongside your 'sample.' One solution to this would be to create a disposable film that attaches to the iPhone surface. There's a second reason for this, as Park diplomatically puts it: "Nobody wants direct application of bio-samples onto their phone." Let's hope Siri doesn't take it personally.



[Sneezing photo via Shutterstock]

Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Dupe' Thongs When Any Optus Handset Purchase

Hi Guys,

Just came across this offer while surfing optus site, you'll get a free pair of thongs when you Purchase and activate an Optus Prepaid handset before 31 January 2012.

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/1ffcdc

This Week on Xbox Live (11.30.11)

The Thanksgiving, Fan Appreciation, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday sales are over. So what's sitting in the clearance dust now that they're over?

Xbox Live Arcade

Play with movies or play with a classic cartoon. Two arcade games are now available for purchase...

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/6535bd

Nokia Siemens Networks looks to unload WiMax division onto NewNet Communication

WiMax expansion isn't exactly all the rage as of late, and so it comes as no surprise that Nokia Siemens Networks is shedding itself of the extraneous baggage. Following its recent whopping round of layoffs, the move is a continuation of the company's efforts to bring stability to its bottom line. NewNet Communication Technologies has agreed to bring the castoff WiMax technologies into its fold, along with approximately 300 NSN employees -- all for an undisclosed price -- in a deal that's expected to be finalized before year's end. A full press release follows the break.

Continue reading Nokia Siemens Networks looks to unload WiMax division onto NewNet Communication

Nokia Siemens Networks looks to unload WiMax division onto NewNet Communication originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jelly Defense game for Android Free (Original price $2.99) Amazon App store

Jelly Defense - Tower defense type game available for free for 1 day at Amazon App store (expires tomorrow around 5-6 pm).

Note: Amazon Appstore is currently only available in the US and the instructions how to get it outside the US are given here:

http://dottech.org/tipsntricks/24397/android-how-to-get-amaz...

or

http://www.abtevrythng.com/2011/03/how-to-use-amazon-app-sto...

Game description:

A World Threatened

Once upon a time, in a galaxy not so far away, lived a proud and peaceful Jelly nation on the world of Diploglobe. Then one day, everything changed. Kiwi Halvas darkened the sky and an unprecedented invasion began! Join the Jelly forces and lead them to glory in a fierce battle against these alien invaders.

Look at these poor little creatures. They trust you, they believe in you, they rely on you. Can you refuse those big faithful eyes (or eye)? You're their only hope.

Tower Power

Use your tactical skills and wisdom to tip the scales of victory and save the Diploglobe and Jelly nation. They'll be marching down the roads in search of your stockpile of green gems. Your job is to keep them from reaching them.

Your main line of defense in the battle is an assortment of defense towers, which you will place along the route. Each type of tower has a different cost and defensive capability, so be careful in your choice and placement of each one in order to maximize their efficiency.

Finally, Something Worth Defending!

Download Jelly Defense now and lose yourself in a unique and beautiful world. Lead your army into battle against fantastic and demanding enemies. A magic, addicting, and surreal adventure awaits you. Jump in and become the ultimate Jelly legend!

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/13aca9

Bridging the Gap Between 2D and 3D Mario

Super Mario 3D Land represents a unique step for the Mario franchise. It's a three-dimensional Mario game in stereoscopic 3D that plays like one of the plumber's 2D adventures. The result was a masterful blend of elements from Mario's past and present, a blend that must have been rather difficult for the developers to achieve...

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/c89e5f

Tobii looks to keep you alert by detecting when you're tweet-driving (video)

Don't think you'll get caught checking the Duke score while cruisin' down the highway? Soon, you may have to think twice before hitting the scoreboard. Tobii has unveiled its new technology that detects drowsiness and distraction in on-board driver safety systems. The platform is based on the company's advanced eye tracking tech to bolster automobile safety on the highways and byways. The system detects eyes of all shapes, sizes, and colors -- without calibration -- even if the driver is wearing glasses or a pair of Ray Ban shades. A constant stream of data communicates to the watchman the driver's condition, regardless of changes in environment or if the person behind the wheel takes a quick peek out the window. Tobii isn't looking to stop here either, as it says eye control of in-cabin infotainment systems is within reach. Perhaps this time next year, we'll be able to browse that Spotify collection with a series of blinks -- one can only hope.

Continue reading Tobii looks to keep you alert by detecting when you're tweet-driving (video)

Tobii looks to keep you alert by detecting when you're tweet-driving (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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