Saturday, June 30, 2012

Adobe confirms it won't support Flash on Android 4.1, stops new Flash instal...

via Engadget Mobile by Jon Fingas on 6/28/12

Adobe Flash Platform

Adobe was very public about dropping mobile Flash last fall. In case that wasn't clear enough, the developer just drew a line in the sand: Android 4.1 doesn't, and won't ever, get certification for Flash. The company is stopping short of saying that Flash won't run, but it's evident that Adobe won't help you if the web browser plugin doesn't install (or breaks in spectacular fashion) on that Nexus 7. Just to underscore the point, the firm is also halting new installations of Flash from Google Play as of August 15th. Security updates and other vital patches will continue on for existing users. Any fresh downloads after that fateful day, however, will have to come from Adobe's mausoleum for old versions. The company had already said that HTML5 was the way forward on phones and tablets -- now we know just how quickly it's backing up that claim.

Adobe confirms it won't support Flash on Android 4.1, stops new Flash installs from Google Play on August 15th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Benchmade supplies Championship Knives to NRA

via NRAblog by GOblog.nospam@nospam.nrahq.org (LDalseide) on 6/28/12

Blades of the Benchmade Knives for the 2012 NRA Smallbore Champions

Fairfax, Virginia - A little more than a week away from First Shot at NRA's National Pistol and Rifle Championships in Camp Perry and the goodies are still rolling in. One of the latest arrives from Oregon care of the Benchmade Knife Company.

"Benchmade is a Silver Sponsor with the Smallbore Matches," explained NRA Senior Marketing Coordinator Woody Arenas. "They gave us two knives for our Smallbore Champions, 3-Position and Prone. They also sent along knives that will go to those who finish in second, third as well as the winners of a few of the subcategories. "

For the champions, they will receive a 581 Barrage. Constructed out of M390 Super Steel, the 60-62 rated hardness blade has a length of 3.6 inches and relies on the handy AXIS-Assist locking mechanism. But the other knives are nothing to sneeze at either.

The runner-ups will be awarded one of ten 551 Griptilian knives. Also with the AXIS® locking mechanism, the Griptilians come standard with dual thumb-stud openers, a 3.45 inch blade Collection of Benchmade Knives for the NRA 2012 Smallbore Champions along with a Noryl GTX grip. And the prizes don't stop with the knives.

"There will also be a pair of Benelli shotguns for the winners," said Arenas. "Each Champion, 3-Position and Prone, will receive a Benelli shotgun as part of their awards package. I don't have the model number, but it's a Benelli ... how could they be anything but great?"

The National Rifle & Pistol Championships kick off at Camp Perry, Ohio on July 9th with the traditional First Shot Ceremony. Stay tuned to NRAblog for live coverage of the event.

Asteroid Threat: Sizing Up Earth's Vulnerability to Space Rock Strikes

I just finished Arthur C. Clake's book on this topic.

via SPACE.com on 6/29/12

A civilization-threatening impact isn't imminent, but lots of asteroids out there could do serious damage.

Foursquare Connected App platform lets other apps interact with check ins

via Engadget Mobile by Richard Lawler on 6/29/12

Foursquare Connected App platform lets other apps interact with check ins

It turns out Foursquare's massive 5.0 revamp was just the start of the changes, as the location sharing app unveiled a new twist with the launch its Connected Apps platform. Available as a developer preview, it lets the makers of apps like Untappd, Instagram or The Weather Channel connect directly with the Foursquare app. Many apps were already connected via the API, and once users upgrade to the latest version on Android or iOS their checkins pull information from those apps into Foursquare itself. That means they get things like the weather forecast on their first check in of the day from The Weather Channel, see what songs their friends have shared at a particular location via Soundtracking or beer recommendations from Untappd. Developers can get all the info on how it works at the overview, the rest of us can see the list of enabled apps on the official blog post.

Foursquare Connected App platform lets other apps interact with check ins originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 04:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Say goodbye to AirPush: you can now disable notifications in Android 4.1 Jel...

via Android Phone Fans by Quentyn Kennemer on 6/28/12

As excited as I was to get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on my Galaxy Nexus I’ve been going through every nook and cranny that I can. Another cool feature that went unseen in Google’s keynote is the ability to disable notifications.

I don’t know if you remember that story I wrote on AirPush, the service that allows developers to serve ads up to your notifications bar.

I was appalled that something like this existed, and even more appalled that developers thought it was a good idea to get on board.

There have since been third party solutions to take care of AirPush, but there’s now no need to download an app whose sole purpose is to get rid of another app’s notifications.

Google gives you the ability to disable any app’s notifications at the system level. Tired of AirPush-enabled apps? Download the app and simply disable its notifications.

Don’t need to be reminded to water your crops in Farmgame V1550? Just go into its app info page and disable them in one very quick second.

While I’m not sure something like this qualifies for the “killer feature” or “killer app” tag, it’s definitely a must have feature that I will cherish for as long as Android sticks around (which should be a very, very long time).

If you’ve got a Galaxy Nexus and you want to try Jelly Bean out be sure to follow the links below. We’re still searching for some gummy love for you Sprint users out there.

Verizon version

GSM version

Sprint version

Would You Wear a Deodorized Fart Pad? [Chatroom]

via Gizmodo by Adrian Covert on 6/28/12

Did you know there's a pad that will apparently mask the scent of your farts? And sure, maybe it works, but could you take yourself seriously knowing you had this stuck to your ass? If your intestinal issues are such a problem, maybe you should just see a doctor? [Laughing Squid] More »


Carl Walther GmbH Forms US-based Walther Arms Inc.

via The Firearm Blog by Steve (The Firearm Blog) on 6/28/12

Next year Smith & Wesson will cease being the importer and distributor of Walther firearms in the USA. The owners of Carl Walther GmbH, the PW Group, have formed a new corporation called Walther Arms Inc which will taken over importing and distributing. Carl Walther GmbH will continue to manufacture the M&P22 pistol for S&W.

Walther Manufactured S&WMP22

S&W published very strong fourth quarter results yesterday and as of right now (Friday 12:48am EST) are up almost 13% in after hours trading. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts to this news when they open in the morning.

The full press release ...

Arnsberg, Germany based PW Group, owners of shooting sports companies, CARL WALTHER GmbH Sportwaffen and Umarex, announce the formation of Walther Arms, Inc. to handle all the importation, sales, marketing, distribution and servicing of Walther products in the United States. The transition will occur in two phases beginning January 1, 2013. Previously, Smith & Wesson held responsibility for the distribution of Walther firearms and accessories in the United States. On January 1, that responsibility will be handled by the newly formed Walther Arms, Inc. with the exception of the Walther P22 and PK380 models, which Smith & Wesson will continue to sell and distribute through April 30, 2013.

Walther and Smith & Wesson will maintain their strategic alliance on several fronts—Smith & Wesson will continue to manufacture the PPK for Walther Arms, Inc. and CARL WALTHER will continue to manufacture the M&P22 handgun for S&W. Additionally, Umarex will continue to license the Smith & Wesson brand for airgun products. “We are extremely thankful for the relationship we have had and will continue to have with the quality organization of Smith & Wesson,” said Wulf-Heinz Pflaumer, President of PW Group. “Smith & Wesson has been an outstanding partner and has represented the Walther brand in the U.S. with tremendous focus, effort and results. We look forward to many more years of strategic alliance with Smith & Wesson.”

“We are excited about the formation of our new company, Walther Arms, Inc. It will allow us to intensify our focus on the U.S. firearms market,” said Pflaumer. The Walther brand is a legend in the firearms industry with a rich history of design, innovation and outstanding German manufacturing. “Walther is known throughout the world as a leader in handgun innovation and quality. The new U.S. based Walther Arms allows a more direct influence from the U.S. consumer’s wants and needs into our product development.” said Karl Heinz-Luther, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, CARL WALTHER GmbH Sportwaffen.

Walther Arms, Inc. will begin operations sharing a corporate campus in Fort Smith, Arkansas with Umarex USA, another company in the PW Group. Adam J. Blalock has been named President & CEO of Walther Arms, Inc. and will also remain as President & CEO of Umarex USA. “We are extremely grateful for the way Smith & Wesson has represented Walther and we look forward to our continued relationship with them”, said Blalock, “We will have a dedicated team focused on meeting the needs of U.S. consumers with high quality, innovative products worthy of the Walther brand. We are very thankful for the many loyal Walther customers and we’re excited for the opportunity to serve them.”

Spray-On Batteries Could Turn Graffiti Into Power [Video]

via Gizmodo by Mario Aguilar on 6/28/12

Students at Rice University have invented a spray-on lithium-ion battery that could be applied to any surface like Krylon. How does it work? Just spray on each of the different components of a battery in layers. Is it really that easy? Yes, nerds are amazing. More »


Would You Wear a Deodorized Fart Pad? [Chatroom]

via Gizmodo by Adrian Covert on 6/28/12

Did you know there's a pad that will apparently mask the scent of your farts? And sure, maybe it works, but could you take yourself seriously knowing you had this stuck to your ass? If your intestinal issues are such a problem, maybe you should just see a doctor? [Laughing Squid] More »


Would You Wear a Deodorized Fart Pad? [Chatroom]

via Gizmodo by Adrian Covert on 6/28/12

Did you know there's a pad that will apparently mask the scent of your farts? And sure, maybe it works, but could you take yourself seriously knowing you had this stuck to your ass? If your intestinal issues are such a problem, maybe you should just see a doctor? [Laughing Squid] More »