‘civilization: beyond earth’ takes strategy beyond the stars

‘Civilization: Beyond Earth’ Takes Strategy Beyond the Stars

Firaxis Games announced this week that its next installment in the popular Civilization game series, Civilization: Beyond Earth, will launch October 24 of this year. Pre-ordering will be available, with a jam-packed map set included for those who do so. Get excited people, it’s time to conquer space for humankind. ‘Civilization’ is leaving the atmosphere We are…

Sales of oculus rift suspended in china over scalper problem

Sales of Oculus Rift Suspended in China Over Scalper Problem

For developers in China looking to test-drive Oculus Rift, the past week brought some bad news. Oculus VR recently confirmed that they have been pushed to stop selling the development kit for their virtual reality headsets in China due to high rates of scalpers gobbling up the kits before legitimate developers can get to them. Widespread…

Bmw uses 3d printing to protect employee’s…thumbs?

BMW Uses 3D Printing to Protect Employee’s…Thumbs?

That’s right, car manufacturer BMW is taking a step towards better working conditions for their factory employees — starting with their thumbs. Using 3D printing technology, the company has developed a mechanism that fits over the thumb for employees whose tasks involve repeated strength and pressure on one hand throughout their work day. Here’s how, and…

Online book retail flourishes, but physical books not dead

Online Book Retail Flourishes, But Physical Books Not Dead

A 2013 report from BookStats released this year has shown what we’ve been waiting to happen for years: online book sales have surpassed the brick and mortar variety. “Online book sales” includes both ebooks and physical copies ordered over the internet, so technophobes can rest easy knowing that being able to hold hundreds of titles in…

#AskThicke Hashtag Goes Horribly, Predictably Wrong

This week, VH1 made the questionable decision to let Twitter ask Robin Thicke questions via the #AskThicke hashtag. They had not noticed, apparently, that the Internet was abuzz with renewed contempt for Thicke over his new single, ‘Get Her Back’, a pushy attempt at winning back the affection of his estranged wife, actress Paula Patton….

Spark: the musical instrument that generates energy

Spark: The Musical Instrument That Generates Energy

For those who live off-grid, especially in Second and Third World countries, finding ways to bring affordable (and, ideally, clean) energy to their homes is a unique challenge. We’ve developed technology that can convert sun rays and wind into energy, but at a price. One that the world’s poor or struggling populations can’t afford. How…

“the flash” pilot leaked — and it’s awesome (spoilers)

“The Flash” Pilot Leaked — And It’s Awesome (SPOILERS)

There’s a good amount of hype around the CW’s new show The Flash, based on the well-known comic book hero, which is set to premier later this year. Critics praised the original trailer for the show and general public interest has been keen. From the trailer, the pilot appeared to be crammed with a lot…

It’s coming! Oculus rift dev kit 2. 0

It’s Coming! Oculus Rift Dev Kit 2.0

Despite its limitations the Oculus Rift has earned quite the cult following, with others eagerly waiting in the wings while the kinks get worked out. The promise of better things to come and the recognition that this is a start-up company has kept fans patient and eager to be the beta testers of the device. Finally,…

Aereo ruled illegal, but innovation’s not dead yet

Aereo Ruled Illegal, But Innovation’s Not Dead Yet

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme ruled 6-3 against streaming service Aereo, declaring the service illegal in relation to the U.S. Copyright Act. The case brought against Aereo by a coalition of broadcasters including NBC, Disney, Fox, and CBS — and later, the White House. Aereo has maintained that it was operating within the law, but…

Windows phone 8. 1 os update

Windows Phone 8.1 OS Update

The Windows Phone 8 OS is finally getting its first major update. While the phone’s software has had three smaller updates, this is the first one big enough to move it from 8.0 to 8.1, bring the phone software up to speed with its desktop counterpart. The Main Features Wallpaper: Something we assume is universal to all smartphones,…

Digital privacy: your emails might get a lot safer

Digital Privacy: Your Emails Might Get a Lot Safer

It appears that we may finally be making a sliver of progress on the issue of online/digital privacy. The House passed the USA Freedom Act in May, a bill that originally garnered wide support but which quickly become so watered down by more loopholes and loose provisions. It has yet to be passed in the Senate, but so…

Markiplier Redirects Channel to Original Charity Roots

Markiplier posted a vlog to his 2.5 million subscribers last week to give some brief updates and to address the recent communication between him and his expanding fanbase. For the past few weeks, Markiplier and his fans held open dialogues about the current direction of the channel, both in its content as well as its goals as a…

5 early comics from around the world

5 Early Comics From Around The World

5. Choujuu-jinbutsu-giga or “Animal-Person Caricatures” (Japan) Choujuu-jinbutsu-giga (the literal translation of which is “Animal-Person Caricatures”), shortened to Choujuu-giga, is a 12th/13th century Japanese series of scroll drawings (emakimono) from Kyoto, Japan, and is widely recognized as the first manga. The series of scrolls has no confirmed author, though many scholars believe the monk and astronomer Toba Soujou created them. The right-to-left reading direction of Choujuu-giga is thought to have created the…

China’s e-commerce giant alibaba launching online bazaar for u. S.

China’s E-Commerce Giant Alibaba Launching Online Bazaar for U.S.

Nicknamed “China’s Google” by the tech industry, Alibaba has set its sights on America, with plans to open an online marketplace for the U.S. market. The site, 11Main.com, aims to provide an online shopping experienced inspired by Main Streets, historically the retail hubs of American cities. Rather than an amalgam of products ranging from the questionably cheap to…