SlashGear

Google reportedly to settle antitrust probe on January 3

Brittany Hillen, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

On December 19, we reported that, according to sources, the FTC was set to push its investigation of Google into early 2013. Originally, it was to be settled by the end of 2012, but a heap of criticism prompted an extension while the agency looked into additional penalties. Apparently they didn't need much extra time, as sources are now stating that Google will settle the probe tomorrow. Read The Full Story

Series 3 Chromebox gets updated design

Brittany Hillen, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

Samsung has rolled out a new Series 3 Chromebox that features a sleek, updated design while running the same hardware under the hood. The model is yet to be launched in the US, but is now available in the UK. Google hasn't made any announcements about the new model yet, but it is now listed on Samsung's website with a not-yet-provided price tag. Read The Full Story

Must Read Bits & Bytes

Installous is dead, it’s not just you

Microsoft slams Google, claims it is intentionally harming Windows Phone

Brittany Hillen, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

Google has been in the news for quite some time over a variety of FTC investigations and issues concerning mobile, advertising, and search practices, with claims that it is deliberately harming its competition. Now Microsoft's Vice President Dave Heiner has tossed his voice into the mix, posting a lengthy piece on TechNet that expresses concern over the slap on the wrist Google is poised to get from the FTC while claiming that the search engine giant is intentionally harming Windows Phone and its competition in general. Read The Full Story

Silverlit to introduce Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG RC car at CES 2013

Eric Abent, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

It isn't all that often we get to talk about remote-controlled cars here at SlashGear, but the one we're covering today comes with a few cool gadget-related features. Say hello to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a new RC car from the folks at Silverlit. While it looks like a normal RC car at first - and largely is - there are a couple key differences between this and other RC cars we're used to seeing. Read The Full Story

SlashGear Evening Wrap-Up: January 2, 2013

Eric Abent, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

Well folks, after a brief break to celebrate the new year, we're back with the first Evening Wrap-Up of 2013. We heard today that the iPhone 5S might come with a number of color selections similar to the iPod Touch along with a larger screen, while rumors are saying that HTC will unveil its new flagship device, the M7, during CES (which is next week!). There are new services floating around out there that let users install pirated iOS apps without jailbreaking first, and Apple has secured Android sales data from Samsung, despite Samsung requesting that this data remain a secret. Read The Full Story

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Quadrantid meteor shower to start around midnight

Brittany Hillen, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

Just three days into the new year, and star gazers are in for a treat. On January 3 (starting at midnight tonight and lasting into the morning hours), the Quandrantid meteor shower will put on a show for the Western coast of the United states, as well as Asia. The Quads, as it is more commonly known, typically produce 60 to 200 meteors per hour, but will sadly fall during daylight hours for certain time zones. Read The Full Story

Zynga shuts down Japan studio

Eric Abent, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

More bad news for Zynga today, as the social games maker has announced that it will be shutting down its Japan studio later this month. Zynga Japan is scheduled to go dark on January 31, 2013 according to Develop, and though there are a number of games shutting down with it, one in particular will remain supported after Zynga Japan closes its doors. That would be the card battle game called "Yin Ayakashi record," which has found success on iOS and Android. Read The Full Story

Google boss Eric Schmidt reportedly headed to North Korea this year

Eric Abent, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

Here's a pretty interesting report: according to the Associated Press, Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt might be taking a trip to North Korea this year. Details are pretty slim, but according to the two sources the Associated Press spoke to, Schmidt won't be alone when he goes. He'll be accompanied by former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, who has made the trek to North Korea more than a few times in the past. Read The Full Story

Connecticut offering $25 for every violent video game destroyed

Chris Burns, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

It would appear that the folks in Southington, Connecticut are looking to terminate the enemy with extreme prejudice - the enemy being violent media of all shapes and sizes. The group hosting the event by the name of "Violent Video Games Return Program" will be allowing in all manner of violent media with a promise that they'll get a $25 "certificate" for every unit they turn in from the local Chamber of Commerce. One thing they'll be sure to have victory on is a massive pile of old games and movies, that's for sure - how empty their pocketbooks will be at the end of this may be a different story. Read The Full Story

ABI ranks Apple App Store tops at start of 2013

Chris Burns, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

In a mix of user interface usage, number crunching, and good ol' analytics, the group known as ABI Research has revealed that Apple's App Store has their top score in the mobile application storefronts category here at the start of 2013. The report they've released ranks stores based on both implementation and innovation with Apple winning the overall combined score over both the Google Play app store and Microsoft's Windows Store, Google's working for Android and Microsoft's working for Windows Phone devices. Read The Full Story

Elite: Dangerous reaches Kickstarter goal with two days left

Eric Abent, Jan 2nd 2013 Discuss [0]

It was a close one, folks, but it looks like Elite: Dangerous will become a reality after all. The latest entry in the much-love space sim series reached its Kickstarter funding goal of £1,250,000 earlier today, crossing the finish line with just over two days left to go. At the time of this writing, there are 51 hours left before the campaign wraps, with developer Frontier Developments adding a number of new stretch goals in these final hours. Read The Full Story