The world through the eyes of Google’s Project Tango

Google is embarking on another ambitious smartphone project with Project Tango. The device is capable of mapping the world around the user to give mobile devices a sense of space and motion. TechCrunch got a firsthand demo from Matterport, one of the first companies to get the prototype from Google. The video above shows Matterport’s software integrated into the prototype. TechCrunch says the captures show “both color camera data and a full mesh of 3D data at once.”

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Nokia’s Here Maps to have Windows 8.1 version

If you think Bing Maps is lacking, then the arrival of Nokia’s Here Maps might provide you with the functionalities you need. Nokia claims the mapping software will make its way to Windows 8.1 devices in the coming days, first for North America and Europe users before the rest of the world.

Here Maps used to just be available on the Lumia 2520 tablet and Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Now, it will give Windows 8.1 users capabilities such as being able to load offline maps as fast as their computers can. It will also keep track of navigation routes and search history. Satellite images will be available at higher resolutions. Here Maps will also come with keyboard and mouse support.

Source: The Verge

Fitbit Force fitness tracker recalled for skin irritation issues

Fitbit is recalling its flagship fitness tracker, the Fitbit Force, because it is causing some users to get skin rashes, which is definitely an issue for a device that's designed to be worn all day and even at night. Existing Fitbit Force units are being recalled and refunds are being issued. Early build issues seem to be a recurring problem for these wearable devices, remember the Jawbone Up was recalled for numerous glitches last year. Perhaps some thorough testing of these devices is required before rushing out to market with them, eh Fitbit? Hit jump for Fitbit's full statement on the matter.

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US Postage Stamp featuring Steve Jobs considered for 2015

Stamp mock-up by Gadjo C. Sevilla

The Washington Post has uncovered a list of possible subjects for upcoming US Postage Stamps and among them is Apple founder Steve Jobs. Slated for production in 2015, the stamps will be a limited release. Other celebrities getting stamped include Science Fiction Writers, Peanuts, Johnny Carson, James Brown and Elvis. The actual stamp is still being designed so there's no inkling on which iconic Jobs image will be used. Perhaps they should release a series of stamps, one for each revolutionary product category Jobs ushered in.

Source: The Washington Post