Microsoft unveils Web version of ‘Settlers of Catan’

Fan of the game Settlers of Catan but can’t carry the board game around with you? Microsoft has just co-developed a Web version of the game. And you don’t have to be using Internet Explorer to play the game. Any browser with HTML5 support can run the game. The game is currently in beta so don’t expect it to be polished and perfect.

You currently can’t play with a computer opponent or a random online player. You would need to find and invite at least two other friends to play using Facebook or email. You can take turns asynchronously with time limits so the game keeps going and you can opt to receive email notifications to know if your opponent takes a turn. You can also use the built-in Skype-powered voice chat. There is also an auto-trade and auto-roll feature to help keep the game going.

Source: Engadget

Marvel announced ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ cartoon series

Marvel looks like they’re confident they have a hit on their hands with the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy movie. The studio just announced that they will air a new cartoon series based on the characters on Disney XD. This will join Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers Assemble on the channel. They didn’t announce a release date on the show yet but Creative Director Eric Radomski said the characters will make appearances in other Marvel cartoons to keep the characters in the viewer’s minds.

Source: io9

Report claims production of 5.5-inch iPhone 6, new iPads pushed back to September

Reports have surfaced that the bigger 5.5-inch version of the iPhone will start production at a later date than the 4.7-inch model. The Taiwanese media have been reporting that production for that larger Apple smartphone will start in September, which is reportedly the month when the 4.7-inch will hit stores. Production capacity will also reportedly be limited at first with manufacturing set to increase by 84 percent by the fourth quarter of 2014.

According to the same Taiwanese report, the new iPad mini and iPad Air will also start mass production in September. Not much is known about the next-gen tablets except both might have Apple’s Touch ID sensor. Of course, we all have to take these reports with a grain of salt. But it does give us a timeline of sorts when to expect the newest goodies from Apple.

Source: Cult of Mac

Google Translate creates community to help with translations

Google knows there is more than one way to translate languages. That is why they created a Translate Community to enlist users’ help. The community can help create new translations as well as rate existing ones. Google is also localizing Community pages to support your preferred language display. And of course, the company also wants to hear feedback about this effort from those who choose to join. This community is related to a recent Translate update that lets you suggest a different translation to what Google has initially offered.