‘The Interview’ to bring extra footage to Blu-ray and DVD copies

After backtracking from their announcement that they weren’t releasing the highly controversial The Interview, Sony Pictures Entertainment is looking to get the film out there. They have announced plans to release the film on Blu-ray and DVD starting February 17^th with 90 minutes of extra footage. There will be deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and a seven-minute blooper reel. They call it the “Freedom Edition”—which is cheekily named but done a bit in bad taste. It is their movie though so they can do what they want.

 Source: The Verge

HTC brings web browser to Google Play Store

In the latest effort to decouple its proprietary apps, HTC is bringing its web browser called HTC Internet to the Google Play Store. The app now joins the likes of HTC Gallery, HTC Clock, HTC Lockscreen, and HTC Weather in the Play Store. The biggest benefit of this decoupling is it helps lessen software version fragmentation, which is a big issue for Android users. Those who want to download HTC Internet will need to be running Android 4.4 KitKat or higher.

Source: Ubergizmo | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Google introduces new real-time translations to Translate app

Google is helping make your travel a bit less stressful with new features in Translate app. You can now instantly translate words on signs with Word Lens—and you don’t even have to be online. Just point your camera at the sign or text to see the translated text appear on top. Right now it works for English to and from French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

There is also a new Conversation mode that to make it easier to talk to locals. You just need to tap the mic to start speaking. Type the mic again for it to recognize which of the two languages are being spoken. You won’t need to tap the mic again after that so the conversation runs more smoothly. The updates are rolling out to both Android and iOS in the coming days.

Source: Google Translate blog | Download: Google Play Store (Free) + Apple iTunes App Store (Free)

Knog creates flash accessory for smartphones

While smartphone cameras have been improving, the flash units on them still leave much to be desired for. That’s why the likes of Australian company Knog are there to create accessories like the Expose, a dedicated flash unit for smartphones. Expose pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. It is built with nine LEDs capable of 130 lumens output. It can last for an hour before it needs to be charged.

This compact flash unit can be clipped onto a keychain so you can always have it with you. Its accompanying app will let you toggle between various modes such as flash, continuous, strobe, etc. You can even adjust white balances and brightness right from the app. Expose costs US$60.

Source: Knog | Via: Ubergzimo