Quake II has been ported over to HTML5 by some Google [GOOG] guys with some spare time. To get it working they first used Jake2 (a Java port of the Quake II engine) and then mixed it somehow with the Google Web Toolkit and then compiled it to Javascript. I am sure it might be a tad more complicated than I make it sound, but as I really have no idea exactly what that means, I’ll trust it was done by someone who did know what to do.

The video below (after the break) shows Quake II running in a browser and I have to say it’s very impressive what can be done in a web browser. It really does show what HTML5 is capable of. Running a laptop the frame rate per second reached 30 frames which is quite an impressive achievement (which even surprised the Google guys working on it). [Read more…]

In NYC a queue for the Apple iPad has started… even though it’s more than a day away. The first person in-line is a guy called Greg Packer who incidentally was the same guy who sat 1st in line for the iPhone a few years ago.

The line has started and we hear there aren’t too many iPad’s going on sale, so if you want one you’ll need to get there and queue up behind him asap, or find another store to go to. Hopefully you did the sensible thing and just pre-ordered one online about 3 weeks ago and if so, it will be delivered right to your door this Saturday assuming you get Saturday UPS deliveries in your area. [Read more…]

HTC have applied for a patent that indicates that are working on a device with a new hinge mechanism. From what we can see in the patent it looks like a clamshell device will open up with a smooth surface. The outer side will also have the hinge hidden.

It’s a unique way although it reminds us (and WMPoweruser) of how a kitchen cabinet door opens which isn’t exactly unique.

From the patent… “A handheld electronic device includes a first frame, a second frame and at least a pivot mechanism. A first connecting rod of the pivot mechanism has a first pivot part, a third pivot part and a second pivot part between them. The first pivot part is slidably disposed on a first groove of the first frame, and the third pivot part is pivoted at the second frame. A second connecting rod of the pivot mechanism has a fourth pivot part, a sixth pivot part and a fifth pivot part between them. The fifth pivot part is pivoted at the second pivot part, the fourth pivot part is slidably disposed on a second groove of the second frame, and the sixth pivot part is pivoted at the first frame for the first frame and the second frame to be opened and closed by the pivot mechanism.” [Read more…]

Chinese manufacturer Roewe are producing an Android OS based system for cars. it is expected that the new Android Car product will launch as early as this month sometime in April.

The system will run Google [GOOG] Android 2.1 which is also a nice surprise as that version of the OS is currently the latest available to the market. Phones such as the Google Nexus One, Motorola DROID and a couple of others run this OS.

By using Android in a vehicle it allows a number of features to be used on the car such as GPS guidance, navigation as well as web browsing and calls with services such as Skype. The device will have a screen on the centre console allowing for access to the services provided. [Read more…]

Apple [AAPL] are launching their iPad on Saturday 3rd April in the US… Wi-Fi only version. We are not sure why they chose Saturday for it as launch days are normally Friday, but however… it is indeed Saturday and that has been a known date for a while now. The only information we have heard concerning a launch date in the UK and other countries internationally is that it’s going to be late April.

We are now hearing reports that April 24th (again a Saturday – and the last Saturday in April I might add), has been tagged by the Apple Store in Canada as a “black-out date” which essentially means a date where no employees can take time off.

Considering it’s late April and it falling on the last Saturday in April, we are inclined to believe that the iPad could arrive in the UK, Canada and all other countries who were scheduled to get it late April on April 24. This we assume would also include the launch of the Apple iPad Wi-Fi+3G models too. [Read more…]

AppAdvice have managed to connect to the Apple iPad apps feed that will let you browse through the applications that will be made available on launch day. So far there appears to be 1350 of the applications. You can browse through them over here.

The service shows a screen shot of the application along with a description and pricing along with availability dates.

It’s interesting have a scan through to see what will be launched on April 3 this Saturday when the Apple iPad [AAPL] finally launches.

The video below also shows App Advice flipping through about 700 apps if you don’t want to browse them yourself, or if Apple cut the feed off for some reason. [Read more…]

Now the Apple iPad Reviews have been done by large publications, it’s now time for an Apple iPad unboxing. Thanks to Stephen Fry and Cali Lewis, we have two unboxing videos to present to you. The first one on display below is done by Cali Lewis and shows everything that’s in the box along with an entertaining dialogue along side it. Remember that as it’s April 1st, you can also watch the video in YouTube ASCII if you wish…

[Read more…]