Quick Fix: Some indie news

I wanted to share some quick gaming news.

Hyper Light Drifter coming to PS4 and Vita
The promising action RPG accelerated past its initial Kickstarter goal on its first day and has achieved every stretch goal since, with no sign of stopping. You'll see Hyper Light Drifter on PC, Mac, Linux, Steam, PS4, and Vita, and there have been talk that the game might come to Wii U as well. You can back the game here.

IndieGameStand launches its game store
IndieGameStand is best known for the fact that it features a new indie game sale every four days. Now co-founders Mike Gnade and Dan Liebner have opened a dedicated game store to compete with the likes of Desura, Steam, GOG, and GMG. You can buy games such as Escape Goat, Steam Marines, Tiny Barbarian DX, and many more, with new games being added regularly. The store's key feature is the ease in which developers can get their games on the store; through its quick and simple developer portal, it's possible to have a game ready for approval and submission in five minutes. You can browse the IGS store here.

More recommended indie sites
The Indie Hut
IndieGameMag
Indie Games: The Weblog

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Apple iOS 7 Close the Security Gap with Launch Updates

Although only officially launched some time ago, Apple has released updates i0S 7 operating system, which is 1OS 7.0.2 because of security issues. Reported previously, iOS 7 has a security flaw that allows users break through the security lock screen, then open a number of applications.

In this latest version of iOS, Apple has also added keyboard Greek or Latin which has not been previously installed. Lock screen actually need to keep your device safe from anyone. Therefore, when installing iOS 7, Apple immediately offered to users in order to make a secret code device is not abused others.

To perform the update, you can go to Settings - General - Software Update. IOS 7 update file size is not too big, which is 21 MB.

source : http://chip.co.id/ 

(CNET)

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PC Spotlight #15: Escape Goat

Title: Escape Goat
Developer: MagicalTimeBean
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: $4.99 ($3.99 on IndieGameStand for a limited time)
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Don't be fooled by Escape Goat's charming pixel graphics. It's not a simple or easy game by any means. Escape Goat is a challenging inventive puzzle platformer that deserves your attention.

A goat imprisoned for witchcraft and his mouse friend, trapped within the trap-laden Prison of Argus. The goat can run, double jump, dash, while you can send the mouse to fit through small spaces, access unreachable buttons, or even swap places when he's wearing a magic hat. You'll need to use all these skills to escape alive. The Prison is divided into 64 levels across ten themed areas, from the Electric Lab to the icy Frozen Caverns, and each will challenge with precision platforming and puzzles. The key mechanic is the fact that the level layouts aren't static, but will shift and alter with the press of button or switch. It really never gets old seeing the levels change around you and then having to understand how to use this to your advantage.

Completing the main campaign unlocks a new set of levels, All Intensive Purposes. These 50 levels are brutally difficult and put all the skills you mastered in the Prison of Argus to the test. The game also has an editor to create your own levels. You can purchase Escape Goat for $4.99 on the developer's site and Desura or for $3.99 from IndieGameStand for a limited time.

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Specs and Price New VGA Card Nvidia GeForce GTX 780

VGA Card Nvidia GeForce GTX 780

CHIP.co.id - Ahead of its launch this week, more and more information leaks on the graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780. Latest news mentioning, the GTX 780 will be priced at U.S. $ 644.44 for the retailer. Prices in the hands of consumers is estimated at U.S. $ 650-700.

VGA Card Nvidia GeForce GTX 780

VGA Card Nvidia GeForce GTX 780

GTX 780 is very similar to the Titan. Based on some leaked on the internet, the GTX 780 has 2304 CUDA cores and a base clock 863 MHz with 900 MHz clock boost, 4.0 teraflops single precision, 3GB/384-bit GDDR5 memory, memory speed 6.0 Gbps, power connector 6 + 8 pin, TDP 250W . External display connectivity will be handled by two DVI ports, an HDMI port and a Display port 1.2.
Reportedly this graphics card uses 28 nm fabrication, together with the Titan, but using CPU GK110. According to the presentation slides NVIDIA, the GTX 780 will be faster than the 25 to 50 percent of AMD Radeon HD 7970 GHz, with the exception of Tomb Rider where he was about 20 percent faster.

(Tomshardware/Fudzilla/Techpowerup)

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IOS Spotlight #10: Reaper - Tale of a Pale Swordsman

Title: Reaper - Tale of a Pale Swordsman
Developer: Hexage
Platforms: IOS Universal
Price: Free to try, three game unlock tiers (2.99, 3.99. 4.99)
---
Reaper's art style might be the first aspect that stands out. Stylized, cartoonish, bloody, the game is wonderful to watch in motion. But looks aren't everything. Luckily, Reaper's gameplay matches the quality set by its visuals.

An action RPG, you travel across an overworld from quest to quest, stopping at shops and towns along the way to buy or sell items, gear, and weapons. Combat is a mix of swipe based melee and bullet hell. The controls work quite well and complement the fluid, evasion focused gameplay. While early battles may seem tame, later ones will be put your skills to the test as projectiles, enemies, and hazards fill the screen. You automatically attack when near an enemy; successful hits fill a meter that allows you to perform special attacks. This adds some strategy to the gameplay, as you must decide when and where to best utilize those moves. Furthermore, dozens of skills and upgrades boost your stats and enhance your attacks.

Reaper is free to try. Three game unlock tiers are available, each offering more content than the last. (That is the only IAP.) The $2.99 Adventure Edition tier removes the level 10 cap and unlocks the full game. The $3.99 Destiny Edition tier offers an arena location to test your skills, a special item set, and more. The final $4.99 Dark Legend Edition tier adds more special items, a side quest, and Dark Harvest mode, which is a wave based mode separate from the main campaign.

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PC Spotlight #14: Race The Sun

Title: Race The Sun
Developer: Flippfly
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: $10
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Race The Sun is not the most complex game. Move left, move right, jump...those are the only controls. But the minimalist style and white knuckle gameplay make Race The Sun a fun thrilling challenge.

There's no introduction, no tutorial, no cutscene setting up a story. Start playing and you're off, accelerating towards the horizon. And between you and that descending sun is an infinite gauntlet of obstacles and traps. Collapsing pillars, blinding meteor showers, barriers that shift and move as you approach, shadows that drain the energy of your solar powered vessel, and more...only split second reflexes and timing can save you in your endless pursuit of the sun. Pick ups along the way grand you speed boots, build your score multiplayer, or the ability to jump.

Every 24 hours, a new world is generated, giving the game tons of replay value, and even better, a level editor allows you to create your own levels or play user made content. Competing special challenges upgrades your vessel with gadgets like a pick-up magnet and more module slots. The game's minimalist art style is surreal and just visually cool and the changing sky as the sun sets is quite beautiful

Race The Sun is a fast paced game that put your reflexes to the test. You can buy the game here or vote for it on Steam Greenlight.

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Lenovo IdeaTab S6000 Tablet Spec, Features and Review Full Price

Business-friendly ThinkPad Windows laptops are still Lenovo's best-known product, but that's not stopping the company from hedging its bets with Android. The China-based manufacturer has unveiled a trio of new tablets at the Mobile World Congress show: the 10-inch S6000, and a pair of 7-inchers, the A3000 and A1000. All three run the version 4.1 (Jelly Bean) of Google's tablet operating system. Look for them in the second quarter of the year; pricing info and local availability hasn't yet been specified.

The 10-inch S6000 features a standard "blacktablets.com" looks and feel. It's not particularly thin or interesting to look at. It features a plastic body with a plastic textured backside. The screen resolution is 1,280x800 pixels and the tablet uses an IPS panel so viewing angles at least weren't a problem. With an extremely aggressive $250 price, Lenovo appears set to move a few units. It's not everyday you see a 10-inch tablet with an IPS screen at that price.

Full Specifications and also Reviews Lenovo IdeaTab S6000

Facts – Dimensions, Weight, Performance and Networks
Processor	MT8125 1.2GHz Quad Core (WiFi)
GENERAL
2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (optional)
3G Network	HSDPA (optional)
SIM	Optional SIM
Status	Available. Released 2013, June
Operating System	Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Display
Type	IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 256K colors
Size	1280 x 800 pixels, 10.1 inches (~149 ppi pixel density)
Touchscreen	Multi-touch
Features	Light sensor
Camera
Primary	5 MP, 2592х1936 pixels, autofocus
Video	Yes
Secondary	Yes, VGA
Hardware
System chip	MediaTek MT8125
Graphics processor	PowerVR SGX544
System memory	1024 MB RAM
Built-in storage	16 GB
Storage expansion	microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC up to 64 GB
Multimedia
Music player
Filter by	Album, Artist, Playlists
Features	Album art cover, Background playback
Speakers	Loudspeaker
YouTube player	Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth	4.0
Wi-Fi	802.11 b, g, n
USB	USB 2.0
Connector	microUSB
Features	Mass storage device
HDMI	Micro HDMI (Type D)
Other	Computer sync, OTA sync
Battery
Capacity	6530 mAh

The basics
Lenovo’s taking on the iPad with its latest top of the line Google tablet, the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000, a slim and light 10.1-inch quad core tablet that’s armed with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but is it enough to stand up to the mighty iPad or Sony’s venerable Xperia Tablet Z? We put Lenovo’s latest Android offering to the test to find out.

The good
Lenovo's laptops are known for their solid construction and that build quality trickles down to its tablet range too. For a penny under £200, you’ll be treated to mostly plastic device, but it feels solid and you won’t be afraid to chuck into your bag without a case. Thanks to its plastic chassis, it’s also very light, and you’ll be able to hold it up in one hand with no problem at all, making standing train journeys or lazing on the couch a doddle. Lenovo’s left its rendition of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean fairly stock, although there are a few additions that could be left out - namely a few pieces of bloatware, which we'll get to - but if you’re used to stock Android you’ll be right at home.

Design-wise, Lenovo's taken an understated approach with its top-end Android tablet, taking a very basic, rectangular design with minimal branding, save for a logo on the front and back. You’ll find the front of the S6000 a glossy fingerprint magnet that’s mostly all-screen, while the rear is adorned with a textured backing that helps you keep a grip on it. Battery life is pretty good: Lenovo says that it’ll be able to hit nine hours of typical Wi-Fi browsing, and we managed to hit just under that figure. Needless to say, it’ll last you a standard day, and well into the evening before it needs juicing up again.

You'll find Lenovo's S6000 available in either 16GB or 32GB varieties, which can also be expanded up to 64GB with an SD card. Port wise, you’ll find a micro-USB slot that's used for charging and syncing, and it possesses USB-On-The-Go powers, meaning you can charge up your phone with your tablet or plug in an external USB drive. There’s also a HDMI-out port, letting you plug your S6000 directly into your telly, plus a headphone jack.

The bad
Unfortunately, when it actually comes to using the tablet, things start to go a bit downhill. Despite the nippy 1.2GHz quad core processor that performs well in games, Lenovo’s loaded the tablet with unnecessary spam that makes browsing through the homescreen a lagtastic affair. Swiping from panel to panel is juddery, and even rotating the device from portrait to landscape seems to take an epoch, when it should just be instant. While Lenovo has included a few handy apps that could help out at work, such as Kingsoft Office and PrintHand, there’s also unnecessary apps like Norton Mobile Security, which keeps bugging you to install it, along with bland subscription-based gaming service GameTanium. They're not needed, they simply slow the device down and hog valuable storage space that could be used elsewhere.

While the build quality is decent for a plastic-based tablet, the screen itself is only passable. You’ll find the 1280x800 10.1-inch screen bright, but its resolution is sorely lacking, especially when compared to full HD offerings such as Sony’s Xperia Tablet Z, the Retina Display rivalling Nexus 10 or even the nine-inch Nook HD+. Lenovo has also armed the S6000 with both front-facing and rear cameras, but similarly to other tablets, they're not worth replacing your regular shooter with, or even your phone, although they’ll serve you fine for Skype video calls.

The bottom line
Lenovo’s highest-spec Android tablet is a respectable effort, but there's little point in it when you can buy better slates for the same price, minus all the useless spamware. For the same price, we’d be inclined to wait it out for Google's brand-new Nexus 7, which is slightly smaller, but is armed with a killer high-res screen and nippier specs. Sandwiched between the new Nexus 7 and the older but still incredible Samsung Nexus 10, it's hard to recommend the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000.

By : gadgetshow.channel5.com

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No Money, No Problem: Ninjah

Title: Ninjah
Developer: Chris Mingay
Platforms: PC, Linux, XBIG
Free
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A remake of the original freeware game released in 2007, Ninjah is now free to download. It's a difficult platformer which combines color switching, a grapple hook, and a gun to deliver challenging levels and a simple but effective art style.

In each of its 50 level, the controls are changed. Sometimes you have access to movement and your grapple hook and gun. Other levels, you may only be to use your grappling hook or only your gun. This allows for a great level variety as you avoid hazards, land precise jumps to change your color, and fly through the air with your elastic grappling hook.

Ninjah is a fun game with a nice amount of content and solid platforming. You can download it here or if you're feeling generous and wish to support the developer, you can buy it on Desura or XBIG. Chris is also working on Ninjah 2, which will feature a level editor, larger multi-screen levels, and just more levels overall.

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PC Spotlight #13: Sang Froid - Tales of Werewolves

Title: Sang Froid - Tales of Werewolves
Developer: Artifice Studios
Platforms: PC
Price: $14.99
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Zombies. Robots. Aliens. Those enemies just sometimes seem too common nowadays. Leave the apocalypses and wastelands behind and face the cold dark Canadian wilderness and its lupine foes instead in Sang Froid.

Behind the stylized look is a tense game that mixes tower defense elements, strategic combat, and the scariest wolves since The Grey Each chapter is another night, as you defend your isolated home from the packs of demonic wolves and werewolves. You alone, in the dark, cold wilderness with only your rifle and axe and various traps to protect you. Each night consists of two phases. The planning phase is a top down map in which you can see what enemies are coming each wave, their path, and their strengths and weaknesses, and set traps accordingly. The action phase is where the fun begins You must balance your stamina and watch the fear level of the wolves surrounding you. Your rifle fires one shot at a time, takes like precious seconds to reload, and you're stationary while aiming. Traps must be triggered at the right time and enemies must be lured into range. All these factors combined make each night a very intense, very difficult challenge It is heart pounding to be reloading your rifle as the pack circles around you, eyes glinting in the torch light, as one prepares to attack and you don't know if you have enough time to get the shot ready...

Enemies range from simple four legged wolves to bipedal werewolves, wendigos, and more. As the nights pass, the map opens up with more areas to protect, there are shops to purchase new weapons and items or have your weapons blessed (which grant them a damage boost), and skills and upgrades to purchase.

Two negatives to note: the voice acting is pretty bad. Luckily, story isn't very important and cutscenes can be skipped. And the initial load when you start the game is very long, at least a minute. At first I thought the game was frozen. All other in-game loading is fast, but that long initial load can get annoying.

You're always desperately outnumbered and even with smart planning, each night is a challenging fight for survival. If you enjoy a challenge and games where victory is never assured, where success is a matter of planning and strategy, Sang Froid is well worth your time. You can purchase it on Steam here.

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The Watchlist: Cornerstone - The Song of Tyrim

Title: Cornerstone - The Song of Tyrim
Developer: Ascension Games
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Release planning for December 2014
Now on Kickstarter
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Cornerstone is an open world action adventure, with an emphasis on exploration and combat mixed with physics and player choice. A game inspired by TLOZ (Legend of Zelda) games and Dark Souls. The world is structured similar to Wind-Waker with a series of islands connected within vast ocean, almost every areas is accessible from the start.

 Cornerstone: The Song of Tyrim is an upcoming action adventure game that promises to combine the stylized exploration of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker with tactical free-form combat and puzzles. Ascension Games plans to offer an open world rife with secrets and enemies, able to explored on foot or in your trusty ship.

Combat will be focused on one-on-one combat, evasion, and strategic use of the environment. Players will be able to wield various weapons or craft equipment to turn the battle in their favor, from bombs to Metal Gear Style boxes to conceal yourself from enemies.

Cornerstone is planned to released in late 2014, with a closed beta set for July. You can support Cornerstone on Kickstarter and vote for the game on Steam Greenlight.

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No Money, No Problem: Impulse

Title: Impulse
Developer: Deck16
Platforms: PC
Free
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Don't be fooled by its simple graphics. Impulse is a challenging game with fantastic level design and tons of content.

The developers describe Impulse as "Super Meat Boy and Lunar Lander" and that's probably the best summary I could think of. The controls are simple: left mouse button to thrust in one direction, right mouse button to thrust in the opposite direction, but combine those controls with the myriad obstacles and levels and "simple" goes right out the window. From lasers to homing missiles to dozens of mines that must be carefully threaded between, controlling your thrust and altitude is paramount. One hit kills but restarts are infinite and instant.

Impulse's standout is its level design. Each one is challenging and unique and some are even homages to retro classic such as Pac-Man. A level editor allows players to make their own. You can download Impulse here.

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IOS Spotlight #9: Orborun

Title: Orborun
Developer: Bulkypix
Platforms: IOS Universal
Price: $1.99
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From Aerox and Gears to Dark Nebula and Super Monkey Ball, IOS is no stranger to the ball rolling genre. But the recently released Orborun stands out by combining the spherical action with Super Meat Boy style precision and difficulty.

Ninety levels are divided between three world: Haste, Puzzle, and Hazard. You control your Orbot by either tilting your device or touch controls; both control schemes work well. IOS7 controller support was also just added in an update.

Reaching the end of a level is no easy task. Not only do you have to collect every pick-up if you want to achieve a perfect score, but also must navigate through myriad obstacles, from jump pads, massive gaps, speed boosts, twisting and turning roller-coaster like tracks, portals, barriers, moving platforms, and more. The difficulty ramps up quickly but the game's fun level design and smooth controls give it a "one more go" appeal. You can unlock two other types of Orbots to play with, each with their own unique ability, as well different color schemes.

You can purchase Orborun for $1.99.

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PC Spotlight #12: Volgarr The Viking

Title: Volgarr The Viking
Developer: Crazy Viking Studios
Platforms: PC
Price: 11.99
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You will die. A lot. Enter the world of Volgarr The Viking with that knowledge and accept it. This is a game built from the ground up to deliver old-school hard-as-nails challenge and it does not disappoint. The retro games that inspired Volgarr may be before my time, but as a fan of Dark Souls and brutal platformers, I feel right at home

The controls are tight and responsive and the platforming and level design is tough, very tough but never feels unfair. I've played with both a keyboard and controller and both work equally well. In fact, I was surprised that I prefer using the keyboard. The combat is the highlight for me though. I haven't felt so satisfied with combat in a game since well...Dark Souls. Every enemy must be taken seriously because every hit is dangerous. The smooth controls and animations combine to make you feel like a Viking badass in every encounter. Combat is no button mashing affair; button mashing will only get you killed faster. Instead every fight is a combination of timing, reflexes, and split-second reactions. You only have a handful of attacks but each is useful and I never felt like I needed more. Do you have enough time to charge your spear to skewer that group of enemies? Or is it smarter to dodge behind them and gain some breathing room? Timing your attacks to avoid getting hit yourself and recognizing the strengths of each enemy and adapting according also enhances the combat.

Each level is varied as are the enemies and there's quite a bit of replay value. There are six worlds to play through, each with their own enemy types and hazards to avoid, with alternate levels to play if you don't die as much. There's a seventh world to be unlocked by the most skilled of players. I'm not sure if I'll ever see that last world, but each attempt is rewarding and exhilarating as the last. Each death is a learning process, from which you become better and better until you can master each world.

You can purchase Volgarr The Viking on Steam or directly from the developer (for a DRM-free copy and a Steam key) for $11.99.

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The Watchlist: Windforge

Title: Windforge
Developer: Snowed In Studios
Platforms: PC
Releasing 2013
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Windforge is a building-block RPG that mixes 2D-shooter action with the freedom to create and explore. Players will take to the skies in fully buildable airships, as they embark on a journey of discovery and survival that will take them to the heart of the world and beyond. Windforge is all about freedom, creativity, and chaotic emergent action. Basically everything you see can be created or destroyed, creating an RPG without barriers that rewards creative problem solving and improvisation.

Minecraft and Terraria have popularized games focused on crafting, building, and exploration. From exploring the outer reaches of space in Xenominer and Edge of Space to an endless fantasy landscape in Cube World, the genre has thrived and expanded. Now Windforge hopes to take the genre to new-found heights...literally.

Windforge is set in a steampunk world of floating islands. To traverse this expansive environment, players must build airships, adding means of propulsion and weaponry and armor. In their trusty vessel, players will explore a dangerous land where debris erupts from the core and falls from the sky in meteor showers, where flying whales and fire breathing basilisks rule the skies and giant squids lurk in the lower atmospheres, where pirates and other factions roam in ships of their own.

Not only does Windforge feature a unique world to explore, but also promises intense combat similar to games like Contra. Battles can be waged with a variety of tools and gadgets, ranging from jetpacks and grappling hooks to grenades and miniguns. You can even engage in ship on ship combat. Less violent players may wish to maintain a garden or just explore the world.

A Windforge beta is planned to released sometime in December. You can vote for the game on Steam Greenlight.

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Sorry for the delay. More articles coming today and rest of the week!

I apologize for the lack of new posts over the last two weeks. As a full time college student, I don't have the freedom and time I did over the summer and early September. (And that's not even counting GTA V...)

I'll have new posts up today and try to post regularly, at least one post a day from now on. Got a lot of good recommendations and reviews for you indie fans, from the intense action game Sang Froid to the upcoming stealth platformer Interference and reviews of recent games like Volgar The Viking and Underrail. So be on the lookout!

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Official Applications BBM (Blackberry Messenger) for Android

Good news for those of you who likes chat or messenger, because now there is an application for smartphones with fuel through the android os. So if you do not have a Blackberry but had a smartphone with android like Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia then you can BBM's with your friends using the BB.

How, fun is not it???? But so far I have not found a fuel applications based on Java. But do not mind, this is enough.

Chat applications are very popular in Indonesia can be downloaded for free in the Google Play Store on Android devices. However, the number of circulating fake BBM app on Google Play will be a problem for Android users choose the right application.

Before downloading BBM application, note the name of the developer / application developer. BBM is the official application that uses the name "BlackBerry Limited".

So no one download, we recommend you to monitor from this link.

The above link is a page applications-issued BlackBerry. Most likely, BBM for Android app will also appear on this page.

There are three pages in the BlackBerry application, which BES10 Client, Work Space Manager, and Secure Work Space. Many users think BES10 Client is the official BBM app for Android. Do not download the application since it is the fuel for corporate applications, can not use ordinary users.

Aside from the above link, mention BlackBerry BBM app can also be downloaded from the official BlackBerry website at www.bbm.com.

BBM application can run on any Android device as long as the brand has been using Android 4.0 and up (Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean).

Android users can use BBM to send text messages, photos, voice notes, and create a discussion group contains 30 contacts.

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Sony Xperia M dual Full Specifications and Feature

Sony Xperia M Dual is a smartphone with Dual SIM Configuration which keep users connected with two people at a time. The device has a good display size which gives the device a smart look. It is running on updated version of Jelly Bean operating system and also comes with a powerful configuration which let the device work in a faster way. Sony Xperia M Dual has an excellent internal storage capacity as well as well expandable Memory. It also features a good camera and a front camera for video calling. Its awesome connectivity options let you to enjoy at its best and explore the world by utilizing every second of urs with any buffering or other problems in browsing. These all features are available at a good price in the market

Full Specifications Sony Xperia M dual

Facts – Dimensions, Weight, Performance and Networks
Operating system	Google™ Android™ 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Processor	1 GHz Qualcomm MSM8227 dual-core
GPU	Adreno 305
Size	124 x 62 x 9.3 mm
Weight	115 grams
Available colours	Black Purple White
Main screen
Colours	16,777,216 colour TFT
Resolution	854x480 pixels
Size (diagonal)	4 inches
Scratch-resistant	Yes - Touch panel cover glass
Input mechanisms
Text input	On-screen QWERTY keyboard, 12 key input
Touch screen	Capacitive
Touch gesture	Yes – multi-touch, up to 4 fingers supported
Handwriting recognition	Yes
Memory
RAM	1 GB
Flash memory	Up to 4 GB*
Expansion slot	microSD™ card, up to 32 GB
Camera
Camera resolution	5 MP
Digital zoom	4x
Photo flash	Yes – Pulsed LED
Video recording	Yes – HD 720p
Front camera	Yes – VGA
Sensors
Accelerometer	Yes
Ambient light sensor	Yes
Proximity sensor	Yes
Magnetometer	Yes
Networks
C2005	UMTS HSPA+ 900 (Band VIII), 2100 (Band I) MHz GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
C2004	UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 1900 (Band II), 1700 (Band IV),2100 (Band I) MHz GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
Data transfer speeds
GSM GPRS (upload and download)	Up to 85.6 kbps
GSM EDGE (upload and download)	Up to 237 kbps
UMTS HSUPA (upload)	Cat. 6, up to 5.76 Mbps
UMTS HSDPA (download)	Cat. 14, up to 21 Mbps
Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
M-Rating	M3
Talk time (GSM)	Up to 10 hours 16 min.**
Standby time (GSM+GSM)	Up to 429 hours**
Talk time (UMTS)	Up to 9 hours 3 min.**
Standby time (UMTS+GSM)	Up to 441 hours**
Music listening time	Up to 39 hours 23 min.**
Video playback time	Up to 6 hours 35 min.**
Battery (Removable)	1750 mAh, typical 1700 mAh, minimum

* Memory comprises of approximately of 1.2 GB firmware, plus 2 GB of “Internal Storage” for downloaded
applications, music, pictures and movies, and some application data. For more details about memory, see
“Memory in Android™ devices” on page 15.
** Values are according to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique as performed in controlled
laboratory conditions. Actual time may vary.

Sony is on a roll when it comes to the device that it has been unveiling and rolling out. At the IFA 2013, its premium handset Sony Xperia Z1 proved a head-turner, mainly for its new and improved camera features.

As for the mid-range market, the company also aims to put forwards its champion, which is the Sony Xperia M.

At first look, you will notice its impressive design, not cheap-looking as is the main sickness for most mid-rangers. GSM Arena reports that there are certain qualities in the build that the Xperia M shares with the older Xperia Z, which contributes to its great design.

Categorised Feature List

Camera	Music	Internet
5 megapixel camera 4x digital zoom Auto focus Face detection Fast capture Flash/Photo flash Front-facing camera (VGA) Geotagging Image stabiliser Quick Launch Self-timer Send to web Smile shutter™ Red-eye reduction Sweep Panorama Touch capture Touch focus Video light Video recording (HD 720p)	3D Surround Sound (VPT) Album art Bluetooth® stereo (A2DP) ClearAudio+ Clear bass Clear Phase™ Clear stereo Dynamic normaliser Manual equaliser PlayNow™ service* TrackID™ music recognition* “WALKMAN” application xLoud™ Experience	Bookmarks Google Chrome™* Google Play™ Google™ search* Google Voice™ Search* Google Maps™ for Mobile with Street view and Latitude™* NeoReader™ barcode scanner* Web browser (WebKit™)*
Communication	Messaging	Design
Call list Conference calls Facebook™ application* Friends application Google Talk™ application* Google Talk™ video chat* HD voice support Multiple IM Noise suppression Speakerphone Twitter™ application* Video chat ready Xperia™ with Facebook™	Conversations Email Google mail™* Handwriting recognition Instant messaging Multimedia messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Text messaging (SMS)	Auto rotation Gesture input Illumination effect On-screen 12-key keyboard On-screen QWERTY keyboard Picture wallpaper Screen capturing STAMINA mode Touch screen Voice input Wallpaper animation
Entertainment	Organiser	Connectivity
3D games Media browser Motion gaming PlayMemories* Radio (FM radio with RDS) Sony Entertainment Network** PlayStation® Certified*** Video streaming YouTube™*	Airplane mode Alarm clock Calculator Calendar Contacts Document readers eCompass™ Notes Setup guide Stopwatch Timer World clock	3.5 mm audio jack (CTIA)aGPS* Bluetooth® 4.0 wireless technology DLNA Certified® Media Transfer Protocol support Micro USB support Native USB tethering Media Go™* NFC PC Companion Play Anywhere Screen mirroring Smart Connect Synchronisation via Facebook™ Synchronisation via SyncML™ Synchronisation via Google™ Synchronisation with computer Synchronisation via Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® USB High speed 2.0 support USB mass storage Xperia Link™ Wi-Fi® Wi-Fi® Hotspot functionality

* This service is not available in all markets.
** Sony Entertainment Network with Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited is not available in every market.
Separate subscription required. Additional terms and conditions apply.
*** This service is not available in all markets and may not be available at the time of launch.

Device-to-device communications (local)

Bluetooth® wireless technology

Bluetooth® profiles supported	Advanced Audio Distribution Profile v1.2 Audio/Video Remote Control Profile v1.3 Generic Attribute Profile Client/Server over LE Handsfree Profile v1.6 (Wide band speech) Headset Profile v1.2 Human Interface Device Profile v1.0 Object Push Profile v1.1 Personal Area Networking Profile v1.0 FTP v1.1 (server role) DUN 1.1
Core version and supported core features	Version 4.0
Connectable devices	Products that support at least one of the profiles listed above. Bluetooth 4.0 accessories generally require installation of a supporting application.

Messaging
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)
According to OMA Multimedia Messaging Service v1.0 + SMIL
Email

Character sets	BIG5 Traditional Chinese GB2312 Simplified Chinese GB18030 ISO-2022-JP Japanese ISO-8859-1 ISO-8859-2 Eastern Europe ISO-8859-5 Cyrillic ISO-8859-7 Greek ISO-8859-9 Turkish ISO 8859-11 KOI8-R Cyrillic Shift_JIS Japanese USASCII UTF-16 UTF-8 Windows® 874 Windows® 1251 Cyrillic Windows® 1252 Windows® 1254 Turkish Windows® 1258 Vietnamese
Protocols	POP3 and IMAP4
Push email	Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® (EAS)
Secure email	SSL/TLS, both port methods (POPS/IMAPS) and STARTTLS
HTML mail	Yes (read only)

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Sony Xperia Z1 Full Specifications and Feature

With its sleek glass front and back and new aluminium frame, the Xperia Z1 is an undeniably beautiful piece of kit. The waterproof design helps keep it safe from all manner of liquids that would put an end to most other phones and its screen is better than ever. Its searingly mighty processor also makes it the most powerful phone.
Here are specifications of the Sony Xperia Z1

Full Specifications Sony Xperia Z1

Facts – Dimensions, Weight, Performance and Networks
Operating system	Google™ Android™ 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Processor	2.2 GHz Qualcomm MSM8274 Quad Core
GPU	Adreno 330
Size	144 x 74 x 8.5 mm
Weight	170 grams
Available colours	Black White Purple
SIM card	micro SIM
Main screen
Colours	16,777,216 colour TFT
Resolution	1920x1080 pixels
Size (diagonal)	5.0 inches
Input mechanisms
Text input	On-screen QWERTY keyboard
Touch screen	Capacitive
Touch gesture	Yes – multi-touch, up to 10 fingers supported
Memory
RAM	2 GB
Flash memory	Up to 16 GB*
Expansion slot	microSD™ card, up to 64 GB (SDXC supported)
Camera
Camera resolution	20.7 MP
Digital zoom	8x
Photo light	Yes – Pulsed LED
Video recording	Yes – HD 1080p
Front Camera	Yes – HD 1080p for video chat and 2 MP for camera capture
Sensors
Accelerometer	Yes
Proximity sensor	Yes
Ambient light sensor	Yes
Magnetometer	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes
Networks
C6902/L39h	UMTS HSPA+ 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1700 (Band IV),1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
Data transfer speeds
GSM GPRS	Up to 107 kbps
GSM EDGE	Up to 296 kbps
HSUPA (upload)	Cat 6, up to 5.8 Mbps
HSDPA (download)	Cat 24, up to 42 Mbps
Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
M-Rating	M3
T-Rating	T3
Talk time (GSM)	Up to 830 minutes**
Standby time (GSM)	Up to 880 hours**
Talk time (UMTS)	Up to 900 minutes**
Standby time (UMTS)	Up to 850 hours**
Music listening time	Up to 110 hours**
Video playback time	Up to 400 minutes**
Battery (Embedded)	3000 mAh minimum

* Memory comprises approximately 4GB of firmware, plus 12GB of “Internal storage” for music, pictures and movies, and downloaded applications and their data. For more details about memory, see “Memory in Android™ devices” on page 19.
** Values are according to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique as performed in controlled laboratory conditions. Actual time may vary.
NOTE: Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configurations, and device usage.
NOTE: Performance metrics measured under laboratory conditions

Sony did give the Xperia Z1 all they got. The latest screen technology, the fastest chipset around, a spanking new camera module that does 20.7MP stills on a sensor that's twice as big as those of the competition and waterproofing that even puts the Xperia Z to shame. And it's all packed in one of the best bodies in business.
And that's not all the Xperia Z1 has going for it either. The full list of features follows.

Categorised Feature List

Camera	Music	Internet
20.7 megapixel camera 8x digital zoom Auto focus Burst mode HDR for photos and movies Face detection Flash/Pulsed LED Flash/Photo light Front-facing camera (2 MP 1080p) Geotagging HD video recording (1080p) Image stabiliser Object tracking Picture Effect Quick Launch Red-eye reduction Scene recognition Self-timer Send to web Smile Shutter™ Sony Exmor RS® for mobile Image sensor Superior Auto Sweep Panorama Touch capture Touch focus White balance	3D Surround Sound (VPT) Album art Bluetooth® stereo (aptX®, A2DP) ClearAudio+ Clear bass Clear Phase™ Clear stereo Dynamic normaliser Low power audio playback*** Music tones (MP3/AAC) PlayNow™ service* SensMe™ TrackID™ music recognition* “WALKMAN” application xLoud™ Experience	Bookmarks Google Chrome™* Google™ search* Google Voice™ Search* Google Maps™ for Mobile with Street view* Info-eye™* Pan & zoom Sony Select Xperia™ Home Web browser (WebKit™)*
Communication	Messaging	Design
Call list Facebook™ application* Google Talk™ application* Google+* Noise suppression Polyphonic ringtones Speakerphone Slow talk Talk equaliser Twitter™ application* Voice enhancement Xperia™ Socialife*	Conversations Email Google Mail™* Handwriting recognition Instant messaging Multimedia messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Sound recorder Text messaging (SMS)	Auto rotation Direct touch Face Unlock Gesture input IPX5 and IPX8 (water resistant)** IP5X (Dust-proof) On-screen QWERTY keyboard STAMINA mode Screenshot capturing Throw X-Reality™ for mobile Touch screen Triluminos™ Voice input Wallpaper
Entertainment	Organiser	Connectivity
3D games Google Wallet™* Media browser Motion gaming PlayMemories PlayStation® Certified Radio (FM radio with RDS) Reader mode SensMe™ slideshow Sony Entertainment Network* TV launcher Video streaming YouTube™*	Airplane mode Alarm clock Calculator Calendar Contacts Document readers eCompass™ Notes Setup guide Stopwatch Tasks Timer	3.5 mm audio jack (CTIA) ANT+ sport fitness aGPS* Bluetooth® 4.0 wireless technology DLNA Certified® GLONASS* MHL support Media Go™ Media Transfer Protocol support Micro USB support Native USB tethering NFC PC Companion Screen mirroring Smart Connect Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® Synchronisation via Facebook™ Synchronisation via Google™* Synchronisation via SyncML™ USB charging USB High speed 2.0 support Xperia Link™ Wi-Fi® Wi-Fi® Hotspot functionality

* This service is not available in all markets.
** In compliance with IP55 and IP58 standards, Xperia™ Z1 is protected against the ingress of dust and water. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.50 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP55 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty being void. To find out more, go to more www.sonymobile.com/testresults.
*** This feature is only available when you play music using the "WALKMAN" application.

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No Money, No Problem: Farsky

Title: Farsky
Developer: Tim Spekler
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Price: Free
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From the safety of the beach or a beat, the ocean is a serene relaxing environment. But humans are terrestrial creatures and beneath the sea is a deadly world. In Farsky, you must survive and explore this dangerous beautiful world.

See alpha footage here

To reach the surface, you must find the parts of your ship and to find these parts, you must venture across the ocean floor, further into the dark cold depths and crushing pressure. You can upgrade your dive suit to withstand greater pressure and cold temperatures but those are not the only dangerous. As of the current alpha, sharks, jellyfish, and giant wheel-shaped shelled creatures.

You can download the free Farsky alpha here.

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PC Spotlight #11: Incognita

Title: Incognita
Developer: Klei Entertainment
Platforms: PC
Price: $16.99 for alpha access
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It seems like Klei Entertainment just can't stay put in one genre for too long, from Shank's gory brawler action to Don't Starve's otherworldly survival and Mark of the Ninja's 2D sneaking. Now Klei is bringing its visual flair to the world of turn-based tactics with Incognita.

Described as turn-based tactical espionage, Incognita is a slick polished experience even at this early stage. Rather than protecting the world from an alien invasion or taking out terrorists, your objective is to steal secrets; fans of cyberpunk and sci-fi noir will be right at home in this world of high-tech corporate espionage. Your team of agents must infiltrate each procedurally-generated level, gather information, and escape. Unlike a game like XCOM, your characters aren't built for head-on confrontation. Stealth is key here: hack into the mainframe to control security cameras, peek around doors, be wary of your footsteps and other noisy activity. But you can't play too cautiously. After 20 turns, you will be detected and heavily armed security will reach your level, making escape that much difficult.

That balance between caution and the inevitable reinforcements imbues every moment with tension. You can purchase the early access alpha for $16.99 here, which will give you access to all alphas, betas, and a copy of the full game and an extra gift copy for a friend. While the current alpha is only a single randomized level, Incognita already shows tons of potential. You'll be able to experience turn-based tactical espionage when the full game launches in 2014.

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