Kickstart this genius electric keyboard with a modular design

There are modular smartphones, modular smartwatches and even modular powerstrips. So why not a modular keyboard? Now there is one, or at least there could be if this Kickstarter project succeeds.

Kombos isn’t just a modular keyboard. It’s the ultimate portable keyboard, offering a unique adaptable design and a few other perks that could make it a must-have product for tech-savvy musicians.

Kombos was developed by a group of music enthusiasts in Atlanta, Georgia determined to make a portable electric keyboard that didn’t come with any sacrifices. Normally, musicians have to choose between a tiny limited keyboard that fits in your bag or a full keyboard that’s a pain to lug around. With Kombos they get the best of both worlds.

In its simplest form, Kombos comes in two pieces, there’s one module with 12 keys and a second with 13. They connect using a smart pin design that easily snaps into place to create a 25-key keyboard. From there you can add additional 12-key modules, sliding them in between the base units to expand the setup. Kombos supports a few different combinations, maxing out at 61 keys total.

The base modules feature the extra controls and outputs you’d expect so you’re not missing out on other features for the sake of modularity. Kombos is compatible with desktop computers and Android/iOS devices. It offers Bluetooth support for connecting directly to your wireless headphones or speaker. It also packs a rechargeable 8-hour battery so you can use it wherever you go.

You can pre-order that basic 25-key setup for as little as $139 on Kickstarter (down from the planned $199 market price). If you want more modules you can also pay $199 for 37 keys in three modules, $249 for 49 keys in four modules, or $299 for 61 keys in five modules. All orders should be ready to ship by March 2017, though delays are always possible when you decide to support a crowd-funded gadget.

                                

SOURCE KICKSTARTER

Amazon’s VR plans could include movies and games, job listing reveals

Rumor has it Amazon is gearing up for a push into virtual reality, and a new job listing reveals just how ambitious the company’s plans may be. It looks like the internet giant could be eyeing VR gaming and even augmented reality, along with more straightforward immersive videos.

The job listing, which was spotted by Variety, details a new position titled “Virtual Reality Experience Development Executive.” Amazon is looking for a highly qualified candidate with experience in filmmaking or video game development, suggesting the company could be interested in creating VR video games. It also mentions plans to create “innovative mixed reality experiences,” which could potentially run on augmented reality devices like the Microsoft HoloLens.

Variety previously reported that Amazon is working on a virtual reality app similar to the one launched by Hulu, which lets you watch both traditional and 360-degree videos in an immersive environment. The company’s also allegedly working to secure VR content ahead of an official launch, but that may just be the tip of the iceberg. Whatever Amazon is planning it still appears to be staffing up for the new endeavor, so it could be a while before we see anything officially announced.

SOURCE AMAZON JOB LISTING (LINKEDIN)

Pokémon GO pulls in over $200 million in its first month, seven times Candy Crush Soda Saga

 

For all the flack that Pokémon GO has been getting recently, it’s still doing exceptionally well on the mobile market. Analytics firm Sensor Tower has put the games’ earnings at a staggering $200 million in its first month of availability.

That $200 million dominates other popular free-to-play games, including Candy CrushSoda Saga, which brought in $30 million in its first month. Supercell’s Clash Royale, the previous record holder for fastest app to reach 10 million downloads, made roughly $125 million in its first month.

The two were neck and neck until Pokémon GO was released in Japan. As you’ll clearly see in the graph below, the country is still in love with this franchise.

The sky’s the limit with Pokémon GO. Keep on climbin’!

SOURCE SENSOR TOWER

Resident Evil Zero Remaster is a success at 1.1 million copies sold

While busily trying to get its Resident Evil franchise back on its feet and recreate in the footsteps that Silent Hills was supposed to take, Capcom has trained up its latest squad of developers by having them remaster some of the franchise’s most popular titles. Financial success dedicated to holding the company over was another big part of it, too.

Resident Evil Zero Remaster has repeated the success of the previous remaster, becoming a decent sized success in its own right. Capcom has confirmed that the remaster released in January has sold 1.1 million copies to date, just shy of the Resident Evil Remaster which sold 1.25 million.

However, Resident Evil Zero was a game that many had forgotten about or neglected to mention over the years. Stuck on the Nintendo GameCube, it passed out of all knowledge and legend while the franchise took on another direction to follow Resident Evil 4. To see it see such a resurgence with a new audience, even though I’m not that big a fan of it, pleases me.

I’m glad that those who enjoy a franchise will still seek out the older entries and see where its roots come from.

Resident Evil Zero Remaster is available through the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.

source:  GEMATSU