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Google Buys Bumptop for Flashy Desktops

Google looking for a UI maker to bump itself to the top?

Google has just added a new group of UI specialists to its roster of talent.

The makers of Bumptop, the desktop-transforming software for both Windows and Mac, posted a notice on its website that it has been acquired by Google.

Google's purchase puts an end to the sale of Bumptop software, though fans can still download it for free for the next week. Owners of Bumptop Pro will still be supported, though long-term plans are unknown.

LG Dispay LCDs May Be Banned Worldwide

A patent infringement case may block the sale of certain LG LCD panels.

Computerworld reports that Taiwan-based AU Optronics (AUO) is trying to halt the import and sale of LG Display LCD panels across the globe. If an injunction is successful, this could ultimately hurt consumers and their choice of LCD options, as LG currently commands over a quarter of the LCD panel market.

Over the past three and a half years, LG and AUO have been in a legal scuffle in regards to patents covering material and processes used in making LCD panels. Friday marked the end of the long, multifaceted battle, with AUO emerging as the winner based on LG's inability to prove that the rival company infringed on its LCD patents.

But in February AUO filed a counter-suit and won. Judge Joseph J. Farnan Jr. said in a 77-page verdict that AUO provided enough evidence to show that LG literally infringes on patents asserted by AUO--LG was unable to prove otherwise. Now AUO is warning consumers not to purchase "unauthorized infringing products from LG for sale or use in the U.S. without the need for further court action."

Computerworld said that LG may file further appeals or motions in its case, or it may reach a settlement with AUO that may prevent the possible ban of LG-based LCD screens. As it stands now, over the last six months, LG has shipped more LCD screens across the globe than any other LCD manufacturer. A cease in that kind of distribution could however allow lesser-known brands to step forward and fill the void.

HP Kills off its Windows 7 Version of HP Slate

First the Courier, now the HP Slate.

This week, Microsoft disappointed gadget enthusiasts by scrapping plans for its dual-screen Courier tablet. Today, word on the street is that the Hewlett Packard's Windows 7 tablet, the HP Slate, has also been scrapped.

It was announced by Steve Ballmer on day zero of CES and it was one of the bigger announcements of the show. When the whole world was buzzing about Apple's upcoming tablet event, HP rolled in and stole the show with its own Windows 7 tablet. There was little information available about the Slate at CES but over time, teaser clips and videos explaining how the device came to be hit the Web.

Back in March, the HP Slate got spec'ed and priced at €400. Rumored to boast Intel's Atom processor, USB connectivity, a memory card reader, a rear-mounted integrated webcam, Windows 7 and a Flash support, the device was said to be hitting shelves in June. Now, it looks like HP is killing the project completely.

TechCrunch cites a source who has been briefed on the matter who says the company is scrapping the tablet because it's not happy with Windows 7 as an operating system. It's impossible to ignore that kind of rumor a couple of days after HP acquired a mobile OS of its own (Palm's WebOS). There are also rumors that HP will ditch the Atom CPU in favor of something a little less power-hungry.

The Windows 7 version of the HP Slate was not the only tablet HP had in the works. The company planned to release the same tablet but with Google's Android OS on it instead. So far, it looks like that device is still safe.

Rendering 3D Slows Down PS3 Game Performance

Might 3D be too much to handle for current generation game consoles?

3D is the big new thing this year, and the PlayStation 3 will support the new dimension later this year through a software update. While that's all well and good, what hasn't been talked about at length is what going 3D could do to performance.

Eurogamer is taking a look at Wipeout HD, which runs in its original form on the PlayStation 3 at 1080p at 60 fps, but in 3D it gets moved to 720p at 30 fps. While the sacrifice in resolution and frame rate may be worth the 3D-ness for Wipeout HD, most games for the PS3 run at 720p. This would lead one to wonder if a current PS3 game running at 720p at 30 fps would become unplayable if it had to take on the task of making things 3D.