Google adds the scrolls of Genesis and the Ten Commandments to the cloud

Following through on its mission to help digitally preserve the Dead Sea Scrolls, Google announced today that it's working with the Israel Antiquities Authority to bring more ancient text to the cloud. The latest archived entries include an early copy of the Book of Deuteronomy and part of the first chapter of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world. In addition, hundreds of other 2,000 year-old texts outlining the history of Judaism and the life of Jesus will be added to the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library at a 1,215 dpi resolution. Utilizing Google's hosting, this project houses around 900 manuscripts that support commenting, image zoom and fullscreen viewing. Stop by the coverage link below to get up close and personal with these pieces of history.

[Image Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority]
[Source: Engadget]

Twitter notches more than 200 million active monthly users

Sure, Facebook may have scored one billion active monthly users earlier this fall, but Twitter has some celebrating to do as well -- albeit for a significantly smaller figure. Rather than commemorating the announcement with an awkward commercial comparing itself to furniture, Twitter sent out a solitary tweet stating that it now has more than 200 million monthly active users. We last checked in on the microblogging service's traction when it had 175 million registered users in 2010, and as of last summer it's said to be sitting pretty with more than 500 million in total. Costolo and Co. may not have numbers as enormous as Facebook, but these stats aren't exactly something to scoff at.

[Image credit: Coletivo Mambembe, Flickr]
[Source: Engadget]

Apple releases iOS 6.0.2 update for iPhone 5 and iPad mini, promises fix for WiFi bug

It doesn't look to bring with it any major changes, but Apple has just released its latest iOS update, which takes things up to version 6.0.2. According to the company, this one primarily addresses a bug that "could impact WiFi." An issue that, incidentally, has been at the center of a number of previous iOS updates. You should be able to find the update now or in the near future in either iTunes or Software Update on your iOS device.

Update: As MacStories notes, this particular update appears to only be for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini.

[Source: Engadget]

Twitter for Blackberry 4.0 adds Connect tab, more modern UI

RIM may be finally ready to move on to its platform-in-waiting, BB 10, but that's doesn't mean its current user base has been forgotten. In fact, Twitter's just announced a 4.0 update to its native BlackBerry app, bringing it mostly up to par in looks and functionality with existing Android and iOS offerings. The most notable addition to this version bump is the inclusion of Connect: the "@" tab which lets rampant tweeters keep abreast of who's favoriting, following and retweeting them, as well as filter information on that feed. The Discover and Me tabs have also been expanded, with the former now featuring information on trends and suggestions for "Who to follow," while the latter neatly consolidates all of your DM, lists and favorited tweets. The update's currently available on the BlackBerry App World store, so hit up the link below to start your download.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Field Trip makes its way to the UK, helps you one-up the Queen with Buckingham Palace trivia

Want to learn a bit about that giant obelisk just outside your bedroom window? Or perhaps you're curious about the 16th century structure a few blocks away. As you approach, Google's Field Trip app will chime in with a bit of trivia, along with a photo of the site -- and, if you're wearing headphones or using Bluetooth speakers in your car, it'll even "read" that description to you. The app has been available to Android users in the great US of A since September, but it's now making its way to the UK as well, displaying content from local partners Dezeen,Historic UK, Historvius, Time Out and Run Riot, among others. Looks like it's time to dust off those walkabout shoes and hit up the source link to snag the latest version for your smartphone.

[Source: Engadget]

Google's Blogger for iOS adds iPhone 5 support, more save post options

Regardless of the mobile platform, Google's oftentimes keeping the majority of its apps up to date, and while the iPhone 5's been around for a few months now, it's still nice to see more and more software be optimized for the device. That being said, on-the-go typers will be glad to learn that Blogger for iOS has been on the receiving end of an update today, which, most notably, makes the application friendly with the 4-inch screen found on Apple's flagship handset. Additionally, Blogger now includes native support for the first three generations of the iPad, while other useful features were also added to the blogging app, including handy post options like "Save as Draft," Publish" and "Cancel." The new version is live in the App Store, so go on and tap the source link below if you're looking to improve your powered-by-Google blogging experience.

[Source: Engadget]

Sony outlines Jelly Bean update schedule for 2012 Xperia smartphones

Sony's chimed in with an update regarding Jelly Bean upgrades for its 2012 Xperia models, and the Xperia T, TX and V are right on time, set to receive Android 4.1 beginning in February and March. Xperia P, J and Go owners will see Google's latest confection-themed OS land on their devices starting at the end of March, while those who call the Xperia S, SL, Ion and Acro S their daily drivers will receive the update in the weeks after. Unfortunately for the Xperia U, Miro, Tipo, and Sola, Hirai and Co. have seen fit to keep the hardware on a steady diet of Ice Cream Sandwich.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple releases WiFi compatibility update for late 2012 Macs

Earlier today, Apple released a WiFi update for late 2012 Mac systems. The new software improves compatibility for devices on the 5GHz band and requires that your machine be running OS X 10.8.2. Qualified users looking to expand their system's connectivity can snag the 1.49MB update through the Apple Menu's Software Update tab, or by visiting the source link below.

[Source: Engadget]

Garmin smartphone apps updated with Foursquare integration, location-sharing via Glympse

Garmin's StreetPilot Onboard and Navigon apps were recently updated to include public transport information and a parking finder, and a just-announced refresh will add even more navigational goodies: namely, integration with Foursquare and the location-sharing service Glympse. The Foursquare tie-in will help users find venues and access special deals -- and once a Foursquare account is linked, checking into locations can be done directly through the apps. Glympse, on the other hand, lets users share their location with contacts via email and text, with info on current location, ETA and even speed. Finally, the update brings iCloud support for syncing saved destinations across various Apple devices. Perhaps in light of the holiday hustle ahead of us, Garmin is offering the apps for 25 percent off until January 7th through App Store or Google Play. (Of course, the update is a free download for those who already have them.)

[Source: Engadget]

Spotify now streaming to premium customers on TiVo Premiere boxes but no radio

Spotify is continuing its bid for electronic ubiquity, today announcing yet another device its streaming tunes will be available on: TiVo Premiere. The Premiere series of set top boxes from TiVo come in a variety of flavors, but it sounds like the service should work on any of the line -- of course, you need to be a paying Premium Spotify member to actually use the service, just like Spotify's mobile variations. There's a snappy TV-centric UI, optimized for use with TiVo's controller, and a full screen mode should you choose a more minimalist approach to your music consumption. And hey, now that Lars Ulrich is on board, you can have an all Metallica jam session, right from your living room entertainment center. Hot dog. TiVo reps tell us that the Spotify app doesn't contain the radio functionality found in other iterations of the software, and resultantly, the Spotify for TiVo app is premium member-exclusive.

[Source: Engadget]

Nikon patents digital sensor back for old-school 35mm film cameras

Can't let go of that aging 35mm SLR accustomed to a strict film-only diet? Nikon seems to be toying with the idea of feeding its older models digits instead, judging by a Japanese patent application published last week. It was filed just last year and shows a digital back designed to be swapped out easily, complete with a screw adjustment to fine-tune the all-important focal distance. The patent was scoped by prolific Japanese blogger Egami, who pointed out that a different design would be required for each of Nikon's film SLR models, which all have different backs -- but an actual product coming to market seems quite a stretch anyway, at this point. Such devices are commonplace on medium format cameras though, and Leica even offered one for its R8 and R9 35mm SLR cameras as recently as 2007. Still, a pure digital version of our classic F2? Yes please.

[Source: Engadget]

Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL - Games for all!

If you were lucky enough to get a Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL this Christmas, you might be wondering what games are available that might tickle your very particular fancy. In all honesty, there is just about something for all tastes in the full range – but here are four that will suit specific players.

For the younger gamer

The great thing about the Nintendo 3DS XL and Nintendo 3DS games that are available is that there is something for everyone – no matter their age. One of the great options for the younger gamers though is Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park. The title offers serious fun, but also tries to educate little ones a bit as they play.

For those who love a puzzle

The Professor Layton series has been great for people who love a good brain teaser and the fifth entry in the franchise, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, arrived towards the end of 2012. Once more, it combines story and adventure with awesome puzzles and mini-games – of which there are more than ever before. There are even daily downloadable games being made available through the Nintendo Network for a year from its October release date.

For those who like adventure

If its adventure games you’re after, there are absolutely loads to choose from. One of the most obvious though might be New Super Mario Bros. 2 as it brings back all of your favourite characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and introduces some fantastic new game modes. These include – for the first time ever – the ability to collect up to a million coins!

For the artistic type

There have been a few drawing and painting titles on Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL, but in 2012 New Art Academy wanted to outdo them all! The game built on what made the previous entry in the series so successful, while bringing with it all new lessons in art that users could even test out in their real world artistic endeavors.

So as you can see, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL have something for every kind of gamer – and there is plenty more to come in 2013! [spon]