sims

Don't have access to Google Glass? Try a simulation

If you didn't get a chance to pay $1,500 for a pair of Google Glass frames, check out the view on the Glass Sim simulator.

Mutual Mobile, a company that focuses on helping its clients build mobile products, created the simulator so that developers -- and anyone else who is curious about Google's wearable tech -- can create mock-ups of app interfaces on Glass. The simulator lets users upload images and video, and enter text to portray the view of someone wearing Glass.

There aren't a lot of apps for Glass yet, so the Glass Sim … Read more

Sims 4, due in 2014, to ditch need for Net connection

A newly unveiled Sims sequel will arriving in 2014, giving gamers yet another chance to take control of tiny virtual humans for some ruthless life management.

The Sims 4 will be published by Electronic Arts, with EA subsidiary Maxis once again taking the reins when it comes to bolting the new title together, EA said Monday in a blog post. In a case of a corporation learning from its mistakes, EA has confirmed that the next Sims installment won't require an Internet connection for gameplay.

The publisher said the game will be a "single-player offline experience." Taking … Read more

Samsung unveils dual-SIM Galaxy Core smartphone

Samsung is launching a new Android smartphone this month with lower-end features but with a dual-SIM option that lets users access two different SIM cards.

The new Galaxy Core will be available in two versions -- a single-SIM model that won't be available until July and the dual-SIM model that will debut this month in certain markets.

Powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, the Core includes 1GB of memory, 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot that can handle up to a 64GB card. Outfitted with a 4.3-inch WVGA (480x800 pixel) screen, the phone comes … Read more

Pirate trolling and WWDC scholarships: The Week in Downloads

Every week, we compile the best new reviews, products, and features from the Download.com software catalog and blog, package them up in a tidy little newsletter, and e-mail it out to all of our lovely subscribers.

If you are a registered CNET member, you can sign up for the newsletter yourself (it's listed as "CNET Download.com Software Dispatch" under "Software News and Reviews"), or check back every Tuesday to read our latest roundup.

Top Download News and Features

Microsoft launches a public beta for its new Facebook app for Windows Phone 8 Game … Read more

Dive into Sim Aquarium for 75 percent off, with two copies to share

Experience the most realistic coral reef you'll find without having to purchase an actual aquarium. Sim Aquarium Premium brings stunning 3D fish to your desktop against an equally fantastic 3D backdrop of coral reefs. You can watch live clams, swaying coral, lifelike sea anemones, and over 30 gorgeously detailed fish species. The advanced graphic effects and state-of-the-art movement simulation may convince you that your monitor has become a window into the tropical waters. Featuring four different reef scenes and full interaction with fish and their environments, Sim Aquarium Premium is also available for use as a live desktop wallpaper.… Read more

Huawei debuts 5-inch A199 for China

Huawei has announced (translate) a midrange Android smartphone for China and emerging markets in the form of the 5-inch A199.

Powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Huawei A199 also features Huawei's custom Emotion 1.5 UI. On hardware, the handset falls in the mid-to-high end of the spectrum with its quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, and 8.0-megapixel rear camera.

Whereas most 5-inch smartphones tend to offer a 1080p HD display, the Huawei A199 comes with a still respectable 720p resolution screen. Additional hardware includes a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, a 2,150mAh … Read more

EA 'retires' SimCity Social, Sims Social, and more from Facebook

The Sims Social was once heralded as Electronic Arts' "most successful Facebook game," but now it's being laid to rest along with SimCity Social and Pet Society. These three social games will be extinct from Facebook as of June 14.

The game maker made the announcement today, saying that it was a hard decision but had to be done in order to "reallocate servers and resources to more popular titles," according to the FAQ section of its Web site.

"Today we are informing players of the difficult decision to retire some of our Facebook games: The Sims Social, SimCity Social, and Pet Society," EA wrote in a blog post today. "After millions of people initially logged in to play these games, the number of players and amount of activity has fallen off."… Read more

How Dish's deal could improve Sprint

CNET Update dishes the details:

Dish has made a $25.5 billion unsolicited bid to merge with Sprint. Today's video explains what this deal means for consumers and how it might improve Sprint's network.

Also in this tech roundup:

- Microsoft reportedly is considering making a smartwatch

- Windows 8 apps for news and maps get updates

- Electronic Arts will shut down Sims games on Facebook

- This 55-inch Panasonic plasma is the first television to get a 5-star rating from CNET

Watch CNET Update in the video above, and subscribe to the podcast via the links … Read more

The 404 1,246: Where we kick rocks (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- EA awarded "Worst Company in American History" for second consecutive year.

- Next Xbox won't be backward-compatible, report says.

- CNET How-to: How to make a video game patchbay.

- Warner Bros. Montreal developing Arkham City prequel starring "unrefined" Batman: Arkham Origins.

- 404 news: We're starting to break segments out into shorter clips that are easier to share. Help us blast these out to your friends, won't you? The first one is our report on the list of NSFW movies the Vatican is watching right now!… Read more

Dinosaur dating sim lets you mack on T. rex

My boyfriend is a little different than most. His name is Taira-kun. He's big and strong, though his arms are tiny. He's actually a Tyrannosaurus rex, but I don't seem to hold that against him. I'm all caught up in Jurassic Heart, an online dating simulator that pairs you up with an extinct beast for a love interest.

The sim gives you difficult choices to make, like which hair clip to wear before meeting your big lug. Naturally, the meat-on-the-bone hair clip is the one to go with. Cute and yummy.

According to the sim, Taira and I have a lot in common. We both like meat. We both play the ukulele (at least I do in real life), though it doesn't get into the specifics of how the necktie-wearing dino manages to play the tiny instrument. The sim takes you through meeting up with your carniverous heartthrob, buying a ukulele, eating grilled chicken in the park, and taking a romantic evening walk.… Read more