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Facebook Hacker Cup announced

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/internet-and-broadband/images/facebook-hackercup-200-200.jpg"></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=latesttecompu-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470569646&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Facebook has announced the arrival of the Facebook 2011 Hacker Cup, which calls on those with a hacking brain to come and try and improve the website for cold, hard cash. 
The Hacker Cup is a worldwide contest that begins in January and is focused on bringing the next big product to Facebook. 
According to the social-networking site, the 2011 Facebook Hacker Cup is "the first annual Facebook programming contest where hackers compete against each other for fame, fortune, glory and a shot at the coveted Hacker Cup." 
Algorithm of the night 
If you look beyond the hyperbole, the reality sounds a little like a school test. But if successfully solving algorithmic-based problem statements sounds like your bag, then there's prize money at stake.

Facebook Hacker Cup announced

Facebook has announced the arrival of the Facebook 2011 Hacker Cup, which calls on those with a hacking brain to come and try and improve th...

Toshiba NB500 and NB520 netbooks announced

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/images/tpshiba-nb520-200-200.jpg"> Toshiba has announced the arrival off two new netbooks that add a bit of sparkle to its diminutive computer range. That NB500 and NB520 both have a 10.1-inch LED backlit screen, Atom processors (dual on the 520) and are just 17mm at their thinnest point. The netbooks also weigh a Cheryl Cole-like 1.32KG. Toshiba last range of netbooks, the <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/toshiba-nb305-105-682866/review">NB300</A>, offered up impressive battery life and it seems that the NB500 and 520 range is offering the same, with both machines housing a six-cell battery that's good for eight hours' use – 10 if you are using the NB500. Audio bully The biggest improvement by Tosh, however, is on the audio side. Teaming up with Harmon/Kardon – the speaker manufacturer not to be confused with a Harry Potter character – sound power is attached to these netbooks. Couple this with a Dolby Advanced Audio feature and it seems that Toshiba has nailed it in the audio stakes. Other specs include: 1GB DDR3 memory, a 250GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, integrated webcam, a multi-card reader and sleep and charge USB ports. The Toshiba NB500 and NB520 range has a UK release date of January 2011, with prices to be announced.

Toshiba NB500 and NB520 netbooks announced

Toshiba has announced the arrival off two new netbooks that add a bit of sparkle to its diminutive computer range. That NB500 and NB520 both...

Sony 3D Gran Turismo 5 tournament announced

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///classifications/home-entertainment/gaming/games/playstation/ps3/images/Gran-Turismo-5-PS3-Cover-200-200.jpg"> Sony has announced it has linked up with HMV for a massive gaming tournament to celebrate the release of Gran Turismo 5. The tournament will take place in HMV stores up and down the country and will pit gamers against each other to see who is the best Gran Turismo player in the country. The tournament begins 27 November and lasts for 10 days. The final will take place 15 December at HMV's flagship store in Oxford Street and will be compared [sic] by Formula One personality Jake Humphreys. What he will be comparing it to, we just don't know. GT5's alive Editor of Official PlayStation magazine, Ben Wilson, said about GT5: "3D is massive news in the world of gaming – it's helping an active pastime to become even more immersive. "GT5 is leading the way in that regard: you no longer just control the car, now you're actually in it. I'm sure everyone playing in the Bravia 3D tournament will delight in the technology - but only one can win it, and we're looking forward to racing against the UK's 3D GT5 champion!" For a limited time (until 5 December) Sony will be giving Gran Turismo 5 away with its Bravia TVs (when sold at Sony Centres). Although you will obviously need a PS3 to run the game – failing that, you will just have to use your imagination and spin the disc on your finger.

Sony 3D Gran Turismo 5 tournament announced

Sony has announced it has linked up with HMV for a massive gaming tournament to celebrate the release of Gran Turismo 5. The tournament will...

Acer Iconia dual touchscreen tablet announced

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/images/Acer-Iconia9-200-200.jpg"> Acer has announced the arrival of the Acer Iconia – a dual touchscreen tablet that's been created in close collaboration <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/portable-computing/what-will-be-inside-the-secret-microsoft-tablet-639176">with Microsoft</A>. The device is a curious one. It looks like a laptop but is very much a tablet hybrid. There's no mouse or traditional keyboard. Instead either screen can act as a virtual keyboard. The tablet/laptop is powered by Windows 7 Home Premium and is packing some not-too shabby specs. These include: an Intel Core i5-480 chip, 4GB of RAM (par for the course on a Windows 7 machine), 640GB storage and a four-cell battery. It's the four-cell battery that is a worry – Acer has told TechRadar that you will get around three hours' play out of it. This means that you will be mostly using the Acer Iconia as a desktop replacement, rather than a carry everywhere tablet device. Iconia conectivity Connectivity on the Acer Iconia comes in the form of three USBs, one of which is USB 3.0, HDMI and there's 3G and Wi-Fi on board. The two screens are both 720p, so great for watching movies on, and can be used completely independently of each other. Acer has added an overlay to Windows 7 that's called Acer Ring. This is where you have access to all your of your media, like movies, pictures and social networking. The Acer Iconia dual touchscreen tablet has a UK release date of 16 January and will cost £1,500.

Acer Iconia dual touchscreen tablet announced

Acer has announced the arrival of the Acer Iconia – a dual touchscreen tablet that's been created in close collaboration with Microsoft ...

Razer Nostromo gaming keypad announced

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/peripherals/images/razer-gamingkeypad-200-200.jpg"> Razer has announced the arrival of its latest gaming keypad – the Razer Nostromo. The keypad has been co-produced by Belkin and is an update of the <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/peripherals/input-devices/joysticks-and-gamepads/belkin-n52te-461958/review">n52te Speedpad</A>. There are a number of improvements that have been made and these include: the ability to switch instantly between eight keymaps (up from three), and the flexibility of storing up to twenty gaming profiles from the previous limit of ten. Chip change There is also a new onboard chipset and software driver that enables gamers to program macros of unlimited length. The all-new configurator software for the Razer Nostromo has an enhanced UI, which allows gamers to customise all the buttons with any game command to open up numerous commands and combinations. "A few years ago we had the privilege of working with Belkin to co-develop the highly successful Belkin n52te Speedpad," explained Robert Krakoff, President, Razer. "The Razer Nostromo is an update to this illustrious gaming keypad to meet today's competitive gaming demands. "Building on the Speedpad's proven ergonomic design, the Razer Nostromo incorporates the latest gaming technologies that Razer has developed over the past few years." The Razer Nostromo is available now and is priced at €69.99, which is around £60.

Razer Nostromo gaming keypad announced

Razer has announced the arrival of its latest gaming keypad – the Razer Nostromo. The keypad has been co-produced by Belkin and is an update...