Linux Notebooks Get Multi-Touch Support Through Synaptics

Multi-touch has already been enabled for Windows 7 netbooks for devices with a Synaptics touchpad, but now Linux users will be able to get their hands, or fingers, on the same functionality.

The touchpad maker has extended its Gesture Suite software to Linux, along with increased multi-touch options.

Linux faithfuls will now be able to pinch-to-zoom, twist-rotate, pivot-rotate, two-finer scroll, three-finger press, momentum and the gymnastically-named chiralscrolling.

Synaptics said it would support several popular Linux distributors including Fedora, Millos Linpus, Red Flag, Ubuntu, and Xandros.

Unfortunately for Linux developers, you won’t be able to simply download the Gesture Suite and install it yourself onto your notebook.

The software is currently only available for free to manufacturers that purchase Synaptic touchpads for their devices.

While this will provide access to multi-touch gesture capabilities straight out of the box, most Linux aficionados prefer to install software themselves.

“The Synaptics Gesture Suite for Linux enables our OEMs to leverage a broad range of gesture capabilities across Linux operating systems,” said Ted Theocheung, head of Synaptics PC and digital home products and ecosystem.

He said the software would provide, “extensibility into new Linux flavors such as Google Chrome OS and additional support for touch-enabled remote control devices.”

Are you a Linux-lover excited about flinging your fingers? Leave us a comment and let us know.

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Sony PS3 Firmware Update 3.21 Available to Download: Linux Users – Will You Give it Try?

The Sony PS3 firmware 3.21 update has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently.

Firstly, Sony announced that the PS3 update will not include the ‘Install Other OS” option. Then a few days ago Geohot, the famous hacker displayed his support for the disgruntled ‘Other OS’ PS3 users, namely Linux and said he would try and find a hack to help them with this problem.

So apart from Sony PS3 disabling the “Install Other OS” feature, what will the update include? Well, the update is compulsory for users who want to carry on using the PlayStation Network or other media games that need the new system software, which has alienated the ‘Other OS’ users. In term of actually adding new features, there appears to be very little.

Download the update here

Have you updated your PS3 to the version 3.21? What did you think? Or are you a disgruntled Linux fan who is unhappy with Sony? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think…

Gadget Gift Ideas

If you like what you’re reading then learn more about joining our FREE newsletter here. Lucky readers will win some fantastic gadget prizes!

Also, check out our recession busting gadgety money saving ideas.

• Get paid for your old phones – Top 5 mobile recycling sites compared


• Free phone calls to exclusive discounts at restaurants from phone networks – Free Sim cards from various networks and there benefits.

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Hack your Samsung TV, linux guy

Interestingly enough, the official Samsung firmware for several different models is based off the Linux kernel. This opens up a whole world of possibilities, particularly since many users feel that the current firmware is broken. The major problem is that the media player functionality is very basic, and missing key file types needed to make it useful.

The obvious question is why do this. Apparently the Samsung TVs have the capability to work as a media player, but from the factory it doesn’t work very well. Luckily the homebrew community has stepped in, and made strides recently in working though some of the encryption related issues. There’s quite a comprehensive list of media types and compatible televisions, but luckily the site is well done and the community is thriving.

[via Hackaday]

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