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There are tasks in life that follow no regular schedule. Think about cleaning the computer keyboard, mopping the floor, going to the dentist for your check-up or changing your car's oil. With these type of activities or tasks, it does not really matter if you do it a day or two early or late as it does not really matter most of the time if you do your yearly health check-up 370 days after the last one and not exactly 365 days.

Regularly for Android is a handy smartphone app that helps you keep track of these tasks in a well designed fashion. The main idea behind the application is to keep track of these tasks and their schedules for you so that you won't forget them ever again.

You can use a list of built-in suggestions on start to add to your task list, or start with a blank list instead. Tasks can be tagged so that they fall into one or multiple categories which you can look at individually on the apps' start screen. The application displays all tasks by default on its front page, but you can swipe to the right to look at individual tags instead.

Each task is listed with its name, usually the activity it involves, and the due date on the right. You create new tasks with a click on the plus icon at the top. Here you select a name, period or frequency in which you want the task to be repeated, the date it has been last done, and details about the task if you want.  You can furthermore add tags to the task and add previous activities to the log.

All tasks on the home screen are sorted by an urgency score that is shown by color. Green usually means you have enough time and everything is in order, will tasks colored in red colors need your attention. You can log tasks as done by long-pressing them in the task list so that you do not have to do so individually.

The app supports notifications but uses a dynamic system instead of a fixed one to remind you of tasks that you may need to do. It also groups notifications together so that you will never be bombarded with notifications.

Verdict

Regularly closes the gap between Android's calendar app and to-do applications. It is useful for all activities and tasks that you have to or want to do regularly and be reminded about, but that are not recurring on a fixed schedule. The app is easy to use and settings tasks as done for the period provides you with a great overview of all of your recurring activities.

The post Regularly for Android: Keep track of tasks without fixed calendar schedule appeared first on gHacks Technology News | Latest Tech News, Software And Tutorials.

While we await the Michael Bay-produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie with no small amount of anxiety, here's a take on TMNT that's sure to delight fans of the 1980s cartoon. Teenage Average Normal Turtles wouldn't make a half-bad webseries, although I'd try to keep these pet turtles away from rhinos and warthogs.

Read more...

More than 300 random people, each repeating a single note, creating together the Super Mario Bros. Theme!

[EranAmir]

Dear Lifehacker,
I want to make the perfect home media center but I've come across a very tough decision: should I use Plex or XBMC? I've heard great things about both platforms, and don't know the main differences. Can you help me decide?

Sincerely,
PerPlexed

Dear PerPlexed,
Both XBMC and Plex offer great unique features and similar ones, which should come as no surprise if you know the history of these two home theater PC (HTPC) platforms. XBMC is open-source software, and Plex is mostly-open source software based on XBMC (though its mobile apps are closed). Although Plex didn't differentiate itself much in the beginning, it has grown into a feature-rich, powerful, and still easy-to-use platform that most anyone could set up with ease. XBMC, on the other hand, tends to trade ease of use for a high amount of customization. To sum up the main difference, Plex is easy but limited and XBMC is hard but almost infinitely customizable. Of course, each platform offers a variety of other advantages and problems. Let's take a look at some common considerations and figure out if you ought to use Plex, XBMC, or a combination of both.

Operating System and Device Support

You may not have to decide whether to use XBMC or Plex after all. Depending on the operating systems and devices you want to use with your HTPC, you may only have one choice. Both Plex and XBMC run on most anything, but some limitations apply for each:

• Windows: Both XBMC and Plex run without any caveats. Plex offers a Windows 8 modern-style app as well.
• OS X: Both XBMC and Plex run without any caveats.
• Linux: You can download XBMC via most repositories on most builds of Linux or install XBMCbuntu, which installs Linux and XBMC together. Plex runs on Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS.
• iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch: Plex runs on iOS and can be purchased from the iTunes App Store for $5. XBMC runs on iOS and doesn't cost anything, but requires your device to be jailbroken first.
• Android Smartphones and Tablets: XBMC runs on Android and can be downloaded directly from the official XBMC site for free. Plex runs on Android, costs $5, and can be installed via Google Play, the Amazon Appstore, or the Nook Store.
• Windows Phone: Plex runs on Windows Phone. XBMC does not.
• Raspberry Pi: XBMC runs on the Raspberry Pi with multiple builds that offer their own advantages. Plex has an unofficial port.
• Apple TV: XBMC runs on the Apple TV 2. Although Plex can run on the Apple TV 2, it's more work. With both platforms, the Apple TV 2 must be jailbroken.
• Google TV: Plex runs on Google TV, costs $1, and you can download it from the Google Play Market. XBMC does not run on Google TV.
• Set Top Boxes and Televisions: Plex runs on Samsung TVs, LG TVs, and Roku boxes, both for free. XBMC doesn't support any set top boxes other than the jailbroken Apple TV 2.

Note: To find downloads for all operating systems, visit either the XBMC or Plex download pages.

Setup and Configuration

Plex takes about five minutes to set up. XBMC can take five minutes, too, but can also take a lot longer if you want to configure additional features and customize your setup. If you're looking for a simple process, you'll probably prefer Plex. All you do is install the server software, tell it where to find your media, and create a Plex account that you can use to log in from the server and any client devices. When running Plex on a client computer, mobile device, television, or set top box, it'll automatically detect any servers connected to your account. From there, you can just start using Plex whether you're home or thousands of miles away.

That isn't to say you'll have a hard time setting up XBMC. You can simply download XBMC for your platform, tell it where to find your media, and call it a day. However, most users want to do more than that. If you have your media in a remote location, you'll need to set up file sharing on that system and tell XBMC how to access it. You'll also spend some time configuring XBMC's settings to work just the way you like, as it contains far more fine-grained controls than Plex. Still, if you're only installing the app on a computer the process doesn't require too much effort. When you get into customization, however, you can spend hours getting XBMC just the way you like it (which we'll discuss later). For some, this can be a plus or a minus. It really depends on how much effort you want to expend and what you want to accomplish. Finally, XBMC's setup process differs from platform to platform but we have guides to help you through many of them: any Windows, OS X, or Linux computer, small, Linux-friendly hardware, Apple TV 2, Raspberry Pi, and inexpensive, custom hardware.

The Bottom Line: If you want to get up and running in minutes, including powerful features, Plex will do the trick. If you don't mind spending more time setting things up manually and tweaking settings to get exactly what you want, XBMC's setup process won't deter you (and you might actually like it).

Customization

XBMC offers a remarkably high level of customization, from plug-ins to skins to additional features like watching live television. If you can think of it, chances are XBMC can do it. It may not right out of the box, but because of its customization options you can add on almost whatever you want. On top of that, XBMC is filled with little settings and tweaks. If you don't like the way something works, you can most likely change it.

Plex isn't very customizable, but unofficially works with many plug-ins designed for XBMC. We'll discuss this further in the next section, but if you want to add new features to Plex you have a means of doing so. That said, it doesn't offer anywhere near the flexibility of XBMC.

The Bottom Line: If you like to have things exactly your way, you'll want to use XBMC. If you only plan to add features via plug-ins, you could get by with Plex.

Internet Video Channels and Plug-ins

XBMC, through plug-ins, supports several internet video sites (on some platforms) like Amazon, Hulu, and YouTube. Just install the plug-in you want and you're good to go.

Plex also allows you to install plug-ins, which few users actually realize. Plex officially supports a small few that come installed automatically (Netflix, Vimeo, Revision3, Funny or Die, and more) but unofficially works with many others. Plex also offers a myPlex Queue featuring, allowing you to save internet videos for later viewing directly from Plex. This feature works well with YouTube and most online video sites except Hulu, Netflix, and other paid services.

The Bottom Line: Both XBMC and Plex support a wide variety of channels. XBMC has a better reputation for plug-ins, but Plex unofficially works with most of them and has an excellent internet video queue feature.

Remote Control

XBMC provides several remote control options. To start, you can get a ton of apps for your mobile device. The XBMC team created the Official XBMC Remote (Android, Free), which provides a standard remote and library-browsing functionality so you can easily choose TV and movies to play on your HTPC via your phone. XBMC Remote (iOS, $3) does the same thing, and Boxee, Plex, & XBMC remote (iOS, Free) offers a simple remote option. If you don't want to control XBMC using a mobile device, you can use several hardware controllers (e.g. a keyboard, mouse, or media center remote).

Plex's official mobile apps can serve as feature-rich remote controls, but require a $5 purchase. Plex Remote (Android) and Boxee, Plex, & XBMC remote (iOS) offer free alternatives. Plex also supports the Apple Remote and Logitech Harmony Remotes out of the box. Other remote options can be configured, such as a Universal Remote Control (URC) and, of course, a standard computer keyboard.

The Bottom Line: Both platforms offer great remote control support, but XBMC provides more flexibility and a cheaper (and larger) mobile app selection. If you need help choosing a remote for either, read this.

Remote Streaming

Plex handles remote streaming better than anything. Not only does it stream video reliably and in the original format whenever possible, but it'll also convert the video into a different format when necessary. If you want to stream a video from your home to your tablet while on vacation, for example, Plex will convert the video—in real time—to account for the slower connection speed. If your tablet doesn't understand the video's format, it'll convert it on the fly as well. If your tablet has a fast internet connection and understands the format, Plex will stream the file as-is. Unless you ask Plex to always handle streaming in a very specific way, it will choose intelligently on its own and rarely makes a mistake. Equally admirable is Plex's simple remote streaming configuration. Because everything runs through your Plex account you just need to log in on any device to access your media library. Everything else happens automatically. You can even stream on the web.

XBMC doesn't stream remotely. You need to forward ports on your router in order to access your media outside of your local network via XBMC. Although not a difficult task, XBMC won't convert files for you so you better have a fast connection if you plan on streaming higher quality, HD content.

The Bottom Line: If remote streaming is important to you, Plex does it best. For all intents and purposes, this just isn't a practical option with XBMC.

So, What Should I Use?

Both Plex and XBMC make great choices for your HTPC, so after reading all of this you may still find it difficult to make a decision. Here are a few more things to consider.

The vast majority of Lifehacker readers prefer XBMC. The Lifehacker staff is pretty much split down the middle. Regardless of what everyone else likes, you don't necessarily have to choose. XBMC and Plex can work in tandem. Plex provides excellent media server software that automatically organizes your media library with exceptional accuracy. XBMC understands what Plex's server software does, so you can still run it and use XBMC on some platforms but not others. For example, if you use Plex Server on a computer with all your media, your HTPC can run XBMC and connect to it. You can use either option on your mobile devices, depending on what suits you best. Don't feel as though you have to choose a single platform and stick with it. If you want to use both, you can. So, if you just can't decide—don't!

Love,
Lifehacker

Have a question or suggestion for a future Ask Lifehacker? Send it to tips+asklh@lifehacker.com.

Gmail filters give you a powerful way to label and sort messages automatically. What are some of your best filters?

Filtering messages is the single best way to get a handle on a busy inbox. We've shown you how to weed out non personal messages and we've shared our ten must-have gmail filters, which you can download and import straight to your Gmail. But we'd like to know what cool filters you've come up with. So let's see it, fellow life hackers. Share your pics with us below.

Private Internet Access, one of Lifehacker readers' favorite VPN service providers, makes it easy to surf privately and securely from anywhere. With this promotion, you get 20% off the service paid monthly or yearly.

The month-to-month plan is $5.45/month, normally $6.95, and the yearly price is $31.95/year (which turns out to be $2.66/month), normally $39.95.

Private Internet Access boasts many advanced features including a kill switch if your VPN disconnects, DNS leak protection, the ability to connect 3 devices simultaneously or a DD-WRT or Tomato router (which will count as one device). Perhaps best of all, the service promises it doesn't log any activity. PC Magazine chose the service as its Editor's Choice. There's also a 7-day refund period if you change your mind and you can pay in Bitcoin.

According to Slickdeals, this promotion was from the weekend's giveaway, but the link is still working today. No word on how long this will last, so if you need a VPN service—and most of us really should be using one—hurry to the link below.

Private Internet Access | via Slickdeals

With so many services like iCloud and Dropbox getting hacked these days, it's no surprise that more people want to pull their data off the cloud. Instead of missing out on those great syncing features, though, you can create your own cloud storage service that you control with a service called ownCloud. With it, you'll get syncing files, notes, calendars, and more. The best part: it only takes about five minutes to get it set up. More »

A map of the USA's West Coast, with caption, “Plan to hit US mainland.”

Photos in North Korea's state-run newspaper, taken at an "emergency meeting" Friday morning with Kim Jong-Eun and military advisors, show the leader signing an order for North Korea's strategic rocket forces to be on standby to fire at US targets. Behind him, there are large-scale maps and diagrams of the spots he'd attack. [Telegraph]

The KCNA feed includes an item describing the "photo session with the participants in the meeting of information workers of the whole army," who "enthusiastically welcomed [Kim Jong-Un] with rousing cheers of 'hurrah!,' looking up to him, who is leading the all-out action for defending the sovereignty of the country and the dignity of the nation to victory after making a final decision to demonstrate the resolute will of the KPA with practical military actions to cope with the grave situation where the U.S. anti-DPRK hostile acts have reached the brink of a nuclear war."

They're really into run-on sentences over there. The release continues:

Acknowledging their enthusiastic cheers, he extended a warm salute to all information workers who are registering great achievements in improving and strengthening the ideological work in the KPA, bearing deep in mind the noble mission and duty they assumed before the times and the revolution.

The meeting marked a historic occasion in providing a new landmark for bringing about a great turn in the ideological work of the KPA as required by the modeling of the whole army on Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, he said, adding that at the meeting the enthusiasm of information workers to remain loyal to the WPK's line on turning the KPA into the army strong in ideology was fully manifested. Warmly congratulating the participants in the meeting on having successfully carried out their work amid high enthusiasm and earnest participation, he had a photo taken with them.

He expressed expectation and conviction that all the information workers of the KPA would conduct more dynamic frontline-style information and agitation activities to make the hearts of the KPA soldiers burn with the towering resentment at the brigandish U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet group of traitors, the will to annihilate enemies and ardent desire for national reunification.

Dwarven Forge sets are like the LEGO of hardcore D&D-type geeks. They’re high-quality, interlocking 3D dungeon pieces that you can use with miniatures to make any game visually more incredible, but they’re just as fun to play around with aimlessly. The problem is, Dwarven Forge sets are expensive — like $135 for a basic 37-piece dungeon set. But not for long! Stefan Pokorny, CEO and artist behind Dwarven Forge, has just launched a Kickstarter to produce new tiles that are affordable for everyone.

If you’ve ever been to a gaming convention — like Gen Con or Origins — then you’ll definitely have seen some Dwarven Forge sets sprawled out on some tables. They’re amazing, but they’re also incredibly expensive.

This new Kickstarter will create a new series called Game Tiles, and they’re made of a durable, yet cheaper resin that will make sets like this much more affordable. Right now the Dwarven Forge is set to create three basic pieces which can be placed together in tons of different ways.

They’re also a base gray in color, which is perfectly serviceable for dungeons, but they’re easily paintable. After 17 years of producing detailed, fully painted sets, that’s a first. But there’s a real market for painting your own, as Warhammer 40k knows well.

The good news is, this Kickstarter launched today and is already funded, but Dwarven Forge has already laid out some stretch goals. The more funding it gets, the more each future customer (or backer) will get with each set. The pieces will become more numerous, and more versatile.

I’ve personally run a D&D game or two using Dwarven Forge pieces, and everyone seems to love them, but I always wistfully explain to them that, “yeah, they’re unfortunately rather pricey.” With this Game Tiles business, that promises to be a lie.

Watch the video and visit the Kickstarter page. Pokorny, a sculptor, artist, and man of boundless energy, explains the reason for this new endeavor. See what you think.

(via Kickstarter, images courtesy of Kickstarter and ClockworkGrue on Flickr)

Relevant to your interests

• The Torment: Tides of Numenera Kickstarter is ridiculously funded
• Gygax Magazine launches a new site, channels oldschool D&D
• Hey, Cobra used Kickstarter, too

Tickets at the Studio Ghibli museum near Tokyo are made from snips of actual film from Miyazaki movies. This ticket shows Satsuki from the masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro.

I went to (Miyazaki) Studio Ghibli Museum near Tokyo, Japan. The tickets are made up of cut up film cells. My ticket is from Princess Mononoke.

See also: A visit to Spirited Away creator's museum in Japan

The part about the phone slipping from your hand actually happened to me a few days ago with my new Galaxy S3. Fortunately for me, nothing happened to it, not even a scratch.

[Source: Caldwell Tanner for College Humor]

"Frankenbumper," a photo by Timothy Krause shared in the BB Flickr Pool.

I fixed a computer once.

It was a huge mistake because now I fix all the computers.

In the interest of time, you can view all six Star Wars films at once. (via Dangerous Minds)

I’ve seen a guy solving a Rubik’s Cube in one hand while juggling with two balls in the other, but this takes things to a whole new level!

Filmed by popular request. It’s too bad about that drop at the end.

Start: 0:26. Cubes solved at 1:38, 4:15, and 5:55. Near-drop at 2:03.

[Ravi Fernando]