A look at gadget happenings, as Filesonic stops file sharing after the Megaupload arrests, the White House opens a Google+ page and the world’s largest video-game controller is unveiled.
Filesonic disables file sharing after Megaupload arrests
File-hosting site Filesonic has disabled the ability to share files after the FBI shut down Megaupload and arrested individuals involved with it.
ZDNet reports that the site will now only let users upload and retrieve files that they have uploaded personally, preventing them from downloading files that others have placed on the site.
A number of accounts and files were also deleted soon after it shut down its file-sharing capabilities.
Last week, the FBI filed charges against seven people in relation to Megaupload. US authorities claim these individuals used Megaupload to run “massive worldwide online piracy of numerous types of copyrighted works,” generating more than US$175m.
The White House opens Google+ account, plans Hangouts
US President Barack Obama’s administration has opened a Google+ account for the White House, adding to its presence across social media channels.
According to The White House Blog, the Google+ page will include news, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and opportunities to participate in discussions.
It will also host Hangouts to allow for real-time video chats with White House administration officials.
Obama has already launched his own Google+ account to bolster his online campaigning efforts for the US presidential election later this year.
World’s largest video-game controller revealed
The world’s largest video-game controller has been unveiled to celebrate the launch of the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2012.
EGM Now reports the controller is made for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is 30 times the size of the regular controller and weighs 265 pounds (18 stone). Its measurements are 366cm x 159cm x 51cm.
Ben Allen, an engineering student at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, Stephen van’t Hof and Michel Verhulst created the controller.
The gadget was unveiled in London’s Liverpool Street station, letting the public team up to use it to play Super Mario.
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