Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, July 30, 2012

Facebook improves photo viewing with larger images, takes cues from Google+

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/30/facebook-improves-photo-viewing/

Facebook has offered photo sharing in one form another since shortly after the site's launch, but while certain features have been added over the years, such as tagging and downloads, image formatting has remained mostly unchanged. Until today. Facebook has announced that it will roll out a new tool for thumbing through galleries across the site, presenting photos in a new square format with the option to "highlight" certain shots to increase their footprint on the page. Google+ users may recognize the format, which bears some resemblance to the tool on that site. We haven't seen the feature go live on Facebook just yet, but eager social networkers can preview it today at the source link below.

Filed under: Internet

Facebook improves photo viewing with larger images, takes cues from Google+ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Facebook | Email this | Comments

US Census Bureau posts its first API, allows smartphone apps for the stat-obsessed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/30/us-census-bureau-posts-its-first-api/

As much as the US Census Bureau has worked to embrace the digital space, its sea of data has been largely locked away from developers not keen on doing much of the heavy lifting. As of late last week, however, there's now a public app programming interface (API) for quickly putting all of that knowledge to work. Both mobile and web apps can hook into either the complete 2010 census or the 2006-2010 American Community Survey, bringing in basic demographics as well as more complicated subjects such as commuting habits and education. The Bureau sees the API leading to not just a more informed public, but to smarter government as well -- imagine a state government that knows the income levels by county through a custom smartphone app. Budding statistics hounds can request a key for API use right away, but if you'd rather just see what public access will mean in practice, you can check out an app gallery at the second source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software

US Census Bureau posts its first API, allows smartphone apps for the stat-obsessed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Verge | source

source

US Census Bureau (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

Visualized: the iDevice influence on Apple's bottom line

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/29/visualized-the-idevice-influence-on-apples-bottom-line/

Apple's Q3 earnings last week rang loud and clear: iDevices are paying Cupertino's bills. The customary numerics laid down the bare facts, citing an 84 percent increase in iPad sales since 2011 and a similar 28 percent jump for the iPhone. Of course, well-organized tables of sales data aren't for everyone, but who doesn't love a good chart? Stuart Carlton took it upon himself to graph the percentages of Apple's revenue that each of its product categories fill out, producing the above criss-cross of colored statistics. The graph compares Apple's Q3 sales data going back several years, and a second chart (after the break) compares the iPhone, iPad and iPod's share of the revenue directly with the rest of Apple's fare. Read on to take in the data for yourself, or hit the source link below for Carlton's own commentary.

Continue reading Visualized: the iDevice influence on Apple's bottom line

Visualized: the iDevice influence on Apple's bottom line originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:44:00 EDT. Please see! our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Wings of Reason | Email this | Comments

Sharp Aquos SH-10D makes pit stop at FCC, earns stamp of approval

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/30/sharp-aquos-sh-10d-earns-FCC-approval/

NTT DoCoMo announced a roster of phones this past May, and among them was Sharp's Aquos SH-10D. After spending some quality time with the FCC, the handset now has paperwork that could allow it to travel stateside. Along with a quartet of oddly angled corners, the phone packs a GSM and HSPA+ / WCDMA radio, 4.5-inch screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 12.1 MP rear-facing camera and a 0.32 MP frontward-facing cam for those awkward, Facebook-bound self-portraits. Hit the link below if you'd like to rifle through the FCC results yourself.

Filed under: Cellphones

Sharp Aquos SH-10D makes pit stop at FCC, earns stamp of approval originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

FCC | Email this | Comments

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Largest Mirror In the World Is So Big That You Can See It From Space [Image Cache]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5929711/the-largest-mirror-in-the-world-is-also-one-of-the-most-beautiful-places-on-earth

This is the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flatland in the world at 4,086 square miles (10,582 kilometers). Every year, this amazing wonderland in southwest Bolivia covers with a thin layer of water. When that happens, it turns into the largest mirror on the planet, as these photos recently taken by Takaki Watanabe show.

The resulting landscape is absolutely surreal, out of a Salvador Dalí painting. I want to go there—¡pronto!

The salar is formed by several preshistoric lakes, which started to transform 30,000 to 42,000 years ago. Covered by several feet of salt, the Salar de Uyuni stays dry most of the year except a few days, when it rains and turns into this wonder.

And while it looks like it must be hell on Earth, it's not hot at all: its temperatures range from a low 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13º C) to 70º F (21º F).

But the most surreal part is the fact that is a major breeding ground for pink flamingos. Can you imagine a flock of thousands of flamingos flying over this perfect mirror? I want to see that one day.

[Dadi350 (In Japanese) via Traveler]

Pantech Star Q for Verizon surfaces, offers QWERTY, LTE and Snapdragon S4

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/pantech-star-q-for-verizon-surfaces-offers-qwerty-lte-and-snap/

This one still isn't completely official just yet, but Android and Me has managed to obtain some pictures and fairly complete details for the Pantech Star Q headed for Verizon -- a device that was first spotted in FCC filings back in April. As you can see, it's a QWERTY slider, and it's said to pack Android 4.0.4, a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, front and rear-facing cameras (just 3-megapixels 'round back, though), LTE connectivity, and a 4-inch WVGA display. About the only key details missing are a price and release date, but Android and Me surmises it'll run $99 on-contract with a launch any time now -- both of which seem like safe guesses.

Filed under: Cellphones

Pantech Star Q for Verizon surfaces, offers QWERTY, LTE and Snapdragon S4 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Android and Me | Email this | Comments

GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/gm-testing-pedestrian-detection-system-powered-by-wifi-direct-v/

Car makers have been peddling wireless pedestrian avoidance systems almost as long as there have been automobiles. (We believe one of the earliest was called the "side view mirror.") GM's new experiment though, differs from other implementations by skipping out on the 3G, cameras and radar -- instead going for a model built around WiFi Direct. The peer-to-peer 802.11 standard hasn't exactly set the world on fire, but the WiFi Alliance is diligently tweaking the platform and apparently GM thinks its a perfect match for connecting cars, cyclists and pedestrians to each other. Unlike 3G-based systems, there's little lag between locating and identifying bikes or people crossing the street since the signal doesn't have to be bounced off a satellite. It also has a leg up on radar detection since WiFi can be a two way pipeline -- alerting someone out for a stroll of an oncoming vehicle. Of course, it will be some time before anything like this actually makes it into! a produ ction vehicle. But, in the meantime, you can check out the PR and video after the break.

Continue reading GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video)

Filed under: Transportation, Wireless

GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G hides out in the open, heads to MetroPCS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/samsung-galaxy-s-lightray-4g-hides-out-in-the-open-heads-to-met/

What's old is apparently new again for MetroPCS subscribers. Thanks to some leaked training materials over on Howard Forums, we have a pretty clear idea of the next Galaxy S device to bow on that budget carrier's lineup -- the Lightray 4G. No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, we've seen this exact phone before at CES 2012 where it was part of Dyle's Mobile TV showcase. And that chassis you see above? It's a mostly unaltered version of Verizon's Droid Charge, although that formerly pointed chin seems to have gotten the Ashlee Simpson treatment. Spec-wise, the 4.3-inch device reportedly packs a Super AMOLED Plus display, 1.3-megapixel front-facing / 8-megapixel rear cameras, 16GB of included microSD storage (what it'll ship with onboard is unknown), HDMI-out and, bizarrely, that aforementioned TV tuner, replete with antenna. No word on when this unofficial fella's set to go legit nor which Google OS treat it'll run, but with a recently surfaced FCC doc and company slides to go off, we're sure to find out sooner rather than later.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G hides out in the open, heads to Metr! oPCS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Android Police | source

source

FCC, Howard Forums | Email this | Comments

MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/msi-outs-new-cr41-notebook-hopes-you-like-the-color-royal-bronz/

What's rectangular, coated in a royal bronze finish, opens like a clam and lasts for up to seven and a half hours? If you answered MSI's new CR41 notebook, you'd be right (though we would've accepted self-destructing jewelry boxes as an answer). The 14-inch multimedia "mobile companion," announced just today, packs a 1,366 x 768 HD display, dedicated HM76 graphics chipset, choice of Intel's third-generation Core i processors and comes in a variety of storage configurations: 500 GB, 640GB or 720GB. Weighing in at 5.3 pounds (2.4kg) and measuring 13.8 x 9.2 x 1.3 inches (349.7 x 234.8 x 32mm), the laptop also features a six-cell 4,400mAh battery, support for Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi b/g/n, an optical drive, ports for HDMI, USB 3.0 (x2), USB 2.0 (x2), an SD slot and the requisite headphone jack. So far no official pricing or release dates have been made public for the Windows 7 rig, but when it does hit retailers' shelves, rest assured it'll be upgrade-ready for Redmond's next great OS. Follow on past the break for the official PR.

Continue reading MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze

Filed under: Laptops

MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

WSJ: Apple, Google reportedly in rival groups to buy Kodak patents

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/apple-google-reportedly-in-rival-groups-to-buy-kodak-patents/

Kodak might be cleared to sell its patents, but it's likely no fan of the companies lined up to make a deal. The Wall Street Journal's best friends, "people familiar with the matter," assert that Apple and Google are part of separate coalitions hoping to buy the 1,100 patents up for grabs. Apple's camp supposedly includes Microsoft and controversial patent holder Intellectual Ventures; Google's team reads more like an Android Justice League, with HTC, LG, Samsung and "patent risk solutions" provider RPX all playing a part. Real or not, there's still much that's up in the air. Kodak's not talking, and even the touted insiders warn both of new challengers and allegiances that could be in flux over the next few days. If there's meat on this rumor bone, however, it could make the August 8th auction another patent war spectacle rather than a mere ticket back to solvency for Kodak. Break out the popcorn.

[Image credit: Pittaya Sroilong, Flickr]

Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras

WSJ: Apple, Google reportedly in rival groups to buy Kodak patents originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Wall Street Journal | Email this | Comments

ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/27/viewsonic-budget-led-monitors/

As gorgeous as huge, expensive monitors are, most situations just don't call for the inches or wallet-dents associated with today's luxury screens. With this in mind, and barely a breath after outing its $299, 27-inch LED offering, ViewSonic is back with two budget displays from the VA12 series. First up is the VA2212m-LED, which rocks a 1080p widescreen, 21.5-inch panel, 10,000,000:1 contrast Ratio, DVI and VGA inputs, as well as a pair of 2W integrated speakers. Its little brother the VA1912m-LED shares most of the same genes, but with an 18.5-inch, 1,366 x 768 resolution screen. Running with ViewSonic's eco-friendly theme, both mercury-free LED monitors also boast the eco-mode feature for low power consumption and a longer life. If either of the new displays are grabbing your attention, you'll be able to pick up the $149 VA2212m-LED imminently, with the $125 VA1912m-LED hitting North American retailers in mid-August.

Continue reading ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors

Filed under: Displays

ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

TechPowerUp | Email this | Comments

Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/28/google-earth-maps-new-high-res-aerial-satellite-imagery/

3D City View for iOS isn't the only update from the Google Maps and Earth team this week, they've also spruced up their services with new imagery. Fresh high-resolution aerial and satellite photos have been added for a roster of 25 cities and 72 countries or regions, ranging from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Zimbabwe. In addition, seven international locales and 21 US cities received the 45-degree view treatment, letting you gaze at skylines from a different perspective. The maps are already available, so you can peruse new satellite images of London's Olympic Park and Village just in time for the festivities. For the full list of areas with crisper cartographic visuals, check out the source below.

Filed under: GPS, Software

Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Google Lat Long | Email this | Comments

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/28/faraday-porteur-e-bike-test-ride/

We've watched as Faraday Bicycles' first offering, the Porteur electric bike, went from award-winning concept to a fully-fledged consumer product courtesy of Kickstarter. Recently, company founder Adam Vollmer offered us the chance to ride one, and naturally, we couldn't wait see it for ourselves and put feet to pedals.

Gallery: Faraday Porteur e-bike hands-on

First impressions are important, a fact of which the folks at Faraday are clearly aware. The Porteur's w! hite fra me, wood fenders, and sea foam green trim pieces and rims provide a pleasing visual counterpart to the leatherwork adorning the seat, frame and handlebars. Add in the yesteryear script of the logo and vermilion detailing work, and it's retro done right -- visually arresting without being gaudy. As is often the case, the coolest bits of the bike reveal themselves upon close inspection. We're fans of the leather pouch (for holding smartphones or other sundries) nestled between the parallel top tubes and chain stay guard embossed with the Faraday name. And, the addition of the company slogan claiming it's "the ultimate electric propelled utility bicycle" along with each bike's production number is a nice touch. But enough about its good looks, how's the thing ride?

Continue reading Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike

Filed under: Transportation

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

CyanogenMod 10 preview build now available for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/29/cyanogenmod-10-preview-build-for-verizon-galaxy-nexus/

We know it didn't take much time for the Tenth iteration of that CM greatness to reach Google's popular Nexus 7 and Samsung's most colossal Galaxy handset on the block, but one other Android big shot was still yet to join the "preview build" bash. The marvelous news is Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners can now also take part in the early adoption process, as CyanogenMod's Brint Kriebel has said via Mountain View's social network that CM10 for Big Red's GNex is out and up for grabs. That said, he's let it be known the goods aren't exactly fully baked, though he has been rockin' it as his "daily driver" for about two weeks -- which, needless to say, is quite a good sign. Those interested in going a step further can hit up bekit's Google+ page, where you'll find the rest of the underlying details.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software

CyanogenMod 10 preview build now available fo! r Verizo n's Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 07:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Droid Life | source

source

Brint Kriebel (Google+) | Email this | Comments

Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/28/insert-coin-stabil-i-reduces-iphone-camera-shake-fits-pocket/

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Ah, stability, a commodity valued by videographers who want to produce footage that won't make their viewers throw up. Reducing camera shake can be especially tricky when using a smartphone such as the iPhone, whose form factor and light weight make it easier to have the shakes while shooting. Currently, options for reducing camera vibration in iPhone videos include apps like the Dolly Cam and more hardware-oriented solutions such as the Steadicam Smoothee. Our latest Insert Coin candidate, the Stabil-i, happens to use the latter route, serving up a "video stabilization iPhone case" that's still reasonably affordable. According to its creators, the Stabil-i's design is based on concepts found in larger, more expensive camera stabilization systems used in the film industry -- minus 90 percent of the hardware and the expensive bearing system. The result, they say, is a device that does a good job in reducing camera shake while still being compact enough to fit in one's pockets.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, Peripherals

Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 17:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Kickstarter | Email this | Comments

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)