Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Premier Farnell, Sony, team up to move Raspberry PI manufacturing to the UK

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/raspberry-pi-made-in-the-uk-by-sony/

One of the biggest holdups to owning a Raspberry Pi was its stuttering availability, so much so that it even prompted a few copycat boards. Creator Eben Upton and equipment makers Premier Farnell might have found the solution, teaming up with Sony to produce an initial run of 300,000 of the educational computers at the company's UK Technology Center, in Pencoed, near Bridgend in Wales. Upton hopes to keep the cost at $25 and $35 for two boards, thanks to employing Sony's "lean manufacturing techniques," and the Japanese company has already spent £50,000 ($80,000) on new package-on-package assembly equipment -- ensuring that we'll all be able to get our hands on one soon enough.

Continue reading Premier Farnell, Sony, team up to move Raspberry PI manufacturing to the UK

Filed under: Desktops

Premier Farnell, Sony, team up to move Raspberry PI manufacturing to the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researchers take full control of cockroach's movement, turn it into a wireless sensor

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/researchers-guide-cockroach-wirelessly/

Built-in power supply? Check. Ability to survive anything? Check. Easy to control? Okay, anyone who's had a cockroach as an uninvited houseguest knows that's not the case. So, rather than re-inventing the biological wheel with a robotic version, North Carolina State university researchers have figured out a way to remotely control a real Madagascar hissing cockroach. They used an off-the-shelf microcontroller to tap in to the roach's antennae and abdomen, then sent commands that fooled the insect into thinking danger was near, or that an object was blocking it. That let the scientists wirelessly prod the insect into action, then guide it precisely along a curved path, as shown in the video below the break. The addition of a sensor could allow the insects to one day perform tasks, liking searching for trapped disaster victims -- something to think about the next time you put a shoe to one.

Continue reading Researchers take full control of cockroach's movement, turn it into a wireless sensor

Filed under: Science, Alt

Researchers take full cont! rol of c ockroach's movement, turn it into a wireless sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid RAZR M and HD dev editions bring unlockable bootloaders to the Android party

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/droid-razr-m-and-hd-dev-editions-bring-unlockable-bootloaders-to/

Motorola just released three new consumer phones today, but the company didn't want to leave developers out in the cold, so it also quietly rolled out a pair of developer handsets. A mere $550 gets you on the list right now for a RAZR M Developer Edition set to be shipped next week direct from Moto, and you can sign up for updates on the availability of a forthcoming RAZR HD dev-friendly handset, too. Each phone will bring an unlockable bootloader and the promise of immediate software gratification, though Motorola hasn't set an availability date or price for the HD version just yet. You can get on the list for either device at the source links below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Droid RAZR M and HD dev editions bring unlockable bootloaders to the Android party originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's 84-inch 4K Bravia XBR-84X900 goes up for pre-order tomorrow for $25,000

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/sonys-84-inch-4k-bravia-on-sale-for-$25k/

That stunning and gigantic Bravia that Sony unveiled at IFA, well, we finally have pricing and availability for this potential TV king. The 84-inch Bravia XBR-84X900 (aka the KD-84X9005) will go up for pre-order tomorrow, September 6th, for the jaw-dropping price of $25,000 (let us know when you've stopped hyperventilating). The edge-lit panel wont' be delivering full HD passive 3D entertainment to living rooms until later this fall, however. While orders can be placed less than 24 hours from now, shipments will have to wait until some undetermined day in November. Well, at least that should give you a few months head start on paying this monstrosity off... before the repo men eventually show up to take it off your hands.

Continue reading Sony's 84-inch 4K Bravia XBR-84X900 goes up for pre-order tomorrow for $25,000

Sony's 84-inch 4K Bravia XBR-84X900 goes up for pre-order tomorrow for $25,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola bringing RAZR M to Europe with Intel mobile chip

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/motorola-razr-m-europe-intel/

If you liked the look of Motorola's recently-announced RAZR M, but reside on the other side of the Atlantic, you might get what you want -- with some internal changes. While Intel and Motorola's London event isn't for another two weeks, according to Pocket-lint, it'll possibly be a Medfield-powered version of Motorola's smallest new addition waiting for British phone-shoppers later this month. The Intel mobile processor would replace the Snapdragon S4 residing in the US version, but the rest of the phone's specification (and dimensions) will remain unchanged. We'll be checking in on this Intel iteration at its launch event on September 18th.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Motorola bringing RAZR M to Europe with Intel mobile chip originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/sony-sets-us-pricing-for-55-65-inch-hx950-hdtvs-4-499-and-5/

We had to wait an extra week for the US details, but Sony has revealed Stateside pricing for its new top of the line HDTVs at CEDIA 2012. The 55- and 65-inch BRAVIA XBR-HX950 HDTVs have pricetags of $4,499 and $5,499, respectively and the press release promises immediate availability online, at Sony stores and through "select" retailers although we heard they may arrive in force around the same time as the 84-inch 4K monster. The press release also has all the specs for these refreshed versions of the old HX929 champ, which bring along all the local dimming, Gorilla Glass and connected TV features we've come to expect without any additional surprises, although we suspect that won't slow down orders from any fans of the monolith TV style with $5k or so burning a hole in their pocket.

Continue reading Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499 originally appeared on Engad! get on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/lumia-920-pureview-video-filmed-with-different-camera/

Nokia's video showcasing the Lumia 920's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) might've given the impression it was filmed with the new PureView-toting device, but a reflection of a film crew spotted by PocketNow in the trailer (27 seconds deep) hinted that wasn't the case. The folks in Espoo have confirmed that the footage was indeed captured using a different camera. "Of course, hindsight is 20 / 20, but we should have posted a disclaimer stating this was a representation of OIS only," the company's Heidi Lemmetyinen penned on the Nokia Conversations blog. "This was not shot with a Lumia 920. At least, not yet. We apologize for the confusion we created." You can catch the offending video and a shorter, but accurate clip comparing a prototype of the PureView handset with a competing device after the break.

Continue reading Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the! confusi on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS boasts about AiCloud features in new teaser (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/asus-aicloud-teaser/

Router, Rowter. However you say it, you probably need one, which is why ASUS is temping you toward buying one of its new AiCloud models. The new service is designed to unify your data across devices, letting you share and stream multimedia and documents from PCs to smartphones. You'll also be able to store files online, remote control your PC from your tablet and create single-click download links to share with your friends. ASUS is so excited about the project that it's released a new advert telling you all about it, which we've included for you after the break.

Continue reading ASUS boasts about AiCloud features in new teaser (video)

Filed under: Internet

ASUS boasts about AiCloud features in new teaser (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Did Amazon just tease football fans with new Kindle devices?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/amazon-ad-football-new-kindle/

Watching tonight's Cowboys / Giants game? We hope you stuck around for the commercials, because Amazon may have given NFL fans a glimpse of what's to come during tomorrow's event. According to folks watching the game, the firm ran a brief commercial featuring what appears to be a pair of Kindle devices, which comfortably fit previous reports that two new versions will be landing soon. One of the devices packs a touchscreen in a black finish, and looks distinct from hardware in the company's current lineup. At any rate, you can catch the minute-long TV spot after the break or wait until the firm's press conference tomorrow for concrete details.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Did Amazon just tease football fans with new Kindle devices?

Filed under: Handhelds, Tablets

Did Amazon just tease football fans with new Kindle devices? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G announced, arriving at T-Mobile in the coming weeks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/samsung-galaxy-s-relay-4g/

The rumors didn't lead us astray this time around: T-Mobile's latest QWERTY device, the Samsung Galaxy S ~~Blaze Q~~ Relay 4G has been officially announced. While we're still waiting to hear pricing and availability (aside from the usual "coming weeks," that is), we have confirmation that the 4-inch Super AMOLED device will offer ICS, HSPA+ 42Mbps connectivity and a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor. Additionally, it has a 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing cam, 5-row keyboard and it's been certified for SAFE (Samsung Approved for Enterprise). We're still wrapping our brains around the name, but fortunately we have some time to do so before the device officially drops onto store shelves.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G announced, arriving at T-Mobile in the coming weeks

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G announced, arriving at T-Mobile in the coming weeks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:13:00 EDT. ! Please s ee our terms for use of feeds.

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Epson leaves well enough alone with its new Home Cinema projector lineup

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/epson-home-cinema-projectors/

Epson has decided not to mess with success, as it's left the new Home Cinema 3020, 3020e, 5020, 5020e and Pro Home Cinema 6020 projectors largely untouched from last year. All the models still carry full 1080p resolution, active shutter 3D, 2D-to-3D conversion, WirelessHD and a pair of RF 3D glasses. There's a slight bump in brightness for the lower-end 3020/3020e models from 2,200 to 2,300 lumens and a 100,000:1 contrast hike for the 5020/5020e and 6020 models. Otherwise, the new projectors remain unchanged, right down to the colors, housings, 3LCD tech, 6,000 hour lamp and Fujinon OptiCinema lenses for the 6020. Prices also carry over from the previous models, at under $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000 for the high- to low-end models, respectively. The projectors will start arriving in October and with little other competition in that price range, Epson can probably rest on its laurels -- at least for a while longer.

Continue reading Epson leaves well enough alone with its new Home Cinema projector lineup

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Epson leaves well enough alone with its new Home Cinema projector lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Lumia 822 and 5-inch HTC device found in Verizon systems

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/nokia-lumia-822-htc-6435-verizon/

The Nokia Lumia 820 is fresh on everyone's minds, and rumors of a 5-inch Android device from HTC are floating around, so why not add a couple more pieces of kindling to the fire? We've been handed images of Verizon's device management system (DMD, for short) showing off a couple new devices: the Nokia Lumia 822 (in Gray and White) and the HTC 6435, which we've seen leaked as the potential Galaxy Note competitor. While this doesn't guarantee a surefire launch in any way, phones typically pop up in the DMD a few weeks prior to launch -- and it's good news for two groups of people: Windows Phone fans anxiously awaiting something fresh on the LTE carrier, and phablet fans looking for a device not called the Intuition.

[Thanks, Anonymous!]

Continue reading Nokia Lumia 822 and 5-inch HTC device found in Verizon systems

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Nokia Lumia 822 and 5-inch HTC device found in Verizon systems originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep ! 2012 02: 25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STMicroelectronics details pressure sensor in your Galaxy S III, can tell when you're mountaineering

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/stmicroelectronics-details-pressure-sensor-in-your-galaxy-s-iii/

If you're the sort to tear down your Galaxy S III, you might have noticed a mysterious STMicroelectronics LSP331AP chip lurking on the motherboard. While we've known that it's a pressure sensor, we now know that it's a new generation -- new enough that ST is just getting to explaining the technology to a mainstream audience. The piezoresistor-equipped MEMS chip tracks altitude through atmospheric pressure with an uncanny knack for precision; it can tell when you've crossing between floors, which could be more than handy for future iterations of indoor navigation. Don't worry if you're an extreme sports junkie that might push the limits, either. The sensor can do its job at the kinds of pressure you'd normally see when 32,800 feet high or 5,900 feet below sea level, which should keep it working even if you're checking your phone during a climb up K2 or a HALO skydive. We don't know if anyone beyond Samsung is lined up to use ST's pressure sensor in their devices, but we wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a mainstay for smartphones and outdoor gear in the near fut! ure.

Continue reading STMicroelectronics details pressure sensor in your Galaxy S III, can tell when you're mountaineering

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

STMicroelectronics details pressure sensor in your Galaxy S III, can tell when you're mountaineering originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 03:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Synology launches DiskStation DS413j NAS server for your own private cloud

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/synology-launches-diskstation-ds413/

If you like your data local, but crave remote access, you've now got options like Synology's new DiskStation DS413j -- a network-attached storage (NAS) server for your own private cloud. The feature-packed box has four drive bays for a total of 16TB storage, and you can mix and match HDDs of different sizes without losing the comfort of RAID. Along with what you'd expect from NAS, its media server will stream content to your console or TV via DLNA or UPnP and push tunes to your stereo, with iOS and Android apps for couch DJing. The server will sync your files across computers if you wish, and give you access to all that data on the move via the internet or mobile apps. And, if you need more files, you can download directly using your favorite protocols -- it'll even automate them if you trust RSS feeds to make recommendations. All this can be yours for around $380, depending on the retailer, but don't forget to budget for drives to fill those empty bays.

Gallery: Synology DiskStation DS413j

Continue reading Synology launches DiskStation DS413j NAS server for your own private cloud

Filed under: Storage, Networking

Synology launches DiskStation DS413j NAS server for your own private cloud originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 04:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony NEX-VG30 camcorder images leak alongside rumor of $1,800 November arrival

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/sony-nex-vg30-camcorder-images-rumor/

The streetwise kids at SonyAlphaRumors say they're in possession of legit, leaked images of a forthcoming Sony NEX-VG30 camcorder, which they received from an unnamed tipster. The images themselves reveal very little about what's new in this model, and even the tipster seems to mainly confirm specs that are already present in the VG20 -- such as the big, 16-megapixel Exmor APS-C sensor (although it may have been upgraded), plus 24p and 60p recording at 1080. However, the top-down picture after break does reveal a new, healthy-sized zoom control on the grip, plus there's the happy possibility of an OLED XGA viewfinder. The official announcement may well reveal other changes under the hood, but in the meantime the tipster reports a November release with a $1,800 price tag -- which could either be a price drop or a hike depending on whether it's body-only.

Continue reading Sony NEX-VG30 camcorder images leak alongside rumor of $1,800 November arrival

Filed under: Cameras

Sony NEX-VG30 camcorder images leak alongside rumor of $1,800 November arrival originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 06:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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