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Thursday, October 04, 2012

Panasonic's 75mm-thick, 100-lumen laser projector module claims world's thinnest title

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/panasonics-75mm-laser-projector/

While scanning through Panasonic's booth at CEATEC 2012, we couldn't help but notice a prototype of its world's slimmest 100-lumen laser projector module (or OIU aka optical imaging unit, as the company prefers), which can beam out an 800 x 480 picture. It's not clear when exactly we'll see this 75mm-thick device getting into consumers' hands, but there's certainly room for improvement for the image quality. Likewise, the scan-type OIU (resolution at about 400 x 300) next to the slim projector is far from ready for mass consumption, as the company is hoping to actually shrink it down and integrate it into mobile phones. That said, the fact that this technology doesn't require focusing makes it worth the wait -- the light doesn't go through an LCD filter like ordinary projectors do, and instead, it's a single laser beam scanning out the picture, hence the name.

Also shown along side were the optical bay drive pico projector that's already being offered by Fujitsu, as well as the PJ-SJ25U 854 × 480 DLP pico projector which was released in August this year. While the latter's image quality was rather impressive even under the strong ambient lighting, we struggle to appreciate the ¥56,800 or $730 price tag. Anyhow, pricing is just a matter time, as always.

Gallery: Panasonic's range of pico projectors at CEATEC 2012

Filed under: Displays

Panasonic's 75mm-thick, 100-lumen laser projector module claims world's thinnest title originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 02:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Researchers Discover Bacteria That Produces Pure Gold [Science]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5948739/researchers-discover-bacteria-that-can-produce-pure-gold

The gold you see in the photo above was not found in a river or a mine. It was produced by a bacteria that, according to researchers at Michigan State University, can survive in extreme toxic environments and create 24-karat gold nuggets. Pure gold.

Maybe this critter can save us all from the global economic crisis.

Or at least make Kazem Kashefi—assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics—and Adam Brown—associate professor of electronic art and intermedia—rich. They are the ones who have created a compact laboratory that uses the bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans to turn gold chlroride—a toxic chemical liquid you can find in nature—into 99.9% pure gold.

Accoding to Kashefi, they are doing "microbial alchemy" by "something that has no value into a solid, precious metal that's valuable."

The bacteria is incredibly resistant to this toxic element. In fact, it's 25 times stronger than previously thought. The researchers' compact factory—which they named The Great Work of the Metal Lover—holds the bacteria as they feed it the gold chloride. In about a week, the bacteria does its job, processing all that junk into the precious metal—a process they believe happens regularly in nature.

So yes, basically, Cupriavidus metallidurans can eat toxins and poop out gold nuggets.

It seems that medieval alchemists were looking for the Philosopher's Stone—the magic element that could turn lead to gold—in the wrong place. It's not a mineral. It's a bug. [Michigan State University]

The gold laboratory created by Kashefi and Brown. It contains the bacteria and the toxic crap they feed it.

This is Cupriavidus metallidurans in action, eating away the toxins and producing the gold.

Canon EOS M review: was Canon's first mirrorless ILC worth the four-year wait?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/canon-eos-m-review/

More Info

It's here. Finally. Well, that is, if you happen to live in Japan. Canon's very first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera should be hitting shops the world over just as you begin to make room for that decked-out evergreen conifer, but the EOS M is already making the rounds in Canon's home country. It's available at select Japanese retailers for ¥109,900 (about $1,410, including sales tax). That lofty price will net you the EOS M in black, white or silver (the glossy red model remains elusive), complete with 55mm f/2 and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-M optics, a Speedlite 90EX external flash and the EF-M Lens Adapter, enabling full compatibility with any and all of your EF and EF-S lenses. The US variant, which comes bundled with only the black 22mm "pancake" STM lens, should run you $799 when it appears stateside beginning October 15th, though neither country's model carries a particularly competitive price tag, especially considering how diverse (and well-equipped) the mirrorless ILC market has become.

You might argue that Canon is borrowing a play out of Nikon's book when it comes to pricing the EOS M -- had the camera offered full DSLR functionality, including an advanced user interface, a $799 sticker might be justified. But the company has crippled its new compact shooter so as to avoid cannibalizing its still-successful full-size APS-C DSLR lineup, which includes models ranging from the Rebel T3 (about $475) to the EOS 7D (about $1,350). Appropriately, the EOS M falls right in the middle in terms of capabilities, with the added benefit of a new, nearly pocketable design that should win over more than its fair share of amateurs. That said, there's a reason larger SLRs remain on the market, and Canon very much wants to retain that solid footing. The EOS M isn't for everyone, and that's by design. But is it the right pick for you? Join us past the break as we try it on for size.

Gallery: Canon EOS M review

Continue reading Canon EOS M review: was Canon's first mirrorless ILC worth the four-year wait?

Filed under: Cameras, Canon

Canon EOS M review: was Canon's first mirrorless ILC worth the four-year wait? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Optimus G coming to AT&T and Sprint in the near (unknown) future

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/lg-optimus-g-att-sprint/

The LG Optimus G has already been confirmed to be heading to US shores, but we hadn't been given any details on specific carriers. AT&T and Sprint are the first to reveal their intent to carry the quad-core smartphone. still taking advantage of the 4.7-inch 1280x768 True HD IPS PLUS display, Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, Android 4.0, a 2,100mAh battery and 32GB internal storage (with expandable memory available). Sadly, it looks like AT&T is going with an 8MP rear camera, while Sprint will opt for 13MP. As often is the case, pricing and availability weren't announced -- we didn't even get so much as a "coming months / weeks" -- so we'll keep you posted as soon as we have it. In the meantime, have a look at the press releases below the break.

Continue reading LG Optimus G coming to AT&T and Sprint in the near (unknown) future

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sprint, AT&T

LG Optimus G coming to AT&T and Sprint in the near (unknown) future originally appeared ! on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sandia Labs' MegaDroid project simulates 300,000 Android phones to fight wireless catastrophes (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/sandia-labs-megadroid-project-simulates-300-000-android-phones/

We've seen some large-scale simulations, including some that couldn't get larger. Simulated cellular networks are still a rare breed, however, which makes Sandia National Laboratories' MegaDroid project all the more important. The project's cluster of off-the-shelf PCs emulates a town of 300,000 Android phones down to their cellular and GPS behavior, all with the aim of tracing the wider effects of natural disasters, hacking attempts and even simple software bugs. Researchers imagine the eventually public tool set being useful not just for app developers, but for the military and mesh network developers -- the kind who'd need to know how their on-the-field networks are running even when local authorities try to shut them down. MegaDroid is still very much an in-progress effort, although Sandia Labs isn't limiting its scope to Android and can see its work as relevant to iOS or any other platform where a ripple in the network can lead to a tidal wave of problems.

Continue reading Sandia Labs' MegaDroid project simulates 300,000 Android phones to fight wireless catastrophes (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Alt, Google

Sandia Labs' MegaDroid project simulates 300,000 Android phones to fight wireless catastrophes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD Trinity review roundup: good bang for your entry-level buck

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/amd-trinity-review-roundup/

It's never easy playing second fiddle, but AMD is trying their best to keep Intel on their toes with its latest line of Trinity desktop chips. We were introduced to the Trinity last week, but now the official reviews are in from the usual specialist sites. The consensus seems to be that it provides solid performance for the price. The Trinity A10-5800K is in the same class as the Core i5 but sells at $130 on NewEgg, which is the going rate for the Core i3-3220 (Guess those price leaks were true). Hot Hardware notes that both the A10-5800K and the A8-5600K offer improved performance and decent overclockability, stating that it offers "roughly a 10 percent kicker in CPU performance" and "15 - 17 percent increase in GPU performance." As for power consumption, Anandtech claims the Trinity isn't quite as good as the Core i3, but "compared to Llano, Trinity is a bit more efficient" so it looks like there's improvement from past AMD chips. TechSpot points out the Trinity also requires a new Socket FM2 motherboard.

Like most reviews, Hot Hardware recommends the Trinity chips as a solid choice for those who want an entry-level system. However, those hungry for power are probably still going to go Intel. Legit Reviews states that the AMD Trinity will do just fine for everyday use and some light gaming, leaving the pricier Intel chips for performance-cha! sers. De finitely peruse the links below for more details before considering a purchase.

Read - Hot Hardware
Read - Tom's Hardware
Read - AnandTech
Read - Legit Reviews
Read - Benchmark Reviews

Filed under: Desktops

AMD Trinity review roundup: good bang for your entry-level buck originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHK demonstrates 8K 3D digital binoculars: 16x 'lossless' zoom at 1080p (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/nhk-8k-3d-digital-binoculars/

Alongside its Super Hi-Vision TV demonstrations, Japan's national broadcaster had some 3D goggles also taking advantage of that 8K resolution. With 16 times the pixels of typical 1080p content, these prototype binoculars provide the same multiple of zoom from an 8K feed -- that is 16x zoom without losing any of original data. We got to grips with a the master model here at CEATEC, and were able to pan up and down, as well as manipulate a lever to close in on views of both Mount Fuji and Tokyo's very recent Skytree tower. NHK mentions that it could see the devices being used to show off other sightseeing spots in the future, but we don't expect home installations any time soon.

Gallery: NHK Super Hi-Vision 8K binoculars at CEATEC 2012

Filed under: Cameras, Displays, HD

NHK demonstrates 8K 3D digital binoculars: 16x 'lossless' zoom at 1080p (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These Goggles Film Your Daring Deeds From Right Between Your Eyes [Sports]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5948513/these-goggles-film-your-daring-deeds-from-right-between-your-eyes

While most adrenaline junkies love the GoPro, here's a point-of-view camera solution that never gets in the way: a pair of goggles that shoot 1080p video and 8 megapixel photos, from right between your eyes.

Made by Colorado-based Zeal, the iON goggles pack a 170-degree wide-angle camera lens to shoot... well, whatever you want to shoot hands-free while wearing goggles. There's an in-goggle viewfinder if you can concentrate on such a thing, and the buttons on the side are designed to be used with gloved hands. Their li-on battery keeps you filming for three hours.

It's perhaps worth pointing out that the goggles themselves aren't bad, either, offering anti-fog high density UV optics and an impact-resistant frame so they don't smash as you film your first crash. If you film your first crash, sorry. They're available now direct from Zeal for $399. [Zeal via Ubergizmo]

Chrome Beta adds video engagement APIs, promises higher-quality video chats sans plugin

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/chrome-beta-adds-video-engagement/

After concentrating on gaming and visual improvements in previous releases of Chrome, the browser's latest focus appears to be in video engagement. The latest beta includes a PeerConnection API that lets developers create real-time video chat applications without a plug-in. This builds upon existing WebRTC integration with a new getUserMedia API that should result in higher-quality video, audio, and data communications. The Beta also bundles in track support for HTML5 video, letting developers add in subtitles, captions, and other metadata -- the above photo, for example, is a screencap of a bike ride video enhanced with Google Map and Street View data. Another nice addition is a MediaSource API which adjusts video quality based on computer and network environments, which should put an end to those agonizing waits while the dancing inmate version of Gangnam Style buffers. Those interested can get their mitts on the new Chrome Beta today.

Filed under: Internet, Software

Chrome Beta adds video engagement APIs, promises higher-quality video chats sans plugin originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02! :24:00 E DT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOC outs 'borderless' 27-inch IPS monitor, available now for $349

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/aoc-borderless-i2757fh-ips-monitor/

Not to be outdone by ViewSonic's recent introduction of the 27-inch VX2770Smh-LED display, AOC's coming out with a large IPS monitor of its own. The i2757fh is being touted as a "borderless" panel, and the reason behind that claim is its slim 2mm bezel. Aside from those narrow characteristics, AOC's new 27-inch monitor also boasts a decent 1920 x 1080 resolution with 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 5ms response time, two HDMI ports and, naturally, the great viewing angles you get with an IPS unit. As far as pricing goes, AOC's slapping a not-too-shabby $349 tag on the i2757fh, but there is a Best Buy-only deal which knocks 50 bucks off of the original MSRP. Hit the break for an additional angled shot as well as official PR.

Continue reading AOC outs 'borderless' 27-inch IPS monitor, available now for $349

Filed under: Displays, Misc

AOC outs 'borderless' 27-inch IPS monitor, available now for $349 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Nokia launches Belle Feature Pack 2 firmware OTA, Pureview 808 gets extra imaging goodies

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/nokia-belle-feature-pack-2-OTA/

Like the proverbial groundhog, Nokia's Feature Pack 2 for Symbian Belle peeked out a bit too early last month and had to withdraw back into its burrow. Now the new firmware upgrade for the Nokia 701, 700, 602 and Pureview 808 is out for realsies, with the latter star of the lineup getting the lion's share of new trinkets. Specifically, the big-sensored phone will now have a Gallery Grid view option, which will enable faster and easier zooming, editing and sharing of images; more picture info like ISO value, white balance and location; and a reset button to get back to the default image setting in one touch. All the above Symbian Belle phones will get an updated browser with better HTML5 support, a (much) faster keyboard, the Video Pro editing application and Car Mode -- which gives "easy access to your phone's key features when you're driving," according to Nokia. If that makes you feel better about your legacy Nokia OS investment after all the company's Windows Phone 8 hoopla, check the source to see how to get it.

[Thanks, Fakhre]

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Nokia!

< a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/nokia-belle-feature-pack-2-OTA/">Nokia launches Belle Feature Pack 2 firmware OTA, Pureview 808 gets extra imaging goodies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp's New 5-Inch HD Display Is Crystal Clear [Sharp]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5948127/sharps-new-hd-5+inch-display-is-crystal-clear

Sharp's launching a new 5-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel display this week in Japan—and it's one of the most pixel-dense screens to date.

According to the Verge, the new display uses TFTs produced with continuous grain (CG) silicon rather than the recently lauded IGZO transistor technology. Despite the fact it's an older technology, it still lets Sharp cram in a full 1920 x 1080 HD display into the 5-inch form factor.

That means the display offers up a pixel density of 442 pixels per inch. Compare that to the Retina display of the iPhone, which manages 326 ppi, and it sounds really rather promising. The new display is pictured above on the right, next to an iPhone. It's worth pointing out that Sharp has hit a high of 498 ppi with a 6.1-inch IGZO prototype in the past, but that's not seen commercial release yet.

If you're wondering why the company is using CG silicon over IGZO—good question!—then a Sharp rep told the Verge that it allows faster response times and, in turn, higher resolutions. Perhaps more importantly, because it's better-established technology, it's easier to set into mass production, too. And that, of course, means that it might not be long before full HD phones are the norm. [Engadget, Verge]

Razer CEO wants annual Blade laptop refreshes, isn't worried about price complaints

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/01/razer-ceo-interview-blade-2/

Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan is charismatic, clearly very smart and passionate -- not a bad combination considering he's the face and voice of a major international hardware manufacturer. Razer's latest, the second-generation Blade gaming laptop, launches this week for the whopping price of $2,500, and we spoke with Min-Liang about just that. "This," he said, referencing the second-generation Blade's slim power brick, "costs seven times this," he added, pointing to a competitor's power supply. "Do we have to do this? Probably not." And that's emblematic of Razer's whole approach to the Razer Blade, as a line of gaming computers. Expensive? Yes, very. But significantly nicer and more detailed that its less expensive competition? Also yes. Also very.

As our own Sean Buckley put it in our review of their latest gaming laptop, "the Blade is a gorgeous machine." It's true -- at just 0.88 inches tall and 6.6 pounds, the new Blade is remarkably thin and light for a 17-inch laptop with enough juice under the hood to sate even the most spec-obsessed of PC gamers. But are enough gamers out there willing to trade a lower price tag for a better-looking machine? Razer and its CEO certainly think so, and they've got numbers from the first, more expensive Blade to prove it. "The original Blade was at $2,799. Back then, it was pricey, but we've been surprised at the amount of demand for that. We thought we were gonna sell out in 30 days -- we had 30 days' stock. But we sold out in 30 minutes for the first batch," he said. And, as far as pre-order numbers go for the second version, Min-Liang's confident they mean good things for the future of the Blade! .

"We're getting hammered with the pre-orders for the new Razer Blade. Right now, we'll be able to ship most of the orders by September 30, fingers crossed. But we're trying to bring in as many units as possible," he excitedly explained. Min-Liang isn't too worried about offending first-gen buyers, either -- the first Razer Blade launched in early 2012 for just shy of $2,800. Less than 10 months later, the second-gen Blade is launching for $300 less with a significantly upgraded graphics card. Sure, first-gen adopters get a $500 discount on the new Blade, but the sting of early adoption is especially rough in such an instance.

Gallery: Razer Blade 2 hands-on

Continue reading Razer CEO wants annual Blade laptop refreshes, isn't worried about price complaints

Filed under: Gaming, Laptops

Razer CEO wants annual Blade laptop refreshes, isn't worried about price complaints originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba Regza J7 and Z7 TVs pack built-in DVR with recommendation feature, we go eyes-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/01/toshiba-regza-j7-z7-hands-on/

Toshiba had its new lineup of Regza HDTVs on hand at CEATEC today, showing sets from both the J7 Series and Z7 series. The J7 Series offers 32-, 40, 50- and 65-inch options, all of which boast 1080p resolutions save for the 32-incher. Pricing starts at ¥75,000 (about $961) and tops off at ¥370,000 for the largest model. The slightly higher-end Z7 Series includes 42-, 47- and 55-inch models, with pricing ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥370,000. The Z7 Series also boats Toshiba's "time-shift machine" feature, which automatically records up to 40 hours of content on primary channels and suggests programs based on your viewing habits.

We spent a few minutes staring into the high-def abyss at the company's rather dim booth, and all of the displays looked quite stunning. Unfortunately, we weren't able to test out the time-shift feature, so we'll have to take the company on its word there. The premium Z7 models include a thinner bezel and an overall sleeker look, while the J7 featured a more rounded design, with a beefier border around the panel. All of the TVs are expected to debut in time for the holiday season. For now, you can get a sneak peek from our hands-on video below.

Gallery: Toshiba REGZA Z7 and J7 eyes-on

Continue reading Toshiba Regza J7 and Z7 TVs pack built-in DVR with recommendation feature, we go eyes-on (video)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Toshiba Regza J7 and Z7 TVs pack built-in DVR with recommendation feature, we go eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ViewSonic's new VX70Smh-LED IPS monitors arriving this month, pricing starts at $159

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/viewsonics-vx70smh-led-ips-monitors/

Only a couple of months have passed since ViewSonic announced its new pair of wallet-friendly VA12 monitors as well as that larger, energy-efficient 27-inch VX2703mh-LED. Fast forward to today, and the company's back with a trio of fresh VX70Smh-LED panels, including a lavish 27-incher in the VX2770Smh-LED, plus a couple of 22- and 23-inch monitors for those who prefer something a bit more conservative -- all of which are equipped with IPS technology, a 1920 x 1080 screen resolution (30,000,000:1 MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio) and SRS Premium Sound. ViewSonic has said both the 23- and 27-inch VX70Smh-LEDs will be available "early October" for $189 and $319, respectively, while the smaller 22-inch VX2270Smh-LED is expected to hit shelves around December with a $159 price tag.

Gallery: ViewSonic's VX70Smh-LED Series press shots

Continue reading ViewSonic's new VX70Smh-LED IPS monitors arriving this month, pricing starts at $159

Filed under: Displays, Misc

ViewSonic's new VX70Smh-LED IPS monitors arriving this month, pricing starts at $159 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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