Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Miro 2.0 Gets Streaming Support, New Look [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/avOr0_2cNn0/miro-20-gets-streaming-support-new-look

Miro, the open-source player that's like a TiVo for internet video, has hit its 2.0 release, boosting the play-anything tool's performance and adding some neat features, like streaming video from Hulu and other sites.

Miro keeps the same video-when-you-want-it features Gina detailed in her tour of the app, and it remains a great way to manage free video feeds, video podcasts, download torrents, and otherwise pipe the web's best stuff onto your screen.

With 2.0, though, the Miro Guide—the universal portal for content that anyone can browse for their media center needs—now includes links to streaming content. That includes shows on Hulu, like, say, Family Guy:


And Miro's team states that 2.0 has been designed "from the ground up" to focus on high-quality, HD content, as demonstrated (kind of) in their demonstration video:


One seemingly basic but big improvement is the ability to pop out a playing video in a separate window, letting you keep browsing or stream checking while your content plays in a resize-ready window:


The Miro team outlines more changes at their blog announcement and on the redesigned official site.

What does Miro do well for you, and what would improvements would you like to see? How much net video is making its way into your watching habits these days? Sound off your screen preferences in the comments.

Miro is a free download for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.



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AddTo Google Reader Script Shares Any Page With a Keystroke [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/wm6pv9oJiaU/addto-google-reader-script-shares-any-page-with-a-keystroke

Firefox with Greasemonkey: The AddTo Google Reader script adds web pages to your shared items in Google Reader, so you can bookmark and share non-feed items easily.

Once you've installed the script, bookmarking pages in Google Reader is as simple as hitting the F4 key, entering optional comments or tags, and using the Post Item button. If the F4 key doesn't suit your fancy and you don't mind rolling up your sleeves for some minor script editing, you can change the if(e.keyCode != 115) line to use a different keycode. I've found this script incredibly useful for quickly saving bookmarks to read later from one consolidated location—though previously mentioned ReadItLater is a whiz at that sort of thing if you prefer a different approach.

AddTo Google Reader is a free download, requires Firefox with Greasemonkey. Readers using other browsers can get the same functionality in a bookmarklet—just one more way for getting good with Google Reader.

AddTo Google Reader [Userscripts.org]


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Free Audio Editor Does Powerful Music Editing With Ease [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/OLNHuoDct6A/free-audio-editor-does-powerful-music-editing-with-ease

Windows only: Advanced audio editing tool Free Audio Editor handles your music and sound editing with an attractive, streamlined, and easy-to-use interface.

The application handles common audio formats (from MP3 and WMA to WAV and OGG) and boasts a rich set of features: Batch processing, recording, CD ripping/burning, and text-to-speech make this application worth a look for anybody that needs to do some quick audio editing without paying for a commercial application.

Of course, no audio editing post would be complete without mentioning the also-free, cross-platform, and open-source Audacity, useful for anything from removing vocals to creating ringtones from any MP3.

Free Audio Editor is a free download for Windows only.

Free Audio Editor [via Life Rocks 2.0]



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DVDSmith Movie Backup Copies Everything or Just Video Easily [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/amlZpmKJeZo/dvdsmith-movie-backup-copies-everything-or-just-video-easily


Windows only: DVDSmith Movie Backup is terrible for our headline style, since it does exactly what its name implies. It's great, though, for anyone who simply wants to watch a DVD without the disc.

There are just five buttons to click on DVDSmith's single window, and most times you'll only need one. You can choose between "Full Disc," which gets you menus, extras, and the full DVD-watching experience, or click "Main Movie" to grab the longest video and audio tracks. What you end up with on a "Full Disc" backup is a familiar VIDEO_TS folder, wherever you told the app to put it, and a bunch of .vob files, which can be played in most advanced media players like VLC. "Main Movie" does much the same, but with fewer .vob files turned out. DVDSmith is proud to announce on their site that their tool breaks through all the the major copyright protection schemes.

If you're looking for a bit more control over your DVD backups, check out the free, cross-platform Handbrake, our own DVD Rip, or any of our Hive Five best DVD ripping tools. If you're looking for a DVD backup tool an 8-year-old could grasp, though, DVDSmith Movie Backup is worth a click or two.



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Intel Big on 32nm Westmere Processors for Consumers in 2010 [Processors]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/gozU8vA_wTc/intel-big-on-32nm-westmere-processors-for-consumers-in-2010

At today's San Francisco event, Intel mostly discussed what we know about the upcoming Westmere processor, but revealed they're scrapping the next dual-core 45nm processors, in favor of 32nm Westmere chips in early 2010.

The first Westmere chips will be the dual-core Clarkdale and Annendale processors, for desktop and mobile uses, respectively. In addition to the 32nm CPU, these chips will feature a 45nm integrated graphics and memory controller. Integration in particular was a big point of emphasis for Intel, and said they plan to continue down this path, because it cuts costs in development and production, and also gets products to market faster. A six-core, 32nm processor (codename: Gulftown), is also planned for a future release.

Also announced early this morning, and reiterated at today's event, is that Intel scrapped plans for refreshed dual-core 45nm processors, Havendale (desktop) and Auburndale (mobile), in favor of the Clarkdale and Annendale processors, for desktop and mobile uses, respectively. Intel said than an "accelerated product ramp" is allowing them to overlap the newer, smaller dual-core chips with the upcoming pair of 45nm quad-core processors, Lynnfield (desktop) and Clarksfield (mobile, and not to be confused with Clarkdale), which will give end-users options when it comes to CPU performance.

These four upcoming chips will run on a new Intel Series 5 chipset, codenamed Kings Creek (shown above) for desktop and Calpella for mobile. Intel showed off these new 32nm processor! s and ch ipsets at the event in a very informal demo, just to show that these products work and exist (the mobile platform even ran Spore).

It's also interesting to note that normally, most Intel processors are released to the server market first, then go to the consumer PC market for consumption. With the upcoming Westmere processors, Intel will produce the chips for consumer PCs first, marking a departure in strategy for them.

While Intel is probably jumping forward to stay ahead of the pack in a slumping economy, what this means for you, the consumer, is that you'll get better performing processors even sooner than expected, which should be early 2010.

Intel Demonstrates First Working 32nm-based Microprocessor in Both Mobile and Desktop Systems

Feb. 10, 2009 - At a media briefing in San Francisco today, Intel Corporation discussed new milestones for 32nm manufacturing and progress toward future products. Earlier that day, in Washington, DC, Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini disclosed that Intel is making the largest-ever investment in a single process technology in the United States to support upgrades to advanced manufacturing facilities in the country and the move to its next-generation, 32nm chip manufacturing technology. Intel is investing approximately $7 billion in 2009-10 on 32nm manufacturing technology, raising the total by the end of that timeframe to approximately $8 billion (for 32nm investment in the United States).

Below is a summary of the product roadmap news at the briefing in San Francisco:
First-ever demonstration of a working 32nm-based microprocessor:
- Intel is demonstrating the first 32nm working microprocessor in both mobile and desktop systems.
- Great 32nm process and product health are enabling Intel to accelerate 32nm product ramp
– Westmere mobile and desktop processor production in the fourth quarter of 2009
– 32nm enables increased performance and power flexibility
- Intel processors based on Westmere! will ra mp into mobile, desktop, and server segments over time, as the 32nm process ramps

For client, Westmere brings Nehalem through Intel's mainstream processor product line
- Increased performance, smaller processor core size
- New multi-chip package with graphics integrated in the processor
- Repartitioned system architecture, simplified motherboards
- Volume ramp; expect 32nm in server market in 2010

Westmere key features
- Intel® Turbo Boost technology
- Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (2 Cores, 4 threads)
- Integrated graphics, discrete/switchable graphics support
- 4MB cache, Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) – 2ch DDR3
- AES Instructions

The 32nm process with second-generation high-k + metal gate transistor era begins
Intel's strength as an integrated device manufacturer allows the company to continue to deliver new generations of advanced process technology on a 2-year cadence. Intel has developed a 32nm logic technology with industry-leading features:
- Second-generation high-k + metal gate transistors
- 32nm marks the first time Intel uses immersion lithography on critical layers
- 9 copper + low-k interconnect layers
- About 70 percent dimension scaling from 45nm generation
- Pb- and halogen-free packages



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Dell Wasabi First Inkless Pocket Printer That's Not Hideous [Wasabi]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/scNwFlVL_XM/dell-wasabi-first-inkless-pocket-printer-thats-not-hideous

Zink's inkless pocket photo printers aren't new tech, but before Dell's Wasabi rendition, they were drag, ugly boxes, not deliberately designed modernist rectangles. They're $100 at the moment, though standard price will be $149. [Dell]

GALLERY




END



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Rehydr8 Water Filter Puts Brita To Shame [Environment]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/IkhQtttLbNU/rehydr8-water-filter-puts-brita-to-shame

The word "awesome" is not used very often to describe a water filter, but the description is apt when referring to the Rehydr8 concept.

Apparently, the filter would use the magic of thermoacoustic refrigeration—a process that relies on sound waves and an environmentally safe gas like helium to generate cooling. Furthermore, each bottle features a built-in, powerless thermometer to display the temperature and ensure that you are getting a perfectly chilled container of water.

Is it an absurdly eco-friendly and elaborate way to replicate what could be done cheaply with a simple pitcher filter and some cubes of ice? Yes, yes it is. But it sure looks like the kind of water cooler that I would like to gossip around at work. [Yanko via Ubergizmo]



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Sony Ericsson C903 Cybershot Phone Comes Complete With Geotagging, Flickr [Cellphones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/E8-NfBtLyuo/sony-ericsson-c903-cybershot-phone-comes-complete-with-geotagging-flickr

The Sony Ericsson C903 Cybershot comes in a slider form factor and has a 2.4-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera, face detection and geotagging.

The phone also comes with a full suite of photo-specific features, such as Flickr Uploadr, ShutterSmile (snaps when it detects a smile) and BestPic (takes 9 rapid-fire photos, keeps the best) enhancements, as well as Photo and Video Blogging apps. The geotagging uses aGPS to carry out it's function, has an auto-rotating screen and dedicated camera buttons, but the phone only makes use of an HSPA cellular radio.

The C903 is essentially a lesser-equipped version of the 8.1-megapixel C905, but I prefer the look of the the C903, personally. The phone is expected to hit stores in Q2 2009. [Sony Ericsson via BB Gadgets]



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Firefox Mobile Pre-Alpha Now Available for VGA Windows Mobile Phones [Firefox]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/SQHSz1Jap2Q/firefox-mobile-pre+alpha-now-available-for-vga-windows-mobile-phones

Just as Mozilla's developer wiki cryptically promised last week, a pre-alpha build of Firefox Mobile 'Fennec' has been made available for the HTC Touch Pro, though it'll work on many other VGA (480x640) WinMo phones.

The build is very rough and probably not usable for day-to-day browsing—early reports suggest that the loading time is very long, and that page loading is quite slow—but it should provide a glimpse of where Firefox Mobile is headed, how it will render pages and if its novel control scheme is usable on a device smaller than the N810.

The CAB download is available here, but I had no luck launching the app on my T-Mobilized HTC Touch Diamond variant. Let us know about your successes and failures in the comments. [WMExperts via Slashphone]



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ASUS N81Vg: first laptop with NVIDIA's GeForce GT 120M

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/10/asus-n81vg-first-laptop-with-nvidias-geforce-gt-120m/

Not quite an ultraportable, but not quite a behemoth -- the 14-inch ASUS N81Vg fits nicely between the two laptop extremes, and given that it's the first to house NVIDIA's GeForce GT 120M graphics card, even gamers can feel free to sneak a deathmatch or two in between conference calls. The rig itself can be ordered with one of many Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, upwards of 500GB of hard drive space, an optional Blu-ray burner, 1.3 megapixel webcam and a battery good for three to four hours. The newfangled 120M GPU features NVIDIA CUDA technology, 32 processing cores, DirecX 10 support, 1080p video playback and 110 gigaflops of computing power. Per usual, ASUS is keeping quiet when it comes to pricing and release details, but it ought not be long now, tiger.

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ASUS N81Vg: first laptop with NVIDIA's GeForce GT 120M originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verismo's VuNow internet TV platform ambushes OEM market

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/10/verismos-vunow-internet-tv-platform-ambushes-oem-market/


If you're still resisting the onset of the internet TV revolution, we're here to inform you that your efforts are in vain. Shortly after launching a dedicated box at CES, Verismo Networks has announced an OEM program that's apparently drawing lots of attention from manufacturers of TVs, optical media players, AV receivers, etc. Essentially, the company is looking to get its open VuNow platform, which pulls in content from around the web, onto other standalone boxes and integrated within future devices -- much like Netflix's Watch Instantly has done, and exactly like we saw at CES with Netgear. And don't think the cash flow stops at the consumer level, as there are also opportunities within education and medicine sectors for institutions seeking a streamlined way of distributing learning materials. Watch out, pay-TV -- we've got options here, and we aren't afraid to use 'em.

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Verismo's VuNow internet TV platform ambushes OEM market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Regenerative shock absorbers developed by team at MIT

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/10/regenerative-shock-absorbers-developed-by-team-at-mit/


A team of undergrads at MIT -- led by Shakeel Avadhany and Zack Anderson -- has produced a prototype of a shock absorber for vehicles which can harness and generate electricity back into the vehicle. The team claims that their prototype increases a vehicle's fuel-efficiency by up to 10 percent by using a "hydraulic system that forces fluid through a turbine attached to a generator." There is an active electronic system for controlling and optimizing the damping for a smoother ride than regular old shocks. The team is actively seeking to develop and commercialize the product, and have already seen interest in the prototype from the United States military and also several manufacturers of trucks, which see the most benefit from the shocks... so look for these guys on Grave Digger any day now.

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Regenerative shock absorbers developed by team at MIT originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk, Toshiba hype up X3 and X4 flash tech

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/11/sandisk-toshiba-developing-64gb-compact-flash/

We've been following the perambulations of SanDisk and Toshiba's joint efforts for quite some time now -- from their work with "3D" memory technology to their renegotiation after the Samsung buyout debacle -- and all that love resulted in two announcements today: first, the X4 tech that SanDisk acquired when it purchased Msystems in 2006 will be used, alongside the companies' 43nm manufacturing process, to develop 64GB Compact Flash cards as early as the first half of this year. Second, it looks like 32nm X3 MLC NAND is a go, meaning we should see some seriously jacked SDHC and microSD cards in the future. Yes, but will they ever learn to make this exciting?

[Via Electronista]

Read - X4 flash
Read - X3 flash

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SanDisk, Toshiba hype up X3 and X4 flash tech originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's tiny 120Mbps Wireless USB chipset ready for Q2 launch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/11/samsungs-tiny-120mbps-wireless-usb-chipset-ready-for-q2-launch/


Today things are a bit more clear as to why Intel abandoned its own Ultra Wide-Band efforts in favor of off-the-shelf solutions: Samsung just announced its ultra-fast Wireless USB chipset. Samsung's tiny 8 x 8-mm (0.31 x 0.31-inch) chip operates in the traditional 3.1 ~ 10.6GHz Certified Wireless USB space and delivers a relatively blistering 120Mbps data transfer rate (measured, not theoretical) compared to the 50Mbps achieved by current solutions -- that's a single ripped 700MB film transferred in about a minute from a range of about 3 meters. It also features 128-bit AES encryption and other security mechanisms meant to safeguard your data during transmission. The SystemOnChip design consumes 300mW of power and brings a built-in ARM core, UWB (ultra wide-band) physical layer, and memory controller while interfacing with SD cards, MMC, NAND, and USB 2.0 without any additional circuitry. In other words, expect to see Samsung's Wireless USB in digital cameras, MP3 player, speakers and more when these chips hit mass production in Q2.

It's worth noting that Samsung is a member of the Wireless USB Promoter Group that pushes the "Certified Wireless USB" standard. However, with Wireless USB start-up WiQuest out of the picture and zero references made to the standard or use of the group's logo, this might very well be a proprietary grab at the short-range wireless space that has received very little interest from vendors to date. We'll find out more more when Samsung presents its WUSB solution for the first time at Mobile World Congress next week.

[Via Samsung Korea]

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Samsung's tiny 120Mbps Wireless USB chipset ready for Q2 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iriver's Wave-Home WiFi VoIP appliance launches on KT Telecom

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/11/irivers-wave-home-wifi-voip-appliance-launches-on-kt-telecom/


While Verizon gets its Hub, lucky KT Telecom subscribers in Korea now have access to iriver's Wave-Home. The kits sells for 297,000 Korean Won or about $210 and features a WiFi VoIP handset in addition to that larger 7-inch display with 1.3 megapixel camera for video conferencing, surfing the web, checking your calendar and so on. You've gotta hand it to iriver, they reveal the initial UNIT2-S concept at a European trade show in August, refine it in Las Vegas for CES in January, and then launch it back home a month later. Now that's style.

[Via Akihabara News]

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iriver's Wave-Home WiFi VoIP appliance launches on KT Telecom originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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