Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Saturday, August 29, 2009

LG's 15-inch OLED screen is still drop dead gorgeous, likely priced to kill

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/29/lgs-15-inch-oled-screen-is-still-drop-dead-gorgeous-likely-pri/

Whooo. (Not Wooo.) Amazing how a few well framed PR shots can reignite gadget lust, just when it seems extinguished. Sure, LG's 15-inch OLED HDTV will probably follow the path of Sony's $2,500 11-inch XEL-1 to the land of ridiculously overpriced trinkets that few can or will purchase and eventually falls by the wayside when larger, cheaper options become available. Still, checking out that ultra bright screen in these photos has us checking our bank account for an extra few grand, refreshing the feeling last experienced when we checked it out in person at CES. The appearance of these on LG's Flickr stream would appear to support the summer mass production-December launch we've been promised, who else is wishing the 30-inch version wasn't delayed until 2012?

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

LG's 15-inch OLED screen is still drop dead gorgeous, likely priced to kill originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday, August 28, 2009

Gimp 2.7 Beta Improves Text Editing, Streamlines Saving [Beta Beat]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/Y3tQkpzpllg/gimp-27-beta-improves-text-editing-streamlines-saving

Windows/Linux: Look ahead to what's being baked into open-source image editor GIMP's 2.7 with an early beta release. The developers tell you right in the installation process that it's "unstable," and even make you promise with a checkbox not to bug them if things go wrong. Still, if you're eager to see smoother, intuitive text editing, a streamlined saving and exporting process (no more warnings about "flattened" JPEGs!), and other improvements and small features, you can grab a Windows installer from FileHippo or grab source code for Linux building at GIMP's FTP servers. [via Download Squad]

Before Nikon's S1000pj: The Cine-Twin Was the First Camera/Projector Hybrid [Retromodo]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/FpSQVLc4HZI/before-nikons-s1000pj-the-cine+twin-was-the-first-cameraprojector-hybrid

The Coolpix S1000pj's built-in projector is an innovative first for digital cameras, but first combo honors go to the Wittnauer Cine-Twin 8mm film camera: special base and reel add-ons let it convert into a projector back way back in 1957.

Wittnauer was actually a famous jeweler of all things, and the expensive Cine-Twin was only sold in jewelry stores. Ultimately, the novelty wasn't enough to overcome practical concerns like price, huge D-cell batteries, and a delicate and expensive glass bulb.

Interesting extra: Even before the Cine-Twin, the Cinématographe film camera/projector/developer was invented by French inventor, Léon Bouly, back in 1892. It wasn't like you could just go and pick one up, though.

The more things change, the more they stay the same, right? [Retro Thing via OhGizmo!]

Before Nikon's S1000pj: The Cine-Twin Was the First Camera/Projector Hybrid [Retromodo]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/FpSQVLc4HZI/before-nikons-s1000pj-the-cine+twin-was-the-first-cameraprojector-hybrid

The Coolpix S1000pj's built-in projector is an innovative first for digital cameras, but first combo honors go to the Wittnauer Cine-Twin 8mm film camera: special base and reel add-ons let it convert into a projector back way back in 1957.

Wittnauer was actually a famous jeweler of all things, and the expensive Cine-Twin was only sold in jewelry stores. Ultimately, the novelty wasn't enough to overcome practical concerns like price, huge D-cell batteries, and a delicate and expensive glass bulb.

Interesting extra: Even before the Cine-Twin, the Cinématographe film camera/projector/developer was invented by French inventor, Léon Bouly, back in 1892. It wasn't like you could just go and pick one up, though.

The more things change, the more they stay the same, right? [Retro Thing via OhGizmo!]

IBM Files Patent For Tweeting TV Remote [Ibm]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/bnjL7GwFr6M/ibm-files-patent-for-tweeting-tv-remote

Good lord, this is all we need. A TV remote that allows users to easily ramble on about the shows they watch via their blog or twitter account. For better or worse, IBM appears to be working on this technology.

A viewer selects a media program to view by use of a remote controller with networking capability.

Upon the viewer wishing to send a blog posting to a blog, the viewer determines whether a tag to be included in the blog posting is to be a pre-existing tag or a custom tag, wherein the blog posting comprises program information about the media program useful to identify the media program. If the tag is to be a pre-existing tag, the viewer selects the pre-existing tag from a plurality of pre-existing tags using the remote controller and if the tag is to be a custom tag, the viewer generates the custom tag using the remote controller.

If a protocol provided by the remote controller to send the blog posting to the blog allows a snapshot of the media program to be included in the blog posting, the remote controller takes the snapshot of the media program and includes it in the blog posting.

So, the device would let you blog or tweet and communicate with your followers about what you are watching via a networked remote control. Again, it's only a patent at this point, but is this remote something you could see yourself using? [Patent via TechCrunch]

Alinea's Chef Grant Achatz Preps Dinner LIVE on Giz: Tonight 9:45PM ET/6:45PM PT [Taste Test]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Nm9hPGRWaTM/alineas-chef-grant-achatz-preps-dinner-live-on-giz-tonight-945pm-et645pm-pt

Want to see the inside of a four-star kitchen at primetime? Come back tonight to watch Alinea's Chef Grant Achatz prepping dinner, live on camera 9:45P ET/6:45PM PT. Hit the Taste Test link for the video. [Taste Test: Alinea Files]

Coby's netbooks seemingly real, taking pre-orders

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/cobys-netbooks-seemingly-real-taking-pre-orders/

Sure -- we haven't seen or heard anything about Coby's netbook line since way back in January at CES, but that didn't stop them from showing up for pre-order, did it? Color us a little surprised, but here they are. Two models have appeared on Amazon for pre-order. The 12.1-inch Coby NMPC1220XPBLK apparently boasts a 1024 x 800 resolution, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive, while the NBPC1022XPBLK is a 10.1-incher with identical specs. The first runs $423, while the 10.1-inch model is $318. So tell us: will you be ordering one?

[Via Liliputing]

Filed under: Laptops

Coby's netbooks seemingly real, taking pre-orders originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WPA networks cracked in just under a minute, researchers claim

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/wpa-networks-cracked-in-just-under-a-minute-researchers-claim/

To think it was just a few months ago that we thought taking 15 minutes to crack WPA encryption was a feat. Researchers from Kobe University in Japan are claiming they can best that by a wide margin by cracking any WPA-protected connection using the TKIP algorithm within just one minute flat. The details will be revealed at a tech conference on September 25th. Feeling paranoid? Bump up your encryption to the still-secure AES algorithm or WPA2... and if you're just wanting to live life on the edge, consider downgrading to WEP -- it's as good as open at this point anyway.

Filed under: Wireless

WPA networks cracked in just under a minute, researchers claim originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iomega introduces StorCenter ix4-200d NAS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/iomega-introduces-storcenter-ix4-200d-nas/

Iomega just expanded its StorCenter NAS line with the new-four bay StorCenter ix4-200d. Just like the smaller ix2, the ix4 can handle pretty much whatever you throw at it: filesharing over a laundry list of protocols, streaming to iTunes, an Xbox 360, handling your Time Machine backups -- it can even take video directly off Axis-brand IP surveillance cameras. On the hardware side, you're looking at dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, three USB ports for printer sharing and additional storage, and a "QuikTransfer" button that'll let yo copy files directly from a flash drive to the NAS without a computer. The downside? You'll have to pay for all that power: the 2TB version costs $700, and the top-of-the-line 8TB model will set you back a whopping $1,900. Yes, you can just get a dedicated server for that kind of money, but then you wouldn't be able to say you were rolling with NAS, now would you?

[Via Yahoo]

Filed under: Storage

Iomega introduces StorCenter ix4-200d NAS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SendStation's latest PocketDock is slightly larger than a penny, has much better audio quality than a dime

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/sendstations-latest-pocketdock-is-slightly-larger-than-a-penny/

SendStation's latest PocketDock is slightly larger than a penny, has much better audio quality than a dime

SendStation has impressed us before with its PocketDock line, back in 2007 releasing a tiny nub to suck audio, video, and even get a USB out from an iPod. The company's latest, the PocketDock Line Out Mini USB, is far smaller -- no bigger than Apple's own charging plug -- yet sports a Mini-USB port for charging and a non-powered 3.5mm line out that enables better quality tunes from your pod when connected to an amplified device. The kit even includes a set of tiny stereo RCA jacks that would like nothing better than to mount the front of your receiver. This latest PocketDock is available right now for $29.95 on the other end of that read link, and we're told they'll be showing up in Apple Stores, too.

[Via SlashGear]

Continue reading SendStation's latest PocketDock is slightly larger than a penny, has much better audio quality than a dime

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

SendStation's latest PocketDock is slightly larger than a penny, has much better audio quality than a dime originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hercules Dualpix HD720p webcam for Internet trolls on the go

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/hercules-dualpix-hd720p-webcam-for-internet-trolls-on-the-go/

You've been posting your angry rants on the YouTubes for a while now, and quite frankly your act is getting old. You know what you need, right? A spec bump. How about replacing that built-in pinhole netbook webcam with this spicy number from Hercules? The Dualpix HD720p is (you guessed it) an HD-capable USB 2.0 webcam that supports up to 16:9 (1280 x 720) 30 fps and includes: autofocus, a "high quality" integrated mic, and software for XP / Vista / Windows 7. Not too shabby for something at the $59.99 price point. And after you get this guy rocking, maybe people will start to take your anti-fluoridation crusade a little more seriously. Because we're sure that the only thing that's getting you mocked on the social networking sites is the quality of your videos -- and not the inherent lunacy of your message. One more pic after the break.

[Via SlashGear]

Continue reading Hercules Dualpix HD720p webcam for Internet trolls on the go

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Hercules Dualpix HD720p webcam for Internet trolls on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M debuts MPro 120 pocket projector and awesome ad simultaneously

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/3m-debuts-mpro-120-pocket-projector-and-awesome-ad-simultaneousl/

As you may already be aware, we're part of an elite minority who are generally smitten with pocket projectors. Sure, they haven't found their niche of "usefulness" with the wider world, but that doesn't stop them from being cool to us. 3M's just debuted a new one -- the MPro 120 -- a follow-up to the MPro 110. The MPro 120 projects 12 lumens of brightness (with VGA resolution), a 4:3 aspect ratio, and up to 4 hours of battery life. The MPro is currently pre-ordering for a September 10th delivery in the UK, for £260 (about $423). No word on availability in the US, but we are extremely fond of the projector's rather insane ad, which is after the break.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Continue reading 3M debuts MPro 120 pocket projector and awesome ad simultaneously

Filed under: Displays

3M debuts MPro 120 pocket projector and awesome ad simultaneously originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Creative Zii EGG orders shipped, hands-on videos posted

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/creative-zii-egg-orders-shipped-hands-on-videos-posted/

It looks like somebody's Zii EGG orders have shipped, and we got the video to prove it. A staff member named DaHarder over at the DAP Review forums has just received one of the lusted-after devices, and luckily for us he's given it the ol' hands-on treatment and posted the evidence for our perusal. "The screen," he says, compares "very favorably" with the S Series Walkman, with colors described as bright and vibrant, even if the blacks leave something to be desired. And how about sound? He rates it as being "the best sounding Creative player" he's heard yet, "and that's without any EQ/Z-Fi etc." Not too shabby for a development model, eh? But that ain't all -- peep the videos after the break, and then hit the read link to jump in on the conversation your own self.

[Via DAP Review]

Continue reading Creative Zii EGG orders shipped, hands-on videos posted

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Creative Zii EGG orders shipped, hands-on videos posted originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1080p Android demo'd, set-top boxes prepare for a new master

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/1080p-android-demod-set-top-boxes-prepare-for-a-new-master/

It is done. MIPS Technologies has demonstrated its enhanced implementation of Android running in 1080p via extended libraries to support hardware graphics acceleration and decoding on Sigma Designs hardware, a portent of set-top boxes yet to come. Of course, without any video or pictures or video of the blessed event (ISB Corp's previous OMAP based effort is pictured above) it's hard to tell why Android coming to TV is such a great idea, if its cousin widgets are any indication, there's a chance of being high on pre-release hype but low on desirability once it reaches the market. Still, the Open Embedded Software Foundation pledges to continue on shoehorning Android into devices beyond the mobile handset, but if it's shut down by a band of torch wielding villagers demanding the monster be put down, don't say we didn't warn you.

[Via SlashGear & LinuxforDevices]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

1080p Android demo'd, set-top boxes prepare for a new master originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

This is what it looks like when 99% of the waste is cut out of the advertising industry (pic) - http://bit.ly/mBPbz

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