Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

NVIDIA announces quad-core Kal-El SOC, promises it in tablets by August (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/nvidia-announces-quad-core-kal-el-soc-promises-it-in-tablets-by/

So it turns out that NVIDIA roadmap we saw last month was as true and pure as driven snow. The barely conceivable quad-core Tegra chip that it listed has now been made official by none other than NVIDIA itself, with the company also informing us that the new silicon is already sampling out to prospective clients. Known as Kal-El internally, this will most likely turn into NVIDIA's Tegra 3 as and when it's ready to enter the consumer market. Tonight NVIDIA whetted our appetite for what's to come with a demo that can most fittingly be described as an exhibition of unadulterated computational muscle. A 2560 x 1440 stream was being decoded on a developmental device, scaled down to that slate's native 1366 x 768 resolution, and additionally displayed on a connected 30-inch, 2560 x 1600 monitor. That entire voluminous workload was being handled in real time by Kal-El and we saw no signs of it struggling.

By NVIDIA's own estimation, the quad-core newbie provides roughly double the processing power of Tegra 2 and triple the graphics-crunching prowess. In the second demonstration of the evening, we saw an instance of Great Battles Medieval -- ran at 720p with 650 enemy soldiers on the field -- on both a Tegra 2 and a Kal-El platform, which showed the baby superhero handily dusting its still very new brethren. This was in large part down to the full dozen GPU cores contained within Kal-El, though before you freak out about battery-draining insanity, NVIDIA claims things are much, much more efficient as well -- up to 12 hours of HD video playback are promised under the right circumstances.

It's a big fat wedge of awesome boasts we've heard from the GeForce maker today, however the company's given us a schedule to hold it to as well. The "August timeframe" is when the quad-core Kal-El is expected to land in tablets, while smartphones will have to wait until the holiday season to benefit from what's likely to be a slightly downgraded variant. Skip past the break to eye the future Tegra roadmap for the next few years plus video of the wildly impressive demos we were witness to.

Gallery: NVIDIA Kal-El quad-core SOC and development platform

Continue reading NVIDIA announces quad-core Kal-El SOC, promises it in tablets by August (video)

NVIDIA announces quad-core Kal-El SOC, promises it in tablets by August (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Streak 10 will run Honeycomb, may share a body with Windows

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/dell-streak-10-will-run-honeycomb-may-share-a-body-with-windows/

Worried that Dell's Streak 10 might pull a Streak 5 and ship with a aging, smartphone-specific OS? Fear no more -- Dell told investors that the 10.1-inch Android tablet will arrive later this year with Honeycomb safely nestled inside. Also, it seems Dell may looking to consolidate the number of form factors and software platforms it supports, as an executive stated during today's Q4 earnings call that the company's other 10.1-inch tablet -- a Windows device -- could have the same shell. When asked broadly about the company's tablet strategy with regards to other operating systems, this was the answer Dell had on tap:

For tablets, it's Android Honeycomb and Windows, and we have customers with a preference for either one. We can create platforms that share a great degree of hardware commonality that can run both -- or either -- operating system, and we don't see any other options that are worthy of consideration.

Guess we shouldn't expect a MeeGo tablet out of Dell anytime soon.

Dell Streak 10 will run Honeycomb, may share a body with Windows originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fuel cells get stronger, potentially cheaper with graphene, ITO

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/

As the sustainable Juggernaut of fuel cell vehicles (FCV) powers ever forward, a group of scientists are cooking up ways to make the alternative energy source more durable and even cheaper. By combining graphene -- think pencil lead -- and indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles, the team produced a catalytic material that is both stronger and more chemically active than the usual catalytic combo. Fuel cells typically use a chemical catalyst like platinum, sitting atop a base of black carbon or metal oxides, to break down oxygen and hydrogen gases, creating water in the process -- thing is, carbon is easily eroded by the resulting water, and metal oxides, while more stable, are less conductive. Using graphene -- which because of its porousness erodes less quickly -- in combination with the stable ITO and platinum nanoparticles, researchers have created what could be referred to as a super fuel cell -- a stronger, longer lasting, and potentially cheaper version of the alternative energy source. Unfortunately, without enough hydrogen filling stations, these super fuel cells won't come to anyone's rescue anytime soon.

Fuel cells get stronger, potentially cheaper with graphene, ITO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Graphene-Info | source

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HTC Flyer vs. Galaxy Tab vs. iPad... fight!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/htc-flyer-vs-galaxy-tab-vs-ipad-fight/

In a world of 10-inch dual-core Androids, HTC has opted to tread its own path by cranking up processor speeds, sticking to a 7-inch form factor and eschewing the latest Honeycomb build for a Gingerbread version it could customize more comprehensively with Sense. All that's well and good, but sometimes all it comes down to is how these gadgets look and feel. So to help you wrap your mind around the Flyer's new aluminum body, we present a couple of comparison galleries with it set against two devices that need no introduction. Get clicking!

Gallery: Flyer vs. Galaxy Tab... fight!

Gallery: Flyer vs. iPad... fight!

HTC Flyer vs. Galaxy Tab vs. iPad... fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Flyer tablet hits Amazon.de for 669 euros

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/htc-flyer-tablet-hits-amazon-de-for-669-euros/

We're seeing some rather unattainable prices for many of the sexiest Android tablets to be unveiled at MWC and CES this year, but thankfully HTC's Flyer looks to be coming in a little lower than most. It's just popped up on Amazon.de at €669. Subtract the VAT and run that figure through a currency converter and you're looking at a price of around $730. A bargain? Hardly, but better than some others we've seen. Sadly it's still nicht verfügbar, but if you hurry you can jetzt vorbestellen.

[Thanks, Andrezj]

HTC Flyer tablet hits Amazon.de for 669 euros originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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tabletblog.de | source

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NEC uses active noise cancellation for quieter zooming into your future memories

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/nec-uses-active-noise-cancellation-for-quieter-zooming-into-your/

NEC just injected a little Bose up in some digital cameras, adding what it calls "noise suppression technologies" to Casio's new EX-ZR10 and promising that it will be deployed "throughout the digital camera and video camera markets" soon. The tech is designed to combat the evil intrusion of noise from optical zoom motors, working with a recording of what the zoom motor sounds like inside the camera. The shooter's internal circuitry then subtracts that noise from what's being recorded and, hey presto, silent zoomin'! NEC indicates a camera's microphone still captures other, desirable ambient noise without issue and that this tech allows the use of faster, more powerful motors for faster, more powerful zooming.

Continue reading NEC uses active noise cancellation for quieter zooming into your future memories

NEC uses active noise cancellation for quieter zooming into your future memories originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG starts shipping new 'flicker free' 3D TVs with passive glasses

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/lg-starts-shipping-new-flicker-free-3d-tvs-with-passive-glasse/

LG announced at CES that it was breaking from other TV manufacturers to push its own FPR technology for 3DTVs and now they've started shipping in Korea including the LW5700 pictured above. LG's new approach means placing a special film over the LCD screen (no plasmas, although OLED versions are planned in the future) letting users use cheap "flicker free" passive 3D glasses instead of keeping a conventional display and using more expensive active shutter 3D glasses. LG's new TVs with the screens should start arriving in the US in March, although Vizio is already selling one Cinema 3D TV over here with the technology and plans to deliver a slew of new models soon. Of course, the main downside to this approach is that it halves the resolution delivered to each eye when wearing the glasses, but -- if you hadn't already guessed from its tablets and phones -- LG is betting big on 3D this year, we'll see if it pays off.

Continue reading LG starts shipping new 'flicker free' 3D TVs with passive glasses

LG starts shipping new 'flicker free' 3D TVs with passive glasses originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use! of feed s.

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Google announces One Pass payment system for online content (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/google-announces-one-pass-payment-system-for-online-content-vid/

Thinking of wading into the fast paced world of publishing in the digital age, yet balking at the thirty percent cut Apple is taking for its in-app subscription model? Fret not, would-be Hearsts and Murdochs: Google One Pass is here. The PR-speak promises "an open and flexible platform" for "publishers, journalism and access to quality content." Sure, but what is it, exactly? A user authentication, payment processing, and administration system for folks who want to sell content on the web. Google only takes ten percent off the top, and you even get access to customer data -- something Apple is unwilling to do. Intrigued? Check out the video after the break.

[Thanks, John]

Continue reading Google announces One Pass payment system for online content (video)

Google announces One Pass payment system for online content (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wall Street Journal | source

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Motorola Xoom price official: $799 unsubsidized on Verizon, $600 for WiFi-only

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/motorola-xoom-price-official-799-unsubsidized-on-verizon-600/

There you have it, folks -- the exhausting saga of the Xoom's pricing has finally been laid to rest by Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha. Reuters reports a $799 levy for the 32GB Honeycomb tablet when bought with 3G (which will be upgraded to 4G) connectivity, while Jha has said a WiFi-only version will set buyers back only $600 -- that's a price that matches the 32GB iPad directly, however the 3G version is $70 more epensive than the Apple alternative. Sanjay failed to say when said pricing or models will become available, but there have been strong indications that pre-orders or reservations will begin tomorrow (at least at Best Buy), with the tablet launching in full on Thursday next week.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Motorola Xoom price official: $799 unsubsidized on Verizon, $600 for WiFi-only originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, February 14, 2011

RT @AndyLoCascio True Measure of Quality – Ratio of Inbound Links to Content; NYT and HuffPo scored bottom of pile - http://bit.ly/euJhiP

T-Mobile G-Slate hands-on: yep, it's an LG Optimus Pad

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/t-mobile-g-slate-hands-on-yep-its-an-lg-optimus-pad/

In case there was any lingering doubt in your mind, we can now definitely confirm -- having just played with it -- that the G-Slate that'll be going on sale shortly from T-Mobile in the States is a dead ringer for the Optimus Pad officially unveiled here at MWC this week. We just posted our impressions on that bad boy a few minutes ago, so let's go over the few differences: first off, there's a tastefully small T-Mobile logo silkscreened toward one side of the back (and thankfully, no logo whatsoever on front). As software goes, the only customizations include a utility to activate the tablet on T-Mobile's network along with the standard My Device app that users of T-Mobile's other Android hardware will be familiar with; the carrier tells us it'll be making some additional announcements revolving around media and content partnerships closer to launch (tablets are good for reading and watching things, don't you know), but they don't have anything ready to unveil just yet. That's literally it -- other than those minor details, customers on both sides of the pond are going to be enjoying the same 3D-capturing Honeycomb action with this one. See the full gallery below!

Gallery: T-Mobile G-Slate hands-on

T-Mobile G-Slate hands-on: yep, it's an LG Optimus Pad originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 looks like a new Android PMP

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/samsung-galaxy-s-wifi-5-0-looks-like-a-new-android-pmp/

What happened when Samsung's phone division gobbled up the media player team? We're pretty sure you're looking at it right now -- the YP-MB2 / Galaxy Player 50 is now formally known as the Galaxy S WiFi 4.0, and it's big bad brother the Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 is pictured immediately above. While we can't actually tell you much about the SIM-less smartphone other than hazard guesses at front-facing camera, HDMI port, microSD card slot and (given naming conventions) a 5-inch screen, we can tell you that the 4.0-inch version of the device is now sporting Samsung's Super Clear LCD. We're expecting the company to unveil these any hour now in Barcelona, so keep your eyes peeled for further coverage at MWC.

[Thanks, Kin-Yip]

Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 looks like a new Android PMP originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Mobile Press (Picasa), Samsung Mobile | Email this | Comments

Motorola Xoom gets Q2 European launch, WiFi-only and silver models now extra official

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/motorola-xoom-gets-q2-european-launch-wifi-only-and-silver-mode/

Motorola just went official with its WiFi-only Xoom headed to Europe along side its 3G and WiFi cousin in the second quarter of 2011. Besides that little detail, it's still the original 10.1-inch Honeycomb tablet built upon a dual-core 1GHz processor and 1280 x 800 pixel resolution display. Oh, and look at what we spotted here in Barcelona. Yup, a Xoom decked out in silver just for your viewing pleasure in the gallery below.

Gallery: Motorola Xoom in silver at MWC 2011

Continue reading Motorola Xoom gets Q2 European launch, WiFi-only and silver models now extra official

Motorola Xoom gets Q2 European launch, WiFi-only and silver models now extra official originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Optimus 3D hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/lg-optimus-3d-hands-on/

Glory be the LG Optimus 3D. Okay, we'll get right to it: the Optimus 3D is kinda kitschy, but at the same time fun, inevitable on a mobile device, and still a great conversation piece. The 4.3-inch glasses-free 3D display's effect in games, film, and even the UI is pretty convincing using the set's applied parallax barrier technology, which is otherwise unnoticeable while the effect is off. Best bit? You can film your own 3D videos using the dual cameras on the back then watch them on your 3D set via HDMI. The Optimus is by no means a tiny set, though, still pretty comfy when held. Material choices are top notch -- as we'd ~~expect~~ hope for in a high end device -- and as you'll see in the vid, it is plenty fast with no lag getting in the way of the little demo we had. So why not take a few minutes to admire the pics and videos (which unfortunately will be very flat for your eyes) won't you?

Gallery: LG Optimus 3D hands-on