Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, January 07, 2013

Voxx combining broadcast TV with Roku in Q4 2013, working with RCA and Terk

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/voxx-roku-streaming-stick-broadcast-tv/

Roku may have lots of streaming content as is, but that doesn't always compare with what's on broadcast television. Voxx Accessories (formerly Audiovox) sees this problem too, but rather than just pointing it out idly (like us!), the accessory maker claims it has a fix. That solution includes an integrated digital antenna, creating a solution that pulls in broadcast TV (read: "over-the-air local HD broadcasts"), plus the features of Roku's Streaming Stick. We won't see the fruition of those efforts until late 2013, and when it does arrive, it'll come in collaboration with RCA and Terk (as seen in the first two product images above). The only bad thing we can find about this mashup of old school OTA and the latest in IPTV? That it's not here yet.

Continue reading Voxx combining broadcast TV with Roku in Q4 2013, working with RCA and Terk

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Polaroid confirms iM1836 mirrorless with Android, adds three more cameras

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/polaroid-makes-its-android-based-im1836-mirrorless-camera-official/

Polaroid left little doubt that it was launching its Android-based, interchangeable lens camera at CES, and sure enough, it's here: meet the iM1836. It mates an 18.1-megapixel, 1080p video-capable mirrorless body with Android (which we now know to be Android 4.1) to quickly share imagery with social networks over WiFi, or directly to other devices through Bluetooth. Its 3.5-inch display won't put the Galaxy Camera's 4.8-inch panel to shame, but Polaroid is no doubt counting on the ability to swap optics (which includes Micro Four Thirds lenses, through an optional adapter) and a pop-up flash to clinch a sale. The iM1836 should arrive in the first quarter at a $399 price, with a 10-30mm lens included -- uncommonly cheap for a camera that could potentially outshoot its Nikon and Samsung opponents.

That's not the only camera in the Polaroid brand's 2013 lineup, however. Non-Android parallels to the iM1836 are coming with both WiFi ( iM1232W, $349) and without (iM1030, $299) for cost-conscious photographers; those who don't mind a fixed-in-place lens can get the iS2433, a $199 bridge camera with a 24x (25-600mm equivalent) lens, a 16-megapixel backlit Sony CMOS sensor and a 3-inch LCD. One camcorder, the iD975, is joining the fray with 1080p video, 16-megapixel stills, a 3-inch touchscreen and a video-in-video mode that! shows t he person recording video along with the main footage. Polaroid hasn't provided launch dates for its more conventional shooters.

Gallery: Polaroid iM1836, IM1030, iM1232W and iD975

Filed under: Cameras

Source: Polaroid

Spotted: Vizio's new touchscreen laptops and all-in-ones (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/vizio-thin-and-light-touch-all-in-one-touch-hands-on/

If you loved Vizio's 2012 lineup of PCs, you're going to just love what it has in store for 2013. The company is refreshing nearly its entire line, and while these new models usher in upgraded components, they have the same industrial design as the original lot. Perhaps the biggest change is that all of Vizio's new PCs going forward will come with touchscreens, so that the Thin + Light is now the Thin + Light Touch, and the All-in-One is now the All-in-One Touch. (Fair enough!) As you can imagine, that makes the laptops in particular slightly thicker and heavier than they had been, but only slightly. Truly, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. We were, anyway.

Additionally, Vizio has updated the trackpad drivers, though the touchpad we tested still felt a bit finicky. Just as important, the company's also re-tooled the keyboard so that the buttons offer a springier feel. They keys have the same flat, close-together design they always had, so don't be put off if you see these on the shelf at Best Buy. Even in our quick-hands-on, we immediately noticed our typing felt more accurate, more controlled than it had been with the last-gen models. Finally, Vizio says it's doubled the battery capacity, which is great news because the first-gen laptop we tested couldn't even crack four hours. This seems like a lofty ,claim given that touchscreens are known to hamper battery life anyway, but we're vowing to keep our expectati! ons low and hope for the best. All told, these tweaks address most user complaints, though the SD slot is sadly still MIA.

Under the hood, these machines will all have quad-core processors, with most models giving you a choice between an Intel Core i7 CPU and AMD's high-end A10 chip. Most of them (read: the 15-inch Thin + Light and the 24- and 27-inch all-in-ones) will have 1080p screens, though the smaller 14-inch Thin + Light will rock a lower-res 1,600 x 900 panel. No word just yet on pricing, but we're told these will go on sale in mid-February. Until then, the performance, sharp touchscreens, bigger battery and re-engineered keyboard look very promising indeed. Only when we test a final unit, though, can we tell whether Vizio finally figured out how to make a quality computer.

Continue reading Spotted: Vizio's new touchscreen laptops and all-in-ones (hands-on)

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Fujfilm announces pricing and availability for X100s and X20 (update: hands-on!)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/fujfilm-x100s-x20-pricing/

Fujfilm announces pricing and availability for X100S and X20

At Fujifilm's press conference today, the company announced that both the X100s and X20 will hit stores at the end of March, with the X100s running you $1,300 and the X20 shipping for less than half, at roughly 600 bucks. A new 55-200mm lens will ship in April, with more options planned for later this year. We had a chance to check out both models, and while the X20 appears to be a perfectly capable shooter, the X100s is definitely the premium variant here. The camera has a very solid feel and quite an elegant retro design, as you might expect based on its predecessor. The digital split image display is mighty nifty as well, as we first saw just this afternoon. Flip through our gallery below for a closer look at both cameras, then jump past the break for a hands-on demo of the X100s from Fujifilm.

Gallery: FujiFilm X100S and X20 hands-on

Continue reading Fujfilm announces pricing and availability for X100s and X20 (update: hands-on!)

Filed under: Cameras

Vizio's XVT Ultra HDTVs to bring 4K and glasses-free 3D to the masses, we go eyes-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/vizios-xvt-ultra-hdtv-hands-on/

Vizio officially announced its 2013 HDTV lineup this morning and now we've gotten to see the new sets in person. At the top of the list are the company's XVT Ultra models at 55-, 65- and 70-inches, which will bring 4K video to living rooms on an unknown date later this year. The company had the 70-inch set on hand showing some native 4K footage, and as you'd expect, it looked good. Viewing angles approach 180 degrees, and the new design's 10mm bezel is barely noticeable. Speaking of which, the industrial design on the XVT line is understated and premium, with an anodized silver metal band surrounding the edge of the set and minimal branding.

In addition to the 70-inch set, Vizio also had a prototype 55-inch 3D XVT model that was most impressive. Its viewing angles were just as good as the 70-inch set, but the highlight is its glasses-free 3D. Vizio's implementation of the technology takes full advantage of the 4K resolution to provide a high quality 3D picture, and its software maintains a focused picture from all angles. Of course, there are sweet spots for viewing the full 3D depth affect, but outside of those zones, 2D picture quality was maintained. Unfortunately, Vizio hasn't committed to a 2013 release date for glasses-free 3D, but the rest of the lineup, set to debut later this year, will still have the firm's glasses-dependent passive 3D technology. Interested? There's plenty of pics of the new sets in our gallery below.

Gallery: Vizio TVs at CES 2013

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Tweak Your DSLR to Capture Images Your Eyes Canât See

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5972988/tweak-your-dslr-to-capture-images-your-eyes-cant-see

The sensor in your DSLR is much more powerful than you may know, and capable of capturing photos on wavelengths that your eyes can't see. With a little work and some easily-available parts, you can tweak your camera to take beautiful, cinematic landscapes that include both visible light and near-infrared wavelengths.

ExtremeTech's David Cardinal explains how he hacked his Nikon D7000 to take shots not just in the visible spectrum that we all see, but to capture near-infared light as well (or both, depending on how he chose to take the photo.) As for why bother? He explains it this way:

The so-called "near infrared" spectrum - from about 700 nanometers (the longest wavelength red we can see with our eyes) to around 1000 nm (the longest wavelength to which our camera sensors are typically sensitive) - is chock full of interesting visuals. Dreary gray skies turn into cinema-worthy masterpieces, drab foliage pops and separates itself from surrounding rocks and buildings, and everyday objects can take on an otherworldly quality.

You can see an example of this in the image above, and more at the link below. Cardinal explains that you can actually have the work done for you by a professional for between $200 to $450, but if you're willing to do it yourself, you can buy the appropriate filters for around $1-200. He also warns that you shouldn't go the DIY route just to save money—you have to really be into the project. After all, the process does risk damaging your camera, as you have to take the housing apart, remove the original filter from the sensor, and clean everything up nicely for good, clear photos.

Even so, if you're a photography buff looking for a great project, or you upgraded your DSLR and you're looking for something cool to do with an old or secondhand model, this project might be for you. The photos really are worth the effort. Hit the link below for a full walkthrough.

How to Turn Your DSLR into a Full Spectrum Super Camera | ExtremeTech

Swype Now Crowd-Sources Your Autocorrections

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973700/swype-now-crowd+sources-your-autocorrections

Swype Now Crowd-Sources Your Autocorrections Swype, the sliding keyboard that dramatically speeds up typing on Android, just got a little more clever. As well as offering a more fluid typing experience, it now crowd-sources your autocorrections—which should (hopefully) make for fewer embarrassing mistakes.

The new feature, called Living Language, essentially crowd-sources its dictionaries. Opt-in, and you join a population which is having its typing habits analyzed. That should mean, for instance, that your phone automatically recognizes words which are trending globally but wouldn't otherwise appear in your local dictionary—think YOLO, or one of the hundreds of other new terms that spring up every week.

There's also an extra auotcorrect trick up Swype's sleeve. The latest edition will also flag up words that it thinks you may've typed by accident: not spelling mistakes, but words that it thinks you might want to change. (Go on, use your imagination.) The feature is supposed to learn as you type—but it remains to be seen whether it spells the end for Damn You Autocorrect. [Swype via Verge]

This 3D Printer Churns Out 3-Color Objects as Big as a Basketball

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973708/this-3d-printer-churns-out-3+color-objects-as-big-as-a-basketball

We all know size matters. As, seemingly, does 3D Systems, because its latest desktop 3D printer is a whopper, with a build platform that can handle designs of up to 1,030 cubic inches. Yes, that is big enough to recreate a basketball.

The CubeX—which 3D Systems modestly refers to as "the ultimate desktop 3D printer"—offers up a resolution of 125 microns, and yet can print objects as large as 10.8 x 10.45 x 9.5 inches. And unlike a lot of desktop 3D printers, it does it in three colors, too, using either PLA or ABS plastics.

Designs can be printed direct from a computer, or even by simply plugging a USB stick with the design into the device. Child's play. The downside? It'll set you back a cool $2,500. [3D Systems via Engadget]

New DLP Pico Chip Brings Brightened, Doubled Resolution to Tiny Projectors

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973718/new-dlp-pico-chip-brings-brightened-doubled-resolution-to-tiny-projectors

New DLP Pico Chip Brings Brightened, Doubled Resolution to Tiny Projectors Over the past few years, pico projectors stuffed into smartphones and tablets have seemed like novel concepts with little real world application—yet. But the little projectors may finally evolve from novel to practical, especially with DLP's latest pico chip architecture breakthrough.

The new pixel architecture packs a 30% brightness increase and doubled resolution into a platform no bigger than the current generation. And all this comes with a 50% energy efficiency increase, to boot.

The platform is still sampling to manufacturers, so don't expect to see any products before "the end of the year." With all the potential these chips hold, though, it's worth the wait. [Press Release]

LG Adds NFC to Its TVs and Appliances So It Can All Work Together

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973732/lg-adds-nfc-to-its-appliances-and-tvs-so-they-can-all-work-together-updating

If you're an LG fan, your house is about to get a whole lot smarter with a host of intelligent appliances.

The company is focusing on developing not just smart devices but cultivating an entire smart home ecosystem. LG calls the plan "One Touch Connectivity," and the idea is that it lets your phone and LG's various NFC-enabled appliances—including televisions, laundry, ovens, refrigerators, even a smart robotic floor sweeper—work together. Much of this lineup can be controlled via voice or touch commands from a smartphone. So you'll be able to see if you do, in fact, need milk while at the grocery store, start the roast in your oven before you get home from work, or check the progress of your robotic vacuum from anywhere there's an internet connection.

Sharp Has a 4K TV Ready for This Summer

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973793/sharp-has-a-4k-tv-ready-for-this-summer

Not to be left out of the spec party, Sharp just announced that it's joining the 4K pleasure cruise this summer, with a 60-inch set.

It has a 240Hz panel, active 3D, and built-in Wi-Fi. 4K packs four time the pixels of a standard 1080p TV into the same amount of space for a picture that'll make you crap yourself. That is if you can afford it. No details are available on price yet, but if other comparable sets are any indication, Sharp's 4K TV will probably cost enough for you to take out a second mortgage on your house.

Vizio's XVT Hands On: A Gorgeous 4K TV You Might Actually Be Able to Afford

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973807/vizios-xvt-hands-on-a-gorgeous-4k-tv-you-might-actually-be-able-to-afford

The most impressive thing anyone is going to see at CES 2013 is a big, beautiful TV. Unfortunately, most of these are only being made for the 1%, for now. But Vizio's might be the first ultra-HD within reach. Kinda.

We checked out the monster 70-inch Vizio XVT (also available in modest 65 and 55 versions), and the quality is astounding—and on par with everything 4k we've seen from Vizio's pricier competitors. Simply, I doubt anyone will be able to tell the difference between a 70-inch Vizio and a 70-inch [Expensive LCD Brand] side by side. And since Vizio consistently undercuts its rivals by pretty large margins, the XVT series is likely the first 4k (or Ultra HD, as it's now being called) set that might be attainable. It's still going to be very expensive—let's keep that in mind—but it'll be the difference between very expensive and insanely expensive. Sadly, Vizio isn't talking about pricing or availability, but it's a solid assumption.

But what'll very expensive get you? A damn incredible picture, with resolution so sharp that it provides a depth illusion that's more enjoyable than most 3D displays. I watched a Dreamworks video loop that'd been compressed down from hundreds of gigabytes to around 60, and there was no noticeable artifacting. And even with my nose jammed up against the glass, pixels were discernable only with a squint. That's the allure of 4k, right? Pixels vanish.

But what about content? Vizio says it's still working on a solution for bringing native 4k resolution TV and movies to customers who shell out for these giant things—perhaps something along the lines of Sony's media server. But the company realizes it's not going to sell a lot of these things if people can't watch anything that takes advantage of 4k. Which is true. That said, upscaling will still be an option for the Blu-rays and hi-def cable you've got already.

This will be the next big jump in television. And it's reassuring to see that, even if it takes a couple of years, Vizio will have a "budget" set that goes toe to toe with anything else.

LG's 55-inch OLED television starting at $12K, shipping in March

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lg-55-inch-12000/

LG just gave a price to its entry level 55-inch OLED TV: $12,000. That's the starting price, mind you. There are three different OLED sizes to choose from, but we're only seeing 55- and 65-inchers -- no word on pricing for the larger set, but we'd wager it'll be a pretty penny over that initial $12K. You can put in an order now, and LG's saying it'll arrive in March. The South Korean electronics company also mentioned partnerships with Activision, Verizon, Google, and Disney for its OLED line, and teased a third size for launch in 2013. Presumably that largest size will require a second or third mortgage, but we're hoping to hear more specifics during CES this week.

Update: We've added PR after the break.

Continue reading LG's 55-inch OLED television starting at $12K, shipping in March

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Household, HD, LG

LG announces that all of its LCD TVs will be LED-based from now on (update)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lg-going-led-only/

We're here at LG's CES 2013 press conference, where the company has just announced that it's only going to be using LEDs for its LCD HDTVs from now on. The company will still be producing Plasma TVs, so don't worry if you're still wedded to the standard. At the same time, it's also showing off its second-generation Cinema 3DTV design, that's packing an even thinner bezel (if such a thing is possible).

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, LG

Sharp announces new 6-, 7- and 8-Series AQUOS LED TVs as part of 2013 lineup (update: pricing info)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sharp-aquos-led-tvs-2013/

Despite not having the best of years, Sharp has still managed to make its presence felt in the television market -- namely by introducing plenty of AQUOS TVs in recent months, including that 90-inch LED beast we saw back in June of 2012. Today, the Japanese electronics maker is looking to increase its efforts on that front, with the firm adequately choosing this year's CES as the platform to unveil its new lineup of 60-,70- and 80-inch LED televisions in the 6-,7- and 8-Series. For starters, the entry-level 6-Series will boast 1080p capabilities with AQUOMotion 240 (120Hz) as the main driving tech behind it, while the higher-specced (and presumably more expensive) 7- and 8-Series are set to carry the same resolution features (sorry, no 4K here) but with Quattron "color intensification" and AQUOMotion 480 and AQUOMotion 960 technology inside both. Smart and 3D features can also be found in most of Sharp's novel TV models, which should pair nicely with what the company's calling "striking new slim designs." All in all, Sharp is kicking off the new year with about 18 new AQUOS LED TVs -- and for those interested in learning each model name, the presser after the break should help do just that.

Update : We have just received pricing information from Sharp, and it looks as if the cheapest model will start off at about $1,500 for the 60-inch, non-3D LC-60LE650, while the most expensive HDTV is set to be the 80-inch LC-80LE857 with a hefty price tag of $6,500 -- both of which will be available in February and April, respectively. In addition, Sharp today also announced its new SmartCentral platform, which will be a one-stop hub for the now-accustomed smart TV applications like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu and Facebook. You'll find more pricing and availability information for the other models inside the updated PR past the jump.

Gallery: 2013 Sharp AQUOS TVs

Continue reading Sharp announces new 6-, 7- and 8-Series AQUOS LED TVs as part of 2013 lineup (update: pricing info)

Filed ! under: < a href="http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/" rel="tag">Home Entertainment, HD

Source: Sharp

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