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Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Sony 56-Inch 4K OLED TV Hands-On: So Bright, So Beautiful, So Far From Existing (Updated)

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973993/sony-56+inch-4k-oled-tv-hands+on-so-bright-so-beautiful-so-far-from-existing-updated

Sony is showing off an organic light-emitting wet dream in 8 million pixels. Why can't a 4K OLED TV exist today? Now that I've seen the future as a 56-inch prototype, I'm sad I have to wait until tomorrow to see it again. All televisions should be this incredible.

The display in Sony's CES booth is a prototype screen with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels. That's four times the number of dots on a 1080 HD display. Yup, this is ultra high definition. The screen is a TFT LCD illuminated by an OLED layer, which burns bright with out burning up energy. Sony figured out how to build a high-resolution structure of these diodes larger, and thus, a super screen.

But on to what matters.

4K OLED TV seems like a ridiculous concept because both 4K and OLED sets are both just now coming to market after years of experiments. And even now that these dream screens are supposedly consumer products, nobody can afford them.

But the 4K OLED makes you forget reality the way a great TV should. You start thinking lofty shit. This has to exist one day soon because we are human and we deserve it.

I watched the TV while it was playing Sony's optimized content, but even considering the setup, the screen was mesmerizing.

Or at least that's what I think. Maybe the alternating shock value of both technologies is just scrambling my brain. Maybe the bright color of the OLEDs contrasted with the visceral 4K texture just overloaded my senses. It's possible. But I'm suddenly convinced that that this 56-inch screen can make my living room better—if not my life. Godspeed Sony. [Sony]

The Only Thing Bigger than Westinghouse's 110-Inch 4K Television Is Its Pricetag

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973999/the-only-thing-bigger-than-westinghouses-110+inch-4k-television-is-its-pricetag

Home theater aficionados with both an excess of wall space and disposable income, rejoice! Westinghouse has just unveiled a super-premium, outsized 4K television. 110 Inches. $300,000. Great googly moogly.

That's right, a flat panel television with a display that rivals most HT projectors in size, capable of up-scaling standard HD signal into a gorgeous full screen display. And running native 4K content, it's mistakable for reality. But you will pay dearly for this performance.

If you are having trouble finding that sort of scratch in your couch cracks, fear not. Westinghouse is also rolling out 50, 55, and 65 inch versions for $2500, $3000, and $4000 rspectively. These sets will be shipping in Q1. Their gigantor cousin is made to order (like a Ferarri!) and comes with installation assistance.

Meet the New Crazy-Fast Snapdragon 800 and 600 Processors

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974003/meet-the-new-crazy+fast-snapdragon-800-and-600-processors-updating

Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro processor has been blowing us away with its speed in phones like the Nexus 4 and HTC's Droid DNA, and that's why we can't wait to meet its big brothers. The Snapdragon 800 boasts a quad-core Krait 400 CPU, that can go up to 2.3GHz per core.

To put that in perspective, the base-level Retina MacBook Pros come with a 2.3GHz processor (though, obviously, there's a lot more to performance than clock-speed). In other words, things are about to get very fast.

The 800 also features and Adreno 330 GPU, which claims to offer a 2x graphics performance boost from the previous generation (the Adreno 320). It supports 2x32bit LPDDR3 RAM at 800MHz – with memory bandwidth of 12.8GBps. It will support UltraHD (a.k.a. 4K) playback and recording plus 7.1 Surround sound. Dual image signal processors support up to four cameras and allows for 3D captures, photo merging into a master 55 megapixel image. They claim all this, plus 4G LTE and 802.11ac Wi-Fi for faster downloads, and a boost in battery life. We can't wait to see how this stacks up to Nvidia's Tegra 4, with its nutty 72 GPU cores. We can expect to see the 800 start showing up in mobile devices in mid-2013.

There's also the Snapdragon 600. It uses a quad-core Krait 300 CPU running at up to 1.9 GHz, the Adreno 320 GPU, and LPDDR3 RAM. It may not be as burly as the 800, but it still sounds like an improvement over the current generation S4, and it also promises better battery life. We'll start seeing it appear in Q2 of 2013.

Not to gush, but seriously, phones are so awesome right now. [Qualcomm]

Pentax MX-1: This Camera's "Retro" Style Might Be Past Its Prime

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974026/pentax-mx+1--this-cameras-retro-style-might-be-past-its-prime

Pentax is a classic imaging company and so you've got to let them have their own crack at building a camera that looks old school, right? In theory! But MX-1 feel just a smidgen late to the party.

Now we've got nothing against the brass-body design necessarily, and this $500 point-and-shoot has some undeniably slick features. We love that it's got a super fast f/1.8 lens and some manual controls familiar to the mode dials of DSLRs:like program and aperture or shutter priority modes.

And the classic top-panel design with the exposure compensation dial—nice touch! But the closer you look at the camera's specs, like 12.1-megapixel BSI CMOS, you start to realize, that's a lot less than other companies have been offering manually-controllable point-and-shoots for years and years at this price point.

You see with the retro-styled cameras from Fujifilm, something still feels fresh. In fact, just today, Fujifilm pumped out a refresh of two black and silver X-series cameras in the same exact camera bodies as the previous models. And it didn't feel like it was played out because they were packed with some awesome new imaging technology.

What's so new about the MX-1 that we should pick it up? If the answer to that question is its the design Pentax is selling use—we're not buying. We'll be sure to check out the camer this week and update when we know more.

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Canon Powershot N Hands On: What a Cute Little Thing

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974032/canon-powershot-n-hands-on-what-a-cute-little-thing

We spent a short time with the new Canon Powershot N and found that though it's a little awkward to use because of the square body, it's pretty fun at the same time. As a full time camera, the cute gimmicky form factor is limiting but as a little secondary camera? Definitely a good time.

The camera feels chintzy (the flip up screen and its hinge adds to that) but it's light and easily pocketable. Taking a pushing by pushing the lens ring down is kind of fun though trying to zoom by twisting the dial accidentally fired away one too many times. I'm sure with a few more tries, you can easily get it down.

Running through the touchscreen isn't exactly Speedy Gonzalez fast but didn't exactly ruin the experience either. We didn't get a chance to test the N's Wi-Fi connectivity with a smartphone or see the automatic filters it can place on a picture, as the battery died halfway through our hands on.

The Canon N is most definitely an intriguing camera but even for as cute as it looks, we'd still need a bit more convincing that the square camera accessory is worth the 300 bucks.

Sigma's 50mm DP3 Merrill Completes a Glorious Triumvirate of Fixed Lens Cameras

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974048/sigmas-50mm-dp3-merrill-completes-a-glorious-triumvirate-of-fixed-lens-cameras

The Sigma DP3 Merrill is a boxy shooter with 50mm f/2.8 lens. It follows the 19mm DP1 Merrill and the 30mm DP2, which aside from their fixed focal lengths are identical. This is a trinity of image quality awesome, and if it were any other manufacturer, we'd join the haters in saying this is a waste.

You see, at its core, Sigma is a lens manufacturer and these lenses are built perfectly for the somewhat clumsy bodies on which they live. In addition to innovating optics, Sigma also happens to own the absurdly sophisticated Foveon X3 image sensor, which uses three different 15.3-megapixel layers (one for each primary color) to capture images. Instead, a third camera increases the awesome by half.

As we learned when we reviewed the DP2 in the fall, these cameras are a little tricky to use because they don't have all the easy features most of us are used to. Still, the image quality is spectacular owing to the quality of its components. The Merrills-three, then, are basically, bland black boxes built around a badass 23.5 × 15.7mm Foveon X3 sensor with a lens that has been perfectly built for that design.

Sigma's 50mm DP3 Merrill Completes a Glorious Triumvirate of Fixed Lens Cameras

So even if owning all three of the DP Merrills might be a bit excessive, having the option of a longer fixed lens is something we're looking forward to when the camera ships. Even if the longer lens doesjut out further than the other and even if it costs $1000 like the other two do. Speaking of which, there's still no word on when when can bring this camera home with us or exactly how many paper stacks we'll have to burn to buy one. [Sigma]

These Optical USB and Thunderbolt Cables Are Up to 330 Feet Long

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974052/these-optical-usb-and-thunderbolt-cables-are-up-to-330-feet-long

If you thought screens were where glass started and finished in gadgets, think again. Corning, the company behind Gorilla Glass, has also started making optical USB and Thunderbolt cables—and they're super, super long.

The cables are optical instead of your typical wired connection. There's no speed advantage, but because there's less signal attenuation in optical cables than in wire, they can be made extremely long. Corning's USB 3.0 cables will come in lengths of up to 100 feet. But its Thunderbolt cables will be up to 330 feet long. Think about that for a second: it would take the fastest man in the world about ten seconds to run that distance. That is insane.

Apparently the cables can also be daisy changed together, too, so 330 feet isn't the longest distance these cables could span. Sadly the cables are currently being certified by the powers that be, but Corning hopes they'll be on sale some time in the first quarter of 2013. In terms of price, Verge reports that they will "comparable" to copper-wired cables—but given that there is no 330 foot copper counterpart, it's tricky to determine exactly what that means. [Corning, Verge]

Sony's One-Piece Waterproof Walkman: 1 Hour's Playback From 3 Minutes Charging

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974059/sonys-one+piece-waterproof-walkman-1-hours-playback-from-3-minutes-charging

If workouts take you from pounding the pavement to plunging into the pool with little time to spare between, Sony's new one-piece Walkman might be of some interest to you.

The one-piece design looks light and unobtrusive, while the 4GB of storage should offer enough capacity for most people's workout music. Of most interest here, though, are two other features. First, this thing is super-fast to juice up: 3 minutes charging will provide at least an hour of playback. Second, it's waterproof, so you should be able to wear it in the pool with no problems. Available in black, blue, white, and pink from March this year, it'll cost $100. [NDTV]

Sony's One-Piece Waterproof Walkman: 1 Hour's Playback From 3 Minutes Charging

You'll Want to Keep This Kids' Pico Projector to Yourself

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5974064/youll-want-to-keep-this-kids-pico-projector-to-yourself

This cute and colorful little pico projector is designed for kids. But don't bother giving it to them—because it's good enough you'll want to keep it for yourself.

This Innocube DLP pico projector is designed, apparently, to help children chill out as they watch TV shows on their ceiling. But forget that. It'll just get 'em overexcited. Instead, take advantage of its Wi-Fi streaming and Android-compatible MHL port to watch your own video instead. It's tough rubber outer casing means it can take knocks—perfect for travelling with, then—and when it hits US shores early 2013 it'll only cost $300. [Verge]

Image from Verge

GM launches API framework to let developers put wheels on apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/gm-launches-api-framework-to-let-developers-put-wheels-on-apps/

So far we've gotten a look at some Siri / OnStar canoodling here at CES 2013, and iHeartRadio flaunted its new GM liaison yesterday. But the automaker wants to let all comers in on the MyLink action, so it's just announced a new developer portal, SDK and forum for would-be in-vehicle app creators. The site will allow apps to be coded and gain approval "in a secure and controlled manner" with a helping hand from GM, so that users can purchase and download apps directly to the vehicle's infotainment system. New programs could join the aforementioned CES debuts, along with the likes of TuneIn, Slacker and The Weather Channel, where the General sees a need for vehicle-appropriate categories like fuel efficiency and driver safety. Or you could just, you know, keep your eyes on the road. Check the PR after the break for more.

Continue reading GM launches API framework to let developers put wheels on apps

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Transportation, Internet

Hands-on with Lego's Mindstorms EV3 kit (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/lego-mindstorms-ev3-hands-on/

Lego's third-generation Mindstorms kit has been redesigned to appeal to both kids desperate to craft and modders looking for even more customizability. With assembly instructions now provided by a 3D animated diagram on an iPad app, this isn't the Lego you'll have remember from childhood. If you'd like to see what it's like in action, head on past the break to watch the video.

Gallery: Lego Mindstorms EV3 Hands-on at CES 2013

Continue reading Hands-on with Lego's Mindstorms EV3 kit (video)

Filed under: Robots

Dan Greenhaus Perfectly Describes The Dilemma That Almost Every Investor Is Fretting About Right Now

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/dan-greenhaus-perfectly-describes-the-dilemma-that-almost-every-investor-is-fretting-about-right-now-2013-1

dan greenhause

Dan Greenhaus at BTIG has a great paragraph in his latest nightly note that almost perfectly describes the mentality of a lot of investors right now:

In a recent conversation with one of our hedge fund manager clients, we were pressed on our views (which we will expand on tomorrow). As we said then and repeat here, we think the outlook for equities is somewhat good but we remain laser focused on the debt ceiling. As such, a hedged position is probably warranted, something BTIG’s option team notes can be achieved simply through cheap March put spreads on the SPY. However, such a view -- favoring hedges -- is probably part of the reason Goldman Sachs noted 88% of hedge funds underperformed the S&P 500 in 2012. But with the President set to nominate Jack Lew to Treasury Secretary (Republicans really don’t want him) and with the looming debt ceiling standoff, we just wouldn’t feel comfortable with another position, even as the argument for market participants getting more comfortable with Washington dysfunction grows with each successive standoff.

Bingo. Everyone wants to be bullish, but there's just this one problem...

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Monday, January 07, 2013

AT&T's $50 Android Smartphone Has a 12.6-megapixel Camera, Doesn't Seem That Terrible

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973805/atts-50-android-smartphone-has-a-126+megapixel-camera

When I think of Pantech, I don't have too many fond memories. But the Android 4.0-based Discover might change that. Available starting January 11 from AT&T for $50, the Discover is an 4G LTE smartphone with a 4.8-inch HD display (1280x720) and a crazy 12.6-megapixel camera that shoots full HD video at 30fps.

It also comes with NFC and a pair of 3D surround sound speakers. It's preloaded with AT&T's DriveMode app, which is supposed to help curb your texting habit while driving. Users can set up certain parameters, like turning on an auto-reply feature when cruising over 25MPH—"busy driving, can't respond."

Considering it comes with 16GB of onboard memory, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA, microSD, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, GPS—and a funky design that's super-neat looking—it's not bad for $50. [AT&T]

Eat It, Galaxy Note. Huwawei's New Phone Has the World's Largest Screen (Updated: Hands On)

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973876/huaweis-ascend-mate-is-a-61+inch-mammoth-that-eats-phablets-for-breakfast

Oh man, here we go. Phablets are no longer no longer constrained to limits of being under half a foot. Huawei's new Ascend Mate is an unprecedented 6.1-inches. It's been around before, but now it's official, and has the largest screen of any smartphone in the world. To date anyway. Cower in fear beneath its all-encompassing shadow.

Aside from its ludicrous 6.1-inch, 361 ppi display, the Ascend Mate has a 4,050mAh battery and a 1.5GHz HiSilicon K3V3 quad-core chip, both of which it'll need to handle that wild screen that makes up 73 percent of the whole device. It runs Android Jellybean and is also functional even if you're wearing gloves, has built-in augmented reality navigation capability, and split-screen multi-tasking. In hopes of making calling more possible without holding the thing up to your face, the Mate has dual microphones, one on each end, to facilitate hands-free talking whenever possible.

Huawei's positioning the device to replace your laptop, eReader, phone, and tablet, billing it as an all-in-on machine. It'll be available in China starting late this month, and will roll out to "other markets" in March. Huawei is currently in talks with US carriers, and there's yet to be a price point for sale in the US. So far, markets seem to be agreeing that bigger is better, and if there's a limit, the Ascend Mate could be the one to find it.

Hands on:

It's impossible to understate how honkin' huge this thing is, as far as phones are concerned. It's pretty easily held in a moderately-size male hand, but its size just makes things look kind of weird. It's definitely a two-handed device; you can't hope to touch more than half the screen if you're just using the thumb of your holding hand. The "one-hand UI design" helps to make things a little more possible, but there's still a lot of real-estate you just can't hit. All in all, it feels nice, solid, but man, it's just so ludicrously huge to even think of as a phone.

Huawei's 5-Inch Ascend D2 Takes the Scene With a Killer Screen

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973792/ascend-d2-takes-the-torch-as-hauweis-flagship

Huawei isn't the biggest player in the phone game, at least here in the States, but it's making moves to step up. Huawei's taking another stab at high-end relevance with its new Ascend D2, which looks like it could be a nice device if it isn't plagued by delays.

The D2 rocks a 5-inch 1080p edge-to-edge display with a ludicrous density of 443 ppi, a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, a 13MP camera, and a 3,000mAh battery that boasts an (alleged) 2-day battery life. It's also exteremly water resistent, and made it through a serious splashing on stage. It's an Android Jellybean device, and also has built-in augmented reality navigation capability, and split-screen multi-tasking.

In short, the Ascend D2 to is more phone than its predecessor in just about every way, and looks to be trying to hang with the big names in the smartphone arena. But considering how long it took the D Quad to get to market, you might want to meter your expectations. Huawei may not have broken through with its first Ascend, but it's clearly not giving up.

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