Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

NASA to broadcast Curiosity's 1st anniversary celebration on August 6th 10:45 ET

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/nasa-curiosity-first-anniversary-broadcast/

It's hard to believe August 5th marks Curiosity's first year on Mars -- it seems like only yesterday that we were on tenterhooks during the rover's precarious landing on the red planet. Within that time, it hasn't only fulfilled its initial mission of finding evidence of extraterrestrial water, but it has also discovered traces of carbon-based materials and captured an astounding number of Mars close-ups. To celebrate everything Curiosity's done thus far, NASA JPL will broadcast its first anniversary event via Ustream on August 6th, 10:45AM EDT.

The program kicks off with a series of pre-recorded interviews with the mission's team, but a live stream with NASA officials and the crew aboard the ISS will follow. Folks itching to pick their brains can ask them questions in advance via Curiosity's Twitter or Google+ accounts, or during the event by using the #askNASA hashtag. Even if you're not a fan of the rover, you might still want to tune in -- NASA will also be chatting about its preparations for the first human mission to Mars and to an asteroid.

Filed under: Misc

Source: NASA (Twitter), (Ustream), Space

Intel targets schools with Atom-powered Android tablets, mad scientist apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/intel-education-tablets/

Intel's new education-focused tablets won't stir much envy among the iPad-toting kids of L.A., but they may suit more budget-conscious school districts. There are 10-inch and 7-inch versions, both simply branded "Education Tablets" and both running Atom Z2460 processors with low-end specs (laid out at the source link) and either Android 4.0 or 4.1. The hardware should just about cope with the bundled software, which includes titles like Kno Textbooks, Intellisense's camera app that works with a snap-on magnification lens and PASCO's SPARKvue science app that hooks up to thermal probes and other sensors that will likely require careful teacher supervision. We wish we had clear prices for these things, but there's a whole step-by-step consultation process to wade through before Intel talks money. Alternatively, you could just implement a school-wide BYOD policy.

Filed under: Tablets, Software, Intel

Via: Phone Arena, Android Community, Android Headlines

Source: Intel

TextNow launches IP-based mobile phone service starting at $19 per month

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/textnow-isp-mobile-phone-service/

Some people are afraid of commitment, and that includes vowing to stick with a carrier for two years. Thankfully, the list of choices keeps on growing for those who'd rather use contract-free devices, and the new TextNow mobile phone service is a fresh option. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it began its life as a standalone app for making free calls and sending texts via WiFi. Staying true to its roots, the new service piggybacks on Sprint's 3G and 4G network for an internet connection in the absence of WiFi, so you can use a TextNow-powered Android phone wherever the carrier has coverage. Yes, that's wireless phone service over IP, and the outfit claims it's the world's first all-IP mobile operator. Device choices are limited to a Nexus S for $90 and a Galaxy S II for $120, but as plans begin at $19 per month, it might still be worth checking out, especially if you're on a budget.

Filed under: Cellphones

Source: TextNow

One Man Is Resurrecting Forgotten Patents of Yore With 3D Printing

Source: http://gizmodo.com/one-man-is-resurrecting-forgotten-patents-of-yore-with-1031738508

One Man Is Resurrecting Forgotten Patents of Yore With 3D Printing

The charms of the patent office archives—and the hilariously insane inventions they contain—are well-known. But is it possible that a few of those failed entrepreneurs were actually onto something? New York lawyer Martin Galese thinks so—and he’s resurrecting the ghosts of patents past by offering 3D models of them online.

This $300 Solar-Powered Ubuntu Laptop Lasts 10 Hours on 2 Hours of Sun

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-300-solar-poweredubuntu-laptop-lasts-10-hours-on-1038530635

This $300 Solar-Powered Ubuntu Laptop Lasts 10 Hours on 2 Hours of Sun

Working with a computer outdoors can often mean you're at the mercy of your battery—but not if you have this`Sol laptop, which can run for 10 hours on a single solar charge.

Samsung ships first 3D vertical NAND flash, defies memory scaling limits

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/05/samsung-ships-first-3d-vertical-nand-flash/

The main challenge in producing higher-capacity flash storage is one of scale -- as density goes up, so does cell interference and the chances of a breakdown. Samsung may have overcome that barrier (if temporarily) by mass-producing the first 3D vertical NAND memory, or V-NAND. Instead of putting memory cells on a conventional 2D plane, the company reworked its long-serving Charge Trap Flash technology to create a 3D cell structure with more breathing room. The result is flash that improves both reliability and speed at higher densities; Samsung claims that the new technology is 2-10X more reliable than its ancestors, and twice as quick at writing data. The initial V-NAND chip offers a 128-gigabit (16GB) capacity that we've seen before, but its underlying technique should scale quickly when a chip can include as many as 24 stacked cell layers. Although Samsung hasn't named the first devices with V-NAND inside, we won't be surprised if our next phone or SSD is particularly spacious.

Filed under: Storage, Samsung

Source: Samsung

Nikon's Coolpix L620 14x superzoom ships next month for $250

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/nikons-coolpix-l620/

Nikon's Coolpix L820 30x lens camera debuted at CP+ in Japan earlier this year, and now the company's adding another new superzoom to the family, the L620. This more compact flavor drops the focal range significantly -- its 14x optic can snap from 25mm to 350mm -- but boosts the CMOS sensor to 18.1 megapixels, supporting a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200. This entry-level model was designed with beginners in mind, with multiple scene modes and an auto mode representing the most notable shooting options, and effects like Quick Retouch and Skin Softening enabling on-the-go enhancements. There's also optical image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD and 1080p video capture with stereo sound. The Coolpix L620 is expected in stores in September with a $250 MSRP.

Filed under: Cameras, Nikon

Pantech Vega LTE-A flaunts fingerprint recognition, 5.6-inch 1080p display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/pantech-vega-lte-advanced/

Few phones can take advantage of South Korea's freshly-launched LTE-Advanced networks, but Pantech's just given speed demons a new option: the Vega LTE-A. Though full details haven't trickled out from overseas just yet, the available specs paint an impressive picture. A 5.6-inch full HD display graces the front of the handset while a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor helps the device run Android 4.2.2. What's more, it's toting an area for fingerprint recognition on its back. Come mid-August, folks in the hardware maker's homeland will be able to pick up the handset for use on SK Telecom's network. If the LTE-A variant of the Galaxy S 4 doesn't strike your fancy, Pantech's newest piece of kit might just be worth a look.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Via: Yonhap News

Source: Pantech Vega (Facebook, 1), (2)

Ikea's 2014 Catalog app lets you arrange virtual furniture in your living room via augmented reality (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/ikeas-2014-catalog-app-augmented-reality/

In 2013, Ikea took the plunge into the wide world of augmented retail reality, when it released a companion app to go with its catalog -- to give Swedish furniture fans access to bonus digital content related to products shown on its pages. A new version of the app is now upon us, and with it comes new AR functionality. Namely, users can now see what certain pieces of furniture (or at least a digital version of said furniture) will look like in a given room. For the feature to work, users simply need to scan one of the 90 AR-enabled product pages with the app, and toss the catalog on the floor where they want to see the digital version of the product appear. Then, the app superimposes a 3D model of that bit of decor on your mobile device's screen, allowing users to assure their would-be furniture will maintain perfect feng shui without, you know, having to actually move stuff around.

Filed under: Software

Via: Geek.com

Source: Apple App Store, Google Play

Kanex launches Slimport to HDTV, MHL 2.0 to HDTV adapters

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/kanex-slimport-mhl-hdmi-adapters/

Fancy taking advantage of the Nexus 4 and new Nexus 7's oft-ignored Slimport feature? Kanex is launching a Slimport to HDMI adapter that'll let you share your smartphone's display without too much pain. The 11.75-inch lead supports 1080p video with 8-channel digital surround and even comes with its own microUSB port to keep your device charged during use. At the same time, the company is outing a MHL 2.0 to HDTV adapter that'll let units like the Galaxy SIII, S4 and Note 2 duplicate their screens on the biggest, erm, screen in the house. Both are available from today, setting you back $30 from Kanex's website.

Crossbar's RRAM to boast terabytes of storage, faster write speeds than NAND

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/crossbar-rram/

Hardware makers often sing the praises of their latest and greatest flash memory, but the folks at Crossbar are ready to show them up with resistive RAM (RRAM) that they've been quietly working on. Compared to NAND, RRAM comes in at half the size and boasts 20 times faster write speeds (140MB/s), reads data at 17MB per second, guzzles 20 times less power and has 10 times more endurance. Since RRAM is non-volatile memory, it can keep data even when it's powered off, á la NAND. As if that weren't enough, 3D stacking construction allows for several terabytes of storage, endowing one 200 x 200mm chip with one terabyte.

Unlike many tech breakthroughs however -- we're looking at you, graphene -- this one is just about ready to find its way into finished products. Crossbar has manufactured RRAM within a standard chip factory, and claims that it can be churned out easily with existing production infrastructure. According to the firm, it's in the fine-tuning process and plans to introduce the tech into the world of embedded SoCs. Sure, the outfit is the exclusive holder of some RRAM patents, but it aims to license its know-how to system-on-a-chip creators.

Filed under: Storage

Via: VentureBeat

Source: Crossbar

Monday, August 05, 2013

MSI unveils lightweight GS70 gaming laptop, hopes to take Razer's crown

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/05/msi-gs70-2013/

MSI tentatively entered the world of thin and light gaming laptops with the GE40. With the newly launched GS70, the company is leaping in with both feet. The 17.3-inch portable is clearly built to take on the Razer Blade Pro, mating a big screen with a chassis that's even lighter -- at 5.7 pounds, the GS70 is a flyweight next to its 6.6-pound rival. While the system's quad-core, Haswell-based Core i7 CPU, GeForce GTX 765M graphics and 128GB SSD match what Razer offers, MSI doubles the RAM to 16GB and complements its storage with a 750GB hard drive. That makes the GS70's $1,800 base price a potential bargain -- if you don't mind losing the Blade Pro's touchscreen trackpad, you'll get more PC for the money.

Gallery: MSI GS70 (2013)

Filed under: Gaming, Laptops, Intel, NVIDIA

Source: MSI

Article: Bitcoin suitcase eats your pocket change, spits out digital currency

Unless you're one of its many evangelists, you probably still don't own any Bitcoins, the math-based digital currency that's all the rage among hackers, free market libertarians, and crypto-anarchists alike. A group of tinkerers at the Def Con hacking conference in Las Vegas is trying to fix that...

http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/3/4585220/bitcoin -suitcase-eats-your-pocket-change-spits-out-digital-currency

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Article: Simulating 1 second of real brain activity takes 40 minutes and 83K processors

A team of Japanese and German researchers have carried out the largest-ever simulation of neural activity in the human brain, and the numbers are both amazing and humbling.

The hardware necessary to simulate the activity of 1.73 billion nerve cells connected by 10.4 trillion synapses (just 1 pe...

http://gigaom.com /2013/08/02/simulating-1-second-of-real-brain-activity-takes-40-minutes-83k-processors/

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Article: GooPhone and LG to offer first tri-SIM smartphones using MediaTek chips Mobile

Dual-SIM phones are handy in regions where international travel and prepaid service are common, but even those devices aren't always enough for jetsetters. Thankfully, GooPhone and LG have come to those customers' rescue by launching the first smartphones based on a new MediaTek Triple-SIM chip. ...

http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/05/goophone -lg-rolling-out-tri-sim-smartphones/

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