Lenovo Miix 10 Windows 8 tablet now on sale, slated to ship on August 16th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/lenovo-miix-10-windows-8-tablet-on-sale-date/

Remember that "watered-down ThinkPad Tablet 2" we were able to ogle back in June? Eh, don't bother lying -- the Miix 10 name is hitting you as the freshest of the fresh, and honestly, there's no shame in that. Lenovo's latest Windows 8 slate is now officially featured on the company's site, with orders being accepted now and early shipments expected to commence on August 16th. For those curious, $600 nets you a 10.1-inch tablet, replete with a 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z2760 CPU, integrated graphics, 2GB of LPDDR2 memory, a 1,366 x 768 native resolution, 64GB of eMMC flash, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, 1MP front-facing camera and a two-cell Li-Polymer battery. Interested? You can part ways with your credit card number right here.

Filed under: Tablets, Lenovo

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Via: WPCentral

Source: Lenovo

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Google, IBM and NVIDIA partake in OpenPOWER Consortium, a dev group for data centers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/google-ibm-nvidia-openpower-consortium-data-center/

It's a rare occurrence to see Google, NVIDIA and IBM working lockstep towards a common goal, but the aforesaid trio has joined Mellanox and Tyan in order to launch a development group for data centers. The aptly-titled OpenPOWER Consortium is hailed as a "development alliance based on IBM's POWER microprocessor architecture." We're told that it intends to concoct "advanced server, networking, storage and GPU-acceleration technology aimed at delivering more choice, control and flexibility to developers of next-generation, hyperscale and cloud data centers." Sounds pretty bold, and it'll require IBM to offer up open-source POWER firmware to those participating. Moreover, NVIDIA and IBM will be jointly working to integrate the CUDA GPU and POWER ecosystems, but beyond that, it's not entirely clear what the immediate impact on mankind will be. You're more than welcome to take stabs in comments, though.

Filed under: Internet, Google, NVIDIA

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Source: IBM

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Boundless unveils iPhone textbook app and premium studying upgrades

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/boundless-unveils-iphone-textbook-app-and-premium-upgrades/

Boundless has pitched its digital textbook service as the free alternative to expensive college textbooks, but the absence of mobile support and study aids has limited its appeal. The educational startup is addressing both of those issues today. To start, it has launched a native iPhone app that optimizes the web client's highlights, note-taking and summaries for a smaller screen. The company is also introducing a premium option for students who need a little motivation. Readers who pay $20 per textbook get access to a steady stream of flashcards and quizzes, with notifications to minimize any slacking. Diligent learners can grab both the app and premium upgrades today -- at least, so long as they have no qualms with Boundless' ongoing copyright disputes.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: App Store, Boundless

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drag2share: Contacts With A Built-In Zoom Could Give Us All Superpowers

source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/~3/ufG-OdLlMK8/zooming-contacts-impart-superpowers-2013-7

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

For some people, having the ability to zoom your vision would be at the top of the list. Luckily for them, researchers have recently published the latest breakthrough to making this a reality: a contact lens that lets the wearer magnify their vision by almost three times.

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

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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

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

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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

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Via: Phone Arena, Android Community, Android Headlines

Source: Intel

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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

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Source: TextNow

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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Source: Samsung

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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

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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

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Via: Yonhap News

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

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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

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Via: Geek.com

Source: Apple App Store, Google Play

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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.

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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

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Via: VentureBeat

Source: Crossbar

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