Monday, July 25, 2011

Sony Cyber-shot TX55 packs 16.2-megapixel sensor, promises 'extremely low' noise in dim light

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sony-cyber-shot-tx55-packs-16-2-megapixel-sensor-promises-extr/


With point and shoot cameras apparently now up against a megapixel wall, manufacturers are focusing on adding quirky new features to keep you hooked on the upgrade cycle. Sony's new Cyber-shot TX55 includes several such additions, such as 'amazing' 3D image capture, 'extremely low' noise, and a new digital zoom technology called By Pixel Super Resolution, which promises to double the camera's 5x optical zoom range while still capturing 16.2-megapixel images at full quality. We're a bit skeptical about that last one, but if the $350 camera really can deliver on its promise, then we may just have a winner. Sony says there's also high-speed autofocus that can lock onto subjects in 0.1 seconds, optical image stabilization, a 3.3-inch OLED touch-screen, and 1080i AVCHD video. It also includes some features found on the higher-end NEX-C3, such as Picture Effects, and a 42.9-megapixel Sweep Panorama mode. Sony has yet to completely nix the Memory Stick slot, including one with the TX55, though there's also MicroSD support for those who prefer to take advantage of that more affordable memory card standard. We're not yet convinced that all of the point-and-shoot cam's new features perform as well as Sony suggests, but if they do, the TX55 may even be worth its $350 price tag when it hits stores in September.

Continue reading Sony Cyber-shot TX55 packs 16.2-megapixel sensor, promises 'extremely low' noise in dim light

Sony Cyber-shot TX55 packs 16.2-megapixel sensor, promises 'extremely low' noise in dim light originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook just released a dedicated iPad app, except it didn't

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/facebook-just-released-a-dedicated-ipad-app-except-it-didnt/

Mark Zuckerberg ruffled some feathers when he said the iPad "isn't mobile" enough to deserve a dedicated Facebook app. But now it's U-turn time. TechCrunch just revealed that not only has Facebook created a fully-fledged iPad app, they've even released it -- albeit in secret. The code lies buried in yesterday's update to the iPhone app and it's entirely executable on jailbroken tablets. What's the software like? Well, TechCrunch reckons the left-sided navigation system and use of overlay menus is "great," as is the ability to chat with buddies while simultaneously doing other Facebook tasks in landscape mode. There's also a ton of screen grabs at the source link which tell much of the story. However, it surely won't be long before we can make our own minds up.

Facebook just released a dedicated iPad app, except it didn't originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceTechCrunch  | Email this | Comments

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Kinect-driven tactile bodysuit makes you tingle in eight different places

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/kinect-driven-tactile-bodysuit-makes-you-tingle-in-eight-differe/

We know the US Army has already experimented with vibrating clothing, and soon it could be our turn. The trendy figure-hugger above is rigged with haptic actuators across the arms and torso, which respond when the wearer's body 'touches' virtual objects created via Microsoft's Kinect platform. The outfit's designers at the University of Aachen spent just a few hundred dollars on components, aside from the cost of the Kinect, so this might well have commercial potential. Click the source link if you're really keen to see a concept video -- although it doesn't consist of much beyond a German dude doing the Hey Macarena in his socks.

[Thanks, Jarod]

Kinect-driven tactile bodysuit makes you tingle in eight different places originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWorld of Gadgets [German]  | Email this | Comments

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Andy Pad Pro gets detailed while Andy Pad makes film debut (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/andy-pad-pro-gets-detailed-while-andy-pad-makes-film-debut-vide/

Andy Pad
Low-cost Android, actually looking decent? Seems like it. We've caught wind of a few hitting the scene at this point, and there's little question that the Andy Pad folks appear to have something better in mind. The company's been slowly releasing info on Twitter about its 7-inch Andy Pad and Pro variant, and has also recently updated its website; the AP Pro's finally been priced for £179 (about $290) and there's now a full shot of the slates along with specs. While we knew the Pro would have a capacitive touchscreen and front / rear cams, those "additional features" have panned out to be an increased 1024 x 600 screen resolution and Bluetooth connectivity (it seems the 16GB model was this version all along). Still aching to see one in action? AP's also posted a YouTube clip of the base model zipping along and effortlessly hurling Angry Birds through its Gingerbread scented air. It'll still be about month until the duo hit the streets, but for now, you'll find the video past the break.

Continue reading Andy Pad Pro gets detailed while Andy Pad makes film debut (video)

Andy Pad Pro gets detailed while Andy Pad makes film debut (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Cool Smart Phone  |  sourceAndy Pad, AndyPadUk (Twitter)  | Email this | Comments

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Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Rich Needn't Experience Society's Ills Ever Again Aboard a Tropical Island Megayacht [Yachts]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5824206/the-rich-need-not-experience-societys-ills-ever-again-aboard-their-tropical-island-megayacht/gallery/

The Rich Needn't Experience Society's Ills Ever Again Aboard a Tropical Island MegayachtI've read Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal, so forgive me a moment, but I couldn't help but wonder if the poor would make the best fuel for this floating in-your-face exuberance from the folks at Yacht Island Design.

The Rich Needn't Experience Society's Ills Ever Again Aboard a Tropical Island MegayachtHelipad? Check. Volcano with waterfall? Of course. Pool on a ship floating in the world's largest pool? Naturally. Oh, and the volcano/waterfall combo is also a cabana. Like you didn't see that coming.

The Rich Needn't Experience Society's Ills Ever Again Aboard a Tropical Island MegayachtPowering it all would be the world's poor, because their slender matchstick frames are akin to brittle kindling, and I imagine they'd be at least half as effective as diesel fuel or whatever it is powers 90-meter-long floating cabana megayachts these days. Plus, they're free and easily found all around the world, and their self-sustaining numbers are graciously increasing every day!

The Rich Needn't Experience Society's Ills Ever Again Aboard a Tropical Island MegayachtYes, it's a concept design, but honestly, people and their money sometimes. WTF?

The Rich Needn't Experience Society's Ills Ever Again Aboard a Tropical Island Megayacht The top speed is 15 knots. [Gizmag]

You can keep up with Jack Loftus, the author of this post, on Twitter and Facebook.

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