Phone to Chromecast app streams pics and video, but can't be released yet

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/31/phone-to-chromecast-video-pictures/

Google's $35 Chromecast fared well in our review, but something that could make it even more useful is the ability to stream pictures and video from mobile devices. Users have been able to work around that on PCs by entering info for locally stored files into the Chrome address bar, and now ClockworkMod developer Koushik Dutta is showing off a solution for mobile that closes the gap with AirPlay. Demonstrated in the video after the break, his Phone to Chromecast app can fling pictures or videos stored on the phone directly to the dongle -- apparently thanks to web server software he'd already created for Android. There's no specific word on the codecs or resolutions tested, but he reports videos work at full framerate "like magic." The only bad news? The preview SDK terms mean he can't distribute the APK without written permission from Google, so this demo is as close as we're getting for now.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Google

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Source: Koushik Dutta (Google+) (1), (2), YouTube

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Marvell flaunts its Armada 1500-mini CPU powering Chromecast, lists codecs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/31/marvell-flaunts-its-aramada-1500-mini-cpu-powering-chromecast/

Ever since Google TV made the move from Intel to ARM processors, Marvell has been there with its Armada 1500 CPU, providing decoding, power management and wireless support. As recent FCC documents showed, that arrangement hasn't changed, and Marvell has just formally introduced its Armada 1500-mini processor at the heart of Chromecast. The scaled-down chip provides it (and other USB-powered devices) with 1080p decoding along with features like DRM support and access to TV-centric applications like YouTube and Netflix. Marvell also filled us in on what kind of video decoding the hardware is capable of: it supports most H.264 profiles, MPEG2/4, WMV9, VP6/8, DivX-HD and most digital audio formats (see the PR for a complete list). The high-profile Google connection aside, Marvell also said the chip will work great for other laptop, smartphone and Smart TV streaming applications. On top of that, Mountain View wants to get Chromecast tech natively into Smart TVs and other devices through its Google Cast SDK -- no doubt putting Marvell on the ground floor.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet

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Future Windows Could Use a Biomimetic Vascular System to Save Energy

Source: http://gizmodo.com/future-windows-could-use-a-biomimetic-vascular-system-t-964634748

Windows, our source of life-giving sunlight indoors, are a menace to your electrical bill. In the summer, windows bleed cold and in the winter they ooze heat. To save energy, researchers want to give window panes a circulatory system that could pump in cool, liquid relief when they get too hot.

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Magical Bottle Opener Can Pour Wine Without Popping the Cork

Source: http://gizmodo.com/magical-bottle-opener-can-pour-wine-without-popping-the-967410908

There are plenty of ways to open a nice bottle of wine, but they all involve the avoidable decision to finish the bottle (or risk the weird-tasting leftovers). We can do better than this, people. A new opener from Coravin aimed at connoisseurs lets you drink one glass at a time, by performing what amounts to a surgical procedure on your bottle.

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Report: Here's What To Expect From Amazon's New Kindle Fire Tablets (AMZN)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/amazons-next-gen-kindle-fire-tablets-2013-7

Today, BGR is reporting from multiple sources detailed specs for Amazon's next-generation tablets.

BGR was mostly correct in its reports on Amazon's Kindle Fire lineup last year, so this one is worth paying attention to.

According to BGR, Amazon is planning on releasing several new Android-based Kindle branded tablets.

From what we can tell, the only advantage Google's new Nexus 7 tablet has over the new Kindle Fire's reported stats is a newer version of Android (4.3) and a rear camera.

The updated 7-inch Kindle Fire HD, will have:

• A brand-new design
• HD screen with a resolution of 1920x1200 (same quality as Google's new Nexus 7)
• 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor (better than Google's new Nexus 7)
• 2GB of RAM (same as New Nexus 7)
• WiFi and cellular connectivity
• Front-facing camera
• 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage (64GB option is more than Google is offering on new Nexus 7)
• Android 4.2.2 JellyBean with heavy Amazon customizations
• No rear camera

Amazon's larger 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD is expected to have:

• HD screen with a resolution of 2560x1600 
• The same 2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
• Front-facing camera
• Optional cellular data
• 2GB of RAM
• 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage
• 8MP rear camera in addition to the front facing camera

BGR also revealed that the new tablets are expected to be more comfortable and lighter than the current generation of Kindle Fires.

As of right now, the new Kindle Fire's are expected to launch this fall, as early as September.

SEE ALSO: Amazon To Hire 5,000 In 25% Headcount Increase

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