Super-strong nanopaper is seven times stronger, 1,000 times smaller
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309028360/
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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AIST unveils flexible display created with microcontact printing
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309048584/
Filed under: Displays
Fresh from its efforts to disguise solar cells as plant leaves, Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (or AIST) is now boasting about some advances it's made in flexible displays, which it says will offer a whole host of benefits for e-paper-based devices. The big deal with this one is that all the processes needed to fabricate the organic TFT were done with microcontact printing, which allowed 'em to achieve a pixel pitch of 127μm even in its their initial 6x6-inch prototype, with the display also working effectively over its entire surface. That doesn't mean that it's quite ready for commercial use just yet, however, although the institute is promising to have A4-sized prototype ready by 2010, with actual e-paper products set to follow sometime around 2015.
Western Digital intros 1TB 7200RPM Caviar Black HDD
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309112244/
Filed under: Storage
Voodoo's Envy 133 using custom MacBook Air CPU?
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309143523/
Filed under: Laptops
Read -- Splashtop
Read -- MacBook Air procesor
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ASIMO learns to understand three people at once
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309174255/
Filed under: Robots
ASIMO has already proven itself to be pretty multi-talented, but it looks like it's now added yet another trick to its repertoire, with a pair of researchers giving it the ability to understand three people speaking at once. That was done with the aid of eight microphones and a specially-designed software program dubbed HARK, which works out where each voice is coming from and isolates it from other sounds. Right now, however, that's only being used to referee games of rock-paper-scissors, with each individual shouting out their choice at once, but the researchers eventually hope to get ASIMO up to the level of humans' ability to listen at a cocktail party, although they admit that is still a "long way" off.
Princeton follows Shuttle's minimalist lead with 19-inch touchscreen
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309229088/
Filed under: Displays
Shuttle may have been the first out of the gate with this minimalist design (presumably OEM, and likely only a sign of things to come), but that's not keeping Princeton from doing its own thing with its new PTB-TMW19B tablet display, which just got official for Japan today. While the exterior's identical to the Shuttle, the Princeton model takes a slight dip in resolution to 1440 x 900, although the company makes up for that somewhat by including a stylus and some handwriting recognition software. Otherwise, you can expect a 5 ms response time, an 850: 1 contrast ratio, and even a pair of built-in speakers. Look for this one to set you back ¥128,000 (or just under $1,200) when it hits Japan later this month.
Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905 breaks cover with 8.1 megapixels in tow
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309294011/
Filed under: Cellphones
[Thanks, Adrian]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Freescale to Spin Out MRAM Business
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OmMalik/~3/308115510/
MRAM is one of many fledgling attempts to create better non-volatile memory that can retain information even after the power is turned off. Like Flash, MRAM could find a home in portable computing devices such as laptops or MP3 players. Compared to Flash, MRAM is faster and requires less power (hello, longer battery life). Freescale made news in 2006 when it introduced a 4 Mb MRAM chip. That doesn’t hold much, but it was the result of a decade of research into the technology.
The creation of EverSpin follows similar memory spinouts, such as Numonyx, set up by Intel and STMicrosystems to research PRAM, and the less research-oriented Infineon from Qimonda. AMD and Fujitsu spun out their Flash memory operations as Spansion. Memory is a commodity business that requires large economies of scale to become profitable. Freescale does need to focus on a few core businesses, but I hope its stake in EverSpin gives it plenty of upside if MRAM becomes a market success story.
Using the iPhone to Mine for Gold & Sense
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OmMalik/~3/307987886/
We’ve already showcased two startups — Skygrid and Placebase — that have impressed us with their ability to offer pointers that can be translated into actions on the real-world stock and real estate markets. Trulia and Zillow fall in that category as well, though I think they’re both eons away from where they should be. And today we’re adding New York-based Sense Networks to the interesting and growing list of intelligent mashup companies.
By combining historical and real-time location data acquired through either GPS and Wi-Fi, along with other real-world information, the company has come up with a “social navigation and nightlife discovery application” called Citysense. The mobile app, which runs on Blackberry and the iPhone and is currently limited to San Francisco, shows nightlife hot spots on a map in real time. You can then drill down to find information on, say, local bars and restaurants. But Citysense itself is actually a small part of a bigger story.
It runs on Sense Networks’ platform, called Macrosense, which has the ability to take geo-location data sent out by phones and vehicles, such as taxis, and map it to historical data, such as old traffic patterns, local restaurants and other geographical information. I would describe Macrosense as a machine-to-machine platform that can mash up many inputs to create real-time “heat maps.”
This is where it gets interesting: The company doesn’t want to take any advertising or charge people for the application. Instead, it wants to take the trend information it’s gathering and sell it to investors who want to trade based on that information — which is understandable, given that the company has been seed-funded by money from a hedge fund. And I like this idea, even though I have some concerns about privacy. The company says their system is based on “anonymous, aggregate location data.”
"Citysense demonstrates the power of combining anonymous, aggregate location data for social navigation," said Sandy Pentland, chief privacy officer, co-founder of Sense Networks, and director of human dynamics research at MIT. "The idea is similar to automobile GPS systems sharing and pooling current road speed conditions so that everyone can avoid congestion."
I’m still not entirely convinced. But if we put privacy concerns aside for a minute, the possibilities of this are mind-boggling. Imagine mapping foot traffic to, say, Gap or Apple stores. While it would never tell you if people were shopping or not, it would be a great indication of how hot (or not) the store was, enabling you to trade on the information. Take it one step further and mash it with web-based data or Twitter feeds: You could build a highly complex and near real-time view into what’s happening on the innerwebs.
Which reminds me: It’s time to call my buddies Paul Kedrosky and Tim O’Reilly so I can pick their brains about these trading mashups.
Sit Back & Watch: NewTeeVee Station
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OmMalik/~3/308556616/
Over the past 18 months, there has been quite an explosion of video choices on the web. The number of interesting shows keeps going up by the day, making it harder to keep up with the new, cool stuff that makes Must-See-NewTeeVee. I’ve often wondered, what if there was a web service that collated and curated the best of the NewTeeVee shows, finding cool videos before they became a meme, shows that genuinely entertain? In other words, a web app that took the time to scrub out the noise and deliver the best video experience according to select editors. I wanted a place on the web that would do all that but during the lunch hour — the new prime time — and without cutting into people’s daily Facebook fix.
It was a wild idea, I admit, but it seems like the guys in our little company were up for the challenge, and in less than three months have brought it to fruition. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you NewTeeVee Station, available now at station.newteevee.com.
Some facts about NewTeeVee Station:
- Features editorial reviews of online videos written by a team lead by Liz Shannon Miller, who comes to us from Variety and the Daily Reel.
- Has over 100 NTV shows & videos as part of the launch effort alone.
- Sports a database of cast, crew and other details to map out the expanding web video universe.
- Invites readers to become part of the editorial process by adding their own reviews, comments and ratings.
- Boasts eight channels of the most memorable comedy, commercials, drama, music, news & talk, personalities, reality and zeitgeist picks.
- Showcases what’s hot at that moment, right on the front page.
- Can be subscribed to via the Station RSS feed or be bundled with NewTeeVee Feed.
It’s still a work in progress, and will be for a time, as we plan to tweak and improve it each day for the foreseeable future. I didn’t want to place the “beta” tag on it because I feel that the web keeps evolving, and web applications keep growing, just like all of us — and we never put a beta after our names. Om 2.0, however, is OK if you’ve had a heart attack and change your lifestyle and habits. Sorry for that personal digression, but it’s an important backdrop to this new site.
In my opinion, the most unfair part of the job of CEO/founder is taking credit for the work that everyone else puts into making your dreams and crazy ideas become real. So I wanted to set the record straight: This new effort is a testament to the intelligence and excellence of the GigaOM team. Apart from coming up with a harebrained idea back before my heart attack and some occasional Jobs-ian rants, this is the work of the following people:
On the editorial side, Liz Gannes, Liz Miller and Chris Albrecht worked with our tech team of Chancey Matthews and Kyle Johnson. They were all shepherded by Joey Wan, who rose to the challenge and became the project manager for NewTeeVee Station, in addition to helping us out on Structure 08. Mule Design came up with the design to fit with the original NewTeeVee look, and the folks at VodPod worked hard to help us build the viewing widget. Our editors, Carolyn Pritchard and Celeste LeCompte, helped add spit and polish to the editorial content.
Liz on NewTeeVee writes: “I haven’t meant to neglect NewTeeVee lately, I swear. But I have a very good excuse (and a newfound regard for product managers and PR people!)” Yes, it has been a great learning process. Thanks everyone, you made us all proud. When we all gather together soon — we will pop the bubbly! Now let’s watch some NewTeeVee.
Voodoo's Envy 133 Is Thinnest Notebook Alive [Laptops]
Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/308662058/voodoos-envy-133-is-thinnest-notebook-alive
Available in good or evil—I mean, white or black—the Envy will weigh 3.4 lbs., heavier than the bulimic Metro, but still respectably light. It's also got a healthy 13.3" display, and for a starting cost of $2,100, it had better. For being so thin, it's also got a surprising number of tricks hidden in its carbon-fiber microweave case, like a Linux alter-ego, a "multiple gesture" touchpad and a secret Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridge.
That Linux alter-ego I mentioned is called Voodoo IOS (VIOS, get it?). This Splashtop-style bootware launches fast to give you Skype, Firefox and other simple apps when you don't feel like booting up Windows Vista. I am a fan of this, but I'd really like to see customizable configs—maybe I want Picasa and a music player, while you want access to e-mail.
The touchpad lets you do a few touch tricks, such as chiral (that is, circular) scrolling, and the pinch maneuver known from Apple products. There's no word on if this represents true multitouch, but hopefully we'll learn more soon.
The Aura PowerConnect Ethernet port found on the power brick gives you point-to-point Wi-Fi from powerbrick to laptop, so that in a hotel room, you can plug your Ethernet in and get connected. Even if you unplug the laptop from the power brick itself, you'll still have the wireless connection, so it's like carrying a little router wherever you go.
It's also got a proximity sensor for shutting off the touchpad when you're typing to avoid cursor hop. It's got Dolby Sound Room surround-sound processing for speakers or headphones. The keyboard is backlit and there's pre-installed LoJack software.
The Voodoo folks like to point out that even with the MacBook Air-beating thinness spec, the 133 still has two USB ports, one which doubles as an eSATA jack, plus an HDMI port. There's no internal optical drive, but every 133 ships with an external drive in the box.
Voodoo, you say, that's a gaming brand. Yes, but this comes from the new Voodoo Business Unit, which is trying to branch out with non-gaming systems that "combine luxurious quality, personalized styling and unmatched technology innovation." Sounds good to me, although some gamers I know might not agree.
Introducing Voodoo Envy 133The Voodoo Envy 133 is sure to invoke pangs of jealousy in everyone who doesn't have one. Measuring .70 inches and weighing less than 3.4 pounds, the Voodoo Envy 133 combines sleek styling and personalization with a full suite of critical functionality for mobile users.
Developed by the HP Voodoo Business Unit, the Voodoo Envy 133 delivers critical features such as wireless and Ethernet connectivity, USB and HDMI ports, a 13.3-inch backlit LED display and more. All of the features are wrapped in a visually stunning package that consumers can customize via a full pallet of Voodoo Allure paint finishes, Voodoo Ink designs and Voodoo Iconograph patterns.
Packed with technologies new to the ultra-mobile market, the Voodoo Envy 133 offers consumers new and exciting features. The proprietary instant-on capabilities of the Voodoo IOS provide users with lightning-fast access to Internet browsers and Skype. The Voodoo Aura PowerConnect allows users to plug an Ethernet cable into the connector located on the power brick and experience an untethered, point-to-point Wi-Fi connection, so they can roam free from the wired connection whenever wireless isn't available.
The Voodoo Envy 133 was developed using the smallest available Intel Centrino technology and elements from an innovative Intel reference design.
Mobility and functionality• Thin and Light - One of the thinnest, lightest systems in its class starting at 3.373 pounds, .70-inches thin, 9.04-inches deep and 12.65-inches wide (with SSD and battery).
• Durable - A carbon fibre casing with custom microweave design gives this little wonder surprising strength. The 13.3-inch backlit LED screen is covered with a durable fused composite glass.
• Voodoo IOS - Boot up in seconds. Unique to the Voodoo Envy 133, this feature gives road warriors instant access to Skype and Internet browser. (1)
• Voodoo Aura PowerConnect- Unlike other ultra-mobile systems, the Envy 133 recognizes the reality of the wired world. Even when wireless isn't available, the Aura PowerConnect lets users roam free from the wired connection. Users can plug an Ethernet cable into the jack located on the power brick. A point-to-point Wi-Fi connection is automatically established, between the RJ45 and the notebook. (1)
• Multiple Gesture Touchpad - More than a standard touchpad, the Envy 133 features chiral scroll and pinch options.
• Replaceable Battery - The fully-replaceable battery gives the Voodoo Envy 133 approximately 3.45 hours of battery life between charges.
• Integrated Webcam - standard in every Voodoo Envy 133.
• External ODD - An ID-coordinated external optical drive is included with every Voodoo Envy 133. HP engineers took the time to ensure the ODD and other peripheral devices receive the same external styling and attention to detail given to the system chassis.
• Wireless Connectivity - Every Voodoo Envy 133 includes integrated wireless 802.11 ABGN + Bluetooth®.
• Ports - For extensive usability, Voodoo Envy 133 systems come with a variety of I/O ports, including headphone/microphone, HDMI, USB 2.0 (1x) and a shared e-SATA/USB (1x).
• Professional Backlit Keyboard - The system features a keyboard reminiscent of old school tactile desktop keyboards with just enough "click" to get even the most die-hard tech enthusiast smiling.
• Proximity Sensor - This system recognizes when fingers are on the keyboard and turns off the touchpad to avoid any accidental movement of the cursor.
• Dolby® Sound Room® - The Envy 133 offers a stunning personal surround sound listening experience with a suite of technologies designed to provide an enveloping entertainment experience from any pair of speakers or any set of headphones—ideal for environments where using surround sound speakers is not practical.
Design and personalization• Classic Voodoo Style - The clean lines and square edges that will define the entire Voodoo product line are epitomized in the Voodoo Envy 133.
• Coordinated Peripherals - All external peripherals - including the Voodoo Aura PowerConnect external ODD and HDMI-VGA adapter - are ID-coordinated to complement the Envy 133 notebook.
• Backlit Keyboard - The backlit keyboard adds to the Voodoo Envy 133's aura of sophistication.
• LED Display - The impressive 13.3-inch LED WXGA (1,280 x 800) screen is covered in high-quality fused composite glass that runs from edge to edge, eliminating seams and giving the system a streamlined look.
• Ambient Sensors - The Envy 133 includes an ambient sensor that adjusts the display brightness according to its surrounding environment.
• Color - Personalization is part of the Voodoo Envy 133 experience. Customers can choose from a full palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint finishes.
• Custom Finish - Customers can choose the custom carbon fiber casing with custom microweave design in black, or choose from a full palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint finishes.
• Laser Engravings - A selection of Voodoo Ink design options and Voodoo Iconograph patterns will be available to customers who want to give their Voodoo Envy 133 a unique look and feel.
Security• Lojack Recover Software - Every Voodoo Envy 133 includes pre-installed Computrace Lojack anti-theft software. When activated (activation purchase optional), customers can use it to disable and track missing systems.
• Grisoft AVG Professional - Each Voodoo Envy 133 comes pre-installed with Grisoft AVG Professional (1 year base standard).
Pricing and availability• Starting price is $2,099.(2)
• Starting this summer consumers will be able to use the online configurator to purchase the Envy 133 exclusively at voodoopc.com and at +1 888 708 6636.
(1) Internet access required and sold separately.
(2) Estimated U.S. street price. Actual price may vary.
Video: Voodoo floats 13.3-inch Envy 133 into the Air
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/308663804/
Filed under: Laptops
Continue reading Video: Voodoo floats 13.3-inch Envy 133 into the Air
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Omen bodes well for Voodoo's future
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/308682315/
Filed under: Gaming
Besides the new Envy 133, Voodoo is also launching its 22-inch tall, all-aluminum (glass, wood, and leather too) Omen tower. This time, for gamers. It features a 7-inch, 800 x 480 display for secondary information on the outside and a Voodoo designed water cooling loop on the inside to keep the fire down on up to 2x CPUs (16 cores) and 4x GPUs. The system tops out with a pair of 3.2GHz Core 2 Extreme QX9770 processors, 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM, and support for "next generation" NVIDIA and ATI graphics... at a price. Starting at around $7,000 and available exclusively to existing Voodoo customers at launch sometime later this year.
Monday, June 09, 2008
The CellularRecombomat: a cellular automata video synth that plays itself
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/308413494/
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
[Via MAKE]
Continue reading The CellularRecombomat: a cellular automata video synth that plays itself
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Toshiba aims to deliver laptops with Cell-based graphics this year (not using Intel graphics)
Toshiba has been touting its Cell-based SpursEngine graphics chip for some time now, but it looks like its finally starting to get a bit more specific about when we can expect to see it in actual products. According to Register Hardware, Toshiba will begin offering the chip in some of its multimedia-oriented notebooks sometime this year, with TVs and DVD players set to get it by the fall of 2009. The chip itself, for those not up to speed, uses its Cell-based technology (specifically, four of the Cell's Synergistic Processing Element cores) to handle some heavy-duty graphics processing, including upscaling standard definition content to high-def levels, something Toshiba has apparently taken to calling "super-resolution." Now word on what sort of premium (if any) we can expect to pay for such wonders, but Toshiba is apparently betting pretty heavily on the technology as part of its post HD DVD strategy.
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