Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Hitachi introduces trio of ultra-bright projectors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/hitachi-introduces-trio-of-ultra-bright-projectors/


Hitachi's latest trifecta wasn't designed for your surely swank abode per se, but we suppose those with enough cash and willpower can do anything they darn well please. That said, the CP-X10000 (1,024 x 768), CP-WX11000 (1,280 x 800) and CP-SX12000 (1,400 x 1,050) can all handle professional (read: lit) settings with ease, featuring 7,500 / 6,500 / 7,000 lumens, respectively. The whole lot also boasts a 2,500:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit signal processor, HDMI / BNC connectors, Ethernet, an RS-232 control port and a lamp good for 10,000 maintenance-free hours. Mum's the word on price, but don't worry, these are going on the corporate card anyway.

[Via I4U News]

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Hitachi introduces trio of ultra-bright projectors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon announces Samsung Omnia for $249.99

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/verizon-announces-samsung-omnia-for-249-99/


If it's a 5-megapixel cameraphone you're looking for, there are decidedly cheaper entries on the market -- but if only a 5-megapixel WinMo Professional set will do, the Omnia's just about the best (read: only) deal you'll find on an American carrier these days. The CDMA translation of the smartphone that Samsung's been selling in other parts of the world for much of 2008 in GSM form carries over most of its key features, namely Windows Mobile 6.1 with TouchWiz, WiFi, DivX certification, the love-it-or-hate-it optical directional pad, and that beefy cam with flash and autofocus. It also nabs VZ Navigator support, stereo Bluetooth, a 3.2-inch 400 x 240 display, and 8GB of internal memory. Gives pause to that imminent Touch Pro purchase, doesn't it? Look for it to be available for order this week -- a full retail launch is expected come December 8 -- for $249.99 after rebate on a two-year contract.

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Verizon announces Samsung Omnia for $249.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Mini 9 gets built-in AT&T 3G option

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/dell-mini-9-gets-built-in-atandt-3g-option/

It's never been much of a secret that the Dell Mini 9 has been 3G-ready from day one, and Vodafone customers have been able to get a 3G-equipped model direct from the carrier for a little while now, but it looks like folks in the US can now finally get in on the mobile broadband action as well, with a built-in 3G option now configurable on Dell's site. Unfortunately, anyone that already took the plunge on a Mini 9 is out of luck, as the $125 upgrade is only available new orders (and only available on Windows XP-equipped models). If that doesn't preclude you, however, you can also expect to get a $120 rebate if you're willing to sign a two-year contract for AT&T's DataConnect service, although it looks like you'll also have to put up with a delay in your ship date at the moment.

[Via Mobility Site, thanks Chris]

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Dell Mini 9 gets built-in AT&T 3G option originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nanotech Material Never Gets Wet, Even When Wet [Nanotechnology]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/z_6rDMyZBJQ/nanotech-material-never-gets-wet-even-when-wet

Through the magic of nanotechnology (we use "magic" only ever so figuratively), chemists from the University of Zurich have developed a new fabric that never gets wet, even after being completely submerged in water for two months.

The fabric is constructed of polyester fibers that are covered in a layer of 40-nanometer-wide silicone nanofilaments. These nanofilaments are spiky and cause water to sit in a sphere above the fabric, a permanent pocket of air protected safely below.

Not only could the fabric create a self-cleaning clothing; it reduces drag in water by 20%. In other words, Michael Phelps could go without washing his bathing suit ever again—a prospect that's probably in mixed demand depending on the specific sexual orientation of the fan. [newscientist]


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Blockbuster MediaPoint Set-Top Box Out Now For $99 [Blockbuster]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/JNGM7xu_U6Y/blockbuster-mediapoint-set+top-box-out-now-for-99

Seems like the threat of Netflix partnering up with everyone for TV downloading services has spurred Blockbuster into action. The video rental chain has finally confirmed rumors that it'll launch its own set-top box before the end of the year. For a "limited time," their 2Wire-built MediaPoint player will be free and give you an advance rental of "25 first-run movies, TV shows, foreign or classic films from Blockbuster On-Demand for $99." Anything after that is $1.99 a piece.

Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said the box—which measures 8x8x1 and includes two USB ports, an HDMI port, Ethernet and WiFi, and an SD slot—is just a trial to check out consumer responses and "keep up with emerging technology." Okay... except you know, Keyes, you're kind of going into an already crowded market now. When everybody and their mother already owns another set-top box offering, what are the chances they're going to switch to Blockbuster's option?

Blockbuster and 2Wire Introduce New Digital Media Player

MediaPoint™ digital media player provides instant entertainment from BLOCKBUSTER ® ONDEMAND straight to television

Thousands of titles offered including new releases like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Smart, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, The Strangers, The Love Guru

DALLAS, TX and SAN JOSE, CA — November 25, 2008— Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B), a leading global provider of media entertainment, and 2Wire, a provider of integrated broadband solutions, today introduced the 2Wire MediaPoint™ digital media player, an easy-to-use, on-demand video solution that offers movie fans instant access through their television sets to BLOCKBUSTER® ONDEMAND content, including thousands of titles from the latest movie releases to classic favorites.

Beginning today, for a limi! ted time , the MediaPoint digital media player is available free with the advance rental of 25 BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND movies for $99 at www.blockbuster.com. Unlike subscription-based services, which typically offer movies years after their release, BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND includes hot new releases, many available within weeks of leaving theaters. After the initial 25 rentals, movies are available for as little as $1.99 each. The players will begin shipping in time for the holiday season.

"The MediaPoint digital player, featuring BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND, is entertainment made easy. We are bringing Blockbuster, and the thousands of movies in our digital library, straight to customers' televisions," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster Chairman and CEO. "The player is simple to use, delivers DVD quality video, and there's no monthly subscription commitment. We are delighted to team with 2Wire to give consumers this great entertainment product."

Easy to install, the MediaPoint digital media player works seamlessly with any broadband connection, either wirelessly via built-in Wi-Fi or wired via Ethernet cable, to deliver the hottest new movies, classics, foreign films and television shows from the BLOCKBUSTER digital library. With full fast-forward, rewind, and pause capabilities, the viewing experience is DVD quality, no matter the speed of the broadband connection. Movies can be played right away or saved to watch later. Additionally, the player supports HD video content and can be connected to HDTVs.

"To be successful, a broadband video offering needs to deliver movies that people want to see, in the quality they expect, with minimal setup requirements," said Pat Romano, chief executive officer of 2Wire. "BLOCKBUSTER ONDEMAND and the MediaPoint digital media player give movie fans what they want. We are thrilled to help bring this service to the living room, providing immediate access to high quality movies directly on the television set."

The MediaPoint digital media player is extrem! ely comp act – about the size of two boxes of movie candy – and can be integrated seamlessly into home entertainment systems through composite cable, HDMI, component cable, or Toslink.

Technical Details
In the Box

* 2Wire MediaPoint Digital Media Player (8" x 8" x 1")
* Quick Installation Guide
* Power Adapter
* Composite A/V cable (supports SD viewing)
* Remote Control
* AAA Batteries

- more -
Blockbuster/2Wire
Page Two

Video and Audio Connections

* Composite
* Component *
* HDMI*
* Stereo Audio
* Toslink (digital optical audio)*

Network Connections

* Ethernet*
* Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)

*cable must be purchased separately


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Amazing Hydrogen Fuel Tank Being Made Of Buckyballs And Graphene [Future Fuel]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/BLrnTZ1GoPc/amazing-hydrogen-fuel-tank-being-made-of-buckyballs-and-graphene

We've talked a lot about hydrogen and fuel cells here on Giz, mainly because it's the wonder fuel of the near future, but storing dangerous H2 is tricky: something a team at the University of Crete thinks it's solved. The US Department of Energy reckons a tank should store 6% H2 by mass, and current tech can only do about 2%. The Greek team's tank is amazing: it's constructed of two wondermaterials. Carbon Buckytubes connect layers of graphene to make a huge matrix—so far they've built a tank with Buckyballs instead of tubes, but they'll have that finished by Christmas. And theoretically it can store 6.1% H2. [NewScientist]


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Intel, Micron start churning out 34nm, 32Gb NAND Flash chips

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/intel-micron-start-churning-out-34nm-32gb-nand-flash-chips/


Intel and Micron's subsidiary IM Flash Technologies first announced its first-of-its-kind 34nm NAND Flash memory back in May of this year and, as promised, it's now finally followed through on things pushed 'em into mass production. The chip's themselves are 32 gigabit multi-level cell chips, and can hold 4GB of memory on their own, or be stacked on top of each other in a standard 48-lead thin small-outline package (TSOP) to hold up to 64GB. That, the companies say, will not only allow for increased storage in small form factor devices, but less expensive solid state drives as well, given the reduced manufacturing costs. They're apparently still a little ways away from finding their way into some actual products, however, with the companies only going so far as to say that the first samples are on track for early 2009

[Via Electronista]

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Intel, Micron start churning out 34nm, 32Gb NAND Flash chips originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Optoma DLP Pico projector "coming soon" to US

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/optoma-dlc-pico-projector-coming-soon-to-us/


The last time we saw it, Optoma's tiny Pico projector was being launched in Japan, and now it's finally been officially announced for the US. If by chance you've forgotten, the PK-101 has a 480 x 320 resolution, 9 ANSI lumens, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, gets up to 2 hours of battery life and has a 0.5 watt speaker. The most important feature of the projector of course, is its miniscule size (51 × 105 × 17-mm / 120g), which, we admit, is really, really, small. We don't have an exact release date, but we're assured that it's "coming soon" and that it'll run you about $400.

[Via About Projectors]

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Optoma DLP Pico projector "coming soon" to US originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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zzzPhone now shipping with Android? T-Mobile doesn't seem terribly concerned

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/zzzphone-now-shipping-with-android-t-mobile-doesnt-seem-terrib/


Those crazy zzzPhone kids are at it again, and this time they're jumping on the open handset bandwagon. Sure, the whole thing has always seemed excessively shady, and as far as we can tell no one has ever received a one of these devices, but apparently the made-to-order cellphone is now "shipping" with Android. If the optional TV tuner, 100,000 candlepower flashlight, or solid gold case (decked out with one karat diamonds) wasn't enough to lure you in, maybe this new development will seal the deal for you. Of course we're dying to put the modular mobile boom box attachment through its paces, but not so much that we'll be sending our hard earned cash over to the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone any time soon.

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zzzPhone now shipping with Android? T-Mobile doesn't seem terribly concerned originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia's QWERTY slider E75 spotted in the wild again

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/nokias-qwerty-slider-e75-spotted-in-the-wild-again/


In the "form factors Nokia hasn't fully explored, but probably should" bucket, side-sliding QWERTY candybars ranks pretty dang high on the list, so we're delighted to see that -- as far as we can tell, anyway -- Espoo's still hard at work banging out the details of its E75. We're told to expect WiFi (naturally), a 3.2-megapixel camera, and a 2.4-inch display, but more importantly, you've got a generous keyboard that should give the S740 a serious run for its money. We're a bit concerned about usability on a totally flush keyboard like this (E90 anyone?), but hey, maybe that's the reason it hasn't been announced yet, right?

[Via Boy Genius Report]

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Nokia's QWERTY slider E75 spotted in the wild again originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia slips out 5 megapixel 6260 slide with AGPS, a first for S40 devices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/nokia-slips-out-5-megapixel-6260-slide-with-agps-a-first-for-an/


Peeped in spy pics on these Interwebs since June, Nokia just went official with the 6260 slide. Unfortunately, "slide" in this case reveals a numeric keypad not a QWERTY. Otherwise, it's pretty much an iterative step beyond the 6220 classic. As such, we're looking at a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, WiFi, and HSDPA/HSUPA data to quickly share photos and video on Nokia's Ovi service with the promise of support for other photo and video sharing sites you might actually use. The 6260 slide also features Nokia Maps riding AGPS -- a first for a mass market, Series 40 device. Ships in early 2009 for about €299 before taxes and carrier subsidies, naturally.

Update: Detailed specs just released show a 2.4-inch, 320 x 480 pixel display on this 15.4-mm thick slider with quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band UMTS radios and microSD expansion. [Thanks, L]


Read -- Press Release
Read -- Detailed Specs [Warning: PDF]

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Nokia slips out 5 megapixel 6260 slide with AGPS, a first for S40 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic puts forth proposal for 3D standard on Blu-ray Disc

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/panasonic-puts-forth-proposal-for-3d-standard-on-blu-ray-disc/


For those of you plugging your ears whilst humming along in hopes of this whole 3D revolution fading away, we've got a rude awakening headed your way. Just days after hearing that the HDMI specification could be updated to better handle stereoscopic 3D content, along comes word that Panasonic has submitted a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) for an official BD standard to store 3D imagery formed of "left / right-eye two-channel Full HD images." Panny reportedly made the move early in order avoid a format war, but really, it's just looking to cash in on royalties for the next decade five years or less. It's no secret that movie studios are dead set on moving forward with 3D production -- might as well be ready on the other end, right?

[Image courtesy of 3DS]

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Panasonic puts forth proposal for 3D standard on Blu-ray Disc originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's HDX18 desktop replacement reviewed: rocks those socks right off

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/hps-hdx18-desktop-replacement-reviewed-rocks-those-socks-right/

It's takes a -- how do you say? -- special type of person to get all jazzed about an 18-inch laptop, but given that there's a solid chance you're one of those folks, we figured it prudent to pass along PC World's review of HP's beastly HDX18. Obviously designed with multimedia in mind and to possibly take the place of your desktop, this sucker performed satisfactorily in all the basic, everyday tasks as well as those media playing duties. It's not meant for hardcore gamers, but you probably already knew that. Amazingly, the included battery lasted nearly three hours before petering out, which is pretty astounding for an 8.9-pound energy destroyer. At the end of the day, critics found enough to love to slap down a 90 out of 100 rating, noting that anyone crazy enough to want a "laptop" this big (save for FPS freaks) would likely find lots to love. In more ways than one.

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HP's HDX18 desktop replacement reviewed: rocks those socks right off originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Web Analytics and Tracking Your Online Marketing Campaigns, Why Starting With a Basic Analytics Foundation is a Smart Way to Go

Source: http://www.hmtweb.com/blog/2008/11/web-analytics-and-tracking-your-online.html

Web analytics, basic setup and strong foundation.You woke up earlier than usual this morning, eager to start the day. This is not your typical week... You've got a new product launching and you are having some final meetings to make sure everything is covered with your online marketing campaigns. In one of your last meetings before the launch, your CMO walks in and says, "Great work on developing the campaign and I'm excited to see the results. When can I expect to see some reporting detailing how each channel is performing?" Crickets chirp… {Since this is my blog post, I have the power to freeze time for 10 minutes so I can explain more about web analytics and help you craft your answer to your CMO. Please continue reading.} There's no reason that tracking online marketing campaigns should be an issue, although unfortunately, many times it is. There is a lot of talk about bleeding edge web analytics, and believe me, I'm excited about those advancements. But I would be careful with how you implement your web analytics package, or more importantly, how fast you move to an advanced tracking setup.

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Scarab is Small, Scarab is Fast, Scarab is Hot

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/458135754/

Think hand-held pocket bikes! Mini Cooper small edition! Smart Car ant size! All of these are just basically giants compared to the hot insect-style transport. It is called the Scarab. It’s got multiple driving modes: fast to slow, perfect park mode, sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS, guns, knives, sharp sticks!

WHOA before we go any further: I got carried away there. No guns or knives allowed. But If you ask nicely, you can probably bring your sharp sticks.

A designer by the name of David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves presents the Scarab:

The aim of this project was to develop guidelines and a holistic solution for a new system of urban transport, composed of vehicle and infrastructure, in a sustainable way and adaptable to various urban environments.

And the specs for the potential vehicle:

-The vehicle is composed of interchangeable modules that can be customized.
-Powerpack module composed of a permanent battery plus 3 options for the main energy pack (battery, biofuel ICE or a fuel cell).
-4 wheel drive through electric brushless in-wheel motors with directdrive.
-Wheels with regenerative braking through EW Brakes.
-Drive by wire and tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy.
-Structural elements in Carbon-Aramid composite.
-Embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS. These serve to exchange information with the system, with other drivers and to have precise location data.
-Renting of the vehicle or modules that allows for a private/public/mixed utilization and transport access for people with less financial resources.
-Doesn't need new infrastructures.
-Is backward compatible with current transport systems and uses current day technologies.

Of course this calls to mind the film “Minority Report,” as most conceptual vehicles and weapons do. But beyond that, this doesn’t seem too far away from reality. In many ways superior to the motorcycle: size for stability, cover from the elements, storage space, and since it would be a “brand new amazing thing,” a million billion of them would be produced, so they’d be pretty much free, right?

right?

Designer: David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves

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