Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

India 'unveils' $20 laptop, the Sakshat

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/india-unveils-20-laptop-the-sakshat/

As expected, India's government unveiled the jointly-developed "$10 laptop" today, now priced at $20. Unfortunately dubbed Sakshat, which ironically translates as "before your eyes," the laptop is slated to ship in six months, with specs in line with what we've heard already: 2GB of storage, WiFi, Ethernet and 2 watts of power consumption. In fact, there really isn't much "unveiling" going on at all, since there's still no published image of the thing, or information about the screen size, RAM or processor. Some folks are also still skeptical as to whether a laptop can really be produced at such a low cost, since most LCDs alone would put it over budget, but we suppose we'll find out this summer. The laptop itself won't be subsidized, but the government will shoulder 25 percent of the cost of broadband for colleges, and there will be free e-learning textbooks available to students online.

Filed under: Laptops

India 'unveils' $20 laptop, the Sakshat originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung pulls a Samsung, leaks nine new models ahead of MWC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/samsung-pulls-a-samsung-leaks-nine-new-models-ahead-of-mwc/

In typical Samsung go-big-or-go-home style, the world's number two phone manufacturer is now expected to announce no fewer than nine new models at this month's Mobile World Congress -- and that's just from the EDGE-powered middle of the range on down. Starting with the most interesting of the school (if we want to go with a fish analogy here), the pictured S5050 brings high style, a 3.2 megapixel cam, 2.2-inch QVGA AMOLED display, and most interestingly, dual SIM slots -- an indication that this will very likely see duty in the Far East. Heading on downrange, the B5702 is almost as awesome but trades the high-tech display for a 2.4-inch TFT. Of course, there's more than just sliders in the mix; you've also got bars like the S3310, which supports microSD expansion, a 2.1-inch QVGA display, and FM radio (an almost ubiquitous feature in developing market phones). The E2210 holds down the clamshell fort -- but to get it, you'll have to be cool with a meager 160 x 128 display and a weak VGA cam. Heading down to the very, very bottom of the range, you get into a couple candybars designed to be accessible to the world's poorest: the E1125 and E1100, which rock 128 x 128 displays, a data-less GSM radio, and 300 / 200-contact phone books, respectively. That E1100 sounds suspiciously like the legendary Nokia 1100, doesn't it? Anyhoo, expect this all to break at MWC, along with the usual array of moderately more droolworthy high-end fodder.

[Via GSMArena]

Filed under: Cellphones

Samsung pulls a Samsung, leaks nine new models ahead of MWC originally appeared on Eng! adget on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transcend rolls out high-speed 192GB 2.5-inch SSD drive

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/transcend-rolls-out-high-speed-192gb-2-5-inch-ssd-drive/

It's not exactly the most spacious 2.5-inch SSD drive available, but Transcend's new 192GB model certainly isn't any slouch either and, according to the company, it should be more than fast enough for most users as well. That's due in no small part to its SATA II interface that helps push out read / write speeds of 150MB and 90MB per second, which are further backed up by a latency of just 0.2ms, and some integrated Error Correction Code (or ECC) to ensure that data is transferred intact. No word on a price just yet, but it looks like it should be rolling out any day now, if it's not already.

Filed under: Storage

Transcend rolls out high-speed 192GB 2.5-inch SSD drive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SIM2 Solar Series infinite contrast HDR LCD ships in Q2

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/sim2-solar-series-infinite-contrast-hdr-lcd-ships-in-q2/

After several years high dynamic range LCD technology is finally ready for market, now that SIM2 and Dolby are showing off this Solar Series 47-inch screen at the 2009 Integrated Systems Europe show. Just like last year's prototype, it's both brighter (4,000 cd/m2) and has a greater contrast ratio than any flat panel currently available. The 2,206 LEDs can provide up to an infinite contrast ratio and supposedly match real world visuals thanks to 16 bit color processing. The only bad news is that even with a name change to Dolby Vision, that ugly wide bezel from the BrightSide days still remains. We'll have to wait until closer to the Q2 shipping date to find out the price, but with SIM2's high end reputation it won't be cheap.

Gallery: SIM2 / Dolby Vision Solar Series HDR display

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

SIM2 Solar Series infinite contrast HDR LCD ships in Q2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coto

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheDieline/~3/kX5uc9I7A58/coto.html

Coto is a luxury fashion accessories company in NYC. Their slender, well-made neckties and hand made cuff links are stylish and understated. Their products are packaged in unique packaging. The cuff links are packed in tiny glass vials sealed with a cork and branded with the Coto logo. When they are shipped, they come nestled in a bed of reindeer moss. The ties are in round 'capsule' boxes that were also shipped in the moss.

(photo credits: Reuben Miller)

Here's some background info that Dominick Volini of Coto was kind enough to share with me:

"[about the cuff links] We are big collectors of curiosities. Our friend and industrial designer, Greg Buntain, made us bamboo vials when we first started the brand. We loved them. We played off of this vial theme to encase our links. Our cufflinks are specimens of nature – made from coconuts, tagua nuts, horns, briar root, etc... We also needed a durable case to house the delicate "fly" links which are made out of natural feathers. The glass vials and natural cork presented the links very well – like a message in a bottle washed up on the beach...relics from a distant island. The COTO laser engrave adds a nice clean branding detail.

[about the neckties] Playing off of the round-end necktie and sustainable components of our products, we wanted to create packaging that integrated these unique features. We fused two cases that we constantly use – tea containers and an old fly fishing reel case. We loved the round capsule aesthetic of the tea containers and the proportions of the reel case. Using recycled paper with a linen texture gave it the enviro piety and aesthetic we were looking for.

We wanted the exterior of the capsule to be clean – we are big fans of ample white space on web/print so we used....white. The interior needed to pop with our signature orange-yellow color we call 7AM (a good time to check the surf and see the beautiful sun rising). The branding is simple and understated as well – a tonal emboss/deboss "O" logo on the top and a small "COTO" wordmark print on the interior top."

"We use reindeer moss to buffer the capsule and vial in their shipping containers. It is a nice detail when opening the package – instead of finding packing peanuts we surround the cases with soft, sponge-like, natural moss. Full disclosure, we are also addicted to the woodsy smell of it."

More about Coto: COTO is rooted in a philosophy of self expression. It is a simple idea that penetrates everything we create – to be forward-thinking in our own unique way. We view the building of COTO through an artistic lens that provokes thought and, we hope, inspires others in our creative niche.

Our inspiration is pulled from a passion in art, sport, nature and travel. Nomadic surfers, isolated artists and culture-seekers ourselves, we embody the freedom and authenticity of a left-of-center attitude.

The COTO product offering is our platform of expression. Utilizing nature-borrowed, sustainable materials, we create a limited collection for those who appreciate the details. By using carefully selected components, each product reveals a familiar, almost vintage quality in character and craftsmanship. They complement a style of understated sophistication – for the sartorial and sustainably minded.

Nikon Coolpix S230: Nikon's Less Pricey Touchscreen Digital Camera [Digital Cameras]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/wOWvpzB2f4c/nikon-coolpix-s230-nikons-less-pricey-touchscreen-digital-camera

The touchscreen S230 differs from Nikon's first touchscreen camera, the S60 in a few big ways: It has real buttons where it needs them, the touchscreen works better (supposedly), and it's over $100 cheaper.

On the other hand, it's got a slightly smaller 3.0-inch screen, and it's not the slim wedge of sexy that the S60 was, either. It has most of the other software features though, like a paint application for doodling penises on people's heads, along with Nikon's fairly standard point-and-shoot kit, like auto scene-selector and image stabilization. Not bad for $230.

NIKON UNVEILS NEW S230 TOUCH SCREEN DIGITAL CAMERA

Playback and Zoom Controlled with the Swipe of a Finger

MELVILLE, NY (February 2, 2009) – Hot on the heels of the successful COOLPIX S60 camera, Nikon today introduced the new S230, which incorporates Nikon's innovative touch screen LCD, offering the cutting-edge of elegant design and intuitive operation. The S230 combines a 3.0-inch high-resolution touch panel LCD design with a new graphic interface that lets users switch modes, view and edit images and change camera settings with the touch of the screen.

"Touch technology is one of the hottest things in consumer electronics today and our new S230 is no different," said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "With the S230, our touch screen brings a new level of sophistication and interaction to consumers, by putting the power of the camera right at their fingertips."

Touch controls also give users a fun, creative way to do more with their pictures. The camera comes equipped! with a stylus that brings an element of personalization and expression. With the Draw Function, users can write or draw on their pictures. The S230 also has the Paint Function, which enables users to add fun frames and stamps to their pictures. The camera saves the images as copies, so the user always has access to the original picture.

In addition to the Touch Screen LCD, the S230 includes several innovative features introduced across the entire COOLPIX line. The S230 incorporates Nikon's world-class NIKKOR lenses, which deliver extremely accurate and high-speed focusing, and Nikon's EXPEEDTM digital image processing concept, which ensures high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness.

The S230 camera also includes new shooting modes, which Nikon has seamlessly integrated into the camera's interface. These include:
• Scene Auto Selector, which automatically recognizes the scene in your camera and adjusts the camera settings:
o The camera will select between six common scene modes: Close-up, Portrait, Landscape, Backlight, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape.
• Smart Portrait System, which integrates the following to make it a snap to capture stunning portrait photos of friends and family:
o In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM, which automatically fixes most instances of red-eye.
o Enhanced Face-Priority AF, which can detect up to 12 faces from a variety of angles, including straight on, from the side, or even in a multitude of three-quarter positions.
o Smile Mode, which automatically detects when your subject smiles and releases the shutter.
o Blink Proof, which automatically takes two shots and saves the one in which the subject's eyes are open.
• 4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization, which helps enable blur-free pictures, even in low light or unsteady conditions with the following features:
o Electronic VR, which compensates for camera shake within the image processing, which minimizes blurriness in photos and helps ensure crisp, cl! ear imag es.
o Motion Detection, which automatically sets a faster shutter speed and higher ISO if the camera detects movement from camera shake or if the subject moves.
o ISO 2000 Capability, which makes it easy to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions.
o Best Shot Selector (BSS), which takes a maximum of 10 sequential shots while the shutter button is pressed, and saves the sharpest image, making sure photos are crisp, clear, and detailed.
The new S230 camera will be available nationwide beginning February 2009 and will retail for $229.95. The camera will be available in five colors: Plum, Jet Black, Night Blue, Gloss Red and Warm Silver. The new S230 is one of four new S-series cameras introduced by Nikon today. Other cameras include the S630, S620 and the S220 (for more information, please see press release, "NIKON UNVEILS S630 NEW POCKET-SIZED 7X ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA," Feb. 2, 2009)
For more information about the new COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Give Your Eee PC 900HA a Touchscreen [Touchscreen Eee]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Ew-3cVz5D0g/give-your-eee-pc-900ha-a-touchscreen

As one of the few tablet lovers here, I'm going crazy waiting for the Eee tablet netbook. Maybe instead, I ought to just make my own out of Eee 900HA like these guys.

A member who claims to have "very little knowledge on computer things" managed to take about his 900HA and turn it into a touchscreen notebook. All you need is a screwdriver, some tape, a plastic card, a solderless touchscreen kit and some extra wires.

Pretty neat, if it works! A 900Ha is only $320-ish on Amazon and this method doesn't seem to add more than another $100 to the cost. Maybe if Asus hasn't released the T91 in the next month, it'll be time for me to get my screwdriver out. [Eee User Forum - Thanks Shoangore!]

Apple Tablet Described in Patent [Apple]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/lH02aU7lyWE/apple-tablet-described-in-patent

Hidden within the usual litany of claims in a patent awarded this January—titled "Display Housing for Computing Device", which covers their current portable displays—Apple describes a tablet display, with the display housing the computer device.

The patent describes several forms for these displays—most of them already in use in current Apple laptops—, and one of them describes the display as a "housing for a computer device", which includes the computer electronics within the display housing, sandwiched between front and back shells.

[0015]As a housing for a computer device, one embodiment of the invention includes: a front shell; a back shell coupled to said front shell to produce said housing, electrical components for the computer device being internal to said housing; and a foam stiffener provided internal to said housing to substantially fill unused space internal to said housing, thereby providing stiffness to said housing.

Like always, patents don't have to materialize into products, but it's always comforting to see Apple thinking about creating such a device. Or at least, contemplating the possibility and covering all bets in a patent. [USPTO via Electronic Pulp]

ClearCam for iPhone Stitches 2MP Photos Together Into 4MP Ones [IPhone Apps]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/z8JSIqGDDjg/clearcam-for-iphone-stitches-2mp-photos-together-into-4mp-ones

ClearCam is the latest iPhone app to go live on Cydia, home for the jailbreak apps, and turns your 2MP photos into 4MP ones by stitching 6 normal photos into one super photo.

Similar to the manner in which Gigapan created the 1474MP image of the inauguration, Occipital's ClearCam works its magic by creating a composite image using 6 iPhone photos taken in succession. This allows the photo to have the resolution of a 4MP image. And since the UI has infinite multitouch scale, you can zoom in as far as you want (a bit gimmicky, yes, but I did the zoom gesture 50 times, and it took 50 pinches to get the photo back to original resolution).

Essentially, you choose to snap a photo, then it runs off 6 of them into a directory. Then there's a two step process for enhancement. First you hit the button to align the photos, then you hit the button to enhance photos. It takes about 30-40 seconds in total.

Though the resolution is larger, it's worth noting that the image quality does not appear to increase substantially when viewed normally. Instead, the image—especially text—appears a little sharper and readable when zoomed in, and any obnoxious blur is eliminated for the most part. Files sizes are around 2x bigger than the normal image taken with the iPhone camera. Occipital says there's still room to improve as far as enhancement goes, but they need to work on keeping the file size low, first.

In addition to creating 4MP photos, you can also select quick capture mode, which fires off 6 images in 2.5 seconds, selects the best looking one, and discards the rest.

As for dec! iding to release in Cydia as opposed to the App Store, Occipital felt like the rapid shot mode would be rejected, and they didn't want to remove the feature from the app. So they've turned to the jailbreak community instead.

As mentioned earlier, ClearCam is available now through Cydia, and after a 15-day trial, the full version can be purchased for $15. [Occipital]

Extensible OLED Display Is the Stuff Dreams Are Made Of [Next-Gen Displays]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/_sBZ16K80Bs/extensible-oled-display-is-the-stuff-dreams-are-made-of

I would kill for something like this: An extensible OLED display that could be physically expanded to fit different aspect ratios. Bonus amazing detail, a mini-projector to display small images and icons on the desk:

I know that having an extensible display won't mean a thing for many people. If you can have a 30" 16:9 display, why have it adjusted to only 20" 4:3? Well, if you are as anal as I am, you will do it to watch Casablanca with no black letterbox side bands, for example. I can also imagine people adjusting the size for smaller workplaces, but maybe the most useful thing would be to sightly bend it to have an enveloping effect at its largest size.

Having a built-in, low-cost mini-projector to display icons over the desk is a touch of genius. I hate having the dock icons jumping or any other graphic overlay on my work screen, but visual alerts are necessary and useful. Having a simple mini-projector built in the display—to show simple alerts over the desk or the background wall—would be absolutely perfect. [Petit Invention via Oled Display]

Next-Generation iPhone 3G to Arrive on June, the Arabs Say [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/P6tFIfIhM30/next+generation-iphone-3g-to-arrive-on-june-the-arabs-say

The iPhone 3G is finally arriving to Etisalat—the censoring dreadful cellphone provider in the United Arab Emirates—but the interesting part is that they are hinting at a June release for the next version:

The latest 3G model will become available on February 15 according to Dow Jones, and etisalat will be targeting private and business users. Both post-paid and prepaid subscribers will be able to use the product and voice, data and SMS services will be available. And the next version of the device, which is due out in June, will be launched in the UAE at the same time.

While the article doesn't specifically quote Mark Davis, Programme Director for iPhone at etisalat, on the June release, it seems like the piece of information may have been dropped by Davis himself, given that all the article seems to be based on an interview with him. June seems like a logical release time, but this is the first time that there's a mention of a new version coming around that date. [Business 24-7 via Shuffle-Gazine]

iPhone 4G Concept Is a MacBook In a Phone [Concept]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/xd-jeYOnGQw/iphone-4g-concept-is-a-macbook-in-a-phone

Oh. So. Pretty. It needs some small aesthetic fixes here and there, but boy I would like to see something along these lines coming from Apple. And I like the fantasy specs too.

(Click on the image for a 1,600-pixel version)

• Titanium and Glass.
• OLED screen
• 3G
• GPS
• Front camera for iChat
• Removable battery
• 3.2 Megapixel camera
• Video
• 32 GB

Square is the new round. [Thanks Kyle]

Toshiba TG01 May Be Best Windows Mobile Answer Yet to iPhone and Android Camps [Smartphone]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/jBdpN1PsA3U/toshiba-tg01-may-be-best-windows-mobile-answer-yet-to-iphone-and-android-camps

There may not be a Zune Phone, but coming from Toshiba—the Zune manufacturer—the new Windows Mobile 6-based TG01 smartphone is close enough. And with a 4.1-inch screen and being 9.9mm thick, it looks extremely good.

And for those who hate the Windows Mobile interface (guilty as charged), the new Toshiba TG01 has a revamped interface that, on the surface, looks pretty. According to Electric Pig, the new phone looks amazingly good, specially next to the iPhone and the BlackBerry Bold, making them look "tubby".

Head to Electric Pig for a large gallery with details and other angles. [Electric Pig]

Amazon Game Downloads Store Offers 'Try Before You Buy' Titles for $10 [Gaming]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/2u1DDTWOEDQ/amazon-game-downloads-store-offers-try-before-you-buy-titles-for-10

Amazon has long offered music and movies for download and/or streaming. And now they've stepped into the wild world of video game downloads.

Amazon Game Downloads, still technically in beta (though open to the public), currently offers 600 titles priced at $10 and less. For any title in the store, you can download the full version and play it for 30 minutes before deciding whether or not it's worth a purchase.

As of now, it's definitely intended to be a service for casual games, but obviously Amazon will expand their reach as the market dictates in the future.

Oh, and for those of you who like freebies, Jewel Quest II, The Scruffs, and Built-A-Lot are all available for free download this week only. Live it up. [Amazon via Kotaku]

BenQ has much love for all-in-ones in 2009, none left for handsets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/benq-has-much-love-for-all-in-ones-in-2009-none-left-for-handse/

BenQ has much love for all-in-ones in 2009, none left for handsets

BenQ is one of those manufacturers that produces a lot of different electronics for a lot of different markets, but has apparently decided that 2009 is a good time to get a bit more focused. The camel-case company has no plans to announce or release any new handsets this year, instead focusing on a new line of all-in-one PCs dubbed nScreen, set to debut sometime after February. After that you can expect to see the usual selection of other gadgetry coming out this year including digital cameras, netbooks, LCDs, and whatever else people buy in the midst of global economic crises.

Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops

BenQ has much love for all-in-ones in 2009, none left for handsets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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