Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Friday, August 28, 2009

Creative Zii EGG orders shipped, hands-on videos posted

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/creative-zii-egg-orders-shipped-hands-on-videos-posted/

It looks like somebody's Zii EGG orders have shipped, and we got the video to prove it. A staff member named DaHarder over at the DAP Review forums has just received one of the lusted-after devices, and luckily for us he's given it the ol' hands-on treatment and posted the evidence for our perusal. "The screen," he says, compares "very favorably" with the S Series Walkman, with colors described as bright and vibrant, even if the blacks leave something to be desired. And how about sound? He rates it as being "the best sounding Creative player" he's heard yet, "and that's without any EQ/Z-Fi etc." Not too shabby for a development model, eh? But that ain't all -- peep the videos after the break, and then hit the read link to jump in on the conversation your own self.

[Via DAP Review]

Continue reading Creative Zii EGG orders shipped, hands-on videos posted

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Creative Zii EGG orders shipped, hands-on videos posted originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1080p Android demo'd, set-top boxes prepare for a new master

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/28/1080p-android-demod-set-top-boxes-prepare-for-a-new-master/

It is done. MIPS Technologies has demonstrated its enhanced implementation of Android running in 1080p via extended libraries to support hardware graphics acceleration and decoding on Sigma Designs hardware, a portent of set-top boxes yet to come. Of course, without any video or pictures or video of the blessed event (ISB Corp's previous OMAP based effort is pictured above) it's hard to tell why Android coming to TV is such a great idea, if its cousin widgets are any indication, there's a chance of being high on pre-release hype but low on desirability once it reaches the market. Still, the Open Embedded Software Foundation pledges to continue on shoehorning Android into devices beyond the mobile handset, but if it's shut down by a band of torch wielding villagers demanding the monster be put down, don't say we didn't warn you.

[Via SlashGear & LinuxforDevices]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

1080p Android demo'd, set-top boxes prepare for a new master originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

This is what it looks like when 99% of the waste is cut out of the advertising industry (pic) - http://bit.ly/mBPbz

Why ask 20 people for their opinion when you can get insights from hundreds continuously? - Metrics Metrics Everywhere - http://bit.ly/fNWaL

The 3M MPro120: It's About Time Pico Projectors Grew Up [Pico Projectors]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/7lSrIaTDsEU/the-3m-mpro120-its-about-time-pico-projectors-grew-up

3M pitching the MPro120 mini-projector as a "second generation" piece of hardware. For them, that means it's the first with the new MM200 projection engine. For everyone else, it could mean the first truly decent pico projector.

The last 3M pico experiment, the MPro110, was a mixed bag: Passable image quality was tainted by poor build quality and low battery life, and the overall experience, while promising, just wasn't quite there yet.

The MPro120 is a replacement for the MPro110, and on top of the verifiably awesome image quality from its liquid crystal on silicon imager, it multiplies battery life by a factor of six to four hours, pushes the life of its 12 lumen lamp to 20,000 hours, and adds stereo speakers, while hanging onto the prior product's 640x480 resolution and $350 price tag. Another difference: Assuming 3M's tightened up their hardware quality, people might actually buy one this time around. The MPro120 is due to land on September 1st. [3M]

COMING SOON TO A POCKET NEAR YOU: THE MPRO120

3M's New Handheld Projector Set for September Launch

ST. PAUL, MINN. (August 26, 2009) – This fall, Hollywood's biggest blockbusters are coming to a pocket near you! Less than a year after launching the MPro110 - the handheld digital projector that won the "Grand Award" in the gadget category of the Popular Science 2008 Best of What's New Awards – 3M announced today the S! eptember debut of the MPro120, the newest member of the MPro family. The MPro120 provides improved functionality, increased portability and an expanded feature set.

The MPro120 is the first projector to incorporate 3M's MM200 projection engine, the next generation of the MPro family. As announced at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, the MM200 engine uses an advanced liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) electronic imager and boasts enhanced image quality with a full color gamut. The MPro120 provides users with a robust battery life of two to four hours (depending on brightness setting) - enough to watch a full-length film – and, in full brightness mode, achieves a brightness of 12 lumens. Featuring an integrated flip stand, tripod, stereo speakers and a variety of input cables, the MPro120 is ready to use "out-of-the-box" with a wide range of today's most popular video output gadgets. And, as with its predecessor - the MPro110 - the MPro120 will be the ideal projection solution for laptops and netbooks. Available optional accessories include an adapter cable for Apple® products, component video cable and car charger.

"Following the success of the MPro110, the MPro120 will further reinforce 3M's leadership position in the development and implementation of advanced projection technologies," said Mark Colin, general manager, 3M Projection Systems Department. "The functionality of the MPro120 represents technical achievements that were manageable only by the long-term commitment to research and development that is 3M's hallmark."

The MPro120 will be on-sale September 1 with an estimated price of $349. Optional accessories are sold separately.

ASUS Puts Voice Recognition in 20-Inch Touchscreen EeeTop ET2002, Now Car Ready [All-in-ones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/6Wv5a2JcVIs/asus-puts-voice-recognition-in-20+inch-touchscreen-eeetop-et2002-now-car-ready

ASUS likes to throw crap against the wall to see what sticks and in this case they put voice recognition into its newest EeeTop. The software is accurate, but I'm not seeing the need for it in a 20-inch PC.

I do have to say the voice recognition seems to be on the ball from the video; it is actually impressive when Sascha, the German chap in the vid, butchers the pronunciation of "Kanye West" (around 3:46 in video) and the computer lady still understands it and plays a song.

But why do you need this voice functionality baked into an all-in-one with such a big screen where you are bound to have your hands somewhat free to control the touchscreen? Though I guess, it could be useful for when in a kitchen before cooking up a MacGyver Chef creation. [Netbook News]

Loch Ness Monster Discovered On Google Earth, Expert Security Guard Declares [Google Earth]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/ZC0NErYG4DI/loch-ness-monster-discovered-on-google-earth-expert-security-guard-declares

God bless The Sun—the most reliable, serious, and solid newspaper in the entire Commonwealth—because they have just discovered the Loch Ness monster using Google Earth. Or at least, that's what it appears to be in the photo.

According to the lighthouse of journalism and one of its experts—reader and security guard Jason Cooke, 25, of Nottingham—this is it. The real monster. Jason's scientific description leaves no room for doubt:

I couldn't believe it. It's just like the descriptions of Nessie.

But if that white thing is the Loch Ness monster, what are the blue thingies next to it? The top one seems like a giant snake. The lower one... I think the lower one may be a Loch Ness monster's monster poop. And the snake is pissed off because it hates floaters, so it's running away. For shame! [The Sun]

Now Available [Now Available]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/28lHzWF8XlM/now-available

ViewSonic is hoping to take advantage of the surge in popularity of pico projectors with their new PJD2121 Short Throw DLP featuring a 1:1 throw ratio that displays a 60-inch view area at a distance of 4-feet.

The projector is capable of producing 400 ANSI lumens, a 1,800:1 contrast ratio and an 800x600 SVGA resolution—not too shabby considering the whole unit only weighs in at 2.2lbs. One potential drawback to the PJD2121 is that it utilizes a traditional lamp which will require regular bulb replacement. The projector can be picked up now for $441. [About Projectors]

MSI's Wind Top AE2010: A 20-incher With More Grunt than Atom Nettops [PCs]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/HHZQzeswhPE/msis-wind-top-ae2010-a-20+incher-with-more-grunt-than-atom-nettops

The AE2010 improves on the AE1900 pretty much where it counts. The Atom CPU has been ditched for a faster Athlon X2 3250e, the memory and storage increased (4GB and 320GB, respectively), and the larger 20-inch touchscreen now does 1600-by-900.

That's not crazy high-def by any means, but all up, the AE2010 looks pretty good for $649. Compared to other all-in-ones that is. I mean, you can get pretty good laptops for that much, and cheap desktops are more upgradable. Still, those options may not have same touchy-feely (Apple Cinema display-like) good looks. [MSI]

Mystery Android MID found out to be Rockchip-built concept, caught on video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/mystery-android-mid-found-out-to-be-rockchip-built-concept-caug/

We've been playing hide and seek with this peskily mysterious Android MID for a few weeks now, and it looks like at last some light has been shed on the situation. The device is actually just a concept built by Rockchip to display its new RK2808 chipset, which is capable of decoding 720p and apparently squeezing into incredibly attractive, Apple-aping form factors. There's some action video which reveals that the hardware perhaps isn't so capable of pumping a smooth web browsing experience to its 5-inch screen, but sometimes you can forgive a bit of clunky when faced with this much sexy. No word on plans to put the RK2808 into a real product, but it sure seems off to a nice, buzz-filled start. Video is after the jump, but you'd better be prepared to rock out.

[Via pocketables]

Continue reading Mystery Android MID found out to be Rockchip-built concept, caught on video

Filed under: Handhelds

Mystery Android MID found out to be Rockchip-built concept, caught on video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI debuts Wind Top All-in-One AE2010 desktop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/msi-debuts-wind-top-all-in-one-ae2010-desktop/

MSI's just announced the Wind Top All-in-One AE2010 desktop -- a step up from the previous AE1900. The 20-incher boasts a 1600 x 900 touchscreen, an AMD Athlon X2 Dual Core CPU (an improvement over its previous Atom 230 / 330), onboard ATI Radeon 3200 graphics card, 4GB of DDRII 533MHz SDRAM, a 320GB hard drive, 6 USB ports, and a 4-1 card reader. This bad boy has a starting price of $649.99, and will be available next month.

Filed under: Desktops

MSI debuts Wind Top All-in-One AE2010 desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanyo releases LP-XU106, the brightest projector under 4 kilograms

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/sanyo-releases-lp-xu106-the-brightest-projector-under-4-kilogra/

Sanyo's just announced a new projector, the LP-XU106. The projector weighs in at 3.4 kilograms, making it what the company calls the brightest projector in its weight class. And it is pretty bright -- at 4,500 lumens and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. It also boasts Sanyo's "Easy Setup Function" to help out the projecting novices. The LP-XU106 will be available on November 20th, but there's no word on pricing as of yet. We'll keep you posted on that one.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Displays

Sanyo releases LP-XU106, the brightest projector under 4 kilograms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google makes over a million public domain books available in EPUB format

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/26/google-makes-over-a-million-public-domain-books-available-in-epu/

The deal may have first been announced somewhat quietly last month, but now that Sony's come out with what's arguably its most attractive e-reader to date, the availability of over a million public domain books in the Sony-friendly EPUB format is sure to garner a fair bit more attention. As Google announced on its Inside Google Books blog, those books are now all available for download starting today and are, of course, completely free and able to be used on the EPUB-supporting device of your choice. The move also takes on a particular prominence in light of Google's recent fight with Microsoft, Yahoo, Amazon and the Open Book Alliance, who have taken issue with Google's settlement with book publishers and authors that would give it the right to digitize orphan works and make the now out-of-print (but non-public domain) books widely available.

Filed under: Handhelds, Software

Google makes over a million public domain books available in EPUB format originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ViewSonic debuts WPG-350 for WiFi video streaming, PJD2121 for portable SVGA projecting

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/viewsonic-debuts-wpg-350-for-wifi-video-streaming-pjd2121-for-p/

Don't let your instinctual attraction to glossy items fool you. While the PJD2121 pico projector on the right is certainly the shiniest, it's ViewSonic's WPG-350 wireless gateway that we're digging the most. Assuming you've pre-installed the appropriate software onto the pertinent Windows / OS X machine, connect the bridge to a VGA display of some sort, and stream all the 1024 x 768 presentation content you want over 802.11b/g/n WiFi. Sure, it's not HD, but at $199, it's not the worst value, either, and it's still half-lustrous on the top. Looking back at the projector, the little DLP shiner boasts 800 x 600 output, 400 lumens, and a 1,800:1 contrast ratio. A $499 price tag definitely undercuts the Samsung offering we saw yesterday, but it's still way pricey for SVGA.

Read - Press release
Read - PJD2121 product page
Read - WPG-350 product page

Filed under: Displays, Portable Video, Wireless

ViewSonic debuts WPG-350 for WiFi video streaming, PJD2121 for portable SVGA projecting originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/video-sony-reader-touch-edition-gets-touched-desktop-software/

Sony's Daily Edition may be taking a front row seat in everyone's hearts and minds right now, but let's not forget just three weeks prior the company revamped its other two, decidedly network connectivity-free e-book reader models. MobileTechReview got its hands on the PRS-600 "Touch Edition," which scores points for an easy-to-use dictionary and enhanced note-taking abilities that are purported to sync to the desktop, at least eventually. Turns out the screen isn't as sharp as the PRS-505 and there's a bit of glare, but there's certainly more contrast with the new device. Last we heard both readers were due for check out by the end of this month, although as of this writing only Pocket Edition seems to be available on Sony Style -- and if you're already enjoying a Sony reader, you'll be happy to know that 3.0 desktop software is now making the rounds for PC and Mac. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Tom]

Read - PRS-600 review
Read - SonyStyle store
Read - eBook Library Software 3.0

Continue reading Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0

Filed under: Handhelds

Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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