Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, October 01, 2009

RT @bmorrissey - Ad-tracking widely opposed; most folks just don't like being "targets" - http://bit.ly/282T2Y

Nvidia Fermi Next-Gen Graphics Architecture Has 512 Cores for Radioactively Melting Faces [Graphics Cards]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/00Zm3izayQk/nvidia-fermi-next+gen-graphics-architecture-has-512-cores-for-radioactively-melting-faces

Fermi is Nvidia's new GPU architecture that's going to be the basis for all of its upcoming graphics cards. With 512 cores and 3 billion transistors, it will nuke Crysis.

The architecture really is a huge leap forward, according to people who've gone through it in-depth. Interestingly, the huge focus for Fermi is GPU computing. The first actual goods coming out using Fermi should be the GT300 series cards, which, besides the 512 cores sorted into 16 streaming processors with 32 cores each, uses a brand new GDDR5 memory setup.

PC Perspective has an epic write-up breaking down Fermi in detail that's worth a whirl, and of course Nvidia's got lots of fluff themselves all about Fermi. Strangely, they don't explain the name, which sounds like a sad little poodle. [Nvidia, PC Perspective, Anandtech]

Google Acquisitions and Investments Map Shows How Much Google Likes Buying Stuff [Data Visualization]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/le_Ike1Fzug/google-acquisitions-and-investments-map-shows-how-much-google-likes-buying-stuff

Google sure has a lot of money! And man, does it like to spend it! This map shows all of Google's acquisitions and investments, detailing just how vast and diverse Google's interests are. [Meet the Boss via The Awl]

Apple Buys Their Very Own Maps Company (See Ya, Google Maps) [Apple]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/whq1hRpLUsk/apple-buys-their-very-own-maps-company-see-ya-google-maps

The Apple/Google divorce continues to come into focus: Apple quietly bought Placebase, a mapping service company, back in July. Apple doesn't buy companies it's not going to use. Meaning, Apple's getting into making their own maps. Peace out, Google.

Seth at ComputerWorld, who put this together, points to a post on GigaOm last year detailing the awesomeness of PlaceBase vs. Google Maps—mainly, customization and tons of ways to layer multiple kinds of data sets onto maps, with an API that makes it easy to layer on those data sets.

So maybe Apple wants these kind of intensive, custom geolocation mapping powers for the iPhone (and other stuff), or maybe Apple just wants to roll its own maps, so it's not depending on Google for the tiles. Which would actually go along with the same kind of independent streak we've seen in other areas from Apple, like designing custom chips for the iPhone (and maybe the Tablet) using its PA Semi acquisition, instead of using the same chips anybody can buy.

If Apple's got a new Maps app coming that's totally un-Googley, does that mean we can finally get a real Latitude app, since it won't confuse us anymore? Even if Google's tiles stick around in the iPhone Maps app for a while, Apple's definitely doing something with their new toy. [CW]

Nokia Booklet 3G Will Be a Best Buy Exclusive in the U.S. [NetBooks]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Fxa5B48y4Wg/nokia-booklet-3g-will-be-a-best-buy-exclusive-in-the-us

With Best Buy confirming exclusive retail rights to the 10-inch netbook with built-in 3G and GPS, are all hopes gone of seeing its estimated $800 price subsidized by a wireless carrier?

Nokia has had trouble getting some phones subsidized by U.S. carriers in the past, so I'm a little concerned here. Because ridiculous price aside, the Booklet 3G has some kick-ass specs: Windows 7, 1280 by 720 (720p) screen, built-in accelerometer, SIM card slot and integrated OVi maps, claimed 16-hour battery life, and HDMI.

Other essentials include 802.11n Wi-Fi, 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor, 120GB hard disk and 1GB RAM—there's no Nvidia Ion love.

If you prefer not to deal with the Geek Squad, Nokia will still be selling the Booklet 3G online. But neither company has coughed up any more info on when it will be available (possibly October 22), or how much it will cost. In Europe, it's €575 ($810) before-subsidies. We'll have to wait and see. [Phone Scoop via Electronista]

TerreStar Genus: AT&T's first dual-mode cellular / satellite smartphone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/terrestar-genus-atandts-first-dual-mode-cellular-satellite-sma/

Welp, that didn't take long. Just a few months after TerreStar announced that it had completed its first call on the new bird, the revived sat phone provider has now announced the first dual-mode smartphone for AT&T. Granted, we knew these two would be holding hands in the near future, but it's still refreshing to see the Genus hit the landscape. The WinMo-based phone will ship with a 2.6-inch touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA radios. Oh, and it can tap into satellite waves too. This one's actually aimed at government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users, and while it's slated to ship in Q1 2010 for an undisclosed amount, AT&T assures us that a consumer-oriented version is in the pipeline. Too bad this only enhances coverage in the US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and territorial waters -- we always dreamed of phoning home from Komsomolets Island.

[Via phonescoop]

Filed under: Cellphones

TerreStar Genus: AT&T's first dual-mode cellular / satellite smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer's 12x BDR-205 Blu-ray burner is so fast it's ahead of its time

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/pioneers-12x-bdr-205-blu-ray-burner-is-so-fast-its-ahead-of-it/

We're still not sure if that many people are interested in buying Blu-ray burners yet, but Pioneer just unveiled the first 12x capable drive (up from 8x, and with an 8x read speed that gives us a great idea for the next PlayStation 3 revision) the BDR-205. Initially rolling out to OEMs this month, this drive couldn't wait for 12x certified discs to exist, though its full speed has been tested on Panasonic and Sony 6x BD-R blanks, "12x writing on all media cannot be guaranteed." Minus that caveat, expect to see these popping up on Newegg and the like any second now, the only price mentioned is for the full retail package BD-2205 coming Q1 2010 for $249.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

Pioneer's 12x BDR-205 Blu-ray burner is so fast it's ahead of its time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaCie's Sound2 PC speakers look good... real good

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/lacies-sound2-pc-speakers-look-good-real-good/

LaCie isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind when you think "sound," but it's definitely near the top in the design department. Neil Poulton, the same fellow responsible for designing the outfit's line of sleek, sexy hard drives, has placed his touch on the speakers you see above. The simplistic Sound2 setup boasts 30 total watts of peak power, and all it requires to function is a free USB port, an open AC outlet and an Earthling kind enough to connect it all. If you just know these would ~~look~~ sound great on your desk, get ready to fork out $99.99 for the privilege.

Gallery: LaCie's Sound2 PC speakers look good... real good

F iled under: Home Entertainment

LaCie's Sound2 PC speakers look good... real good originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart Devices SmartQ5a MID... now with Android!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/smart-devices-smartq5a-mid-now-with-android/

If you're a MID fan that's curious about this crazy "Android" you've been hearing about, it looks like the realms are colliding in many new and interesting ways as of late. E World, which seems to be owned by China Mobile, is selling the SmartQ5a touchscreen device pre-installed with Android 1.5 for $199.99. We know some of the more hardcore have been taking it upon yourself to install the open source OS on Smart Devices' 4.3-inch wonder for a while, but now the whole affair appears to have the stamp of approval of the People's Republic itself. We're just wondering who you'd contact if you have to take advantage of the one year warranty.

Filed under: Handhelds

Smart Devices SmartQ5a MID... now with Android! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Missed the Google Wave beta? We've got hands-on!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/missed-the-google-wave-beta-weve-got-hands-on/

Google Wave started limited beta testing today, but chances are you'll miss out on an invite, since the 100,000 open slots will fill almost instantly. Not to worry, though -- our in-depth impressions of El Goog's innovative new IM/email/everything service are still right here if you want to get in deep. Will Wave change the world? Only one way to find out.

Read - Google Wave beta testing begins
Read - Our hands-on impressions from last month

Filed under: Software

Missed the Google Wave beta? We've got hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Tao's photographer zooms out a little, better shot ensues

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/motorola-taos-photographer-zooms-out-a-little-better-shot-ensu/

Now that the Sholes has seemingly been gifted with a less bizarre, less reminds-us-of-a-shoe-insert name, pictures and specs of the so-called Tao are starting to flow en masse -- just in time for a possible introduction at next week's CTIA show out in San Diego (we can only hope, anyway). The first round of in-the-wild shots really didn't reveal much of anything, but the cameraman has elected to apply just enough wide-angle this time around to give us a full-on view of the high-end Android beast in its closed position -- and if this is what we're going to be getting on Verizon shelves, HTC (and heck, even Moto's own CLIQ) should be on high alert. So, who'd switch to Verizon for this?

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Motorola Tao's photographer zooms out a little, better shot ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google working to make electric vehicles charge more efficiently

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/google-working-to-make-electric-vehicles-charge-more-efficiently/

The idea to make plug-in electric vehicles charge more efficiently and reduce strain on the grid is hardly a new one, but it looks like none other than Google thinks it can do things better, and it's now reportedly doing some "preliminary work" in the area. As you might expect with all things "Google" and "preliminary," however, there's virtually a complete lack of details at the moment, with the company's director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, Dan Reicher, only going so far as to say that it has "done a little bit of work on the software side looking at how you would write a computer code to manage this sort of charging infrastructure." As Reuters notes, however, this isn't the first time Google has dabbled in the electric vehicle waters, with it previously forming a partnership with Toyota and Ford back in 2007 to test some gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles converted into plug-ins that run mostly on electricity, which Google says it has been testing "pretty intensely" over the last few years.

Filed under: Transportation

Google working to make electric vehicles charge more efficiently originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okoro delivers mini Media PCs with a full size price tag

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/okoro-delivers-mini-media-pcs-with-a-full-size-price-tag/

Continuing its streak of questionably high priced media PCs Okoro has announced the new OMS-Q100 and OMS-Q200 Quantum mini Digital Entertainment Systems. Combining an Intel Atom processor and NVIDIA ION in the OMS-Q200 and Mobile Core 2 Duo in the OMS-Q200 with 4GB of RAM with 320GB of hard drive space, 7.1 audio outputs, OTA & QAM recording capability (plus optional digital cable tuner) these tiny, quiet boxes could find a welcoming home theater somewhere, though the starting price of $1,295 may make for a difficult fit. You probably don't need our help to put together something equivalent or better for less than that, but feel welcome to it.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Okoro delivers mini Media PCs with a full size price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/sharp-combines-its-latest-lcd-improvements-in-lx-series-hdtvs/

Coming straight out of a brand new 10G production facility in Sakai, Sharp's line of LX HDTVs (in 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch sizes) are all sporting the latest in LCD technology with UV²A panels and LED backlighting. Unfortunately, like Sony, these new screens abandon the higher quality RGB LED technology of the pricey XS1 series for cheaper white LEDs. Still, with a price of around $5,000 for a 52-inch compared to the $12,000 sticker shock of the XS1, it's easy to see why the switch was made. Other improvements include a light sensor for auto-calibration, a six speaker (5 speakers on the 40-inch) integrated 2.1 channel sound system with "Duo Bass" subwoofer and the usual assortment of VOD and AQUOS network support in store for Japanese buyers this November. While already available on a few U.S. models expect the new tech to spread across Sharp's U.S. lineup shortly, not to mention Sony and anyone other parties interested in a piece of the company's suddenly expanded manufacturing muscle.

[Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]

Filed under: HDTV

Sharp combines its latest LCD improvements in LX series HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell's sensual Latitude Z now on sale, starts at $1,799

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/dells-sensual-latitude-z-now-on-sale-starts-at-1-799/

Mmm, sexy. To be honest, we're still trying to shake the butterflies we felt when we touched Dell's 16-inch Latitude Z yesterday, and if you'd care to join us, you can place your order right now. The base package gets going at $1,799 after a $200 instant rebate, and that'll net you a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo SU9400 CPU, 64GB SSD, Intel's GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics, 2GB of RAM, a 4-cell battery, 8x slot-loading DVD burner, 802.11a/g/n WiFi and a 3-year warranty. So, who's putting a dent in their credit card tonight? Be honest -- we're all friends here.

[Via Laptoping]

Gallery: Dell Latitude Z 600 hands-on