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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Steam Is Most Probably Coming to Macs [Unconfirmed]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Y6Bh303ztNQ/steam-is-most-probably-coming-to-macs

If you're a Mac user, you may not know about Steam. By Valve (makers of Half-Life and L4D) it's the greatest game distribution service in existence—like an iTunes for PC games. Now, it could be coming to Macs.

In Steam's latest beta release, a search through its files revealed a number of OSX-specific assets, like a Steam dock icon (among loads of others). Since there's no reason for OSX resources—that I should add, are specifically labeled "OSX"—to make their way into a PC product, it seems pretty certain that, yes, Steam is coming to Mac. Hooray!

Now, with Steam imminent, all the Mac platform needs is the actual games! [Steam Forums via Kotaku, who crafted the excellent lead shot]

Honda shows off three-wheeled 3R-C concept vehicle

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/honda-shows-off-three-wheeled-3r-c-concept-vehicle/

Dig the idea of something like GM's P.U.M.A. personal transporter but wish it would make you want to say pew pew pew whenever you're driving? Then feast your eyes on the Honda 3R-C concept that's just been announced in advance of the Geneva Motor Show. Nothing even approaching a roll-out date, as you might expect, but the three-wheeled vehicle would apparently use a battery electric drivetrain mounted low in the chassis for improved stability, and it even includes a bit of room for storage in the front, along with a clear canopy that apparently shifts to a windshield to give the "pilot" a bit more headroom. Not much else in the way of details, unfortunately, but Honda might have a bit more to say after its official unveiling in Geneva next week.

Honda shows off three-wheeled 3R-C concept vehicle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pentax makes all-weather Optio W90 and superzoom X90 official

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/pentax-makes-all-weather-optio-w90-and-superzoom-x90-official/

Pentax is going for broke with its take on the rugged camera, the W90, which is unlikely to ever be confused for a svelte and stylish point-and-shoot. What it loses in looks, it gains in usability, however, as the 12.1 megapixel shooter can withstand shocks from a height of four feet, go nearly 20 feet under water, and withstand temperatures as slow as -10 degrees Celsius. The dustproofing is just topping on that rugged cake, though it still offers things like 720p / 30fps video recording and 5x optical zoom that are now considered standard camera specs. There are also three forms of shake reduction: one is post-processing of affected images, the second is by automatically increasing the ISO in low light conditions, and the third is the use of "exclusive software" during movie mode. We can't say any one of those will be as good as a well-implemented optical image stabilization, but at least they're there and might offer some assistance. As to the X90, it joins a growing band of 26x and above optical superzoomers, while adding the W90's 720p video mode and anti-shake plus its own sensor-shift stabilizer for good measure. Both shooters are expected in April, priced at $330 for the W90 and $400 for the X90, though we've noticed the former will show up a month earlier in the UK with a £270 ($417) price tag.

Pentax makes all-weather Optio W90 and superzoom X90 official originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lets Go Digital (W90), (X90) | Email this | Comments

Samsung's first Full HD 3D TV now available in the US, all 55 inches of it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/samsungs-first-3d-tv-now-available-in-the-us-all-55-inches-of/

Hope you're ready to see the make believe world in a new dimension 'cause Samsung's first Full HD 3D set is now shipping Stateside. Amazon shows a pair of 55-inch UN55C7000 TVs with 3D 240Hz motion technology in stock with a $3,299.99 price tag and free delivery. Yeah, that's a day earlier than expected but we doubt anyone's complaining. Remember, you'll still have to drop another $150 or so on the shutter glasses if you ever plan to flip the switch from 2D to 3D mode; something you might want to do when actual 3D content starts to arrive.

Update: Looks like Sears is shipping now as well, including the 46-inch UN46C7000 little brother for $2,600.

Samsung's first Full HD 3D TV now available in the US, all 55 inches of it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon Rebel T2i / 550D demonstrates 1080p video mode, collects glowing early preview

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/canon-rebel-t2i-550d-demonstrates-1080p-video-mode-collects/

We seriously need to open up an Austrian branch of Engadget. After treating us to a titanium iPhone, the Governator's homeland is now playing host to the first professionally shot 1080p video with the new T2i / 550D from Canon. Nino Leitner has shot a moody short film with a pre-production unit and his conclusion has been that the video you can obtain from the latest prosumer shooter is indistinguishable from the output of the mighty Canon 7D. High praise indeed, but not altogether unexpected considering the T2i sports an all-new 18 megapixel sensor (that is "very similar" to the 7D's) and has had its 1080p recording upgraded to the requisite 30fps to make it a viable shooting mode. Skip past the break to have a look at his results or visit the source for Nino's in-depth preview. Nikon, you've been put on notice.

Continue reading Canon Rebel T2i / 550D demonstrates 1080p video mode, collects glowing early preview

Canon Rebel T2i / 550D demonstrates 1080p video mode, collects glowing early preview originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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