Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Google's New Indexing System Is Fully Caffeinated [Google]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5559015/googles-new-indexing-system-is-fully-caffeinated

Google's New Indexing System Is Fully CaffeinatedGoogle's latest web indexing system, the tool that pre-scans the entire web to have a ready answer to your search query, promises "50 percent fresher results for web searches." It's called Caffeine. And it comes with staggering Google search stats.

The main difference with Caffeine is that, rather than search one entire group of sites (represented in that lead graphic as a layer), then another, less prioritized group of sites, then yet another less prioritized group of sites, everything with the Caffeine algorithm is pretty much indexed constantly. Teased for several months now, Caffeine is the sort of update Google needs to follow the pace of searching services like Twitter. And indeed, Google will need to maintain/continue such innovations to keep up—our world is translated from analog to digital in more, quicker ways every day.

So now for those wicked Google stats:

• Every second Caffeine processes hundreds of thousands of pages in parallel.
• If this were a pile of paper it would grow three miles taller every second
• Caffeine takes up nearly 100 million gigabytes of storage in one database
• Caffeine adds new information at a rate of hundreds of thousands of gigabytes per day.
• You would need 625,000 of the largest iPods to store that much information
• If these iPods were stacked end-to-end they would go for more than 40 miles.

[Google]

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Microscope Connects To iPads Wirelessly For Extreme Close-Up Views [Ipad Peripherals]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5559009/microscope-connects-to-ipads-wirelessly-for-extreme-close+up-views

Microscope Connects To iPads Wirelessly For Extreme Close-Up ViewsDesigned for the beauty and education industries, this microscope peripheral can connect to iPads wirelessly, displaying video and images of skin (or whatever else you shove under the microscope) zoomed up by 50 times.

It comes from Japanese company Scalar Corp, who hopes to sell 50,000 units this year. It's looking likely to cost just under $400 when it goes on sale in the US soon-ish, and has a compatible app which is already on the App Store. The AirMicro A1 microscope has a 5MP image sensor and 50x zoom lens, with the images transferring wirelessly to the iPad and displayed within the app, with the video shooting in 320 × 240 format at 15fps.

While it won't be for personal use it could definitely have its advantages in beauty clinics or schools. Going for a facial, for example, the beautician could show you just how bad your pores really are—though to be honest, I'd almost rather not know. [Tech-On]

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Macro Photography With the HTC Evo [Evo]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5559111/macro-photography-with-the-htc-evo

Macro Photography With the HTC EvoMagnetic cellphone lens attachments are admittedly ridiculous, but given that the HTC Evo has an 8MP camera (albeit sorta crappy), I can understand the draw. I mean, just look at what a macro Evo can do for some Fig Newtons:

Macro Photography With the HTC EvoNormal. Close-up. Macro lens.

Boom.

Good and Evo doesn't have a link to the particular magnetic macro lens they tested here, but they're probably right in suggesting that quality won't differ much generic manufacturer to generic manufacturer. Lenses cost about $30. [Ebay and Amazon via Good and Evo via Engadget]

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A HUD With Built-In Navigation Makes For a KITT-Worthy Windshield [Hud]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5559170/a-hud-with-built+in-navigation-makes-for-a-kitt+worthy-windshield

A HUD With Built-In Navigation Makes For a KITT-Worthy WindshieldIn-car GPS satellite navigation? Nothing special. A heads-up display for your windshield? Sure, we've seen that. But SpringTeq's WeGo HUD Navigator is the first to combine the two in one design.

The virtual image appears about 3.3 feet in front of the driver and measures 4.5 inches. The projector's 400x240 resolution and 13,000 cd/m2 brightness mean that it stays visible even in broad daylight, especially with the aid of an optical sensor that automatically adjusts brightness based on external conditions. Here's what else we know for sure:

• It runs Windows CE.
• It's got 2GB of built-in flash memory.
• It's dead sexy.

Additional pricing and availability info will come towards the end of the year, by which time we'll hopefully have some flying cars to put it in. And no, I don't think that's too much to ask. [GizMag]

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How-to: check your iPhone 4 upgrade eligibility

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/how-to-check-your-iphone-4-upgrade-eligibility/

AT&T's made it pretty clear how this upgrade sitch is going to go down for existing customers moving to an iPhone 4 on the 24th of the month, but if you want to double-check and make sure you're good to go (we can't blame you), there's an easy way that was briefly mentioned yesterday: dial *639# on your current phone. You'll be returned a text message from AT&T detailing your situation -- either you'll be told you can get a full upgrade price (meaning $199 / $299 for the 16GB and 32GB, respectively) or you'll be eligible at some particular date in the future. Not all's lost in the latter case -- you can still pay $200 more for the phone as an "early upgrade," which is less than the no-commitment price of $599 / $699. We'll have a more comprehensive breakdown in our full iPhone 4 guide coming later today, so stay tuned!

How-to: check your iPhone 4 upgrade eligibility originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple revises iOS rules on outside advertisers, cuts out Google, Adobe by implication

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/apple-revises-ios-rules-on-outside-advertisers-cuts-out-google/

Apple and Google's newfound rivalry in the mobile advertising space was already pretty interesting to watch as it stood, and it looks like things just got more interesting still. As expected following Steve Jobs' comments at D8 last week, Apple has now revised its rules on advertising in iOS to allow outside advertisers to collect stats for ads, but the company has included some language in the new rules that seems to effectively cut out Google's AdMob. While it obviously doesn't mention Google by name, only "independent" advertising providers can collect tracking stats, and Apple says that any "advertising service provider owned by or affiliated with a developer or distributor of mobile devices, mobile operating systems or development environments other than Apple would not qualify as independent." That would seem to not only affect AdMob, but Adobe and Greystripe's just-announced effort as well, considering it specifically mentions companies affiliated with "development environments other than Apple." We told you things would get interesting. Head on past the break for the complete relevant section.

Continue reading Apple revises iOS rules on outside advertisers, cuts out Google, Adobe by implication

Apple revises iOS rules on outside advertisers, cuts out Google, Adobe by implication originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink AppleInsider  |  sourceAllThingsD  | Email this | Comments

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iPad Pulse Reader app goes from keynote hero to App Store zero thanks to NYT (update -- it's back!)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/ipad-pulse-reader-app-goes-from-keynote-hero-to-app-store-zero-t/

Pulse News Reader -- a news aggregating app for the iPad -- got itself the ultimate stamp of approval yesterday by being featured in Steve Jobs' keynote speech. A few hours later, however, Apple had removed the application from its App Store, following a complaint by the New York Times that it was infringing on its rights. Although Pulse collates publicly available RSS feeds, the fact it costs $4 a pop is being interpreted as a "commercial use" of those feeds, and therefore a violation of the New York Times and Boston Globe's Terms of Use. Its makers have said they'll be getting in touch with Apple and stripping out the offending content, but it's certainly a head scratcher of a decision by the news company. We wonder if this signals the start of a crusade against all paid RSS readers or if Pulse has something peculiarly intolerable about it. Visit the source link to read the complaint in full.

Update: From what we're reading, it sounds like what the NYT is really complaining about is that its feeds are preloaded into Pulse, and that Pulse is using NYT content and images in its promotional materials, not that Pulse is a paid app. Seems like those are easy fixes -- we'll see what happens.

Update 2: And it's back! As we guessed, it looks like all Pulse had to do was resubmit without preloading the NYT's RSS feed and take some new screenshots of different sites, so that's just peachy. Still, it's insanely troublesome that Apple's first response is to just pull apps without verifying any claims or allowing devs to respond -- your store is still broken, Steve, no matter what percentage of apps you're approving.

Continue reading iPad Pulse Reader app goes from keynote hero to App Store zero thanks to NYT (update -- it's back!)

iPad Pulse Reader app goes from keynote hero to App Store zero thanks to NYT (update -- it's back!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAll Things Digital  | Email this | Comment s

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HTC EVO 4G sold out pretty much everywhere

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/htc-evo-4g-sold-out-pretty-much-everywhere/

It's being widely reported that the HTC EVO 4G is sold out all over the US -- at brick and mortars and online. And while we can't 100 percent certain that Sprint doesn't have a few hidden away in some of the less traversed pockets of this great land, the fact that they're selling out shouldn't come as a huge shocker. The phone overtook the Palm Pre to become Sprint's best-selling launch day ever, though we don't have an actual number of units moved. Be sure to let us know in comments if your local store has any left -- we'll be sure to stampede over there.

HTC EVO 4G sold out pretty much everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Boy Genius Report  |  sourceSprint  | Email this | Comments

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4Home, Marvell partner for energy monitoring plug computer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/4home-marvell-partner-for-energy-monitoring-plug-computer/

If you asked Intel what this is, the company would tell you it's an experimental power sensor; if you asked a storage guru, they'd ID it as the PogoPlug. Truth be told, it's a miniature Linux computer designed by Marvell -- who's apparently decided to beat Intel at the former function. Through a partnership with 4Home, Marvell's latest 2GHz SheevaPlug will become a smart meter that measures power consumption right from the outlet, ostensibly allowing you to figure out which blasted light the kids left on this time without shoving a pricey home automation kit into your walls. No word on how much it'll cost to keep tabs on your energy bill or when you'll be able to do it, but we'll ask those important questions and more when we see the device for ourselves later this week. PR after the break.

Continue reading 4Home, Marvell partner for energy monitoring plug computer

4Home, Marvell partner for energy monitoring plug computer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nexus One steps up to 720p HD video thanks to latest hack (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/nexus-one-steps-up-to-720p-hd-video-thanks-to-latest-hack-video/

Just more evidence that rooting is the only true path of the geek. The indefatigable coders over at xda-developers have just pushed out a download that allows the Nexus One to start shooting video at 720p resolution. You'll need to have at least CyanogenMod version 5.0.8test3, but once you get your house in order, you'll be enjoying one of the big touted features of the latest handsets on your five-month old Googlephone. Pretty neat, and what's even better is that work is already underway to improve audio and the fps rate, as well as making the code compatible with Android Froyo, it all just requires a bit more tinkering. So, hit the source link to get the download or join us after the break for a quick sample video.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Nexus One steps up to 720p HD video thanks to latest hack (video)

Nexus One steps up to 720p HD video thanks to latest hack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 152-inch 4K-resolution 3D plasma ships this fall

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/panasonics-152-inch-4k-resolution-3d-plasma-ships-this-fall/

Say goodbye to the former king of Panasonic plasmas, the old 103-inch that toured the country and took center stage in presidential elections is old news, moved aside for a new family of commercial displays including the 152-inch 4K resolution 3DTV towered over all at this year's CES. Just in case 4096 x 2160 is too much resolution, there are 103- and 85-inch 1080p versions available as well, but seriously, look at that thing. You know Mark Cuban is going to buy one -- why shouldn't you? Because you don't have $500,000+ laying around, because it can't possibly fit in your house, because you'd never go outside again if you owned one -- stop making excuses, it's unbecoming.

Continue reading Panasonic's 152-inch 4K-resolution 3D plasma ships this fall

Panasonic's 152-inch 4K-resolution 3D plasma ships this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePanasonic Japan  | Email this | Comments

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Nokia's 16 model house reveals a smokin' S series, N9 MeeGo?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/nokias-17-model-house-reveals-a-smokin-s-series-n9-meego/

Lovely home except for those pesky leaks. This Nokia house built (circa 2010) upon on a foundation of Symbian with a MeeGo roof is also sporting an interesting looking S-series smokestack. Most of the building blocks we've already seen including the flagship N8. The N9 is almost certainly Nokia's followup to the N900 and Espoo's first handset to feature its new MeeGo OS. But what's with the business-class E7, mainstream C7, and socially entertaining X7? None of these handsets have been announced, yet all three are at the top-end of their respective series meaning mean more functionality at a higher price. Still, the most interesting revelation is the S-series which Nokia has never referenced under its new naming scheme. The translated text from the S-series bullet describes it as, "A name reserved for limited phones. Mobiles that do not fit in other categories come in here." The first Moorestown phone to run MeeGo, perhaps? Hey, we can dream.

[Thanks, Mark]

Nokia's 16 model house reveals a smokin' S series, N9 MeeGo? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC EVO 4G meets magnetic macro lens, shoots gorgeous closeups

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/htc-evo-4g-meets-magnetic-macro-lens-shoots-gorgeous-closeups/

As phone accessories go, protruding lens attachments are rarely top of our wishlist, but this one here might just alter our perspective a little bit. Good and EVO have gone to the trouble of obtaining a magnetically mountable macro lens to test out how well the EVO 4G's camera performs with a little more optical prowess. The answer is that in spite of the inevitably goofy appearance, the jumbo Android handset delivered some highly impressive imagery, getting really up close and personal with its subjects and picking out exquisitely tiny details. The results are certainly of a caliber unobtainable with the default optics and well worth checking out -- the source link is where that party's at.

HTC EVO 4G meets magnetic macro lens, shoots gorgeous closeups originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Western Digital announces WD TV Live Plus HD with Netflix streaming

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/western-digital-announces-wd-tv-live-plus-hd-with-netflix-stream/

We have even more news from Western Digital regarding its WD TV line (and this time around it doesn't involve bricking your set-top box with a firmware update). Besides the usual suspects (including Pandora, Live365, and YouTube), the WD TV Live Plus HD is shipping with Netflix. Get ready to browse titles, manage your Instant Queue, and stream your favorite episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation on your HDTV -- in addition to accessing your sizable collection of legally purchased digital media via the device's USB connection and / or Windows 7 "Play To" functionality. Available now for $150. PR after the break.

Continue reading Western Digital announces WD TV Live Plus HD with Netflix streaming

Western Digital announces WD TV Live Plus HD with Netflix streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWD Store  | Email this |  Comments

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Acclaim Android slider revealed by Samsung's own site

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/acclaim-android-slider-revealed-by-samsungs-own-site/

We know you've been kept awake at night by this question: just what does the Samsung Acclaim look like? Well, thanks to one of our awesome readers, we now the first official pic of the handset. This was discovered on Samsung's site without too much effort, which might indicate just how excited the Korean manufacturer is about the whole thing. Clearly running Android as its OS, this slider offers a full QWERTY keypad with a dedicated number row and quite the curious coloration. Assuming Sammy didn't run out of dark navy paint halfway through, the cross pattern highlighted on the left may be indicative of some gaming inclinations to the R880. Earlier rumors peg the Acclaim's US Cellular-exclusive release at some time in July and also indicate a 3.2-inch screen gracing its visage. Can't wait.

[Thanks, Jason]

Acclaim Android slider revealed by Samsung's own site originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSamsung  | Email this | Comments

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