Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, August 12, 2010

One Fifth of Americans STILL Don't Use The Internet [Stats]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5610580/one-fifth-of-americans-still-dont-use-the-internet

According to a Pew study, 21% of Americans claim that they don't use the internet (and 5% still connect using dial-up). How is this possible? I think I've even seen homeless people peruse the internet on their iPhones.

Well, 34% of those non-users actually live in a house with internet access. Other than that, 48% think the web holds information irrelevant to their lives, 60% said they were uncomfortable with computers in general, and 90% just plain don't care to be online. And, not shockingly, over two thirds (69%) of those who don't use the internet are over the age of 65, while others may live in rural areas, have a low income, or lack a high school education.

66% of Americans currently access the internet through a broadband connection, though, and that number continues to climb. [Pew Internet via TechCrunch]

Firefox 4 Beta 3 Update Available Now For Multi-Touch Windows 7 Users [Firefox]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5610987/firefox-4-beta-3-update-available-now-for-multi+touch-windows-7-users

It's a small update, but a good 'un—well, for anyone using Windows 7 with a multi-touch monitor. A few other minor upgrades have also been included, such as new JavaScript values for faster graphics. Get the download now. [Firefox]

Start Building Your Smartphone's Kit With These Magnetic Lenses [Lenses]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5611140/start-building-your-smartphones-kit-with-these-magnetic-lenses

They say the best camera is the one you have with you, and for many of us that means the one on our phone. Photojojo's ingenious magnetic lenses are the easiest way to make your best camera even better.

The lenses—there's a .67x wide angle and a 180º fisheye—attach magnetically via a self-adhesive metal ring that you affix around your phone's camera, and supposedly they'll work with any cameraphone. The ring's removable, too, so using the lenses doesn't require any extensive or permanent modification to your precious smartphone.

The macro lens is $20 and the fisheye lens is $25, or you can grab 'em both for $40. For anyone who's into taking real photos with their cameraphone (and that seems to be a lot of you) these could be worth adding to your kit. [Wired]

Samsung shows off portable, HTIB 3D Blu-ray player options and the biggest LED 3DTV yet

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/samsung-shows-off-portable-htib-3d-blu-ray-player-options-and-t/

We had no idea that the Blu-ray players Samsung showed off at CES would just be the first of a steady stream rolling out this year, and today in New York it's showing off the latest set of 3D capable hardware -- many of which have already shown up on retail shelves. The $499 BD-C8000 is the first portable Blu-ray player that can handle the new 3D discs; while the 10.3-inch screen is 2D only, it folds WiFi, 1GB of memory, HDMI 1.4, a 3 hour battery and all of Samsung's DLNA and widget technology into its very netbook-looking shell for you to take somewhere that has a 3D-ready display. Though that's already shipping on Amazon, we'll have to wait until October to see the $1,799 HT-C9950W 7.1 home theater in a box system, specifically designed (& priced) to match those ultra-thin 9000 series displays (and their sweet touchscreen remotes). Speaking of LED edge lit 3DTVs, Sammy also mentioned it's ready to ship the biggest of the bunch with the 65-inch UN65C8000 (compare that to Panasonic's 65-inch VT25 plasma) which missed the original July launch projection but is already popping up at a few sites for pre-orders at a price as much as $1,500 below its $5,999 MSRP.

Gallery: Samsung 3D Blu-ray player, HTIB and HDTVs

While those fill out the high end of the product line, more frugal buyers of course have the option of selecting older models that are dropping in price, but there are a few new displays and players (that we've seen before) for them too. Samsung's finally officially launching the 50-inch PN50C490 we saw last month that does 3D on a flat panel display in 720p for less than $1,000. Right now, taking it from 3D capable to 3DTV is still an expensive proposition, but we'll wait and see if any new promotions throwing in the starter kit -- updated with a few new Blu-ray 3D exclusives including Dreamworks Animations' How to Train Your Dragon and two IMAX 3D flicks, Shrek series coming soon -- for free turn lookers into purchasers. Check the gallery for more pictures and the press release after the break for more specs and pricing information.

Continue reading Samsung shows off portable, HTIB 3D Blu-ray player options and the biggest LED 3DTV yet

Samsung shows off portable, HTIB 3D Blu-ray player options and the biggest LED 3DTV yet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Upcoming Apple TV loses 1080p playback, gains apps... and will be renamed iTV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/upcoming-apple-tv-loses-1080p-playback-gains-apps/

You might remember that we broke news of an updated Apple TV headed to market just a few months ago. If your brain isn't working right, let us jog it: a trusted Engadget source asserted that the gang in Cupertino would be releasing a $99 version of the set top box, similarly sized and packed with internals akin to that of the iPhone 4 (A4 CPU, 16GB of flash storage), and will introduce new iTunes streaming services the box could take advantage of. Well we've gotten a little more info on the project, and it's not all good. Apparently the box won't be capable of handling (or enabled to handle) 1080i or 1080p video. Instead it will only push out 720p clips. The word -- and cause for much internal debate, we're told -- is that this has something to do with the A4's inability to crank on higher resolution content, but we don't see how that's possible considering the iPhone 3GS could play back full HD video. Furthermore, the device will be getting apps and presumably an App Store entry, though it's unclear if there will be cross-pollination between iPad and iPhone / iPod touch offerings and new Apple TV applications.

Oh, and there's one more thing -- Apple will be officially changing the name of the device to iTV, abandoning the current moniker in favor of something a little more in line with its current iOfferings. Interestingly, that was the name of the Apple TV when it was originally announced by the company, so it appears Steve and friends aren't so much moving forward as going back to their innocent, untainted roots. Regardless of which direction the company is heading in name-wise, we can likely expect a full reveal sometime in the Fall... so hang tight.

Update: To clear up any confusion, the loss of 1080p is in reference to the previous information we had (linked above, and here) about the new Apple TV -- not in reference to the current Apple TV.

Exclusive: Upcoming Apple TV loses 1080p playback, gains apps... and will be renamed iTV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola's Droid 2 in the wild, looking as blue as ever

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/motorolas-droid-2-in-the-wild-looking-as-blue-as-ever/

And that, folks, is our first in the wild look at Motorola's second generation Droid. It's not officially supposed to hit retail until tomorrow, but that obviously hasn't stopped a delivery truck from unloading a few at a nondescript Sam's Club. We're still waiting to hear back on whether or not they're actually being allowed out of the store today, but hey, tomorrow ain't too far away.

P.S. - Nice Sony Ericsson mat.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Motorola's Droid 2 in the wild, looking as blue as ever originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/epic-4g-coming-august-31st-for-249-99-on-contract/

Like your Samsung Galaxy S with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a dash of WiMAX? Sprint's website has finally spilled the beans: the Epic 4G will arrive Tuesday, August 31st for $249.99 on contract (after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate). Oddly enough, we've gotten a number of screencaps from readers who see an August 20th date, one that coincides with an upcoming Epic 4G promo we caught wind of, but the press release definitively lists the 31st. No way to pre-order at this point -- reservations begin Friday, according to the press release -- but feel free to sign up for reminders. Whew, glad that mystery's finally solved. PR after the break.

Update: With Sprint now offering two Android-powered 4G smartphones, you're probably wondering, Epic 4G or EVO 4G? Fortunately, Sprint's got a video laying out the differences highlighting the Epic's Super AMOLED display, keyboard, Samsung Media Hub movie store (available post-launch), and DLNA to wirelessly send pics and video to other DLNA devices in the home. Check it out after the break.

Update 2: Although reservations for in-store pickup aren't set to begin until tomorrow, we've been tipped on a reservation link intended for premier customers. [Thanks, Miguel]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated)

Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Social Bicycles bike sharing system powered by iPhone app to hit NYC this fall

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/social-bicycles-bike-sharing-system-powered-by-iphone-app-to-hit/

Social Bicycles is a bike sharing system with a twist. Using an iPhone app, the system allows users to drop off, locate, and borrow a bike nearly anywhere. The bikes are equipped with a GPS device which is locked to one of the wheels, and when the bike is locked, it's locatable using the app, so that someone can borrow it; when it's in use and unlocked, it doesn't appear in the app. The real upside to Social Bicycles is that the regular infrastructure required for bike lending systems -- such as docking stations in a lot of convenient locations -- are unnecessary with this system, which can get by with regular old bike racks, making it a much cheaper, fly-by-night option. It's coming to New York City in very limited beta this fall, and we expect it to outperform Segs in the City in no time. Video is below.

Continue reading Social Bicycles bike sharing system powered by iPhone app to hit NYC this fall

Social Bicycles bike sharing system powered by iPhone app to hit NYC this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

CrunchGear | source

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Toshiba introduces 32nm DDR NAND with 133Mbps speeds, or MT/s if you prefer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/toshiba-introduces-32nm-ddr-nand-with-133mbps-speeds-or-mt-s-if/

It doesn't quite have the efficiency and capacity of this 25nm process, and it's not half as speedy as that planned 400Mbps, but Toshiba is moving up in the world with today's reveal of 32nm, 133Mbps toggle-mode DDR NAND. The new flash memory chips will go head to head with the similar 30nm toggle-mode NAND used in Samsung's 512GB SSD and the 166Mbps ONFi 2.1 chips that power Crucial's RealSSD C300 drive; each of the tiny black chips can store up to 32 gigabytes. Shame there's no word on when we'll see these speeding our PCs and iPods, nor any mention of price. PR after the break.

Continue reading Toshiba introduces 32nm DDR NAND with 133Mbps speeds, or MT/s if you prefer

Toshiba introduces 32nm DDR NAND with 133Mbps speeds, or MT/s if you prefer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E Ink begins sampling color and capacitive touch displays, on track for late 2010 launch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/e-ink-begins-sampling-color-and-capacitive-touch-displays-on-tr/

E Ink Holdings, the company behind the power-sipping screens contained within Amazon's Kindle and Sony's Readers, is keeping to its schedule for the biggest overhaul of its display technology yet. Color panels are reportedly now sampling out to device vendors and China-based Hanvon has already answered the call -- it promises to deliver color E Ink readers by the end of this year. Two varieties of touchscreens are also being prepared: the first is a capacitive panel to sate the kids' need to flick and swipe everywhere, while the second will include a pen-friendly digitizer that should make annotations a doddle (or should that be a doodle?). Better response times and reflectivity are also being touted, though the big question is obviously when this good stuff will make its way into mainstream devices like the Kindle. If you believe Jeff Bezos, that won't be any time soon.

E Ink begins sampling color and capacitive touch displays, on track for late 2010 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:01:00 EDT. Please see ! our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Dell Thunder prototype rumbles into the wild (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/exclusive-dell-thunder-prototype-rumbles-into-the-wild-video/

Did it get hot in here all of a sudden or is it just this extremely sexy prototype we're looking at? Yes, the Dell Thunder that boomed onto your internet screens back in April is back, and this time we've got video of it too. Our tipster reports an 8 megapixel camera with LED flash on the back -- which includes 720p video capture capabilities -- along with a removable 1,400mAh battery. His prototype's running vanilla Android 2.1 at present, though the final units can probably be expected to ship with Dell's custom skin on top. Screen resolution is purportedly 800 x 480, though judging by that 7 x 4 icon grid up there and our tipster's own experience, it could be even higher; the 4.1-inch display looks to indeed be of the OLED variety, as our earlier leak had indicated. All that and it has the looks of a pocket-sized supercar. Enough teasing, skip past the break for the video.

P.S. With Thunder now confirmed as an honest to goodness device (and not just renders), the rest of the April leak would seem to be validated including the Windows Phone 7 Lightning handset, the 7-inch Looking Glass Android tablet, and the two mid-range Flash and Smoke Android devices.

[Thanks, Fahad]

Gallery: Dell Thunder prototype leaks out

Continue reading Exclusive: Dell Thunder prototype rumbles into the wild (video)

Exclusive: Dell Thunder prototype rumbles into the wild (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gartner and IDC agree: the Android invasion's accelerating around the world

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/gartner-and-idc-agree-the-android-invasions-accelerating-aroun/

Last quarter we reported on some pretty stellar growth numbers for Android in the global smartphone marketplace. Back then, Google's OS had a 9.6 percent slice of the pie, but today that's ballooned to a robust 17.2 percent, meaning that in terms of end-user sales over the last three months, Android has nearly matched RIM's BlackBerry sales. That's quite the feat when you consider that a year ago the latter was shifting ten times more units than the former. This extraordinary growth rate has narrowed down Symbian's lead at the top, in spite of Nokia's favorite OS actually shipping on more phones this year, while the big loser of the quarter has to be Windows Mobile, which contracted both in terms of market share and actual shipments.

Overall, smartphone sales were up by 50 percent year-on-year, according to both Gartner and IDC, while Gartner adds that mobile devices as a whole grew at a tamer 13.3 percent pace. In terms of phone manufacturers' global share, Nokia and Samsung have held on to their top positions, LG, Sony Ericsson and Motorola have experienced some uncomfortable shrinkage, and HTC, RIM and Apple have capitalized to expand their portions. Looking over to IDC's smartphone share data shows, again, that all smartphone makers are growing remarkably well, but it does highlight HTC (129 percent) and Samsung (173 percent) as really improving their presence in the sector. The reason? Android, Android, Android.

Continue reading Gartner and IDC agree: the Android invasion's accelerating around the world

Gartner and IDC agree: the Android invasion's accelerating around the world originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ordro HDV-D350S camcorder packs removable pico projector

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/ordro-hdv-d350s-camcorder-packs-removable-pico-projector/

It's not the first video camera to pack a built-in pico projector, but Ordro's HDV-D350S does look to be the first camcorder with a removable pico projector. In addition to that accoutrement -- which pumps out a WVGA image at 15 lumens -- you'll get full 1080p recording, a 10x optical zoom, a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, and an SD / SDHC card slot for storage. Of course, you'll also have to pay a considerable premium over your usual 1080p camcorder from a little known manufacturer -- look for this one to set you back $549.

Ordro HDV-D350S camcorder packs removable pico projector originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

PicoProjector-info.com | source

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Time Warner Cable developing iOS app, laptime viewing may never be the same (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/time-warner-cable-developing-ios-app-laptime-viewing-may-never/

Time Warner Cable developing iPhone/iPad app, laptime viewing may never be the same (video)

Looks like TWC is the latest victim of tablet fever. Not wanting to get left behind as Comcast flaunts its iPad app for remote scheduling, Time Warner Cable is showing off its own, slated to hit the iPad and the iPhone at some point in the future. (It's called "prototyping work" at this point.) The app would allow a subscriber to view current TV listings and change their DVR's recording schedule from afar, plus use intuitive searches to find new content. That's promising, because whenever we search through TWC's current Scientific Atlanta DVR interface we wind up spiking our remote control in frustration, and that's getting expensive. Even more promising is the plan to pump TV Everywhere to iOS and, down the road, to provide an API for other devs to write their own apps against. Care to watch a bunch of TWC executives lounging in a corner office while discussing the app? Check the video after the break. It's part one of a series and, if you stay awake through all four, you win a prize!

Continue reading Time Warner Cable developing iOS app, laptime viewing may never be the same (video)

Time Warner Cable developing iOS app, laptime viewing may never be the same (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATI CrossFireX versus NVIDIA SLI: performance scaling showdown

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/ati-crossfirex-versus-nvidia-sli-performance-scaling-showdown/

We know who the daddy is when it comes to single-card graphics performance, and we've even witnessed NVIDIA and ATI duking it out with multiple cards before, but this here roundup is what you might call comprehensive. Comparing a mind-boggling 23 different configurations, the Tech Report guys set out to determine the best bang for your DirectX 11 buck. Their conclusion won't shock those of you who've been following the recent love affair between reviewers and NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 460: a pair of these eminently affordable cards regularly outpaced the best single-GPU solutions out there. Slightly more intriguing, however, was the discovery that its elder siblings, the GTX 470 and 480, have improved in performance to the point of being markedly ahead of ATI's Radeon HD 5870, with the blame for this shift being put squarely on the shoulders of NVIDIA's driver update team. Hurry up and give the source a read while it's still fresh, we can't imagine ATI letting this be the status quo for too much longer.

ATI CrossFireX versus NVIDIA SLI: performance scaling showdown originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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