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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Panasonic unleashes Lumix ZS10, ZS8, FX78, and TS3 point-and-shoot cameras

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/panasonic-unleashes-lumix-zs10-zs8-fx78-and-ts3-point-and-sho/

Thought Panasonic was done unleashing Lumix point-and-shoots for a bit? Us too, but apparently the compact cam fun isn't over yet. Yep, in addition to the eight it released earlier this month at CES, the company has four new ones for your eyes only tonight. Naturally, we've got all the important details and few glossy shots below. Oh, and if that's not enough for ya, you can always hit the break for the full press releases.

Up first are two new powerful shooters joining the ZS family: the DMC-ZS10 and DMC-ZS8. Like the previous ZS cams, the 14.1 megapixel ZS10 has a 24mm ultra-wide-angle and 16x optical zoom Leica lens, records 1080p video, and sports a three-inch touch LCD. The specs certainly impress, but Panny's also hoping you take its 3D Photo mode seriously -- the setting can produce a "realistic 3D photo" by taking 20 consecutive shots and overlaying the best two. Naturally, the images can be viewed on any of the Viera 3DTVs. The ZS8 sports most of the same specs, but cuts it down to just 720p recording. No word on the pricing on these two, but they should be hitting shelves in March.

Like its FX75 brother, the DMC-FX78 is all about Full HD. Packing a Leica 24mm wide-angle lens, the 12.1 megapixel FX78 can record full 1920 x 1080-resolution video in AVCHD. But beyond the recording specs, Panasonic has improved its 3.5-inch Smart Touchscreen, which basically allows you to control all the cam's functions -- autofocus, zooming, playback, etc. -- with, well you know, just a touch. Like the ZS cams, the FX includes the 3D Photo mode. As you may have guessed, no pricing yet on this bad boy, but it will come in black, gold, and white in March.

Last but not least is the rugged TS3. Like the DMC-TS1, the 12.1 megapixel shooter is completely waterproof, not to mention shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. Yep, it's as proofed as they come, and throw in the fact that it packs a compass, altimeter, and barometer and you pretty much can swap this thing out for a ton of other gear. As an actual camera, the TS3 doesn't sound too shabby either -- it can record 1080p video, packs a 3D mode, and boasts a 28mm wide-angle Leica lens. Nope, no pricing, but it'll join the others in March.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix ZS10 and ZS8

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix FX78 and TS3

Continue reading Panasonic unleashes Lumix ZS10, ZS8, FX78, and TS3 point-and-shoot cameras

Panasonic unleashes Lumix ZS10, ZS8, FX78, and TS3 point-and-shoot cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IBM says graphene won't fully replace silicon in CPUs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/ibm-says-graphene-wont-fully-replace-silicon-in-cpus/

As you may have been able to tell from the flurry of research that's occurred over the past few years (which has even resulted in a Nobel Prize), there's plenty of folks betting on graphene as the next big thing for computing. One of the big players in that respect has been IBM, which first opened up the so-called graphene bandgap and has created some of the fastest graphene transistors around, but is now sounding a slightly more cautious tone when it comes to the would-be demise of silicon-based CPUs. Speaking with Custom PC, IBM researcher Yu-Ming Lin said that "graphene as it is will not replace the role of silicon in the digital computing regime," and further explained that "there is an important distinction between the graphene transistors that we demonstrated, and the transistors used in a CPU." To that end, he notes that unlike silicon, "graphene does not have an energy gap," and that it therefore cannot be completely "switched off," which puts it at quite a disadvantage compared to silicon. Intel's director of components research, Mike Mayberry, also chimed in on the matter, and noted that "the industry has so much experience with it that there are no plans to move away from silicon as the substrate for chips." That doesn't mean that there still isn't a bright future for ! graphene , though -- Lin gives the example of hybrid circuit, for instance, which could use graphene as a complement to silicon in order to "enrich the functionality of computer chips."

IBM says graphene won't fully replace silicon in CPUs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Cr-48 Chrome laptop now shipping with stickers, the good kind

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/google-cr-48-chrome-laptop-now-shipping-with-stickers-the-good/

How is it that so few companies get it? While dozens of manufacturers will gladly slap an Intel, Microsoft, or NVIDIA advertisement on the palmrest of your brand new laptop, Google knows better than to partake in this annoying practice. Instead, it ships its Cr-48 Chrome laptop as a sticker-free slab of matte black stealth. At least it did. Now, don't worry, Google hasn't succumbed to the temptation to advertise (ironically) -- it's simply bundling this swank skin and a decal set with new Cr-48 shipments. The choice to apply is yours and yours alone, exactly as it should be. See the finished product after the break.

Continue reading Google Cr-48 Chrome laptop now shipping with stickers, the good kind

Google Cr-48 Chrome laptop now shipping with stickers, the good kind originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 5 and iPad 2 will come with NFC built in, suggests well-connected analyst

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/iphone-5-and-ipad-2-will-come-with-nfc-built-in-suggests-well-c/

You'll no doubt be aware of our (well justified) distrust for anything that passes a tech analyst's lips, but this time's a little different. Richard Doherty of Envisioneering Group cites "engineers who are working on hardware" for Apple's latest project in asserting what that project actually is: NFC capabilities are apparently being built into the next generation of iPhone and iPad devices. Contactless payments via NFC have been steadily building up in hype and adoption recently -- at least in the western hemisphere, the stuff is commonplace in Japan -- and Doherty predicts Apple will make its move into the field with some new hardware and an accompanying "revamp" of iTunes. The idea would be to allow the use of iTunes gift card balances and the credit card info Apple already has from you to make swiping payments at compatible retail outlets. Apple is said to be planning enticements, like loyalty credits and points, to get you using its service in the place of the competition, and there are already a couple of software patent applications from the company detailing other potential uses for the technology. All of which could mean absolutely nothing, of course, but this seems like a! n awful lot of smoke for there not to be a fire under it.

iPhone 5 and iPad 2 will come with NFC built in, suggests well-connected analyst originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

9to5Mac | source

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Samsungs 750 and 950 3D LED monitors do a whole lot, won't give us a price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/samsungs-750-and-950-3d-led-monitors-do-a-whole-lot-wont-give/

We reported on Samsung's new line of 3D-enabled LED monitors just before the CES tsunami hit, but it seems the specs got lost in the commotion. So here's what we know about the new 750 series and the asymmetrical 950 series: they'll come in both 23- and 27-inch sizes with 1080p resolution, two-millisecond response time, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and D-sub, HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-DualLink connectivity -- and they can all be ordered with a TV tuner for hybrid HDTV / monitor operation. They all do 3D for gaming, TV, films, and user-generated content, and the hybrid 750s and all the 950s can do 2D-to-3D conversion from PCs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. We know what you're thinking: "How much?" Well, we'd like to know the same thing. The whole line hits stores in March, but Samsung has yet to set a price.

Continue reading Samsungs 750 and 950 3D LED monitors do a whole lot, won't give us a price

Samsungs 750 and 950 3D LED monitors do a whole lot, won't give us a price originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nexus S emerges in white attire, but it only covers its rear

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/nexus-s-emerges-in-white-attire-but-it-only-covers-its-rear/

Staying true to its Galaxy S forefather, the Nexus S has shown up with a new white shell, which, just as with the Galaxy S, only extends to its rear portions, leaving the front end a familiar shade of noir. Just what's keeping manufacturers from blanching their phones' visage, we don't know, but at least it's looking like there'll be some variation in the Nexus S' palette. We did notice a "Silver Black" Nexus S sprouting up in European retailers' listings a couple of weeks ago, which this could well be -- it all depends on how loosely these companies define the word "silver." There's no knowledge on when or where this chromatically altered S will be on sale, but you'll know more as soon as we do.

Nexus S emerges in white attire, but it only covers its rear originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSTL using Android handsets to control satellites, conquer the final frontier

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/sstl-using-android-handsets-to-control-satellites-conquer-the-f/

First, the Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation tested a Nexus One's ability to deal with the stress of a rocket launch. Then, Google floated seven Nexi to the edge of space to see if the phones could cope with the void. Now, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is looking to launch a satellite into orbit and use a 'droid -- much smaller than the Astromech variety -- to control said satellite. SSTL, who is helping build Galileo (and is acutely aware of its cost, no doubt), views smartphones as a way to democratize access to space because they are far less expensive than purpose-built control systems. The company hasn't said which handset will be used in the satellite, but they chose Android because it allows engineers to easily modify the phone to do their bidding -- from controlling pulse plasma thrusters to handling the advanced guidance and navigation systems of the foot long satellite. Additionally, the open source OS means that they "could get people to develop apps" for the satellite. We've seen plenty of Android apps, but we're really hoping this venture is successful so we get to see apps... in space.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

SSTL using Android handsets to control satellites, conquer the final frontier originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

BBC |

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Nokia's leaked MeeGo device resembles dual-core ST-Ericsson U8500 reference platform

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/nokias-leaked-meego-device-resembles-dual-core-st-ericsson-u850/

Yesterday's leaked image of a purported Nokia tablet device seems to have been more informative than we initially believed it to be. An eagle-eyed forum member over on mobile-review has spotted the similarity between it and a reference platform for ST-Ericsson's U8500 system-on-chip. Last we heard, that little powerhouse was running a pair of 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A9 cores, so excuse us if we find the prospect of it driving Nokia's next flagship a rather exciting one. You can see video of the reference device in question after the break -- it ends on the delicious and unequivocal assertion from the ST-Ericsson rep that Nokia has signed up to deliver the U8500 in an upcoming device. Bear in mind, however, that the video is from November of last year and we still don't know for sure that the Nokia slate above is its MeeGo progenitor or just a prototype. Either way, the U8500 is expected in smartphones at some point in the first half of this year, which kind of fits Nokia's roadmap, no?

[Image Credit: Cor72z]

Continue reading Nokia's leaked MeeGo device resembles dual-core ST-Ericsson U8500 reference platform

Nokia's leaked MeeGo device resembles dual-core ST-Ericsson U8500 reference platform originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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mobile-review forums, Charbax (YouTube) | Email this | Comments

Monday, January 24, 2011

HP / Palm's 9.7-inch Topaz tablet to use 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8660, Adreno 220 GPU

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/hp-palms-9-7-inch-topaz-tablet-to-use-1-2ghz-qualcomm-msm8660/

Looks like those whispers we heard about HP's Topaz having a 1.2GHz Qualcomm CPU were true. The folks over at Pre Central just scored an internal document detailing presumed specifications of HP's forthcoming 9.7-inch tablet, and it looks like the aforesaid CPU will be joined by an integrated Adreno 220 GPU, 512MB of DDR2 memory, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera and dual-band 802.11b/g/n WiFi. We're told to expect an oleophobic Gorilla Glass screen with a standard XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, options for 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage, optional WWAN, an accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor, microphone and a battery that'll last for around eight hours in ideal circumstances. Naturally, webOS will be onboard, and we're hearing that a WiFi-only model will indeed hit the market at some point. As for the connected versions? HSPA, LTE and CDMA variants are rumored, with the former two likely to be SIM-locked while all three carry A-GPS.

It should be noted that these documents were apparently fresh as of last fall, so everything is clearly subject to change. That said, we're digging the reports that HP will be doing everything it can to fully support Flash on this here slate, and it may also consider a partnership with Blio for the digital bookworms in attendance. Naturally, cloud services is shaping up to be a huge deal, and it'll definitely support inductive charging via the Touchstone v2. These docs also affirm what we'd heard about integrated Beats Audio technology and Tap to Share, with the second-gen Touchstone to also handle wireless picture sharing, cordless audio streaming and tether-free video beaming (just to name a few). Hit the source link the full skinny, and feel free to pressure HP to move February 9th a little closer to today.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

HP / Palm's 9.7-inch Topaz tablet to use 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8660, Adreno 220 GPU originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon tweaking low-end data plans, using '3G' distinction to upcharge for LTE

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/verizon-tweaking-low-end-data-plans-using-3g-distinction-to-u/

Well, that didn't last very long at all: looks like Verizon is killing off its $15 150MB data plan for smartphones altogether, instead corralling folks into the $30 unlimited option. Of course, with the proliferation of data-hungry smartphone apps on Android (and soon, the iPhone), 250MB per month of usage is becoming less and less reasonable by the day, so we can't say we're terribly surprised. Meanwhile, the $9.99 25MB feature phone data option is getting a bump up to 75MB with $10 per 75MB overage, a slight drop from the 20 cent / MB overage that those customers deal with currently. Finally, you'll notice that the $30 unlimited plan is now qualified as applying to "feature phones and 3G smartphones," not merely "smartphones" as they were before -- a nod to the fact that Verizon's upcoming LTE handsets won't be eligible for the same pricing. What, did you think you were going to be blazing on your ThunderBolt at 20 or 30Mbps without a care in the world?

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Verizon tweaking low-end data plans, using '3G' distinction to upcharge for LTE originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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webOS tablet interface leak suggests new gesture controls, same old good looks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/webos-tablet-interface-leak-suggests-new-gesture-controls-same/

What, a full spec sheet for the Topaz not good enough for you? Fine, Pre Central has managed to dig up another little document from HP's 2010 archives, this one delving into tablet-specific UI elements in webOS. The first notable thing is the inclusion of more sophisticated gesture and tap controls, with double-tap, tap-and-hold, and even two-finger tap-and-drag actions serving some unspecified functions in the tablet version of the software. Tabbed browsing also makes an appearance, alongside an auto-expanding email client and a page-turning element, all of which may or may not be in the final build shipping with the final devices. Until finality is reached, however, the source link is your best buddy.

[Thanks, Ryan]

webOS tablet interface leak suggests new gesture controls, same old good looks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LED headlights can add up to six miles of electric vehicle range

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/led-headlights-can-add-up-to-six-miles-of-electric-vehicle-range/

LED lighting can add up to six miles of electric vehicle range

We've been charting the progression of in-home lighting, CFLs replacing incandescents but themselves slowly walking the path obsolescence as LED bulbs get cheaper and more common. It's much the same on the vehicle lighting front, with LEDs taking over more and more automotive lighting, and now OSRAM Sylvania is giving us another reason to make that happen sooner. LED bulbs can provide the same amount of light as traditional incandescent car bulbs with less than 25 percent the energy draw. On a gas-powered auto that's not such a big deal, where LEDs are being used primarily because of benefits like cooler temps, longer life, and greater stylistic freedom, but on an EV that reduction in current draw can offer as much as a six mile boost in range on a single charge. That may not sound like much, but if you ever run out of juice five miles from home you might just change your mind.

Continue reading LED headlights can add up to six miles of electric vehicle range

LED headlights can add up to six miles of electric vehicle range originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why You Might Want to Wait for a 4G Phone [Buying]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5741627/why-you-might-want-to-wait-for-a-4g-phone

If you're getting pretty excited about all the new speedy, 4G phones coming out right now, you're probably thinking of picking one up. Tech blog Tested reminds us that it's still a new technology, and you may be better off waiting.

We've already addressed the differences between 4G on each carrier, but 4G has a lot of general advantages and disadvantages over the standard 3G phones most of us are still rocking. Of course we all know the advantage: blindingly fast speed. But that isn't the whole story.

At the top of 4G's list of disadvantages is bad battery life. As with 3G, mobile data is a bit of a battery suck, and 4G is going to be a worse offender than 3G. Battery life is already a pretty big problem on a lot of today's smartphones, so if you think you're going to find yourself toggling 4G off just to make it through your day, it may not be worth springing for a whole new phone right now. Furthermore, to combat this, many phones will have larger batteries, making the phones bigger and heavier (but likely still having less than stellar battery life). And, while you can get some pretty blindingly fast speed on 4G right now, as more people pick it up, your average speed will decline a bit. It will, of course, be faster than 3G, just not as much faster as you might think right now—meaning that switch might not be as worth it as you think.

Check out the article at Tested for even more reasons you might want to wait, including some interesting info on voice standards and frequencies. Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't spring for a new 4G phone—particularly if your current phone is older than dirt—but the much more realistic view on the technology is welcome for those of us making phone buying decisions.

The Pros and Cons of Adopting 4G Android Phones Today [Tested]

TeamSnap Manages Your Team's Schedule, Communications, and More [Downloads]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5741110/teamsnap-manages-your-teams-schedule-games-and-more

iOS: TeamSnap is a compact app for your iOS devices that makes team management a breeze. Keep track of games, practices, send group message, even track who is bringing refreshments.

TeamSnap is a comprehensive team management tool that condenses what would normally be clipboards of information, long email threads, and other spread out communications into dashboard. You can track team rosters and team contact info, game schedules, view and upload photos, generate maps to and from your games and other events, and more.

TeamSnap has a freemium model. The base app and account is free and includes the team roster, schedule, messages, and public sharing of schedules and such. The basic account includes extras like photos and refreshment tracking (cost: $6.95 a month or $55 a year) and the premium account includes even more extras like team stats, a customizations like team logos and color themes (cost: $9.95 per month or $79 a year). Check out the full price schedule here.

Budding Molecular Cuisine Chefs Take Note... [Cooking]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5741090/budding-molecular-cuisine-chefs-take-note

...for Think Geek has a Molecular Cuisine Starter Kit that should get you well on the way toward that coveted sous chef job at Alinea you've been eyeing ever since Chez Gizmodo's Taste Test.

At $70, it's not necessarily cheap, but the exotic vaporizer dishes you'll be cooking up in the near future at your chic molecular gastro-pub will no doubt make that money back and then some. The full, expanded materials list includes:

5 sets of food-additives:
- Agar-agar - 10 sachets of 20g each
- Calcium Lactate - 10 sachets of 20g each
- Sodium Alginate - 10 sachets of 20g each
- Soy Lecithin - 10 sachets of 20g each
- Xanthan Gum - 10 sachets of 20g each

1 set of tools:
- 1 syringe
- 5 pipettes
- 3 lengths of 18" silicone tubing
- 1 slotted spoon
1 set of measuring spoons

When all is said and done you'll have 50 different dishes to make and experiment with using family and friends. Just don't kill them! Instead, slay them figuratively with your Beet Foam and Arugula Spaghetti.[Think Geek]

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