Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's dual-core Nano X2

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/zotac-unveils-new-zbox-mini-pc-powered-by-vias-dual-core-nano/

We covered lots of ground at this year's Computex, but here's one gem that slipped past our radar: the new Zotac ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's latest dual-core processor. Measuring 12 x 12 x 4cm, this little beast runs on VIA's low-power Nano X2, which is available at speeds of either 1.2 or 1.6GHz, depending on your preference. It also comes equipped with native 64-bit software support, VIA's PadLock data encryption engine and is compatible with the company's other processors, including the Nano, C7, C7-M and Eden. Plus, there's an SD card reader, two USB 3.0 ports and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Availability and pricing remain a mystery, though we're certainly hoping it won't be as exorbitant as some other bite-sized PCs we've seen in recent months. Steer past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's dual-core Nano X2

Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's dual-core Nano X2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Akihabara News | | Email this | Comments

Monday, June 06, 2011

A New Way to Look at the Brain Using Google Maps [Sciences]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5809197/a-new-way-to-look-at-the-brain-using-google-maps

Researchers from Brown University have developed a way to view the brain using two dimensional neural maps. With their software, you can navigate the brain the same way you would use a Google Street Map. The benefit to all this being that you can easily spot bundles of neurons (or whatever you're looking for) without the interference from all that other crap one stores up there. For instance, a doctor could inspect a specific group of fiber tracts by using their mouse to select that bundle of neurons. On top of improved visibility, they're also able to see extra info, statistics, and a 3D view of just that section. But I wonder what a Street View component would entail—Magic School Bus, anyone? [Brown University]

MIT Scientists Create Goo-Powered Batteries to Replace Lithium-Ion [Science]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5809255/mit-scientists-create-goo+powered-batteries-to-replace-li+on

MIT scientists have developed new battery technology that lets you fill a battery with goo instead of throwing it away or recharging it when it's drained.

The black goo, called Cambridge sludge, works just like a normal battery. The goo is a liquid suspension that has charged particles and flows like quicksand. There is a positive suspension on one side and a negative suspension on the other. A current is generated when the charge moves from one goo to another through a thin membrane.

It's a unique technology that could be used in electric cars or other large batteries. Best of all, this MIT battery is cheaper than lithium-ion and can be recharged in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is pump out the depleted goo and replace it with some fresh goo. [MIT via Dvice]

ASUS MS248B 24-inch display does it all with one cable, thank you USB 3.0

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/asus-ms248b-24-inch-display-does-it-all-with-one-cable-thank-yo/

USB-powered monitors started out small but are finally getting big enough to serve as a main display. The 24-inch ASUS MS248B is brought to life with a single cable courtesy of USB 3.0's extra current and bandwidth. What's more, this is achieved with few compromises: the LED monitor is just 16.5mm (0.66-inches) thick, does 1080p with a 2ms response time and has a 10000000:1 contrast ratio (although this last spec requires the usual seasoning). Some extras did have to be thrown overboard to bring power consumption down -- there's no additional USB or audio ports, webcam, card reader or ability to daisy-chain. But then, how much could you achieve with a mere 9W?

ASUS MS248B 24-inch display does it all with one cable, thank you USB 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

ITProPortal | Email this | Comments

Mozilla's Webian Shell interface will cloak your OS in a browser (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/mozillas-webian-shell-interface-will-cloak-your-os-in-a-browser/

With Google's fleet of Chromebooks making their way to market, Mozilla has decided to release a similarly browser-based desktop interface, known as the Webian Shell. As of now, the prototype app consists of a screen-encompassing web browser, which essentially replaces your desktop interface. There's an address bar running across the top of the screen, a clock in the bottom right corner, and a tab button for all your web apps. Developed as part of the company's Mozilla Chromeless project, the tool was written entirely in HTML, CSS and JavaScript and, unlike Chrome OS, is designed to run on top of existing operating systems, rather than replace them. For now, the Shell is still in an early phase of development, looks pretty spartan and can't control a system's hardware. Mozilla, however, says it has plans to incorporate multiple home screens, split screen views and an on-screen keyboard, among other features. Windows, Linux and Mac OS X users can download the Shell now, from the source link. Otherwise, you can just head past the break to see a brief demo video.

Continue reading Mozilla's Webian Shell interface will cloak your OS in a browser (video)

Mozilla's Webian Shell interface will cloak your OS in a browser (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Digitizor | source

source

Webian.org | Email this | Comments

HTC Flyer quietly gets over-the-air software update, promises to 'improve system performance'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/htc-flyer-quietly-gets-over-the-air-software-update-promises-to/

No, it's not an upgrade to Honeycomb, but the HTC Flyer is getting some tweaks nonetheless. Over the weekend, owners of the 7-inch tablet should have seen a prompt for an over-the-air update making the vague promise to "improve system performance." We're naturally all kinds of curious, particularly given that the battery life and overall performance were already pretty solid. Flyer owners, are you noticing any differences? Do tell.

HTC Flyer quietly gets over-the-air software update, promises to 'improve system performance' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

CoolSmartphone | Email this | Comments

Inhabitat's Week in Green: hybrid hydrogen hovercraft, amphibious ice cream, and the transparent solar touchscreen laptop of our dreams

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/inhabitats-week-in-green-hybrid-hydrogen-hovercraft-amphibiou/

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Solar energy supercharged our power grid and gadgets this week as Inhabitat showcased a hot solar laptop set within a transparent case that allows sunlight to shine straight through it. We also saw a team of Japanese engineers' shoot for the moon with plans for a lunar photovoltaic plant, while back on earth Seoul officially launched the world's first solar-powered floating island. Scientists also used sunlight to create the perfect cup of joe with the Helios 4 solar coffee roaster, and now that the weather is finally heating up we couldn't help but share this sexy solar bikini -- which just hit the market!

In other news, green transportation set sail this week as Volkswagen unveiled a hybrid hydrogen-electric hovercraft and the world's first amphibious ice cream truck cast anchor in the Thames. Meanwhile, a new mini electric Humvee was spotted just a few streets away in London, students at the University of Adelaide unveiled a crazy electric di-wheel car, and a group of scientists unveiled plans to harvest Helium-3 from Uranus to help propel interstellar travel. Enerkam also took a big step towards transforming municipal waste into fuel by securing a $60 million investment, and we took you for a ride on 14 of the world's most amazing subways.

Last but not least, this week we officially unveiled 40 stunning finalists in our Bright Ideas Lighting Design Competition - from a gorgeous geometric chandelier made from cut and folded Tetra Paks to a living LED light that doubles as a terrarium and a brilliant lamp made from a broken blender. We were also shocked to hear the World Health Organization declare that cell phones may cause cancer, so we rounded up 5 ways to protect yourself from cellphone radiation. Finally, we showcased a steampunk R2-D2 made from recycled materials, and if you're stepping up your exercise routine to hit the beach this summer you won't want to miss the S770 Pinnacle Trainer -- an energy-generating exercise machine that produces watts while you work out!

Inhabitat's Week in Green: hybrid hydrogen hovercraft, amphibious ice cream, and the transparent solar touchscreen laptop of our dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.!

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google Translate API gets reprieve, servers will accept cash for interpreter duties

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/google-translate-api-gets-reprieve-servers-will-accept-cash-for/

Last month, Google said it intended to pull the plug on a variety of APIs, including one rather curious pick -- Google Translate, which had actually been getting so much use that it was allegedly causing an "economic burden" for the company. Well, it seems Google got in touch with its capitalistic roots, because the Translate API won't be depreciated after all. Following a public outcry, Mountain View's announced that it'll create a paid version as soon as possible. Hear it from the ~~horse's~~ Google API Product Manager's mouth at our source link.

Google Translate API gets reprieve, servers will accept cash for interpreter duties originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

All Things D | source

source

Google Code Blog | Email this | Comments

ASUS UX21 to be priced at less than $1,000, says Commercial Times

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/asus-ux21-to-be-priced-at-less-than-1-000-says-chinese-newspap/

The ASUS UX21, that 11.6-inch cake slicer that doubles up as an ultrathin laptop, is coming in September with a price tag of less than $1,000. That's according to the Commercial Times, which cites supplier sources in identifying ASUS' aggressive pricing strategy. Word is that the Taiwanese company is aiming to price the UX21 at 80 to 90 percent of the cost of Apple's competing products, namely the MacBook Air family. Of course, with a second-gen Intel Core i5 (or i7) CPU inside it, ASUS' new laptop has a significant spec advantage over Apple's similarly aluminum-encased laptops, so we'd argue simply matching the MBA's price will ensure the UX21 flies off store shelves. ASUS has a fine recent history of breaking through price barriers, as shown by the $200 Eee PC X101 that was announced alongside the UX21 at Computex, so if anyone was going to give us a 17mm-thick slab of up-to-date gorgeousness for less than $1,000, it probably had to be Jonney Shih's crew.

ASUS UX21 to be priced at less than $1,000, says Commercial Times originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Commercial Times | Email this | Comments

ComScore: Android grows larger than ever among US subscribers, Apple belittles RIM

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/comscore-android-grows-larger-than-ever-among-us-subscribers-a/

The latest ComScore results from the last quarter are in, and the US mobile device wars were hotter than ever as 13% more people reported owning a smartphone. Google conquered most users' territory with Android climbing just over five percent (now totaling 36.4%) and still claiming first for mobile software platforms. Apple's iOS destroyer took second place (at 26%) partially due to RIM's S.S. BlackBerry OS sinking about five percent (now 25.7%) to claim third, while Microsoft and HP / Palm rounded out the bunch struggling to stay in the fight with even lower single-digit scores. In the OEM region Samsung claimed first yet again (although slightly dropping to 24.5%), with LG and Motorola landing in second and third respectively, each keeping its place from the prior quarter. In the last two slots, Apple again bested RIM whose devices barely dropped half of a percent, but enough to let the slight growth of iDevices snatch up 4th. The source link below is waiting to be clicked if you want the full battle statistics.

ComScore: Android grows larger than ever among US subscribers, Apple belittles RIM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

PhoneArena | source

source

ComScore | Email this | Comments

MSI's Afterburner Android app makes GPU overclocking as easy as Facebooking

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/msis-afterburner-android-app-makes-gpu-overclocking-as-easy-as/

Back in our day, overclocking one's PC was akin to a fine art. It took skill. Precision. Effort. Cajones. These days, it's just about as simple as blinking. Or winking. Or winking while blinking. MSI's made the simplification of PC overclocking quite the priority over the past few years, with OC Genie and an updated Wind BIOS from last decade putting all sorts of power into the hands of mere mortals. At Computex this week, the outfit took things one step further with the Afterburner Android app. Purportedly, the GPU tool enables users to monitor the temperature, voltage and fan speed of their graphics card via a WiFi connection, and if you're feeling froggy, you can overclock and overvolt to your heart's content. Details beyond that are few and far betwixt, but we're hearing that it'll soon work with GPUs from other vendors, and that an iOS variant is en route.

Continue reading MSI's Afterburner Android app makes GPU overclocking as easy as Facebooking

MSI's Afterburner Android app makes GPU overclocking as easy as Facebooking originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Far East Gizmos | source

source

MSI | Email this | Comments

HTC EVO 3D launches on June 24th for $200, joined by EVO View 4G tablet at $400

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/htc-evo-3d-launches-on-june-24th-for-200-joined-by-evo-view-4g/

The HTC bonanza that Sprint has been cooking up for a while now has its official launch date: June 24th. That will be the day when the 4.3-inch EVO 3D and its tablet buddy, the 7-inch EVO View 4G, launch on the Now Network, both equipped with WiMAX radios and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) as their OS. The 1.2GHz dual-core EVO 3D costs $200 on contract, with pre-orders available right now provided you buy a $50 Sprint gift card, whereas the 1.5GHz single-core EVO View 4G will set you back double that, at $400, while still requiring a two-year contract. Skip past the break for the full press release details.

Oh, we've also just noticed that Sprint Premier customers will be able to buy the EVO 3D online on June 21st -- a three-day headstart on the competition to say thank you for being so damn premier.

Continue reading HTC EVO 3D launches on June 24th for $200, joined by EVO View 4G tablet at $400

HTC EVO 3D launches on June 24th for $200, joined by EVO View 4G tablet at $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile might launch Samsung Exhibit 4G and Gravity Smart June 22nd?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/t-mobile-might-launch-samsung-exhibit-4g-and-gravity-smart-june/

Millions of schoolchildren may be getting ready for three months of lazy summer days, but T-Mob's just starting to get its hustle on. Samsung's Gingerbread-equipped Exhibit 4G and Froyo-laden Gravity Smart have been officially confirmed for sometime in the month of June, but all is quiet about the exact date. If this leaked screenshot above comes to fruition, though, it means we'll be seeing these two phones hit the shelves on June 22. The Exhibit 4G will tempt us with access to T-Mobile's 21 Mbps HSPA+ network, while the Gravity Smart looks to be a splendid entry-level QWERTY slider. The pricing for either phone is still anybody's guess, but at least the possibilities have been narrowed to $100 or less -- a good idea, since it wouldn't take any sales away from the Sensation 4G if it were any higher.

T-Mobile might launch Samsung Exhibit 4G and Gravity Smart June 22nd? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

TmoNews | Email this | Comments

Sunday, June 05, 2011

Five Best Web Sites for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing [Hive Five]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5808625/five-best-web-sites-for-image-hosting-and-photo-sharing

When you want a service that will organize your uploaded photos, tag them with the date and location, and then share them out to friends, you have plenty of web services to choose from. Many offer editing tools, and others have huge communities. Here's a look at five of the most popular web sites for robust image hosting.

On Thursday, we asked you which web sites you prefer to manage your photo collections, organize them into galleries, and share them with friends. You weighed in with your suggestions, and we collected the top five. Now we're back to highlight the ones you suggested.

SmugMug

Five Best Web Sites for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing A number of you noted that SmugMug was the ideal photo hosting service for pros – people who really care about their shots. It might have something to do with the unlimited storage for paid users, live customer support, and the elegant and attractive themes and galleries that SmugMug offers. Additionally, SmugMug allows you to quickly share your photos with friends on Facebook and Twitter, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and support for direct uploads from multiple image editing apps.

Picasa

Five Best Web Sites for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing Google's Picasa started off as a small service, but with age and features it grew into a photo hosting and image sharing powerhouse that's free for everyone to use, gives you editing features and gallery management tools, and both a desktop app to keep track of your photos locally and a web app to help you build galleries to share with the web. Picasa integrates with your Google account for sharing, and while it doesn't have mobile apps, you will see your Picasa Web Albums photos on your Android phone.

Photobucket

Five Best Web Sites for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing Photobucket does an amazing job of walking the line between social network and photo hosting service. Photobucket's pride is in its users and the way they can connect to one another, share photos with each other or with the world via Twitter, Facebook, or even on their own sites by embedding their photos directly. Photobucket also has mobile apps for iOS and Android, and now the previously mentioned Snapbucket mobile app that makes snapping photos on your phone a bit more fun.

Facebook

Five Best Web Sites for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing Close to 700 million users couldn't be wrong, could they? Uploading your photos directly to Facebook is easy, and since its photo hosting and gallery management tools are easy to use, they're a great way to get your images in front of the people you want to see them. Plus, you can tag your friends and let them know you uploaded a photo of them, for good or ill. Facebook has mobile apps for virtually every platform, and all of them allow you to post photos. There are no image editing tools, but what it lacks in pro features it makes up for as a social network.

Flickr

Five Best Web Sites for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing Mention image sharing on the web and Flickr will probably be the first site to jump to mind. With a pro account, you can upload as many photos you want and organize them into as many galleries and collections as you choose. It's cheap and almost every photo sharing app supports Flickr uploads. Flickr's competition may have it beat on themes and customizations or mobile apps (Flickr only has official mobile apps for iPhone and Windows Phone 7,) but what it loses it makes up for with an open API and huge community of developers, professional photographers, and photo enthusiasts of all experience levels.

You're seen your favorites, now it's time to vote for the all-out winner.

What's the Best Web Site for Image Hosting and Photo Sharing?customer surveys

This week's honorable mention goes to Windows Live Skydrive, which a few of you mentioned gives users a lot of space for free photo and video sharing. It also connects directly with Microsoft Office and Windows Live Photo Gallery for editing and management, and even with Windows Live Movie Maker for video production and uploads.

Did we miss your favorite? Have something to say about the contenders? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Photo by Andrew Magill.

You can follow Alan Henry, the author of this post, on Twitter.

Img.ly Is a Free, Well-Supported TwitPic Alternative [Photos]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5808620/imgly-is-a-free-well+supported-twitpic-alternative

Earlier this month, TwitPic changed its terms of service. The changes allow them to use and sell your images without giving credit or paying royalties to you. If that doesn't sit well with you, Img.ly is an alternative service with similar features where you own the images you upload.

The changes that TwitPic made to its terms of service angered a number of its most avid users, and we mentioned it when we looked at the five best services for quick image sharing. Regardless of whether or not you use Twitter heavily, the service was a great way to quickly upload and share images. Thankfully there are plenty of alternatives, and img.ly has seen its membership grow in recent weeks as a result. The service has support in the official Twitter clients for Mac and iOS, Twitterific, Tweetbot, and DestroyTwitter, one of our favorite Twitter clients.

Img.ly gives you a way to post your images, get a short link, and share it with friends. You can keep track of how many people have viewed the image, embed it on another site, and others can log in and comment on it. It's not the only alternative out there, but if you're looking for an image host that lets you retain ownership of your images and hasn't been swarmed with new users, it's worth a look.

You can follow Alan Henry, the author of this post, on Twitter.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)