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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.

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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.

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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.

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