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Monday, December 19, 2011

drag2share: Algal protein gives boost to electrochemical water splitting

Source: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-algal-protein-boost-electrochemical.html

Photosynthesis is considered the 'Holy Grail' in the field of sustainable energy generation because it directly converts solar energy into storable fuel using nothing but water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Scientists have long tried to mimic the underlying natural processes and to optimize them for energy device applications such as photo-electrochemical cells (PEC), which use sunlight to electrochemically split water – and thus directly generate hydrogen, cutting short the more conventional approach using photovoltaic cells for the electrolysis of water.

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drag2share: LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/lightpad-connects-your-smartphone-to-an-11-inch-screen-expands/

Despite Samsung's best efforts, perhaps you haven't found the perfect balance of pocketable size and capacious screen? Sure, it sounds pretty counterintuitive, but QP Optoelectronics may have exactly what you're looking for with the LightPad, a folio-styled peripheral that combines a keyboard with an 11-inch rear projection screen. The built-in pico projector lights up the screen with a resolution of 854 x 480 in the first generation model, with a future model promising the same display size at a high-definition 1280 x 720 resolution. The built-in projector also flips around to create a 60-inch display, and will play nice with any smartphone that has an available MHL or HDMI port. While that three-part footprint doesn't make it a particularly viable option for airplane viewing, office types may appreciate the two different form factors. We'll be staking a claim to a hands-on when it makes its debut next month at CES 2012. Until then, satisfy yourself with a brief video demo after the break.

Continue reading LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection

LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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drag2share: Time Warner finally cuts a deal for HBO Go streaming, launches 'in the next month'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/time-warner-finally-cuts-a-deal-for-hbo-go-streaming-launches/

Ever since it launched early last year, the HBO Go library has quickly become one of the best parts of having the premium channel, however it wasn't part of the package for Time Warner Cable customers -- until now. The two companies just announced they have to an agreement which will see access to the streaming back catalog of films and TV shows (including Max Go) open up to TWC subscribers "in the next month" after a short beta period. We're not sure if this access extends to streaming via the Roku box or if it will be blocked (as it is on Comcast and DirecTV), but iOS and Android mobile devices are definitely in on the action. Check the Time Warner blog or press release ( after the break) for more details.

Continue reading Time Warner finally cuts a deal for HBO Go streaming, launches 'in the next month'

Time Warner finally cuts a deal for HBO Go streaming, launches 'in the next month' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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drag2share: Transformer Prime heading to UK shelves next month, bundled with dock for complete transformation

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/transformer-prime-heading-to-uk-shelves-next-month-bundled-with/

ASUS has excelled at building up the global Transformer craze, and although there's been a few hiccups along the way, the quad-core beast is set to start hitting shelves around the world in the weeks ahead. According to Pocket-lint, the Taiwanese company has given confirmation that the newest Eee Pad on the block is hitting Great Britain in January. You'll be surprised to hear that the Prime won't be coming as a lone wolf, instead being bundled with its mighty dock companion and priced at £499 (around $770 in Greenbacks) for the 32GB WiFI-only version. We'd offer you a look at our review in the meantime, but on second thought, that probably makes the wait that much more unbearable...

Transformer Prime heading to UK shelves next month, bundled with dock for complete transformation originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Electronista | source

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drag2share: Droid RAZR MAXX appears in Verizon Wireless inventory, details remain mysterious

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/17/droid-razr-maxx-appears-in-verizon-wireless-inventory-details-r/

Leave it to Motorola to milk the iconic RAZR branding for all it's worth. A new LTE phone has appeared in Verizon's inventory system, and dubbed the Droid RAZR MAXX, it seems to be at least a spiritual successor to the original MotoRAZR MAXX. Little else is known about the device, other than some EXIF data that hints at a similar 8 megapixel shooter. Like the variants we've seen floating around in China, could this option be sporting a 720p display? Perhaps a beefier battery? Or maybe it's just "maxxxxed" out with a few design tweaks and a slightly higher price. Place your bets while the gamblin' is good, folks. Soon enough, we're going to know what makes this one tick.

Droid RAZR MAXX appears in Verizon Wireless inventory, details remain mysterious originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

drag2share: It's Free Shipping Day. Get Guaranteed Christmas Delivery from These Stores Today [Shopping]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5868623/its-free-shipping-day-get-guaranteed-christmas-delivery-from-these-stores-today

It's Free Shipping Day. Get Guaranteed Christmas Delivery from These Stores Today If you didn't realize time is running out for holiday gift ordering, perhaps Free Shipping Day will remind you. The fourth shipping holiday this year is today, Friday, December 16th. Buy from a participating store for delivery by Christmas Eve.

A representative from Free Shipping Day wrote me that these are among the best shipping deals offered now, compared to what shoppers might currently or normally get from these shops:

Chico's - Free shipping on all orders.

Puma - Free shipping on all orders.

Hush Puppies - Free shipping plus $10 off your order.

Peruvian Connection - Free shipping and up to 40% off all orders.

Sierra Trading Post - Free shipping on all orders.

Disney Store - Free shipping on any order.

The Body Shop - Free shipping on all orders.

There are over 2,400 other online stores offering free shipping today, however, so you definitely have a lot more choices. The free shipping is offered within the contiguous United States.

Note that some stores notorious for being more risky when it comes to timely delivery are also participating in the pseudo-holiday, so it might pay, still, to consider not just the free shipping offer.

If you've been procrastinating about placing your online order, today's a good day to finally take shopping action.

Free Shipping Day

You can follow or contact Melanie Pinola, the author of this post, on Twitter or Google+.

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drag2share: Facebook for Android Updates with New, Very Cool Timeline Interface [Facebook]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5868707/facebook-for-android-updates-with-new-very-cool-timeline-interface

Facebook for Android Updates with New, Very Cool Timeline Interface Android: Facebook rolled out its new Timeline feature yesterday, and if you've enabled the cool new interface, you can update the Android app to get it on your phone as well.

The new version is mostly an interface update, but if you're using Timeline, you'll definitely want to check it out. You get the cover photo, map thumbnails, and the top-down view of all your posts. You can even swipe through albums right from the Timeline view, which is a really nice touch. The update isn't out for iOS yet, but iOS users can head to m.facebook.com to see the new changes if they so desire. Hit the link to read more.

Timeline: Now Available on Mobile | Facebook Blog

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drag2share: Fab Now Looks An Awful Lot Like Pinterest

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/fab-now-looks-just-like-pinterest-2011-12

jason goldberg

On the heels of its $40 million round announced last week, design flash sales site Fab has launched a new LiveFeed feature. It looks an awful lot like Pinterest, the massive photo sharing virtual pinboard site.

It makes Fab's site even more social in a way other e-commerce companies aren't currently doing. Andreessen Horowitz's Jeff Jordan led both Fab's $40 million financing and Pinterest's $27 million, so it's no coincidence that both design companies are sharing ideas.

Fab's new feed captures all activity taking place on the site including purchasing, sharing, commenting, and more. It's a unique way to see what others are doing and buying on the site.

LiveFeed is just one feature of Fab. The rest of the site and the buying experience is the same as always.

Here's what Fab's new feed looks like:

fab feed

And here's what Pinterest's page looks like:

pinterest

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drag2share: When Dell Kills Off Netbooks, You Know They're Done For Good [Laptops]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5868692/when-dell-kills-off-netbooks-you-know-theyre-done-for-good

When Dell Kills Off Netbooks, You Know They're Done For Good

Netbooks? They're already dead to us. But that hasn't stopped manufacturers churning them out. Now Dell has announced that it's killing them off — a sure sign they're done.

Let's face it: Dell might sell a lot of computers — hey, even discontinued ones to the US Government! — but it's hardly revolutionary.

Now, Dell has announced that it's through with netbooks, and has already stopped selling their Inspiron Minis. It also has no intention of releasing new netbooks based on Intel's forthcoming Cedar Trail platform. In other words, it is done with the category.

And when a company as far from the cutting-edge as Dell announces that it's pulling out of the netbook game, it means that the breed of underpowered computers is officially dead. Gone. Forgotten forever. Don't be sad though — they were always crap anyway.

Speaking to The Verge, Dell's Marketing Director Alison Gardner was clear about their strategy for the future: "Thin and powerful is where it is at for us." Notice how she didn't use the world Ultrabook? Well done, Dell! You're going up in my estimations. [Liliputing via The Verge]

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drag2share: Microsoft takes the wraps off of So.cl, a search-based social network for students

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-takes-the-wraps-off-of-so-cl-a-search-based-social-ne/

So.co

A few months back we got a quick sneak peek at Microsoft's social experiment which was, at the time, called Tulalip. Now it's finally gone official and scored an even harder to pronounce name So.cl. The basic premise is this: you sign up and search for stuff (using Bing, naturally) and your queries are automatically shared with your friends. From there things get even stranger. The Video Party feature lets users group chat while watching the same clip online, but there's no video chat. You also can't upload photos, but you can make a "montage" of images collected from around the web. To kick start what Microsoft sees as less of a social and more of a learning network, the company has partnered with NYU, Syracuse and the University of Washington. Hit up the source link for more details and to add your name to the waiting list -- for now Redmond's social search toy is in a limited beta.

Microsoft takes the wraps off of So.cl, a search-based social network for students originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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drag2share: Researchers turn a DSLR into hyperspectral camera using PVC and duct tape, MacGyver green with envy

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/researchers-turn-a-dslr-into-hyperspectral-camera-using-pvc-and/

Hyperspectral imaging is a method that captures a far greater amount of the electromagnetic spectrum than a regular photograph. This makes it ideal for a variety of uses, from night vision to identifying mineral deposits from afar, but the problem is that hyperspectral sensors don't come cheap. However, some intrepid imaging scientists have come up with a way to turn your DSLR into a hyperspectral camera using stock SLR glass, a gel diffraction filter, PVC pipe, duct tape, some serious ingenuity and plenty of elbow grease. Thusly did they build a (relatively) cheap-as-chips imaging spectrometer that can deliver spectral resolution equal to that of commercial solutions at a far lower cost.

The result of their labor is a computed tomography image spectrometer (CTIS), which takes hyperspectral images by splitting light into spectral bands with a diffuser and recording them using a Canon EOS 5D Mark I in HDR mode. As constructed, the prototype takes a spectral resolution of up to 4.89nm in a 120 x 120 pixel area, though at a longer exposure time than dedicated devices. Having proven their concept, the plan is to build another lens extension using custom tubes and lenses that'll both reduce weight and increase the aperture to shorten the exposure time -- all for less than a grand. You can see both the camera's construction and some sample images in the gallery below, plus you can dig deep into the nitty gritty behind this bit of imaging black magic at the source link.

Gallery: DSLR hyperspectral camera

Researchers turn a DSLR into hyperspectral camera using PVC and duct tape, MacGyver green with envy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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drag2share: Intel not planning to run around and desert USB as Ivy Bridge gets 3.0 certification

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/intel-not-planning-to-run-around-and-desert-usb-as-ivy-bridge-ge/

A few months back, there was some concern that Intel's Ivy Bridge chipset wouldn't come with USB 3.0 certification -- planning to push its proprietary Thunderbolt standard instead. The company acted quickly to soothe the panic of gadget fans concerned they'd have to replace their new external HDDs, but the USB Implementers Forum didn't say much beyond the odd nasty snipe at the new technology. Fortunately, the crew at the USB-IF have now given their blessing toward the union 'twixt 22nm processor and super-speed universal serial bus. Since AMD jumped on this bandwagon back in April, we can pretty much guarantee that we'll be plugging flash drives in the wrong way for years to come.

Continue reading Intel not planning to run around and desert USB as Ivy Bridge gets 3.0 certification

Intel not planning to run around and desert USB as Ivy Bridge gets 3.0 certification! origina lly appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tom's Hardware | source

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drag2share: Pastmapper looks to take Google Maps back in time

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/pastmapper-looks-to-take-google-maps-back-in-time/

There's not exactly a ton to see there just yet, but a new website called Pastmapper has some pretty ambitious plans, and it's off to a fairly decent start. With a little help from the Google Maps API, it's aiming to provide maps of cities as they were in the past, complete with local business information, accurate streets, and even changes to things like hills and coastline. To kick things off, site founder Brad Thompson has debuted version 0.1 of the site with map of San Francisco as it was in 1853, including information from the A.W. Morgan & Company's San Francisco City Directory. Take a gander for yourself at the source link below -- and, if you're interested, Thompson is currently looking for some help to expand it.

Pastmapper looks to take Google Maps back in time originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Huffington Post | source

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drag2share: Man illuminates electromagnetic waves using coffee cans and LEDs, Christmas-colored science ensues

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/man-illuminates-electromagnetic-waves-using-coffee-cans-and-leds/

Electromagnetic radiation is all around us, but we're largely unaware that our bodies are constantly bathed in waves of the stuff because our eyes aren't equipped to see it. Dr. Gregory Chavat decided to give us a glimpse of an EM waveform, however, by using a coffee can radar system, a couple of LEDs, and long-exposure photography. The setup consisted of a radar emitter made out of one coffee can and a second can with a couple of LEDs attached to serve as a tethered receiver antenna. Those LEDs were then set to that light up red or green to illuminate the EM wave peaks and valleys. By moving the receiver closer and further away from the emitter while taking a long exposure photo, the good doctor was able to capture the wavefront radiating on film, and let you see the unseen with a bit of Christmas-colored flair. Check the video below for a fuller explanation, and hit the more coverage link to learn how to build a coffee-can radar and perform some basement black magic yourself.

Continue reading Man illuminates electromagnetic waves using coffee cans and LEDs, Christmas-colored science ensues

Man illuminates electromagnetic waves using coffee cans and LEDs, Christmas-colored science ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:28:00 EDT. ! Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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drag2share: VIA adds Android support to embedded x86 line (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/via-adds-android-support-to-embedded-x86-line-video/

EITX-3002

VIA is hardly the first hawker of x86-based chips to start bragging about its Android compatibility, but it certainly doesn't want to be left behind as the open source OS starts worming its way into more and more machines. The EITX-3002 is the first of its offerings to sport official support for Google's OS. At the heart of the Em-ITX board is your choice of a 1.2GHz NANO X2 or a 1GHz Eden X2, and a VX900H, which casn push 1080p video to dual monitors. The target devices are obviously touch-based systems like in-car entertainment computers and kiosks. To see the board in action head on after the break and, please, try to stay calm -- we all know how exciting Froyo-based kiosks are.

Continue reading VIA adds Android support to embedded x86 line (video)

VIA adds Android support to embedded x86 line (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

SlashGear | source

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