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Tuesday, June 05, 2012

ViewSonic VP3280-LED 31.5-inch 4K monitor prototype hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/viewsonic-vp3280-led-4k-monitor-hands-on/

Would you rather own a mid-range car, or a 31.5-inch 4K monitor? That might not seem like a terribly difficult call, but after seeing ViewSonic's 150 ppi prototype at Computex, we're not so sure we'd go with the car. Hidden beneath a nondescript engineering case a few feet away from the company's 22-inch ICS "tablet" was one of the most impressive 4K displays we've seen. The ViewSonic VP3280-LED features a 31.5-inch LCD panel, packing 8.8 million pixels for a total density of 150 pixels-per-inch. That means incredibly sharp images and vibrant frames -- the display is capable of 10-bit 1.07 billion-color presentation. A relatively small footprint means you could realistically pack 3840 x 2160 pixels on your desk, with a bit of room to spare.

The display we saw was hooked up to an Intel Core i5-powered PC, which ViewSonic reps say is only capable of pumping out still photos (you'll need a Core i7 for video or regular computer use), but we very much liked what we saw. The current iteration requires 2x dual-link DVI, but would be compatible with 2x DisplayPort in the future. ViewSonic reps say the VP3280, which will be marketed towards film studios, broadcasters, photographers and any other professionals in need of a compact 4K display, could ship by the end of the year, costing "about the price of a car." There's sadly no way to do this thing justice in still photos or video, but you can get a vague idea of how it performs in our walkthrough a! fter the break.

Gallery: ViewSonic VP3280-LED 31.5-inch 4K monitor hands-on

Continue reading ViewSonic VP3280-LED 31.5-inch 4K monitor prototype hands-on (video)

ViewSonic VP3280-LED 31.5-inch 4K monitor prototype hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba updates Portege Z835 Ultrabook with Ivy Bridge, renames it the Z935

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/toshiba-portege-z935-z835-ivy-bridge-refresh/

Toshiba's getting the most attention today for announcing two new laptops (including one with a bonkers 21:9 aspect ratio), but it's also getting some extra mileage out of its first Ultrabook, the Portege Z835. The company just announced it's refreshing the system with a Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor, and that it shall henceforth be known as the Portege Z935. Other than that, the chassis and other key specs are expected to remain the same. Look for it on shelves starting June 24th, and don't be surprised by a bump in price: it now starts at $900, up from $800 when it had Sandy Bridge.

Gallery: Toshiba Portege Z935

Continue reading Toshiba updates Portege Z835 Ultrabook with Ivy Bridge, renames it the Z935

Toshiba updates Portege Z835 Ultrabook with Ivy Bridge, renames it the Z935 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swapping TVs for iPads Makes Planes 7 Percent Lighter [Factoid]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5915771/swapping-tvs-for-ipads-makes-planes-7-percent-lighter

Swapping TVs for iPads Makes Planes 7 Percent Lighter What would happen if you ripped out all the TVs and associated wiring from a plane, and gave everyone an iPad instead? Well, we just found out: the plane becomes 7 percent lighter, and saves an awful lot of fuel as a result.

A new budget airline, called Scoot, launched yesterday. It's taken its planes from its parent company Singapore Airlines—but decided to change the way it serves up entertainment, reports Bloomberg. That's seen them remove the entire aircraft entertainment system from each of its airplanes—which in total weighed more than two tons per craft.

Instead, budget flyers will be charged $17 a trip to rent an iPad, which is pre-loaded with movies, music, games and television shows. All told, the overall weight saving is 7 percent, which will make a massive difference to fuel efficiency. In fact, why doesn't every airline do it? [Bloomberg]

NVIDIA details top-tier GeForce GTX 680M Kepler GPU for Ultrabooks, other laptops

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/nvidia-geforce-gtx-680M/

When NVIDIA took the wraps off its family of 28nm Kepler GPUs, it promised some mobile chips designed for Ultrabooks were soon to follow. Two and a half months later, we haven't seen that many laptops running the 600M series, save for the Acer Aspire M5, which isn't even on sale yet. Now, though, we're about to see a lot more: in advance of Computex, a computer-centric trade show about to be overrun by Ultrabooks, NVIDIA is spilling details on the GeForce GTX 680M. As the top-tier offering in the mobile Kepler lineup, it packs a 720MHz engine clock, 1,344 CUDA cores and a 256-bit memory bus powering up to 4GB of GDDR5 RAM. As a refresher, all of Kepler's GPUs make use of a new GPU Boost feature, which automatically increases the clock speed if the GPU isn't already taxed. Meanwhile, VSync promises smoother rendering, with fewer jagged edges. So which PC makers are planning on using this thing? Well, Clevo is on board, and NVIDIA says to expect some fresh models from MSI and Alienware, too. Stay tuned, folks.

Continue reading NVIDIA details top-tier GeForce GTX 680M Kepler GPU for Ultrabooks, other laptops

NVIDIA detai! ls top-t ier GeForce GTX 680M Kepler GPU for Ultrabooks, other laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TI cuts the cables, backs Miracast as wireless video standard for OMAP platform

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/ti-backs-miracast-as-wireless-video-standard/

It wasn't but a few days ago that the Wi-Fi Alliance announced its certification program for the Miracast wireless display specification. Now, TI has thrown its weight behind the technology with the announcement that future versions of its OMAP processor and WiLink connectivity chip will adhere to Miracast standards. As you'll recall, the Miracast certification program has yet to go into effect -- that'll happen later this summer -- which means for the time being, it's still too early to refer to TI's solution as "Wi-Fi Certified Miracast." Nonetheless, the company's already showing its compatible wares this week at Computex, which currently includes the OMAP 4470 / WiLink 7.0 combo. Naturally, TI also intends to ensure Miracast support as part of its upcoming OMAP 5 / WiLink 8.0 platform. As if you needed yet another reason to be excited for that one. To learn more, you'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading TI cuts the cables, backs Miracast as wireless video standard for OMAP platform

TI cuts the cables, b! acks Mir acast as wireless video standard for OMAP platform originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 CPU family expands past phones to HDTVs, tablets and Windows 8 PCs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/qualcomm-snapdragon-s4-cpu-family-expands-past-phones-to-hdtvs/

Sure Qualcomm has snagged quite the coup by sliding some of its dual-core S4 CPUs into the US-bound Galaxy S IIIs, but it's not stopping there. The company just revealed versions of these chips will power connected HDTVs and set-top boxes as well as PCs and Windows 8 (including Windows Phone 8) devices. There's four tiers of the upcoming processors: Prime, Pro, Plus and Play. S4 Prime is the smart TV platform that includes the MPQ8064 1.5GHz quad-core CPU with Adreno 320 graphics, while S4 Pro processors are ready to be the brains of Windows RT tablets, laptops and tablet / laptop combos. S4 Plus is the high-end smartphone experience we've come to associate with the Snapdragon brand, and finally S4 Play for more entry level mobile devices. Check after the break for more info on the chips in each family and details on what they can do, and our hands on with some S4 powered Windows 8 devices right here.

Continue reading Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 CPU family expands past phones to HDTVs, tablets and Windows 8 PCs

Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 CPU family expands past phones to HDTVs, tablets and Windows! 8 PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gigabyte Z77X-UP5 TH motherboard provides a double dose of Thunderbolt ports

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/gigabyte-z77x-up5-th-motherboard/

Has your daisy chain met the end of the line? Fear not, dear peripheral addict, because Gigabyte's latest Z77X-UP5 TH motherboard is equipped to feed your addiction with double the number of Thunderbolt ports as we've seen from other manufacturers. The company is taking to the floor of Computex to show off its latest creation, which features two Thunderbolt ports that are each capable of 10 Gbps throughput. Better yet, the implementation leaves the PCIe 3.0 lanes untouched, as the Thunderbolt controller is powered by an additional chip from PLX. Sadly, neither pricing nor release date has yet been let out of the bag. For additional views of this novel creation, be sure to hit up the source link below.

Gigabyte Z77X-UP5 TH motherboard provides a double dose of Thunderbolt ports originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visualized: Intel drops the curtain on 50 Ultrabooks at Computex keynote

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/visualized-50-intel-ultrabooks/

Intel had a few nuggets for us at its Computex presentation today, but this being a keynote, there always needs to be a bit of pageantry. After a bit of on-stage gaming and a quick 30-second karaoke session, a stage-wide curtain dropped to the sound of a buzzer, revealing 50 nondescript Ultrabooks, each displaying the words "Thank you!" in both English and Chinese. We'll likely be back with hands-ons with some of these devices later today, but for now, the image above will have to do.

Visualized: Intel drops the curtain on 50 Ultrabooks at Computex keynote originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel invests in display manufacturers, predicts 'majority' of Ultrabooks will have touch in 2013 (update)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/intel-touch-ultrabooks/

Intel is presenting at the e21 Forum at Computex in Taipei, and SVP Tom Kilroy just announced that the company is planning to focus on touch-enabled Ultrabooks, investing in factories that produce panels that are 13 inches and larger. Some of the partners listed included TPK, Wintek, HannsTouch and Cando, several of which are based here in Taiwan. This of course marks a departure from last year's models, many of which featured 11-inch displays, and didn't include touch functionality. Kilroy made a point of emphasizing that Intel won't be stopping at 13 inches either, opting to produce larger-screened Ultrabooks as well -- which seems to be in line with what we heard back at CES. Either way, touch is here to stay.

Update: We caught up with Tom Kilroy following the keynote, and he further explained the investment, suggesting that it's an "insurance policy" to movitate display manufacturers to increase large-panel production, even though there may not yet be demand. He also predicted that the "majority" of Ultrabooks shipping in 2013 will include touch panels, though he also said that there will continue to be a market for non-touch devices for some time to come. Check the press release below for more info.

Show full PR text

Intel, Industry Shaping Future Of Computing Experiences On Intel(R) Architecture

Intel Corpo! ration S enior Vice President Tom Kilroy officially introduced the next wave of Ultrabook[TM] systems during a keynote address at Computex Taipei 2012. Making a bold statement around the importance of touch technology, Kilroy also announced that Intel has signed agreements with several leading touch panel manufacturers to ensure adequate capacity to meet the expected demand for touch-enabled Ultrabook experiences over the next several years.
He also highlighted the company's efforts to deliver user-centric experiences across a range of mobile devices from the Ultrabook to smartphones and tablets, pointing to momentum across all three.

More than 35 new ultra-sleek, ultra-responsive Ultrabook systems are available now or will be for purchase within 30 days, with more than 110 designs expected in the next year. Powered by 3rd generation Intel(R) Core[TM] processors and made with the world's most advanced 22nm 3-D tri-gate transistors, these new Ultrabook devices are more responsive and offer enhanced security in a selection of stylish designs for consumers and business users.

"Our life experiences are defined by our senses -- by what we see, hear and touch," said Kilroy. "These human senses are also at the foundation of Intel's vision for the Ultrabook to deliver a no-compromise, must-have computing experience.

"Today, thanks to the work of the industry at-large, we are one step closer to meeting that vision with the arrival of the next wave of 3rd generation Intel Core processor-powered devices. The innovation must continue as we move to touch-based Ultrabook convertible designs, and in the future aim to give them and other devices senses, making our interaction with them natural and intuitive."

Next Wave of Ultrabook Devices Bring More Responsiveness, Enhanced Security

In addition to increased responsiveness and enhanced security features, Ultrabook devices powered by the new 3rd generation Intel Core processors deliver up to two times the media and gr! aphics p erformance compared to the previous generation, long battery life and offer more choice of stylish, thin designs.

Intel invests in display manufacturers, predicts 'majority' of Ultrabooks will have touch in 2013 (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba Storage Products' THNSNF SSDs tap into 19nm process technology

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/toshiba-storage-products-thnsnf-ssds-tap-into-19nm-process-tech/

32 nanometer process technology feels so... 2009. These days, Toshiba Storage Products is pushing something quite a bit smaller, as the outfit's new THNSNF solid state drives are said to be the world's first to take advantage of 19nm process NAND flash memory. 2012 just so happens to mark the 25th anniversary of Tosh's meddling in NAND, and the new series will be carrying the torch into even more bantam devices. Slates, Ultrabooks and perhaps a phablet or two may end up sporting on of these drives, replete with MLC (multi-level cell) flash. We're told that a trio of sizes will ship: there's a 9.5mm height edition, a 7mm version and an mSATA variant, all of which operate with a SATA 6Gbps interface. Power utilization is pegged at less than 0.1W, and mass production is expected to begin in August; mum's the word on partner companies implementing these into new products, but we're guessing the holiday season will be full of 'em.

Continue reading Toshiba Storage Products' THNSNF SSDs tap into 19nm process technology

Toshiba Storage Products' THNSNF SSDs tap into 19nm process technology originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 03:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientists use bilayer graphene to develop extra-sensitive photodetector

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/bilayer-graphene-extra-sensitive-photodetector/

By now it goes without saying that graphene is something of a darling in the research community, with scientists using the material to develop transistors, batteries and circuits, among other devices. In 2011, MIT researchers discovered graphene's effectiveness as a photodetector, and a team at the University of Maryland has taken that line of thought a few steps further. By using bilayer graphene (two atoms thick instead of one atom thick), the scientists developed a temperature-sensitive device more than 1,000 times faster than existing technologies. Not to mention, it's capable of recognizing a very broad range of light energies, which means it could be useful in everything from biochemical weapons detection to airport body scanners. Still, the UMD researchers have their work cut out for them: the graphene photodetector has a high electrical resistance, and it will require tweaks to absorb enough light to be useful. Still, this is graphene we're talking about -- and we don't expect its popularity to wane any time soon.

Scientists use bilayer graphene to develop extra-sensitive photodetector originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel demos Bluetooth-based anti-theft alarm for Ultrabooks, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/intel-bluetooth-alarm-security/

We interrupt our wall-to-wall laptop and Windows 8 coverage to bring you some news about... chips. Specifically, Intel's latest ultra low voltage chips, and new features they'll bring to Ultrabooks, in particular. Here at Chipzilla's Computex keynote, we just got a demo of a new security feature that causes an alarm to go off on your PC if a stranger attempts to move it. Using Bluetooth 4.0 and a custom Android app, you designate your PC as the one that needs protection, and then you set a threshold for when the alarm should go off (the range is customizable, but doesn't go beyond five feet). If someone tries to burgle your laptop, he or she will have to enter a password to silence the wailing.

It's all worth a look in our demo video below, but we can think of a couple caveats. For one, in order to receive an alert on your phone, letting you know someone picked up your PC, you'd have to be within Bluetooth range, which means if you're covering a tradeshow in Taipei and someone robs your apartment in New York, you'll be none the wiser. Second, the technology isn't yet integrated with Intel's other security features, such as identity protection or its "poison pill" that prevents the PC from even booting. On that front, then, best to keep it up with those unguessable passwords.

Gallery: Intel Bluetooth-based anti-theft alarm for Ultrabooks hands-on

Continue reading Intel demos Bluetooth-based anti-theft alarm for Ultrabooks, we go hands-on (video)

Intel demos Bluetooth-based anti-theft alarm for Ultrabooks, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel shows off wireless keyboard that re-juices via inductive charging (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/intel-inductive-charging-keyboard/

Imagine this: Intel hosts an event with dozens of Ultrabooks arranged on tables. All the tech writers in attendance rush past them, and instead swarm around... a keyboard. That was the scene at one of Intel's Computex press events today, where the company demoed an interesting use of inductive charging using a concept all-in-one PC and wireless keyboard. As you'll see in our walk-through video, the 'board starts charging as soon as you press it against the base of the PC. Now, we know, we know: wireless charging is hardly new, but what impressed us here was that the presenters didn't even need to rest the keyboard flat on top of something else; even making contact from the side was enough. According to an Intel rep staffing the event, the company has considered porting this technology over to other accessories. No word on how soon you'll be able to try any of this at home, but for now we've got photos below, along with that video we mentioned.

Gallery: Intel inductive-charging keyboard hands-on

Continue reading Intel shows off wireless keyboard that re-juices via inductive charging (video)

Intel shows off wireless keyboard that re-juices via inductive charging (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, June 04, 2012

How to Build the Fastest Bike Ever from Junk Parts [Video]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5915682/how-to-build-the-fastest-bike-ever-from-junk-parts

Graeme Obree is a world-renowned cyclist who has broke numerous world records. His latest obsession has focused around building the world's fastest bicycle; one that go faster than 100 miles-per-hour. But instead of teaming up with a fancy lab and dumping millions of research dollars into materials research and wind tunnel testing, Obree is building a bike from old scrap parts. A bike tailored to the intricacies of his own body.

In this 10-minute mini-documentary put together by Humans Invent, Obree runs through all the weird shit he's using to build the bike—including old sauce pans—and his approach to design, which dictates that any bike with a universal design compromises its maximum potential for performance. If all goes to plan, Obree will attempt to break the speed record in November. And if you won't watch for the ins and outs of bike nerdery, than do it for for his scottish accent which will entrance you from the outset.

How to Build the Fastest Bike Ever from Junk Parts [Humans Invent]

Xbox SmartGlass: did Microsoft just render the Wii U controller obsolete?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/xbox-smartglass-editorial-microsoft-competing-wii-u-controller/

One surefire way to make sure your company gets out in front of the E3 buzz? Launch a pre-pre-E3 press conference, of course. Nintendo was already set up to kick off the show on Tuesday, getting the party started according to tradition with an early morning press conference ahead of show floor opening. As it has in the past, the gaming giant was scheduled to be the third of the big three, unveiling its wares a day after Sony and Microsoft had their moments to shine. For 2012, the company made an unorthodox play, opting for a small broadcast event the Sunday afternoon ahead of the show, with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata standing alone in an unassuming wood-paneled room, giving yet another sneak peak into the world of the Wii U.

Popular opinion has positioned E3 2012 as a make-or-break proposition for the company. Nintendo's had an unprecedentedly rough year, with a continually eroding sense of excitement around its aging Wii console and a lukewarm reception greeting the 3DS. And with mobile competition nabbing pretty sizable chunks from the company's casual offerings, Nintendo needs to remind people what the console can bring that handsets can't. In earnest, Iwata offered up a smattering of ad! ditional details on the Wii U, with a finalized layout for the system's tablet-esque controller, the introduction of Miiverse social functionality and the promise of a bit of mobile device compatibility.

Continue reading Xbox SmartGlass: did Microsoft just render the Wii U controller obsolete?

Xbox SmartGlass: did Microsoft just render the Wii U controller obsolete? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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