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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Supercomputer built from Raspberry Pi and Lego, managed by humans rather than Minifigs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/13/supercomputer-built-from-raspberry-pi-and-lego/

If you're a computational engineer, there's no question about what you do with the Raspberry Pi: you make a supercomputer cluster. Researchers at the University of Southampton have followed their instincts and built Iridis-Pi, a tiny 64-node cluster based on the Raspberry Pi's usual Debian Wheezy distribution and linked through Ethernet. While no one would mistake any one Raspberry Pi for a powerhouse, the sheer number of networked devices gives the design both some computing grunt and 1TB worth of storage in SD cards. Going so small also leads to some truly uncommon rackmounting -- team lead Simon Cox and his son James grouped the entire array in two towers of Lego, which likely makes it the most adorable compute cluster you'll ever see. There's instructions to help build your own Iridis-Pi at the source link, and the best part is that it won't require a university-level budget to run. Crafting the exact system you see here costs under £2,500 ($4,026), or less than a grown-up supercomputer's energy bill.

Filed under: Desktops

Supercomputer built from Raspberry Pi and Lego, managed by humans rather than Minifigs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's a Side-By-Side Comparison of a Picture Taken with the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S [Iphone 5]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5942810/heres-a-side+by+side-comparison-of-a-picture-taken-with-the-iphone-5-and-the-iphone-4s

Though we won't get an official side-by-side comparisons of the camera in the iPhone 4S and the new iPhone 5 until we get our hands on it, this is about as close as it gets: Scott Everett, from Dpreview, took nearly the same picture of Big Sur that Apple has been using in its iPhone 5 sample gallery with his own iPhone 4S. It's the first head to head look of the camera in the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S.

It's a remarkable coincidence that's astutely analyzed by Dpreview and they've discovered that the iPhone 5 (though listed as having a similar spec'd camera) actually has a different sensor than the 4S. Dpreview compared the EXIF data and saw that the iPhone 5 was able to drop to ISO 50, which means "for images taken in such bright light, this strongly suggests the newer model has a lower minimum sensitivity." Also, Dpreview suggests that the iPhone 5 has a slightly larger sensor than the iPhone 4S when digging deeper into the EXIF data.

From our perspective, there seems to be a little more detail in the iPhone 5 but that could be a lot of different factors in play (time of day, etc.). I definitely prefer the look of the iPhone 5 camera more but on first glance, it doesn't seem as significant a jump as the the iPhone 4 camera to the 4S camera was (and definitely not 3GS to 4). Of course, this isn't a real hands-on comparison and it's not taken at night where we can see if the iPhone 5 has improved low light performance, but it does give you the idea of what the 4S and 5 are capable of. Check out the real photos of the two iPhones at Dpreview.

Also, be sure to read Dpreview's take on this comparison picture and check out their whole take on the iPhone 5 camera too. [Dpreview]

Update: Gizmodo reader Darshan Meda just sent me the picture he took of Big Sur with an iPhone 4 and I've added it in for reference. Again, there will be obvious differences (given the different times each picture was taken) but you get the general gist

Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/verizon-wireless-comfirms-facetime-over-cellular-on-all-data-pla/

If you'll recall, AT&T was quick to inform users after WWDC that it would not be supporting FaceTime over Cellular on all of its data plans (you'll need a Mobile Share plan for it to work) when it launches as part of iOS6 on the 19th. Now Verizon has responded, confirming in its iPhone 5 press release that the feature is welcome on any data plan allowance. Of course, your usual data restrictions will still apply so we wouldn't leave those 720p backside illuminated cameras streaming for too long. If you're the type to set your watch by iPhone launches, the press release also mentions Friday at 3AM ET is the time when they'll be available for preorder on the website, check the rest of the details after the break.

Continue reading Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans

Filed under: Mobile

Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola XT890 approved by FCC, may be next week's 2GHz Intel phone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/13/motorola-xt890-fcc-intel/

As one major event wraps, we look forward to what's coming up next: Motorola's Intel announcement. We have a hard time believing we'd see anything besides a smartphone with an Intel chip inside, but the biggest mystery is in what type of phone. Are we going to see something ho-hum, or mind-blowingly awesome? Whatever it is, we think we may have stumbled upon a clue. Motorola's XT890, which has been rumored to be a global RAZR M with a 2GHz CPU and 897 x 540 screen resolution, just wandered through the FCC with AT&T-friendly 2G and 3G radios. There's no hint of LTE here, though the FCC doesn't require OEMs to mention non-US frequencies. The docs, however, indicate that we can expect dual-band WiFi -- no word on NFC, but we'd be very surprised if it didn't make the final cut. The supercharged processor seems almost too good to be true, but we wouldn't offer up any complaints if there is any truth to the idea.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Motorola XT890 approved by FCC, may be next week's 2GHz Intel phone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple appeases European lawmakers with Lightning-to-microUSB adapter

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/13/apple-lightning-to-micro-usb-adapter/

We do love products that only exist to circumvent the finer points of legislation (hello there, Aston Martin Cygnet), but even better are the ones that actually serve a purpose. To comply with the European Commission's insistence that all smartphones must have a microUSB connector, Apple is putting out a Euro-specific adapter for its new Lightning standard. It's turned up in the UK and French stores so far, setting you back £15 / €19 ($25) -- and we imagine it won't be long before some entrepreneurial soul starts buying them in bulk to sell to microUSB users Stateside.

Filed under: Cellphones

Apple appeases European lawmakers with Lightning-to-microUSB adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TechnoBuffalo, 9to5Mac | source

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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Hex3 AppTag Laser Blaster turns iPhones and Androids into augmented reality laser tag gun sights (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/hex3-apptag-laser-blaster-augmented-reality-laser-tag/

Nerf's doing it, and so is Hasbro, but there's plenty of room for other folks in the laser tag market, and Hex3 is a startup looking to get in on the action. Called the AppTag Laser Blaster, it combines old school IR-based laser tag with new school augmented reality. Like its aforementioned competition, the gun uses your Android or iPhone (yes, that includes the 5) and a companion app. The app turns your phone into a HUD when playing with friends or an AR window when you're shooting solo.

Gallery: Hex3 AppTag Laser Blaster hands-on

Where AppTag differs is in how the pistol communicates with your phone. It uses a proprietary high frequency audio signal that requires no pairing or other similar procedures -- you simply load up the app, clamp it to the gun and you're good to go. Additionally, AppTag's removable pistol grip is attached to the gun via a rail mount. That means the system can be attached to existing Nerf weapons and even real firearms should you be so inclined, plus there's a corded pressure switch that you can affix to the trigger of any gun. For now, there are a handful of games included in the app, but Hex3 is releasing an SDK so that developers can get creative building their own using the blaster's four buttons, trigger and reload switch. Interested? AppTag's currently up for pre-order at $59 bucks a pop, with shipping slated to start in 4-6 weeks. Before you part with any hard earned cash, however, check out our video after the break to see in action.

Continue reading Hex3 AppTag Laser Blaster turns iPhones and Androids into augmented reality laser tag gun sights (hands-on)

Filed under: Misc

Hex3 AppTag Laser Blaster turns iPhones and Androids into augmented reality laser tag gun sights (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/western-digital-brings-wafer-thin-5mm-hard-drives-to-idf-we-go/

We're a jaded bunch here at Engadget sometimes, and with most of us using SSD-based systems these days it's hard to get too excited about good old spinny disks. Still we're also suckers for impressive technology, so our interest was piqued when Western Digital announced its 5mm thin 2.5-inch hard drives the other day. Luckily, the company saw fit to bring samples of its skinny new WD Black hybrid drive and WD Blue HDD to IDF 2012 and let us handle both briefly. The verdict? These are impossibly thin -- perfect for all those nice Ultrabooks we're expecting to see hit the market in the next few months. Details on performance, availability and pricing are scarce since these drives are intended for OEMs. Take a look at our gallery below, which includes thickness comparisons with WD's upcoming 1TB 7mm thin HDD and a standard-sized loyalty card -- then peek past the break for our hands-on video.

Gallery: Western Digital 5mm thin hard drive hands-on

Update: yes, the loyalty card was demagnetized in the making of this video, and you now owe us all coffee.

Continue reading Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Storage

Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo-made Vodafone Smart Tab II passes FCC testing, naturally

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/vodafone-smart-tab-ii-at-the-fcc/

Vodafone's 7-inch Smart Tab II made a surprise appearance at IFA last month with its 10-inch sibling also in tow, and now it's stopped off at the FCC to pick up its Visa for future trips to the US. The official documents for the chunky, carrier-branded slate aren't giving much away, except that it's got the expected mix of 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth. Most of the specs remain a mystery, but the FCC ID (O57A2107VDF3G) indicates it's Lenovo's IdeaTab A2107 in disguise, meaning it should have a 1GHz dual-core CPU running behind a 1,024 x 600 display. At IFA, the price tag on the 7-inch model was 190 Euros (approximately $245), but with only 4GB storage and no LTE, we expect some heavy, competitive subsidies from Voda when it lands.

Filed under: Tablets

Lenovo-made Vodafone Smart Tab II passes FCC testing, naturally originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nuance and Intel team on Dragon Assistant Beta for Ultrabooks, Dell XPS 13 to lead the charge

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/nuance-and-intel-team-on-dragon-assistant-beta-for-ultrabooks/

Intel at CES promised a partnership with Nuance to give Ultrabooks a taste of ready-made voice recognition, and we're finally seeing the results at IDF in San Francisco through the launch of Nuance's Dragon Assistant Beta. As the name implies, this isn't just a voice dictation engine like that in Naturally Speaking: chatty users can delegate common tasks like playing music, reading social network updates and searching the web. The beta isn't immediately available as of this writing, but it should go live soon and will be a core part of of Ultrabook software bundles in the near future, starting with the Dell XPS 13 this fall. We're wondering why Intel is focusing its Dragon Assistant efforts solely on thin-and-lights -- the company still makes money from portlier PCs, after all -- but we won't mind as much given the simultaneous launch of a Perceptual Computing SDK 2013 Beta, which lets developers work Dragon recognition into their own apps. More details await after the break.

Continue reading Nuance and Intel team on Dragon Assistant Beta for Ultrabooks, Dell XPS 13 to lead the charge

Filed under: Laptops, Software

Nuance and Intel team on Dragon Assistant Beta for Ultrabooks, Dell XPS 13 to lead the charge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's How To Stop Facebook From Tracking You

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-to-stop-facebook-from-tracking-you-2012-9

A stop sign

Most people don't realize that Facebook can continue to monitor their internet activity, even if they are no longer logged into the site.

Using "Facebook Connect," and other social pulg-ins, Facebook is able to set up a cookie on any site that has a "Like" or "share" button, giving Facebook access to a startling amount of user information. Technically, the purpose of these plug-ins is to authenticate users, but it still has the ability to collect personal information such as the IP address of your computer, browsing data, outside login information, phone numbers, etc.

The cookie, known as the "datr" cookie, has been a controversial topic for the past year. Using this cookie, among other things, Facebook knows what you have read on a web page even if you did not click the "like" button. As the Wall Street Journal reported, "for this to work, a person only needs to have logged into Facebook or Twitter once in the past month. The sites will continue to collect browsing data, even if the person closes their browser or turns off their computers."

To help users control how and when their information is tracked and distributed, companies such as Abine and Ghostery have developed tools that allow users to block Facebook social plug-ins, cookies, and other trackers.

W! e identi fied five practical options for consideration, including an option for web site publishers that will help help protect their customers from trackers while keeping their websites running smoothly.

Do Not Track Plus — A browser add-on that will identify and block trackers.

As Business Insider previously reported, Abine's DNT+ tool is a FREE add-on that monitors, tracks, and allows users to block any trackers and requests that may be following their internet activity. It is compatible with MAC or PC for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. It is currently able to block more than 600 trackers, and automatically updates to catch new trackers.

Ghostery — similar to DNT+ but this add-on is also available for Opera.

Similar to DNT+, Ghostery is a browser add-on, owned by Evidon, that protects consumer privacy while online. By giving the consumer visibility into who is tracking their online activity and allowing them to block all or specific trackers, it empowers users with the ability to stop third parties from collecting their personal information without permission. It currently has more than 16 million monthly users and pulls data from over 26 million web domains via an opt-in service of 7 million users.

Ghostery is free to download, free to use, and does not contain any adware or spyware. It is available for all major browsers: Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera and Internet ! Explorer .

Disconnect and Collusion for Chrome — A robust tool that will identify and block trackers, but is only available for Chrome.

Chrome Disconnect Website

Similar to DNT+ and Ghostery, Chrome Disconnect allows you to stop third parties and search engines from tracking your web activity. Specifically, this tool focuses on allowing users to disconnect from sites such as Facebook, Digg, Google, Twitter, and Yahoo without risking the performance of the sites. The tool blocks identifiable cookies while allowing you stay logged into various sites.

Collusion for Chrome

This site allows users to then see which third parties are tracking them by graphing the spread of the data from sites to tracks, exposing them, and giving users the ability to block the trackers.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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Sony NEX-6: Inexpensive, Compact, Slick HandlingâThe Perfect DSLR Compromise? [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5942459/a-viewfinder-and-low-price-could-make-the-sony-nex+6-the-perfect-compact-compromise

Sony's been grinding on compact, interchangeable-lens cameras: It's got three different lines (NEX 3, 5, 7) going at different price points, and they're all spectacular. The Sony NEX 6 is the latest for everyone who loves using the high-end NEX-7 but hates the price.

What you're looking at here is the same image quality and Wi-Fi as Sony's recently announced NEX 5R, plus the built-in digital viewfinder and buttons and dials operation borrowed from the Sony NEX-7. The NEX-6 will be bundled with Sony's 16-50mm power zoom lens for $1000. The body alone will cost you $850—not a bad deal considering the new very slim lens will ship in January for $350.

Like the Sony NEX-5R, the NEX-6's killer new feature is a souped up new "Fast Hybrid AF" system that uses both contrast and phase detection to zero in on the subject you want in focus super fast. It also has the same DSLR-quality imaging: a 16.1-megapixel, APS-C sensor plus the rare ability to shoot HD video at up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps.

Since the NEX-6 is equipped with the Wi-Fi powers of the NEX-5R, you'll be able to transfer photos and video wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or computer. You'll also be able to use the Wi-Fi to install new PlayMemories Camera Apps, which are basically filters and special effects you can download and install on camera.

The NEX-6 doesn't have a touchscreen—the NEX-5R does—and instead hopes you'll be interested in the DSLR-like mode dial on the top of the camera. That, along with the digital viewfinder, makes the NEX-6 all about capturing the "real" camera feel—down to the textured rubber grip.

This NEX-6 alone isn't a revolution—it's the combination of features that might be appealing to people. The built-in viewfinder make it better for serious shooters who don't want to use an LCD to line up their shots. Indeed, this camera is for DSLR-folk who prefer body controls and a viewfinder to the NEX-5R's three-inch touchscreen. Will it succeed in enrapturing that segment of the compact-camera buying market? We'll find out in November.

Sony RX1: The First Full-Frame Point-and-Shoot Camera (Which Is as Crazy/Genius as it Sounds) [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5942476/sony-rx1-the-first-full+frame-point+and+shoot-camera-which-is-as-crazygenius-as-it-sounds

Today we met Sony's new flagship DSLR, the a99: A professional-grade, full-frame sensor camera that gives all the rest a run for their money. With that in mind, we'll just call the Sony Cyber-Shot RX1 "Honey I Shrank the Full-Frame". Yes, it's freaking crazy. It's potentially brilliant too.

Here's the thing about the Sony RX1. It's the smallest full-frame sensor camera that's ever been built. That means that the image quality is actually professional-grade. We're not just saying that as a way of dumbing the camera down: It sports an identical 24-megapixel, 35.8x23.9mm full-frame sensor to the a99. The only difference is that it measures (4 1/2"x 2 5/8"x 2 3/4"), and weighs just one pound. It's a little bigger than a deck of cards and it weighs as much as a big potato.

Professional sensor, point-and-shoot size. Genius! Right? RIGHT?

Well, this is a first, and the reason it's a first is because the camera is very carefully engineered to be so tiny, and there are some significant trade-offs. First of all, this is a Cyber-Shot camera, which means it's not just point-and-shoot sized, it's a point-and-shoot with a prime 35mm f/2.0 lens. It's a Carl Zeiss lens, so it's surely lovely, but the lack of interchangeable lenses and no possibility for zoom is going to turn a lot of people off.

What's more the camera's doesn't exactly have a Cyber-Shot price; It'll cost $2800 when it's available in November. So this isn't exactly a "bring full-frame sensors to the the everyman" kind of camera." This is designed for pros. All that said, it's freaking adorable and we can't wait to get our hands on one to see what we can do with it.

Xtreamer teases 5-inch AiKi Android handset: ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pricing (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/xtreamer-mobile-aiki/

While the world waits for a certain other phone that includes a 5 reference in its teaser, HTPC, media streamer and NAS builder Xtreamer has revealed its plans to get into the mobile space. A banner on its forum, a sign-up page for more info and quick teaser trailer are all we have to go on, but so far the available details gives the AiKi 5-inch specs that include dual SIM, Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, a "powerful" battery, ClockWorkMod based updates, multilingual ROM, root enabled by default and the tagline "why pay more?" Until there's more details that's likely to remain an open question, but given Xtreamer's history, we suspect European users inclined to modding should at least keep an eye out, we'll let you know when we hear more.

[Thanks, Tomas]

Continue reading Xtreamer teases 5-inch AiKi Android handset: ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pricing (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Xtreamer teases 5-inch AiKi Android handset: ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pri! cing (vi deo) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/sony-cyber-shot-rx1-compact-camera-packs-a-full-frame-senso/

Would you believe us if we told you Sony packed a full-frame sensor in a Cyber-shot-branded camera? It's true! Say hello to the RX1, a "compact" digital camera for pros that's packing the same 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor introduced today with the A99. Calling the rangefinder-esque one-pound shooter small might seem off-base, especially considering the Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.0 fixed prime lens protruding from its front, but it's not so huge (3-inches high by 4.5-inches wide) up against its tiny sibling, the RX100 -- taking into account how much larger the RX1's sensor is, well, that's when this editor's jaw basically dropped. While it's not a "pro-NEX" as many had hoped, Sony explained that it chose a fixed lens to avoid the bulk of a lens-mount. We were able to get some eyes-on time with an engineering prototype of the unit, so click past the break for more details, close-ups and a brief video overview.

Gallery: Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 hands-on

Continue reading Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on)

Filed under: Cameras

Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/sony-nex-vg30-vg900-hands-on/

A full-frame camcorder for roughly 3 grand? Meet the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam -- the company's first 35mm HD video camera. Taking cues from its Alpha A99, which was just announced today, Sony brought that camera's 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor to a camcorder form factor, delivering shallow depth-of-field and much improved low-light sensitivity in a more practical package. The VG900 is compatible with E-mount lenses, and it's a fine stills shooter (like the A99, it's capable of 14-bit RAW captures), but it's best suited for high-end video production, where it offers 1080p recording at 24 or 60 frames-per-second through a sensor that features 45 times the area of a conventional camcorder. This model even adds some of Sony's picture effects from the stills line, such as soft focus and miniature mode, while certain filters, like partial color and high-contrast monochrome can even be added to video.

Also on order for today is the NEX-VG30 -- the successor to the VG20 -- which offers many of the same features, but with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor instead. If you're looking for a capable Handycam and don't want to spring for full-frame, this is your match. Both models include 270-degree swivel 921k-dot touch-enabled TruBlack LCDs and XGA OLED eye-level electronic viewfinders, along with Sony's new Multi Interface Shoe, which enables XLR microphone inputs through an optional accessory. The Handycams offer a new zoom seesaw level with multiple speeds for smooth, silent lens adjustments. There's also digital zoom functionality, which is likely to be! more ap propriate for the VG900, since that model's full-frame sensor has the pixels to spare. That flavor is quite costly, coming in at $3,299 without a lens, though an LA-EA3 mount adapter is included so you can attach full-frame-capable A-mount lenses. The VG30, for its part, will retail for $1,800 body only, or $2,700 when paired with Sony's new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens -- a $300 savings, considering that optic's $1,200 standalone price tag. The VG900 is slated to ship beginning in late October, while the VG30 will hit stores in November, but you can take a closer look right now in our hands-on gallery below.

Gallery: Sony NEX-VG900 and NEX-VG30 hands-on

Continue reading Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on

Filed under: Cameras

Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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