Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Toshiba's REGZA AT501 comes with Android 4.1, vague sense of unfulfillment

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/toshiba-regza-at501/

Dear Uncle Toshiba. Thank you so much for announcing this REGZA Tablet AT501, the followup to the AT500. We noticed that you'd thrown in a 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 IPS display alongside a 1.3GHz Tegra 3 system and 1GB of RAM, which is very nice. We also like the feature that lets it act as a companion to compatible REGZA TVs. It was a bit sad, however, to see that it only came with a 3-megapixel rear facing camera. On the upside, you did manage to install Android 4.1, Splashtop and a battery that's rated for 10 hours -- which is probably why it weighs 625 grams. Unfortunately, you priced it at 40,000 yen ($425), more than a Nexus 10 -- so if you don't mind, can we keep the receipt?

Filed under: Tablets

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Via: Engadget Japanese (Translated)

Source: Toshiba (Translated)!

Broadcom outs smaller, more efficient LTE-Advanced modem for high-spec mobiles

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/broadcom-lte-advanced-modem/

Broadcom out shrunken down LTEAdvanced modem for highspec mobiles

Welcome to the BCM21892. It may sound like every other piece of Broadcom silicon we've covered, but it actually represents an important move from a company that is eager to start pecking at Qualcomm's lunch. First and foremost, this a 4G modem for flagship phones rather than any budget fare, with support for LTE-Advanced and data speeds of up to 150Mb/s. To deliver that kind of performance, carriers either need 20MHz of contiguous bandwidth -- a rarity these days -- or they need carrier aggregation technology, which allows a modem to exploit separate chunks of bandwidth simultaneously. The BCM21892 boasts that spec too, not to mention compatibility with most of the popular network standards in use around the world, from the TD and FD types of LTE right down to HSPA+, TD-SCDMA and EDGE/GSM. Finally, through a combination of small transistors (28nm) and clever algorithms, the chip is claimed to reduce power consumption by 25 percent compared to rival devices, and also to take up less space -- potentially leaving more room for other goodies (Broadcom suggests NFC). The chip is still only at the the sampling stage, however, so the folks at Qualcomm shouldn't have too much to worry about until at least 2014.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Wireless, Mobile

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Dell intros color-accurate U2413, U2713H and U3014 displays

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/dell-intros-color-accurate-u2413-u2713h-and-u3014-displays/

Dell's UltraSharp displays still have a certain cachet among sticklers for quality, most of all at the high end -- so today's release of three advanced models might as well be a bonanza. The 24-inch U2413, 27-inch U2713H and 30-inch U3014 (above) once more center on PremierColor and the visual accuracy to match. Even the two smaller displays have a 12-bit processor that helps their LCDs reach 99 percent of the Adobe RGB color space and all of the sRGB space, or enough of the spectrum to eliminate most rude surprises with photo work. What else is new? Dell hasn't divulged full details of the screens themselves, but there's now a single-display arm and a dual-display stand to get just the right placement. Like what you see -- or rather, what you will see? The U2413 and U2713H should be available now for $599 and $999 alongside the $149 arm and $169 stand, while the range-topping U3014 is due "soon" for $1,499.

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals, Dell

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Source: Dell

Sonos Playbar: a home theater soundbar that wirelessly streams music for $699, we go hands- (and ears) on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/sonos-playbar-home-theater-soundbar/

We've long been enamored of Sonos' musical streaming technology and its wireless speakers, whether it's the S5 Play:5, the Play:3 or the Sub. But, what if you're looking for some Sonos gear that can stream your favorite MOG or Spotify playlist and deliver surround sound on movie night? Well, you're in luck, because the Playbar has arrived, packing all of Sonos' streaming capabilities you know and love in a soundbar form factor.

It's got nine speakers: six 8-centimeter (3.15-inch) aluminum cone mids powered by neodymium magnets and three 2.5-centimeter (1-inch) titanium dome tweeters. It connects to TVs, game consoles and cable boxes via Toslink cable and wires into home networks via Gigabit Ethernet or wireless connectivity can be had for those who own a Sonos Bridge. Naturally, it can be controlled by the Sonos app, but volume can also be toggled by your TV remote, thanks to the IR receivers on board and the remote codes stored on Sonos' servers.

Naturally, Playbar can deliver simulated surround sound on its own, but it can also be paired with Sonos' other speakers to deliver true 5.1 channel sound should yo! ur walle t be willing and able. Speaking of, the Playbar goes on sale worldwide on March 5th for $699, €699 or £599 depending which part of the globe you call home. We got to see (and hear) the Playbar for ourselves at Sonos HQ in Santa Barbara, California and chat with the folks who built it, so join us after the break to learn more about the company's first foray into home theater.

Gallery: Sonos Playbar hands-on

Gallery: Sonos Playbar press shots

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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MIT crafts genetic circuits that remember their work through DNA

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/mit-crafts-genetic-circuits-that-remember-their-work-through-dna/

It's easy to find work on gene-based storage; finding genes that will do any of the heavy lifting is another matter. MIT believes it has a genetic circuit that will finally get to work, and then some. In using recombinase enzymes to alter DNA sequences serving as logic gates, researchers have developed a cellular circuit that not only mimics its silicon cousins, but has its own built-in memory. As the gate activation makes permanent changes to a given DNA sequence, any gate actions stay in memory for up to 90 generations -- and will hang around even if the cell's life is cut short. MIT sees its technique as having ultimate uses for areas where longer-term memory is important, such as environmental sensors, but could also see varying output values helping with digital-to-analog converters and other devices where there's a need for more precision. While there's no word on imminent plans for real-world use, the development raises the possibility of processors that could skip the traditional memory cache as they pass info down the family tree.

Filed under: Science, Alt

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Via: SciTechDaily

Sourc! e: MIT

Monday, February 11, 2013

Turn Paper Airplanes Into Full-On Drones With This Little Rod of Power

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5983425/turn-paper-airplanes-into-full+on-drones-with-this-little-rod-of-power

Everybody loves a good paper airplane, but the problem is they only fly straight, and that's only so much fun. Well, that about to be a problem of the past. Thanks to the Power Up 3.0, you can not only outfit your paper creations with a motor, but steer them directly from your phone.

A new version of the company's previous paper-plane powerpack, the 3.0 not only pushes your plane forward, but has a remote controlled tail you can tweak with the accompanying iPhone app to steer your little jet in for whatever kind of landing you can manage. All you have to do is set the drive-shaft into the fold of your airplane and its ready to go. The PowerUp 3.0 is due out this fall and, unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to actually see the sucker in action, but if it lives up to even half of its promise, it should be a blast. We can't wait to get our hands on one. Or maybe two. Dogfights, baby.

Samsung details Innovation Centers in San Francisco and New York, focusing hard on software + hardware marriage

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/11/samsung-details-innovation-centers-in-san-francisco-and-new-york/

David Eun, presently serving as EVP at Samsung's Open Innovation Center after stints at AOL, Google, Time Warner and NBC Entertainment, just took the stage here in Dana Point, California during the opening night of D:Dive Into Media 2013. Given the media / content focus of the event, the conversation between Eun and host Kara Swisher revolved almost entirely on Samsung's role in the world of content, production, connectedness and distribution. Starting things off with a bang, he affirmed that Samsung is opening two new Innovation Centers that'll act as idea accelerators. In a way, this is Samsung getting into the funding game, which certainly adds a new twist to an industry that has largely been dominated by angels that aren't necessarily a part of a major corporation.

Initially, one will be opening up in the Bay Area, while the other gets planted at an undisclosed location in New York City. Eun noted that in the past, Samsung was "focused on manufacturing hardware," but it realized some time ago that you "have to get both hardware and software right." He stated that the company as a whole has been "investing quite significantly over the past few years on software," and turning to how it impacts content, he explained an internal company process that aims to gather insight about consumers. Not necessarily in the creepy, privacy-invading kind of insight, but in the way of discovering what consumers want, but don't yet have in the marketplace.

Gallery: Samsung's David Eun at D:Dive Into Media 2013

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Samsung

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LG reveals Optimus L Series II, dual-SIM L7II is the first to launch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/11/lg-reveals-optimus-l-series-ii-dual-sim-l7ii-is-the-first-to-la/

As usual, LG can't wait for the show to start to display its latest phones and is previewing the Optimus L Series II line ahead of MWC 2013. Just like its predecessors, the L Series II will come in a variety of sizes, with a 3.2-inch L3II, 4.0-inch L5II and 4.3-inch L7II on the way. According to LG, the second coming of the L Style adds Seamless Layout, Laser Cut Contour, Radiant Rear Design and Smart LED Lighting (the button at the bottom has a lighted edge) design elements to the beauty of the original phones. Other than screen size, the different versions will also feature different batteries, ranging from 2,460mAh in the largest to 1,540mAh in the smallest.

The L7II will be first to launch and has the most details, with specs listing a 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8225 CPU, up to 4GB internal storage, 768MB RAM and a microSD slot, plus WVGA IPS screen and 8MP rear / VGA front camera setup. The dual-SIM version seen in earlier leaks will debut in Russia this week with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on board, availability for the other new phones will be announced later. The full rundown of new features and a pair of pictures are after the break, while you check those we'll keep an eye out for any more surprises from LG before the show floor opens in Barcelona.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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LG promo confirms 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro for Korea

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/11/lg-promo-confirms-5-5-inch-optimus-g-pro-for-korea/

If you were worried that you might have to wait until Mobile World Congress to learn whether or not a 5.5-inch version of the Optimus G Pro was real, your mind can rest at ease. While hoping to drum up buzz for a launch beyond Japan, the company has ever-so-casually mentioned that at least the South Korean edition of the G Pro has a 5.5-inch, full HD screen -- half an inch larger than the Japanese model, and just as large as the panel on the Galaxy Note II. Want to know more? That's part of the promo. Borrowing a page from Sony, LG promises to reveal more of the phone the more Facebook Likes it receives. While previous tips suggest that the 5.5-inch edition will mostly be a larger take on an already supersized device, it's still very tempting to click that Like button -- just don't expect one of the mentioned prizes if you live beyond LG's native borders.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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Source: LG Social (translated), LG Electronics (Facebook)

Saturday, February 09, 2013

Sandboxr lets us easily make custom-posed, 3D-printed figurines (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/sandboxr-lets-us-easily-make-custom-posed-3d-printed-figurines/

Where was Sandboxr when we were kids? Instead of dragging our parents around on a hunt for the perfect figurine, we could have used the company's new web app to easily manipulate a virtual model and get a 3D printed statuette in the exact pose we wanted. There's compensation for the lost opportunities of our childhood, however. The creation tool allows for customized accessories, scenes and sizing, and it's expected to have reasonable prices of about $12 for a 2.5-inch character and over $20 for a 3.5-inch version. The best news may simply be the likelihood of a figurine existing in the first place -- Sandboxr sees itself as a platform for everyone from 3D animators through to game developers and dedicated toy companies, many of which can use existing 3D models to start a collectible line. The printing service is currently invitation-only and plans a Kickstarter fundraising drive to scale larger, but it's easy to see an end to the days of limited edition figurines -- much to the delight of our inner child.

Filed under: Misc, Household

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Via: Wired

Source: Sandboxr

Google aiming to build $82 million aircraft facility at SJC, probably launch more Project Glass demos from it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/google-82-million-SJC-aircraft-facility/

It's no secret that Google has an interest in the automotive industry, but over the years the popular search engine has also managed to amass quite the collection of aircrafts. So much in fact, the company is in the process of inking an $82 million construction deal that would bring its fleet to Mineta San Jose International Airport. Pending city council approval, the privately funded facility would generate an annual $2.6 million rent lease, around $400,000 in fuel revenues and create 236 jobs. If agreed upon, the 29-acre Googleport will take up to two years to build and will include an executive terminal along with hangers to house the company's private Boeing 737 and 747 jets. Google currently parks its jets at Moffett Federal Airfield, where the company has offered to renovate NASA Ames' Hanger One in exchange for two-thirds of its facility space to house its planes. There's no word if either deal will affect the other, but as it stands San Jose's city council is expected to vote on its proposal sometime in April.

Filed under: Misc, Google

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: Mercury News

Friday, February 08, 2013

The Future Of Smartphones: New Report Says Samsung's Next Galaxy Phone Will Have Touchless Gestures

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/samsungs-galaxy-s4-touchless-gestures-2013-2

Leaked samsung galaxy s iv press photo

Samsung's next flagship smartphone is on the way.

The latest rumor says the Galaxy S IV can be controlled by touchless gestures instead of regular taps and swipes.

The report comes from the Korean publication DDaily.

So what do we mean by touchless controls?

One example is you'll be able to answer your phone just by holding it up to your ear when it rings. There's no need to tap an "answer" button.

The touch-free system is supposed to mimic the Galaxy Note II's Air View, a sensor that recognizes when the stylus is over the screen, but a newer sensor would eliminate the need for a stylus, reports Phandroid.

Here's a list of the gestures from Geeky Gadgets blog:

samsung galaxy s4 gestures

The rumored 5-inch smartphone's standard features are said to include a high-quality 1920 x 1080 resolution screen, 13 megapixel camera, lightning fast 8-core processor, and 2 GB of RAM.

Don't Miss: Samsung May Announce The Next Galaxy Phone On March 15 >

Please follow SAI: Tools on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

Hundreds of Full-Length Movies Are Reappearing on YouTube

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5982721/hundreds-of-full+length-movies-are-reappearing-on-youtube

Hundreds of Full-Length Movies Are Reappearing on YouTube The Wall Street Journal points out an interesting trend: loads of illegally uploaded, full-length movies are finding their way on to YouTube, and studios are doing nothing about it.

And you know what? It's right. A quick Google throws up full versions of The Three Faces of Eve, Misery, Battle Royale, The Illusionist... we could go on, but you can use a search engine by yourself.

The Journal suggests that most of these films are from Walt Disney, Columbia and Tristar studios, and—as of yet—they're not doing anything about it. From the WSJ:

Why the movie studios didn't block the films by using a special YouTube program-called Content ID-for identifying their copyrighted content is a mystery.

Google in late 2007 launched Content ID, which helps identify copyrighted material so content owners can block the content from appearing on the site altogether, or in certain geographical markets. Alternatively, content owners can choose to let YouTube sell online advertisements that appear next to or on top of the videos while they play.

Clearly, this isn't a situation that will last for very long; those studios are bound to wise up sooner or later and pull that content. But in the meantime, you can probably find yourself a fine evening of free movie viewing on YouTube—if you don't find the idea morally troubling. [WSJ]

Update: As Giz reader Giant Speck points out, there is a Reddit page dedicated to pointing out full movies on YouTube.

Image by Pinkcandy/Shutterstock

Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Toshiba's REGZA AT501 comes with Android 4.1, vague sense of unfulfillment

Broadcom outs smaller, more efficient LTE-Advanced modem for high-spec mobiles

Dell intros color-accurate U2413, U2713H and U3014 displays

Sonos Playbar: a home theater soundbar that wirelessly streams music for $699, we go hands- (and ears) on

MIT crafts genetic circuits that remember their work through DNA

Nokia announces Asha 310, offers dual SIM and WiFi for a Benjamin

Raspbmc 1.0 brings stable media center duties to your Raspberry Pi

Monday, February 11, 2013

Turn Paper Airplanes Into Full-On Drones With This Little Rod of Power

Samsung details Innovation Centers in San Francisco and New York, focusing hard on software + hardware marriage

LG reveals Optimus L Series II, dual-SIM L7II is the first to launch

LG promo confirms 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro for Korea

Saturday, February 09, 2013

Sandboxr lets us easily make custom-posed, 3D-printed figurines (video)

Google aiming to build $82 million aircraft facility at SJC, probably launch more Project Glass demos from it

Friday, February 08, 2013

The Future Of Smartphones: New Report Says Samsung's Next Galaxy Phone Will Have Touchless Gestures

Hundreds of Full-Length Movies Are Reappearing on YouTube

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