Thursday, July 07, 2016

Fujifilm's X-T2 camera pairs a familiar design with 4K video

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/07/fujifilm-x-t2/

Based on recent conversations with Fujifilm camera users, I know many of them couldn't wait for the X-T1 successor to be announced. And well, that day is finally here. Today, Fujifilm introduced its new X-T2 mirrorless shooter, a major upgrade over the X-T1 from 2014. The X-T2 features a 24.3-megapixel (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III sensor without a low-pass filter, which should help capture sharp, DSLR-like images. Additionally, there's an X-Processor Pro chip that, according to Fujifilm, uses improved algorithms to produce a more accurate autofocus system (325 single points, 91 zone).

What's more, in a first for the X Series line of digital cameras, Fujifilm's X-T2 can shoot 4K video at 24, 25 and 30 fps. That's something fans of the brand had been asking for, but we'll see whether the UHD quality (3,840 x 2,160) meets people's expectations. For now, we do know recording in 4K is limited to up to 10 minutes at a time, though this could change later with a firmware update. That said, you also have the option to shoot for longer periods in 1080p (15 minutes) or 720p (30 minutes) at 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps.

Like its predecessor, the X-T2 comes with a weather-resistant design, as well as an OLED electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch tilting LCD screen and WiFi for remote control and sharing pictures to mobile devices. The X-T2's continuous shooting mode is a decent 8 fps, while the ISO range clocks in at 100-21,600 (52,000 with the High setting). And don't forget you have Fujifilm's trademark physical dials at your disposal. All told, the X-T2 is a solid alternative to the X-Pro 2 -- at least on paper.

The X-T2 won't be cheap when it arrives in September. You'll need to pay $1,600 just for the body, or $1,900 for a kit that includes an XF 18-55mm lens. Stay tuned, as we'll have hands-on pictures and impressions of the camera in a few hours.

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Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Lasers and microwaves lead to better quantum computing circuits

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/04/quantum-circuits-controlled-with-lasers-and-microwaves/

If you're going to craft a quantum computer, you need to corral lots of quantum bits (qubits) to perform calculations... and Penn State researchers have found a way to make that happen. They've developed a technique that relies on lasers and microwaves to steer a tightly packed, 3D grid of atoms that serve as qubits. When you want to change the state of these atoms, you hit them with crossed laser beams and then bathe them in uniform microwaves. In a test, scientists had enough control to spell out "PSU" across a three-layer array of 125 atoms.

The tech has a long way to go. You'd need many more qubits to make a fully functional computer, to start with. Penn State's team also wants to improve the reliability (it's at 99.7 percent now) and create quantum entanglements that have particles react to each other. If all those pieces fall into place, though, you could see truly complex quantum computers (not just ones with a few atoms) that pull off calculations which are impractical or impossible for today's machines.

Via: PCWorld

Source: Penn State, Science

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Sunday, July 03, 2016

This 'Hourglass' Liquid Battery Runs on Gravity

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-hourglass-liquid-battery-runs-on-gravity-1781824481

Scientists at MIT have designed an ingenious new concept for a battery that operates on the same fundamental principal as an hourglass—it relies on gravity to generate energy. They described the device in a recent paper for Energy and Environmental Science.

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Thursday, June 30, 2016

AI lawyer shoots down 160,000 parking tickets

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/29/ai-laywer-shoots-down-160000-parking-tickets/

Who said that chat bots were gimmicks? Certainly not DoNotPay's Joshua Browder. He recently noted to VentureBeat that his service's AI-driven virtual lawyer has successfully contested 160,000 parking tickets in London and New York City in nearly 2 years of service, saving drivers millions in the process. It's not the most complicated bot, as it's really just asking simple questions about the circumstances of the ticket and walking you through the appeal. However, it's both effective (it successfully challenged 64 percent of tickets) and, importantly, free -- you don't have to pay a real lawyer to dish out advice.

Browder plans to make a habit out of cutting red tape with his technology. He has bots in progress that would get travelers compensation for long flight delays, explain legal rights to people with HIV and even help refugees apply for asylum. The DoNotPay service should expand to other cities, too, starting with Seattle in the fall. This won't completely eliminate paperwork, court dates or lengthy phone calls, but it might help you minimize or even avoid that drudgery when it really isn't necessary.

Via: The Guardian

Source: VentureBeat

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Your NVIDIA Shield now plays Netflix videos in HDR

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/29/nvidia-shield-netflix-hdr-update/

NVIDIA just underscored one of the advantages of having a high-powered streaming media hub: you can roll out new video features before anyone else. It's delivering an update to its Shield set-top box that introduces high dynamic range Netflix video on supporting TVs -- a first for a stand-alone device, NVIDIA claims. You can also watch YouTube videos at both 4K and 60 frames per second, while Vudu 4K support is equally new. And if you're an audio junkie, you'll be glad to know that Dolby Atmos' extra-immersive audio gets a direct pass-through when you're using apps like Vudu, MX Player and NVIDIA's own media gallery.

There's broader software support, to boot. You're getting that promised Plex media server feature, so your Shield can share media across the whole home. You can tune into WatchESPN for live sports, or listen to tunes through Spotify. Voice search now extends to Netflix, Spotify and Vudu. And to top it all off, you can both drag-and-drop files from your computers as well as mount network-attached storage. All told, this is a huge upgrade even if you don't have a cutting-edge home theater setup.

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