| New SteelSeries gaming headsets come to CeBIT, now iPhone compatible Posted: 04 Mar 2011 09:41 AM PST As you might have heard, a little something called CeBIT is going down in Hanover, and all the usual suspects are there. And that includes the kids at SteelSeries, who are debuting three more headsets for the gamers in the crowd. Siberia v2 for PS3 is compatible with the PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac, featuring 50mm driver units, leather earcups, and a retractable microphone for your clumsy pick-up attempts while playing Assassin's Creed. This bad boy also features independent volume controls for game action and conversation, as well as LiveMix audio presets. But wait -- there's more! The company's Siberia v2 and SteelSeries 7H headsets are now available in Apple-approved flavors with a single 3.5mm jack for audio and voice, an inline remote, and compatibility with your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. Look for the Siberia v2 for PS3 in Q3 2011 for $120 MSRP. Look for SteelSeries 7H and Siberia v2 for iPod, iPhone and iPad soon for $130 and $100 respectively. PR after the break. Show full PR text STEELSERIES ANNOUNCES SIBERIA v2 HEADSET FOR CONSOLE GAMERS
The Award-Winning Siberia v2 Headset Will Provide Gamers With Superior Audio and Voice Functionality; Optimized Features For PlayStation® 3, Xbox 360®, PC and Mac Gamers
HANOVER, GERMANY – CEBIT, Mar. 2, 2011 –Kicking off CeBIT 2011, SteelSeries, the leading global manufacturer of gaming peripherals, announced today the new SteelSeries Siberia v2 for PS3®. The headset, which is also compatible with Xbox 360®, PC and Mac®, will provide gamers with superior comfort through its leather earcups and over-the-head, lightweight suspension; impressive audio reproduction with for optimal directional sounds; along with the convenience of independent audio/voice volume, and the new, multi-level settings of SteelSeries LiveMix™.
"Premium quality features and versatility for multi-platform gamers is what distinguishes our new headset apart from all the rest," said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. "We've combined the comfort and superior soundscape of the Siberia v2 headset that PC and Mac gamers have come to praise and integrated it with original function and features like multi-level LiveMix for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gameplay, creating the ultimate universal headset option for both computer and console gamers."
The lightweight SteelSeries Siberia v2 for PS3® features 50mm driver units for superior sound reproduction of the optimized gaming soundscape. The SteelSeries signature retractable microphone system picks up clear, unidirectional voice communication and can be easily stored in the left earcup when not talking with teammates and just listening to your game or entertainment.
Located on the cord, the SteelSeries Siberia v2 for PS3® features an in-line AudioMixer with controls for independent voice and game volume as well as SteelSeries LiveMix™ features. The in-line remote allows the LiveMix feature to be accessible to all platforms from Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 to PC and Mac. Unique to the new headset, gamers will have the ability to select between four LiveMix settings from OFF to HIGH. The LiveMix levels range from OFF, which is unaltered in-game and voice sound to LOW (game sound is reduced by 5db when your teammates are talking), MEDIUM (game sound is reduced by 15db), to HIGH (game sound is reduced by 25db). By providing optional levels of LiveMix, users will have the ability to control how much of the game sound they want to hear balanced over the voice communication. By employing this method of reducing game volume, instead of increasing voice volume, the user is never subjected to higher volume than desired.
The 12ft cord includes a USB connection for power, audio, and microphone connection on PS3 and Xbox 360 as well as 3.5mm connections for PC and Mac connection. The Headset includes RCA cable connectors for analog stereo connection to the television. For Xbox 360 compatibility, the headset includes the SteelSeries AudioMixer connection allowing for voice compatibility through the Xbox 360 controller, while other platform voice compatibility happens through the USB or 3.5mm connections.
The SteelSeries Siberia v2 for PS3® will be available starting in Q3 2011 for $119.99 / €119.99 MSRP. To stay up to date on the newest information about the headset as well as promotions and community happenings, follow SteelSeries on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about the headset check and high-res images, check out http://steelseries.com.
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STEELSERIES INTRODUCES THE STEELSERIES 7H AND SIBERIA V2 HEADSETS FOR IPOD®, IPHONE® AND IPAD®
The Award-Winning Headsets Are Now Available in a Refreshed Design To Meet Apple® Performance Standards for Music, Mobile, and Gaming
HANOVER, GERMANY – CEBIT, Mar. 2, 2011 –SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium audio peripherals and accessories, today announced that the award-winning SteelSeries 7H and Siberia v2 Headsets will now be available to music lovers and mobile gamers to use with their iPod®, iPhone® and iPad™. The alternative designs have been collaborated to meet Apple's performance standards; both featuring a single 3.5mm jack for combined audio and voice and an inline remote that controls audio and call controls. Each headset includes SteelSeries' signature features including original designs for long lasting comfort, optimized soundscapes, and a retractable microphone to be used while answering calls or stored in the left earcup while just listening to music.
"We're proud to announce the addition of our award-winning Siberia v2 and 7H headsets to the new SteelSeries line-up of audio options for the iPod, iPhone and iPad," said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. "SteelSeries is bringing unique features like the retractable microphone system to consumers who want more out of their headset than what a set of typical earbuds can provide. Instead, we're offering full size, circumaural headset options that combine superior comfort and truly audio."
The SteelSeries 7H Headset
The 7H headset is the newest introduction to SteelSeries' premium audio line-up and has received recognition and awards from technology media and gaming communities. Its interchangeable earcups allow the user to choose between hear-through cloth or noise cancelling leather. Music lovers will appreciate the 50mm drivers and the ability to disassemble the headset into four pieces for easy travel. The SteelSeries 7H Headset MSRP is $129.99 / €114.99.
The SteelSeries Siberia v2 Headset
Featuring noise dampening leather earcups, the Siberia v2 is lightweight thanks to its trademark headband suspension. One of SteelSeries highest award-winning headsets, the Siberia v2, also features 50mm driver units with an optimized soundscape for entertainment including music, movies and gaming. For iPod, iPhone and iPad users, the Siberia v2 will be available in white with an MSRP of $99.99 / €94.99.
More information about SteelSeries' newest category of audio for iPod, iPhone and iPad users can be found at http://SteelSeries.com. Be sure to stay up to date with contests, promotions, and information on where to buy locations for these new headsets, online at SteelSeries' Facebook and Twitter pages.
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SteelSeries' Contest of the Decade Kicks Off 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
We're kicking off our 10 year celebration with the biggest, most massive contest and giveaways that we have ever done in the history of the company! Ready your wits, round up your friends, stalk us on social media, be prepared to come out of this with gear, swag and a serious hankering to play. Welcome to the SteelSeries Contest of the Decade.
Exactly 10 years ago this week, an idea about using glass to create a consistent and smooth surface as a mousepad for gaming did more than win a few local gaming tournaments in Denmark. In fact, it was that idea and a team of PC gamers that started SteelSeries back in 2001. Fast forward to now, and that idea has escalated into what is now a leading global manufacturer of competitive gaming peripherals and prominent supporter of the professional gaming industry. We're proud to work with some of the most acclaimed professional gamers in the competitive gaming circuit and are appreciative to our fans and product supporters from around the globe.
We want to shower you – the gamers, fanboys, and n00bs – with hundreds of prizes and entire gaming peripheral set-ups of SteelSeries' award winning gear. This is the largest giveaway we've ever done. Tell your friends. All of them. In fact, they're going to help you get what you want.
From this link, you'll be guided through 3 steps leading up to the ultimate gaming set-up of your choice. Once you've entered your information and chosen what you would like to win, you'll be prompted to share with your friends either via email or Facebook. Your friends can sign-up and do the same through your personalized, unique URL link or by notifying them directly on Facebook. The more people you tell, the better your chances are to win. The entrants with the most recruited friends, will take home the personalized SteelSeries gaming set-up grand prize. To keep you on your toes, SteelSeries will also choose, at random from the top 10,000 entries, one winner who will receive an gaming laptop valued at more than $2000 USD. We're serious.
We're not taking this anniversary celebration lightly so be sure to check out our Facebook page everyday throughout this contest (and the year for that matter) as we'll be partnering up, running promotions and giving away some serious loot. We'll be announcing the winner exclusively on Facebook on Friday, March 18th. The contest begins now and will run until 12:00am CST on Friday, March 18th. Good luck!
Click here to get started. |
| EasySign iPhone app halts the print / sign / email cycle, trees everywhere celebrate Posted: 04 Mar 2011 09:19 AM PST All together now: "flippin' finally!" For anyone in the business world who has been blocked from receiving information due to the inability to locate a printer, ink pen, scanner, publicly available PC, a working printer driver and a fifth of Jack, say hello to your savior. EasySign is a delightfully simple new iOS app (yeah, we're already begging for an Android port) that solves a painful problem, and it should make signing documents on the go a whole heck of a lot easier for those who tote iPhones. The concept is simple: you download the document you're supposed to sign right onto your iPhone, and then you use your finger to enter your John Hancock. It'll stamp whatever date you want onto the form, and with a simple button press, it's converted to a PDF and shot back to the sender. We'd probably recommend using the stock black ink, but it seems that a few color options are available for those who prefer to roll a bit more casually. Head on past the break for a demo, and then hit that iTunes link for a free trial. Once you send three documents, you'll need to pony up $4.99 for another 120 docs. But hey, given that petrol looks like a steal compared to your average inkjet cartridge, you'll probably still come out ahead. |
| Conan O'Brien produces a more honest iPad 2 promotional video Posted: 04 Mar 2011 08:56 AM PST Feeling a little underwhelmed by this week's iPad 2 launch? This promotional video recently unearthed by Conan O'Brien goes some distance in explaining why this might be... and why you're probably not alone. But just in case you did buy into the hype, don't feel bad: it's easy to get suckered by a smooth talker with "a non-specific ethnic accent." See for yourself after the break. |
| USB 3.0 shocker! Supersonic Magnum thumb drive rocks 200MB/s read times, sure to be rather pricey Posted: 04 Mar 2011 08:34 AM PST You thought the 70MB/s write speeds were wild? The kids at Patriot are making the scene at CeBIT with the successor to the Supersonic USB thumb drive we first saw at the tail end of last year, and it's putting its old man to shame. The Supersonic Magnum series, sporting capacities up to 128GB, boasts a single eight channel controller with 200MB/s read and 110MB/s write speeds. And it will fit in your hip pocket! Release date TBA, and we can only imagine it will cost you a pretty Deutschmark. |
| POV.HD camera review Posted: 04 Mar 2011 08:16 AM PST It's time for another new entrant into the increasingly crowded pov camera fray, a high-end selection for current or budding professionals. It's the POV.HD from V.I.O. and, if you hadn't guessed, it shoots footage in high definition. Properly high as it were, up to 1080p30, though it'll happily make stops at 720p30, 720p60, and even a tasty 1080p24 along the way. A $599.95 MSRP makes it a bit of a tough sell for casual action sports enthusiasts, but is this what you semi-pro snowboarders need to catch your next big pow adventures? Read on to find out. Hardware The POV.HD features a rather different design than other cameras like the GoPro HD Hero and the Contour GPS. It offers an impressively small (glass) lens and sensor assembly that connects via cable back to an unfortunately sizable recording unit. This is where the magic happens, raw footage transcoded and stored into an SD card that slots in. It's powered by four whole AA batteries that fit in there too, hiding behind a somewhat clumsy to remove door on the back. The memory card is tucked away beneath another door at the base, which is difficult to dislodge without a screwdriver or a coin or something equally capable of prying. If that's not enough, there's a screw you can thread in to make sure that little door isn't going anywhere. The whole assembly is impressively durable feeling and waterproof, but it's also rather bulky. For that bulk you get a postage stamp sized LCD which is just big enough to see where the camera is pointed and to do a quick review of the footage you've gathered. You won't be able to tell if the exposure settings are correct, sadly, but you can probably tell if you've mounted things upside down. Exposure settings are just one of the many options you can tweak through the menu, including recording resolution, recording quality, volume levels, and even what file format to encode the footage in. Sure, you only have two choices, MP4 or Quicktime, but that's better than being stuck with whatever the manufacturer liked best. Testing The POV.HD comes in a big, zippered case with room for lots of different mounts and zip-ties and double-sided tape, a big mess of stuff that should cover you in just about any situation. But, in most cases, will do so in rather less graceful way than the mounting solutions for the more consumer-friendly GoPro or Contour offerings. This is a more professional-oriented camera, and so most of the mounts here require some sort of tools. A Phillips screwdriver, mostly, which sadly V.I.O. didn't see fit to include in that giant case. There are lots of fiddly screws and nuts that you'll probably lose on your first trip to the park, so you'd best spend a few minutes at home setting up whatever mounts you need. The most common is the helmet mount, which attaches using either double-sided tape or, interestingly, some curiously strong magnets -- which themselves must mount to the helmet using a bracket and some double-sided tape. There's also a standard threaded receiver that lets you use a variety of standard mounts, including the conveniently protracted an bendy RAM suction mount we used to capture the footage you see here. Though the mounts are a bit clumsy the camera itself is easy to use. It takes about two seconds to turn on and, after that, just hit the record button and tuck away the big recording device. Finding somewhere to tuck it can be a problem, though, as it's a bit too long to fit in many inside jacket pockets. It's a little hefty, too, weighing about three quarters of a pound with four batteries, so it has a tendency to work its way out of un-zipped pockets should you be getting jostled about a lot -- like when you're strapped into a body-crushing motion simulator. But, if you can find a place to stuff it, it sure captures some great footage. The lens is super wide, 142 degrees approaching fisheye territory here, gobbling up your surroundings and doing so with impressive clarity. We did notice a little excessive dithering in high-contrast areas, and there's a bit of jelly-vision to contend with if the lens will be vibrating from left-to-right a lot, but ultimately the POV.HD video quality easily out-paces the more consumer-friendly competition. Battery life, just short of three and a half hours at maximum resolution and quality on a fresh set of Eneloops, is solid, too. Wrap-up Is the POV.HD for you? Well, do you have deep pockets, both in a literal and figurative way? You're going to need them, because it can be a little hard to find a good place to stuff that recording unit. And, of course, it can be a little hard to find an excuse to spend $600 when the Contour and GoPro options capture footage at the same resolution for half the price, and offer simple and tool-free mounts. But, though though the footage they capture may contain the same number of pixels, it won't look this good, won't be this wide, and won't be this clear, especially in lower light. They won't manage three and a half hours to a charge, either. If you have a suitable cushion in your shooting budget and can live with the bulk the POV.HD is a good choice -- just make sure you pack a screwdriver. |
| Better Place swappable EV batteries priced, Renault is definitely onboard Posted: 04 Mar 2011 07:51 AM PST It's going to be a little while before you're able to recharge your battery-electric EV as quickly as you can refuel your gasoline-powered machine. Until then there's Better Place, offering a suite of options including traditional recharging and fast battery-swapping. The idea is you don't buy a car with a battery you buy a car then lease the battery, and now we're getting an idea of what that lease is going to cost. It's launching first in Denmark with the Renault Fluence Z.E., a €27,496 ($38,500) car. If you're okay with driving less than 20,000km per year you can get by with monthly battery fees between €199 and €249 ($278 to $348), which includes recharging at Better Place locations or five-minute battery swaps if you're in a hurry. For €399 monthly ($558) you get unlimited mileage, but all plans get stuck with a €1,341 ($1,874) up-front fee to install a home charging station -- a bit steep compared to Ford's $1,500 option but not bad overall. Renault is also announcing Better Place support for its Twizy, which is featured in a video below. It's a tiny little thing that will cost just €6,900 ($9,640) and is due to ship this year. That's astonishingly cheap for an EV but, of course it comes without a battery pack, so you'll need to be leasing one. However, we're told there'll be a 7,500km lease option for just €45 ($63) per month. It also won't be coming to the States, planned only for a European launch, a land of smaller roads that'll be better suited to this flea-sized creation. And now, if you'll excuse us, we'll be sending our poor currency-converting intern on break. Poor gal really needs a coffee. Show full PR text Better Place and Renault launch Fluence Z.E., the first "unlimited mileage" electric car together with innovative eMobility packages, in Europe's first Better Place Center
March 3, 2011
COPENHAGEN (March 3, 2011)-Better Place opened today, together with its partner Renault, Europe's first Better Place center. Visitors will now be able to experience sustainable mobility and will have the opportunity to place an order for a Renault Fluence Z.E. with the Renault staff and sign up with the Better Place team for a subscription of mobility services – conveniently packaged for consumers, fleet managers and the public sector.
Attractive prices unveiled
The Fluence Z.E. "Prime Time" launched in Denmark from 205.000 DKK (€27.496), including VAT, and Better Place will offer consumers a choice of five, fixed-price, packages based on kilometers driven. For drivers who drive more than 40.000 kilometers per year, Better Place offers a fixed-price package of 'all you can drive' kilometers for 2.995 DKK (€399) per month, effectively giving drivers of the switchable-battery Fluence Z.E. unlimited driving range and unlimited kilometers in Denmark in an era when oil prices are at a two-year peak and rising.
For drivers who drive fewer than 20.000 kilometers per year, the fixed monthly price offer ranges from 1.495 DKK (€199) to 1.895 DKK (€249). Each subscription includes a one-time fee of 9.995 DKK (€1.341) for the installation of a private charge spot so that drivers can safely plug in at home. Initial delivery of the Renault Fluence Z.E. with Better Place mobility services will occur in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Renault Fluence Z.E. "Prime Time" will include, as standard features, climate control, navigation and energy management services via the in-car software system, radio-CD, alloy wheels, electric mirrors, 4 electric windows, central locking, a state-of-the-art lithium-ion switchable battery and many more equipments.
The car will offer Danish drivers a range of up to 185 kilometers, measured on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) with a fully charged battery. Actual range is virtually "unlimited," thanks to the convenience of switchable battery technology that will enable drivers to "refuel" their Fluence Z.E. in under five minutes in the Better Place network of battery switch stations.
Every subscription includes unlimited access to the Better Place network of public charge spots and battery switch stations, electricity usage, personalized energy management and navigation services via in-car and network software, an inventory of batteries with a guaranteed service level agreement, 24-hour access to customer service and support, and a private charge spot.
Overall, taking into account the vehicle selling price and the subscription packages, drivers will enjoy a more affordable driving alternative compared to the cost of petrol-based cars and fuel, depending on make and model of the car and driving usage. Importantly, drivers gain the added benefit of locking in a fixed price for mobility services without the volatility risk associated with the price of oil and without sacrificing range.
A key milestone for Renault and Better Place
"Today marks an important step forward for Better Place in our preparations to commercially launch our full solution in Denmark later this year," said Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO, Better Place. "With our partners Renault and DONG Energy, we are delivering on our promise to offer a more sustainable, convenient and affordable mobility solution that will help drivers avoid the pump at a time when petrol prices are at an all-time high. It's an exciting time for Better Place in Denmark with our new center, our new CEO, Johnny Hansen, our first ever price and package, the first batch of Renault Fluence Z.E. cars, and our new development agreement with Renault."
"Today is a great day for Renault," said Philippe Klein, EVP, Planning and Programmes at Renault. "Renault, within the Alliance, aims to lead the car industry in Europe for zero emission mobility, thanks to a whole line up of four electric vehicles that will be marketed from fall 2011. Denmark is a very important market for Renault, thanks to strong environmental consciousness and positive public policy in favor of clean vehicles. Fluence Z.E. will be the first electric car with virtually no range limit, thanks to the ability to switch the battery in the Better Place stations. The partnership with Better Place is a great opportunity to offer a breakthrough mobility solution and experience innovative marketing methods. The Renault network will be fully involved in the adventure, as Renault dealers will sell and display the Renault Fluence Z.E., whilst all of them will carry out routine maintenance."
Better Place and partner DONG Energy will work together to leverage Denmark's 20% energy production from wind turbines to power the Better Place network to charge the Renault Fluence Z.E. At scale, batteries in electric cars and in battery switch stations serve as a distributed energy storage network, allowing utilities to harness additional sources of renewable energy including wind. By bringing more sources of renewable energy on line, utilities use less fossil fuel-based power generation, enabling the de-carbonization of the grid – a key policy objective for European Union Member States.
Innovative marketing approach and reassurance through country coverage
The official opening of the Better Place Center in Copenhagen marks a major milestone for Better Place and Renault, which share a vision for a new retail experience exclusively for electric car drivers.
The Better Place Center reflects an entirely new approach to selling electric cars and mobility services. Visitors will be able to learn more about the Better Place solution and the benefits of electric cars and experience the thrill of driving Renault's Fluence Z.E.The center will feature models of the Renault Fluence Z.E. so that visitors can enjoy a personal electric car driving experience through the streets of Copenhagen.
The tour of the Center is available to groups and individuals from both Denmark and abroad, beginning March 5, 2011.
Renault will not only sell and maintain the Fluence Z.E in its network in Denmark but will also be present inside the Better Place center with a dedicated Renault team that will present the Fluence Z.E. and be able to take orders. All dealers will be entitled to take orders and carry out the scheduled maintenance on the Renault Fluence Z.E. Additionally, 16 electric vehicle (EV) test drive centers and 12 EV expert centers will be set up within the Renault network in Denmark. In addition, customers will benefit from all the Renault services, as road side assistance, maintenance contract and replacement car.
About Better Place
Better Place, the leading electric vehicle services provider, is accelerating the global transition to sustainable transportation. Better Place is building the infrastructure and intelligent network to deliver a range of services to drivers, enable widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and optimize energy use. The Better Place network addresses historical limitations to adoption by providing unlimited driving range in a convenient and accessible manner. The company works with all parts of the transportation ecosystem, including automakers, battery suppliers, energy companies, and the public sector, to create a compelling solution. Based in California and privately held, Better Place has operating companies in Israel, Denmark, and Australia. More information is available at http://www.betterplace.com.
About Renault
With its partner Nissan, Renault aims to become the leader in zero-emission in use mobility, namely the first car manufacturer to sell a complete range of electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles at an affordable price for the greatest number. This year will be a decisive chapter in Renault history with the launch of three electric models, Fluence Z.E., Kangoo Z.E. and Twizy, followed by ZOE in 2012.
The Renault group, with more than 350 industrial and commercial sites in 118 countries, designs, develops, manufactures and sells a broad range of innovative, safe and environmentally respectful vehicles. Renault pursues its strategy of profitable growth under the Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors brands. The Renault group employs 121 000 people worldwide, reported a net revenue of €38,971 million and has sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2010. |
| Intel's SSD 510 reviewed, measures up well against Vertex 3 Posted: 04 Mar 2011 07:27 AM PST Been wondering how that new 6Gbps SATA interface and Marvell controller have been treating Intel's latest SSDs? The answer, it turns out, is really rather nicely. Faced off with OCZ's awesomely quick Vertex 3 drive, the 250GB SSD 510 from Intel more than holds its own, occasionally flashing ahead and taking the lead. Opting for Marvell's processing chip has improved Intel's sequential performance, but has actually led to it taking a ding on random read speeds -- the latter being arguably more important on a day-to-day basis. Still, this $584 drive is one of the finest the consumer world has yet had to feast upon and should encourage high expectations from Intel's 25nm G3 storage units, which are still to come. As to having the extra Serial ATA bandwidth, we'll leave it to Anand from AnandTech to summarize: "these next-generation SSDs not only use 6Gbps SATA, they really need it." |
| Columbia Omni-Heat Circuit Breaker Softshell electric / heated jacket review Posted: 04 Mar 2011 07:04 AM PST Back when old man winter was first starting to bear down here in the States for the 2010 - 2011 Winter Season, we dropped by to check out a few toasty newcomers from the folks at Columbia. Pleased as we were after trying a few things out at the demo booth, we reckoned the outfit's line of Omni-Heat electric gear would be best evaluated in the wild. You know -- places like Whitefish, Montana and the northern interior of Alaska, all during the winter. We were fortunate enough to snag one of Columbia's Omni-Heat Circuit Breaker Softshell electric / heated ski jackets prior to departing for our bone-chilling escapades, and after a couple of months of use, we're happy to report that this thing really is all it's cracked up to be. Those situated in places like Yellowknife and International Falls have been dreaming of a non-bulky, quasi-stylish heated coat for years now, and those dreams may very well be converted into reality when this particular one starts shipping this fall. Read on to see if an outdoors outfitter really nailed the technological integration, and how your life in the winter months may be forever changed because of it.
Design
It's not often that a clothing company does something that we here at Engadget would care about. But toss the word "electric" beside "jacket," and you've managed to catch the attention of our cold, cold hearts NYC-based bodies. Fact is, heated clothing has been around in some form or fashion before, but the real question with this particular garment was simple: have we finally found something that's stylish, sleek and comfortable to wear? In a word, yes. The Omni-Heat Softshell doesn't look or feel dramatically different than the company's line of non-heated Omni-Heat jackets, with one notable exception. There's no question that you'll be dealing with added heft, as Columbia has made room for a small "brain" module, a wiring interface and two rechargeable battery packs. Those packs reside on each inner side of the chest, and are secured in a clear, Velcro-equipped pouch. It's possible for the coat to warm your tired, cold soul with just a single battery pack installed, but if you're planning to use it for any longer than a few hours, you'd be silly to roll solo. What's most impressive about the design is just how transparent the heating element is. We frankly expected gobs of stiff cabling to be strewn throughout the sleeves and back, but in fact, there's nary a hint of that. Columbia's relying on some wire-free black magic to transmit heat, which enables the coat itself to retain the same flexibility as a non-heated coat. Outside of the added weight -- which honestly isn't that bad once you're suited up and braving the storm outside -- there's really little to differentiate this from a traditional jacket, design wise. Just a word about sizing -- we'd recommend buying a size that's not so form fitting; otherwise, the dual battery packs will be quite noticeable along your midsection. While we're on the topic of design, we should point out that activating the heating elements -- which warm one's whole body, from your chest to your back to your elbows -- requires a simple press of the chest-mounted button shown above. One press puts the coat on low output, another cranks it to medium, and a third puts it on full blast; each mode has its own corresponding color, too. For those who'd rather roll in stealth mode, holding it down for ten seconds turns the light off altogether, but good luck remembering which setting you left it on. Functionality So, if you've made it this far, you're probably wondering if the whole "heating" part actually works. There's just no other way to say it: it works incredibly well. After extended stays in Montana, Alberta, British Columbia and Alaska, we're still trying to wrap our noodle around how exactly this jacket works perfectly as advertised with essentially no downside on the comfort and wearability fronts. The low setting is perfect for hanging at an outdoor sporting event with temperatures in the 40s, while the medium will keep your entire upper body comfortable down into the 20s. We set out on a snowmobile excursion in northern Montana, where temperatures were dipping as low as 15 and wind gusts were making it feel even lower. We placed the coat on its highest setting and never looked back, and compared to a similar trip the year before (without a heated coat, obviously), the difference was staggering. We also stood outside in -16 degree temperatures while shooting the Northern Lights in Fox, AK, and while our chest still got cold, it was nothing compared to standing there with the heating elements switched off.  Long exposure shot of the Northern Lights in Fox, AK; red Omni-Heat status LED playing tricks in the light In most cases, the coat managed to keep our core suitably warm even in bitterly cold conditions, and for 5.5 solid hours to boot. When dipping into -10 and below, even the coat couldn't keep us totally free from shivers, but it certainly helped out. Columbia has claimed that the coat should keep you warm for six hours with both packs fully charged, and we were duly impressed with our 5.5 hour runtime -- remember, that's with the coat on full blast the entire time. With about 20 minutes left in our snowmobile session, the batteries finally keeled over, and it was downright shocking how quickly our bodies noticed. That, friends, is a sign of something working extraordinarily well. Nitpicks For all it does right, there are a few nitpicks that we felt obligated to point out. For one, the chest-mounted activation switch isn't exactly placed in an ideal spot. Once you wrap a scarf around your neck and throw a helmet over your face at the ski lift, it's essentially impossible to bend your neck in a way where you can actually see where the button is, and more important, what heat level it's on. We had to continually ask a ski partner what setting our jacket was on. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but we conveyed to Columbia that a sleeve-mounted button may make more sense in a second iteration. Furthermore, there aren't any zipper pulls on the sleeve pocket nor the waist-level front pockets. We would've loved to have seen a big, easy-to-grip pull on those just like there is on the primary chest zipper. It's kind of curious why these were left off, but at least you can grab some rope / tape / whatever and create pulls of your own if you too see it as an issue. Finally, the clear internal pouches (where the batteries go) need to be a hair larger -- squeezing the packs in really takes some effort. Batteries While we're on the topic of batteries, they both can be rejuvenated via microUSB. Thoughtfully, Columbia includes a single wall adapter with two USB ports, as well as two USB charging plugs. That means that a single wall socket can charge both packs up, and yeah, it'll charge your Nexus One and Garmin PND if you ask it to. Another killer addition is the inclusion of worldwide power sockets; if you're the type who jets off to Switzerland or France to catch some fresh powder, your charger will come prepared. A nice touch, indeed. Furthermore, one of the internal batteries has a USB port that can be used to charge any USB-enabled smartphone or PMP so long as you supply the cable, which is certainly helpful for those on the slopes with a dying iPod touch. Wrap-up In speaking with the company, we've learned that it expects to start shipping an entire range of these heated Omni-Heat jackets this fall, with prices ranging from $750 to $1,200. The Circuit Breaker Softshell tested here will retail at around $850, making it one of the pricier winter jackets imaginable. But look, Columbia has managed to produce a coat that'll heat your entire upper body in sub-20 degree temperatures for nearly six solid hours, and considering that some of the fancier (though non-heated) Spyder ski coats can hit $600 or more, the price premium honestly feels justified. It's just as comfortable as a traditional coat, and it'll keep those who live in frigid towns (or just love to adventure in places with 12 feet of snow) from being utterly miserable. Whether or not it's "worth it" is obviously a call you'll have to make, but if you're already dreading next year's wind chill, we'd say you'd be smart to start pinching pennies right about now. Fall's just about the bend, you know. Tutorial on using the Omni-Heat coat |
| Harman-Mercedes Map Pilot modular built-in nav system becomes reality Posted: 04 Mar 2011 06:42 AM PST A little over two years ago, we opined on the lack of decent built-in nav systems, hopelessly waiting for Harman and Mercedes to make good on their promise of an easily upgradable in-dash setup. Well, the day has finally come, and the partners in automotive innovation are gearing up to introduce the Becker Map Pilot to the world at the Geneva Motor Show. As promised, the system combines the flexibility and features of a PND with the integration and good looks of a built-in setup -- although the interface shows up on the auto's central display panel and relays voice instructions over the car's speakers, the main unit is stored in the glove compartment, where it's easily removed and upgraded via the internet. If you can afford the mammoth price tag, Map Pilot will roll out in the new Mercedes-Benz SLK and C-Class, but if you don't have an extra $50,000 lying around, we'll still let you peep the PR after the break. Show full PR text HARMAN Launches Innovative Docking Navigation System with Mercedes-Benz
01-March-2011
GENEVA Motor Show - 01 March 2011 - HARMAN, the leading global audio and infotainment group (NYSE: HAR), today unveiled an innovative navigation solution for Mercedes-Benz that blends the flexibility of portable navigation devices with the convenience of complete driver cockpit integration. The new Becker® MAP PILOT continues a relationship between the Company's Becker brand and Daimler AG that dates back more than 60 years.
The new Becker® MAP PILOT navigation system, premiering in the new Mercedes-Benz SLK and in the new generation of C-Class, gives drivers a feature-rich and upgradeable navigation solution without compromising the convenience of a highly integrated in-dash OEM solution. Data for the system is contained in a compact, tethered navigation "brain," which can be easily removed from its docking cradle to update map data or upload the latest applications and feature sets. The unit seamlessly connects to the vehicle's onboard radio and fixed-screen electronics via a tailor-made cradle conveniently and discreetly housed in the car's glove compartment.
"The Becker® MAP PILOT underscores the leading-edge innovation that has resulted from our long association with Daimler AG," said Michael Mauser, Co-President of HARMAN Automotive. "The system blends the flexibility of the latest generation of portable navigation devices with the convenience of in-dash display and accessible controls to produce a system that is both easy to use and easily upgraded in the field."
The Becker® MAP PILOT is operated by means of conveniently-placed controls positioned on the car's multifunctional steering wheel, the turn/push control, and integrated voice commands. This approach provides maximum functionality while preventing driver distraction. The navigation route is shown on the large-format central display and instrument cluster, and voice instructions are reproduced in the best possible sound quality from the car's onboard speakers – a distinct advantage over conventional portable navigation systems.
The unique connectivity of the Becker® MAP PILOT ensures perfect integration and networking with the car's onboard electronics. The navigation unit can be removed from the vehicle in a single movement and can be updated online anytime using the Becker® MAP PILOT Webshop site (www.beckermappilot.com) which enables maps and software to be upgraded and personalized information such as points of interest (POIs) to be downloaded simply and conveniently. HARMAN intends to continuously expand the range of new applications available in the Webshop, adapting to the increasing expectations and personal needs of the user.
For maximum security, the Becker® MAP PILOT is not visible from outside the car and feels like a built-in navigation system when in use. A lock on the integrated cradle prevents the device from being removed without permission, and its location inside the glove compartment ensures the unit remains securely anchored. The direct link to the Mercedes-Benz SLK or C-Class base radio means that the latest traffic warnings and other updates can be incorporated automatically in the route planning system by means of the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), and the guidance system automatically adapts itself to the current traffic situation.
This pioneering system will also be available in other Mercedes-Benz models in the future. |
| Elfoid is the human-shaped phone from Japan that tickles when it rings (video) Posted: 04 Mar 2011 06:20 AM PST The Telenoid R1 achieved a new level of creepiness on the Japanese robotic front -- quite an achievement given the country's long history of oddball automated creations. Elfoid takes the cake, though. Developed at Osaka University and with help from NTT DoCoMo, Elfoid looks just like the Telenoid and, indeed, does much the same thing: giving you a human(ish) silhouette to talk to. This one, though, is designed to be stuffed in your pocket. It's basically a cellphone shaped like a vaguely human torso and head. You put it in your pocket and it tickles you when it rings. You talk into its belly and it speaks to you in response, playing the voice of whoever's on the other line through its face. It also moves and gesticulates to make you think that you're actually holding not Elfoid but that person you're conversing with. It's an odd concept, but holding a doll to your head still beats side talkin' on N-Gage. |
| ASUS' Jerry Shen pledges 3D tablet, MeeGo and Android netbooks, plus a 2012 Windows Phone Posted: 04 Mar 2011 05:56 AM PST ASUS ( A-seuss) CEO Jerry Shen is rarely a man without a good quote or two for journalists and this year's CeBIT has been no exception. Sitting down for a chat with some Russian scribes, Shen outlined ASUS' general product roadmap, which includes a 3D tablet (the iPad 2-threatening secret weapon, perhaps?), Atom-based netbooks for both MeeGo and Android platforms, and a Windows Phone device that should be with us next year. An aside from his PR aide Mae Wang also states that ASUS aims to be second in the tablet market by 2012, with a giant five to eight percent market share. We're sure the Apple board are all shaking in their hemp sandals right now. Anyhow, hit up the source for the full story. |
| LTE iPhone noise builds steam with a grain of Wang Posted: 04 Mar 2011 05:31 AM PST Has it got the fourgees? Well, if you're talking about Apple's iPhone and believe what you hear from China Mobile Chairman Wang Jianzhou, it very soon will. Following in the well publicized footsteps of Verizon CEO Dan Mead, Mr. Jianzhou tells us that Steve Jobs himself "has expressed his interest in an LTE iPhone and is willing to start the development at an early date." Of course, the crux of the issue will be in ascertaining how early "an early date" might be, but it's not completely out of the realm of reason to believe that Apple may already be cranking away on an LTE-capable iPhone 5. We all know how much Steve loves to compare measurements with the competition and the iPhone's lack of a fourth G will probably be driving him mad by the time the summer rolls around. Either way, we've now got two extremely senior dudes claiming LTE is on Apple's roadmap. |
| Smartphones and tablets still have a long way to grow Posted: 04 Mar 2011 05:07 AM PST Anyone who believes we're nearing some sort of saturation point with the two hottest device classes of the moment -- smartphones and tablets -- ought to check out this latest data from investment bank RBC Capital Markets. It shows an estimated 394 million people already possess one of these newfangled gadgets, and -- while we don't consider the world's population a relevant metric here -- sets that number up against some other illustrative stats.The most important one for smartphone growth is the tally of mobile subscribers, which stands at just over five billion presently and dwarfs any inroads that smart mobile devices have made to this point. The total of nearly 1.3 billion PCs should also be encouraging for companies seeking a market for their tablets, as it quantifies the sheer volume of computers we use and need. So, next time anyone asks you if it's "too late" for Nokia to right its smartphone strategy or HP to deliver its tablets, you can juice up your negatory response by dropping this statistical knowledge bomb. |
| T-Mobile getting ready to roll out new webConnect broadband plans, offer 20 percent discount Posted: 04 Mar 2011 04:42 AM PST Already a T-Mobile subscriber? Been thinking about adding a mobile broadband plan to go along with it? Hold on to that credit card for a little longer, as we're hearing that the company is about to roll out new webConnect plans that will, at least in some cases, include a 20 percent discount for those who already have voice plans. The date March 13th is mentioned as something of a line in the sand between the current and new offerings, but really that's about all we know at this point. Well, about these plans, anyway. We know lots of things about other stuff. |
| Toshiba shows off dual-core-powered Z2 HDTVs, Regza app for Android Posted: 04 Mar 2011 04:15 AM PST Toshiba always likes to push the boundaries of TV technology -- Cell TV, Media Center extender TVs and its more recent glasses free 3D efforts come to mind immediately -- but there's always room for more conventional HDTVs and it showed off a few in Japan recently. The Z2 series of LED lit LCDs ship later this month and utilize a dual-core " CEVO (Cell Evolution) Engine" processor that has the horsepower to run its super resolution video upconverting algorithms. It also claims a mere 0.7 frames of input lag in game mode thanks to First In First Out memory that matches the performance of screens used in arcade cabinets. Even if you don't play Marvel vs. Capcom 3 on one of these, the company also announced it will release a version of its currently iOS-only Regza remote control / DLNA streaming app for Android and Windows PCs. So far the app is still a Japan-only thing, so while we wait for this tech to make it over to the US you can check out the specs for the TVs Toshiba actually did announce are coming to the States this year after the break. Show full PR text Toshiba Unveils 2011 HDTV Lineup Highlighted by 3D, LED and Connected TV Models
New TVs Incorporate Sleek Ultra-thin Designs, New Screen Sizes and Connectivity Options; Cinema Series Features All-new Quantum BLACK Panel with Fine Local Dimming
LAS VEGAS, CES 2011, LVCC Central Hall Booth #11026–Jan. 6, 2011– Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced its most diverse lineup of televisions and digital video products. From vivid LCDs, to stunning LEDs and cutting-edge 3D TVs, plus TV/DVD combos in sizes and prices that fit any room or budget, Toshiba has something for everyone.
2011 Toshiba Flat Panel TV Lineup
3D TVs
* TL515 Series – Toshiba's first Natural 3D – also known as Passive 3D – HDTVs, the TL515 Series are ideal for families and gamers looking for a great 3D experience and a low total cost of ownership. With an ultra-slim design, the TVs feature 1080p CineSpeed Plus LED panels with Local Dimming and 240Hz ClearScan technology as well as Net TV with Yahoo! Widgets and built-in Wi-Fi. The TL515 Series will be available in 32-, 42-, 47-, 55- and 65-inch diagonal screen sizes, starting in March 2011.
* UL610 Cinema Series – For the ultimate, uncompromising 3D experience, UL610 Cinema Series 3DTVs feature Toshiba's new Metal Blade Design with Illusion Stand, Dynamic 3D, an all-new 1080p resolution Quantum BLACK Panel with Fine Local Dimming and Crystal Coat, 480Hz ClearScan technology, built-in Wi-Fi, Net TV with Yahoo! Widgets and a built-in sub-woofer speaker. The UL610 Cinema Series will be available in 46-, 55- and 65-inch diagonal screen sizes, reaching new levels of design and quality for the consumer that just can't settle for anything but the best. Most models will be available in April 2011.
LED TVs
* SL410 Series – Toshiba's entry-level LED TVs make the visual quality of LED more attainable, the SL410 Series feature 60Hz LED Panels with DynaLight™ technology, ultra-thin profiles and will be available in 720p 19- and 32-inch diagonal screen sizes and a new 1080p resolution 24-inch diagonal screen size that is perfect for the kitchen, starting in March 2011.
* SLV411 Series – For those looking to cut down the clutter in their entertainment systems, the SLV411 Series of LED/DVD Combo TVs are ideal. The TVs feature a built-in sleek slot-loading DVD Player and 60Hz LED Panels with DynaLight™ technology. The SLV411 Series will be available in 720p resolution 19- and 32-inch diagonal screen sizes and a new 1080p resolution 24-inch diagonal screen size, starting in February 2011.
* SL415 Series – The new "Streaming Combo TV," the SL415 Series features everything consumers need to get instant access to their favorite online content and social networking sites. Featuring built-in Wi-Fi and Net TV with Yahoo! Widgets, the SL415 include 60Hz LED panels with DynaLight™ technology and will be available with a 720p resolution 32-inch diagonal display and a new 1080p resolution 24-inch diagonal display, starting in the first quarter of 2011.
* SL412 Series – For those looking to step up to an affordable big screen LED TV from a standard CCFL model, the SL412 Series features a 1080p resolution CineSpeed LED Panel with DynaLight™ and ClearFrame 120Hz technology on 46-inch and larger screen sizes. The SL412 Series will be available in 40-, 46-, and 55-inch diagonal screen sizes, starting in March 2011.
* SL417 Series – Perfect for the consumer that wants a fully connected TV experience on a big screen LED TV, the SL417 Series boasts Toshiba's ultra-thin Blade Design, a 1080p resolution CineSpeed LED Panel with DynaLight™ and ClearFrame 120Hz technology. Featuring built-in Wi-Fi and NetTV with Yahoo! Widgets, the SL417 Series will be available in 42-, 46- and 55-inch diagonal screen sizes, starting in February 2011.
LCD TVs
* C110, E210 and G310 – Toshiba will offer three CCFL Series TVs: the C110 featuring a 60Hz 720p resolution 32-inch diagonal display, the E210 featuring a 60Hz 1080p resolution 40-inch diagonal CineSpeed LCD display, and the G310 with 46- and 1080p resolution 55-inch diagonal CineSpeed LCD displays and 120Hz ClearFrame technology.
Connect with Toshiba on Twitter at twitter.com/TV and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToshibaHomeEntertainment.
About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry-leading portable computers; televisions, TV/DVD Combination products, Blu-ray Disc and DVD products, and portable devices; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and IP business telephone systems with unified communications, collaboration and mobility applications. TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of products in the United States and Latin America.
TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader and innovator in high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products. These products span from information & communications systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; as well as power systems including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 204,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $68 billion (6.3 Trillion Yen). For more information on Toshiba visit www.toshiba.com. |
| Samsung finds parts of Galaxy Tab 10.1 'inadequate' compared to iPad 2, reconsiders pricing Posted: 04 Mar 2011 03:34 AM PST Whether you love or loathe Apple, you have to be happy with the company's aggressive upgrade of the iPad. It has led to Samsung, purveyor of an Android 3.0 tablet by the name of Galaxy Tab 10.1, to look more closely at its own hardware and pricing model and, according to executive VP Lee Don-Joo, "improve the parts that are inadequate." We don't know what those are, specifically, however he notes that "Apple made [the iPad 2] very thin" and also goes on to say that Samsung will be rethinking its pricing strategy with the Tab 10.1. It was originally going to cost more than the 7-inch Galaxy Tab, but in light of Apple's new product, Samsung might have to cut into its profit margins... or maybe even forgo profits altogether to make its new Tab a success. |
| Apple working on unlimited downloads of purchased iTunes music, setting MobileMe free? Posted: 04 Mar 2011 03:13 AM PST You know all that rumor and speculation about Apple launching a subscription-based streaming music service? Forget it -- at least until the next rumor comes along. Bloomberg is citing three people with knowledge of private talks between Apple, Universal Music, Sony Music, and Warner Music to make purchased music more easily accessible to iTunes users. Two sources claim that an agreement could be announced by midyear. Contrary to popular speculation aroused by Apple's purchase of Lala, they're not talking about streaming music from Apple's new North Carolina data center scheduled to come online in the spring. According to Bloomberg's sources, Apple is instead, planning to offer unlimited downloads to any device linked to the same iTunes account. So, purchase a track on your iPhone and download it again for free to your iPad without having to go back and tether the mobile device to your PC or Mac for a sync. Hard disk crash? No worries, there's a permanent backup in the cloud. Of course, there's nothing preventing Apple from providing unlimited downloads in parallel with a streaming service except for the labels and artists who prefer the higher revenues paid out by download services. Then again, if it was left to them we'd still be buying our music on $15 CDs. Incidentally, one Bloomberg source was also caught blabbing about Apple's plans to overhaul the MobileMe service to store pictures, video, and other online content sometime this year. Better yet, it could drop from $99 per year to free -- something already reported by the Wall Street Journal a few weeks ago. |
| Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video) Posted: 04 Mar 2011 02:35 AM PST Conductive fibers, yo, they're the future. Japan's AIST is back with yet another quirky idea, this time integrating capacitive touch sensors into 1-micron thick nylon fibers. The results is a big old cloth that can sense your loving touch and inform nearby computers of what you're up to. Initial uses envisioned by the research outfit include implementation in hospitals to monitor bedridden patients, but the ultimate goal is to make this extra-sensitive array a wearable accoutrement. Wouldn't that be lovely?
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| HP shows off Metal Watch concept (video) Posted: 04 Mar 2011 01:36 AM PST Give yourself a cookie if you can still remember as far back as August 29th of last year. That was the day when HP's Phil McKinney teased the world with images of three new prototypes being developed in his company's labs -- there was a tablet, now known as the HP TouchPad, a smartphone that's since taken on the name of Pre 3, and something snaked around his wrist that looked suspiciously like a watch. Today, we learn more about this Metal Watch, as HP calls. It's a continuation of the company's overarching theme of mobile interconnectedness, however unlike its webOS devices, this connected watch is nowhere near ready for prime time (or maybe it's just like them since none are actually shipping yet!). The new Metal fella is still a research project as much as anything else, but it's seen as a key part of our future, acting as an easy-to-use information aggregator. It looks just like any old watch to us, but why not jump past the break and let HP's CTO enlighten you on what makes it special? [Thanks, Obstacle-Man]
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| Researchers find flaws in neodymium magnet crystalline structure, still in love with its personality Posted: 04 Mar 2011 12:48 AM PST Given China's status as the worlds largest producer of rare earths and its recent proclivity for reducing exports of the stuff, everyone else is looking for ways to reduce dependency on rare earths or optimize the use of these sought-after elements. Well, neodymium is one of those rare earths, and a team from St. Pölten University in Austria recently discovered "disturbances in the crystalline structure in neodymium magnets" that weaken their magnetic fields -- and consequently the efficacy of all those electric motors and hard drives that utilize such magnets. For now, research is ongoing to fully understand the properties of neodymium and other rare earths so that their use can be "optimized." We aren't exactly sure how we'll benefit from all this optimization, but we hope it means cheaper and more powerful gadgets, TVs, and cars for all of us. [Image source: Thomas Schrefl] |
| Updated Windows Phone 7 update isn't updating some Samsung phones for March update Posted: 04 Mar 2011 12:01 AM PST Man, talk about a flustercuck. After missing a cycle with its mobile phone strategy, the last thing Microsoft needed was a support fiasco related to its very first Windows Phone 7 software update. But after re-releasing a patched software update meant to solve the update issues seen by some Samsung owners, we're now seeing reports of a new issue on Twitter and in a variety of support forums and blog comments. At the moment, there's no clear fix to the dilemma characterized by a wonderfully descriptive "error code 800705B4." Unfortunately, what solves the problem for some (reboots, removing apps, freeing up space on the handset) doesn't work for others. Microsoft's official Windows Phone 7 Support Twitter account has responded to one frustrated customer saying, "We are aware of the error code are are looking into it right now," telling another to hold off on the update while MS investigates. Funny thing is, this minor WP7 update wasn't meant to do anything except prepare phones for the first feature update scheduled for early March. Not funny ha ha. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace returns to theaters in 3D February 12, 2012 Posted: 03 Mar 2011 11:09 PM PST It's time to mark your calendar Star Wars fans, whether you plan to be first in line to check out the new 3D-converted editions of each movie, protest their rerelease in a new format or just avoid the theater altogether now that The Phantom Menace has officially been slated to return next year on February 12th. The effects guys at Fox, Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic reckon the immersive visuals of each flick lend themselves to being viewed in 3D and the yearly releases of the movies should be good test of both whether a 3D conversion really is worthwhile and if audiences are interested in paying to watch it. Of course, there's also the alternative of just grabbing the Blu-ray discs (original trilogy only, if you so desire) skimming the Red Letter Media review and calling it a day, but we won't get pushy. |
| VIA says Eden X2 is world's most power-efficient dual-core processor Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:25 PM PST Following close behind the low-power Nano X2 comes the Eden X2, or what VIA is calling "the world's most power-efficient" fanless dual-core processor. While we've yet to see any official numbers, the original Eden did 500MHz on one watt of power, so we should see similarly thrifty specs here. Aside from that, the unit houses two 64-bit cores in a 21 x 21 millimeter package, is compatible with Windows CE and Linux operating systems, and was built using a 40-nanometer manufacturing process. The Eden X2 made its debut at the World Embedded conference this week, and should make it to the real world by the end of Q2. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text VIA Eden X2 Unveiled at Embedded Word 2011, World's Most Power-Efficient Dual Core Processor
VIA Eden X2 processors bring unrivalled power efficiency and fanless stability to embedded markets without compromising on performance
Taipei, Taiwan, 1 March, 2011 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the new VIA Eden X2 processor, the industry's lowest power dual-core processor, optimized for fanless implementation in a broad range of industrial and commercial embedded systems. VIA Eden X2 will debut at Embedded World 2011, Nuremberg, Hall 12, Booth No. 574
VIA Eden X2 processors combine VIA's signature 'Eden' fanless design principles, in a highly optimized, power-efficient dual-core architecture. This guarantees rock-solid stability for mission critical embedded systems without compromising on performance or features. With a component longevity guarantee of 7 years, VIA Eden X2 processors are guaranteed to extend the reach of fanless system design for years to come.
"Eden X2 shows how once again VIA is setting the pace when it comes to highly optimized, power-efficient processing," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Embedded developers will relish the opportunity to integrate a native 64-bit, dual-core processor in passively cooled, ultra stable systems."
VIA Eden X2 – Dual-Core Processing on a Fanless Power Budget
Leveraging the latest 40nm manufacturing process, VIA Eden X2 processors combine two 64-bit, superscalar VIA Eden cores on one die, offering enhanced multi-tasking and superb multimedia performance on a rigidly low power budget. VIA Eden X2 processors are the most power-efficient processors on the market, designed to offer the ideal solution for fanless system design.
VIA Eden X2 processors bring additional features that include VIA VT virtualization, a technology that allows legacy software and applications to be used in virtual scenarios without impacting on performance. The unique VIA AES Security Engine offers hardware-based data encryption on the fly, and essential tool in content protection and system security.
VIA Eden X2 processors are natively 64-bit compatible, facilitating an essential transition for the future of the embedded industry as 64-bit operating systems such as Windows® Embedded Standard 7 allow for vastly improved data throughput per clock cycle. This makes it easier to manipulate large data sets and improves overall performance. VIA Eden X2 processors are also fully compatible with Windows CE and Linux operating systems.
VIA Eden X2 processors are based on the latest 40nm manufacturing process using a VIA NanoBGA2 package of 21mm x 21mm with a die size of 11mm x 6mm. All VIA Eden X2 processors and are fully pin-to-pin compatible with VIA Eden, VIA C7 and VIA Nano E-Series processors.
Product Highlights
* Industry-leading power-efficient architecture
* 7 year longevity guarantee
* Advanced multi-core processing
* Native support for 64-bit operating systems
* High-performance superscalar processing
* Out-of-order x86 architecture
* Most efficient speculative floating point algorithm
* Full processor virtualization support
* Advanced power and thermal management
* VIA AES hardware security features
* Pin-to-pin compatibility with VIA processors range
VIA Eden X2 Processors are sampling now to project customers. Systems and boards featuring the VIA Eden X2 will be available in Q2 2011. |
| Multi-core voltage regulator uses fast voltage scaling to curb your processor's wasteful habits Posted: 03 Mar 2011 09:44 PM PST Your processor may be able to react to your every, fickle demand when it comes to churning out the numbers that make the magic happen, but when it comes to managing its own power it's a bit more lazy. Chips can throttle an individual core's consumption back, but do so slowly, a problem that Harvard grad student Wonyoung Kim appears to have solved. He's created an on-chip multi-core voltage regulator that uses what's called fast-voltage scaling, a technique of rapidly cutting power that could drastically extend battery life on mobile devices -- or, you know, make it so that your gaming rig doesn't dim the lights quite so badly when you crank it up to the gigahertz. No word on when this regulator will start making an appearance in consumer electronics, but Mr. Kim has achieved a patent for his work, so you can be sure he'll be making bank whenever it does. |
| New Chrome OS update finally fixes the Cr-48's touchpad issues Posted: 03 Mar 2011 09:05 PM PST  Google's Chrome OS, and thus the Cr-48, has seen a lot of updates and big fixes since we took a hard look at it back in December, but the wonky touchpad, which we seriously struggled with, hasn't exactly seen much love. That is, until today. The most recent Chrome OS update, which now brings it to version 0.10.156.46, includes new "trackpad and sensitivity settings," and it definitely makes a world of difference. We updated ours just a couple of moments ago and lots of the issues -- namely the jumpy cursor and the flaky scrolling -- have been mended. Thanks to the fresh software, we had a much easier time highlighting text and scrolling down the length of this very website. That said, the touchpad still isn't as responsive as what you get with Apple's MacBooks or Synaptics ClickPad Series 3, and that's because the physical hardware is based on Synaptics' older generation profile sensing technology rather than its newer image sensing panel. Either way, the new software update makes the Cr-48 a lot less frustrating to navigate. Google's also rolled in some new power optimizations, screen indicators, and GChat improvements -- go on and try it out for yourself and let us know what you think in the comments. |
| WiFi-only Motorola Xoom appears at Sam's Club, bearing $539 price? Posted: 03 Mar 2011 07:57 PM PST You might have seen Motorola's WiFi-only Xoom popping up at European e-tailers, but it's reportedly flying the red, white and blue today, having materialized at Sam's Club in the good ol' USA. Droid-Life stumbled upon several snapshots of these Xoom Wi-Fi vouchers, with a $539 price tag hanging above their heads -- plenty cheaper than a cellular Xoom, and also slightly more affordable than a similarly specced iPad 2. Of course, Sam's Club deals in wholesale merchandise, and even should this price be accurate the tablet may not be widely available at the same rate, so don't count out $599 as the Xoom Wi-Fi's MSRP. Meanwhile, let us know if you manage to find and ring one up at the register, eh? [Thanks, Michael] |
| Ask Engadget: what's the best iPad keyboard case? Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:58 PM PST We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Courtney, who obviously thinks the virtual iOS keyboard isn't svelte enough for her needs. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm sort of overwhelmed by the amount of iPad keyboard cases on the market, and would love to hear opinions from owners. Which one feels most sturdy, and which has the nicest key travel? They're all priced nearly the same, so it really comes down to quality, fit and finish. Thanks for any guidance!" Ignore the fact that the iPad 2 is likely just a few weeks away -- we're talking about the here and now. You've read our $0.02 on a few of these, but why not throw a few opinions of your own in comments below? |
| Google's self-driving cars take TED attendees for a wild ride Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:04 PM PST Google gave folks a brief glimpse at its super secret self-driving cars last fall, but nothing like what it's just showed off at the TED conference that's happening this week in Long Beach, California. The company is not only actually letting attendees inside the autonomous car for a first-hand demonstration, but it's intentionally stepped things up to an "aggressive" level to show just how capable the car really is -- we're talking squealing tires and really tight cornering (all on a closed course, naturally). Head on past the break for a view from both inside and outside of the car courtesy of Search Engine Land.
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| Microsoft tablet OS not coming until fall 2012? Posted: 03 Mar 2011 05:01 PM PST We've caught wind of many whispers about a Windows designed specifically for tablets, but the latest scuttlebutt states we won't get to add them to our mobile arsenal anytime soon -- Bloomberg's anonymous sources report that Microsoft won't release a tablet operating system until the 2012 back-to-school season, and will only begin to publically test the OS at the end of this year. That suggests not only a timeframe, but also a likely plan -- it's not hard to imagine Microsoft would enjoy a slice of the educational market before iPads replace textbooks entirely at schools with cash to burn. Of course, Dell seems to think there'll be a Windows 8 slate in January of next year. |
| Editorial: It's Apple's 'post-PC' world -- we're all just living in it Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:56 PM PST On Wednesday, Apple introduced the world to the iPad 2. A beautiful device, to be sure. Feature packed? You bet. Soon to be selling like hotcakes? Absolutely. But the introduction of an iteration on an already existing product wasn't the most notable piece of the event, nor was the surprise appearance of Steve Jobs. No, Wednesday's event was significant because it introduced the world to Apple's real vision for the foreseeable future, a theme the company has hinted at but never fully expressed. This week, Apple showed everyone where it was headed, challenged competitors on that direction, and made it clear that the company not only has staked a claim in that space, but is defining it. This week, Apple stepped into the "post-PC" era of computing -- and there's no looking back, at least not for the folks in Cupertino. By joining the company's ongoing vision of a "different" kind of computing with a soundbite friendly piece of marketing-speak, Apple has changed the rules of the game, and made the competition's efforts not just an uphill battle, but -- at least in the eyes of Steve Jobs and co. -- essentially moot. But what exactly is the "post-PC" world? And why is it significant? Let me explain. In this new world, Apple no longer has to compete on specs and features, nor does it want to. There is no Mac vs. PC here -- only "the future" versus "the past." It won't be a debate about displays, memory, wireless options -- it will be a debate about the quality of the experience. Apple is not just eschewing the spec conversation in favor of a different conversation -- it's rendering those former conversations useless. It would be like trying to compare a race car to a deeply satisfying book. In a post-PC world, the experience of the product is central and significant above all else. It's not the RAM or CPU speed, screen resolution or number of ports which dictate whether a product is valuable; it becomes purely about the experience of using the device. What that means is that while Motorola and Verizon will spend millions of dollars advertising the Xoom's 4G upgrade options, CPU speed, and high-resolution cameras, Apple need only delight consumers and tell them that specs and and speed are the domain of a dinosaur called the PC. Apple isn't claiming victory in the Space Race -- it's ceding space to the competition. But guess who gets Earth all to itself? Apple's not saying that it beats other tablets on the market. It's saying "we do one thing, and these guys do something else altogether." They're not competition -- they're not even playing the same game! That's not to say Apple has given up on PCs, and in fact, the company's laptop sales are consistently exceeding expectations. But take a look at what's creeping around the corner. There's Lion, with its iOS-like interface, its simplified experience. If Apple has its way, and if the sales of its mobile devices carry on in the manner they have up until now, a post-PC outlook will even fit devices that look alarmingly like... PCs. But right now -- in the tablet space at least -- the problem for Motorola, Samsung, HP, RIM, and anyone else who is challenging Apple becomes infinitely more difficult. Almost any company could put together a more powerful or spec-heavy tablet, but all the horsepower in the world can't help you if you don't find a way to delight the average consumer. Those other tablet makers may have superior hardware (and in the case of the Xoom, some superior software as well), but without that key component of sheer delight, the road for them is long and hard. HP is getting close by touting features like Touch-to-Share, but against experiences like the new GarageBand for iOS and the 65,000 apps (and counting) that currently exist, it's hard to see a clear path to sizable competition. That goes for Google and RIM as well. What Apple has done by introducing its "post-PC" language into the vernacular is almost more a game of semantics. Now when Motorola boasts the brain-crushing, bone-splitting power of the Xoom, the company could easily come off like the guy who buys the red Ferrari because he has something to prove. Apple isn't just challenging perceptions of the PC -- they're saying that the age of the PC is over (at least for most people). The company is forcing consumers to ask if they even still want or need something called a PC (while of course making sure to point out that the competition is playing the same old game). And really, that's all part of the plan. Apple is in the process of making the iPad the de-facto standard for what the next stage of computing looks like, from the look and feel to the kind of software and experiences you have on the device. Apple doesn't just want to own the market -- it wants to own the idea of the market. We've seen this act before, and we know how it ends. There was a time before the iPod too, when companies like HP, Samsung, and even Microsoft fought against Apple for the hearts and minds of the consumer -- but I'll be damned if anyone can remember it. |
| Netflix for iPad updated with a new custom UI but loses features like DVD queueing Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:40 PM PST While its page on iTunes doesn't show any change, HackingNetflix points out Netflix for iPad was updated today with a new version of the app that gives it a customized interface instead of just pulling up a lightly customized version of the standard webpage. That reduces browsing options to four areas: Home, Genres, Search and Instant Queue. Note the word instant, because there is no longer any way to access one's DVD queue from within the app (pulling up the Netflix page in a browser window or using a third party app, still works just fine) mirroring the changes made on TV streaming frontends in January. While there are a few reviews praising it for sleeker, speedier access, removing access to DVDs (plus detailed info on each movie like user or critic reviews, cast lists and more) has already been met with angry comments. We've always found the Netflix interface on iPhone and iPad somewhat lacking when it came to queue management anyway, now that Watch Instantly streaming is its only reason for being we're wondering if you consider that a positive or negative change. |
| Samsung's Exynos 4210 flexes 3D gaming muscle at GDC 2011 (video) Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PST What might Android gaming look like on a Samsung Galaxy S II? You're staring it in the face right now. We spotted Samsung's Orion / Exynos 4210 at GDC 2011, showing off the power of its dual-core 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 CPU and Mali-400 graphics on a nice big 1080p television screen --- with a completely playable asteroid obstacle course that ran at a butter-smooth 60 frames per second in stereoscopic 3D. ARM representatives told us the chip actually has even more headroom, but was actually constrained by its HDMI 1.3 port, and could push stereoscopic content at up to 70fps if their reference board had HDMI 1.4. When we asked if there were any plans to publish the TrueForce space shooter demo, ARM said it might indeed be done; the company's thinking of releasing it on the Android Market as a benchmark of sorts. |
| ASUS U36Jc review Posted: 03 Mar 2011 02:30 PM PST At this point, it feels like almost every laptop under the sun is being described as "thin and light," but the thinnest and lightest with a standard voltage processor? Well, that's a new distinction, and ASUS claims its 13.3-inch U36Jc is just that. The .76-inch thick chassis tips the scales to just 3.7-pounds, but doesn't skimp on the horsepower or battery life to attain those trim dimensions like some other ultrathin systems out there. Sure, the U36Jc may ditch the optical drive, but it packs a Core i5-460M processor (the "older" Nehalem generation), NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics, 4GB of RAM, a USB 3.0 port, and a 500GB, 7200rpm hard drive for just $969. Okay, so it doesn't have Intel's latest Sandy Bridge processors, but there are plenty of other reasons we think those who are looking for an ultraportable for under a grand may want to consider the U36Jc. Hit the break to find out what those things are exactly in our full review. Look and feel There's nothing crazy about the U36Jc's all-black design, but that's exactly what we like about it. The aesthetic couldn't be any different than ASUS's bamboo clad U33Jc, and in fact, it reminds us more of one of the most minimalistic laptops out there at the moment -- Google's Cr-48. The entire exterior is covered in a matte black, and the lid and palmrest have been treated with a new "silky nanometer coating," which is intended to repel fingerprints. However, while the underside of the system is made of plastic, the lid itself is made of tougher stuff, and according to ASUS it has been "strengthened with aluminum magnesium alloy finish." It doesn't actually feel like metal, but the overall build of the system is much better than most ASUS laptops we've tested in the last couple of years. Obviously, the most striking thing about the design of the U36Jc is its extremely svelte chassis. The entire system measures just .76-inches thick and the battery only slightly protrudes from the back. Indeed, it's one really thin laptop, and it's pretty perfect for traveling. The 3.7-pound system was easy to pull out of our bag at airport security and it even fit really nicely on the tray table once we were airborne. It isn't as thin or light as the 13-inch MacBook Air (that one's .68 inches thick and 2.9 pounds), but it does have a leg up on Apple's ultraportable when it comes to port selection. The system makes room for two USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0 socket, as well as Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, mic, and headphone jacks. There's also a three-in-one card reader on the left edge. Keyboard, touchpad, and screen ASUS has been using the same keyboard and touchpad combo on its U series laptops for the past couple of years, and frankly, it's probably time for a change. The chiclet keyboard is decent, but not as solid feeling as the ones on the HP Envy, Pavilion dm1z, or ThinkPad X120e. The rounded matte keys are overly clickly and have a bit too much travel for our liking, but we're sure users who like more feedback will enjoy it. Those complaints aside, we were able to write this entire review and a number of posts at a very brisk pace, though we should mention it was hard to see the black keys on that dimly lit flight. What does it take to get a backlight option on all of these new PCs? It's with the touchpad that we take the most issue, however. While ASUS switched to using a softer material with the U33JC-A1's mouse bar, this system has a stiff button that makes loud clicking noises when pressed, and overall it's just frustrating to use. We took to just double tapping on the 3.5 x 2.0-inch pad to make selections, but there's the fact that the pad itself is smaller than most.  The U36Jc's two hinges prop the 1366 x768-resolution screen up a good inch above the keyboard, and while it may look a bit awkward, it actually put the display at a pretty nice angle in our cramped coach seat. Despite its glossiness and the equally glossy bezel, the quality of the display itself seems to outdo other ASUS displays – horizontal viewing angles were quite good, and while colors faded when we pushed the screen back to a 45 degree angle, it wasn't a bother in our usage. We also don't have too many complaints about the speakers – they're not the fullest we've heard, but we had no issues hearing Ray William Johnson's latest YouTube video from across a large studio apartment. Music was a bit more muffled, but we really just expect that on this sort of laptop. If you're looking for awesome sounding laptop speakers, Dell's XPS line is the way to go. Oddly, ASUS ditched the webcam cover on this model -- that's right, there's no telling who may be watching you out of the 1.3 megapixel shooter. Performance and graphics Unlike lots of thin laptops roaming the universe (i.e. the Lenovo U260, Dell Vostro V130, etc.), the U36Jc packs a standard voltage 2.53GHz Core i5 M460 processor and 4GB of RAM. Of course, that's now considered to be last-gen with Intel's dual-core Sandy Bridge CPUs just hitting the market this month, but it still provides a really decent amount of power, and our guess is that those in the market for this sort of super portable machine won't complain about how this thing runs. As you can see from the benchmarks below, the rig beat out those other ultra-low voltage machines and even a number of ASUS's previous U series laptops. As you would guess, those numbers translated to speedy everyday performance -- the system handled multiple browsers (Chrome and IE8) with multiple tabs open, TweetDeck, Microsoft Word 2010, Trillian, and Skype without gasping for air. The 7,200rpm hard drive also seemed snappy enough, launching programs without making us twiddle our fingers. | | PCMarkVantage | 3DMark06
| Battery Life | | ASUS U36Jc (Core i5 / NVIDIA GeForce 310M) | 5981 | 2048 / 3524 | 5:30 | | ASUS U33Jc-A1 (Core i3-370M, GeForce 310M) | 5574 | 1860 / 3403 | 5:10 | | Toshiba Portege R705 (Core i3-350M) | 5024 | 1739 / 3686 | 4:25 | HP Pavilion dm1z (AMD Zacate E350)
| 2510 | 2213 | 5:02 | | ASUS Eee PC 1215N (Atom D525 / NVIDIA Ion 2) | 1942 | 181 / 2480 | 5:42 | | Dell Inspiron M101z (dual-core AMD Neo K325) | 2572 | 1311 | 3:35 | Notes: the higher the score the better. For 3DMark06, the first number reflects score with GPU off, the second with it on.
| Graphics-wise, the rig automatically switches between the integrated Intel GMA HD graphics and the NVIDIA GeForce 310M GPU thanks to NVIDIA's Optimus technology. There are really no graphics performance surprises here -- just like the U33Jc, the system was able to handle some mainstream games like World of Warcraft at 30fps, and push along both streaming and local 1080p content smoothly. The extra graphics power will also help with video and picture editing, and certainly gives the machine a leg up on others like the Toshiba Portege R705, which relies solely on Intel's graphics to attempt the heavy lifting. Of course, we expect Sandy Bridge laptops with Intel's graphics to give NVIDIA's 310M a run for its money, but we don't have any exact comparison figures on that just yet. We always worry that thin laptops with standard voltage parts will result in lap-burning temperatures, and sadly, the U36Jc doesn't totally dodge that issue. The underside and left palmrest got quite warm when we fired up Flash videos, and while it's not overly bothersome or as hot as some laptops we've tested (eh hem, the original ThinkPad X100e), it is noticeable. Battery life and software The best part about NVIDIA's Optimus shutting off the GPU when it isn't needed is the battery savings, and for its size and weight, the U36Jc's endurance is actually quite good. On our video rundown test, which loops the same standard definition video with brightness set at 65 percent, the eight-cell 83hr battery lasted four hours and 30 minutes. That's around the same amount as Toshiba's Portege R705, but not as long as the ULV-powered ASUS UL50Vf. Still, we used the system for the entirety of our five hour flight from Los Angeles to NYC with the brightness cranked up to 90 percent and WiFi on. Also, unlike a lot of these ultrathin systems, you can pop out the cell and replace it. Speaking of things you can pop out, ASUS also makes it fairly easy to get to the RAM on the underside of the system. For whatever reason, ASUS continues to preload its ExpressGate instant-on OS, which you can boot before entering Windows 7 Home Premium by pressing the extra button above the keyboard. We actually thought it was the power button more than once, which may or may not be ASUS's way of getting people to actually enter the Splashtop-based environment. Very little has changed to the actual ExpressGate interface since ASUS first started using it, and we're still not sure why anyone would spend time in a stripped down environment when you can just be in Windows in a matter of a few more seconds. Other than that, ASUS loads up the system with a good deal of its own proprietary software, including e-Driver, WebStorage, and LifeFrame. Wrap-up We think it's time to say something we've long thought about ASUS laptops. The company has an extremely great handle on what components are needed to make a really awesome thin and light machine – standard voltage processors, a dedicated GPU, a good sized battery, lots of ports – but it consistently forgets to pay attention to the small details. And in the case of the U36Jc, those details include a wonky mouse button, glossy bezel, and some heat issues. It's those things that hold systems like this one from being the best of the best. Ultimately, we think the $799 Toshiba Portege R705 is still a better value, and while it is thicker than the U36Jc and doesn't have a discrete GPU, it has an optical drive and runs cooler. Still for $969, there's no denying that the U36Jc buys you very very solid performance with five hours of battery life in an extremely trim and well-designed package, and for some that may just be enough. |
| Sony celebrates PS3 success at GDC, 41 million sold worldwide Posted: 03 Mar 2011 01:58 PM PST It's tough to get solid numbers out of Sony for hardware sales, usually they're cloaked behind a vague "shipped" figure, but at GDC this week the company gave us one rather impressive number: 41 million. That's the number of PS3 consoles the company says it has sold worldwide, and over 80 percent are sucking down data from ye olde internet. Confirming the moneymaking trend we heard about last month, in 2010 the PlayStation store saw a 60 percent boost in traffic and a 70 percent boost in revenue from a total of 70 million PSN accounts. Let's see... 70 million PSN user accounts, 41 million PS3 consoles, 80 percent of which are online -- that means almost everyone has one account for gaming and a second for griefing. Sounds about right. |
| Ford SYNC goes global, 2012 Focus will accept commands in 19 languages Posted: 03 Mar 2011 01:14 PM PST For a long time Ford kept its best cars in Europe and Australia, leaving Americans to make do with the Tempo or teasing us with a Focus that wasn't nearly as good as those elsewhere in the world. That's all changed now, and we're dutifully returning the favor. SYNC, which has been present on many an American Blue Oval since 2007, is now going international, Ford and Nuance managing to add an additional 16 languages to the voice recognition processing, bringing the total to 19. Emergency assistance has also been expanded to cover other languages as well, so you can now hollar for help, schreien for hilfe, or even schreeuwen om help. Show full PR text Ford SYNC to be More Multilingual as Vocabulary Expands to Industry-Leading 19 Languages
Ford SYNC® to expand its vocabulary from three to 19 languages, as Ford announces global rollout of the in-vehicle connectivity technology
New languages will be available first in Europe in 2012 with introduction in the Ford Focus
SYNC language expansion sets an industry benchmark for automotive voice recognition capability
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 27, 2011 – Ford is expanding the reach of Ford SYNC globally with the European launch of its popular voice-controlled connectivity system, with the capability of now offering 19 languages.
SYNC was originally launched in North America in 2007 with three languages. With the additional 16 vernaculars, Ford will offer voice recognition capability, powered by Nuance Communications, in more languages than any other automaker offering voice control.
The expansion brings the convenience of SYNC to a much larger audience of potential customers, said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, who kicked off the global launch of SYNC this week at the 2011 CeBIT technology show in Hanover, Germany.
"We are pleased to announce that SYNC will soon be available to customers around the world," Mulally said. "It is a smart and simple way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives."
Teaching a car to speak
At the heart of SYNC is the speech engine, and Ford is working with its speech technology partner, Nuance Communications, to deliver a similar experience across the multiple languages.
Ford leverages significant investments made by Nuance to support the broad dialect coverage required in larger regions such as the United States. Additionally, regions such as Europe present unique challenges, in part because of the proximity of different countries and the resulting need for multilingual solutions.
For the customer, that means SYNC can recognize 10,000 voice commands in any one of the available 19 languages, and can cope with variances in accents, vocabulary and local dialects.
If a German customer, for example, is driving in Italy, the system can provide directions in German but will use the correct Italian pronunciation for street names.
Within each international market, a unique set of abbreviations for text messaging also has been identified. For example, "cvd," short for "Ci vediamo dopo," was added for SYNC to read aloud, which basically means "See you later" in Italian.
"We had to make sure the system would behave as people expect in different countries and different cultures," said Mark Porter, supervisor, SYNC Product Development. "That means we had to solicit local, native-speaking input for common abbreviations used in SMS messages as well as support different units of distance and date formats."
Song titles and artist names posed further challenges. A German owner, for instance, may have songs by artists of German, American, Spanish and other nationalities on an MP3 player. Due to phonetic differences between the languages, the system must be able to recognize a name whether it's pronounced in German or deep southern American English.
"The in-car experience needs to be global in nature, supporting a variety of languages to ensure all commands, addresses and song titles are recognized, whether you're from Germany, Portugal or France. Localization should not equal limitations," said Arnd Weil, vice president, Nuance Automotive. "Working closely with Ford, we've customized the SYNC experience across multiple languages to ensure drivers in all regions experience the simplicity and convenience that in-car voice technology has to offer."
With the language expansion, SYNC with MyFord Touch will be available in:
U.S. English
U.K. English
Australian English
European French
Canadian French
European Spanish
U.S. Spanish
European Portuguese
Brazilian Portuguese
German
Italian
Dutch
Russian
Turkish
Arabic
Korean
Japanese
Mandarin Chinese
Taiwanese Mandarin (supported through Mandarin Chinese)
Software, rather than hardware, solutions
As with many SYNC advancements over the years, the expanded language capabilities leverage the system's flexible, software-based platform for a cost-effective and efficient solution.
Using a single, common hardware module equipped with Wi-Fi®, SYNC can be easily configured for language on the assembly line. An on-the-line server connects with the SYNC module wirelessly, determines the appropriate software installation – including language – and downloads the information to the vehicle.
Using a common module and Wi-Fi installation avoids the logistics of stocking unique modules with every possible combination of language and capability offered by SYNC. In fact, Ford would have had to produce more than 90 different hardware modules to accommodate all of the different languages installed at assembly plants around the world.
Voice poised to become primary in-car communication interface
With independent research firms such as Datamonitor predicting that advanced speech recognition in the mobile world will triple by 2014 with similar growth for speech recognition in vehicles, Ford is ahead of the curve with the SYNC global language expansion plan.
"Ford is committed to making voice recognition the primary user interface inside the car throughout the world, helping all drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel," said Jim Buczkowski, a Henry Ford Technical Fellow and director of Electrical and Electronics Systems for Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "This expansion of SYNC language capabilities is a huge step forward in bringing voice technology to every market Ford serves."
The Ford Focus will be the first vehicle to launch with SYNC in Europe in 2012.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com.
About Nuance Communications, Inc.
Nuance is a leading provider of speech and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with information and how they create, share and use documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance's proven applications and professional services. For more information, please visit: nuance.com. Show full PR text Ford Announces SYNC With Emergency Assistance in Multiple Languages at No Additional Cost
Emergency Assistance feature identifies exactly where in Europe an accident has taken place and calls 112 emergency number in the local language
The Emergency Assistance feature will be operational in more than twice the number of European countries than any other automatic emergency call system
Free service utilises the driver's mobile phone and will benefit subsequent vehicle owners, making a significant contribution to European customers
COLOGNE, Germany, Mar. 1, 2011 – Ford has announced that it will provide vehicle drivers and passengers across Europe and nearby regions with an extremely advanced system offering additional peace of mind as part of the SYNC package.
Emergency Assistance is a new feature developed as part of the SYNC system for Europe that will automatically inform the emergency services in the event of an accident.
Emergency Assistance is able to accurately determine the location of the vehicle using a combination of the onboard GPS unit, map database and information from the customer's mobile phone before making a call to emergency services.
The system ensures that emergency services are contacted with an introductory message communicating to the operator that a crash has occurred at a precise location in the correct language for the region.
"Emergency Assistance is a potentially life-saving technology that we will be offering to customers free of charge for the life of their Ford vehicle," said Ford CEO and president
Alan Mulally.
"It's another example of how we deliver real value to our customers through smart technology that leverages the connectivity they already pay for with their mobile device for our European customers."
Emergency Assistance is the only system that calls the emergency operator directly with key information about the incident including GPS location, rather than losing precious time by first directing the call through a third party call centre.
The Emergency Assistance feature is the most advanced system of its type available; able to directly communicate with emergency services in double the number of European countries than any other emergency call service, as well as several countries outside of the EU.
The feature eliminates concerns drivers may have of not being able to call for assistance in the event of an accident because of language limitations or not knowing the emergency number for the area that they are in. The Emergency Assistance feature acts as an on-board intermediary when it's needed the most.
Europe provided a specific challenge in developing such a system, thanks to a high concentration of languages, borders and emergency services as well as the varying levels of technology present in emergency call centres across the continent.
In response, Ford developed an industry first system that communicates to the operator in the local language, while continuing to speak with the occupant in their preferred language. To ensure the system would work throughout European call centres, the system has been designed to pass along all critical information to the operator audibly.
During the development of the Emergency Assistance feature Ford worked with the European Emergency Number Association, gaining valuable input into the system design. The EENA aims to ensure a consistently high level of response to 112 emergency number calls across Europe. Ford is currently validating the system with several emergency operator offices across the continent.
"We are pleased that Ford has consulted with the EENA and European emergency call centres in the development of the Emergency Assistance feature," said Gary Machado, Executive Director of the EENA.
"We are confident that solutions enabling vehicles to be connected to emergency call centres will contribute to saving lives in Europe."
Ensuring a rapid response to road accidents
Following road traffic accidents, lives can be saved by a quick response from highly skilled emergency services. Seconds count, which is why Ford has developed Emergency Assistance to reduce response times by ensuring that, regardless of where in Europe a SYNC-equipped vehicle is involved in an accident, an emergency response is directly requested in the local language, provided 112 emergency calls are possible in the area.
Emergency Assistance operates as part of SYNC. It becomes active when a mobile phone is paired with the system using the standard Bluetooth™ integration, enabling the Emergency Assistance feature to be offered by Ford without the subscription required by systems from some competitors.
Emergency Assistance is primed to respond to the activation of an airbag within the vehicle or the emergency fuel pump shut-off. In some cases the accident may not require the attendance of the emergency services, and the vehicle occupants receive an audible and visual message in their preferred language informing them that the call will be made. They then have an opportunity to cancel the automated call.
If there is no response the Emergency Assistance feature goes swiftly into action. The system uses an onboard GPS module combined with map data and mobile network information acquired from the customer's mobile phone to identify precise location details. This enables the Emergency Assistance feature to determine the correct language for the incident specific introductory message that will be delivered to the emergency services.
Emergency Assistance calls 112 direct, without the need to be connected via a third party call centre operator, and delivers the message that the vehicle has been involved in an accident along with precise GPS co-ordinates for the vehicle location.
After SYNC delivers the critical information, hands-free communication is made available so that vehicle occupants are able to speak directly with the emergency service call centre operator from inside the vehicle if required. Alternatively, the customer can continue to communicate with the operator via the mobile phone if able to move away from the crash site.
This provides a vital opportunity to offer additional information such as the number of occupants and vehicles involved in the incident, aiding the emergency services in providing an appropriate response.
As part of the updatable SYNC platform, the Emergency Assistance feature has been designed to be very versatile and can even accommodate any future legislative guidelines, including any 'eCall' legislation that may be introduced by the European Commission.
Ford's commitment to safety
When SYNC technology becomes available to European Ford customers initially on the Focus model in 2012, it will provide drivers with an additional means to stay safe on the road by offering a voice control system that ensures they can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
The Focus will offer the greatest level of technology in its class and the class above when equipped with SYNC, alongside Ford's latest driver assistance systems – including Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Alert and Active City Stop.
The Emergency Assistance feature will complement these features when it arrives in Europe, and will be available for free to Ford customers with SYNC enabled vehicles. It will remain free for the life of the vehicle, ensuring that subsequent owners can benefit from the considerable additional peace-of-mind on offer. This is made possible as the Emergency Assistance feature automatically utilises the driver's mobile phone when it is paired using the Bluetooth function.
By developing Emergency Assistance, Ford has ensured that it provides drivers and passengers with the highest level of response procurement in the event of an accident.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 51 individual markets and employs approximately 66,000 employees. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911. |
| CTIA exec promises 'significant' new tablet launch at trade show next month Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:31 PM PST A trade show executive attempting to generate interest in his own trade show may not exactly be news, but CTIA vice president Rob Mesirow has made things a bit more interesting than usual by promising today that a "significant" new tablet will be launched at the mobile-focused show, which runs from March 22nd to the 24th. What could that tablet be? Well, we already have a pretty strong indication that Samsung will announce an 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab at the show -- but is it "significant" enough to match the hype? As for any other announcements we might see, Mesirow was fairly tight-lipped, with him saying only that "Android, Android, Android" will be the big platform at the show, and that while we will see more out of Windows Phone 7, it will be "moving into the fall show in a much bigger way." Whatever is in store, you can count on us being there to see it first hand.
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| Sony's PSP Go officially drops to $150 Posted: 03 Mar 2011 11:41 AM PST  It may not be the first time you've been able to snag a PSP Go for $150, but you can now rest assured that you'll never pay anything more than that, as Sony has officially knocked another $50 off the handheld's list price. That follows a similar $50 price drop back in October (not to mention a $40 price cut to the regular PSP just last week), although that doesn't seem to have done a whole lot to boost sales of the download-only device. Will this new low, low price make a bigger difference? And, if not, how much lower can it go before a certain quad-core monster really makes its presence felt? |
| Apple iOS 4.3 GM available now to developers Posted: 03 Mar 2011 11:13 AM PST That's right, kids! The Golden Master version of iOS 4.3 has become available -- it's seeding as we speak. If you do any development on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, and you're ready to get to partake in (or even dev for) all the new AirPlay and Personal Hotspot capabilities (for starters), you know where to go. As for the rest of us, we guess we'll have to wait until the OS gets its official release on March 11. By the way, there's no word of an OS update for Apple TV yet. Sorry, kids. That's what they call "tough love." [Thanks, Gregg!] |
| Fogale Nanotech takes the 'touch' out of 'touchscreen smartphone' at CeBIT Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:44 AM PST French sensor manufacturer Fogale Nanotech -- historically more of an industrial supplier than a consumer-facing one -- was demonstrating its non-contact capacitive sensors at CeBIT this week and how they might be used for the most consumer-facing application of them all: smartphone interfaces. Fogale had two stations set up, PCs running Windows Phone 7 emulators with the sensors attached out front (oriented like you might place a trackpad on a desk). Though they didn't have any actual phone prototypes on hand with the technology integrated, it's clear that they're trying to drum up support with a manufacturer partner or two; in the meantime, you can get a sense of what's going on by waving your hand over the phone-shaped sensors at the stations. We found that as long as you're within about half inch of the pad, the on-screen cursor flys by in perfect harmony with your finger. Of course, there are plenty of unanswered questions here: deciding on the best user experience for actuating taps is key... but perhaps more importantly, we're not certain that you need your hand waving slightly above your phone while using it anyway. Don't get us wrong, it's super cool -- but are you really that worked up over smudges? Follow the break for a quick video of Fogale's recorded demos plus some time at the live kiosk. |
| AT&T to offer mobile hotspot on iPhone 4 starting March 11th, requires usual $45 data plan Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:16 AM PST Though it was kind of implied during the iPad 2 event yesterday when we learned that the GSM (that is, non-Verizon) version of the iPhone 4 would be getting iOS 4.3 with mobile hotspot capability on March 11th, we've doubly confirmed with AT&T today that the carrier will be offering the feature right out of the gate -- a departure from the tethering delay of days gone by. Naturally, you'll need the tethering feature added to your account, a $20 surcharge over the standard 2GB DataPro plan for a grand total of $45 with a 4GB bucket. Makes the extra coin a little easier to swallow over cabled and Bluetooth tethering alone, we suppose. |
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