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Monday, June 20, 2011

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Verizon tiered data plans coming July 7, starting at $30?

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 11:01 AM PDT

We were hoping it wouldn't happen, but it appears that Verizon CFO Fran Shammo's summer foreboding of his company's dreaded tiered data plans could be right on the money. Droid-Life is reporting the magic date will be July 7 and has provided supposed pricing details: data plans without tethering would start at $30 for 2GB, while 5GB and 10GB will cost $50 and $80 respectively. Tethering will cost an extra $20 and adds another 2GB to the pool. There's said to be no notable separation between 3G and 4G -- you'd be billed exactly the same whether you're packing a Droid X2 or a Droid Charge. These new plans wouldn't affect anyone currently under contract, though it's still unknown if customers can hang onto them when it's time to renew. While this remains filed in the "grain of salt" cabinet for now, it may be a good time to at least start checking out your next phone.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iCard ECG brings heart monitoring to the iOS device of your choice (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 10:55 AM PDT

iCard ECG
AliveCor's iPhoneECG case was pretty sweet but, being a case, could only be strapped to an iPhone 4. Doctors content with their 3GS or patients who prefer to hug an iPad to their chest will be elated to hear the company is working on a more hardware-agnostic option for your iOS heart monitoring needs. The business card-sized iCard ECG mounts to the back of your iDevice using velcro and wirelessly feeds data from its electrodes to the AliveECG app. The app automatically records 30 seconds of your heart's rhythmic pulse before uploading it to AliveCor's servers for sharing with your doctors. The bad news? They're still awaiting FDA approval, so you can't run out and pick one up just yet. But, when it does hit shelves, it looks like you'll have a choice of red or black -- so you can make sure your medical accessories match your scrubs. Check out the video after the break.

Sony intros new PS3 Slim in Japan: lighter, consumes less power

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 10:23 AM PDT

Fresh from the Land of the Rising Sun comes news that Sony has updated the original PS3 Slim (CECH-3001B) with a lighter, less power-hungry model. The new Japanese PS3 CECH-3000B weighs in at 5.7 pounds -- as opposed to its 6.6 pound elder brother -- and even lowers its wattage to 200W from the previous 230W. Based on information handed to us by SCE in February, we're surmising that you'll need HDMI / HDCP in order to get 1080p video playback from Blu-ray Discs; otherwise, it'll be limited to 480i over piracy concerns. Other non-AACS content -- games included -- should be exempt from the restrictions. The unit will retail at the same ¥34,980 price point (or $435 for the Yanks) as the original Slim, and while a relatively plain 320GB flavor seems to be on tap for now, a 160GB Tales of Xillia bundle will purportedly hit this September. No announcement has been made for its North American counterpart, but with the system already in the FCC's clutches, you can bet it'll be making an intercontinental trek in short order.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 getting Gingerbread in August, can finally show face in public (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 09:16 AM PDT

It's no big surprise that Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10 has some Android 2.3-filled days to look forward to -- heck, we've known that the smartphone would eventually be treated to Gingerbread before it actually got 2.1. At long last, the handset maker is finally offering up a few extra details about the inevitable upgrade, now set for early-August. The company has addressed some user concerns regarding changes to functionality that will come with the upgrade, assuring users that new version of the software will keep the phone's camera UI intact and will feature newer functionality like the company's Facebook Inside Xperia feature. Catch the Gingerbready video below, which unfortunately makes surviving the summer on a lesser build no less painless.

Nikko's 3D meat measurement system is enough to make James Cameron's butcher jealous (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 08:54 AM PDT

Not getting the most out of your meat? Then you're clearly not using Nikko's multi-camera 3D meat measuring system. In an attempt to deal with the rising cost of seafood, the Japanese company enlisted the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, which offered up a method for taking images of the backside of meat through gaps in a conveyor belt. The system uses fours pairs of stereo cameras to create a 3D image of meat as it travels down the line, helping to determine the best way to make the most out of the foodstuff. The company is attempting to drop the price of the system, in order to bring it to market within two years. You know you want to check out a bevy of 3D seafood images after the break.

Toshiba's Regza AT300 tablet for the Japanese market delayed until late July, will ship with Android 3.1

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 08:33 AM PDT

To any of our Japanese readers who've been impatiently awaiting Toshiba's Regza AT300 tablet, you're going to have to hold your breath a touch longer. The 10.1-inch, Japan-only slate is going to miss its expected June arrival, and ship in late July instead. That extra tedious trip to market could be worth it, though: when the AT300 finally does land in Akihabara, it'll come with Android 3.1 and all of its resizable widgets on board. But don't expect any surprises, hardware-wise: it'll still pack Tegra 2, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, and those full-sized HDMI and USB ports that can make a nerd's heart sing. Makes sense to us, since the Thrive -- the same tablet for the US market -- was already slated to ship with the latest version of Honeycomb. Fair's fair, right?

Motorola Xoom appears on Verizon MAP, finally heading to LTE?

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 08:13 AM PDT


The Xoom may finally be getting LTE support, after a mysterious issue prompted Motorola to delay adding access to Verizon's 4G network to the popular tablet. The Moto Xoom recently appeared on Verizon's Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) system, which means the device will likely become available later this summer. Unfortunately, MAP doesn't include any pricing information for the tablet, and there's no official word regarding availability, but current 3G Xoom owners should still be able to upgrade free of charge with a one-week turnaround via FedEx. We'll be curious to see how LTE affects battery life, considering some of VZW's other high-speed devices haven't fared so well, but we are willing to compromise ever so slightly in exchange for that lightening-fast 4G data.

Samsung NC215S solar netbook will see the light of day in Russia

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 07:52 AM PDT

Anyone who's ever attempted to use a laptop on a sunny summer day can surely tell you that direct sunlight is not your friend -- that's why we like to ride out the season in our dark basement apartments. If only there were a way to harness the sun's rays for good, instead of evil -- like powering your PC while you're off doing whatever it is that normal people do when it's sunny outside. First introduced for the African market, Samsung's NC215S will be hitting Russia in early August for 13,999 rubles ($479). The netbook sports a lid almost entirely monopolized by a solar panel, which contributes to an overall estimated battery life of 14.5 hours. The NC215S packs a 1.6GHz N570 Intel Atom dual-core processor, 250GB of storage, and 1GB of RAM into a 2.9 pound frame. It's almost enough to make us want to venture out into the sunlight. Almost.

[Thanks, Marco]

HP TouchPad goes up for pre-order starting at $500, will be available July 1

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 07:32 AM PDT

It's true, the TouchPad, HP's inaugural webOS tablet, won't go on sale in the states until July 1, but that doesn't mean you can't claim yours pronto. She's up for pre-order at a long list of retailers that includes Amazon, NewEgg, Best Buy, Walmart, Staples, Radio Shack, J&R, Office Max, Office Depot, Costco, Sam's Club, PC Richard & Son, Micro Center, and even Nebraska Furniture Mart. You'll see it listed on HP's site, too, but the company's only accepting orders for businesses at the moment. As expected, the tab comes in two flavors: a 16GB version for $499.99 and a 32GB model that'll set you back $599.99. Both of 'em pack a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, stereo speakers, Touch-to-Share, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and, of course, a gussied-up version of webOS optimized for that 9.7-inch display. Intrigued? Hit the exhaustive list of source links below to scoop one up for yourself.

[Thanks, Casey]

Sharp Aquos SH-12C 3D smartphone hands-on (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 07:01 AM PDT

Towards the end of our recent trip to Taiwan for Computex, just as the hustle and bustle was winding down and we'd settled on a bit of sightseeing, we stumbled upon a rare beast -- a smartphone unicorn of sorts -- the Sharp Aquos SH-12C. This 3D-capable Android handset for NTT's Docomo network was imported from its native Japan by a Hong Kong resident who was also attending the epic trade show. Like the HTC EVO 3D, this device features twin cameras and a glasses-free stereoscopic qHD display, so we decided to combine work and play by getting some hands-on time with this mysterious phone right on the observation deck of Taipei 101. Take a look a our gallery below -- complete with foggy views from the 89th floor at dusk -- and hit the break for our hands-on video, first impressions and some camera samples.
Sharp Aquos SH-12C 3D smartphone hands-on


The Aquos SH-12C we played with was finished in an ultra-sexy shade of pearl white. As you can see in the gallery, it's a touch taller and narrower, but also marginally thicker and heavier than the HTC Sensation and Samsung Galaxy S II. It feels well built despite being primarily made of plastic and looks like a premium handset thanks to a unique and tasteful angular design. Under the hood, it features a snappy 1.4GHz single core Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon SoC with 2100MHz (world) and 800MHz (Japan) HSPA support, 512MB RAM, 8GB of built-in storage plus a microSD card slot, WiFi / Bluetooth / GPS radios, a micro-HDMI output, FeliCa compatibility (NFC), and a 1seg TV receiver. It's running Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) with a lightweight TouchWiz-like skin. Sadly, the supplied 1240mAh battery is a little anemic and runs out of steam quickly, according to the owner.

Sharp is well known for dishing out high-end displays and cameras made in-house for its Japanese phones, and the SH-12C is no exception. The 4.2-inch qHD (960 x 540 pixel) glasses-free 3D LCD is just spectacular, with excellent colors, brightness, and contrast as well as decent viewing angles. On the imaging front, the Aquos trumps the EVO 3D with twin 8 megapixel autofocus cameras with flash and autofocus assist light. But just like Sprint's flagship, it takes 3D pictures at 2 megapixels (in MPO format only) and captures 3D video in 720p at 30 fps, with the left and right frames being squeezed into a single 1280x720 pixel H264 frame. 720p is also the maximum resolution for 2D video recording, but 2D stills are shot using the full 8 megapixels. Check out the sample gallery and sample videos below -- the first three photos and first video are anaglyphs and require red / cyan glasses for the full 3D effect.
Sharp Aquos SH-12C sample shots

HotHardware surveys the Cougar Point motherboard horizon, spots a winner

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 06:31 AM PDT

There's an ocean of possibilities when it comes to choosing the right Socket LGA 1155 board to mother your Sandy Bridge processor. But a roundup review at HotHardware funnels it down to just five rivals within a $179-$267 price bracket and based on Intel's P67 chipset: two offerings from Asus, plus one each from ASRock, Gigabyte and MSI. The reviewers found clear favorites depending on what you're looking for: The ASRock Fatal1ty P67 Professional and MSI P67A-GD80 can both bring serious aesthetics to your super rig, and the former has a particularly good bang-for-buck ratio. The Asus P8P67 WS Revolution stands out with four full-length PCI Express lanes for crazy graphics, while the more conservative Asus P8P67 Professional has the lowest idle power consumption of the lot. Click the source link now if you'd prefer to discover the overall winner for yourself. Otherwise, all we can say is, viva la Revolution.

Withings Blood Pressure Monitor for iOS hands-on (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 06:00 AM PDT


Withings users not satisfied with only being able to share their weight with the world can now add blood pressure and heart rate to the mix. This iPhone-connected blood pressure monitor made its first appearance at CES, but you'll finally be able to order one of your own today. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, the $129 accessory costs three to four times as much as off-the-shelf blood pressure monitors, but integrates well if you're looking to pair it with your Withings scale for a complete vitals management solution. Results can be sent to health sites like Google Health and Microsoft HealthVault, or directly to your doctor. Care to see how it works? Join us past the break for a hands-on look at the monitor, including a video comparison with the in-store vitals machine at our neighborhood Kmart.

Update: Withings wrote in to let us know that the blood pressure readings in the video below were likely inflated because we were talking, though we do appreciate the concern you've already expressed in the comments.
Withings Smart Blood Pressure Monitor for iPhone Hands-On

Even iOS newbies shouldn't have any issue getting started -- connecting the monitor to your device's dock connector launches the Withings app (or prompts you to install it, if you haven't already done so). An on-screen start button inflates the AAA-battery powered cuff, and presents your results about 30 seconds later. Colored circles indicate a possible health issue, and an FAQ screen helps to explain your results. During our Kmart test, the Withings monitor presented results of 147/93 with a heart rate of 94, compared to 133/95 with a heart rate of 96 on the in-store machine -- perhaps the c-list discounter was trying to imply that we can afford to load up on some junk food? Considering results tended to vary by a similar amount during multiple tests on the same machine, it's safe to conclude that both are accurate. The Withings Blood Pressure Monitor ships today, so early adopters could be tweeting a complete snapshot of their physical health before the week is out.

Show full PR text
Withings Announces US Availability of its Connected Blood Pressure Monitor for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

Withings combines sophisticated technology and design to transform an ordinary blood pressure monitor into an accurate health self-monitoring device

Paris, France – June 20, 2011– Today, French technology company Withings announced the US availability of its Blood Pressure Monitor (BPM) for iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®. This Withings BPM, including blood pressure cuff and companion Withings App, is a modern way to measure and record blood pressure readings in the personal and professional arenas.

With more than 25% of the world's population* affected by hypertension, Withings has combined advanced technology and sophisticated design to create a medical device that is visually attractive, accurate and easy to use at home, in a professional setting or on the go.

Cédric Hutchings, Withings co-founder says, "Apple has revolutionized the smartphone and tablet market with both its design and functionality. We have strived to extend this revolution into the field of health and fitness by integrating our products to work seamlessly with Apple iOS devices."

The Withings BPM is truly a plug-and-play solution for blood pressure measurement and tracking. Users simply wrap the blood pressure cuff around their arm and plug it directly into their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch using the incorporated cable. Once connected, the Withings App launches instantly on the iOS device and is ready to begin the measurement. When the reading is complete, the full results (Systole, Diastole and heart rate) are saved directly on the device, eliminating manual tracking.

A user's stats can be accessed instantly from their iOS device or from their personal Withings webpage. Results are saved denoting dates and time of day for each reading, to help when comparing morning, afternoon and evening readings, and readings over time. Results can easily be shared by emailing results to a doctor and/or using the device's automatic sharing feature to sync with popular personal health record sites like Google Health™ and Microsoft® HealthVault™ - virtually eliminating the gap between patient and doctor.

When used in conjunction with the Withings WiFi body scale, weight and blood pressure are tracked on the same graph within the app, giving users an at-a-glance health snapshot. Both products bring together in one place two vital pieces of your overall health, which is ideal when tracking trends and early warning signs of health problems.

Withings Blood Pressure Monitor Technical Specifications: (detailed specs)

Works with: iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch 2nd
generation, iPod touch 3rd generation and iPod touch 4th generation
Measurement: Oscillometric Method
Measurement range: 0 to 285mmHg
Pulse: from 40 to 180 beats per minute
Cuff circumference: fits arm circumferences from 9" to 17"
Pump: automatic inflation with air pump, controlled pressure release
FDA: device has received FDA clearance

The Withings Blood Pressure monitor works with iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Starting today, the Withings Blood Pressure Monitor is available at www.withings.com for $129. The Withings App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, or at www.iTunes.com/AppStore.

Fujitsu K supercomputer now ranked fastest in the world, dethrones China's Tianhe-1A

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 05:37 AM PDT

Remember the K -- the Fujitsu supercomputer that promised to do a whopping ten petaflops by the year 2012? Well, it hasn't reached that threshold just yet, but according to the latest Top 500 supercomputer list, it's still faster than any other machine on Earth. In fact, the top-ranked beast is more powerful than the next five supercomputers combined, consumes enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes for a full year, and is capable of churning out about 8.2 quadrillion calculations per second -- three times as many as what runner-up (and former number-one) Tianhe-1A can process. Today's announcement marks the first time since 2004 that a Japanese creation sits atop Top500.org's rankings, but Fujitsu isn't exactly resting on its laurels. Before deploying it next year, engineers at the Riken Advanced Institute for Computational Science are aiming to add about 100,000 cores to the K's collection of 548,352, which would provide it with even more computational muscle, and likely spell doom for all of humanity. Find out more in the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Supercomputer "K computer" Takes First Place in World
Achieves world's best performance of 8.162 petaflops to lead TOP500 list

Tokyo, June 20, 2011 - RIKEN and Fujitsu have taken first place on the 37th TOP500 list announced today at the 26th International Supercomputing Conference (ISC'11) held in Hamburg, Germany. This ranking is based on a performance measurement of the "K computer(1)," currently under their joint development.

The TOP500-ranked K computer system, currently in the configuration stage, has 672 computer racks equipped with a current total of 68,544 CPUs. This half-build system achieved the world's best LINPACK(2) benchmark performance of 8.162 petaflops (quadrillion floating-point operations per second), to place it at the head of the TOP500 list. In addition, the system has recorded high standards with a computing efficiency ratio of 93.0%. This is the first time since June 2004 that the Japanese supercomputer "Earth Simulator" has been ranked first on the TOP500 list.

1. Background

RIKEN and Fujitsu have been working together to develop the K computer, with the aim of beginning shared use by November 2012, as a part of the High-Performance Computing Infrastructure (HPCI) initiative led by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The K computer will be comprised of over 800 computer racks-each equipped with ultrafast and energy-efficient CPUs-that access into a network capable of an immense amount of interconnectivity. The supercomputer system brings together leading-edge technologies for high performance and high reliability.

To test the system's performance at the configuration stage, the K computer's processing speed was measured by the LINPACK benchmark program, placing it on the 37th TOP500 ranking of the world's fastest supercomputers. The TOP500 ranking list began in 1993 and is updated twice a year in June and November.

2. Performance and Future Status of the K computer

The LINPACK benchmark program, running on the part of the system that employs 68,544 CPUs installed on the K computer being configured, recorded the world's top performance of 8.162 petaflops. This gave it the number-one position on the TOP500 list. Moreover, for one of the world's largest supercomputers, it achieved an extraordinarily high computing efficiency ratio of 93.0%. This achievement is made possible by the K computer's integration of technologies, including its massive number of CPUs, the interconnectivity that links them together, and the software that is able to bring out the highest performance from the hardware.

When configuration of the K computer is complete in 2012, it is designed to achieve LINPACK performance of 10 petaflops. It will be widely used in a variety of computational science fields where it is expected to contribute to the generation of world-class research results. The K computer is a wholly made-in-Japan supercomputer, from the research and development of the processors, to system design and manufacturing. Use of the K computer is expected to have a groundbreaking impact in fields ranging from global climate research, meteorology, disaster prevention, and medicine, thereby contributing to the creation of a prosperous and secure society. RIKEN and Fujitsu will continue to work tirelessly toward completing the system's deployment in 2012.

3. RIKEN and Fujitsu Comments

Ryoji Noyori, President, RIKEN

I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone, beginning with our colleagues at our development partner Fujitsu Limited, who worked so valiantly on the construction of the K computer even under the severe conditions following the Great East Japan Earthquake. It is wonderful to be able to share the joy of this moment with them. I very much believe that the strength and perseverance that was demonstrated during this project will also make possible the recovery of the devastated Tohoku region. As we move forward to complete this project by next June, we will maintain our firm commitment to the maintenance and operation of the system, and I hope to see wonderful results when we begin to make the world's top performing supercomputer available to users around the world.

Michiyoshi Mazuka, Chairman and Representative Director, Fujitsu Limited

I am delighted that we were able to achieve this result, made possible through the tremendous efforts of all involved, despite the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake. In particular, I am sincerely grateful to our partners in the Tohoku region for their commitment to delivering a steady supply of components, even though they themselves were affected by the disaster. Bringing together hundreds of thousands of components to quickly launch such a massive-scale computing system-which would have been nearly impossible using conventional technologies-requires an incredible level of reliability. I believe that this reliability is truly the pinnacle of Japanese manufacturing. Without being too pleased with ourselves and losing sight of our goal, going forward we will proceed with the system's deployment and, once complete, we look forward to contributing to the achievements that the K computer will make possible.

Hybrid rocket / seaweed jet ready to fly in 2050, keep emissions above ozone (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 05:14 AM PDT


What's cooler than jetting from Paris to Tokyo in under three hours? Getting there in a biofuel burning hybrid rocketplane. The recently announced superjet, the Zehst (short for "Zero Emission Hypersonic Transportation"), loopholes around the whole pollution angle by only using its rocket engines in the stratosphere. Below the ozone however, seaweed-biofuel powered jet engines will kick in for some keen, green landings. Don't get too excited though, the EADS won't even have a prototype ready until 2020, and commercial flights aren't expected to follow until the hump of the century. Look on the bright side though, you've still got that airline-approved Galaxy Tab to keep you occupied for the next four decades of long, dark, redeyes. That's almost as cool, right?
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New rocketplane 'could fly Paris-Tokyo in 2.5 hours

PARIS - European aerospace giant EADS on Sunday unveiled its "Zero Emission Hypersonic Transportation" (Zehst) rocket plane it hopes will be able to fly from Paris to Tokyo in 2.5 hours by around 2050.

"I imagine the plane of the future to look like Zehst," EADS' chief technical officer Jean Botti said as the project was announced at Le Bourget airport the day before the start of the Paris International Air Show.

The low-pollution plane to carry between 50 and 100 passengers will take off using normal engines powered by biofuel made from seaweed before switching on its rocket engines at altitude.

The rocket engines, powered by hydrogen and oxygen whose only exhaust is water vapour, propel the plane to a cruising altitude of 32 kilometres (20 miles), compared to today's passenger jets which fly at around 10,000 metres.

"You don't pollute, you're in the stratosphere," Botti said.

To land, the pilot cuts the engines and glides down to Earth before reigniting the regular engines before landing.

EADS hopes to have a prototype built by 2020 and for the plane to eventually enter service around 2050.

The project is being developed in collaboration with Japan and uses technology that is already available.

A four-metre model of the plane, which looks similar to the now defunct Concorde supersonic jet, will be on show at Bourget for the biannual aerospace showcase which begins on Monday and opens to the general public on Friday.

British Library and Google Books partner up to digitize 250,000 out-of-copyright works

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 04:38 AM PDT

Oh paper, ye olde guardian of human wisdom, culture, and history, why must you be so fragile and voluminous? Not a question we ask ourselves every day, admittedly, but when you're talking about the British Library's extensive collection of tomes from the 18th and 19th century, those books, pamphlets and periodicals do stack up pretty quickly. Thankfully, Google's book digitization project has come to the rescue of bewildered researchers, with a new partnership with the British Library that will result in the availability of digital copies of works from that period -- spanning the time of the French and Industrial Revolutions, the Crimean War, the invention of the telegraph, and the end of slavery. In total, some 250,000 such items, all of them long out of copyright, will find a home on Google Books and the British Library's website, and Google has even been nice enough to bear the full cost of transforming them into web-accessible gems of knowledge. Jump past the break for the similarly digital press release.
Show full PR text
20/06/2011
The British Library and Google to make 250,000 books available to all

Major project to digitise up to 40 million pages from 1700-1870, from the French Revolution to the end of slavery

The British Library and Google today announced a partnership to digitise 250,000 out-of-copyright books from the Library's collections. Opening up access to one of the greatest collections of books in the world, this demonstrates the Library's commitment, as stated in its 2020 Vision, to increase access to anyone who wants to do research.

Selected by the British Library and digitised by Google, both organisations will work in partnership over the coming years to deliver this content free through Google Books (http://books.google.co.uk) and the British Library's website (www.bl.uk). Google will cover all digitisation costs.

This project will digitise a huge range of printed books, pamphlets and periodicals dated 1700 to 1870, the period that saw the French and Industrial Revolutions, The Battle of Trafalgar and the Crimean War, the invention of rail travel and of the telegraph, the beginning of UK income tax, and the end of slavery. It will include material in a variety of major European languages, and will focus on books that are not yet freely available in digital form online.

The first works to be digitised will range from feminist pamphlets about Queen Marie-Antoinette (1791), to the invention of the first combustion engine-driven submarine (1858), and an account of a stuffed Hippopotamus owned by the Prince of Orange (1775).

Once digitised, these unique items will be available for full text search, download and reading through Google Books, as well as being searchable through the Library's website and stored in perpetuity within the Library's digital archive.

Researchers, students and other users of the Library will be able to view historical items from anywhere in the world as well as copy, share and manipulate text for non-commercial purposes.

Dame Lynne Brindley, Chief Executive of the British Library said: "In the nineteenth century it was an ambition of our predecessors to give everybody access to as much of the world's information as possible, to ensure that knowledge was not restricted to those who could afford private libraries. The way of doing it then was to buy books from the entire world and to make them available in Reading Rooms."

Dame Lynne continued: "We are delighted to be partnering with Google on this project and through this partnership believe that we are building on this proud tradition of giving access to anyone, anywhere and at any time. Our aim is to provide perpetual access to this historical material, and we hope that our collections coupled with Google's know-how will enable us to achieve this aim."

Peter Barron, Director of External Relations, Google, said: "What's powerful about the technology available to us today isn't just its ability to preserve history and culture for posterity, but also its ability to bring it to life in new ways. This public domain material is an important part of the world's heritage and we're proud to be working with the British Library to open it up to millions of people in the UK and abroad."

Professor Colin Jones, President of the Royal Historical Society and Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London commented: "There is no doubt that the digitisation of this unique material will greatly benefit the research process. Academics are increasingly using new technologies at their disposal to search for innovative ways of investigating historical material to enable us to probe new questions and find alternative patterns of investigation. Digitisation gives us the freedom to not only do this quickly and remotely, but also enhances the quality and depth of the original."

Examples of the items that will be digitised include:

- An address to the people, on the present relative situations of England and France, Robert Fellowes (1799) - pamphlet addressed to the British public commenting on the political situations in Britain and France

- Les droits de la femme. A la reine, [The Rights of Women. To the Queen] Olympe de Gouges (1791) - remarkable pamphlet that explores Queen Marie-Antoinette as both subject and object

- Proyecto de navegacion submarina, Narciso Monturiol [A Scheme for Underwater Seafaring: the Ichthyneus or Fish-Boat] (1858) - Monturiol was the inventor of the first combustion engine-driven submarine and this book describes his invention

- De Natuurlyke Historie van den Hippopotamus of het Rivierpaard, George Louis Leclerc (1775), [The Natural History of the Hippopotamus, or River Horse] - Translated from a French original but with additional material, including an account of the stuffed Hippopotamus in the Prince of Orange's cabinet of curiosities.

This partnership demonstrates the Library's further commitment to working with the private sector to digitise parts of its collections. Recently, the Library announced a partnership with brightsolid to digitise up to 40 million pages of its newspaper collections and previously the Library partnered with Microsoft to digitise 65,000 19th century books, some of which are now available as an App on Apple's iPad.

It is also planned to make the works available via Europeana (http://www.europeana.eu/), the European Digital Library.

Google has partnered with over 40 libraries around the world.

MSI WindPad 110w listed for $599 pre-order, is brown

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 04:13 AM PDT

Looks like ASUS isn't the only popular netbook maker finally releasing more of its tablets into the wild. We've had various encounters with MSI's 10-inch WindPad 110w this year, but pricing and availability details on the Windows 7 tablet -- and its Android slate-mates -- had remained secret. That's now slightly changed courtesy of J&R's website, where a pre-order listing for the 110w has surfaced displaying a $600 street price and a full specification rundown. Highlights from under the hood include a dual-core AMD Brazo (as expected), a 32GB SSD, and 4GB of DDR3 RAM along with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity; around the outside are two cameras, a plethora of ports including mini HDMI, USB 2.0 and an SD card slot. Not too shabby, although it appears you'll have to settle for brown (and loss of all dignity at checkout).

Jack Eisenmann's DUO Adept: a homebrew 8-bit computer built by a high-schooler (video)

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 03:26 AM PDT

We've seen some impressive case mods and some wildly inventive DIY projects, but rarely have we seen a homemade, 8-bit computer housed in what looks like a Tupperware container. Meet the DUO Adept: a project begun last summer by programmer, hardware hacker, and recent high-school graduate Jack Eisenmann. Lovingly crafted from a television, an old keyboard, 100 chips (not a single one more), and lots of wire, the system has 64K of memory and outputs a 240 × 208 black and white image. Eisenmann designed his own operating system and even wrote several games, including the Donkey Kong-esque "Get Muffin." Hit the source link for a gallery (including circuit diagrams!) and see the video below for a demonstration, complete with 8-bit era music.

Sega's online Pass hacked, 1.3 million user passwords stolen

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 02:41 AM PDT

Let's bid a bitter welcome to Sega, the latest entrant to the newly founded club of hacked online communities. Sega Pass, the company's web portal, suffered a breach of its defenses on Thursday, which has now been identified to have affected a whopping 1.29 million users. Usernames, real names, birth dates, passwords, email addresses, pretty much everything has been snatched up by the malicious data thieves, with the important exception of credit / debit card numbers. We'd still advise anyone affected to keep a watchful eye on his or her banking transactions -- immediately after changing that compromised password, of course. In the meantime, Sega's keeping the Pass service offline while it rectifies the vulnerability; it'll be able to call on an unexpected ally in its search for the perpetrators in the form of LulzSec, a hacker group that boasted proudly about infiltrating Sony's network, but which has much more benevolent intentions with respect to Sega. What a topsy-turvy world we live in!

Huawei MediaPad revealed: world's first 7-inch Android 3.2 tablet, dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm CPU

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 02:30 AM PDT

It's here folks -- the planet's first Android 3.2 tablet. Huawei just introduced a downright luscious new slate over in Singapore, with CommunicAsia being the launchpad for the 7-inch MediaPad. It's the first high-profile 7-inch tablet we've seen in quite some time, and somehow or another, it's managed to leapfrog most of the currently shipping Honeycomb tablets with a build of Android we've only ever joked about. Huawei tells us that Honeycomb 3.2 is essentially the same as 3.1, but specifically tailored to 7-inch tablets as opposed to 10-inch. Packed within the MediaPad's 10.5mm shell, there's a 217 pixels-per-inch IPS capacitive touchpanel, GPS, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, 802.11n WiFi, a battery good for around six hours of life and a bona fide racehorse as a processor: a dual-core 1.2GHz chip from Qualcomm. If all goes well, it'll ship in the United States in Q3 2011.

It's a fair bit chunkier than the newfangled Galaxy Tab 10.1 (8.6mm), but still slimmer than the original Tab, which clocked in at 11.98mm. It weighs in at 390g (0.86 pounds), supports full 1080p playback, includes HSPA+ (14.4Mbps) 3G support, offers 8GB of internal storage (as well as a microSD slot) and comes pre-loaded with Facebook, Twitter, Let's Golf and Documents To Go. There's also a Bluetooth module, an HDMI output for catching those high-def flicks on the go, and the Flash 10.3 player ensures that those websites won't be a problem. Unfortunately, the company's left a great deal to the imagination -- like pricing, which is being "sorted with retail partners and providers" -- and all we've got for system RAM is a promise that it's "working with partners on specifics." Oddly enough, the company has "no current plans" to produce a WiFi-only model, which definitely puts a damper on those who aren't interested in ponying for carrier data. You can bet we'll be digging for more, but even with the surrounding mystery, calling us "excited" would be a severe understatement.

Update: There's a demo vid just after the break, and the first eyes-on shots have emerged from the conference.
Huawei MediaPad press shots: world's first 7-inch Android 3.2 tablet


Show full PR text
Huawei Unveils MediaPad –
World's first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb Dual-Core Tablet

MediaPad set to transform consumers' entertainment experience

Singapore, 20 June 2011: Huawei, a leading telecom solutions provider, today launched the Huawei MediaPad, the world's first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet. The MediaPad is a complete entertainment powerhouse driven by Qualcomm's dual-core 1.2GHz processor and supported by Huawei Device's Hispace cloud solution. The MediaPad provides the fabulous user experience in a stylish, high-performing and ultra-portable package.

The MediaPad is Huawei Device's smartest, slimmest and lightest tablet yet, measuring just 10.5mm (0.4 inches) deep and weighing around 390g (0.86 pounds). It supports 1080P full HD video playback and features a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera and 5 megapixel auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities. With HSPA+ 14.4Mbps and high-speed WiFi 11n Internet connectivity, the MediaPad doesn't just entertain – it keeps you connected.

"With the Huawei MediaPad, we are demonstrating yet again that design, functionality and performance is within anyone's reach," said Victor Xu, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Device. "The MediaPad opens up new worlds of entertainment for consumers by removing the barriers to tablet ownership, increasing access to a truly high-quality mobile entertainment experience fully integrated with cloud-based internet content."

An Out-of-this-World Entertainment Experience
The MediaPad supports HSPA+ data services, Flash 10.3 videos and comes preinstalled with applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Let's Golf and Documents to Go. With the 7-inch IPS touch screen, the MediaPad offers a standout visual experience for photos, movies and applications. Entertainment and gaming experience are taken to the next level with the MediaPad's 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor, high definition playback and HDMI port.

Expansion of Huawei Device's Smart Offerings
The MediaPad builds on the global success of the IDEOS S7 Slim tablet and cements Huawei Device's ability to cater to the explosive demand for tablets. According to the International Data Corporation, sales in the tablet market are expected to increase more than fourfold in the next two years. The MediaPad will be showcased at Huawei's "Smart for Transformation" booth at CommunicAsia 2011 in Singapore. Along with Huawei's latest range of smart devices, the MediaPad is a prime example of Huawei Device's focus on the power of practical innovation.

About Huawei
Huawei Device is a global leader in providing smart devices that connect you with the world, simply. Huawei Device partners with 500 operators, including the world's top 50 operators, across 140 countries. Huawei's products and solutions have been deployed in over 100 countries and support the communications needs of one third of the world's population. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers.

For more information, visit Huawei Device online: www.huaweidevice.com

For regular updates on Huawei Device, follow us on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/huaweidevice
Twitter: www.twitter.com/huaweipress
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HuaweiPress

Technical Specs
• Android Honeycomb 3.2 OS
• 7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
• 10.5mm (0.4 inches) slim, ~390g weight (0.86 pounds)
• 1.3 MP front-facing camera, 5 MP auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities
• HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps, WiFi 11n
• Dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor
• Over 6 hours battery life
• 1080P full HD playback and HDMI port
• Flash 10.3

Pre-installed Apps
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Let's Golf
• Document to go

Orange Sound Charge T-shirt will juice up your phone while you listen to the bass go boom

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 01:39 AM PDT

Orange UK has a long-running tradition of coming up with quirky ways to recharge your phone while enjoying the Glastonbury Festival every year, and 2011 is proving no different. This time around, it's a T-shirt that generates an electric charge from the sound around it -- rendering it ideal for front-row crowd-surfing types -- though the provided tech details go no further than to tell us that piezoelectrics and the absorption of vibration are involved. We find ourselves overcome by the suspicion that you'll never be able to get much meaningful utility out of this rather unstylish garment, but then it does give you a plausible excuse for pushing your way nearer to the stage, and if anyone objects, you can consider it a great conversation starter. So whatever happens, you win, fashion loses.

DARPA setting up a $130 million 'virtual firing range' to help battle cyber attacks

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 12:49 AM PDT

The US government is serious about online security, just ask any one of its cyber commandos. Adding to its arsenal for battling the big bad hackers, Reuters reports that DARPA is working on a National Cyber Range, which would act a standalone internet simulation engine where digital warriors can be trained and experimental ideas tested out. Lockheed Martin and Johns Hopkins University are competing to provide the final system, with one of them expected to soon get the go-ahead for a one-year trial, which, if all goes well, will be followed by DARPA unleashing its techies upon the virtual firing range in earnest next year. The cost of the project is said to run somewhere near $130 million, which might have sounded a bit expensive before the recent spate of successful hacking attacks on high profile private companies, but now seems like a rational expenditure to ensure the nuclear missile codes and the people crazy enough to use them are kept at a safe distance from one another. DARPA has a pair of other cleverly titled cybersecurity schemes up its sleeve, called CRASH and CINDER, but you'll have to hit the source link to learn more about them.

New Windows 8 leak hints at SMS support, feature licensing, geo-location

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 11:29 PM PDT

Considering its adoption of the Windows Phone metro style, its not surprising to hear that Windows 8's latest leaked build sports a metro-inspired virtual keyboard and traces of code that could bring SMS 3G enabled Windows 8 devices. An App store and feature licensing, however? That's interesting. Buried in the Windows 8 code, Microsoft enthusiasts have found strings that may hint at a Windows App store, and the ability to activate or deactivate certain OS features through that store. Will this be the end of "Home," "Pro," and "Ultimate" editions of Microsoft's flagship product? We wouldn't hold our breath. Still, Windows à la Carte doesn't sound half bad. Hit up the source link to see the code (and speculation) for yourself.

AUO Sipix e-paper staggers through video at 6 fps, could go as high as 16

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 10:04 PM PDT


We haven't heard from the folks at IRX Innovations in a while, but if this video is any indication, they haven't given up on their e-reader dreams just yet. A wily internet video shows the outfit squeezing a modest 6 fps out of an AUO Sipix e-paper panel. Playback is noticeably choppy, but IRX engineers say they can eek an additional 10 fps from the unit by running content through a memory buffer. It's a far cry from Mirasol's crazy-smooth 1080p color displays, or even Bookeen's anti-chromatic offering -- but we won't complain if they can keep it cheap. Besides, Chariots of Fire was born to be seen in slow motion.

TiVo Android and iPhone apps in the works, Season Passes soon at your fingertips

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 08:53 PM PDT


Sure, it's technically been possible to manage one's TiVo via the mobile web for a half-decade now, but earlier methods were neither intuitive nor enthralling. Earlier this year, the company released its iPad app -- a diddy that showcases functions like remote control features, ToDo List prioritizing and Season Pass management. After hinting at a number of apps for smaller-screen devices (boasting all manners of operating systems), the latest print edition of CEPro has delivered solid intel that the aforesaid whispers are becoming reality. With Honeycomb slates dropping left, right and center, we're wondering if the Android build will target tablets first and smartphones later -- perhaps even a merged edition once Ice Cream Sandwich crawls from the freezer. Either way, it'll soon make recording season-long reruns of The Hills even easier for those living within iOS or Android ecosystems, including updates from the places you're too embarrassed to mention in public.

How would you change Nintendo's 3DS?

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 07:36 PM PDT

It took 'em longer than anticipated to sell a cool million of these things, but we're guessing the hardcore among us are in that crowd. The Nintendo 3DS is definitely trying something quite different, and while it's tough to tell if the Big N has a bona fide hit on its hands, we're feeling pretty certain that it'll pop out a second edition in due time. To that end, we're interested in hearing what existing owners would change if given the power. Would you tweak the displays in any way? Change up the colors? Modify the form factor? Alter the control scheme? We can't promise you that Luigi's listening, but feel free to get the ideas flowing in comments below.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: transparent airplanes, photovoltaic subdivisions and a wind-powered yacht

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 06:47 PM PDT

Green transportation soared through the skies this week as Inhabitat reported on Airbus' plans for a transparent airplane, and we showcased a crazy working hover bike capable of flying up to 10,000 feet. We were also excited to see China begin to roll out high-speed rail across Asia and we spotted several out-of-this world Frankenstein vehicles -- a Mercedes-Benz bus train in Bolivia and a wind-powered yacht that doubles as an airplane.

It was a momentous week for energy news as well, as Italians voted to end the use of nuclear power, and we took a look inside Germany's Wunderland Kalkar Amusement Park, which is built inside of a decommissioned nuclear plant. Solar power also had its moment in the sun as Enfinity unveiled two gorgeous photovoltaic-laden landscapes in Les Mées, France and Bangladesh announced that one million of the country's homes are powered by photovoltaic panels. We even spotted a new type of flexible generator that could be built into shoes to produce power as you walk.

This week we were also excited to unveil the winners of our Bright Ideas Lighting Design Competition -- the elegant geometric Tetra Pak Lamp, the gorgeous glowing Nourishment Lamp, and the cute cork Pinha Pendant Light. We also launched our new Ask a Tech Geek Series where gadget guru extraordinaire Peter Rojas answers your questions about green technology, and we reported on one Japanese researcher's dubious plan to create an artificial meat substitute from poop. Finally, we shared an awesome steampunk rotary smartphone and a set of fun foldable Paper Punk robots that are perfect for terrorizing your coworkers' cubicles.

Scientists restore memory of drugged rats, hope to do the same with people

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 05:33 PM PDT

Is there anything we can't learn from drugged up rats? Researchers at Wake Forest University and the University of Southern California used a group of medicated rodents to demonstrate a method by which memory can be restored with the flick of a switch. The rats were outfitted with tiny, rat-sized electrodes and exposed to pharmacological substances, which caused them to forget the connection between pushing a lever and getting water. By turning the electronic switch on, the scientists restored the rats' memory of the task -- turning it off made them forget again. The next step in the process is testing the experiment out on primates and perhaps some day utilizing the research to benefit victims of strokes, Alzheimer's, or injury-induced memory loss.

ICANN passes domain name expansion, ele.vation and wolf.pack ready to assault your browser

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 04:31 PM PDT

It may be Sunday where you are, but it's bright-and-early on Monday in Singapore. That's where a monumental vote is about to go down, with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (or ICANN, for short) set to vote on expansion plans for domain names. If you'll recall, the organization approved seven additional domains in 2004, with another round from 2004 leading to a separate seven joining the herd. It's expected to approve something far more substantial this week, however, with a new system enabling just about anything to trail the crux of the domain. In other words, .com may soon be replaced by .Canon (for cameras), .eco (for green sites) or even .programming (for, you know, programming sites).

As you can likely imagine, the options here are pretty well endless, but it'll cost a wee bit more than $6.95 per year to register one. The application fee alone is clocked in at $185,000, and winners will have to pony up $25,000 annually after that. It's entirely likely that a new wave of legal spats will crop up with regard to trademarks -- we're guessing lawyers in Mountain View won't be too fond of Google.phones falling into non-corporate hands -- but hey, that's half the fun from the sidelines. We'll be keeping an eye out for a final decision, and we'll be sure to let you know if ICANN fesses up to what it'll be doing with those stratospheric new fees.

Update: It sailed through, as expected. The first of the new wave are expected to go online within a year, and yeah, we're curious as well to find out which one becomes first out of the gate.

webOS Skype integration revealed in screenshots

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 04:20 PM PDT

Skype on Pre 3
We know you've all been losing sleep, wondering what exactly Skype integration on webOS will look like. Well, tonight, you should sleep like a baby, knowing you've gotten a solid peak at how the Pre 3 will handle the VoIP service. Similar to Google Voice on Android, you'll be able to either route all international calls through Skype or force is to ask every time you press that precious dial button. We also know that it will be able to handle video calls and, at least on the O2 network in Germany, both voice and video chat will be available over WiFi and 3G. You'll also be able to initiate sessions from either contacts or the messaging menu, so there's no need to fire up a separate app. Now, we just need HP to get this out the door and for Microsoft to work out those reliability kinks. Check out the source link for the full-sized images.

Switched On: E-readers drive to digital distraction

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 03:15 PM PDT

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Spring proved cruel for the sparse population of products that combine e-paper and LCD displays. Startup Entourage announced that it was discontinuing its Edge dual-screen e-reader / tablet combo. And then Barnes & Noble closed the book on the original Nook to introduce a successor that had only one screen and one button. In doing so, it leaped over (or is that under?) even the Kindle's minimalism.

E-readers have followed an unusual demographic adoption curve for a consumer electronics product. The first buyers were, like those of many other tech products, more affluent, but the majority of them were also older and female in keeping with the book-buying habits of physical books. They were attracted to the crisp display and high contrast of e-paper displays. And many were (and continue to be) attracted by a focused product that allowed them to concentrate on the text without distraction of other media type, the Web or thousands of apps.

While smartphones have cannibalized a chunk of the low-end digital camera market -- leaving enthusiasts to seek out digital SLRs and mirrorless camera systems like the Panasonic Lumix G and Sony NEX cameras -- tablets are paradoxically pushing some early adopters toward a product that does less.

Of course, many readers of digital books are indeed interested in all manner of multimedia. In addition to a wide array of tablets, the Nook Color addressed those consumers, but left the original dual-screened Nook looking a bit long in the tooth. With the new Nook, Barnes & Noble covers the key features of WiFi and a touchscreen, and continues to abstain from cellular to keep prices lower and create a nearly distraction-free reading experience. But Barnes & Noble thus gives up something in the new Nook, too -- a target platform for its budding third-party development efforts.

As today's inherent compromises between e-paper and LCDs continue to fade, we will see displays that combine the sunlight readability and long battery life of the former with the color and video support of the latter. At first, these will cost more than today's monochrome e-paper screens, but over time they will be suitable for inexpensive e-readers such as the Nook and Kindle.

As these the less versatile generation of displays fades away, so too may the idea of a product focused purely on reading. Returning to the digital camera market, advanced amateurs and pros long snubbed the video capture capabilities in point-and-shoot digital cameras in the name of a pure and undistracted experience of capturing superior still images. Visit a high-end photography conference, though, such as PhotoPlus Expo in New York, and you'll see that many pros embracing video capture, and that their assignments are increasingly requiring it.

Just as these extra features have not made for worse images, do-it-all e-readers haven't -- and won't -- mean the end of a pure reading experience. Limited technology, though, may no longer help one focus. Just as for the passionate pro photographer who must now decide when to capture a still versus video, the exercise of electronic book reading will require the exercise of self-discipline.

Westinghouse announces its first 3D HDTV, coming to a discount department store near you

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 02:00 PM PDT


Just 18 short months after 3D made its big HDTV debut at CES 2010, Westinghouse is finally ready to make its own entry into the third dimension, with the 47-inch W47S2TCD. Like most Westinghouse sets, there's really nothing special to make this rather generic TV pop (until you toss on one of the four included pairs of 3D glasses), but you will be getting a passive 1080p 3D display, 3:2 pulldown, three-way selectable color temperature, and a backlight enhancement tool called DayBright. The company is also unveiling five other TVs, including its first connected TV -- the 46-inch WC-4625T -- which includes access to Netflix and Vudu. The 47-inch 3D TV will likely be sold at retailers like Best Buy, Costco, and Target with a suggested retail price of $1199, but we imagine in-store pricing will be significant lower -- with the recent announcement of Vizio's 42-inch passive offering for $699, shelling out an extra $100 per inch for the new Westinghouse set is not likely to sit well with bargain hunters.
Show full PR text
Westinghouse to Debut Ultra-Affordable 3D HDTV at CE Week

Leading HDTV Manufacturer Set To Introduce New LED and CCFL Offerings

Orange, CA -- Westinghouse Digital, one of the leading HDTV manufacturers in the U.S., will soon make owning a 3D HDTV more affordable than ever. Westinghouse is pleased to announce the launch of its first 3D offering, the 47" W47S2TCD at an MSRP of $1199. The brand new 47" 3D LCD HDTV is the latest addition to Westinghouse's ultra-affordable HDTV line of nearly 50 models in a range of sizes from 22" to 60". In addition to Westinghouse's brand new 3D TV, the company will be showing a host of new LED and LCD models during CE Week in New York City, including the connected 46" WC-4625T LED HDTV. Westinghouse's extensive line can be found at retailers like Best Buy, Costco, and Target. The latest additions to the lineup will be on exhibit at Booth D2 at the 2011 CEA Line Shows from June 22-23 at 7 West 34th Street.

Westinghouse's first offering in the 3D HDTV sector will give many consumers the chance to own a piece of the latest HDTV technology at a very reasonable price. The 47" W47S2TCD, is a passive 3D LCD that features 1080p full HD resolution and a super fast six ms response time. The set features options like 3D noise reduction, inverse 3:2 pulldown for film-based content, three-way selectable color temperature and DayBright, making it perfect for daytime or nighttime viewing. The 47" W47S2TCD contains no lead and is ROHS compliant. The W47S2TCD ships with four pairs of glasses.

"We're thrilled to announce our first 3D HDTV," says Rey Roque, Vice President of Marketing at Westinghouse Digital. "Westinghouse can now truly fulfill the needs of every consumer, with sets ranging from 22" to 60" in both LED and LCD, and the addition of our first 3D HDTV and connected HDTV."

Westinghouse's connected 46" WC-4625T offers LAN media streaming and features apps like Netflix and Vudu. The Full HD 1080p LED boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate and speedy 6.5 ms response time resulting in theater-worthy video. Audio chip by Yamaha Corp. creates a rich audio experience by equalizing sound from the thin flat panel cabinet, which dramatically improves low frequency response, enhances dialogue clarity and provides 3D surround sound. The set is spearheaded by options like 3D noise reduction, inverse 3:2 pulldown for film-based content and three-way selectable color temperature.

The new 60" VR-6025Z is a 1080p Full HD LCD powerhouse that features a 120Hz refresh rate with MEMC (motion estimation/motion compression) to ensure smooth images by reducing judder and blur. Their impressive screen can fill even the largest rooms with bright, crisp and beautifully detailed images that can make the most of today's high-definition sources. The set features ample connectivity, including 3 HDMI inputs. The set also features a host of picture enhancements, including 3D noise reduction, inverse 3:2 pull down for flicker-free movies, three-way selectable color temperature and super quick response times for fast-moving sports.

The energy-efficient 42" LD-4258 and 40" LD-4070Z LED HDTVs are ideal for the consumer looking to achieve a home theater experience in any room of the house. Both sets are edge-lit LED, providing a dazzling picture, thanks to high contrast ratios and 120Hz refresh rates. This outstanding gradient light ability results in extremely detailed color representation for a stunning picture. The LD-4258 and LD-4070Z both feature a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 16x9 aspect ratio and both have full connectivity with HDMI and legacy inputs. Both sets use 20% less energy than a 100 watt light bulb and have earned the Energy Star.

The brand new 24" LD-2480 LED HDTV is ideal for dorm life, or smaller rooms in the home such as the kitchen or office, and for convenient portable viewing at tailgating parties, or backyard entertaining. The set is only 1" thick at its visible edge and weighs an ultra-light 6 lbs with stand. The display features 1920 x 1080 resolution, 16x9 aspect ratio and has 2 HDMI, 1 Component and 1 VGA input. The 24" LD-2480 uses 10% less energy than a 60 watt light bulb and has earned the Energy Star.

New York Post blocks iPad access through Safari browser, hopes you'll pay for a subscription instead

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 01:02 PM PDT

Well, that's one way to make people pay for puns. The New York Post, that bastion of fair, balanced, and not-at-all sensationalistic reporting, has blocked iPad owners from reading its stories through the tablet's Safari browser. If folks want the full spill on Hugh Hefner getting ditched at the altar, they'll be prompted to download the iOS app, which requires signing up for a subscription starting at $6.99 on a month-to-month basis. Setting aside News Corp.'s hubris for a moment, what's odd about this is the number of workarounds Rupert Murdoch & Co. left us cheapskates. You can still read the site on a desktop browser or a phone, including an Android one. Basically, then, News Corp. is strangling web access, but only for a select group of readers. That's a stark contrast from other content providers (even the News Corp-owned Wall Street Journal), which have been more platform-agnostic. Then again, there's the dim possibility that News Corp. targeted the iPad in an effort to re-brand the Post as a glossier sort of tabloid, à la The Daily. To which we say, that's some wishful thinking there, Rupe.

Receipt Racer makes printing fun, wastes more paper than you ever thought possible (video)

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 12:19 PM PDT

Sure, you could use your printer to spit out spreadsheets, but how about hooking up a DualShock 3 to play it like a video game? That's exactly what Joshua Noble and the undef duo did during a workshop related to OFFF last week, and the result is stunning (if not hilarious). The trio coded a game in openFrameworks, titled Receipt Racer, which uses a thermal receipt printer modded with a "light beamer" to display game info and represent a car, a DS3 to control it, and a laptop to connect the devices and run the software. A random track with obstacles gets rapidly printed while a player attempts to navigate it without crashing -- sort of like Lane Splitter -- or until the paper roll runs out after 164 feet. There's a tree-loving web browser version and the full details of how it works in the source link below. We scored just over 1,400 1,752 points; let us know how you do in the comments.

[Thanks, Jesse]

T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide spotted in the clear, sans case

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 11:57 AM PDT

We've already seen it turn up in a few blurry shots, and seen it pictured a bit more clearly inside a case, but we now finally have our first good, unobstructed look at T-Mobile's still unannounced myTouch 4G Slide. What's more, the tipster that provided the shots to TmoNews also offered up a few quick impressions, saying that the keyboard was "amazing" and roughly comparable to the T-Mobile G2, and that the phone itself is "surprisingly fast" but a bit heavier than the G2. Hit up the source link below for a closer look.

Device Analyzer Android study wants to track your every move, if you'll let it

Posted: 19 Jun 2011 11:28 AM PDT

Device Analyzer Android study wants to track your every move, if you'll let it
And here we thought folks were concerned about protecting their personal data. As it turns out, however, a surprising chunk of Android users have volunteered to give a group of University of Cambridge researchers a look at exactly how they use their cellphones. By downloading the Device Analyzer app from the Android market, more than 1,000 participants have allowed the data collection program to harvest statistics in the background while they use their phones. Those statistics -- varying from when the power is switched on, to which apps are in use -- are then made available to users via the Device Analyzer website. Of course, this is Cambridge, a rather well respected institution of higher learning, and the researchers involved say the data collected is stripped of personal information "as best as possible," but we're not keen on anyone peeping our cell stats. If you're an Android exhibitionist, however, you can sign up for the study at the source link below.
at 11:57 AM

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