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- Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent
- VMK preps Africa-designed Elikia smartphone with $170 price, fast track for apps
- Inhabitat's Week in Green: fluorescent bulb moon, fuel-efficient supersonic jet and a toxin-eating oyster park
- FBI to roll out $1 billion public facial recognition system in 2014, will be on to your evildoing everywhere
- PlayStation Wonderbook starts augmenting your reality in November from $39
- Blackmagic launches Cinema Camera MFT with Micro Four Thirds mount, sans autofocus, for $3K
- Enterprise-D restoration fundraiser goes live: your chance to revive a slice of Star Trek is here
- Kaleidescape teases movie download store; brings Rotten Tomatoes, Leonard Maltin to its servers
- Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17
- NFL Network, a la carte NFL RedZone Channel are coming to Google Fiber subscribers
- Ask Engadget: best online rolodex?
- Amazon has change of heart, will allow opt-out of Kindle Fire HD ads for $15
- Mobile Miscellany: week of September 3rd, 2012
- Sony Alpha A99 poses for someone else's camera, no optical viewfinder in sight
- Verizon may be planning an HTC Desire 4G LTE
- Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers
- Alt-week 9.8.12: Moon farming, self powered health monitors and bringing a 50,000 year-old girl to life
- NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC (video)
- Sony Xperia Tablet S gets the full teardown, shows its NVIDIA heart (video)
- Red introduces $42K Epic-M Monochrome cinema cam, on sale October 1st
- Nokia, AT&T and Green Day join forces for Nokia Music launch event in NYC
- Ainol releasing dual-core Novo 7 Crystal tablet: Jelly Bean and an IPS display for $139
- SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters
- Google Maps creation put under the microscope, reveals a human touch
- Smartphone-powered mine detectors readied for field-testing in Cambodia (video)
- Visualized: what Zynga workers do when they're not playing FarmVille
- Samsung Galaxy Note II with dual-SIM capabilities gets spotted in the wild
- AT&T upgrades Samsung Captivate Glide to Android 4.0, keeps the QWERTY habit going
- Google quietly snaps up internet security firm VirusTotal for an undisclosed amount
- Marvel Cinematic Universe 10-disc Blu-ray set delayed, that sweet Tesseract case is to blame
- Motorola launches 10 new set-top boxes at IBC 2012
- WSJ: 2012 iPhone to support global 4G LTE
- Liquipel launches retail store in Hong Kong, spreads the hydrophobia for gadgets
- JVC's $349 ADIXXION camcorder is shipping now, packs LCD, WiFi and live Ustreaming (hands-on)
- Pantech ADR930LVW knocks on the FCC's door, brings Verizon LTE along for the ride
- Opalum's Flow 1010 TV speakers sport 'minimalist floating' design, get priced at £1,649
- Best Buy takes 2012 Amazon Kindle pre-orders for those that hate online shopping, appreciate irony
- Curiosity rover starts light robotic arm workout in preparation for scientific main event
- LaCie 2big, 4big Quadra drives hop the USB 3.0 bandwagon, give Macs 12TB of speedy storage
- HTC One S family hits China sporting different threads, identical specs
| Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent Posted: 09 Sep 2012 10:44 AM PDT Here's something you probably didn't expect: a compact Sony camera with a full-frame sensor. While Photoprice.ca was uncovering a treasure trove of leaked press shots that include the Alpha A99 and NEX-6, it also came across images of the RX1, whose body looks borderline pocketable yet stuffs in the same kind of sensor (and likely image quality) you'd normally reserve for pro-grade models. Several extra details reveal themselves right from the start. The RX1 is carrying a 35mm, f/2.0 lens with no apparent button to detach the lens -- the included glass is probably as good as it'll get. However, the RX1 is most definitely tuned for experienced shooters, with a toggle for macro focusing as well as dedicated controls for aperture and exposure compensation. We're also liking that there's a pop-up flash, a standard hot shoe for accessories and three custom settings on the mode dial. The slip doesn't include mention of a release date or a price, but talk during the A99 slip mentioned a September 12th unveiling that wouldn't shock us if it included multiple cameras -- and we would be equally unsurprised if the RX1 carried the same high price commonly associated with other full-frame bodies. |
| VMK preps Africa-designed Elikia smartphone with $170 price, fast track for apps Posted: 09 Sep 2012 09:45 AM PDT Congo-based VMK has been blazing a trail for mobile devices in Africa: its Way-C tablet proved that the continent could go its own way without leaning on Asia or Europe. The company promised several months ago to address the same gap with smartphones, and the result is here in the form of the Elikia ("Hope"). The hardware won't shake the cellular world's foundations with its 3.5-inch (and 480 x 320) display, 512MB of RAM, a 650MHz processor and both 5-megapixel rear as well as front VGA cameras, but that's not the point -- at $170 US off-contract, it's much more within the reach of Congo residents, and it even uses the unofficial Holo Launcher to bring a taste of Android 4.0 to what's really Android 2.3 underneath. There's also a minor revolution in app purchasing. As Google Play won't take Congo's credit cards, VMK has its own app store and prepaid gift cards to give the country a similar experience. You'll have to sign on to local carriers Airtel, MTN or Warid to use an Elikia in the near future, but we're hoping the phone expands its reach and levels the playing field. |
| Posted: 09 Sep 2012 07:30 AM PDT |
| Posted: 09 Sep 2012 05:46 AM PDT They're watching you -- or at least will be in a couple of years. That's when the FBI is gearing up for a nationwide launch of a $1 billion project designed to identify people of interest, according to the New Scientist. Dubbed the Next Generation Identification (NGI) program, the high-tech endeavor uses biometric data such as DNA analysis, iris scans and voice identification to track down folks with a criminal history. The FBI also plans to take NGI on the road literally by using public cameras to pick faces from the crowd and cross check them with its national repository of images. Let's just say this facial technology isn't going to be used for lighthearted Japanese vocaloid hijinks or unlocking your electronic device. The use and scope of NGI, which kicked off a pilot program in February, will likely be questioned not just by black helicopter watchers but privacy advocates as well. Facial recognition has certainly been a touchy issue in privacy circles -- something Facebook learned firsthand in Germany. Meanwhile, the Electronic Frontier Foundation is already raising concerns about innocent civilians being mixed up or included in the database. Naturally, the FBI claims that the NGI program is in compliance with the U.S. Privacy Act. On the positive side, at least they didn't name it the Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System. |
| PlayStation Wonderbook starts augmenting your reality in November from $39 Posted: 09 Sep 2012 04:25 AM PDT If you were intrigued about that Wonderbook PlayStation peripheral we saw back at E3, then your curious wait may soon be over. As of November 13th, you'll be able to get your wizardy hands on the accessory for the reasonably magic price of $39.99. This is for the book alone, but there's also a bundle for $79 that includes the Book of Spells game (in collaboration with J.K. Rowling) a Move motion controller and the PlayStation Eye camera. Three other forthcoming titles get a mention too, Diggs: Nightcrawler, BBC's Walking with Dinosaurs and experiences from Disney, set for release some time in 2013. In the meantime, better start saving up the Galleons. |
| Blackmagic launches Cinema Camera MFT with Micro Four Thirds mount, sans autofocus, for $3K Posted: 09 Sep 2012 03:11 AM PDT Blackmagic Design has thrown its Cinema Camera MFT into the Micro Four Thirds arena, but it will only work with lenses that have manual iris and focus capability. The shooter is otherwise identical to the original Cinema Camera, with a 2.5k, sub-MFT sensor; CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes and DNxHD capture formats; built-in SSD; capacitive touchscreen; and an included copy of DaVinci Resolve color correction software. That means cineasts already on board that format will have another mount for their glass, and MFT's mirrorless aspect will also permit other lens formats, like PL or Nikon, to be added with third party adapters. So, if the relatively low price, claimed 13 stop dynamic range, higher-than-HD resolution and new mount is enough to push your "start" button, check the PR for the entire skinny. Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Cinema Camera with Passive Micro Four Thirds IBC 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands - September 7, 2012 - Blackmagic Design today announced a second model of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera that features passive Micro Four Thirds lens (MFT) mount, so customers now have an even greater choice of lens options when shooting. The new Blackmagic Cinema Camera MFT model supports any Micro Four Thirds with manual iris and focus, and is also easily adapted to other lens mounts such as PL via third party adapters. The ability to use third party adapters to allow other types of lens mount is due to the Micro Four Thirds lens mount being much closer to the image sensor and allowing space for adapters to other lens mounts. Blackmagic Cinema Camera MFT will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design IBC 2012 booth in Hall 7, Booth H20. Blackmagic Cinema Camera MFT is identical to the original Blackmagic Cinema Camera model, however does not include lens communication so manual lenses are used. The current model of Blackmagic Cinema Camera will be renamed Blackmagic Cinema Camera EF to let customers easily differentiate between the models. About Blackmagic Cinema Camera MFT Blackmagic Cinema Camera MFT also includes a full copy of DaVinci Resolve for color correction and Blackmagic UltraScope software for waveform monitoring. This means the user can simply plug into Thunderbolt laptop and run UltraScope to get full waveform monitoring scopes on set! One of the most important features of the camera is its super wide dynamic range of 13 stops, allowing feature film quality images. Commonly people focus on more pixels, however often this just creates a higher resolution, but "video" looking images that still suffer from highlight and black clipping that limits details. Blackmagic Cinema Camera's wide dynamic range eliminates this problem and provides film quality with dramatically more detail retained in black and whites in the image. Once the shoot is complete, the included DaVinci Resolve color correction software can be used to adjust images and take advantage of this extra range in the images. The high quality Micro Four Thirds lens compatibility also helps create sharp and cinematic images that look incredible. To eliminate the damage that low bit depth and high compression video storage creates, Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes a fast SSD recorder. The built in SSD recorder can record the full sensor detail in 12 bit Log RAW files in the open standard CinemaDNG format on fast solid state disks. These files can be read by all high end video software. The full 2.5K sensor data is stored in the files completely uncompressed because the SSD has the speed to store video data at the required rate. This high quality file can then be color corrected on DaVinci Resolve for the same high quality result currently only possible on cameras costing tens of thousands of dollars. Blackmagic Cinema Camera has been designed as the perfect companion to Apple Final Cut Pro X and Avid Media Composer NLE software. Unlike other cameras, which require the use of custom video file formats that are not compatible with popular NLE software, often making the post production process a nightmare, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes absolutely no custom video file formats, and every file type included is open standard. It records into CinemaDNG format for RAW files, Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD for HD resolution files compatible with Apple Final Cut Pro X and Avid Media Composer. The built in large LCD display makes focusing easy, and allows playback of captured files. Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes a built in microphone, as well as external jack based mic/line level balanced audio connections. When playing back recorded clips, a speaker is built in, and there is an included headphone socket, as well as embedded audio on the SDI output and Thunderbolt connection. The SDI output includes all camera data such as timecode, transport control, shutter angle, color temperature setting and ASA information overlaid in attractive antialiased fonts. For easy metadata entry, the built in LCD features fast and responsive capacitive touch screen technology. When the user taps the display with a finger, a data entry window called the "slate" appears. This lets the user enter shot information just like typing on a smart phone. This data is then stored in the files and can be accessed by NLE software when editing content later. Metadata is compatible with popular software such as Apple Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve. All camera settings can be changed on this touch LCD, such as frame rate, shutter angle, color temperature, dynamic range, focus assist settings and more. Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes an innovative industrial design built from solid machined aluminum metal which results in an attractive but rugged design. All of the camera, recorder and display have been shrunk down into a lightweight design that is very portable. "One of the most common customer requests since announcing the original model of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera is other lens mounts," said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. "We felt that Micro Four Thirds was a fantastic option and so we designed a second model with this mount. Only Micro Four Thirds lets cinematographers use a wide range of creative lenses, but it also easily adapts to other lens mounts such as PL mount, so the range of exciting lens options is virtually unlimited!" Blackmagic Cinema Camera Key Features Availability and Price Press Photography About Blackmagic Design |
| Enterprise-D restoration fundraiser goes live: your chance to revive a slice of Star Trek is here Posted: 09 Sep 2012 01:40 AM PDT For sci-fi lovers, it's on. A fan-devised project to restore the Enterprise-D bridge from Star Trek: The Experience is now actively raising cash on Indiegogo with a newly estimated $240,000 target needed to make the dream real. Crowdfunding brings the obligatory perks for larger donations, although they take on a progressively nerdy bent once you get past the t-shirts. It peaks at getting replicas of Captain Kirk's original chair or an LCARS terminal, and you can even get a romantic evening on the deck with "complete privacy until the next morning" -- wink, wink. Outlandish? Maybe, but the project is getting official sponsors and has a shorter-term plan to get Captain Picard's chair ready for display by October. The whole bridge should be ready by late 2013. If you'd wished Paramount had preserved this piece of The Next Generation history for the ages, you now have your solution. |
| Kaleidescape teases movie download store; brings Rotten Tomatoes, Leonard Maltin to its servers Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:11 AM PDT Last year at CEDIA we were introduced to Kaleidescape's iPad control app, and this year its back and enhanced with the addition of movie ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, and content rating info from Common Sense Media. Rotten Tomatoes can help viewers tell if a particular flick in their collection is any good, while Common Sense Media is built around detailed breakdowns of what potentially objectionable content is in each title so parents can decide what their children are ready to see. Both should reach end users with the free app by the end of this year. Another tweak it's adding to its movie servers is the Leonard Maltin Recommends Collection. It's a pack of movies updated quarterly (the 17-disc Blu-ray collection is available for the low, low price of $445) that the respected film critic feels are unappreciated greats, to which he adds his own thoughts, anecdotes and behind the scenes info. A more ambitious development however, is the Kaleidescape Download Store the company was giving an "early sneak preview" of behind closed doors. While its claim to fame has always been disc servers that store user's movies, making them accessible with as little physical media interaction as possible (and antagonizing the MPAA) its next step is a full digital media distribution service, potentially tied into UltraViolet. There's not a lot in the way of specifics, but it will be interesting to see how Kaleidescape and Hollywood get along when it comes to selling downloadable content compared to the old wars of the past, whenever the new service actually arrives for its high-end customers. Kaleidescape Adds Rotten Tomatoes® Movie Ratings INDIANAPOLIS, CEDIA EXPO – September 7, 2012 - Kaleidescape, Inc., the market leader in movie servers, today announced that it will integrate movie ratings and reviews from Rotten Tomatoes® into the free Kaleidescape App for iPad. Rotten Tomatoes offers a quick and easy aggregation of ratings and opinions from hundreds of movie reviewers. Kaleidescape Introduces Exclusive Leonard Maltin Recommends Collection of Movies New Collection Curated by Acclaimed Film Critic INDIANAPOLIS, CEDIA EXPO – September 6, 2012 - Kaleidescape, Inc., the market leader in movie servers, has partnered with respected film critic Leonard Maltin to curate a unique compilation of historically significant films, and modern movies you may have missed. Available exclusively from Kaleidescape, the Leonard Maltin Recommends collection assists in the creation of the ultimate home cinema experience by identifying great films to add to your collection of movies. Kaleidescape Adds Common Sense Media Parental Guidance to Award-winning iPad App INDIANAPOLIS, CEDIA EXPO – September 6, 2012 - Kaleidescape, Inc., the market leader in movie servers, today announced that it will integrate Common Sense Media ratings and guidance into the Kaleidescape App for iPad. Common Sense Media is the leading independent organization for age-appropriate media ratings and reviews, as well as advice and education. Common Sense ratings are based on child development guidelines to provide parents with the trusted and detailed information needed to make great media choices for children. Every review contains a grid that objectively breaks down a movie's content, from violence and language to positive role models and message. |
| Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17 Posted: 08 Sep 2012 10:18 PM PDT Space Shuttles Discovery and Enterprise have already settled into their new homes, and now Endeavour is scheduled to depart for its future abode at the California Science Center on September 17th. Taking to the skies atop a modified Boeing 747, the shuttle will make pit stops in Texas and at Edwards Air Force Base in the Golden State before touching down at Los Angeles International Airport on the 20th. During the journey out west, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft will buzz certain cities and NASA sites along its flight path at roughly 1,500 feet in altitude. After its voyage, Endeavor will head to the science center on October 13th, but won't be on display until the end of the month. Yearning to catch a glimpse of the historic vehicle before it reaches its final resting place? Head past the jump for its flight schedule and flyover details. Space Shuttle Endeavour To Make Historic Final Ferry Flight On Oct. 11, 2011, NASA transferred title and ownership of Endeavour to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Under the terms of a Space Act Agreement with the science center, NASA will safely transport Endeavour to LAX for a planned arrival on Thursday, Sept. 20. In cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration, the SCA is scheduled to conduct low-level flyovers at about 1,500 feet above locations along the planned flight path. The exact timing and path of the ferry flight will depend on weather conditions and operational constraints. Some planned flyovers or stopovers could be delayed or cancelled. If the ferry flight must be postponed for any reason, an additional advisory will be issued. At sunrise on Sept. 17, the SCA and Endeavour will depart Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility and perform a flyover of various areas of the Space Coast, including Kennedy, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Patrick Air Force Base. The aircraft will fly west and conduct low flyovers of NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and the agency's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. As it arrives over the Texas Gulf Coast area, the SCA will perform low flyovers above various areas of Houston, Clear Lake and Galveston before landing at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Weather permitting, the SCA and Endeavour will stay at Ellington the remainder of Sept. 17 and all day Sept. 18. At sunrise on Wednesday, Sept. 19, the aircraft will depart Houston, make a refueling stop at Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, Texas, and conduct low-level flyovers of White Sands Test Facility near Las Cruces, N.M., and NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California, before landing around mid-day at Dryden. On the morning of Sept. 20, the SCA and Endeavour will take off from Dryden and perform a low-level flyover of northern California, passing near NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., and various landmarks in multiple cities, including San Francisco and Sacramento. The aircraft also will conduct a flyover of many Los Angeles sites before landing about 11 a.m. PDT at LAX. Social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour's orbiter vehicle designation. After arrival at LAX, Endeavour will be removed from the SCA and spend a few weeks at a United Airlines hangar undergoing preparations for transport and display. Endeavour then will travel through Inglewood and Los Angeles city streets on a 12-mile journey from the airport to the science center, arriving in the evening on Oct. 13. Beginning Oct. 30, the shuttle will be on display in the science center's Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion, embarking on its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Endeavour completed 25 missions, spent 299 days in orbit, and orbited Earth 4,671 times while traveling 122,883,151 miles. |
| NFL Network, a la carte NFL RedZone Channel are coming to Google Fiber subscribers Posted: 08 Sep 2012 08:12 PM PDT It isn't quite ESPN, but sports fans who also happen to love technology -- yes, they exist -- will be happy to know that choosing Google Fiber doesn't mean going without NFL Network and NFL RedZone. All Google Fiber subscribers will get NFL Network, while NFL RedZone will run you $10 a month, but for only four months of the year. Not exactly just in time, though, as you won't be able to subscribe to NFL RedZone until one day after the first Sunday of football on September 10th. Either way, this is huge news if you're a fan of the most popular sport in the US -- but not so much for Timer Warner Cable which is the single biggest cable provider who doesn't carry it, and happens to compete against Google for subscribers in Kansas City. Google Fiber signs multi-year deal to carry NFL Network & NFL RedZone |
| Ask Engadget: best online rolodex? Posted: 08 Sep 2012 08:00 PM PDT 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 inquiry is coming to us from Ellio, who needs to control his wayward address book with something a little more useful than Gmail. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
With a small army of contacts we have to marshall on a regular basis, we feel your pain Ellio. We've heard some things about Flexadex, but many of our staffers just muddle on through with Gmail. That's why we'll open the floor to our beautiful and clever commenters to find out what they use on a regular basis. |
| Amazon has change of heart, will allow opt-out of Kindle Fire HD ads for $15 Posted: 08 Sep 2012 06:56 PM PDT You'd be forgiven for wondering just what Amazon was up to with Special Offers ads on the Kindle Fire HD: we were given the hope that we could opt out from them, only to watch that dream dashed moments later. Amazon must have been listening to frustrations over the mixed messages, as it just let Engadget and others in the media know that yes, you'll have the option to drop the ads after all. Pay $15 after picking up the new tablet and those lock screen promos will disappear forever. There's no sign that there will be a Kindle Fire shipping with ads missing from the get-go, but you know what they say about gift horses. You can find Amazon's full statement to us after the break.
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| Mobile Miscellany: week of September 3rd, 2012 Posted: 08 Sep 2012 06:15 PM PDT Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, AT&T revealed grand plans for LTE expansion that'll continue through the end of the year and the Galaxy Reverb for Virgin Mobile officially went up for preorder. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of September 3rd, 2012. AT&T commits to new LTE expansion, all due by year's end AT&T may not have the same level of LTE presence as Verizon, but this week, the carrier issued new commitments to bring its true 4G network to many deserving cities. The following is a list of areas to receive LTE coverage from AT&T by the end of 2012.
* LTE network is now officially live [AT&T press release (multiple)] Samsung Galaxy Reverb preorder now available from Virgin Mobile for $250 Virgin Mobile's latest smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Reverb, is now available for preorder with a $250 price tag. The phone offers Android 4.0, which is complemented by a 1.4GHz CPU, a 5-megapixel camera and a 4-inch touchscreen. Its preorder date has slipped once already, but the carrier expects to begin shipments of the Galaxy Reverb on September 19th. [Virgin Mobile] Verizon Wireless further enhances LTE presence While AT&T may be getting serious about its LTE coverage, Verizon Wireless is in the enviable position of being able to fine tune and enhance its 4G presence to lesser-served areas. The following is a list of cities and towns to receive new LTE coverage (or commitment for a near-term arrival) from Verizon this week.
[Verizon Wireless press release (multiple)] LG Optimus L3 tipped for Rogers Wireless with $125 no-contract price We can't call this one official just yet, but a tipster for MobileSyrup has outed LG's Optimus L3 as a future arrival for Rogers Wireless. The entry-level smartphone includes Android 2.3, a 3.2-inch QVGA display, a 3-megapixel camera and what'll likely be a 600MHz CPU. No, it'll never cause the envy of others, but with a no-contract price of $125, it may fit the bill as a starter smartphone. [MobileSyrup] FCC outs Alcatel One Touch Shockwave for US Cellular The Alcatel One Touch Shockwave for US Cellular recently flew through the FCC without even a hint of secrecy. A rebadged version of the One Touch 988, it'll feature Android 2.3, a Qualcomm MSM7627T SoC with an 800MHz CPU, a 3.5-inch HVGA display, a 3.2-megapixel camera, 512MB of RAM, microSD support and a 1,400mAh battery. In addition to support for US Cellular's bands, it'll offer 802.11a/b/n (WiFi), A-GPS and Bluetooth 3.0. [Phone Scoop] Bell Mobility to gain Motorola Motoluxe in white MobileSyrup has revealed that a white Motorola Motoluxe smartphone will soon join the traditional black variant at Bell Mobility in Canada. Set for arrival on September 17th, the Android 2.3 phone features an 800MHz CPU, a 4-inch, 854 x 480 display, an 8 megapixel camera, a front-facing VGA shooter and a 1,400 mAh battery. Pricing is said to remain the same at $300 outright or free with a three-year agreement. [MobileSyrup] |
| Sony Alpha A99 poses for someone else's camera, no optical viewfinder in sight Posted: 08 Sep 2012 05:08 PM PDT Technical details of Sony's rumored Alpha A99 have been overflowing. The actual camera, however, has been elusive until now. A press photo just spotted on Xitek (and passed along to Sony Alpha Rumors) is believed to be authentic and speaks volumes about Sony's pro camera strategy: as shown, there's no obvious space for an optical viewfinder, hinting that the company's full-frame shooter is going with an OLED-based electronic eyepiece like that of its crop-frame A77 precursor. The image doesn't show much more than that and a conspicuous orange ring to remind us that we're gazing upon an Alpha, but it's tough to ignore that more compact (and hopefully lighter) body. Whatever the cosmetics are like, rumors now assert that the 24.3-megapixel, translucent-mirrored A99's early September release has been locked down to September 12th; if that's true, it may give photographers as much reason to be happy that day as phone buyers. |
| Verizon may be planning an HTC Desire 4G LTE Posted: 08 Sep 2012 04:15 PM PDT Here's an interesting revelation: we just received an image of Verizon's internal device management system that indicates the carrier may be collaborating with HTC on another handset. The smartphone -- dubbed the Desire 4G LTE -- has left us without any details or specs, but it appears to be completely different than the Droid Incredible 4G LTE launched in July. We find the lack of Droid branding slightly curious (and perhaps indicative of a low-end device), though there's no guarantee that this will be the phone's final name. Is this Big Red's version of the Desire X? Perhaps the Desire C? Or is this an exclusive device that won't be offered elsewhere? We'll keep you posted as we learn more. |
| Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers Posted: 08 Sep 2012 03:21 PM PDT Onkyo's CEDIA booth served as a way for it to show off all manner of new audio technology including this funky iLunar dock (above), which uses tech developed by Swiss audio company Sonic Emotion to create a "3D sound field" from stereo sources. We couldn't get much of a feel for it on the show floor with the wide open spaces and noise, but according to Onkyo, its six full-range drivers and downward-firing subwoofer combine to send sound in all directions, resulting in a stereo experience no matter where the listener is seated in smaller rooms. There's more details on that, as well as a few other mini audio systems and a new amp in the gallery and press releases after the break. One other development we noted was the Roku Streaming Stick-ready branding popping up on Onkyo receivers since its partnership was officially revealed, and there was even a dongle conspicuously front mounted right there in the booth. We're still for a release date and pricing, but it looks like hardware partners are ready to go. Onkyo Introduces iLunar -a Slick New Six-Channel Bluetooth Docking System with Sonic Emotion 3D Sound Processing UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/30/12) -- Onkyo, a company known for its ability to anticipate market trends and capitalize on the latest technology, announces the release of a six-channel Bluetooth and iPod/iPhone docking solution featuring remarkable new 3D sound processing technology. The personal audio system places the listener center stage, immersing them in high quality sound no matter where they are located in the room. While the RBX-500 iLunar Dock Music System represents a departure from the conventional mini systems within the company's lineup, customers can expect the same outstanding audio performance and build quality that has made Onkyo a globally respected name in hi-fi. With the iLunar, traditional stereophonic sound is taken a step further using an arrangement of six full-range drivers positioned above a down-firing subwoofer. Rather than using two channels to create a centralized "sweet spot" in front of the speakers, a processing chip from Swiss audio research company Sonic Emotion radiates the sound in all directions, creating the impression of stereo sound wherever the listener is located. To achieve the effect of being right in the middle of a stereophonic sweet spot, the processor applies a system of equalization filters and delays to all six channels. Through a process known as wave field synthesis, the technology is able to render a 3D audio image, creating an impression for the listener of being on stage or in the studio with the musicians. The iLunar is perfect for those with busy lifestyles. Users can dock their iPod or iPhone-or use the Bluetooth function to stream from almost any smart phone, tablet, or PC-and enjoy immersive entertainment while going about their day. With the expanded bandwidth capabilities of Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, enjoying quality sound with the convenience of wireless streaming is now a reality. Furthermore, the recharging dock for iPod and iPhone ensures signals are transferred from the device in digital format, rather than analog form, for cleaner, more expansive sound. The dock is a recharging type, allowing the user to top off the battery while they listening to music, ready when they are back on the move. A USB port is also included for charging many other types of smart phone or tablet, even as the device streams music wirelessly. The iLunar features a powerful and efficient digital amplifier to drive six speakers and the subwoofer. Without the need for a bulky heat sink, the audio system can be made smaller and lighter, making it ideal for use in areas where space is limited. Onkyo has long been admired for its unique approach to audio design and engineering. In addition to placing a strong emphasis on technological innovation, the company insists on superlative build standards, functional yet elegant design, and above all, extremely good sound quality. So whether the user listens to music while on the go around the house or alone and without distraction, the iLunar rewards with refreshing and realistic audio performance. It's another in a long line of boldly inventive products from a company that prides itself on pushing the boundaries of home entertainment technology. The Onkyo RBX-500 iLunar will be available in October with a suggested retail price of $249. About Onkyo Onkyo Announces EnvisionCinema – A Stylishly Compact TV Speaker System with SRS Processing Technology and Bluetooth Wireless Audio UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/30/12) -- Onkyo, the world's leading manufacturer of audio and audio-video entertainment products, proudly announces the release of EnvisionCinema LS3100, an exciting 2.1-channel powered speaker package designed to improve the audio performance of modern flat-panel TVs with SRS audio enhancement and Bluetooth wireless streaming technology. The system consists of a slim 20-watt digital amplifier unit to power the two dual-drive speakers, and an active wireless down-firing subwoofer. EnvisionCinema comes pre-programmed for control with most TV remotes, with learning ability for the few models it might not immediately recognize. This means the Onkyo system switches on and off automatically with the TV, and responds to the volume commands of the television remote. Two full-range drivers are installed in each sculpted speaker cabinet. Clever removable speaker stands enable a wide variety of mounting positions on the wall or entertainment unit. Thanks to collaboration with SRS audio research labs, the EnvisionCinema system employs TruVolume, a dynamic control solution to equalize the irritating volume fluctuations in TV programming; and WOW HD, an audio processing technology that generates a more expansive soundstage. Dialog Mode, meanwhile, renders voices more intelligibly in the mix-great for movies, news, and TV programs. Combined with the powered subwoofer-which can be positioned anywhere in the room thanks to its wireless Bluetooth technology-users can bid farewell to the days of thin TV sound, and revel in the extraordinary sonic capabilities of this stylish and efficient system. Like all Onkyo products, the EnvisionCinema system is replete with up-to-the-minute features. Bluetooth Version 2.1 +EDR allows the user to stream music from compatible devices, such as most cell phone, smart phone and tablet brands, and a wide selection of laptops and personal computers. The convenience of wireless streaming from portable devices-and the high-quality sound this package is capable of delivering-will be persuasive factors for astute buyers maximizing their home entertainment budgets. Presented in a sleek and contemporary package, EnvisionCinema finds fertile ground between dedicated multi-channel home theater systems and other prohibitively expensive two-channel options. Onkyo brings more than 60 years' audio experience to the table when designing new products, forging partnerships with other industry heavyweights to ensure that any specialist technology featured is the very best available. From the company's audiophile-grade A/V receivers down to its most affordable personal stereo systems, fans around the world recommend Onkyo as the go-to brand for home entertainment. The Onkyo EnvisionCinema LS3100 will be available in November with a suggested retail price of $499. About Onkyo # # # Onkyo Introduces Network HiFi Mini System with Outstanding Internet Radio Access UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/30/12) --Onkyo has introduced the CS-N755 Network HiFi Mini System, a compact bookshelf music system and speakers designed to provide state-of-the-art audio entertainment from Internet Radio, streaming music from smartphones, tablets, and computers via USB, wireless streaming with an optional USB Bluetooth Adaptor, FM/AM radio, and Compact Disc. The CS-N755 uses Onkyo's premium Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) with symmetrical circuit design and three-stage inverted Darlington Circuitry. Two high-quality two-way bass reflex speakers, each with a 5-inch Onkyo Micro Fiber woofer and 1-inch soft dome tweeter, provide outstanding sound performance. A rear-panel Ethernet port is used for internet access. There are pre-loaded online channels for Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker, Sirius Internet Radio, last.fm, aupeo!, and vTuner. It is DNLA Certified and supports MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, FLAC, and WMA Lossless. The front-panel USB ports supports iPod/iPhone as well as flash drives and hard discs. With the optional USB Bluetooth Adaptor users can stream wirelessly from Apple and Android devices. The CS-N755 can also be operated using Onkyo's free Remote control Apps for iPhone and Android. The Onkyo CS-N755 Network HiFi Mini System will be available in October with a suggested retail price of $499. About Onkyo Onkyo Debuts CD/Bluetooth HiFi Mini System UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/30/12) --With three colors to choose from, white, black, and red, the Onkyo CS-355 Colibrino CD HiFi Mini System is a compact stylish solution to getting great sound from CDs, radio, and music streamed from an iPod, iPhone or any other device that can communicate via Bluetooth or USB. Ideal for use in a bedroom, dorm, office, or kitchen, the Colibrino comes with a pair of high-performance two-way speakers and a hand-held remote control. The drawer-type CD player protects discs and can play MP3 CD, CD-R, and CD-RW, in addition to conventional Red Book CDs. A quality FM/AM tuner with thirty presets keeps you in-touch with local news and music. The player uses Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR supports wireless audio playback with aptX®, SBC, and AAC Codecs. The front-panel USB supports playback and recharging for compatible iDevices, and playback of USB memory devices. The Onkyo CS-355 Colibrino will be available in September with a suggested retail price of $329. About Onkyo # # # Onkyo to Create a New Generation of Audiophiles with Affordable New Integrated Amplifier UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (8/30/12) -- Demonstrating its commitment to providing exceptionally good sound quality at all levels of the market, Onkyo is pleased to announce a new addition to its range of high quality stereo separates, the A-9050. The A-9050 amplifier features WRAT amplification boosted by Onkyo's Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry. And, for the first time at this price point, the A-9050 is graced with premium DIDRC dynamic noise reduction technology. It is rated at 75 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load. The A-9050 follows the A-9070 stereo amplifier in the Onkyo integrated lineup-a high-end model that was released last year to universal acclaim. The A-9050 is built around a practically bulletproof 1.6 mm anti-resonant metal chassis with aluminum faceplates. Two large capacitors and a high-output EI transformer drive current through the amplifying circuit and discrete triple-transistor output stage for an open and musical performance. Solid copper bus bars provide each individual circuit with a unique link to the power supply, significantly reducing circuit noise compared to conventional circuit designs. As an integrated amplifier, the A-9050 employs one of the most talented pre-amps in its category, with a powerful Wolfson® 192 kHz/24-bit DAC module and DIDRC technology to cleanse signals of super-high-frequency noise and pulse interference that otherwise affects audio purity. Gold-plated RCA inputs and banana plug-compatible speaker posts also work to improve clarity. Another unique feature found on this amplifier is Onkyo's new PM Bass technology, which counters audio phase shifting by matching the phases of low- and mid-frequency sound waves, thereby improving mid-range clarity and enhancing bass response. The A-9050 feature five analog inputs and one output each, while the more powerful model of the pair adds three digital inputs for lossless PC audio (one optical, two coaxial). The user can connect a compatible CD player and tuner, and if desired, a tape deck. Naturally, a quality MM phono input and a subwoofer output are also included. With the release of this new integrated amplifier, Onkyo hopes to make quality component audio a realistic proposition for a greater number of people. As the initial building blocks of a first hi-fi system, or to renew an existing setup, the A-9050 will reignite the listener's passion for music, creating a whole new generation of Onkyo fans in the process. The Onkyo A-9050 integrated amplifier will be available in October with a suggested retail price of $499. About Onkyo |
| Posted: 08 Sep 2012 02:30 PM PDT Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days. Some weeks things get a little science heavy, sometimes it's a little on their weird side, and there's usually a bit of space travel involved, but these week's trend seems to be "mind-blowing." Want to grow carrots on the Moon? We got you covered. How about bringing a 50,000 year-old ancient human back to life? Sure, no biggie. Oh but what about a solar eruption that reaches some half a million miles in height. We've got the video. No, really we have. Mind blown? This is alt-week. Giant steps may well be what you take, walking on the Moon. But, when it comes to growing crops and supporting a longer expedition -- or permanent colony -- it's more of a slow crawl. That doesn't mean that great minds aren't already trying to crack the challenges that off-world farming presents. One of the primary issues, unsurprisingly, is light. While lunar daytime lasts around two weeks, and it may be possible to funnel this light into greenhouses, the current limits of solar storage technology are incapable of sustaining artificial light for the equally long lunar night, even with one of these guys helping out. In its report on the topic, Forbes suggests that nuclear-powered LEDs provide a more realistic solution. Why? Partly because of their longevity -- no one wants to change a light bulb on the Moon -- but also their hardiness. As for powering them? The suggestion is to use similar radioisotope thermoelectric generators like the one found in the Curiosity rover. With light and power sorted, the next challenge would be protecting green houses from cosmic radiation, micro-meteorites and other dangers presented by the absence of an atmosphere. The solution? Covering them with meters of lunar rock, which should provide enough of a shield to stop the greens from going radioactive. Then, of course, there's the small issue of gravity, and the effect it will have on growing vegetation, but we're thinking, at least there'd be fewer bruised apples. A couple of years ago (back on Earth) the human genome project achieved its goal of identifying all the genes in human DNA. Now, like the sub four-minute mile, it seems to be a something suddenly much easier to do. Well, perhaps if you are one of the team of international scientists who successfully sequenced the DNA of a 50,000 to 80,000 year-old Siberian girl, some 31 times over in fact. As we reported earlier in the week, the researchers say that the picture of her genetics is so complete that they can tell the color of her eyes, hair and skin (brown in all cases). Hailing from Siberia's Denisova Cave, the girl was from an ancient human sub-species similar to the Neanderthals. The completeness of this genome means we can make almost direct comparisons between the Denisovians and living humans. Also, the team confirm that there was some interbreeding between the now-lost species and the ancestors of some people alive today. That's not a family tree we'd like to be tasked with creating. With future and ancient civilizations taken care of, lets head back out into space. This time to the sun. We know it's hot out there, and there's a tendency for it to get a little stormy, but it's not all that often that we actually get to see it in action. Hot, violent, action. In the video below from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, we see a massive filament eruption. Oh, and when they say massive, they really mean it, with the eruption apparently reaching out about a half a million miles into space. NASA assured us that it didn't travel towards our fragile blue planet, but it did still register a blow to the Earth's magnetic environment. The video also reveals a sneaky taste of the kinda beats they like to get down to at the SDO, we had them down as more of a Trance crowd.
While medical science hasn't yet developed a way of preventing our minds being blown by solar eruptions and off-world farming, it is working on self-powered devices to monitor our physical health. North Carolina State University is in partnership with Florida International University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Virginia to better understand how our environment affects our health via tiny wearable devices. These could be "worn" on the chest like a patch, or on the wrist like a watch taking their power from the host body. The depth of data that these systems could deliver (unbroken streams of heart rate readings etc.) would give doctors a fuller picture of the patient's situation, as well as suggest environmental issues that potentially affect our health. We're already thinking about the potential for smartphone bio-apps. The Mayor of Healthy Heart, anyone? [Photo credit: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology] Seen any other far-out articles that you'd like considered for Alt-week? Working on a project or research that's too cool to keep to yourself? Drop us a line at alt [at] engadget [dot] com. |
| NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC (video) Posted: 08 Sep 2012 01:29 PM PDT We've seen plenty of 4K cameras, and we've even heard a whisper or two about 8K, but the quality of a viewing experience isn't tied only to resolution -- frame rate also comes into play, especially with fast-moving subjects. NHK's prototype Super Hi-Vision camera doubles the capture rate from the standard 60Hz to a much speedier 120Hz, yielding sharper motion. While the difference isn't noticeable with static or slow-moving scenes, it certainly comes into play when filming rapid-motion sporting events or panning the camera. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation's latest model was on hand at IBC in Amsterdam, and the advantages of a 120Hz cam were immediately crystal clear. Filming a rotating image that paired ordinary objects and cityscapes with letters and numbers, you could see the difference instantly, with the 120Hz image on the right side yielding far shaper details, while the left side was often a blurry mess. There's no software smoothing on hand here -- because the higher frequency comes directly from the source, it appears perfectly natural, and much more pleasant. We captured a video demonstrating the expo floor rig, but because our camera doesn't sport the same spec, you won't notice a difference in the hands-on clip after the break. You can see the difference in our stills gallery below, however, and you can take us on our word -- the improvement is quite dramatic. |
| Sony Xperia Tablet S gets the full teardown, shows its NVIDIA heart (video) Posted: 08 Sep 2012 11:42 AM PDT So, you probably didn't even get the cellophane off your Xperia Tablet S yet (for those in the UK at least), but Sony has already beaten the likes of iFixit to the strip-down post. It's one of the firm's own engineers, Takuya Inaba, who takes a knife to the minty-fresh tablet -- revealing its NVIDIA innards for all to see. Of course, we could tell you all about how he opened up the tablet, removing 10 screws, and breaking the splash-proof internal seal, but we gather you'd probably rather see the deed for yourselves. Full gory video after the break, but just remember, don't try this at home or you might as well tear up that warranty, too.
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| Red introduces $42K Epic-M Monochrome cinema cam, on sale October 1st Posted: 08 Sep 2012 09:35 AM PDT Red Camera promised to stop hyping products that weren't ready to ship, and true to its word, just announced the Epic-M Monochrome, surprising even its rabid user base. Packing an all-new black and white-only Mysterium-X sensor, the new cinema cam follows in the footsteps of the Leica M Monochrom still shooter, right down to a similar moniker. Red claims the dedicated CMOS sensor means no color debayering, yielding a one-to-one pixel count and 15-20 percent bump in effective resolution compared to its chromatic cousin. It also touted a sensitivity gain as another advantage, asserting that the Monochrome will have a native ISO of 2,000 (while using the retro-sounding "ASA" term), more than double that of the Epic-M or X. The camera will have a new low pass filter to account for the higher resolution, and buyers who plop down $42,000 to get one on October 1st will be upgraded, gratis, to a new Dragon Monochrome Sensor next year. Like the Leica, if you have to ask why you'd pay such a sum for a camera that doesn't speak color, it may not be for you -- but it is for David Fincher, says Red, who's already shooting his next feature on one. |
| Nokia, AT&T and Green Day join forces for Nokia Music launch event in NYC Posted: 08 Sep 2012 07:49 AM PDT Nicki Minaj was there to introduce us to the Lumia 900 earlier in the year, and now Green Day has been drafted in to celebrate the launch of Nokia Music. Lumia-toting Americans were granted access to the free music streaming service a couple of days ago without much fuss, but the official party kicks off on September 15th at NYC's Irving Plaza . AT&T's also putting its name to the event, and if you head over to Green Day's Facebook page, you'll find instructions on how to get your chance to be there. Let's hope this one goes well for Nokia's marketing team, because if it's anything like that Lumia 920 embarrassment, they'll probably just want waking up when September ends.
Green Day to Perform at Nokia Music/AT&T Launch Event in New York City Saturday, September 15th at Irving Plaza LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 6, 2012) - Nokia Music today announced Reprise Records' multi-platinum, Grammy® Award-winning band Green Day will perform an exclusive concert at Irving Plaza in New York City on Saturday, September 15th to celebrate the launch of Nokia Music. Fans can visit Nokia Music/AT&T tab on the band's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/greenday for details on the special kick-off event and information on how to obtain tickets. Follow the social chatter by using #NOKIAMUSICATTGREENDAY. Earlier this week, Green Day, Nokia and AT&T announced that they have joined forces to launch Nokia Music, a new music streaming service offering consumers free and unlimited access to playlists and songs from a global catalogue boasting 17 million tracks. Nokia Music is a mobile experience exclusive to Nokia Lumia handsets currently available at all AT&T stores. AT&T is the nation's largest 4G network. Consumers can stream unlimited music from a suite of over 150 exclusive playlists that are curated and kept up to date by an expert team of US based musicologists. The playlists span a wide spectrum of musical genres from underground Detroit house tracks to New York Philharmonic favorites. Nokia Music also offers playlists created by global artists such as Green Day, who are an active part of the service curating their namesake playlists. Moreover, music fans can create their own personal soundtrack by selecting the Nokia Music 'CREATE' function that generates a playlist based on, and inspired by, the artists they love. Fans will also be able to access three special playlists, curated by Green Day exclusively for Nokia Music and AT&T. Green Day is currently preparing for the release of their trilogy of new albums -- Green Day ¡Uno!, Green Day ¡Dos!, and Green Day ¡Tré! -- on September 25th, 2012; November 13th, 2012, and January 15th, 2013, respectively. |
| Ainol releasing dual-core Novo 7 Crystal tablet: Jelly Bean and an IPS display for $139 Posted: 08 Sep 2012 06:17 AM PDT Chinese tablet maker Ainol is stepping up from its ICS-running Novo 7 to the Novo 7 Crystal, a new dual-core 1.5GHz model running Jelly Bean for $139. Below the hood is an Amlogic 8726-M6 Cortex A9 processor, a Mali 400 GPU, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. The 7-inch touchscreen display sports a 1,024 x 600 resolution, and Ainol chose an IPS panel for wide viewing angles -- that's not exactly common for a tab in this price range. The whole package weighs 0.72 pounds (328 grams) and measures 0.4 inches (11.2mm) thick, and the tablet will be available in black and white. The Novo 7 Crystal will be WiFi-only (802.11n), though there's room for a 3G modem on board, and connections include a microSD card slot, mini-USB port and mini-HDMI. Notebook Italia says the Crystal will start shipping on September 28th, though we've yet to see any official word on availability. Click through to the source links for more details. |
| SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters Posted: 08 Sep 2012 04:22 AM PDT Even in the land of the outrageous home theater equipment that is CEDIA, SIM2's new CinemaQuattro projector sticks out. The company's first model capable of 4K (4,096 x 2,160) resolution, it's nearly as large as the Italian scooter that also resided in its booth and comes with a price tag of $158,000 -- the old 1080p $58K Grand Cinema seems almost cheap in comparison. While that may be mild overkill for most, if you're Will Smith and need something to screen flicks on for your personal home theater (emphasis on theater), we'd imagine this fits the bill. SIM2 licensed TI's technology from cinema projector maker Christie in order to develop the three chip 4K DLP monster capable of 20,000 ANSI lumens. According to President and CEO Maurizio Cini this gives its dealers access to "the best" technology, and at that price, it just ought to. CINEMAQUATTRO 4K DLP Projector: A statement in Home Cinema Technology Indianapolis, Indiana, USA-September 2012-SIM2 Multimedia is proud to announce at CEDIA EXPO 2012 our new CINEMAQUATTRO 4K DLP 3-Chip Home Cinema Projector. This powerful new model utilizes technology of Christie®, one of today's leading display technology providers. Some of the key specifications are: three 4K (4096 x 2160) 1.38" DLP Chipsets, up to 20,000 ANSI Lumens, Triple Flash 3D Technology, SIM2 Exclusive High Contrast and Colorimetry Profiles, a user replaceable Xenon Bubble Lamp, remote monitoring and so much more. "When SIM2 decided to embark on the 4K challenge, it was clear that we had to offer a product with performance as close as possible to a true movie theater experience," stated Maurizio Cini President and CEO of SIM2 Multimedia. "Our collaboration with Christie assures that our Premiere Dealers will have access to the BEST 4K technology available today, and not a product that is "just" good enough because it is 4K resolution." "Christie is very pleased to be working with a company of SIM2's caliber," said Jeff Jaramillo, Senior Director, Product Management at Christie. "Our companies complement each other well and the combination of technical and market experience certainly yield a high performance offering that delivers a stunning 4K option for the CEDIA community." The CINEMAQUATTRO 4K 3-Chip Projector is offered to select SIM2 Dealers for Home Cinema Installations and will be available in Q4 2012. This unit represents one of the two NEW products in the HIGH BRIGHTNESS category that SIM2, the company hailed by world's most famous Movie Directors as the top performing in projection technology, is unveiling this year at CEDIA Expo. Look for information about the brand new CINEMAQUATTRO and SIRIO single-chip High Brightness Projectors at our booth #3860. About Christie About SIM2 USA Inc. and SIM2 Multimedia |
| Google Maps creation put under the microscope, reveals a human touch Posted: 08 Sep 2012 02:37 AM PDT They say you should never learn how the sausage gets made, but we're willing to make an exception for Google Maps. Talking to The Atlantic, Google has revealed just how much the human element figures into all that collected satellite imagery and road data. Many pieces of terrain information are tested and modified against what Google calls Ground Truth: actual driving, alternate sources and sign photos automatically extracted from Street View runs. Google isn't just making the occasional correction, either. Mapping a country can take hundreds of staff plugging away at the company's Atlas tool, even before we get a crack with Google Map Maker. The combination of man and machine helps explain why Google Maps is one of the most accurate sources of location information on Earth -- although the firm does have some catching up to do in space. |
| Smartphone-powered mine detectors readied for field-testing in Cambodia (video) Posted: 08 Sep 2012 12:47 AM PDT Red Lotus Technologies is now refining and pitching its PETALS technology for real-world use around the world. Short for Pattern Enhancement Tool for Assisting Landmine Sensing, the system connects acoustic sensors to smartphones, outputting a silhouette of what lies below onto the phone's screen. The company has expanded from an initial research project that paired mine-detecting sensors with the processing clout (and availability of) smartphones. It's now developed some tablet-based training equipment for de-miners and, working alongside the Landmine Relief Fund, aims to field-test the devices in Cambodia before launching them next year. |
| Visualized: what Zynga workers do when they're not playing FarmVille Posted: 07 Sep 2012 11:18 PM PDT Zynga's staffers might have had a laser-like focus on releasing FarmVille 2 this week, but that doesn't mean the company has forgotten how to take a break. One employee (thankfully, also a Reddit member) has revealed that the developer's San Francisco headquarters has a giant, 16-screen video wall for gaming in the cafeteria -- and yes, they're playing Halo in that photo rather than some future, first-person version of Mafia Wars. It's no surprise that the employees aren't playing their own games all the time; we're pretty sure that even the most avid Facebook gamers would burn out if they did. Nonetheless, it's hard not to smile at the thought that the same people urging us to buy new crops are sticking plasma grenades in their spare time. |
| Samsung Galaxy Note II with dual-SIM capabilities gets spotted in the wild Posted: 07 Sep 2012 09:48 PM PDT Now that the second-gen Note is finally out of Samsung's precious (and teasing) bag, we're learning more and more about the exorbitant device -- not to say we weren't expecting this to be the case, however. Still, we were rather intrigued by the distinct Galaxy Note II pictured above, which, by the looks it, comes pre-loaded with dual-SIM capabilities, and thus makes this particular unit slightly different than that one unit we played with back at IFA. Although details are still very scarce at the moment, rumor has it the dual-SIM Note will only be available in China and, aside from the slot additions, all other features the famed phablet offers appear to be exactly the same. Feel free to check out the source below for more pics, but don't expect anything too exciting or out of the ordinary -- unless, of course, extra SIM slots are your thing. |
| AT&T upgrades Samsung Captivate Glide to Android 4.0, keeps the QWERTY habit going Posted: 07 Sep 2012 08:16 PM PDT Hardware keyboard fans must feel like they're part of an endangered species -- there's greater uncertainty these days about software updates, let alone new smartphones. If you're part of that persecuted group, AT&T and Samsung have your back: they've just started rolling out Android 4.0 for the Captivate Glide. All of the features will be familiar if you've borrowed someone's Galaxy S II in the past few months, although it's hard to object to the better multitasking and support for Chrome. About the only catch is the need to use Kies to grab the update, but that's a small sacrifice we're sure many are willing to make. |
| Google quietly snaps up internet security firm VirusTotal for an undisclosed amount Posted: 07 Sep 2012 06:22 PM PDT Having recently wrapped up the Motorola Mobility acquisition, Google's now moving onto different pastures and spending its cash elsewhere -- more specifically on an outfit known as VirusTotal. And, as the internet security company confidently points out, the deal is "great news for you, and bad news for malware generators because Google's infrastructure will ensure that our tools are always ready, right when you need them." As for the Android creator, well, let's just say it, too, is happy to have the VirusTotal team aboard -- who, in the process, joins the likes of Sparrow and QuickOffice as part of Mountain View's most recent purchases. Google's official response on the matter can be found below, courtesy of The Next Web.
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| Marvel Cinematic Universe 10-disc Blu-ray set delayed, that sweet Tesseract case is to blame Posted: 07 Sep 2012 05:19 PM PDT Remember that $139 Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled Blu-ray boxed set and its S.H.I.E.L.D. case (pictured above, video after the break) with the sweet glowing Tesseract cube? Good - now forget it, at least until spring 2013. Blu-ray.com has an official statement from Disney that sadly informs us it will not make its predicted September 25th ship date, and has been pushed back. The statement does go on however, noting that buyers will receive a new briefcase with even more (unspecified -- may we suggest Tony Stark's Iron Man briefcase?) special features. It doesn't go into precisely why all this happened, but an earlier report from TheHDRoom noted a legal squbble between Marvel and Rimowa, the company that apparently created the metallic briefcase it was based on, and subsequently sued Marvel and Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment for trademark infringement and the like. Whatever the cause, the set is on ice for now -- we'll let you know when it's safe to preorder again. |
| Motorola launches 10 new set-top boxes at IBC 2012 Posted: 07 Sep 2012 04:41 PM PDT Motorola may have held a fancy event for the launch of its 2012 RAZR line up, but it's saved the unveiling of its new raft of set-top boxes for the IBC show floor. No fewer than 10 models running Moto's KreaTV OS are on display at the event, possibly putting a dampener on rumors of Google selling the business off. Four of the set-tops are earmarked for IPTV services, with the different options accounting for variations in storage capacity and processing power. An additional four bear the Microsoft Mediaroom branding, and are distinguished by their differences in HDD capacity, wireless performance and feature set. Two cable boxes round out the selection, offering cost-effective simplicity and DVR capability, respectively. If you'd like more info on the ins and outs of each model, check out the PR below for the family newsletter. New Motorola Mobility Set-Tops Power the Evolution of TV Motorola Showcases New IP and cable set top technology @ IBC2012 - Hall 1, Booth D31 Sept. 07, 2012 AMSTERDAM – IBC 2012 – Sept 7, 2012 – Motorola Mobility extends its leadership in IP and cable set-tops today, with the launch of ten new models designed to give service providers in EMEA smarter, more energy-efficient options for delivering new entertainment experiences – including entertainment everywhere (multi-screen support), over the top (OTT), time-shift TV, gaming and more. "Motorola pioneered the shift to IP in TV, and we continue to drive its evolution with our new line of set-tops," said Keith Kelley, vice president, home devices, Motorola Mobility."This range of products gives service providers more options for delivering the advanced entertainment services that consumers crave, while reducing total cost of ownership and energy consumption." IPTV set-tops New IPTV set-tops build on the global success of the KreaTV application platform, an open system that ensures flexibility in deployment as well as smooth systems integration. Each supports high-quality IPTV services such as HD broadcast, time shift, on-demand, OTT, and interactive applications. VIP1103 & VIP1113 – Compact, cost-effective · Motorola's smallest and most stylish IPTV client ever · Diminutive, energy-efficient design · RF remote control (VIP1113) allows hidden installation, such as behind the TV · Ideal for hospitality OTT, multi-room, or entry level IPTV deployments · Optional SD card reader (VIP1113) for time-shifting and other applications. VIP2853 – DVR expandability · Small form factor for flexibility of placement · User installable disk / memory module allows subscribers to expand to DVR and time-shift capabilities · Optional display and touch-keys. VIP2952 – Robust processing power · 3000DMIPS processor, 512/1024MB of memory and a 3D graphics engine · Support for gaming, advanced interactive applications and advanced browser options · User installable disk / memory module for DVR expandability. Microsoft® Mediaroom® set-tops The new range of Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV set-tops offers choice to the service provider, with new SoC (System on a Chip) and wireless options, providing whole-house coverage while lowering the cost of installation. No Ethernet data cables to connect, no holes to drill. VIP1801 & VIP1861 – Ultra low power set-tops · The latest compact Microsoft Mediaroom set-top boxes with next generation highly-integrated, secure, high-performance SoC · Non DVR model (VIP1801) and DVR model (VIP1861) with 320 or 500GB HDD · Optional touch-key capabilities and four-digit numeric LED display VIP2502W – Microsoft Mediaroom set-top with wireless capability The set-top no longer needs to be wired to the broadband router. It delivers easier installation, location flexibility with no unsightly cables for the consumer. When paired with the VAP2400 Wireless Video Bridge it delivers superior wireless performance over traditional Wi-Fi set-tops. Integrating Wi-Fi into the set-top reduces inventory, reduces cost and makes installation easier. · 4x4 MIMO with beam-forming in 5GHz · Next generation highly-integrated, secure, high-performance SoC · MotoPLYR sophisticated diagnostic and test utility VIP2102 – Next-generation HD IP video experiences · Motorola's premier Microsoft Mediaroom set-top, with a powerful processor for a seamless multi-room, multi-device experience · The VIP2100 Series support the advanced, interactive IP video applications your subscribers want, from Electronic Program Guides (EPG) to advanced digital TV functionality like Video On-demand (VOD), multiple picture-in-picture capabilities, and time-shifted TV · MotoPLYR sophisticated diagnostic and test utility. Cable set-tops HMC3021 – Cost-effective HD cable zapper set-top · User-friendly Miracle HD user interface · Optional Ethernet port for basic hybrid functions VIP2853C – Hybrid cable set-top with DVR · Small high-definition DVB-C/IP hybrid set-top box · Dual DVB-C tuners · Smartcard reader · User installable disk / memory module for DVR expandability KreaTV™ Motorola is also presenting its ultimate open operating system for IP set-tops at IBC this year – Motorola KreaTV™, with support for the new IPTV and Cable set-tops. KreaTV is a flexible, open operating system used by over 100 operators worldwide. Its hardware abstraction layer simplifies integration with specific hardware, making it easier to upgrade to new hardware in the future. Motorola's approach to reducing time to deployment of new features has driven the popularity of KreaTV amongst IPTV software developers and the KreaTV ecosystem is a key contributor to Motorola's leadership position in the global IPTV set-top market. Some of the new features available in KreaTV 4.4 (launched earlier this year) include Web browsing, as well as HTTP live streaming, including support for Motorola's SecureMedia HLS+ content encryption, enabling service providers to expand their footprint with over-the-top (OTT) services. This allows the same hardware to be used in an IPTV as well as OTT environment. The innovative and feature-rich new set -tops are being demonstrated at IBC on Motorola's stand in Hall 1, D31 from 6th – 11th September 2012. |
| WSJ: 2012 iPhone to support global 4G LTE Posted: 07 Sep 2012 03:58 PM PDT Now we're intrigued. It's a common (if unconfirmed) belief that the next iPhone will support LTE-based 4G, but the Wall Street Journal now understands through the ever-present "people familiar with the matter" that Apple is taking 4G worldwide. Where the current iPad only supports two LTE frequencies and drops to HSPA+ outside of the US and Canada, the new iPhone will supposedly cover parts of Asia and Europe as well. The exact countries haven't been outlined, although it's easy to imagine Apple going for those countries where 4G speeds matter the most: there's been rumblings of talks with KT and SK Telecom in South Korea, but we could also see France, Germany, Japan and Scandiavian countries in the mix. The rumor hasn't been confirmed, of course. That said, the iPhone was already purported to be using a new cellular chipset -- and a number of carriers, most often in the US, have long said they won't carry new smartphones unless LTE is part of the package. We'll know the full scoop on Wednesday. |
| Liquipel launches retail store in Hong Kong, spreads the hydrophobia for gadgets Posted: 07 Sep 2012 03:07 PM PDT Over the years we've come across many hydrophobic coating technologies aimed at electronics, but sadly, none of those were made directly available to consumers. The closest one was Nokia's nanocoating demonstration we saw last October, though the company recently said to us that it's still "currently a research project," and it never mentioned plans to offer a service to treat existing devices. On the other hand, Californian startup Liquipel recently opened its first Hong Kong retail store, making it the second Liquipel service center globally after the one located at the Santa Ana headquarters. Folks in the area can simply call up to make an appointment, and then head over with their phones or tablets to get the nanocoating treatment. So how does this funky technology work? How does it cover both the inside and the outside of gadgets? And is Liquipel's offering any better than its rivals? Read on to find out.
Before we get too carried away, let's set the record straight first: what Liquipel's offering here is protection against short-circuiting and corrosion, but liquids will still be able to enter treated devices. Also, while this process works on practically any surface, prolonged immersion may eventually affect moisture indicators and therefore void warranty (even though the chances of requiring a repair due to liquid damage is slim, anyway), so users are advised to remove dropped devices from liquids immediately, rather than intentionally dunking them or leaving them in liquids. Having said that, Liquipel is happy for people to use treated devices in the rain, shower, bath, snow or even sauna -- provided that they stick to the aforementioned advice, of course. Simply put: Liquipel's main purpose is to increase the chance of survival, rather than to convert all gadgets into swimming gear. There are a couple more caveats. For those who have naughty hands or a passion to show off, Liquipel asks that ice water should be avoided -- not because of any impact on the coating, but rather because it may permanently damage the LCD. Also, if a device does somehow end up fully submerged in a liquid, the users should still take the usual precautions: power down, take out the battery if possible, wipe the sockets and let the device dry for at least 24 hours (ideally in conjunction with absorbent materials). Liquipel told us that in some cases, the device may have liquid sensors that automatically shut itself down, which has apparently freaked out some users; but following the above procedure should restore the device with no damage or after-effect. Obviously, this would be a rather different story for the untreated devices, especially if the liquid is of acidic nature.
In between Liquipel's launch of its first Hong Kong store (in Kowloon Bay) last month and its first Kuala Lumpur store this week, we sat down with the company's co-founder and co-president Kevin Bacon (no, not that Kevin Bacon) to hear about the fascinating treatment process. First of all, the devices are placed on racks inside a large "Liquibot," then a near-vacuum environment is created inside the chamber, followed by the injection of a liquid repellent formulation which becomes a gas under the low pressure. By using strategically placed valves, the machine's able to manipulate the flow of the gas, which is why Liquipel can treat fully assembled devices (though Liquipel's Hong Kong store is also happy to treat devices pre-disassembled by customers, provided that they are aware of warranty issues). After letting the gas flow around for a while, the Liquibot then generates a plasma in order to polymerize and bind the gas molecules onto the devices, both externally and internally. The resulting coating -- which is about 1,000 times thinner than a human hair -- creates a microscopic air gap between the target material and liquids, thus producing the super hydrophobic property. To ensure consistency, Liquipel places a piece of tissue in each run as a control, and afterwards it is tested with a corrosive oil, and obviously, all is good if the tissue stays in one piece. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes plus extra for cleaning, so customers can usually pick up their devices within an hour or two. In theory, Liquipel's technology works on anything that can withstand the near-vacuum environment (word has it that devices with soft resistive touchscreen might not be ideal), but the company does have an ever-growing list of approved devices. Right now these consist of products from Apple, Samsung, HTC and Motorola only -- full detail can be found on Liquipel's website. Additionally, each device is given a "Watersafe Scale" rating from levels I to III:
Keen geeks can still take unapproved devices to the Liquipel store, where the technicians will determine their feasibility on a case-by-case basis; but those that are accepted usually only get a Level I guarantee. Of course, as mentioned earlier, you can always have your devices pre-disassembled to get a better effect (this author did just that with his PS Vita), but Liquipel still won't be able to provide a higher rating until it's done its own certification tests -- it mostly depends on how long it takes for all the trapped liquid to disappear. Regardless of the rating, Liquipel does say on its website that it "assumes no responsibility for water damaged devices," but it does offer a seemingly generous after-sale service in the Asian stores. For one, if you're given a replacement device due to hardware failure on the original one, then the replacement is eligible for a free Liquipel treatment within 30 days after the original date of purchase. Also, within 90 days after the first treatment, any device that's been repaired by the manufacturer can get a second treatment for free. Obviously, you'll need to show the relevant documents for both cases. We pointed out to Kevin that HzO, a major rival who we met back at CES 2012 (and, ironically, also backed by Hong Kong's richest man Li Ka-shing), seems to feature similar method and properties with its "WaterBlock" technology: vacuum environment again, and fully assembled devices are doable as well. Kevin then pointed out that not only does his company have its own IPs, but also HzO actually uses a different material dubbed paralyene, the resulting coating of which is essentially just wrapping plastic around devices as it's non-breathable; and as this requires an extensive amount of masking, the process becomes very cumbersome for manufacturing partners. Additionally, Kevin said that paralyene treatment also has an impact on the target objects' physical properties. He used tissue as an example: if treated by HzO it would become stiff and hard, whereas Liquipel would retain its softness and flexibility. In fact, Liquipel gives out a piece of super hydrophobic tissue to each customer as a show-off gift, and it has already mesmerized many of this author's friends.
After the fireside chat at the Hong Kong store, we were given access to the room that housed the large Liquibot machine. Sadly, no photos were allowed, but the particular model installed there was about the size of three or four standard home fridges, and it has the capacity to process up to 200 mobile phones in each one-hour cycle. This is actually just one of the three models offered by Liquipel, with the larger one capable of handling almost five times as many devices a go. But for a place like Hong Kong where space is expensive, we can only speculate that the company is going to work on a much smaller model to cater more shops. As for the other Liquibots, Liquipel does also offer B2B services, but Kevin preferred not to give out names or examples. So, does it work well? We used a handful of devices as guinea pigs: ASUS PadFone, LG Optimus LTE II, Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 and PS Vita. As mentioned earlier, it really doesn't look or feel like they have been given the nanocoating. With the exception of the tablet, none of these were actually on the approved list so Liquipel could only guarantee a Level I protection. We haven't yet used the Vita in the shower (who would, anyway?), but we've definitely done so many times with the rest -- mainly to listen to music, watch videos or continue socializing on the various platforms -- and they all came out just fine. As you can see in our video earlier, we've even let our Optimus LTE II stay in shallow water briefly without damaging it. For just HK$449 (in the US it starts from US$59) for a phone or HK$559 (US$89 in the US) for a tablet, this is a pretty good investment for adding both protection and versatility to gadgets. And of course, since each treated device is given a little certificate card, owners can use it to bump up the resell value. Potential customers in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur can call up the shops to book an appointment (Indonesia and China will also have Liquipel stores soon), whereas US customers can simply make an order on the official website. Oh, and stay tuned, as the company's already looking into adding some laptops to the list. |
| JVC's $349 ADIXXION camcorder is shipping now, packs LCD, WiFi and live Ustreaming (hands-on) Posted: 07 Sep 2012 02:22 PM PDT After its mid-summer reveal, JVC's entry into the booming action sports camera market is now shipping and we got to spend some time with the questionably-named GC-A1 ADIXXION at the company's CEDIA booth. To compete with offerings from GoPro, Sony and our most recent favorite, the Contour+2, the GC-A1 brings its "Quad Proof" housing that makes it waterproof (to 5M) and shockproof (for falls of up to 2M), dustproof and freeze-proof, as well as built-in WiFi, integrated microphone, image stabilization and a 1.5-inch LCD on the side. It can use WiFi to make a video link with nearby Android or iOS devices as well as PCs so the wearer can check where the camera is pointing, and even stream video directly to Ustream via a hotspot, no PC necessary. For the $349 asking price a goggle mount, flexible mount, two lens protection covers, USB cable and a single battery are included. We didn't have a motocross track or snowmobile handy on the show floor, but in-hand it felt every bit the ruggedized, compact device that its advertised to be and the LCD was decently viewable. Check out a few more pics of it in our gallery below and some sample footage in the video embedded after the break. |
| Pantech ADR930LVW knocks on the FCC's door, brings Verizon LTE along for the ride Posted: 07 Sep 2012 01:44 PM PDT Are you familiar with the ADR930LVW from Pantech? Well, you'd be excused for never having heard of it, but given that it's just popped up at the FCC, you might be getting to know it soon. Typically, details are sparse, but a bit of sniffing around suggests that this will be rolling with Verizon friendly LTE (which might also explain the "VW" in the product name). There's mention of NFC too, along with the obligatory WiFi and Bluetooth furnishings. The handset is rumored to also be touting a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 and a 720p HD display, which sounds perfectly believable to us. But until this breaks cover, be it as the ADR930LVW, or codename Premia V -- or indeed as anything else -- we'll just have to wait and see. |
| Opalum's Flow 1010 TV speakers sport 'minimalist floating' design, get priced at £1,649 Posted: 07 Sep 2012 01:22 PM PDT We've certainly encountered a fair share of interesting speakers in our time, albeit most of them have had a different focus than Opalum's new Flow 1010s. How so? It's simple, really: these aren't going to be known for their Bluetooth capabilities, oddly-shaped design or even being portable. Instead, Opalum's hoping to take the living room by surprise with its "floating" aesthetics and patented Actisonic and Actiline digital audio tech -- which, apparently, has taken decades of academic research to accomplish and, in the end, offers reverse filtering algorithms alongside state-of-the-art aluminum drivers that allow the Flow 1010 to have "control of the air movement." Now don't let the minimalist looks fool you into thinking these will come cheap, as the starting price point is a whopping £1,649 (around $2,700) -- though, if it makes it any better, that does take into account an included "hub" and an RF touch remote. Be sure to read over the PR below, where you can find out where's the nearest place to snag a set of Flow 1010 speakers for yourself. Opalum launches slim line 'floating' speaker – the TV's new best friend Matching LEDs and Plasmas perfectly, the Flow 1010 promises sharp design and unrivalled sound to bring the living room to life London, UK, 6th September 2012 - Opalum, a Scandinavian audio company developing sound solutions for modern interiors, today announces the Flow 1010. Boasting stylish Scandinavian design, this minimalist 'floating' speaker uses patented Actisonic® and Actiline® digital audio technology for clear, crisp and natural sound. Its stunning exterior is the perfect partner for the latest LED and plasma screens enabling a non-intrusive and simple but enhanced viewing experience. The addition of a hub and RF touch remote also means other audio devices can be connected for an unprecedented sound experience. Simplistic but stunning design Designed by one of Scandinavia's premiere designers, Eva Hanner, the Flow 1010 oozes simplistic design yet striking elegance. It's translucent, acrylic glass front floats just off the wall, perfect for the modern home and seamlessly coordinates with most interiors. No thicker than an LED TV, the speaker is available in high gloss black or white. Outstanding Sound Decades of academic research, has lead to the evolution of Opalum's core digital audio technology – Actisonic. The array of ten precision-made aluminium drivers use advanced, inverse filtering algorithms and psychoacoustics, to allow the Flow 1010 to take control of the air movement, creating flawless audio reproduction. Creating sound unmatched by traditional speaker technology, the Flow 1010's characteristic wave shape is engineered to provide an outstanding depth of sound and superb smooth bass. The speaker's contour firms up the front sound baffle to minimise vibration and channel sound towards the listener. Using a 20W amplifier for the high frequencies and a 60W amplifier for the low frequencies, results in the bi-amplified Flow 1010 providing a powerful 80 watts in each speaker. Using separate Class-D amplifiers for single amplifier, each frequency band also provides a clearer and less distorted sound than speakers with a single amplifier. Remaining out of sight while in use, the hub can simply be placed in a cupboard to hide any unsightly cabling. The Flow 1010 speakers are priced at £1,649. The hub and remote is included in the price of the speakers. Customers can contact Channel Dynamics for details of their nearest custom installer, 0844 800 0540, info@channeldynamics.net |
| Best Buy takes 2012 Amazon Kindle pre-orders for those that hate online shopping, appreciate irony Posted: 07 Sep 2012 01:02 PM PDT There's a certain amount of self-contradiction going on if you're visiting a brick-and-mortar store to pre-order a device that's all about e-commerce. If you relish the irony, Best Buy will gladly let you reserve Amazon's $69 Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, upgraded Kindle Fire and both sizes of the Kindle Fire HD (including the LTE model) at both regular locations and Best Buy Mobile. The retailer isn't as specific with its in-stock dates as Amazon: beyond the $69 Kindle's September 14th date, we're only promised a generic October release for the Paperwhite and 7-inch Kindle Fires, while the 8.9-inch tablets will be available "before Christmas." Not the quickest path to getting a new Kindle in your hands, then, but it may be the best way to get a hands-on before clinching the deal. Best Buy Launches Pre-Orders for New Kindle Family of Products Pre-sale starts today in all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores nationwide MINNEAPOLIS - Sept. 7, 2012 - Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today launched a pre-sale on the new lineup of Kindle devices, including the new Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, as well as the updated Kindle Fire and 7-inch Kindle Fire HD, at all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores. The new Kindle ($69), updated Kindle Fire ($159), and 7-inch Kindle Fire HD ($199) will be available Sept. 14. The Kindle Paperwhite ($119 for WiFi and $179 for 3G) will be in stores in October. The 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD ($299) and Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE ($499) will be in stores before Christmas. All new Kindle products will be available in all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores nationwide. "The introduction of the Kindle Fire last year changed and expanded the tablet market for our consumers and we expect the same demand for this latest line of Kindle devices," said Scott Anderson, vice president of merchandising for tablets and e-readers for Best Buy. "Best Buy is focused on bringing choice and service to the market. Adding these new Kindle products to our stores, especially as we gear up for the holidays, is going to be big for Best Buy and our customers." Best Buy offers consumers the latest and greatest tablets and e-readers, plans to get them connected and lots of unbiased advice. In addition, Best Buy features services aimed at improving customers' experiences, including Walk Out Working for tablets as well as a full array of accessories for customers to protect and personalize their new devices. Geek Squad can help you get everything you want from your new device from the day you buy it to the day you trade it in. Geek Squad Protection service plans protect your new device from everyday wear and tear, and the Geek Squad Tech Support program provides you year-round tech assistance for up to three devices whenever and wherever you want it - in-store, online and by phone at 1-800-GEEKSQUAD. When it's time to upgrade your device, rely on convenient Trade-In and Recycling programs available through Geek Squad at every Best Buy store. |
| Curiosity rover starts light robotic arm workout in preparation for scientific main event Posted: 07 Sep 2012 12:44 PM PDT As NASA promised, Curiosity has stopped at the quarter pole toward its first scientific destination to test its robotic arm and attached scientific instruments. After 100 yards of driving, the rover extended its 7-foot limb, and will now spend six to ten days checking its predetermined positions and range of motion. That will ensure the appendage is ready after surviving the chilly vaccuum of space and subsequent setdown, and will let its minders see how it functions in the unfamiliar Martian gravity and temperatures. The JPL scientists in charge of the six-wheeler will also peep the Mars Hand Lens Imager and made-in-Canada Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer to warrant that they're up for all the geology to come. If all goes well, the rover will start scooping, drilling and analyzing in earnest when it hits Glenelg, then Mount Sharp -- so, we'd limber up first before tackling all that, too. |
| LaCie 2big, 4big Quadra drives hop the USB 3.0 bandwagon, give Macs 12TB of speedy storage Posted: 07 Sep 2012 12:20 PM PDT LaCie has been sprucing up its smaller drives to handle a new crop of Macs that support USB 3.0. It's now turn for the big boys to play. Updated versions of the 2big Quadra and 4big Quadra (not yet shown here) use the faster port to reach the potential of their high-capacity RAID arrays, peaking at either 210MB/s for the dual-drive 2big and 245MB/s for its quad-drive cousin. We're not seeing a fundamental shakeup of the design apart from the higher speeds, although that's not necessarily a problem given the FireWire 800 to catch legacy users and hot-swappable bays for future upgrades. Video editors and other storage mavens should just prepare themselves to pony up. The upgraded Quadra models will start at respective $499 (4TB) and $1,099 (8TB) prices when they ship in October, and they're only poised to get more expensive when LaCie sets the costs for the higher-end 6TB and 12TB models. LaCie Boosts 2big and 4big Quadra with USB 3.0 Speeds September 6, 2012 Today LaCie announced that its professional 2big and 4big Quadra multi-bay RAID solutions, designed by Neil Poulton, now feature USB 3.0 technology. LaCie completely re-engineered these external storage solutions for optimized performance with new Mac computers. Thanks to UAS (USB-Attached SCSI Protocol) compatibility and 7200rpm hard drives, these products reach speeds up to 210MB/s and 245MB/s respectively. With these speeds the user can transfer 10GB of data in less than one minute. BUILT FOR CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY ALUMINUM ENCLOSURE AND QUIET OPERATION ADDITIONAL FEATURES WARRANTY AVAILABILITY |
| HTC One S family hits China sporting different threads, identical specs Posted: 07 Sep 2012 12:04 PM PDT HTC has delivered smartphone triplets to the Chinese market: the HTC One ST, SC and SU -- and while the devices have identical guts (except for network gear), each has its own housing, carrier and color scheme. All three carry 4.3-inch 800 x 480 screens, dual-core 1GHz processors, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage, a 5-megapixel camera with 5 fps continuous shooting, Beats audio, dual-sim / dual standby capability and Android 4.0 with HTC sense 4. But the HTC One ST, destined for China Mobile, brings a curvier 9.2mm thick design and choice of three colors, including a now passé red. The One SC for China Telecom has a squarish, 8.9mm asymmetric two-tone design, and three color choices as well, including a burnt orange for the more fashion forward. Finally there's China Unicom's HTC One SU, with a similar body to its SC counterpart, but featuring powder blue as an accent color. No pricing has been announced yet for the entry-level spec'd models, but consumers there may want to check their wardrobes before picking up one of the bolder models.
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