Monday, July 30, 2007

Tenacious hacker brings the iPhone keyboard to a Nokia N800

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One awfully clever Brazilian programmer couldn't stand not being able to experience the sometimes-maddening act of typing on the iPhone's notorious keyboard -- so he wrote an iPhone keyboard app for his Nokia N800. In what appears to have been a fairly short amount of time, Gustavo Sverzut Barbieri put together an Apple-copyin', typepad act-alike using Python, Edje, and a little elbow grease. Without ever actually using an iPhone, Gustavo seems to have clearly captured the essence of the keyboard, which is either really good or really bad for him... only he knows for sure. Check the video after the break to see the app in action.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

Continue reading Tenacious hacker brings the iPhone keyboard to a Nokia N800

 

[via] Engadget

Halo's Covenant laser tag guns coming in October

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If you haven't gotten hyped enough over the forthcoming third installment of the Halo series, perhaps you might want to get your paws on these illified (and expensive) toy guns from Jasman Toys. Apparently, the Halo 3-modeled firearms will not only look really bad-ass on your mantelpiece at home, but the recoiling, sound-projecting, light-flashing gats will also enable you to play a game of "advanced" laser tag, called "Halo Laser Pursuit." With the accompanying wearable laser target you can try and reenact your favorite scenes from the games, as the receivers perform somewhat like Halo's shields, or so says Jasman. Really the only way this game of tag differs from the actual game is that no one dies -- and it's not nearly as much fun. Priced between $79.99 and $119.99, available in October.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

 

[via] Engadget

Vista Performance and Reliability Pack hits the web prematurely

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Don't look now, but Microsoft is apparently readying a Vista Performance and Reliability Pack for release, and while it's certainly not available through Windows Update just yet, that doesn't mean it's not hiding elsewhere. Reportedly, the aforementioned pack and the Vista Compatibility and Reliability Pack will institute a number of welcome fixes and performance increases in a variety of areas, and though the list is indeed lengthy, a few notables include:
  • Increased compatibility with many video drivers.
  • Improved visual appearance of games with high intensity graphics.
  • Improved quality of playback for HD DVD and Blue-Ray disks on large monitors.
  • Improved reliability for Internet Explorer when some third party toolbars are installed on Vista.
  • Improved reliability of systems that were upgraded from XP to Vista.
  • Resolves an issue where creating AVI files on Vista may get corrupted.
  • Improves the performance of Vista's Memory Manager in specific customer scenarios and prevents some issues which may lead to memory corruption.
So if all the red flags prove correct, Vista users can eagerly await an official release of the updates, or if you're the adventurous type, you can bypass the whole "waiting" thing altogether and get your download on immediately.

[Via TechSpot]

 

[via] Engadget

DeLorean being brought back from the future?

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We're certainly not holding our collective breath on this one, but according to an article put out by the Los Angeles Times, the cult classic DeLorean automobile just might be resurrected. Reportedly, the DeLorean Motor Company" is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production, and while it'd be easy to brush aside this whimsical scheme, 2007 certainly has been good to vintage automobiles made new. Apparently, the supply of cars suitable for rebuilding is quickly dwindling, and if everything pans out, DMC could possibly produce "20 or so cars a year." Of course, there's simply no way to tell how legitimate these expectations are, but here's to hoping for a brand new gull-winged whip in the not-too-distant future.

 

[via] Engadget

Is Microsoft about to kill the Xbox 360 Core?

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You can add this to your ever-growing file folder stuffed with blurry photos of "products" or "internal memos." Joystiq is reporting that a source inside the hive-mind of Best Buy is claiming that the retailer has earmarked the Xbox 360 Core system for deletion in the company's computers. Apparently, this usually means that a product has been discontinued and "replenishment of the item is not expected," which seems to indicate that if the rumored $50 price cut happens, it may be taking the Core offering with it. Of course, this also might just be a piece of paper that your annoying neighbor knocked out on his dot matrix.

 

[via] Engadget

Sony and 3M settle intellectual property dispute

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The bickering that boiled over into a patent dispute earlier this year between 3M and Sony has finally ceased, but it seems like Lenovo and friends may actually still be fighting their own battles with the innovative giant. Nevertheless, Sony Corporation and Sony Electronics are now "licensed sources of batteries containing 3M's cathode technology," and while specific terms of the settlement shall remain confidential, we're sure it was no small sum that Sony was asked required to pay out. One down, several to go.

 

[via] Engadget

Wii Airplane Controller adds yet more clutter to your living room

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Nintendo may be slow to get a Wii version of Pilotwings off the ground, but those looking to get ready for that inevitability may want to pick up the latest Wiicessory from PEGO, which will turn your humble Wiimote and nunchuck into a makeshift flight stick. Of course, there aren't exactly a whole lot of games at the moment that'll let you take full advantage of the setup, but it will only set you back $13, and it would seem to offer some potential for those looking for some new uses for their Wiimote on their PC.

[Via SlashGear]

 

[via] Engadget

Dell Latitude D830 gets examined

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Dell didn't stray very far from its nearly year-old D820 with its new D830 model, but those still on the fence about a purchase may want to head over to NotebookReview, which now has a fairly thorough examination of the laptop from someone that took the plunge and bought one. While it certainly won't stand out as much as some recent Dell laptops, NotebookReview's "Commander Wolf" nonetheless found the unit to be "visually appealing," with a solid construction and good performance, helped in no small part by its use of discrete graphics. On the downside, he unsurprisingly found that the D830 was "not a thin-and-light" and he was somewhat disappointed by an "unusually large" amount of light leakage coming from the bottom of the screen. The good Commander also thankfully took the time time to put the system through some benchmark tests, which you can check out by hitting up the link below.

 

[via] Engadget

Delphi's NAV300 gets spec'd, priced

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Those patiently awaiting further details on Delphi's latest navigation system need wait no longer, as the firm has finally cranked out the full array of details on the NAV300. This 3.5-inch GPS will feature a SIRFstarIII receiver, rechargeable Li-ion, 32MB of Flash ROM, 64MB of RAM, an SD expansion slot, NAVTEQ maps, a built-in speaker, 400MHz Samsung processor, an image viewer, and a media player that can handle MP3, WAV, MPEG4, AVI, and XviD formats. Furthermore, it'll boast text-to-speech capabilities, speed limit warning software, integrated Bluetooth for handsfree calling, and optional traffic information via the RDS-TMC technology. Best of all, those interested can get their orders in right now, and while the NAV300 will run you $399.99 by itself, you can opt for "lifetime traffic data" for an extra Benjamin.

 

[via] Engadget

Scientists take first step in ceramic-based, quantum computers

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One of the many challenges facing quantum computing is finding a practical material from which to process the quantum information -- the material must not be so exotic such that it becomes too prohibitive and expensive to use for mass calculations. That's why a recently discovered hidden magnetic "quantum order" in ceramic has scientists in such a tizzy. By heating or doping the material with a variety of impurities, scientists from the London Center for Nanotechnology have found a way to propagate magnetic excitations over long chains of atoms in the otherwise magnetically disordered material. Armed then, with the ability to break the chains into independent sub-chains, each with it's own hidden order, scientists have taken the first step towards engineering spin-based quantum states from ceramics. Right, the quantum analogy to those good ol' 1 and 0 state changes used by today's not-so-super computers.

[Thanks, Scott S.]

 

[via] Engadget

Japanese automakers collaborate on operating system

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Earlier this year, Toyota was reportedly mulling the idea of crafting its own in-car OS, but now the firm -- along with nine other Japanese companies -- will be collaborating with the Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry to develop "an operating system for automotive electronics." The initiative is supposedly in reaction to similar joint developments going on with a number of European car outfits, and will aim to "create a global standard in the field." Dubbed JasPar (Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture), the venture will include big shots such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Denso, and Toshiba, and you can look for a prototype version to reach completion in 2009.

[Via The Raw Feed]

 

[via] Engadget

LG Philips develops oil and water based flexible display

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LG Philips, known for its nearly constant pursuit of new flexible display solutions, has recently applied for a patent on a bendable OLED screen technology which would use oil and water to produce images. Apparently, current flexible OLED displays are hampered by the fact that the OLEDs get hotter than the plastic substrate, making manufacture difficult and expensive. The new process that the company is developing would circumvent those problems by making pixels out of oil and water connected to plastic electrodes. The opaque oil would float on the water and obscure a colored surface beneath -- when an electric charge was applied to the field it would reveal the surface and change the color of the pixel. The process is cheap and simple, which hopefully means a future of reading a completely digital morning paper for all of us.

[Via NewScientist, thanks Alan]

 

[via] Engadget

How would you change the OLPC XO?

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Generally we reserve this feature for already-released consumer products, but with everyone now the proud owner of "the last gadget I'll ever need," we figure that we're forced to look in a new direction for devices to collectively critique. And with the hundred-dollar-and-change OLPC XO finally in full-scale production, what better candidate to help us stray from the traditional format? Keep in mind, though, as you're tearing the charitable unit apart, that it's not really meant for the readers and writers of Engadget (at least not yet), and therefore you're gonna look pretty silly suggesting Alienware-esque specs for a project whose goal is financial prudence. That being said, there are still a number of changes we can think of that would benefit the kiddies while still keeping the green plastic wonder under budget. Like, how about a keyboard with some tactility that one can actually touch type on? And while we love the philosophy behind open-source software, the sad truth is that you need to at least be familiar with Windows in the business world -- and with Microsoft offering $3 basic installs to developing countries, why not let these machines dual-boot? Finally -- and this one is for you conservative types over at the News Agency of Nigeria -- NickNeg and friends should probably stop wasting time with those ineffective filters and simply make the machines incapable of displaying flesh tones instead.

Well that's the best we could come up with; now how about you -- how would you change the OLPC XO?

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

iRiver's Mickey Mouse Mplayer gets unboxed, reviewed

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We know you've all been waiting with bated breath for someone to get their hands on iRiver's Disney sanctioned Mickey Mouse Mplayer music jockey and unbox the hell out of it. Well, luckily for you, Pocketables is just as excited about the tiny, cartoon-shaped DAP as you are, and they've given us a full breakdown of the school-girl's dream gadget. Point yourself to the read link for a proper box thrashing and semi-unimpressed review.

 

[via] Engadget

DigitalSpace shows off proposed asteroid mission plans

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It's already considered sending various types of robots to asteroids, but NASA apparently still has plenty more plans for dealing with near-Earth objects (or NEOs), with it recently asking Santa Cruz-based DigitalSpace Commons to develop a simulation for a manned mission. The company's plans, officially unveiled today, are based on NASA's own Constellation exploration crew vehicle, which the space agency developed for lunar missions but says can be modified for trips to NEOs. As CNET reports, DigitalSpace's planned modifications include a system that would anchor the spacecraft "like a boat in a harbor," along with a ring of sensor-equipped airbags that would detect stability on the ground. While NASA isn't saying exactly when it might attempt such a mission, DigitalSpace says it believes one could be done as soon as 2017.

 

[via] Engadget

"Organic semiconductors" help researchers monitor your heart

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Have you ever been halfway through a heart attack and thought "If only my shirt had been laced with wireless sensors that monitored respiration and body temperature, this cheese-stick-related incident might have been prevented"? Well now, next time you have one-too-many wings while tailgating, a fabric developed by researchers at the University of Arkansas might be able to alert medical professionals to your condition before you go code red. The technology, based around an "organic semiconductor" called pentacene (a hydrocarbon molecule) and a comparative instrument known as a Wheatstone bridge, can be embedded in fabrics such as undershirts and coupled with wireless transmitters. In the garments, body temperature is monitored through a thin-film transistor, while respiration is gauged using electrical resistance, but both technologies employ the pentacene as a sensing layer. Researchers hope to further develop the technology so that doctors can get to you long before you eat a fatal piece of cheesecake.

[Via Medlaunches, thanks, Geetu]

 

[via] Engadget

Trigem showcases Lineage 2 Dreamsys STWT slim PC

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It's not unusual to find pre-fabricated rigs with game-specific paint jobs here in the US, but Trigem is looking to pique South Korea's interest with its Lineage 2 Dreamsys STWT. The glossy white tower sports some fairly impressive artwork on the front panel, and while your attachment to the game may draw you in, it's the innards that will make or break the deal. Specs wise, you'll find a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB SATA hard drive, a DVD burner, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 7650GS GPU, gigabit Ethernet, a slew of USB 2.0 ports, nine-in-one multicard reader, audio in / out, FireWire, and VGA / DVI outputs to boot. No word on when this gem will be available to fanboys (and gals), but you'll be looking at a ?1,249,000 ($1,356) pricetag whenever it does.

 

[via] Engadget

IOGEAR releases 4-port HDMI switch

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Iogear GHDMIAS4 4-port HDMI switch
IOGEAR has just released the GHDMIAS4 4-port automatic HDMI switch, which takes four of your favorite HDMI inputs and pares them down to one output. It has automatic sensing to switch to an input when a new source is turned on, or you can use the remote with discrete buttons. The switch supports 1080p and HDMI 1.3, is HDCP-compliant, and ships now for $189.95, including a bonus 6-foot HDMI cable.

 

[via] Engadget

Verizon Wireless to buy Rural Cellular for $2.67 billion

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Another one bites the dust, so to speak. This time around, we've got Verizon Wireless doing the acquiring, as it has just announced plans to pay $2.67 billion for "one of the nation's largest rural carriers," Rural Cellular. The news comes just over a month after AT&T handed over a staggering amount of its own to pick up Dobson Communications, and this agreement will expand the carrier's coverage "in parts of the East Coast and the South, as well as in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Idaho, Washington and Oregon." Verizon did note that it planned on deploying CDMA service in Rural Cellular's existing GSM markets in order to convert customers over, but it also mentioned that the existing GSM networks would remain to "serve the roaming needs of other GSM carrier's customers." Look for the deal to be finalized sometime during the first half of next year, and don't be surprised if we see a few more consolidation efforts go down in the meantime.

 

[via] Engadget

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Samsung's latest Bordeaux LCDs give 720p some style again

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Samsung is adding more midrange options to its overseas Bordeaux lineup, with new LCDs in 23-, 32- and 40-inch sizes. These 720p (1366x768) HDTVs feature 8ms response times, 8,000:1 contrast ratio and 550 cd/m2 brightness on the two larger screens, while the 23-inch is limited to a 4,000:1 contrast and 450cd/m2 brightness rating. The smallest LCD eschews the slick black finish that seems standard for the line, but for just 69,800 yen ($581 U.S.), we'll overlook it. The 40-inch LN40R81B (above) will cost 168,00 yen ($1,398 U.S.) and the 32-inch 99,800 yen ($830 U.S.) when all three are released on the 27th. More photos after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's latest Bordeaux LCDs give 720p some style again

 

[via] Engadget

Intel responds to EU charges, deems actions 'beneficial' to consumers

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Shortly after the European Commission issued a Statement of Objections against Intel asseverating that it used unfair and unlawful tactics against AMD, Intel has fired back a statement of its own in response. Put simply, Intel declared that it is "confident that the microprocessor market segment is functioning normally and that Intel's conduct has been lawful, pro-competitive, and beneficial to consumers." Furthermore, the company noted that while it would "certainly have preferred to avoid the cost and inconvenience of establishing that its competitive conduct in Europe has been lawful, the Commission's decision to issue a Statement of Objections means that at last Intel will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the allegations made by our primary competitor." Notably, the chip giant even mentions that the case is actually "based on complaints from a direct competitor rather than customers or consumers," and concludes by suggesting that when "competitors perform and execute, the market rewards them." Settle in folks, this one has just begun.

[Via TheRegister]

 

[via] Engadget

BBC launches iPlayer online video service

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Nah, it's not quite
[via] Engadget

The AirLive WMU-6500FS BitTorrent NAS gets reviewed

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We've seen NAS BitTorrent drives / servers before, but none quite as cheap or ugly as the AirLive WMU-6500FS. The Inquirer has gotten its hands on the funky gray PATA- or SATA-ready media stealer, and they give it a pretty decent once over. The drive comes with 32MB of RAM on board, 4MB of flash memory for the OS, and 802.11g. The BitTorrent and HTTP / FTP server clients all reside in the box and are accessible through your web browser, allowing you to engage in all sorts of energy-saving activities -- like downloading lots of "films" without the need for any computers around. According to the review, the whole package can be yours for around $100. Of course, you can get all the thrilling details if you simply hit the read link.

[Thanks, Tech Luver]

 

[via] Engadget

Trinity Audio shows off Linux based, self-contained DAW

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We mentioned this workstation back in 2006 when it was only in prototype form, but the Trinity appears to be heading into production (see pic) with some minor changes in specs. The portable DAW sports an 8-inch LCD monitor and runs a custom build of Linux called Transmission, which is loaded with a handful of audio tracking and editing apps, as well as soft-synths, plugins, and sequencers, while control of the OS is handled by a touchpad and two buttons on either side of the screen. The system runs on a 500MHz CPU, with 256MB of RAM, a 20GB or 40GB hard drive, 802.11g, and it's all jammed into a fanless aluminum case (which definitely raises some temperature questions) that kind of looks like an elongated Korg KAOSS Pad. The box has two XLR / TRS jacks for input, and two more TRS jacks to get audio out, which doesn't provide a lot of options for multi-tracking (which appears to be its main use), and the provided USB port is only used for control of the built-in apps. There are still plenty of questions, not the least of which is why the "buy now" link on the company's website is broken, and Linux doesn't really have any presence in the recording world, but it's still an interesting development in portable audio.

[Via Pro Audio News and Reviews]

 

[via] Engadget

Sony teams with Sky for PSP video on demand in Europe

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While PSP users in Japan will soon be able to use their preferred handheld to pick up some digital broadcast TV, those in Europe will apparently be getting some new video options of a different sort, with Sony today announcing a partnership with Sky that'll see the two form a new company to offer video on demand. Details are unfortunately still pretty light at the moment, but the service (offering "a wealth of video and film content") will apparently be available in the UK and Ireland initially, with talk of further expansion in Europe reportedly still "ongoing." According to GamesIndustry.biz, the two will have plenty more to say about it at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany on August 22nd.

 

[via] Engadget

Apple's MacBook Pro 85W MagSafe adapter shipping now


We know you've been sitting around all day, watching the door, hoping to see a UPS delivery person coming down the walkway with a new, small-ified MacBook Pro 85W MagSafe adapter. You probably thought it was going to take forever -- but your dreams just came true. According to one user who was kind enough to share with us, the units are shipping, though if you ordered a stock laptop recently you might not see it at all. Here's what they had to say; "The 85w compact adapter shipped with a recent Macbook Pro BTO configuration. I ordered two at the same time, one stock, one BTO, but the stock config didn't come with the compact adapter, whereas the BTO one did." So picky buyers, be prepared to make some angry calls to customer service.

[Thanks, Erin]

 

[via] Engadget

Cisco axes Linksys branding

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Linksys fanboys, if there even are such creatures, best get used to seeing a lot more Cisco and a lot less of their favorite brand, as Cisco CEO John Chambers recently announced at a European roundtable discussion (video after the jump) that Linksys products would now sport the Cisco name. Chambers was quoted as saying that "it would all come, over time, into a Cisco brand," and he also noted that the reason the Linksys name was kept alive was because "it was better known in the US than even Cisco was for the consumer." As the firm "goes globally," he concluded, there would be "little advantage" in keeping it around. Sayonara, dear Linksys.

[Via TheInquirer]

Continue reading Cisco axes Linksys branding

 

[via] Engadget

Sony expands VAIO SZ line with new SZ6 series

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Sony's made no secret of its plans to give its VAIO SZ line of laptops a Santa Rosa refresh, but it looks like the company's now let loose a few more details, including the all important word on pricing and availability. In addition to that Santa Rosa boost, these ones (dubbed the SZ6 series) all come equipped with 13.3-inch LED backlit displays, along hybrid hard drives boasting 160GB of traditional storage and 256MB of flash memory. According to Laptoping.com, a range of different pre-configured and build-to-order models are available, coming equipped with your choice of Core 2 Duo T7500, T7700 or T7250 processors, and an option of standard 120GB, 160GB, or 200GB hard drives if you're not quite ready to hop on the hybrid bandwagon. Look for these to set you back between $2,060 and $2,700 depending on the configuration, with them apparently set to ship on August 1st.

[via] Engadget

SK Telecom develops phone-controlled cleaning bot

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SK Telecom, never wanting to be outdone by clever hackers in producing totally useless and bizarre devices that no one really needs, is in the final development stages on a Roomba-style robot that can be controlled by your mobile phone. The circular cleaning bot will be able to receive direction from a phone user on where to scrub, buff, and vacuum, while the controller views all of the exciting, floor-sweeping action on his or her cell phone via a built-in camera at the front of the bot. This should be the prefect product for those who feel the Roomba makes life too easy by cleaning a room on its own -- although it's possible that this technology could be adopted by legions of young men hoping to get a better look up women's skirts. Only time will tell.

 

[via] Engadget

Kodak sues Matsushita over patent infringement

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Kodak, a name pretty much synonymous with the word "camera" in the past, and "crap" more recently, sued Japanese manufacturer Masushita (primary owner of Panasonic, amongst others), alleging the company infringed upon its digital camera patents. In documents filed in Texas, Kodak claims that the company violated patents for an "electronic camera utilizing image compression and digital storage," and "an apparatus and method for previewing motion images using a series of lower resolution still images." According to a Kodak spokesman, the company has tried to resolved the dispute "for a number of years," but the results haven't been up to snuff for the photography giant. Interestingly, Kodak has all but announced that it plans to bolster its earnings by milking kickbacks from the licensing of its intellectual property during its lengthy transition from a traditional photography company to a digital one. If the past is any indication, Matsushita can just crack the wallet right now.

 

[via] Engadget

Tech-savvy iTeddy puts other bears to shame

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If you thought your childhood favorite Teddy Ruxpin was hot stuff, it ain't got nothing on the MP3-playing iTeddy. Reportedly, the UK-based critter is all set to launch today, and will be available in the Argos catalog for a respectable £59.99 ($123). The bear itself comes with a built-in LCD, integrated speakers, 512MB of internal memory, a rechargeable battery, detachable media player, an SD expansion slot, and a USB cable to load 'er up. Call us crazy, but this thing has the makings of a Tickle Me Elmo written all over it, so we'd get those orders placed as soon as humanly possible if you know your youngster(s) will be begging. Click on for a few more shots.

Continue reading Tech-savvy iTeddy puts other bears to shame

 

[via] Engadget

Current Apple machines don't meet new EnergyStar guidelines

Uh-oh, Steve: Apple just got a little less green. New, more stringent requirements for EnergyStar certification went into effect last week, and while most manufacturers have a model or two that meets the updated regs, not a single shipping Mac qualifies. Apple's taken a lot of heat in the past for its environmental policies, and while Steve's blasted back with stats of his own and committed to steps like totally eliminating CCFL backlights in Apple displays, the loss of something like EnergyStar certification isn't going to sit so well with critics -- or shareholders, for that matter. Manufacturers have until January to update their machines or lose the certification, so this isn't a huge blow, but Apple's been insistent that it's more eco-conscious that other companies -- looks like it's put up or shut up time.

[Via Floppyhead]

 

[via] Engadget

FairUse4WM strips BBC's iPlayer DRM?

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We haven't had a chance to play with BBC's nifty new iPlayer online video service yet, but we're hearing that FairUse4WM strips the files of their DRM -- anyone try it out yet? Let us know in comments!

[Thanks, Chris]

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

SunRocket postpones service shutoff until August 5

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Customers of failed VoIP provider SunRocket finally got some answers today after the service suddenly shut down ten days ago -- a message posted on the company's website officially broke the news that service is being discontinued and apologized to customers. SunRocket has brokered a deal to sell off some assets and keep things going until August 5th, and TeleBlend and 8x8 have apparently committed to providing former SunRocket customers with special rate plans. This pretty much kills those rumors that SunRocket had been acquired, so anyone feeling the burn had better port their numbers right quick -- after August 5th they'll just be a memory.

[Via PC World]

 

[via] Engadget

Giles Deacon-designed Asus laptop now available

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While they may not boast quite the same name recognition as Asus's line of Lamborghini-branded laptops, the company's new Giles Deacon-designed laptops look like they should attract their fair share of attention nonetheless. Dubbed "Giles for Intel," the limited edition laptops are based on Asus's standard W5 model, with the notable addition of a custom-designed print on the lid, available in your choice of "male" or "female" designs. Otherwise, the laptops appear to be unchanged from the run-of-the-mill model, with all the usual Centrino Duo goods on the inside, along with a 12-inch display, a 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, and super-multi DVD/RW drive. Look for these exclusively at Selfridges stores in the UK, where they'll set you back a hefty £1,499 apiece (or just over $3,000).

 

[via] Engadget

Denon launches programmable RC-7000CI remote

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Right on cue, Denon has gone and launched the oh-so-snazzy RC-7000CI remote, which we had the pleasure of seeing a tad early thanks to the FCC. The fully programmable, ZigBee-based remote allows for universal command and control of all Denon remote controlled products "as well as products from other manufacturers," and those with internet access (that'd be you, hot shot) can simply connect the remote to a PC via USB and "program the functionality of all the products in their system" care of the online IR database. Paired up with one or two RC-7001RCI RF/IR Remote Bases (pictured after the jump), the duo creates a multi-room remote control system that allows for "both two-way communication and IR functionality." As with everything labeled Denon, don't expect either of these August-bound niceties to come sans a premium, as you'll be asked to cough up $299.99 for the remote itself, while each base station adds another $199.99.

[Via TrustedReviews]

Continue reading Denon launches programmable RC-7000CI remote

 

[via] Engadget

Man gets BSOD message tattooed on his arm

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If anyone gave that Zune tattoo guy props for his bravery / stupidity, you owe a handful of kudos to this fellow, too. In an admittedly bizarre move to show one's disdain (right?) for the always infuriating Blue Screen of Death, this man has went so far as to tattoo the BSOD error message on his arm, presumably as a battle scar for all those Windows driver installations gone terribly awry. Next up? We're betting on a Kernel Panic tat for arm number two.

[Via Tumbl, thanks Laura]

 

[via] Engadget

Yumekobo's Yamanote alarm clock shows train schedules

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You know what they say about Japanese trains being so reliable you can set a clock to it? Ironically enough, Yumekobo's Yamanote alarm clock does just that, and while we're sure the vivid green color scheme isn't for everyone, its features (feature?) are what counts. Apparently, the clock communicates via radio with the train station, and the train symbols surrounding the hands correspond to where a given train is located at a certain point in time. Additionally, it sports built-in chimes and melodies to match those played in the actual station, and of course, can wake you up at a set time so you don't miss your morning ride to work. Not a bad device to keep around for ¥7,980 ($66), and in case you're still a bit stumped on how this thing actually operates, check out a web-based demonstration here.

[Via Gearfuse]

 

[via] Engadget

Apple patent reveals data-to-voice translation system for cellphones

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Apart from Steve's not-so-subtle hatred of buttons, Apple has traditionally been a fairly accessibility-aware company, and its latest patent application, for the "Multimedia data transfer for a personal communication device," outlines a method by which the visually-impaired can use services like SMS. The system eliminates the need for backend servers and data transfers by having the transmitting device first read the text and then send it over a voice channel to the receiver. The application also details an extension of the system where received voice transmissions are forwarded to a mail server and stored for later retrieval -- kind of like reverse voicemail. As always, Apple's pretty vague about how we might see this patent applied, but that doesn't make trying to read the patent tea leaves any less entertaining.

[Thanks, Brian]

[Via MacNN]

 

[via] Engadget

Keepin' it real fake, part LXVIII: the four-wheeled Segway

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You can really only go two ways when you're knocking off an iconic product, according to our copy of "Asian Device Fakery, 4th Edition": either you can slavishly copy every detail and come up with a faithful replica, or you can throw caution to the wind and crank out the craziest mishmash of branding and design you can. Any other approach inevitably leads to hilariously awful results -- like this four-wheeled "Segway" that's been popping up in Europe. It looks like whatever company built this thing lacked the basic engineering skill to make it self-balance, so the designers just went ahead and added a couple extra wheels to really pump up the nerd-on-the-run factor. Only €399 ($544) to barely out-cool that guy on the electric tricycle.

[Thanks, JM]

 

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

[via] Engadget

Conceptual Samsung SS 700 camera packs integrated digiframe

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While a standalone digital photo frame is certainly a novel item to have around the crib, integrating it into a pocket cam for easy portability just sounds so much more useful. Thankfully, a crafty concept designer by the name of Jin Woo Han has created the perfect mishmash of the aforementioned devices, and while we've no idea if the Samsung SS 700 will ever get legit, you can't fault a guy (or gal) for hoping. The 7.2-megapixel camera boasts a sleek, stylish design, but the standout feature is the sliding rear display that doubles as a digiframe. Heck, there's even a built-in kickstand for extended viewing. Check it out in detail after the break.

[Via LetsGoDigital]

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[via] Engadget