Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Olympus E-3 DSLR is officially official

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Yeah, we've been hearing about this one for quite some time, but just as expected Olympus is making its mid-range E-3 DSLR official. Starting at $1,700, you get:
  • 10 megapixel sensor
  • 2.5-inch 230k pixel live view display
  • "World's fastest autofocus" with 11-point biaxial AF system
  • Image stabilization, sonic dust cleaning on sensor, shoots up to ISO 3200
  • 3/4 lens mount, takes CF and xD media
We haven't heard when it'll be available, but you can surely expected it in short order.

[Thanks, Zo]

 

[via] Engadget

iPhone dev team releases free 1.1.1 unlock

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The industrious rebels of the iPhone Dev Team have joined in the iPhone unlock chess match today, with the release of AnySim 1.1, a free unlocking app that enables iPhones with both firmware version 1.02 and 1.1.1 to operate on any GSM network. The hack only works with "virgin" iPhones right now, and unlocking a 1.0.2 phone and updating to 1.1.1 will result in a bricked device, but the team says they'll be releasing a "revirginizer" for locked 1.1.1 phones soon. As always, hack at your own risk -- and don't expect future updates to go smoothly.

[Via TUAW]

 

[via] Engadget

HTC shipping out 50000 mobiles with Google OS?

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Another day, another Gphone rumor. This go 'round, a UBS analyst is reportedly confirming that HTC "will ship about 50,000 cellphones running on a mobile operating system made by the Mountain View, California-based search giant by the end of this year." If you'll recall, this definitely isn't the first time we've heard these two names mentioned in the same sentence, but interestingly enough, analyst Benjamin Schachter actually suggested that the first batch wouldn't "be for sale" -- rather, they'd be used exclusively by developers "to understand how the software works." These reports also help substantiate the belief that Google will likely be focusing on software, and furthermore, Mr. Schachter insinuated that he wouldn't be too awfully shocked if another handset maker (such as LG, imagine that) also jumped in to provide hardware. Whatever the case, we'll be waiting in tense anticipation for a developer-led unboxing -- if this hubbub proves legitimate, of course.

[Thanks, Jeff]

 

[via] Engadget

Apple officially cuts DRM-free track prices to $.99

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In a move which can only be described as unsurprising, Apple has officially announced plans to lower the price of its iTunes Plus offerings (AKA iTunes sans-DRM) to $.99, instead of the higher-priced premium of $1.29. Old Jobsy claims that the decision was made due to the popularity of the unlocked, higher quality tracks with customers, saying, "It's been very popular with our customers, and we're making it even more affordable." Of course, it also seems likely that iTunes and Apple are feeling the burn from the new wave of DRM-free music providers, like Amazon, and the persistent rumors / news of former playmate Universal amassing an "anti-iTunes" which could seriously compete with the Cupertino monolith's business. Sure, it's the third-largest retailer of music in the US, but there's always someone creeping up from behind -- just ask Irv Gotti.

 

[via] Engadget

Vita Audio releases the R1 DAB / FM radio

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For some reason DAB radio manufacturers love rocking the retro look, and Vita Audio's R1 is no exception. Featuring a DAB and FM tuners, the seven-watt single-speaker all-in-one also sports a two-line LCD and Vita's "RotoDial" controller, while still retaining an certain old-school charm. The unit also sports an 1/8-inch input for MP3 players and analog outputs if you want to add some DAB love to your existing rig, but something tells us the kids who drop £150 ($300) on this thing will want to put it out front and center.

[Via TechDigest]

 

[via] Engadget

Researchers using viruses to build nano-electronics

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MIT researchers have begun using bio-engineered viruses to build nanomaterials with wide-ranging applications, like thin battery fibers that may one day be woven directly into clothing. The process, which is being developed by Professor Angela Belcher and her team, has gained the interest of the US military for its potential in creating new types of sensors, solar cells, and batteries, as part of future combat gear. There's still a way to go, however -- right now all the virus-built fibers really do is glow red under ultraviolet, but Belcher is confident her "directed evolution" development technique will allow her viral construction crew to build more sophisticated fibers soon. Here's hoping -- we'd kill to recharge our devices with some stylin' battery-pants.

 

[via] Engadget

Aluratek's new 11-inch and 15-inch photo frames try and keep up

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It's no easy task keeping up with the ever expanding screen sizes of digital photo frames, but Aluratek is doing its darnedest with the new 11-inch ADMPF311F and the 15-inch ADMPF315F frames it just shuffled onto the market. Oddly, the 11-inch model brings 1GB of built-in memory, while the 15-incher only does 256MB, but we're guessing you're going to do most of your viewing off the CompactFlash / SD card readers. The frames can handle JPEG, MPEG, AVI, MP3 and WMV files, offer support for USB thumb drives, show off your photos at a 1024 x 768 resolution, and are priced at $200 and $300, respectively.

 

[via] Engadget

DARPA's robotic arm demoed

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Boston Globe reporter Scott Kirsner got a chance to go behind the scenes with DARPA's much publicized robotic arm, designed by a team led by Dean Kamen. The video includes an interview with Dean, along with some footage of the arm itself, including a symbolic handshake between the reporter and humanity's future destroyer (or if not, the ancestor of humanity's future destroyer.) Anyway, the video offers some interesting insight into the development of what could eventually be a truly bionic arm: check it out after the break.

Continue reading DARPA's robotic arm demoed

 

[via] Engadget

Dash Express hits the FCC

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Well, would you look at that -- the Dash Express has navigated itself into the FCC's tell-all database. Not much here you didn't already know -- 4.3-inch display, WiFi, cell, and GPS radios, two-way traffic updates and travel-time estimation, and slightly redesigned casing -- but it looks like there's a 400MHz Samsung processor under the hood running a custom Linux build in 128MB of RAM, with 3GB of flash for maps. Hit the read link to nerd it up with some hot RF interference documentation.

 

[via] Engadget

"Gatling gun" robot to clean up Britain's Windscale nuclear accident site

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Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the Windscale fire, the worst nuclear accident in British history, and it looks like regulators are gearing up to finish dismantling the site within the next 12 years -- beating estimates of a further 40 years. The plan centers around the use of a robot nicknamed the "Gatling gun" to remove 15 tons of damaged nuclear fuel rods from inside the Pile 1 building, which investigators weren't even able to enter until last year due to health concerns. The robot, which gets its name from its distinctive shape, won't be deployed until several other parts of the plant are decommissioned in about four years, but that's still far sooner than researchers previously thought cleanup was possible. If all goes well, the robot's developer, US-based SA Robotics, says the site will be a useable "brownfield" by 2030 -- but we'll stick to our "greenfields," thanks much.

 

[via] Engadget

Nyko introduces Intercooler for Nintendo's Wii

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Just in case your Wii has suddenly and unexpectedly become some sort of flamethrower in recent weeks, Nyko is introducing a cooling solution of its very own. Granted, we don't really expect that most Wii consoles will actually need this thing, but we're sure the "better safe than sorry" crowd will have a field day. Regardless, the clip-on device won't require any fancy modifications to operate, and while it will only run you $14.99, your money is probably better spent elsewhere (read: anywhere).

[Via Joystiq]

 

[via] Engadget

Samsung showcases VM-DX10 DVD / flash hybrid camcorder

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Over at KES 2007, Samsung has been busy showing off its newest camcorder, a unit that actually records to both mini DVDs or internal flash memory. The VM-DX10 allows users to store footage on a three-inch DVD or on the 4GB of flash memory within, and it also boasts a 2.7-inch touch panel, 3D Noise Reduction Filter, 26x zoom, and Hyper Image Stabilizer. The unit is slated to land in Korea next month in either black or white motifs, and while it sure is tiny, the ?700,000 ($763) asking price seems a bit steep considering how limited 4GB really is. Check out a few more looks after the break.

[Via MobileWhack]

Continue reading Samsung showcases VM-DX10 DVD / flash hybrid camcorder

 

[via] Engadget

Zune crew wraps battery life tests, only does 4 hours video

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Cesar on the Zune team says his crew's wrapped up its battery life tests on the new Zunes 80, 8, and 4, and the results are somewhat disappointing, even compared to what was previously posted on Amazon:

Zune 80
  • Audio: up to 30 hours
  • Video: up to 4 hours
Zune 8 and 4
  • Audio: up to 24 hours
  • Video: up to 4 hours
Not, it's not that terrible, but these tests were with wireless disabled (which isn't necessarily the most realistic method of testing), using 128Kbps WMA audio and 500Kbps WMV video. In other words, it's liable those numbers could go down even further when playing higher bitrate and/or non-Microsoft format files with wireless on and dormant most of the time. Bummer. We'll definitely let you know when we get ours and put it to the test.

[Thanks, Shawn and Daniel]

 

[via] Engadget

HP launches new low-power PCs, recycling program

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HP unveiled a couple new desktops, a new monitor and a slick recycling program in China Taiwan today, and our boys from Engadget Chinese were on the spot just as you'd expect. The HP Pavilion S3260 low-power desktop has a peak power consumption of just 45W but still rocks an Athlon X2 BE-2350 dual-core processor, 256MB NVIDIA 8400GS graphics, 1GB of RAM, a 320GB disk, a multi-format memory card reader, a dual-layer burner and three years of on-site support for an estimated price of NT$29,900 yuan ($3,982 $917). HP was also showing off the 24-inch 2308 LCD, which pivots from portrait to landscape, and the Pavilion m9090 multimedia computer, which sports an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB disk, and 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8500GT graphics, for the insane price of NT$49,900 yuan ($6,646 $1531). Topping it all off is the recycling program, in which HP will take in five old PCs and "re-assemble" them into a new PC to be donated to disadvantaged families. Considering the prices of HP's new PCs, we're assuming everyone in China qualifies as "disadvantaged," so here's hoping that program gets up to speed soon. No word on when we'll see these hit the States, but we'll pretty certain those of you looking to drop six grand on a machine can find other options.

Update:
Sorry, got some signals crossed through machine translation -- these are launching in Taiwan, and the prices are in Taiwanese dollars, not yuan, which explains a lot.

 

[via] Engadget

Hyundai shows off W-100 watch phone

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Remember that mysterious CECT cellphone watch we peeked back in July? Unless our eyes (badly) deceive us, that very piece has morphed into Hyundai's W-100, the latest watchphone in town. Reportedly, this device sports a 1.3-megapixel camera, a 176 x 144 resolution touchscreen, Bluetooth, support for English / Chinese languages, an integrated MP3 player and a microSD slot for loading up your tunes. Regrettably, no pricing or release information was readily available, but feel free to click on through for a couple more looks.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Continue reading Hyundai shows off W-100 watch phone

 

[via] Engadget

Lumenlab shoves PC inside 42-inch 1080p display, calls it Q

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There's all-in-one PCs, and then there's the Q. This behemoth sports a unique identity crisis, as it attempts to pose as an aluminum-framed HDTV while featuring a full-fledged computer within. Nevertheless, the 42-inch Q packs a 1080p panel, compatibility with the Lumenlab's own Hotwire PnP powerline networking technology, a fanless design, 1TB of HDD storage, 2GB of RAM and an Intel Core Duo processor. Unfortunately, details beyond that are fairly slim, but we should get a better idea of specifications and pricing when its ship date draws closer.

[Thanks, Scott]

 

[via] Engadget

Apple lowering DRM-free tracks to $0.99 -- embracing Indies?

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The rumors are rampant this morning about an imminent, cross-the-board iTunes Plus (DRM-free) price cut. Previously, all Plus tracks had been listed at $1.29, not the usual $0.99 for DRM "protected" media. That premium delivers 256kbps quality tracks for you to play on any device supporting AAC playback. Of these tracks, nearly all were from EMI or just a handful of Indies. Now, presumably in response to launch of Amazon's MP3 store which prices DRM-free tracks at $0.89 or $0.99, Apple appears ready to cut the price of all Plus tracks to $0.99. As the rumor goes, we should see more Indie's shed their DRM sometime this week, if not today.

[Via MacRumors]

 

[via] Engadget

Tektronix oscilloscopes could catch fire due to volatile Li-ion

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We've seen some strange devices catch fire due to faulty batteries, but this one just may take top honors. Apparently, a pair of Tektronix oscilloscopes (model numbers TDS3000 and TDS3000B) have the potential of catching fire; according to the company, it has received two reports of the units "burning at customer sites." Upon closer inspection, it was noticed that the machines both relied on a TDS3BATB Li-ion battery, which is now carrying the blame for the unexpected blazes. If you or a loved one just so happen to own or use one of these rigs in your everyday life, Tektronix is suggesting that you power it down and stop using the battery until further notice.

[Via TheInquirer]

 

[via] Engadget

Sex with Massachusetts Robots by 2050 -- wicked!

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Having read the title above, we ask you: how do you feel? Titillated at the prospect or fearful for the little babies? Either way, if artificial intelligence researcher David Levy of the University of Maastricht is to be believed, we'll be consummating relationships with our anatomically correct Roombas by mid-century. Ironically, even though the city of Maastricht sits in free-livin' Netherlands, Levy predicts that Massachusetts will be first to legalize human-robot marriage due to its liberal attitude toward same-sex marriages. He envisions those early man-machine marriages falling victim to the same cultural taboos affecting interracial marriages. However, just as those are accepted over time, so will committed robot-hookups be seen as "normal" as the practice becomes more common. According to Levy, "once you have a story like 'I had sex with a robot, and it was great!' appear someplace like Cosmo magazine, I'd expect many people to jump on the bandwagon." Hear that Digg users? The cure to nerdonic-celibacy is all up to you.

[Via TG Daily]

 

[via] Engadget

Airlines announce bar code standard for cellphone check-ins

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It looks like the International Air Transport Association has managed to get the various airlines it represents to hop on the cellphone-as-ticket bandwagon in a big way, although it appears that widespread adoption of the technology is still quite a ways off. Unlike some other systems, this new standard consists of a bar code that passengers receive as a text message, which can then be read directly from the phone's screen when they arrive at the airport. The standard, which the IATA hopes will take hold by 2010, even goes so far as to incorporate various bar code systems in use around the world, including Aztec, Datamatrix, and the ever-popular QR codes. Of course, it's more than just convenience that convinced the airlines to sign on, with the IATA estimating that change could ultimately end up saving the airlines more than $500 million a year.

[Thanks, Laura. Photo courtesy of Adam Berry/Bloomberg News]

 

[via] Engadget

Genius Traveler 915BT Laser: the presenter's mouse

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On the heels of IOGEAR's own presentation mouse comes the Traveler 915BT Laser, which is quite a few rungs above being a one trick pony. Genius' latest is a Bluetooth mouse that boasts a 1,600dpi sensor, built-in laser pointer and the ability to shuffle forward and back through your PowerPoint slides. There's also a battery indicator light along with an on / off switch to conserve energy, and the "4D" scroll wheel enables easy access to pages that extend left and right, too. Unfortunately, there are no details regarding a price or release date, but word on the street has it landing for around $50.

[Via PCLaunches]

 

[via] Engadget

Apple responds to Greenpeace: what part of "end of 2008" didn't you understand?

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Yesterday's battle between Greenpeace and Apple had the former publicly chastising the latter for its continued use of hazardous chemicals in its iPhone. While they conceded that Apple is compliant with Europe's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) standard, they lambasted Cupertino for its continued use of PVC and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) which, according to Greenpeace, "suggests that Apple is not making early progress towards its 2008 commitment to phase-out all uses of these materials." This morning, an Apple spokesperson told Macworld that, "Like all Apple products worldwide, iPhone complies with RoHS, the world's toughest restrictions on toxic substances in electronics. As we have said, Apple will voluntarily eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs by the end of 2008." Sure, you can fault Apple for not being as environmentally friendly as PVC-free Nokia, or Motorola and Sony Ericsson who offer some devices with BFR-free components. However, Greenpeace shouldn't feign surprise at what they found.

 

[via] Engadget

ASUS Eee PC models announced

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They're here, the Eee PC from ASUS, just announced in four ultra-portable flavors. Models offer between 8GB and 2GB of solid state disk capacity, 1GB to 256MB of DDR2 memory, and 3.5-hour or 2.8-hour batteries. Each sports an Intel CPU and chipset supporting Linux or XP, a 7-inch display, and Ethernet and WiFi. A video camera is only available in the 8GB and 4GB models. What's missing? The fracking price that's what. No worries, we expect the information to arrive courtesy of NewEgg and Best Buy over the next few hours if not minutes. In the meantime, see the model breakdown after the break.

[Via I4U]

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC models announced

 

[via] Engadget

Canon's ScanFront 220 / 220P begins shipping

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Canon has today announced that its ScanFront 220 and ScanFront 220P network scanners have started to ship out in the US, which means consumers anxious to get a household bizhub (of sorts) can throw patience to the wind. Both of these devices enable users to scan in documents and immediately email them, send them to an FTP server or transfer the files to a USB drive. The unit also features an 8.5-inch touchscreen to keep things in order, and it can reportedly scan up to 26 pages-per-minute or 35 images-per-minute. Furthermore, users can save the documents as compressed / searchable PDFs, TIFFs or JPEGs, and for those opting for the 220P, you can take advantage of "ultra-sonic double feed detection" and fingerprint authentication. Get 'em both now for $1,995 and $2,195, respectively.

 

[via] Engadget

Apple gets sued over Greenpeace iPhone report

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So hot on the heels of that Greenpeace report (and Apple response) claiming the iPhone contains toxic chemicals, California's Center for Environmental Health filed legal notice of a potential lawsuit against Apple alleging under California's Proposition 65 law that the iPhone's "phthalate" content requires the company to either put warning labels on the device, or, better yet, re-engineer it so it doesn't contain the compounds at all. The notice gives Apple 60 days to respond before CEH can file a lawsuit. We spoke to Charles Margulis, communications director at CEH, and learned a few things about the suit:
  • CEH hasn't actually tested an iPhone for the presence of these compounds themselves -- they're working off what they, like everyone else, read in the Greenpeace report. However, they have started testing and expect to be complete before the 60 days are up. Charles wouldn't say what they would do if their tests didn't jive with Greenpeace's results.
  • The reason they filed suit so quickly is a function of how the law works. Even though they don't have independent verification of the iPhone's alleged toxic content, CEH will be in a weaker position to sue Apple if another organization or individual files first. According to Charles, CEH would rather have Apple revise the iPhone to be cleaner than get massive damages, and CEH doesn't want other, greedier parties to get in the way.
  • The ultimate goal is not necessarily monetary damages -- although Charles called those "a tool we can use" -- but to get Apple to reformulate the iPhone and perhaps send a warning letter to existing customers.
So while we're still going to be skeptical until we see additional verification of that Greenpeace report, it certainly doesn't seem like CEH is simply angling for cash here. In the meantime, it might be wise to avoid blending your baby.

Disclaimer: Although this post was written by an attorney, it is not meant as legal advice or analysis and should not be taken as such.


[via] Engadget

Apple store is down

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Although it's been down several times in the last few months without new product introductions, we have a sneaking suspicion that we're due for news related to Leopard and possibly iTunes pricing. Who knows, maybe they'll even toss in a "deep red" iPhone while they're at it. So hold tight, the Apple store should be back in a few...

 

[via] Engadget

Mio's seven-inch C728 navigator surfaces

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Mio has quietly introduced a snazzy new navigator on its site, dubbed the C728. This unit boasts an expansive seven-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen, 400MHz Samsung 2443 processor, SiRFstar III GPS chipset, AV input, internal speaker, SD / MMC expansion slots, a headphone jack, USB connectivity, 2GB of memory, 64MB of RAM and a rechargeable Li-ion good for nearly 2.5-hours on a full charge. Furthermore, you'll find Windows CE.net 5.0 runnin' the show, and there's even a multimedia player / image viewer built in. Sadly, mum's the word in regard to pricing and availability.

[Via NaviGadget]

 

[via] Engadget

TomTom ONE XL-S on the horizon?

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Take it for whatever it's worth, but word on the street has TomTom coming out with yet another flavor of its highly-regarded ONE. According to GPSReview, the TomTom ONE XL-S should be hitting any time, but it's likely to disappoint those hoping for big changes. Apparently, the "only difference between the ONE XL and the ONE XL-S is that the XL-S will come with text-to-speech," and it should also come pre-loaded with NavCore version 7 with MapShare. Price wise, it's said that the XL-S will run around $50 higher than the non-S iteration.

[Thanks, Tim]

 

[via] Engadget

Nokia's S60 Touch Interface announced

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Nokia is showing off their new S60 Touch Interface at the Symbian Smartphone Show today. Unlike their last attempt, this effort was demonstrated on a more Nokia-like concept device. The touch-interface supports haptic feedback and accepts both finger and stylus inputs depending upon the display technology used. Feast your eyes on the video after the break until all the details become available.

Update: The press release is out and with it, more information about the new S60 software: existing S60 3rd Edition apps will run on touch-enabled devices unmodified (but can be further enhanced, natch); generic proximity and light sensors supported; a UI Accelerator Toolkit enables "impressive" graphical effects; and Flash Video will be supported in the S60 web browser. Available to S60 device manufacturers "during 2008." A bit more specificity please, Nokia?

[via] Engadget

Microsoft reading minds to improve UIs

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Microsoft is apparently going sci-fi in the battle with Apple for UI supremacy -- the company filed a patent application in August for an EEG system that can classify a user's "brain states" as they work with an interface, sorting them into one of eight categories: interruptability, cognitive workload, task engagement, communication mediation, interpreting and predicting system response, surprise, satisfaction, and frustration. According to the patent application, Microsoft believes that "human beings are often poor reporters of their own actions," and that properly filtered and classified EEG data provides a "less interruptive and more informative technique of determining user interface effectiveness." The patent also describes using the brain state data in real time to adapt the interface to the user, which sounds like it could be a revolution or a terrifying mashup of Clippy and the Lawnmower Man. No word on whether Redmond is already using this tech, but that new Zune interface certainly looks pretty slick, doesn't it?

[Via New Scientist]

 

[via] Engadget

40GB PlayStation 3 shows up in US Target for $399

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Ah, Target. The home of so many broken street dates. Just days after letting the Xbox 360 Arcade slip out of its doors early, the retailer is apparently proving that the 40GB PlayStation 3 is indeed coming to America -- and for $399.99, no less. Reportedly, the system is all set to "officially" be released here on October 28th, and while we've no way of confirming, we're hearing that it may be bundled with the upcoming Spider-Man 3 flick, too. Anyways, we'll let the photos take it from here -- click on through for more.

[Via N4G, thanks Alexis]

Continue reading 40GB PlayStation 3 shows up in US Target for $399

 

[via] Engadget

Leopard release: October 26th

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If you're one of the many speculating the release date for Apple's next version of OS X, Leopard, you can tick the other 10 of the remaining 11 business days left on the October calendar because it's finally official: Mac OS 10.5 launches Friday, October 26th at 6.00pm, and may we just say friggin finally. Minimum specs: Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor with 512MB of physical RAM. $129 for a single-user copy or $199 for a 5-user, single-residence family pack. Upgrade price? You're kidding, right... this is Apple.

 

[via] Engadget

LG.Philips develops 2.4-inch a-Si LCD with 1mm bezel

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LG.Philips is far from being a newcomer to the cellphone display realm, and while it claimed to have cranked out the "world's slimmest" LCD for mobiles around this time last year, it's now boasting about one with an uber-thin bezel. Reportedly, the outfit has conjured up a 2.4-inch a-Si TFT-LCD, which touts a 320 x 240 resolution and possesses borders of just one-millimeter. The display is based on its Narrow Bezel Technology, and it should start mass production of the panels sometime next year. Notably, no price was mentioned, but the firm did state that it planned on applying the same technology to "other models to expand its lineup of slim border products."

[Via AkihabaraNews]

 

[via] Engadget

Sony cranks out artsy new audio gear, VAIO laptops

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Those itching for something off the beaten path should certainly look Sony's way, as the firm is offering up a few funky fresh items to celebrate its Canvas @ Sony art installation. Reportedly, the outfit will be selling a trio of stylish NW-A808 DAPs, MDR-KX70LW earbuds and VAIO VGN-CR90 laptops, all of which will boast unique, art-inspired enclosures. As for prices, the A808s will be ¥26,800 ($228) while the earbuds and laptops will ring up at ¥5,980 ($51) and ¥114,800 ($978), respectively. But you'd better get a move on, as each of the aforementioned items are limited in quantity to 100. Click on for more pictorial delight.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Sony cranks out artsy new audio gear, VAIO laptops

 

[via] Engadget

California says employers can't require RFID implants

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The debate over RFID implants continues to rage on several fronts, as California has just enacted a measure prohibiting employers from requiring employees to get tagged. The bill's sponsor, state senator Joe Simitian, says RFID is a "minor miracle," but called mandatory tagging "the ultimate invasion of privacy." California joins Wisconsin and North Dakota in prohibiting required RFID implantation, and we'd expect to see other states follow suit -- although embattled RFID vendor VeriChip says only 2,000 people have implants, the jury is still out on safety of the devices, and the idea of being required to get an implant is pretty distasteful -- exactly the sort of soundbite-friendly issue a politician can get behind.

 

[via] Engadget

Leopard now available for pre-order

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Well, that didn't take long -- following the announcement of Leopard's October 26th ship date, Apple's got the new OS available for preorder. Convenient, but it doesn't really stoke the fires of a fanboy's heart like waiting outside a store all night with $129 in sweaty bills, now does it?

 

[via] Engadget

Napster relaunches, shifts focus from hardware to web

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According to news out today, Napster is attempting a fevered slide back into the game with a relaunch of its music-download service, featuring a heavier emphasis on web-based streaming capabilities. The new "4.0" platform the company is touting boasts improved compatibility, as playlists and content and be accessed from any computer, without the use of additional software -- though if you want to get that music onto a player, you're still stuck with Napster's proprietary application and list of compatible players. In addition to the accessibility revamp, the company says it has further plans to embrace DRM-free music in 2008, which makes sense, as the portal's music has heretofore been unplayable on Apple's products -- which have the largest market share. Can that rascally cat pick up the pieces? Only time will tell.

[Thanks, Jon]

 

[via] Engadget

Switched On: Cap'n magicJack's port of call

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Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment:


Inventions and incentives have fueled the those using voice over IP to battle the imposing inertia of landline incumbents, as well as the cellphone's continued cannibalization of long distance. The list of disruptive newcomers is long: cable companies offer adapter boxes for analog phones; a variety of companies have extended Skype via solutions that are both tethered to the PC and that operate over WiFi networks; and recently, Ooma (which will be discussed more in a future column) has made the tempting offer of free domestic long distance for life with the purchase of its $400 Ooma hub, which delivers additional benefits such as web-based voicemail and the functionality of a second line without a second phone number.

Into this crowded field has jumped magicJack, the brainchild of Dan Barislow, who developed the "10-10-xxx" phone numbers that enabled consumers to bypass their long-distance carrier more than a decade before the first Skype icon emitted its ascending loading tone. About the size of a double-wide USB flash drive, magicJack has a standard phone jack on its back that allows you to plug in any standard touch-tone telephone handset from a leading-edge DECT phone to an old princess design.

Continue reading Switched On: Cap'n magicJack's port of call

 

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

[via] Engadget

YouTube copyright protection system unveiled

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Yesterday YouTube unveiled YouTube Video Identification, a system designed to prevent copyrighted videos from making their way onto the site without the consent of the owner. Rather cunningly, YouTube requires that content owners send in a master copy of all their copyrighted content -- y'know, so they can cross reference it against uploads (nothing to do with Google's aim of indexing everything, ever ... no.) Any data that matches the reference data can be deleted automatically, but only if the content owner says so. According to YouTube chief counsel Zahavah Levine, there will be a way for content owners to set it up so YouTube can scan content on other servers -- removing the requirement for a master copy to be uploaded to YouTube -- although Levine said that method "would be more difficult." For who, Google, or the TV and movie studios?

[Thanks, Michelle]

 

[via] Engadget

Leopard: final features and further upgrade details

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We got a chance this morning to pose a few queries to Brian Croll, Senior Director of Mac OS X Product Marketing, about today's Leopard release announcement. Here's some of what he had to say, as well as some of the new features we're looking forward to in the next release.
  • Users who bought Apple machines from October 1st on can participate in Apple's Up-To-Date Program, which provides free Leopard upgrades (for $10 shipping).
  • Boot Camp's beta Assistant software expires at the end of 2007, meaning Tiger users that want to continue editing / creating Windows partitions on their Macs need to do so before January, or upgrade to Leopard. Post-January you'll still be able to boot to the partitions you've created, though.
  • Users shouldn't expect expanded sync capabilities between Mail.app and the iPhone, although it looks like you'll be able to read iPhone notes on your desktop machine now.
  • File system is, indeed, still HFS+; OS X now supports read-only ZFS, as we'd heard.
  • Don't forget to peep the new features / changes list on Apple's site.
  • Call us crazy, but with a 6:00PM Friday launch we think you should expect lines -- but not for Apple to sell out.
A few features we're looking forward to (besides the obvious ones):
  • Google Maps integration with Address Book.
  • Tricked out AppleScript.
  • Automator UI recording / playback.
  • Japanese dictionary support.
  • New, easily-printable font books.
  • Front Row now looks more like "Back Row" (the Apple TV interface) -- too bad it's still not more like Media Center.
  • New AirPort menus that show WiFi encryption.
  • Disk encryption now supports 256 bit AES.
  • Built-in grammar checker. Lord knows we need it 'round these parts.
  • Tabbed terminal.

 

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

[via] Engadget

NEC develops portable DNA analyzer

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NEC has developed what it calls the first portable DNA analyzer -- with "portable" being classified as a briefcase half a meter wide -- that integrates all five stages in the DNA analysis process. Designed to speed up criminal investigations and aid crime prevention, the technology can fully analyze DNA within 25 minutes. Heading for full production in 2008, it should be ready in preparation for any GATTACA-style societies that have appeared by next year.

 

[via] Engadget

Rechargeable USB battery works in AA-ready devices

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While one may assume that the above device is simply a USB flash drive in disguise, it's actually quite a bit more useful than that. You see, this rechargeable USB battery actually fits into any device that readily accepts AA cells, making it quite possibly the most 1337 (not to mention affordable) rechargeable cell we've ever seen. Reportedly, it takes around four hours to juice one up, and while we've no idea how many channels you can flip through on a set of these bad boys, at least they're sold in pairs. Pick up a pack (or two, or three) now for $7.51/set.

[Thanks, Erie]

 

[via] Engadget

White Stripes get their own Lomography cameras

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Don't look now, but Jack and Meg are at it again. Yep, the White Stripes are once more reaching out to the retro lovin', geeked-out crowd by offering up a set of "all-plastic," limited edition Lomography cameras. The JACK Holga and MEG Diana+ seem to only differ from their standard counterparts externally, but fans of the band are sure to appreciate the Rob Jones-designed motifs. Notably, the JACK Holga Starter Kit includes "an additional Fisheye lens, three filter set and a custom Peppermint lens filter," while MEG's version comes with the "Nobody Knows How To Talk To Children" ringflash and a custom Peppermint Film Mask filter. Both kits are available as we speak for $180 apiece, but you better make haste, as only 3,000 of each camera were constructed. Check out a few more looks after the break.

[Thanks, Favian]

Continue reading White Stripes get their own Lomography cameras

 

[via] Engadget

Treo 500v sports a revamped Windows Mobile interface

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For all of you fervent Treo fans chomping at the bit to get your hands on the 500v, here's an interesting piece of information which may stir "things" deep inside your mind and body. Apparently, the Windows Mobile-equipped smartphones will be touting a UI that's a pretty big step away from Microsoft's staid and standard operations. According to a slow, yet detailed video we've seen, the new interface will be pulled together using a completely revamped "start menu," (similar to the UI which Samsung is employing on its SGH-i620) which gives you much faster access to applications and settings, and has a completely new look. Menus and application icons also appear to be a departure from what we've seen in other WM devices, giving the interface a wholly unique aspect. Check the video after the break and see for yourself.

[Via pocketnow]

Continue reading Treo 500v sports a revamped Windows Mobile interface

 

[via] Engadget