QA glitch allows defective ATI Radeon cards to slip out

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming

According to "sources" at AMD, the firm's official graphics card diagnostic and validation software was recently discovered "to have a bug that failed to detect defective ATI Radeon HD 2400 and 2600 graphics cards." The problem was actually discovered by various "channel vendors" who supposedly pointed out an error in the BIOS application process, and it was noted that Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte were all bitten by the mishap. Thankfully, the glitch can seemingly be rectified by "reapplying the BIOS," but now some 20,000 to 30,000 units are already being shipping back in order to be mended before reaching consumers' hands; interestingly, there's no mention of a remedy for the "small number" of end users that may actually own one of these marred boards. Nevertheless, AMD has responded by stating that this ordeal was simply "an isolated incident," and assured us all that "measures were taken to solve the issue as soon as it was detected."

[Via TGDaily]

 

[via] Engadget

OINA bringing lossless audio to Bluetooth devices

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Wireless

Audiophiles hoping to get a bit more clarity out of those Bluetooth cans can officially get excited, as Open Interface North America (OINA) has just announced plans to introduce a new lossless codec for stereo audio known as SOUNDabout Lossless. Unsurprisingly, the firm is keeping its secrets on the DL for now, but recent demonstrations showed that it will have a latency as low as two-milliseconds and never exceed ten-milliseconds. Additionally, power consumption was intentionally kept low in order to preserve that precious battery life, and just in case you couldn't guess, it'll only stream properly with Bluetooth 2.0 gizmos. Sadly, there's no firm dates to mark on your calendar just yet, but the company is currently estimating that the codec will be ready to rock in detail never before heard over BT "as early as 2008."

 

[via] Engadget

Acer's 4710 and 5920 Gemstones officially available in North America

Filed under: Laptops

Yeah, we already knew the 5920 was making its way out, but Acer has finally (read: officially) cast two new Gemstones into the North American market. As you so very well know, the 5920 offers up a 15.4-inch display and an HD DVD drive for high-definition film watching on the go, and the slightly smaller (14.1-inches for those counting) 4710 packs a Core 2 Duo processor, a Dolby-certified sound system, built-in CrystalEye webcam, and Vista Home Premium. 'Course, these two readily available machines are certainly geared toward very different budgets, and while you can snag an Aspire 4710 for a mere $599, the far more potent 5920 touts an entry fee of $1,999.

[Via MobileWhack]

 

[via] Engadget

Judges fighting litigation with Supreme Court's "obvious" patent ruling

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

The Supreme Court ruling on obvious patents, which more clearly defined the line between a patented, original invention and an upgrade or innovation based on a broader concept, has apparently already been making an impact in the world of litigation. According to Techdirt, one example of the changes concerns a company called Friskit, a patent hoarding operation which was suing Real Networks over three fairly "obvious" patents that dealt with searching networks for streaming content. Originally, the judge ruling on the case had allowed it to move forward, but he has recently changed his mind. Using the Supreme Court's decision as a guideline, the judge now says that the patents were simply a combination of ideas and inventions which had been publicly available, and that their combination was a logical next step -- thus eliminating the need for a costly and time consuming court battle. Hopefully this will knock out other time and money wasting cases in progress which seem to "tax" innovation.

 

[via] Engadget

Xbox 360 65nm chips out there, 45nm chips in the future

Filed under: Gaming

According to reports, contract chipmaker Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing has begun work on a 45-nanometer CPU designed specifically for a video game console, and the word on the street is that Microsoft is the company placing the order. The Singapore-based chip company, which produces the current Xbox 360 CPU, is set to begin work on the new design in late 2008 or early 2009. The smaller chip would mean lowered production costs, smaller power requirements, and a cooler operating temperature -- which would address a handful of problems the current Xbox design has. The newer 65nm chip which the company produces for Microsoft went into production over the last two quarters, and Chia Song Hwee, Chartered's president and CEO, said that "you would expect 45nm to come on stream about 18 months from that timeframe." So, expect to pass some time before any major changes beyond the 65nm come... perhaps Halo 3 will make the wait more bearable?

[Via Joystiq]

 

[via] Engadget

American Airlines chooses AirCell for in-flight WiFi

Filed under: Transportation, Wireless

It seems like everyone is hopping on the in-flight WiFi bandwagon these days, with American Airlines only the latest to offer the desirable service, joining the likes of Lufthansa, Qantas, and others. For its system, American Airlines is relying on the expertise of AirCell, which is promising to get things up and running on at least some flights sometime next year. Initially, the in-flight WiFi will only be offered on American Airlines' fleet of Boeing 767-200 aircraft, which primarily fly transcontinental routes. From the looks of it, however, the service won't be a freebie, with American Airlines saying it'll announce the cost of the service at the time it's rolled out.

 

[via] Engadget

Sony targets enterprise with Cell-based computer board

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Gaming, HDTV

After investing some serious dough in the famed Cell processor powering its PlayStation 3, it's little surprise that Sony actually wants to make a profit off the platform -- and since the console wars haven't been all that favorable to Kutaragi's baby, the company is looking to enterprise as another potential source of ROI. The first fruits of this effort will be borne at next week's SIGGRAPH conference, where Sony will unveil a prototype computer board based around the multi-core CPU and sporting an RSX graphics processor. This so-called Cell Computing Board is targeted at 19-inch rack mount systems, and it promises to put on quite a show at SIGGRAPH by performing real-time processing of the type of 4K footage captured by Red Digital Cinema's RED ONE. And with Toshiba already promising to ride the Cell's coat tails to victory over its fellow co-developer in the living room, -- along with pushing its own graphics workstations -- this is one rollout that Sony can't afford to screw up.

 

[via] Engadget

Man-made 'tethered tornadoes' touted as a viable power source

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

With all the wacky unconventional proposals we've seen people come up with for generating electricity in an environmentally friendly manner, is it really so outrageous to think that giant, man-made tornadoes could be harnessed to power a small city? Well that's exactly the idea being floated around the University of Western Ontario these days, which is currently testing a scale model of retired refinery engineer Louis Michaud's patented vortex engine -- a machine fueled by excess power plant heat that uses the physics of convection inherent in rising air to drive electricity-producing turbines. In its most grandiose realization, the engine (inventor's rendition pictured above) would be 200 meters in diameter and generate a 'clean' (debris-free) tornado stretching 20 kilometers into the sky able to coax 20 megawatts each out of ten independent turbines. Obviously the main concern about the anticipated $60 million project -- which would reportedly operate at just a quarter of the cost of a coal-based facility, even before taking into account the $20 million saved on a cooling tower by the participating power plant -- is that the tornado could somehow escape its confines and wreak havoc on nearby communities. Still, with all the advantages this scheme seems to offer, we're certainly willing to give it a chance -- after all, a 'malfunctioning vortex engine' is a lot less scary than a potential disaster at one of the many nuke plants dotting our landscape.

[Via UberReview]

 

[via] Engadget

TomTom GO 920 on the way?

Filed under: GPS, Transportation

Whenever a manufacturer is rumored to be upgrading its top-of-the-line device, we wanna know about it, so GPS Review certainly had us intrigued with word of a successor to TomTom's popular, hard drive-equipped (and once-infected) GO 910 in-car navigation system. While perusing the manual on the recently-released GO 720 CD, one of the editors stumbled upon a set of files named go520.link, go720.link, and go920.link -- which besides the unit in question, most likely refer to a European-only product as well as what we now suspect to be an upcoming flagship model called the GO 920. Obviously no specs or details of any kind are available beyond this tantalizing clue, but now that we have an idea of what to look for, we're gonna be breathing down your neck for more info, TomTom.

 

[via] Engadget

ZIO intros LOOK LK7200 GPS unit

Filed under: GPS

There are few more crowded markets than the GPS business in Korea, but ZIO looks to be taking a crack at it nonetheless, with it recently introducing its LOOK LK7200 GPS unit. Apart from its obvious redness, however, there appears to be little to distinguish it from the vast array of similar units competing for Korean drivers' attention. Of course, that doesn't mean it's lacking either, with it boasting the standard 7-inch widescreen display, SiRFStar III GPS chipset, and integrated T-DMB TV tuner, along with the usual line-up of PMP functions. Look for it to set you back 319,000 won, or about $345, with a slightly less colorful version also available for the same price.

 

[via] Engadget

Circuit City spills all the Xbox 360 price cut beans

Filed under: Gaming

And so we've come full circle. After accurately predicting that $100 PS3 price drop a few weeks back, Circuit City is back in the rumor game with a flyer that seems to confirm the $50 price cut for the Xbox 360, and even tosses in some info on price breaks for the Elite and Core systems. According to the flyer, on August 12th the 360 Premium will dip to $350, and include a copy of Rockstar's "Table Tennis," while the Elite will raid your wallet for $450 -- a $30 reduction -- and include zero free games. Finally, the Xbox 360 Core will get $20 lopped off, and sell for $280, which might be the end of the road for the stripped down console once stock runs out.

[Thanks, Sam]

 

[via] Engadget

Filed under: Portable Audio

It looks like Apple has more than just 3 billion songs sold to celebrate, as it's now managed to bring longtime hold-outs Led Zepplin into the iTunes fold. The band isn't quite going all out, however, with it instead simply offering greatest hits of sorts called "Mothership," which will include 'Stairway to Heaven', 'Whole Lotta Love,' 'Dazed and Confused' and other songs personally selected Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones. Look for it to be available on November 12th. In other iTunes news, Apple appears to have found itself on Eminem's bad side (again), with the rapper and his music publisher now suing the company over, you guessed it, alleged copyright violations. As The Detroit News reports, Eminem's music publisher and copyright manager are claiming that they never actually authorized Universal to offer Eminem's music on iTunes in the first place, and they're now asking Apple to cease and desist its reproduction and distribution. Not surprisingly Apple doesn't appear to be quite ready to comply with that, although it's so far staying mum on the matter.

[via] Engadget

Switched On: Apple's brash Flash clash rehash

Filed under: Features

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

For all the attention on the love-hate relationship between Apple and Microsoft, there's another software superpower with which Apple is increasingly butting heads. Apple was an early investor in Adobe and an early supporter of PostScript, which drove the first LaserWriters and launched the desktop publishing market. When Steve Jobs left Apple and founded NeXT, that company used Display PostScript as the imaging engine for the company's black boxes.

Photoshop and other members of Adobe's Creative Suite remain some of the most popular creative tools on the Mac. For years, Photoshop made cameos at Apple keynotes as the company argued the superiority of the PowerPC architecture.

But the relationship has been strained at times as well. After going on lots of minor quests involving the slaying of forest creatures, Adobe released PostScript Level 2. But Apple surprised nearly everyone when it partnered with Microsoft in 1989 to position TrueType and the now-forgotten TrueImage as a rival to Adobe's technology. Apple would later try again to surpass Adobe's font technology with QuickDraw GX before adopting PDF as the graphics lingua franca for Mac OS X.

Continue reading Switched On: Apple's brash Flash clash rehash

 

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

[via] Engadget

Bug Labs DIY gadgets to turn consumer electronics on its ear?

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Last night we sat down for dinner with a company that, with the use of open source hardware, intends to invert the top down consumer electronics market as we know it -- a lofty goal, no doubt. But when Bug Labs (based in New York) introduces their modular gadget kits later this year, end users (read: tech enthusiasts) will be able buy interchangeable electronics components with a common interface capable of mixing, matching, and building custom devices (without having to lift a soldering iron). Sounds kind of out there, but here's the model:

• Users snag a small Linux-based micro-PC with USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, and plenty of special ports for attaching these functionality modules.
• Users can develop Java apps and load custom software onto the base device to take advantage of expansion modules for any usage scenarios they can dream up.
• Users expand each portable's capabilities by adding modules, such as a small or large screen, QWERTY keyboard, GPS, camera, speaker, etc.; the user can add whatever is necessary to build the gadget that fits their purpose. (Sorry, no cell radio modules at launch.)
• Each component is accessible and web addressable, meaning users can write and load software to / from their own or other users' components, as well as share their functionality or data (i.e. user A can use an app to remotely share his / her GPS locator or digital camera with user B).
• Of course, all these hardware component schematics, interface protocols, etc. will be made available online if you want to build your own Bug-based gear.
• Bug Labs might also allow users to submit novel and relatively marketable configurations for mass manufacturing, and serve as a storefront for budding gadget designers using the Bug platform.

Will a DIY open source hardware hacker's kit ever be enough to enable Joe Blow to develop the next RAZR or iPod? Probably not to start; effective portable electronics requires a very vertical design process, but if CE development is ever going to be democratized the way software development was over 30 years ago, then clear and open source components and systems is the kind of approach that could be capable of doing it.

 

[via] Engadget

Car modder repurposes Wiimote as accelerometer

Filed under: Gaming, Transportation, Wireless

Looking to collect a little acceleration / braking data on the cheap? Even if you're just scouting alternative uses for that oh-so-handy Wiimote, a recent project from klee just may suit your fancy. A proud owner of a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta managed to rig up a Wiimote-based tracking system that gathered information on g-forces, acceleration, turning, and overall speed, and thanks to a little Excel computation, the results are neatly graphed once the outing concludes. Of course, you may need a little help in the script writing department, by judging by the looks of things, most everything you need is awaiting you in the read link -- you know, except your own Wiimote and a Vee-Dub.

[Thanks, Matt]

 

[via] Engadget

Iomega intros new StorCenter network hard drives

Filed under: Storage, Networking

Those in the market for a boost in storage now have a couple more options to consider from Iomega, which has beefed up its StorCenter line of network hard drives with three new models. Coming in 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB varieties, these each boast 3.5-inch 7200 RPM SATA-II hard drives (two in the case of the 1TB model), along with an 8MB cache to keep things nice and speedy and a pair of USB ports should you need even more external storage. The 1TB model will also give you your choice of RAID 0, RAID 1, or JBOD configurations, and all three pack a number of network features, including Active Directory support and UPnP AV media server capability (no WiFi though). Look for all three to be available immediately, with them setting you back $270, $360, and $390 for the 500GB, 700GB, and 1TB models, respectively.

[Via Electronista]

 

[via] Engadget

Win a super rare signed 300-Edition Xbox 360 Elite and 300 HD DVD!

Filed under: Announcements, Features, Gaming, Home Entertainment

We've given away any number of Xbox 360s on Engadget in the past, but never one with the level of awesome turned up to 11 (or, in this case, 300). Today we're giving away one of just 20 super rare Xbox 360 Elite consoles printed with blood designs from 300 -- but rarer still since it's friggin' signed by Frank Miller. The details of what the winner takes:

• 300-Edition Xbox 360 Elite (120GB drive, wireless controller, etc.)
• Console is signed by 300 creator and comic legend Frank Miller, as well as Zack Snyder, director of the eponymous film
• 300 combo DVD / HD DVD (which is, incidentally, out today) to go right along with it.

Look, we'll admit it, we really don't want to give this thing away -- so make sure you follow the contest guidelines, ok?

The rules (yeah, there are always rules):

• Leave a comment below -- tell us your fave scene from the movie. (It's ok if you haven't seen it, but where the hell have you been?)
• You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) In other words, be careful when commenting and if you submit more than once, only activate one comment, ok?
• If you enter more than once, only activate one comment -- otherwise we'll send Leonidas after you.
• Contest is open to anyone worldwide!
• Entries can be submitted until 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, August 12th.

Gallery: Win a super rare signed 300-Edition Xbox 360 Elite and 300 HD DVD

 

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

[via] Engadget

Vodafone picks up GPS-equipped BlackBerry Curve 8310

Filed under: Cellphones, GPS

Just days after we Americans got a taste of BlackBerry with a hint GPS, now those in Germany can look forward to the same delicacy. The BlackBerry Curve 8310 will be picked up by Vodafone and sport built-in "GPS navigation and advanced multimedia functionality." Furthermore, the smartphone will include Vodafone Navigator software, a two-megapixel camera, microSD expansion slot, 320 x 240 resolution display, quad-band GSM support, Bluetooth 2.0, USB connectivity, and a media player to boot. Notably, the first 5,000 individuals to mosey on in and pick one up will reportedly be blessed with a 1GB microSD card gratis, and better yet, it will include the current 100 top chart songs pre-installed as MP3s (hooray!). So head on down to your local Vodafone outlet with €99.90 ($136), and be sure to navigate your return trip through all sorts of back roads.

[Via The Boy Genius Report]

 

[via] Engadget

Nokia to launch iTunes-like download service?

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio

A standalone music download service which Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo hinted at in June is looking to be making its way out into the world sometime this August, according to a recent Fortune article. The mobile phone kingpin appears to be positioning itself as a direct competitor for Apple and iTunes before the iPhone makes its way into European markets sometime later this year. Sources rumor that the "worldwide" service will allow users to download and transfer songs to non-Nokia hardware, but will employ some form of DRM, and Nokia will be offering over a million songs at the outset -- a pittance when compared to Apple's five million and counting. Supposedly, news of the launch will be delivered on August 29th in London during a live music event at the Ministry of Sound. The company has sent out invitations to a mysterious "Go Play" event, which asks invitees to "Come and witness the next stage of the evolution of the internet and mobility," which we're pretty sure is code for "the president is announcing the biggest uphill battle ever."

[via] Engadget

FCC approves rules for 700MHz frequency auction

Filed under: Wireless

The FCC has just approved rules on the highly-sought after, Google-attracting 700MHz wireless frequency band auction which will take place sometime next year. The agency has decided that one-third of the soon-to-be-empty band will be available to consumers under FCC chairman Kevin Martin's "open access" plan, which forces the winning bidder to keep the band accessible to any wireless device or application regardless of the maker, opening up options heretofore unseen on established networks. The 700MHz range -- which is being vacated by television broadcasters going digital -- is desirable because of its ability to travel long distances and easily penetrate walls, and Martin feels it could provide a "third pipe" to US homes, circumventing the established stranglehold cable and telephone companies have on bandwidth. A total of 60 megahertz will be auctioned off, with twenty-two of them "open," and another 10 set aside for a "national public safety" network. The auctioning off of the frequency is expected to raise as much as $15 billion for the federal treasury.

 

[via] Engadget

Laser printer particles as dangerous as cigarette smoke?

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

In today's edition of How Your Office is Slowly Killing You, a study emerging from Queensland University of Technology suggests that laser printers can emit clouds of ultra-fine particles that compare to "cigarette smoke and motor vehicle emissions." Reportedly, 13 out of 40 models tested were deemed "high emitters" of particles from the toner, and while office photocopiers failed to produce similar results, concentrations of microscopic particles near laser printers were found to be "five times higher than outdoor levels often produced by traffic" in a given investigation. Currently, no efforts have been made to actually study the chemistry of the emissions, but considering that such fine objects could easily sink "to the very lowest reaches of the lungs," we'd say that's reason enough to request an airtight office a few floors underground.

[Image courtesy of Gripguard]

 

[via] Engadget

Teen engineers create eco-minded electric unicycle

Filed under: Transportation

Two clever Canadian teen-scientists have built a bizarre, eco-friendly electric bike which runs on principals similar to those of the Segway -- but looks way cooler. The motorized prototype (called either the "Uno" or "Tango," depending on who you speak with), sports two wheels side-by-side, sort of like a double unicycle which the rider sits directly above. The bike, based off of the frame design of a Yamaha R6 sport bike, can reach speeds of up to 40 MPH, and uses accelerometer technology to keep its balance. Inventors Ben Gulak and Jason Morrow say that the bike beats out the Segway in terms of speed, and delivers better maneuverability than Bombardier's Embrio unicycle concept. The whole package is surprisingly powered by amped-up wheelchair motors and 36-volt batteries. Next up, the young men plan to assemble a rag-tag band of colorful characters, get on their bikes, and ride into Neo-Tokyo during a riot.

[Via Ubergizmo]

 

[via] Engadget

First iPhone software update growing near?

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

We're not sure why Apple chooses to reveal such juicy tidbits to dry, uptight market analyst types before... oh, say us for example, but be that as it may, it seems Apple's VP of iPod Product Marketing has spilled some tasty beans in a chat with RBC Capital Markets this week. RBC's research note indicates that an "iPhone update patch is expected shortly," while "management expressed excitement at plans to increase iPhone value over time via new software features." We figure that doesn't mean that this very first update will fulfill all of our wildest dreams for the iPhone's true potential, but RBC is speculating that patches will eventually add MMS, Leopard-specific integration of some nature, location-based services, and -- naturally -- new widgets. We don't suppose this first update could have something to do with a particular vulnerability, could it?

 

[via] Engadget

Apple gathering press for Mac event next week

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Looks like those rumors about new Macs (specifically, iMacs) on the 7th were true -- we were just invited to an Apple "product presentation for Mac" at Apple Town Hall in Cupertino next week. The event gets started on the morning of Tuesday, August 7th, and while we weren't promised an appearance by El Jobso, Apple was, shockingly enough, very open and clear about the fact that this is going to be a press gathering for Mac products (and Mac products only -- so stash away those iPhone hopes, fears, and rumors until next Wednesday).

 

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

[via] Engadget

Nintendo of America's George Harrison to retire

Filed under: Gaming

Though nothing's quite official yet, it looks like Nintendo of America's George Harrison is about to step down from his position as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, according to an industry source, and as rumored last month. This could have something to do with NoA's move to Redwood City and New York, or just be coincidence, but either way it sounds like George is sticking around to help with the sales and marketing transition, and then bidding the big N adieu. The guy has been around since 1992, right after the launch of the SNES, and while he's never carried the kind of profile as the Regginator of late, it's hard not to notice the guy, walking around with a name like that. In related news, apparently Nintendo is advertising for job openings that sound eerily similar to Perrin Kaplan and Beth Llewelyn's, who had also been rumored to leave during the HQ shuffle.

 

[via] Engadget

Apple iPhone update 1.0.1 released!

Filed under: Cellphones

Boot up iTunes everybody, the Joz wasn't kidding when he said the first iPhone update is nigh. Apple just pushed out iPhone update 1.0.1.

[Thanks, BGR]

Update: Ok, updating took about five or six minutes. Noticing anything specifically? Let us know in comments, we'll list the fixes here (since Apple wasn't courteous enough to tell us what, exactly, it repaired in the device).

Ah, Apple's added the fix / changelog. Noice! Just looks like Safari-related security updates. That's fine and good, now howsabout the constant, mind-popping crashing going on with that app?

Oh, and good news everybody! iFuntastic (v2) still functions with the 1.0.1 update! We tested it, and it worked beautifully.

Also, is it just us or did all these Safari security fixes come along with stability fixes as well? We've never seen mobile Safari perform so admirably with eight full ajaxy pages open as we have since loading up 1.0.1.

Continue reading Apple iPhone update 1.0.1 released!

 

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

[via] Engadget

Tascam intros bass / vocal DAP trainers

Filed under: Portable Audio

Tascam's already busted out a guitar trainer in the form of a digital audio player, but it looks like the rest of the band can now get in some practice as well, with the company now introducing some bass and vocal trainers to go along with it. As with the guitar trainer, these each boast 1GB of internal memory, along with a monochrome 128 x 64 resolution screen and an input for your bass guitar or microphone. That'll let you play (or sing) along with your favorite tunes, with it also giving you the ability to adjust tempo and perform other effects. No official word on price just yet, but the guitar version sold for ¥20,000, or just under $170.

 

[via] Engadget

DirecTV TiVo owners to get update in early '08

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Yeah, we know, it's hard to believe that DirecTV and TiVo are continuing to add features for hardware that is no longer available for purchase and that DirecTV takes every opportunity to replace with its own branded DVR. But we can only hope that this is a prelude to a new DirecTV TiVo. In the meantime current owners can expect to get a few of the great features that stand-alone TiVo owners have enjoyed for some time. A full feature list is not included in the announcement, but the few that are include: a deleted items folder, overlap protection, and DirecTV's remote booking feature -- which we assume will require a home phone line or could mean that USB Ethernet support will be added as well. So while these features are certainly not ground breaking, we're sure they'll be welcomed additions for the owners of aging DirecTiVo hardware.

 

[via] Engadget

Perspiring man electrocuted by his PC

Filed under: Desktops

A 20-year old student in Shanghai's Yangpu District perished after being "electrocuted by his computer." Reportedly, the man removed the external case from his desktop to prevent it from overheating in the non-air conditioned room, and when his legs came into contact with the innards, the resulting shock left him deceased. Initial investigations by local police confirmed that he was indeed electrocuted, yet there was no reason given as to why the individual refused to switch on the cooling system.

[Via The Raw Feed]

 

[via] Engadget

Beijing turns to Nissan for citywide navigation system

Filed under: GPS

It looks like the city of Beijing was suitably impressed with Nissan's still-in-development transportation safety system, as the city's now tasked the company with installing the system in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. According to The Wall Street Journal, the system, dubbed Star Wings, will rely on an existing Beijing system to collect traffic data, which Nissan will then turn around and transmit to drivers via an unspecified wireless network. That'll allow drivers to determine the quickest route to take which, in theory, should reduce congestion in the city, something Beijing's been trying to get under control in time for the Olympics. While that's not all that far away, Nissan seems confident that it can make a difference, saying it hopes to put the technology into a fifth of Beijing's 3 million cars by August of 2008 -- an ambitious goal it believes in can achieve in part by working with rental car companies and taxi fleets.

 

[via] Engadget

Panasonic's HDC-SD7 dons title of world's smallest HD camcorder

Filed under: Digital Cameras

You can add one more "full HD" AVCHD camcorder to that mix of Panasonics announced earlier in the week. The new HDC-SD7 is said to be the "world's smallest and lightest" camcorder to record at 1,920 x 1,080 to SDHC cards. Otherwise, the SD7 is spec-for-spec the same 3CCD camcorder as the HDC-SD5 only in a vertically-held format. Just be careful what you ask for folks: that reduced chassis size comes at the expense of a cut in sensor sizes and drop in optical zoom from 12x to 10x when compared to Panny's earlier HDC-DX3 and HDC-SD3 models. Unfortunately, the HDC-SD7 looks to be Japan-only for now with a September 8 launch for ¥140,000 or about $1,188 with tax.

 

[via] Engadget

Sanyo's AirCam-equipped backup camera provides virtual views

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Transportation

While there's plenty of options for in-car accident recorders, how's about a device to help prevent one type of collision in the first place? Sanyo's latest rear-view backup camera system "digitally creates visual guidelines (including vehicle width and distance indicators at two, four, and eight feet) that appear on your car's monitor," which ought to help you from backing that bus of yours over any stray shrubbery or misplaced youngsters. Additionally, the CCA-BC200 provides a trio of modes to view the surroundings behind you, which could come in handy if you're riding sans a helper in the passenger's seat. Granted, you'll still be forced to fork over $299.99 for this luxury in addition to picking up an LCD of your choice to view it on, but if your driveway is often covered with more toys than cleared cement, it may be worth the investment.

 

[via] Engadget

Canon's iVIS HG10 AVCHD camcorder packs a 40GB disk

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Not to be outdone by Panasonic's flurry, Canon just announced their iVIS HG10 camcorder set to roll in September. Unlike their first AVCHD recorder (the HR10) the HG10 records 1,920 x 1,080 video to a 40GB disk drive instead of a DVD platter. While the HG10 does bump recordings to 15Mbps at maximum setting (compared to the HR10's 12Mbps), the two camcorders are pretty much feature-for-feature identical right on down to the ¥140,000 (about $1,188) price tag. Fortunately, the good folks at Impress do a good side-by-side comparison with Sony's disk-based HDR-SR7/SR8 jobbies if the decision process is causing you too much grief.

[Via Impress]

 

[via] Engadget