Engadget
Head Music's Blizzard PMP does the dual headphone thing- Filed under: Portable AudioThough this isn't the first music player we've seen with dual headphone jacks, it's still one of only a handful available today. Head Music's 4GB Blizzard offers up a rather plain (okay, exceptionally plain) design with a 2.8-inch 320 x 240 touchscreen, FM tuner, rechargeable battery, USB connectivity, microSD slot, twin headphone ports and support for MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, AVI, WMV and MPEG-4 file formats. Word on the street puts a $103 price tag on it, though you'll probably have to hunt high and low to actually find someone selling it.[Via PMPToday]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Mini ColecoVision hits eBay, finds a special place in our hearts
- Filed under: Desktops, Gaming
Call us biased, but we still prefer Ben Heckendorn's portable ColecoVision over this one, but that's not to say we don't deeply respect the immense amount of work that went into the mini ColecoVision. The seller of the unit stripped a ColecoVision PCB from an original casing and got to modding; when all was said and done, the miniaturized version still operated fine and required a lot less floor space. 'Tis a shame the bidding just ended -- now you're stuck with Atarimax's oh-so-similar (but not nearly as satisfying) MulitCart as you embarrassingly attempt to relive the past. [Via technabob]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- If it takes 1000 Microsoft engineers to code Windows 7, how many are required to change a lightbulb?
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˙pɹɐpuɐʇs ʎɹʇsnpuı uɐ sɐ ssǝuʞɹɐp ǝuıɟǝp ʇsnɾ ʎǝɥʇ ˙ǝuou
All smartass-ery aside, we're pleased to see Microsoft's attempt to more fully engage the development community as it marches towards a 2010 release of Windows 7. The 1,000-strong engineering team is comprised of 25 different feature teams each made up of about 40 persons on average. The whole dry but peculiarly intriguing setup is fully detailed on Microsoft's new E7, corporate transparency blog sitting just beyond the read link. By the way, how many Apple employees does it take to change a lightbulb? 13, 1 to do the screwing and a dozen lawyer-types to prepare for the recall. [Via Pocket-lint]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- 3 launches Skypephone S2
- Filed under: Cellphones
Hold up just a second, this is more than your average WiFi-powered Skype handset for yakking it up while you're wandering around the abode in your skivvies. In fact, it's none other than the follow-on to 3's Skypephone of last year -- the aptly-named Skypephone S2 -- offering HSDPA data, a 3.2 megapixel camera, 50MB of memory with a microSD slot for plenty more, and pretty much all the Skype support you can handle (hence the name, we suppose). Skype-to-Skype calls are completely free from the phone, and the Skype service can be kept active by adding £10 (about $19) monthly on a pay-as-you-go arrangement; otherwise, the phone can be had for as little as zilch if you sign up for a monthly plan. It'll work as a broadband dongle, too, which we think officially makes this thing oodles more useful than even the most capable of WiFi phones, skivvies or otherwise.[Via Tech Digest]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- DXG-595V HD camcorder does 1080p for 200 bones
- Filed under: Digital Cameras
We've seriously stopped trying to understand what differentiates one DXG camcorder from the next. Every release reads something like "blah, blah, 1080p," followed by a price that's simply too good to be true. The DXG-595V claims to capture 1080p (imagine that!) video onto your SDHC card for a mere $200, and the ability to snag stills / connect to your SDTV via composite or S-Video is thrown in for free. Thanks, DXG -- can't wait for you to slap a new model number on some leftover inventory and treat us again next month. [Via Gearlog]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Video: HTC's Touch Diamond / Pro are multi-touch gods, just not how you'd think
- Filed under: Cellphones
While multi-touch input might be all the rage in handhelds and laptop trackpads at the moment, alas, it's not on the feature list for HTC's latest Touch Diamond and Touch Pro. However, the capability is indeed present and exploited on video by HTC's own debug application. Even more interesting is the way that the handsets' entire front, capacitive surface (not just the 2.8-inch, 640 x 480 pixel display) can be used for multi-finger input. So like Dell's Latitude XT Tablet which launched multi-touch ready, expect to see future, multi-touch capabilities come to HTC's latest... someday. Click through for the vid.[Thanks, Marios S.]Continue reading Video: HTC's Touch Diamond / Pro are multi-touch gods, just not how you'd thinkRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- First Microsoft Surface shipped international, brute-force unboxed
- Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Most unboxings don't require a forklift and crowbar. Then again, most of us aren't unboxing Microsoft's 125-kg (275-pound) Surface computer -- so big that one recipient quipped, "That's a big-ass box." How apropos. The recipient is Australian marketing agency Amnesia, making this the first international shipment of Surface we've heard about. That's good news as the platform seems to finally be taking off.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Pandora project demoed on video, shows off hardware, Linux, and Quake 2
- Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds
It looks like the Pandora project is really coming together nicely. EvilDragon has just posted this video on the GP32x boards of a development model up and running. It's pretty exciting stuff if you're a homebrew fan (and we know you are), featuring demos of the device smoothly running emulators like PicoDrive, PSNES, booting up a build of Linux, and even getting its Quake 2 on (at high frame rates and looking crystal clear). It's still going to be awhile before we've actually got our grubby mitts on one of these, but this is certainly doing a good job of whetting our appetites. Watch the video after the break and see for yourself.[Thanks, Chris]Continue reading Pandora project demoed on video, shows off hardware, Linux, and Quake 2Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Video: Samsung's extraordinary i900 Omnia unboxing -- go ahead, press the red button
- Filed under: Cellphones
Yeah, we know that the video posted after the break is a corporate promotion loosed onto the Internets in hopes of going viral. But damn if this Samsung Omnia (i900) unboxing doesn't match our vision of how these oft tiresome rituals should be. What started a few years back as a cultural goof to poke fun at eager fanboy fanaticism has now become an integral part of a product's launch identity. But this, this is the future.[Thanks, Saad R.]Continue reading Video: Samsung's extraordinary i900 Omnia unboxing -- go ahead, press the red buttonPermalink | Email this | Comments
- Microsoft intros SideWinder X6 keyboard and X5 mouse
- Filed under: Peripherals
We had a hunch that Microsoft would be launching a SideWinder-branded keyboard this fall, and sure enough, the suits in Redmond are keeping the revitalized name alive with an all new September-bound input peripheral combo. The SideWinder X6 is hailed as the "first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad." When not in gaming mode, the key pad transforms into a full-programmable macro pad. You'll also find two-color adjustable backlighting, mode switching and a $79.95 price tag. As for the X5 mouse, this critter packs nine buttons (five of which are customizable), a 2,000DPI laser tracking engine, six DPI settings (adjustable on the fly) and a $59.95 sticker. Full release is just after the break.
Gallery: Microsoft intros SideWinder X6 keyboard and X5 mouseContinue reading Microsoft intros SideWinder X6 keyboard and X5 mousePermalink | Email this | Comments
JP Geek
- PaperShow, nuevo concepto para el PowerPoint (probando el producto)
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PaperShow es un nuevo producto de Oxford ( ENRI lo venderá en España) que saldrá al mercado en Septiembre de este año 2008, un bolígrafo digital que nos permite hacer que nuestras presentaciones en Power Point sean más dinámicas, humanas y modificables.
Este nuevo boli es muy sencillo de usar, un simple adaptador Bluetooth nos permite la conexión con el PC y usando las plantillas de papel podemos comenzar a modificar nuestras presentaciones, todo en tiempo real y a color.
(more…)
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Un regalo para todos vosotros.
- Los lectores más antiguos del blog se acordarán de mi podcast, una serie de 7 capítulos en MP3, fue divertido, ¿os acordáis de la canción que sonaba en la intro? ese es mi regalo, la versión completa de dicha canción.
Este es el enlace Podcast Theme
Para descargar el archivo, seguir el enlace, bajar hasta el fondo de la web y veréis el “Download Now”, espero que os guste.
Ahora sí.
Hasta otra vez.
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Los 10 juegos más vendidos de Capcom
- Seguro que muchos recuerdan la recreativa del Street Fighter como una de las mejores “máquinas” de principios de los 90 (yo jugué en 1992 por primera vez), siendo un juego sencillo y llevado al “hall of fame” de la compañía, sin duda, el más vendido.
Estos son los juegos más vendidos de Capcom:
1. Street Fighter II–Super Nintendo–6.3 millones
2. Resident Evil 2–PlayStation–4.96 millones
3. Street Fighter II Turbo–Super Nintendo–4.1 millones
4. Resident Evil 3 Nemesis–PlayStation–3.5 millones
5. Resident Evil–PlayStation–2.75 millones
6. Dino Crisis–PlayStation–2.4 millones
7. Devil May Cry 4–PlayStation 3, Xbox 360–2.3 millones
8. Devil May Cry–PlayStation 2–2.16 millones
9. Monster Hunter Freedom 2–PlayStation Portable–2.15 millones
10. Onimusha: Warlords–PlayStation 2–2.02 millones
Mirando la lista, Resident Evil 2, uno de mis juegos favoritos para PSX, lo jugué antes que la primera entrega, con sus dos personajes, lineas de historia diferente pero que se entrelazaban, sorpresas al terminar el juego, todavía no he conseguido terminarlo sin grabar ni una sola vez.
El resto de la lista, Devil May Cry, nunca he jugado a este juego, así que poco puedo decir, pero si está en esta lista, por algo será, al igual que los que cierran el top 10.
Vía | GameSpot
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Gafas con reproductor de vídeo, SONY tiene nuevo producto
- Nuevas gafas multimedia, en este caso SONY se propone poner al mercado (por el 2010) unas gafas con la capacidad de reproducir vídeo.
Por ahora, quieren reducir el peso a unos 80 gramos, está claro que debe ser algo cómodo de llevar y más si queremos darle uso durante más de una hora (lo que dura una película, más o menos). Ahora pesan 120gr.
En la imagen podemos ver esas gafas, algo grandes y demasiado “vistosas”, su uso sería para fuera de casa, en el transporte público, en la playa, en cualquier parte, pero ya sabemos que pasa con estas cosas, hay mucho amigo de lo ajeno suelto por las calles, pero no debe ser motivo para no disfrutar de esta tecnología.
Hace tiempo vi unas gafas que eran parecidas, permitían jugar con la consola y tener nuestra pequeña pantalla para nosotros solos, supongo, y espero, que estas sean mejores y con un precio más que razonable.
Vía | Gizmodo
Compártelo
- iDial, marcación retro para el iPhone
- Otro programa para el iPhone, iDial es un dial como los que tenían esos teléfonos de hace algunos años, la ruedecita con los números. Aprovechando la pantalla táctil, le damos un toque retro a nuestro móvil.
A ver cuantos de nosotros a visto un teléfono de estos, con rueda, no hay que mirar muy atrás, yo nací en el 80 y en casa había de estos, que recuerdos y que lentitud al marcar, nada que ver con la marcación por tonos de ahora.
Vía | iPhoneskinning
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Controlar Ableton Live con el iPhone
- Otra aplicación para el iPhone o el iPod Touch, un programa que nos permite usar este gadget como controlador MIDI, eso sí, usando un Mac con este software.
El resultado es muy útil para esos directos en los que queremos dar un toque más “geek” al concierto, ya que esto no interfiere en el resultado musical, simplemente es una herramienta más.
Lo ideal es usar el iPod Touch, más que nada por su precio, bastante inferior al del móvil de Apple, pero sirven los dos, basicamente son iguales.
El vídeo es un tutorial que nos enseña como instalar el software en un Mac, en un iPod y “jugar” con el. Yo uso el Live para jugar con los arreglos en directo y usarlo con el iPod Touch me parece una buena idea, gracias a su pantalla táctil.
Vía | Create Digital Music
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- El despertador, ¿vivo o muerto?
- Hace tiempo que no uso un despertador, el móvil ha sido el culpable, ya que también cumple esa función, con un sonido menos molesto pero igual de efectivo, ¿se estará dejando de usar tan “amable” compañero de sueños?
No es algo importante, pero conozco a mucha gente que hace como yo, con el móvil, pone su alarma y listo, dejando de lado ese bonito reloj con campanas, ¿la radio? otro aparato que sustituye al despertador, este es un enemigo antiguo, viejo conocido, también usado para rompernos el sueño.
Hace poco quise comprar un despertador, al final y después de mucho mirar, compré una radio con reloj/despertador, pobre reloj con campanas, ¿lo tenemos que enterrar o sigue vivo?
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Revolución de MMORPGs para este año
- Este año 2008 va a ser bastante divertido para todos los jugadores de MMORPGs (¿deberían llamarse trabajadores?), ya que tienen una lista de novedades bastante interesante, aunque corta.
Para comenzar, el Age of Conan, un juego basado en el mundo de Robert E. Howard, es su punto fuerte, lo malo, requiere una gran máquina, es decir, comprar el juego y un PC para acompañarlo. Eso les pasará a muchos.
Otra gran novedad, el que siempre se retrasa, Warhammer Online. El wargame pasado al mundo online, aunque también tiene su versión RPG de mesa. Este me parece mejor que el AoC, será por mi afición por estas miniaturas. Posiblemente un juego que le haga competencia al más grande (por ahora).
World of Warcraft también tiene novedad para este año, nueva expansión, es decir, más de lo mismo, pero con otro nombre y distintos gráficos. Es el que requiere menos PC para jugarlo, eso es un punto a su favor, así como la gran comunidad que hay detrás. Lo malo, requiere mucho tiempo, demasiado.
Esta es la plantilla de este año, si no hay retrasos, para verano el de Conan, para finales los otros dos, todavía no hay fechas oficiales.
Yo no me quedo con ninguno, ¿Cual eliges tu?
Venga, por elegir uno y que no se diga, el Warhammer, para cambiar un poco.
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Khaces añade fotos a sus mensajes
- Otra novedad en Khaces, la red española de microblogging. Guillem (creador de Khaces) me envía un email con todas las novedades (siento el retraso), algunas de las cuales ya he comentado en este blog.
Pero hablemos de la posibilidad de las fotos, hay dos maneras de poner fotos en tus Khaces, una (la más directa), poner la foto directamente en tus mensajes desde la misma web, sencillo y bastante útil, ya se sabe, “una imagen vale más que mil palabras”, en este caso 140.
La otra, los usuarios de Fotolog podrán dar a conocer sus álbumes digitales, cada vez que se suba una foto aparecerá un mensaje en Khaces, por fin veremos la cara de algunos usuarios (sobre todo usuarias).
Estas son las novedades, junto con la actualización por RSS, las más notables de Abril y Mayo.
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
- Funda para tu cámara de fotos, es de Kitty
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Nuevas fundas para cámaras digitales, unos bonitos bolsos de Hello Kitty para llevar nuestras pequeñas, el resultado es elegante y bastante acertado.
Lo malo, que es de Hello Kitty y eso supone un incremento del precio “real” del producto, pero lo veo un regalo bastante bueno para una amiga/novia, si no le gusta el rosa, hay una versión en dorado.
He dicho que para regalar lo veo bastante acertado, pero voy a dar mi opinión sobre estas fundas, son horteras y como casi todo lo que lleva el nombre de Hello Kitty, no lo compraría. Sí, le tengo manía a esta marca, no puedo con esto, es superior a mi, sobre todo desde que vi la AK 47 de Kitty.
Vía | Akihabara News
Atención: Este post es original de JP-Geek.com, weblog sobre gadgets, software e internet.
Compártelo
Gizmag
- Popcorn Hour's A-110 Networked Media Tank
- AV enthusiasts need never leave the couch again with the aid of the Popcorn Hour A-110 networked media tank. The A-110 is a combination of a digital media player, network attached storage and a media server. Supporting a mammoth list of all the latest video and audio formats, the A-110 includes HDMI v1.3a for playing full 1080p video, and S/PDIF Optical Digital Audio. Retailing at USD$215, the A-110 is within reach of most home entertainment budgets, and is leaving the Apple TV for dead.
..
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- The ElectraFlyer C plug-n-fly electric plane
- August 19, 2008 The ElectraFlyer C is an electric aircraft based around the now defunct 1980s Moni kit plane designed by John Monnett which features in the Smithsonian Air and Space museum no less. The original and unreliable KFM 107 two-stroke air-cooled motor has been replaced with a modified version of ElectraFlyer's US$8500 5.6 kWh lithium battery and US$4200 propulsion parts kit, will top 90 mph, fly for 90 minutes plus and recharges from a household power outlet in six hours at a cost of, would-you-believe, sixty cents. That's serious bang-per-buck for an aircraft and bodes well for the coming era of personal flight being based around sustainable energy and as it's almost totally silent, sustainable hearing without the need for earplugs. Silent aircraft, like silent RVs, are the way to a sustainable future for the sport...
Tags: ElectricRelated Articles:
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- The BigDog Quadruped Robot gets smarter
- August 19, 2008 We've written about Boston Dynamics's BigDog Quadruped Robot before, but felt it was worth updating given there's an impressive new video out showing the incredible beastie doing its stuff. BigDog is a gasoline-powered, hydraulically-actuated quadruped robot that walks, runs, and climbs over almost any terrain. Watch BigDog get kicked heavily and recover, walk across ice, rocks and incredibly, carry twice its weight while doing it. The DARPA-funded robot is chock full of technology, squeezing gyroscopes, a bunch of sensors and its own stereo vision system into a weight of just 75 kg.
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Tags: Boston Dynamics, RobotRelated Articles:
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The Care-O-bot 3 - always at your service
- Criterion Collection's new reference Blu-ray player: a PlayStation 3
- The PS3's credibility as a Blu-ray player has received another boost with the news that the folks at the Criterion Collection -- the distributors of "important and classic and contemporary films" -- use the PS3 as their reference Blu-ray player in their new HD home theater. The news might come as a surprise to those that would assume a stand-alone player would trump a game console/Blu-ray player in the picture quality department, but the PS3 has consistently received favorable reviews of its Blu-ray playback capabilities after overcoming some early teething problems.....
Tags: Blu-ray, Home Entertainment, PS3, SonyRelated Articles:
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- BenQ's environmentally friendly widescreen LCDs
- Two new 19" LCD monitors from BenQ replace the traditional four-lamp apparatus with two without affecting the brightness of the monitor screen. The energy saving technology used in the E900HD and G900HDA allows users to cut down power consumption by 25%, decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 25% and cut mercury emissions by 50%...
Tags: BenQ, EnvironmentalRelated Articles:
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ReLED Systems offer LED replacement for fluorescent tubes
Concept phones feature in iF Design Awards
- Easy-to-produce plastic microneedles offer pain-free injections
- August 19, 2008 Singapore's A*STAR continues to put the country on the technology map, this time with the news that the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) has perfected an innovative range of microneedles that can be mass produced more readily and at a much lower cost than current microneedle technologies. The microneedles can be made from plastics as well as conventional materials such as silicon and metal and offer unique structures for better drug delivery. Microneedles are a fraction of the size of hypodermic needles and hence can penetrate the skin enough to deliver the medicine (or extract bodily fluids) but miss the nerve receptors so they induce no pain. Combined with the appropriate electronics, they can be worn as a skin patch, for regular doses of drugs to be delivered automatically to patients. ..
Tags: A*STARRelated Articles:
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Nanocarriers that can kill tumors with drugs and DNA
- World's fastest Ford GT for sale on eBay
- August 19, 2008 Packing over 1000 horsepower after its GT1000 twin turbo upgrade, and with an eye-watering measured top speed of 235.4mph (378kph) that it can reach in less than 2 miles of straight road, this 2005 Ford GT has been given the full treatment by the high-velocity tuning gods at Hennessey Performance Engineering. Now it's up for sale on eBay - for the price of a small house...
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- Lotus to develop Omnivore Research Engine for bio fuels
- World-renowned Lotus Engineering has entered into a collaboration with Queen's University Belfast and Jaguar Cars to develop an engine which maximizes fuel efficiency when running on renewable fuels. The OMNIVORE concept will employ novel engine architecture to achieve a high thermal efficiency when fuelled on any alcohols or gasoline. ideally suited to flex-fuel operation, the design features an innovative variable compression ratio system and uses a two-stroke operating cycle with direct fuel injection. ..
Tags: Biofuel, Engine Technologies, LotusRelated Articles:
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- First teaser pics of GM's updated Chevy Volt design
- GM's extended-range electric Chevy Volt is slated to hit showrooms in 2010. After a rave reception of the sporty concept vehicle in early 2007, GM have been going full steam ahead on the production model - and now the Volt's Director of Design is calling for feedback on the first teaser pics of the production design...
Tags: Electric, General MotorsRelated Articles:
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- The US$100 iPosture pendant improves posture
- August 19, 2008 Since man decided that standing upright was a better idea than walking on all four limbs, our evolving environment and posture has created back problems for a significant percentage of the population. "Sit up straight" was certainly one of the catchcry's of the educational system, and mum can't always be with us to remind us of the benefits of an upright posture, so neurologist Moacir Schnapp, M.D., has created the iPosture posture improvement device. Worn as a pendant, clipped to clothing or adhered directly to the skin, the US$100 iPosture improves a user's posture by vibrating intermittently when the user slouches and continuing to vibrate until posture is corrected...
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Boing Boing
- TSA puts commercial pilots on no-fly and terrorist watch lists
- Here are a couple of accounts of commercial airline pilots, one of whom has been put on the TSA's no-fly list and the other is on the terrorist watch-list, for reasons that no one will disclose.
A Gulf War veteran and his wife say they've been unfairly placed on a federal list that limits their commercial flight access and threatens his job as a commercial pilot. To fight back, the couple, who are Muslim, filed a lawsuit today against a host of U.S. government agencies. "We don't know why they're on the list. They don't know why they're on the list. The government won't tell us why they're on the list," said Amy Foerster, an attorney with Saul Ewing, who is providing pro bono counsel and working with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the Schuylkill County couple on the case, which was filed in U.S. district court...
James Robinson is a retired Air National Guard brigadier general and a commercial pilot for a major airline who flies passenger planes around the country.
James Robinson is a retired brigadier general and a commercial pilot. His name is on the terrorist "watch list."
He has even been certified by the Transportation Security Administration to carry a weapon into the cockpit as part of the government's defense program should a terrorist try to commandeer a plane.
But there's one problem: James Robinson, the pilot, has difficulty even getting to his plane because his name is on the government's terrorist "watch list."
Robinson is one of many James Robinsons on the list, including a 5-year-old. Good news, though -- all you need to do to avoid the secondary screening is fly under your initials, rather than name. Better hope the terrorists never figure that out. Ho ho ho.
Airline captain, lawyer, child on terror 'watch list', Grounded pilot, wife sue over 'no-fly' list
(via MeFi)
- TSA inspector breaks airplanes by climbing on them using instruments as handholds
- A TSA inspector decided to get a closer look at some American Eagle jets at O'Hare, so he climbed up on them, using a fragile, vital instrument (the Total Air Temperature probes) as handholds. He damaged the craft so badly that the regular maintenance crew grounded them -- and if they hadn't noticed, the lives of everyone on-board could have been endangered. Remember, folks, the "S" in TSA stands for "Security."
Citing sources within the aviation industry, ABC News reports an overzealous TSA employee attempted to gain access to the parked aircraft by climbing up the fuselage... reportedly using the Total Air Temperature (TAT) probes mounted to the planes' noses as handholds.
"The brilliant employees used an instrument located just below the cockpit window that is critical to the operation of the onboard computers," one pilot wrote on an American Eagle internet forum. "They decided this instrument, the TAT probe, would be adequate to use as a ladder."
Commuter Flights Grounded Thanks To Bumbling TSA Inspector
(via MeFi)
- Beijing: "Alive in Baghdad" videoblogger among US citizens detained in pro-Tibet protests
- Following up on two previous posts today about the detention of tech-art protesters in Beijing, we now have word that videoblogger Brian Conley of "Alive in Baghdad" has also been taken in by authorities.
Conley and others previously announced as having been detained were working with the group Students for a Free Tibet to document pro-Tibet protests in Beijing.
Here is SFT's statement:
Beijing - Brian Conley, creator of the well-known videoblog, Alive in Baghdad, was detained with his friend, Jeffrey Rae, early Tuesday, August 19th in Beijing. Their detention appears to have taken place at the same time as that of international artist James Powderly, whose detention was reported Tuesday. Three other bloggers and activists, Jeff Goldin, Michael Liss, and Tom Grant, have also been missing since Tuesday morning. Conley, 28, Rae, 28, Goldin, 40, Liss, 35, Grant, 39 are all American citizens.
The five "citizen journalists" and activists were in Beijing to support and promote human rights, freedom of expression, and freedom for the Tibetan people. They and numerous others have acted as an independent media centre for the dozens of pro-Tibet activists in Beijing who have sought to draw attention to the Chinese government's occupation of Tibet during the Olympics. Rae and Conley shot and released online high-resolution photographs and footage of the recent protest by Students for a Free Tibet supporters at the Chinese Ethnic Culture Park.
Beijing: Citizen Journalists, Videoblogger, Activists Detained (SFT)
Previously:
* Beijing: Five US activists detained after lighting up "Free Tibet" LED Throwies banner near Olympics site* GRL's James Powderly detained in Beijing for planning pro-Tibet "L.A.S.E.R. Stencil" art protest
Below: Video shot by Detainee Brian Conley of "Ethnic Park" Protest on August 13th, 2008.
- Your Favorite Little Podcast: Episode Thirteen
- Here's the latest episode of Derrick Bostrom's "Your Favorite Little Podcast," featuring a terrific playlist of unusual, forgotten, underrated, and ignored music. Derrick's podcast, along with The Casbah ("an eclectic rock & roll and rhythm radio show featuring surf-instrumentals, garage, blues and more"), and Little Steve's Underground Garage on Sirius Radio, take care of about 95% of my music listening needs.
From Derrick's show notes:
I also love it when the wrong people visit this site by mistake, venting their disorientation and discomfort in the comments. I especially love it when they use terms like "elevator music" as if this was incisive criticism. After all, some folks still obsess over "authenticity," preferring "immediacy" and "spontaneity" above all other concerns. Somehow, the soundtrack to a long-defunct Saturday morning kids show or a 30-year-old vanity pressing from an unknown lounge singer just doesn't work for them
But for those of you who just want a little mundane background music for your misanthropic existence, a little something to listen to while you put your pants on one leg at a time (just like the next guy), I hope this podcast fits the bill.
Your Favorite Little Podcast: Episode Thirteen
- Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse
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I haven't read Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse by Victor Gischler, but this description, sent to me by the publisher, makes it sound good. If you've read it, please post your review in the comments.
Mortimer Tate was an insurance salesman on the verge of a nasty divorce when he holed up in a mountain cave in Tennessee and rode out the end of the world. Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse begins nine years later, when he emerges into a bizarre landscape filled with hollow reminders of an America that no longer exists. Since "The Fall," highways are lined with abandoned automobiles, for which there is no fuel. Houses stand empty and what little civilization remains revolves around a string of strip clubs called Joey Armageddon's Sassy-a-Go-Go, where the beer is cold, the lap dancers are hot, the bouncers are armed with M-16s--and electricity is generated by indentured servants pedaling stationary bicycles. Accompanied by his cowboy sidekick Buffalo Bill and two gorgeous and lethal women named Sheila and Tyler, Mortimer journeys to the Lost City of Atlanta--and an explosive final showdown that just might determine the fate of humanity.
Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse
- Space art from the 1950s
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Plan59's 1950s space-art gallery has some real gems!
Space Art
(via Neatorama)
- Pro-Obama D&D tee
- Now that the McCain campaign has declared war on Dungeons and Dragons, Dennis has struck back with this tee.
It may be typical of the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd to disparage a fellow countryman's memory of war from the comfort of mom's basement, but most Americans have the humility and gratitude to respect and learn from the memories of men who suffered on behalf of others.
Pro-Obama Dungeons and Dragons Crowd
(Thanks, Dennis!)
See also: McCain staffer slams Dungeons and Dragons players
- Katamari Damacy King baby-hat
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Veronica from ItchyStitchy has the pattern needed to make this child-sized Katamari Damacy Prince of All Cosmos hat thing. Someone get my smelling salts, I just went into a cute coma! The kid will be wearing it to GenCon (natch).
FO and Pattern: Katamari Damacy Prince of All Cosmos Baby Hat!
(via Craft)
- EFF clobbers Boston transit's gag order on MIT students' research
- Hugh from the Electronic Frontier Foundation sez, "EFF's Coders' Rights project had a big win for free speech when a judge ruled that the gag order against MIT student security researchers should be lifted. Right on!"
Today, a federal judge lifted an unconstitutional gag order that had prevented three Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) students from disclosing academic research regarding vulnerabilities in Boston's transit fare payment system. The court found that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency (MBTA) had no likelihood of success on the merits of its claim under the federal computer intrusion law and denied the transit agency's request for a five-month injunction. In papers filed yesterday, the MBTA acknowledged for the first time that their Charlie Ticket system had vulnerabilities and estimated that it would take five months to fix.
Tuesday's ruling lifts the restriction preventing the student researchers from talking about their findings regarding the security vulnerabilities of Boston's Charlie Card and Charlie Ticket -- a project that earned them an "A" from renowned computer scientist and MIT professor Dr. Ron Rivest. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) represents the students as part of its Coders' Rights Project.
Judge Lifts Unconstitutional Gag Order Against MIT Students
- Beijing: Five US activists detained after lighting up "Free Tibet" LED Throwies banner near Olympics site
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An update on the pro-Tibet tech-art protests happening in Beijing: Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) tells Boing Boing that a group of five pro-Tibet activists displayed an LED Throwie Banner near the Olympics site in Beijing. The protesters, all of whom are US nationals, were promptly detained by Chinese authorities.
From SFT, via email to BB:
This was inspired by GRL's "Throwies" project, and the building and implementation of this was done by a complete separate group of Tibet activitists. They combined a traditional protest banner with over five hundred throwie lights and batteries sewn and taped onto the banner.
Details on the SFT website, Photos on Flickr, and here is a short video. "Still no more news on GRL founder James Powderly at this point," a SFT rep tells us. Previous BB post on Powderly's detention in Beijing, over 24 hours ago.
Here's a snip from the SFT press release about today's action:
Five pro-Tibet activists unfurled a banner spelling out "Free Tibet" in English and Chinese in bright blue LED "throwie" lights in Beijing's Olympic Park tonight. The five were detained by security personnel after displaying the banner for about 20 seconds at 11:48 pm August 19th. Their whereabouts are unknown. The detained activists are Americans Amy Johnson, 33, Sam Corbin, 24, Liza Smith, 31, Jacob Blumenfeld, 26, and Lauren Valle, 21.
"The Chinese government is desperate to turn the world's attention away from its abuses in Tibet as the Olympics take place, but the creativity and determination of Tibetans and their supporters has once again ensured that Tibetan voices are heard and seen in Beijing despite the massive security clampdown," said Tenzin Dorjee, Deputy Director of Students for a Free Tibet. "The Chinese leadership must realize that the only way it can make the issue of Tibet disappear is to acknowledge the demands of the Tibetan people and work with them to bring an end to China's occupation of Tibet."
The lights used on the banner are blue 10 mm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) powered by small batteries, commonly known as "throwies." Throwies are open-source technology attributed to OpenLab and Graffiti Research Lab, developed as a means of creating non-destructive graffiti and light displays. This is the first time ever that they have been used on a banner. James Powderly, free speech activist and co-founder of the Graffiti Research Lab (GRL), was detained in Beijing early this morning (see http://freetibet2008.org/globalactions/jamespowderly).
Previously: GRL's James Powderly detained in Beijing for planning pro-Tibet "L.A.S.E.R. Stencil" art protest
Tech blog
- Feature: Geeks Use Lasers to Cut Pizza, Make Coffee
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Laser pointers are yesterday, these high-tech geeks show us new and inventive ways of using these high-powered machines. Continue reading to see more.
- Team Fortress 2 - Meet the Sandvich
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The Sandvich is basically Heavy's first unlockable in Team Fortress 2, providing 120 health. Best of all, the supply for this item is unlimited. Video after the break.
- LED Flashlight
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Duracell's new LED flashlight boasts "TrueBeam technology that uses 'both a lens and a reflector to capture and project up to 100 percent of the light'". Video after the break.
Duracell will be offering the Daylite in three varieties: the 80 lumens AAA / AA versions (both $25) and the powerful 160 lumens CR123 version ($35) beginning this month at drug and hardware stores.
[via Gizmodo]
- Portable Yamaha
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KDDI has unveiled a few innovative phone concepts, which includes "Band in my Pocket" (above). This handset "can receive five different modules from the bass module to a trumpet module." Click here for more portable Yamaha concepts.
The second one is the "Trio in your Hand" concept which features a third interface which will allow you to scratch like a DJ thanks to a special pad. According to KDDI staff, it had also been designed to play to game easier.
[via AkihabaraNews]
- Reality Racing
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Unlike other iPhone racing games, Reality Racing offers "community features which allow you to upload you best times to a central website." Video after the break.
PocketGamer.co.uk had a hands on and described the graphics as "spiffing" and claims the tilt controls "knock spots off other iPhone racing games so far." Head-to-head multiplayer over network or Wi-Fi is also available.
[via Toucharcade]
- Russian Rocket
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A 58m-high, 700-ton Russian rocket from the Cold-War era has successfully launched the "Inmarsat-4, or I4-F3 broadband satellite" into space. Click here for first picture in gallery.
Almost as big as a double decker bus and with an unfurled solar wingspan as wide as a football field, it needed an appropriately big ride into space.
[via Gizmodo]
- eBay Watch: Three Wheeled T-Rex Sportbike
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At $41,100, this three wheeled T-Rex sportbike on eBay features "loads of power throughout the RPM range and nothing sacrificed when it comes to the turns." Video after the break. Auction page. Click here for first picture in gallery.
You are bidding on a beautiful 2007 Campanga T Rex with only 3,300 miles. This T Rex is in perfect mechanical and structural condition.
[via eBay]
- Shadow Harvest
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In Shadow Harvest, "the player takes control over two ISA agents which are are deployed as elite black-ops agents on various current and future points of conflict around the globe to cooperatively complete covert operations." Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.
To optimally achieve all mission goals, the player needs to combine Myra's stealth skills, cleverness and athletic abilities with Aron's blunt open battle approach.
[via IGN]
- TV B Gone
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Not your standard TV B Gone, this pro model "can shut down more than 90% of all televisions worldwide with a simple push of a button." Video after the break.
8 ultra-powerful infrared emitters ensure that no TV will be safe from its hypnotic gaze. There’s even an instant reactivation mode which lets you turn off a bunch of sets in rapid succession.
[via Technabob]
- Challenger RT
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The new Dodge Challenger RT "is only fractionally slower to 60 mph than the SRT8's 5.5 seconds (5.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout)." InsideLine takes this beast out for a road test after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.
The difference lies in the higher redline of the SRT8's 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi, which enables the car to pull past 60 mph in 2nd gear. In comparison, the R/T requires a shift into 3rd gear.
[via Edmunds]
UberGizmo
- Xplore Technologies iX104C4 Tablet PC
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Do you live a tough life or work in a harsh environment? The Xplore Technologies iX104C4 tablet PC could be just the device for you, coming in a rugged form factor comprising of a triple-layer magnesium housing with customized gaskets and a patented bumper system. It is capable of shrugging off four-foot drops to concrete from any angle, and conforms to a range of MIL-STD 810F standards, making it viration-, dust-, and damp-proof. Not only that, it will outlast you outside, working just fine in temperatures ranging from -20 to 60 deg. C. Specifications of the iX104C4 Tablet PC include :-
Intel Core Duo U2500 1.3GHz processor
1GB RAM
10.4" touch screen display at 1,024 x 768 resolution
120GB hard drive/32GB SSD
Gigabit Ethernet
Two USB 2.0 ports
Mini PC slot, PCMCIA slot
You can choose between Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to power the iX104C4. There is no word on pricing or availability though.
Add a comment | From: Xplore Technologies iX104C4 Tablet PC | Visit Ubergizmo
- Swany g.cell Cellphone Ski/Snowboard Glove
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Winter might be some months away, but that doesn't mean you can't prepare in advance. The Swany g.cell Cellphone Ski/Snowboard Glove targets those who must answer their phone no matter what extreme sports they're involved in at that point in time. Features of this Bluetooth-enabled glove include :-
Incoming calls detected by vibrating wrist action — push on back of hand to receive call
Recharger included — phone will last for 12 hours on standby; 4 hours talk time
Insulated water-repellent outer shell for hours of warm dry use
Speaker and microphone integrated into palm and thumb
Call-out voice command dial system
The Swany g.cell Cellphone Ski/Snowboard Glove will arrive in time for the holiday season at an insane $495.
Add a comment | From: Swany g.cell Cellphone Ski/Snowboard Glove | Visit Ubergizmo
- Razer Megalodon Headphones
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Razer, a company more well known for their range of gaming peripherals, has unveiled its Maelstrom Audio Engine for its Megalodon headphones this time round that has nothing to do with a pointing device. This 7.1 surround sound gaming headset uses military grade audio technology which is capable of processing audio algorithms up to 8 times faster compared to standard HRTF virtual surround sound technologies. I don't know about you, but do gamers need that level of detail? After all, you aren't watching a movie or listening to a world-class orchestra playing in the first place. I suppose most people won't be able to tell the difference in quality during a frantic gaming session, where you are more concerned with taking your opponent out or running for cover at that point in time. The Razer Megalodon will retail for 139.99 Euros and can switch between stereo and 7.1 surround sound on-the-fly thanks to its control pod.
Add a comment | From: Razer Megalodon Headphones | Visit Ubergizmo
- Apple To Replace Faulty Nanos For Free
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Apple has relented and will replace first generation iPod nanos that spontaneously combust for free according to the following press statement.
“Apple has determined that in very rare cases, batteries in first-generation iPod nanos sold between Sept. 2005 and Dec. 2006 can overheat, causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Any first-generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first-generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare.”
Hopefully this incident will be one-off and not as pervasive as Apple’s notebook battery woes a couple of years' back.
Add a comment | From: Apple To Replace Faulty Nanos For Free | Visit Ubergizmo
- ClarionMiND Released At IDF
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Clarion has rolled out its ClarionMiND at the ongoing Intel Developer Forum (IDF), bringing a portable GPS navigation system that is powered by Linux and boasts full Internet connectivity as well. It will share many features as found on current GPS systems, including a 4.8" 800 x 480 resolution touch screen display, audio and video playback in addition to Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free conversations while you're on the road. This is one Internet-savvy GPS system, featuring viewers for YouTube, Google Maps, MySpace, and weather. Other specifications are :-
Intel Atom processor
512MB RAM
4GB internal memory
Two USB 2.0 ports
SD memory card slot
Sounds like a pretty comprehensive in-car device to have. No idea on pricing, but it will ship sometime in Q4 this year.
Add a comment | From: ClarionMiND Released At IDF | Visit Ubergizmo
- Sony Headphones Looks Different
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This pair of Sony headphones look a whole lot different from what you see in the market today, featuring rounded buds that come in half a dozen different colors for you to choose from. Perfect for ladies who want to accessorize everything, even down to the pair of headphones. Each pair comes with a soft rubber that surrounds a firm central liner. They will hit the Japan market this September 10th for $22, so don't expect the audio quality to be anything worth shouting about. No idea if this will make it to the US though.
Add a comment | From: Sony Headphones Looks Different | Visit Ubergizmo
- Head Music Blizzard Portable Media Player
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I wonder when will the uber-game developer Blizzard actually do something about the Head Music Blizzard portable media player. This generic model comes with the following :-
2.8" 320 x 240 resolution display
Home button for easy navigation
Supports AVI, WMV, MPEG4, MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, JPG, BMP and TXT file formats
USB 2.0 connectivity
Built-in FM tuner and recorder
Two audio jacks
4GB internal memory
At least the presence of the two audio jacks makes it easy to share your music with somebody else without having to split the pair of earbuds. This Blizzard PMP will retail for 70 Euros.
Add a comment | From: Head Music Blizzard Portable Media Player | Visit Ubergizmo
- Toshiba Has New Tough Laptops
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Toshiba is no stranger to the world of rugged laptops, and have just released a couple more models - the Tecra A10 and M10. Not only do these models help keep things running even in the harshest of conditions, they also boast additional security measures that help prevent data theft even when the laptop itself is stolen. Features on the A10 and M10 include :-
Intel Centrino 2 processor
Max. 8GB RAM
250GB hard drive
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
Fingerprint security system
Toshiba EasyGuard technology
The A10 will come with a 15" display while the M10 is a wee bit smaller, shaving off an inch. The M10 will also have 3G connectivity as an option, so you will need a reasonable unlimited data plan for this. The A10 and M10 will retail for £590 and £650, respectively.
Add a comment | From: Toshiba Has New Tough Laptops | Visit Ubergizmo
- ORCA Tracks Men Overboard
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Tracking people who have been thrown overboard can be quite a headache, but soon all that could change with the Man Overboard Indicator (MOBI) that will be tested aboard 105 US Navy vessels. This nifty device will not oly alert a ship's crew of a sailor (or more) in the water, it also stores special IDs which are unique to all sailors so that rescuers have a better idea of whom they are looking for. Perfect to keep close track of how many more people a rescue team should continue searching, and once everyone is recovered, the search and rescue operations can stop, hence saving time and money at the same time.
Add a comment | From: ORCA Tracks Men Overboard | Visit Ubergizmo
- iPhone 2.0.2 Dropped Calls
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The problems just keep on coming - there are people who have reported that after installing iPhone 2.0.2, they now find it even more frustrating when trying to make calls. That's pretty strange, since this firmware update is meant to improve call connection quality, but I guess there are still many more glitches to be ironed out. If you're one suffering from such a problem after iPhone 2.0.2, there is a quick fix solution. All you need to do is switching to the EDGE network instead if you want to make phone calls, returning to 3G whenever you want to surf. A few people have already confirmed this solution, and I hope Apple works out all these kinks as soon as possible or it will leave a very bad taste in consumers' mouths.
Add a comment | From: iPhone 2.0.2 Dropped Calls | Visit Ubergizmo
Xataka
- Pandora, más cerca de su versión final
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En la presentación de la consola Pandora nos quedamos con la impresión de que se trataba de un dispositivo bastante interesante, en el caso de que algún día viera la luz, cosa que no estaba demasiado clara.
Pero el trabajo de sus desarrolladores está dando su frutos, y Pandora está cada vez más cerca de ser un producto final. De momento, están a la venta los kits para desarrolladores, con los que se puede empezar a trastear y programar con esta consola.
Recordemos que Pandora vendrá con una pantalla táctil de 4.3 pulgadas con resolución de 800 x 480 píxeles, aceleración 3D, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, controles para los juegos y un teclado QWERTY. Además, funciona con Linux, lo que la convierte casi en un ultra-ultraportátil.
Su autonomía se calcula en unas 10 horas y su precio en unos 212 euros más IVA. En el vídeo se pueden ver ejemplos de su funcionamiento con algunos emuladores, con el juego Quake 2 y el arranque del sistema operativo, ofreciendo una buena impresión general, sobretodo por el veloz funcionamiento de la mayoría de aplicaciones.
Vía | Engadget.
Más información | OpenPandora.
- Neuros OSD2.0, versión para desarrolladores
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Hace un par de años que Neuros lanzó la versión para desarrolladores de su Neuros OSD, un grabador de vídeo totalmente hackeable, con el que el usuario puede trastear, añadir aplicaciones, desarrollar para él,...
Lo hicieron para incentivar el desarrollo de aplicaciones para él, incluyendo recompensas monetarias para algunos programas específicos. Es el mismo modelo que aplican ahora con el Neuros OSD2.0, cuya característica más destacada es el soporte para HD.
Esta versión para desarrolladores no es igual que el modelo final, sino que viene en una caja estándar de ordenador para permitir añadir más componentes y trastear con ella. La versión para usuarios será algo más pequeña y vendrá con una caja de plástico con un diseño un poco mejor.
Como no podía ser de otro modo, ahora que el Neuros OSD2.0 soporta HD, se incluye un puerto HDMI para conectarlo a un televisor o a un monitor de alta resolución. Se ha aumentado también el número de puerto USB hasta cuatro, frente al único puerto que incluía el modelo anterior.
En el apartado de software permite la grabación en formato H-264 a 720 x 480 píxeles y en MPEG-4 a 1024 x 768 píxeles, además de la reproducción de H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 y WMV, con soporte de 720p y de 1080i en algunos de esos formatos. A esto hay que sumarle todo el resto de aplicaciones que se pueden instalar en este dispositivo.
Esta versión para desarrolladores del Neuros OSD2.0Crunchgear.
Más información | Neuros.
- Casio Exilim, nuevos modelos
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Por fin la carrera de los megpíxeles en las cámaras de fotos empieza a tranquilizarse. Con cámaras que en la mayoría de modelos, incluso en los más económicos, ronda ya los 9 o 10 megapíxeles, ahora los fabricantes apuestan por añadir características adicionales a sus cámaras para hacerlas más atractivas.
Es lo que ha hecho Casio con sus nuevas Exilim, una gama que se amplía con la Casio Exilim EX-Z300, la Casio Exilim EX-Z250, la Casio Exilim EX-Z85 y la Casio Exilim EX-Z19.
Las dos primeras ofrecen resoluciones de 10.1 y 9.1 megapíxeles, respectivamente, y vienen con una lente granangular, un zoom de 4 aumentos y el Exilim Engine 3.0, un nuevo procesador de imágenes que ofrece mayor calidad, reduciendo la cantidad de ruido y el moiré de las fotografías.
Como novedad en este fabricante incluyen una opción de maquillaje, que mejora las tomas de la piel y de la cara, eliminando sombras y suavizando estas, de forma similar a como lo haríamos posteriormente con los efectos de clonado de programas como Photoshop.
La EX-Z300 y la EX-Z250 disponen de una pantalla LCD de 3 pulgadas y estarán disponibles en negro, plateado y dorado. La primera de ellas, además, permite la grabación de vídeo a 720p.
Los modelos EX-Z19 y EX-Z85 son más sencillos, con una pantalla de 2.6 pulgadas y un zoom de 3 aumentos, con resoluciones de 9.3 y 9.1 megapíxeles respectivamente. Incorporan, como ya es norma general, detección de rostros y de sonrisas. La Z85 permite, además, la grabación de vídeo en formato panorámico.
Estarán disponibles en ocho colores distintos, aunque todavía no se han anunciado fechas ni precios de salida en España.
Vía | Pocket Lint.
- Microsoft Sidewinder X6 y X5, teclado y ratón para gamers
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Dos nuevos periféricos para gamers de Microsoft que ya adelantamos en parte hace poco más de un mes. Pertenecen a la gama Sidewinder de Microsoft y son el teclado X6 y el ratón X5.
Por un lado, el Microsoft Sidewinder X5 es una evolución del ratón Sidewinder original, totalmente dirigido a gamers quienes podrán cambiar los pesos internos, ajustar la resolución (máximo 2000 dpi) o configurar cinco botones programables. Microsoft mantiene su rivalidad frente a Logitech y su G9, el cual pudimos analizar con resultados bastante positivos.
Luego está el Microsoft Sidewinder X6, el teclado que mantiene la particularidad que ya comentamos allá por julio: el teclado numérico puede intercambiarse de un lateral a otro, cosa que no existe en ningún otro teclado para gamers. Dispone de retroiluminación con dos colores diferentes, el rojo para las teclas que no son programables y otro color ámbar para las teclas especiales y personalizables por el usuario.
En la parte superior, el Microsoft Sidewinder X6 dispone de algunas teclas multimedia, así como de dos pads que controlan el volumen y la luminosidad ofrecida por el teclado.
El diseño tanto del X5 como del X6 es muy diferente de lo que hemos visto en otros periféricos de este estilo. Es algo moderno que aunque parece bastante interesante, da la sensación de que pierde ergonomía y comodidad de uso, cosa que para un jugador de videojuegos es algo extremadamente importante.
Los precios también han ya sido desvelados, y son de 80 dólares el teclado Sidewinder X6 y 60 dólares el ratón Sidewinder X5. Ya están disponibles para su reserva en Amazon pero que se empezarán a enviar (y a estar disponibles en otras tiendas) a lo largo del mes de septiembre.
Más información | Gizmodo.
- Intel UrbanMax, prototipo de portátil con pantalla deslizante
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Aprovechado que estos días se está celebrando el IDF, Intel Developer Forum, Intel ha mostrado su Intel UrbanMax, un híbrido entre portátil y UMPC con cierto tinte de HTC Advantage.
El dispositivo aún está en fase de desarrollo y sólo ha sido mostrado a algunos asistentes a la conferencia. Por las imágenes parece tener una especie de ratón situado en la barra de espacio, así como una pantalla que podría ser de unas 10-13 pulgadas (no parece llegar a las 15.4).
Quizá da la sensación de que el teclado es excesivamente pequeño y estrecho. La pantalla es panorámica y el diseño parece bastante cuidado, aunque quizá no sea el definitivo. Intel no ha ofrecido más detalles (por ahora), y no se conoce ni precio ni fecha.
Tal vez dispositivos como el Interl UrbanMax tuvieran sentido si la pantalla fuese táctil, que creo que es el caso debido a que puede utilizarse como un TabletPC, con la pantalla por encima del teclado. Podría ser un producto que va a la par con los ultraportátiles, y algo diferente de los HTC Advantage debido a la gran diferencia de tamaños, unas 13 pulgadas frente a las 5 de la HTC. Yo la verdad es que tampoco termino de verle mucho sentido.
Vía | GizmoWatch.
Más información | GottaMobile.
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- Ratón por WiFi PAN
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Un concepto de ratón inalámbrico diferente. No va conectado a través de bluetooth ni requiere un emisor de radiofrecuencia sino que funciona mediante WiFi de baja frecuencia.
Parece que algunos ya señalan la WiFi PAN (WiFi Personal Area Network) como la alternativa en un futuro del bluetooth que tan de moda esta ahora en todo tipo de dispositivos. El ratón lo fabrica Ozmo, es compatible con redes WiFi 802.11a y g y, como medida de ahorro de energía para una mayor autonomía del portátil, utiliza bajas frecuencias de redes WiFi para conectarse. No requiere dispositivos adicionales, ya que va conectado al ordenador a través de la propia WiFi.
Los dispositivos compatibles con WiFi PAN tendrán una gran desventaja, y es que su principal rival el bluetooth ya lleva muchos años en el mercado. Para que de verdad el WiFi PAN se haga un hueco, tiene que ofrecerse como una alternativa con algo diferente y especial, aunque sea levemente mejor en algunos aspectos tales como el consumo energético, la posibilidad de sincronizar cualquier dispositivo que tenga WiFi y la velocidad de transferencia de datos. Sin embargo, la gran baza del bluetooth es que se ha hecho un hueco muy grande en todo tipo de productos, además de que el usuario medio lo conoce e incluso lo utiliza frecuentemente.
Los primeros dispositivos compatibles con WiFi PAN se empezarán a lanzar a principios del 2009. Mientras, Ozmo aún no ha dado ninguna información sobre fecha o precio de su ratón inalámbrico.
Vía | I4U.
Más información | Ozmo.
- Impresoras fotográficas Casio PCP-1200 y PCP-250
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Las impresoras fotográficas son otro de esos gadgets que acaban independizándose del ordenador. Y en Japón, donde tanto gustan el tipo de modificaciones a las fotografías que ves en la imagen, cogen añadidos como un teclado.
Las Casio PCP-1200 y PCP-250 son las nuevas impresoras de la marca para Japón. Seguramente no nos lleguen nunca a Europa, pero la idea que introducen nos ha gustado. Los kioskos digitales para imprimir fotografías en casa girarán hacia este concepto, con tratamiento de las imágenes, teclado y demás añadidos para que no solo no dependamos de un ordenador para gestionarlas, sino para ninguna tarea de edición básica.
Ambas impresoras llevan lector de tarjetas de memoria, pueden imprimir en diferentes formatos, desde tarjetas hasta fotos de 10x15 o calendarios personalizados, y no puede faltar un pantalla de considerable tamaño para trabajar con las fotografías. En el caso de estos modelos, las pantallas son de 3.5 y 7 pulgadas, táctiles y con resolución de 480x234.
Vía | Akihabaranews.
- Más sobre AMD Cinema 2.0
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Una es una fotografía y la otra ha sido procesada por Cinema 2.0. ¿Sabrías decir cuál es cada una?.
La semana pasada, AMD presentó la 4870X2 y aprovechó también para comentar acerca de su nueva tecnología, AMD Cinema 2.0.
Si no sabes lo que es, puedes ver algunos ejemplos en vídeo, así como las últimas imágenes que os trajimos la semana pasada. Hoy, AMD ha colgado en Youtube el vídeo en el que se muestran aquellas imágenes que comentábamos en movimiento, y sinceramente: me he quedado de piedra.
Son casi 10 minutos de vídeo en los que existen multitud de ejemplos, algunos nuevos y otros de los que se sacaron aquellas imágenes que ya vimos. Por ejemplo, en el momento 4:30 aparece el ejemplo de aquella imagen en la que veíamos las mallas que formaban el render de una mujer. En el vídeo se observa el movimiento de la mujer hablando.
Otro ejemplo. Minuto 5:17, un ejemplo del movimiento de la luz en Cinema 2.0 sobre una cara, siempre recordando que todo es procesado tiempo real. Juraría que incluso las películas que actualmente tienen un aspecto similar tienen peor calidad, aunque deberíamos poder ver los ejemplos a la máxima calidad y no a través de Youtube (aunque tendremos que conformarnos).
Minuto 6:10, un ejemplo de luz en movimiento en el que me da la sensación de que el vídeo va fluido al principio pero al final se notan pequeñas ralentizaciones. Quizá sea un efecto que quisieron conseguir en la presentación, pero parece logrado de forma bastante extraña.
Minuto 6:30, ejemplo de un increíble parecido con la realidad. Apenas son un par de frases, pero las similitudes con la realidad son extraordinarias, desde las facciones, el movimiento y la coordinación (posiblemente hayan utilizado unos sensores situados en la cara de una mujer, que es la que habla, para capturar los movimientos de sus músculos y luego reproducirlos mediante Cinema 2.0).
Minuto 7.45, un ejemplo que tiene más que ver con la holografía que con un render en tiempo real, como el resto de casos.
¿Recordáis esos instrumentos holográficos que utilizaban en StarWars?. Pues son reales y lo han probado ya en la University of Southern California, donde tienen una página en la que muestran un sorprendente vídeo con algunos ejemplos de hologramas.
Por si no lo habéis notado ya, estoy muy sorprendido con aquello que vimos el otro día. La calidad es excepcional, y el parecido con la realidad aún más.
Aparte de los ejemplos, que creo que son lo más notable del vídeo, también se muestran algunas pequeñas entrevistas a varios desarrolladores de videojuegos y algunos gamers. Comentan que creen Cinema 2.0 está varios años por delante de lo que podemos ver en la actualidad en los sistemas domésticos, unos 10 o 15 años. A su vez, Cinema 2.0 requerirá hardware superior al que conocemos hoy en día, y la pregunta es: ¿cuánto costará?. ¿Será la evolución natural del hardware actual, o será una especie de extra por el que tendremos que pagar un dinero mayores?.
Por ahora muchas incógnitas que poco a poco vamos desvelando. Con cada nuevo vídeo o ejemplo de Cinema 2.0, cada vez somos más los que nos quedamos con la boca abierta. Mientras, a los gamers no les parece del todo bien, y siempre hay que andar con cautela. ¿Cuánto tiempo resta para su lanzamiento?. ¿Será nuestro software compatible?. ¿Tiene Intel o NVidia algo del estilo en sus laboratorios?. Incógnitas que hay que tener muy en cuenta y que creo que en los próximos meses se irán respondiendo.
Ah, se me olvidaba. La primera imagen de esta entrada la capturé del vídeo (minuto 4:05 aproximadamente), y aún sigo dudando de cuál es la real