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Video: No-touch, mid-air 3D input interface for mobile devices

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 04:21 AM PDT

A lot of sophisticated, portable gadgets nowadays have a touchscreen, but what if you could operate those gadgets with your fingers – without touching the display or any part of the device itself? A research team led by Masatoshi Ishikawa, a professor at the University of Tokyo, has developed a way to operate mobile devices by moving your fingers in mid-air.

The technology is mainly based on a high-speed mini camera, which can shoot 154 pictures per second and records your fingers’ movements (vertical and horizontal), and an image-processing chip, which determines whether your fingers are moving forward or backward. The researchers says the system is especially suitable for 3D applications on mobile devices, setting it apart from other gesture-recognition technologies.

The prototype module allows users to turn the page of an e-book by flicking a finger in mid-air, for example. Move your finger towards the display, and the image on the screen expands (and vice versa). Make a circular motion, and the object displayed starts rotating, etc. etc.

The research team hopes to commercialize its technology in the near future, especially targeting makers of 3D software and 3D hardware.

Here’s a video that provides more insight:

Sony to stop manufacturing Floppy discs after 30 years

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 01:42 AM PDT

Remember Floppy discs? In case you haven’t noticed (like I didn’t), Sony is actually still making and selling those discs. But soon it’s time to say goodbye, as the company now said [JP] it will stop production in March next year. Sony rolled out the world’s first 3.5-inch floppy disc back in 1981. And believe it or not, even in 2008, the company could still sell 8.5 million units in Japan alone.

Not too surprisingly, Sony cites rapidly plunging demand as the reason (demand apparently peaked in 1995 and has shrunk more than 90% since). Hitachi Maxell and Mitsubishi Kagaku Media, two other major makers, withdrew from floppy disc sales as early as in the spring of last year.

Quietly, Sony wrapped up international sales of floppy discs last month, with the exception of India and a few other parts of the world. The company already stopped producing floppy disc drives last September.

CrunchGear Week in Review: Machine Amok Edition

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 12:00 AM PDT

Test drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 09:01 PM PDT

The 2011 Ford Fiesta isn't the status quo. No longer do consumers need to compromise on creature comforts for the practicality of a compact car. The top Fiesta trim level is loaded with enough gizmos to keep a baby boomer confused for months. However, while items like the comfy leather seats, voice-controlled Sync system, and long list of standard features might draw customers, it's the impressive powertrain that will ultimately sell the compact car.

Europeans already know this. The Fiesta is very popular across the pond, earning the title of Europe's top selling car in 2009. It has won award after award and now it's finally available here in the states, the final piece in Ford's most impressive car lineup ever.

Make it fun and the sales will come

The 2011 Ford Fiesta's secret is the astoundingly good 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Not only does it contribute heavily to the class-leading 40 mpg city rating, but it's a real workhorse providing a silky-smooth ride. We found that hills and city driving were a non-issue thanks to the lovely affair of the PowerShift transmission mated to the peppy 120 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine while the super–ridged chassis and European-tuned suspension handled curves with ease.

These four key characteristics combine to make a truly fun ride. The tight suspension and quick-shifting tranny allows for aggressive driving, a rare trait in this class. Think of the 2011 Fiesta as a compact that's as fun as the Mazda MX-5 but with room for two car seats and a stroller.

There really isn't anything like it in its class – driving-ability or equipment-wise. The $13,995 base trim level four-door Fiesta is better equipped than other compacts with a AM/FM radio, power windows, blind spot mirrors, rear-defogger and 5 speed manual transmission, with the five-door option fetching a bit more with a starting price of $15,795.. The well-equipped and modern interior looks like something from a car that should cost thousands more, especially when compared directly against the stale interiors of the Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit.

The Fiesta wins handily in the equipment list, too. A person can equip their Fiesta with nearly any automotive option imaginable including keyless entry, push button start, LED parking lamps, ambient interior lighting, and heated mirrors. In fact, shoppers will probably be surprised that many items are standard like the four-inch LCD info screen and capless fuel filer.

Expect to see many variations of the Fiesta driving around. The vehicle is available in nine vibrant exterior colors with vinyl graphic packs available from Ford dealers. The aftermarket industry will likely grab hold of the car as well, offering countless mods and body kits to the turner crowd – not that the car needs any help in the style department.

Sync wins again

It's hard to believe that Ford's peers have yet to come up with a system that compares to Sync. This system alone is a valid reason to buy the 2011 Ford Fiesta over other compacts. It's that good and offers so much functionality and safety. The best part is that Ford is continually developing and improving the system and regularly rolls out new features.

Sync starts out as an option in the mid-level SE model and offers a little bit for nearly everyone. Music and gadget lovers will love the ability to control and queue up music from their iPods with only their voice. There's even a new feature rolling out shortly that will bring the same function to BlackBerry and Android apps such as Pandora, OpenBeak, and Stitcher.

The system also compensates for the Fiesta's lack of navigation by offering turn-by-turn directions served up from a Bluetooth-connected cell phone – no data plan required. The center-mounted heads-up display even assists the computer-read directions with directional arrows, a welcomed-feature that nearly replicates the experience provided by a true GPS unit.

Everyone, look at Ford

Never before has Ford's car offering been so strong and the compact Fiesta is a big part of that. In fact, it might be the jewel of the lineup with its low-admission cost to a truly well equipped ride. It isn't alone with a redesigned Focus coming soon, the Fusion that earned Car of the Year from Motor Trend, and the industry-busting big-daddy Tarsus. Simply put, if you're looking for a new car, you must test drive a Ford.

And, well, because the Internet allows me this type of freedom, I present to you Top Gear’s much more entertaining take on the Euro-spec Fiesta. Enjoy. It’s one of the show’s best-ever segments and make sure you watch part one and two. I like the second one the best.

That’s one way to make a soccer ball

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 04:55 PM PDT


So that’s what those little latex things are for. (yes, it’s old) [via Afrigadget and Reddit]
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