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The Nokia N8, Nokia’s new flagship phone, is official

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 05:13 AM PDT

Every year, like the swallows returning from Capistrano or the tourists returning to Disneyworld Paris, Nokia releases a flagship phone. Sadly, the boatwrights at Nokia haven't dropped a winner in nigh on three years now and, if early reports are to believed, their new N8 is not looking seaworthy. The N8 looks like the Motorola Devour and has a 3.5-inch OLED, capacative touch screen, and all of the fun things you expect like compass and accelerometer. On paper, it seems great. It also uses Symbian^3 which, again, according to early reports, its just like Symbian^1 and Symbian^2. In other words, the more things change at Nokia, the more they stay the same.


Toshiba unveils 21-inch, glasses-free HD 3D display

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 04:00 AM PDT

We’re about to get yet another 3D display. This time, it’s Toshiba Mobile Display Corp. that’s prepping such a screen, an autostereoscopic (glasses-free), 21-inch 3D HD display “for use in next-generation 3D monitors”, to be more exact. Toshiba says the main selling points is that its new “integral imaging system” with 9-parallax design makes it possible for users to view 3D images from a wider range of viewing angles.

According to the company, that system required the development of a new “ultra-high-definition LCD module”, but ultimately leads to less eye fatigue and produces better images than 2-parallax 3D displays. The company teamed up with Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in the development of the HD display.

The device features WXGA (1,280×800) resolution, 480 cd/m2 brightness, and ±15 degrees (horizontal) 3D viewing angle. Toshiba expects it to be mainly used for advertisement and entertainment purposes. The display will be showcased next month at the SID 2010 International Symposium in Seattle.

Too many discounts: Apple Japan bullies online retailers

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:21 AM PDT

Japan loves Apple, there’s no doubt about it. The brand is one of the most popular tech brands in the country. iPods, Macs and even the iPhone are selling like hot cakes. But apparently, big A, or at least its Japanese subsidiary, is getting a bit arrogant in the process. According to The Nikkei (“Japan’s Wall Street Journal”), Apple Japan today ordered a number of major online retailers to stop offering all of their products online.

And Apple seems to have so much clout in Japan that their products vanished from almost every retailer’s website in the last few hours (reportedly, Apple told them to take down its products without delay). The resellers in question include the “Best Buys of Japan”, for example Yodobashi Camera, Joshin Denki, BicCamera, or Kojima.

What reportedly bothered Apple were the discounts these retailers gave to their customers. The background is that Japanese buyers usually expect discounts of at least 5% whenever they buy consumer electronics or computers – online or offline (some devices can even drop up to 20% and more in price). In most cases, the discounts are being granted in the form of “points” that can be redeemed when it’s time for the next purchase.

I just tried and could still put the iPod touch 32GB into my shopping cart on the Yodobashi site, for example. But as you can see on the screengrab on top of this post, Yodobashi says I have to go pick up the device [JP] in one of their brick and mortar shops and call a number for more information. The 5% discount (as bonus points) is still being displayed.

The only online store I could find that seemed to have received special treatment was Amazon (see screengrab of my shopping cart above).

This is Rubber Duck, it looks like we got ourselves a Woot Off

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 12:18 AM PDT

Heads up bargain hunters, it looks like those crazy wooters are at it again. That’s right, we got ourselves a woot off.

Daily Crunch: Bowl-O-Rama Edition

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 12:00 AM PDT

PS3 Slim now ever more slimmer (and more efficient)

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 11:45 PM PDT

Sony just can’t seem to leave well enough alone, it turns out that they have managed to redesign the RSX GPU to make it even smaller and more efficient. A recent tear-down by Japanese fansite PocketNews showed off the fact that they Nvidia GPU used in all the PS3 Slim units has been reduced to an even smaller size since launch.

The new GPU is now on a 40nm form factor, reducing the weight, improving heat dissipation and reducing power consumption. While the PS3 still consumes 9w of energy in it’s standby state, the smaller GPU has reduced the amount of power it consumes by a whopping 15%. For the complete tear-down and all the details check out PocketNews, but be aware the translation has some issues.

[via Toms Hardware]

Blood sugar testing game and accessory coming for the Nintendo DS

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Childhood diabetes sucks, there’s no way around it. Testing is annoying and uncomfortable for adults, much lets kids, and the testing technology isn’t exactly what you’d call fun or interesting. Bayer is trying to make it better though, by creating a fun way to test blood glucose levels using a Nintendo DS.

In order to help involve kids in their testing, the device will come bundled with the new game Knock Em Downs: World Fair. The theme of the game is two characters are running their own fair, and trying to defeat the evil henchmen trying to stop them. There doesn’t appear to be anything in the game that relates specifically to diabetes, but there are unlock achievements that can only be accessed by testing regularly. One thing to note, the meter plugs into the GBA slot though, so it won’t be compatible with the DSi and DSi XL. The accessory, called a Didget, is currently available at Walgreens,CVS/pharmacy, and drugstore.com as well as the Bayer website. MSRP is $74.99, but the Didget also includes testing supplies and lancets.

[via TG Daily]

Effectology: Horns and Drums

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 06:45 PM PDT

Want to blow some horns and play the timpani on your guitar? Bill Ruppert posted a how-to using only EHX pedals and his own, specific obsession with making his crazy sounds come out of his electric guitars.

Steam for Mac building st… momentum; users compile feature list in anticipation

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 06:00 PM PDT

So the new Steam UI just went live today, and soon we may be seeing that Mac version everybody’s been chattering about. I’m looking forward to it, and hoping the 9400M in my MacBook Pro will be able to handle Portal 2. Other, more practical people are putting together comprehensive “all we know” lists about the program, widely anticipated (in vain) as savior of gaming on the Mac. I don’t know, I’m thinking that a couple years from now we’ll look on Steam for Mac saying “remember that time Valve released its games for Mac and then nothing else happened, ever?”

The news is mostly good:

  • Steam and all games will run natively, in OpenGL
  • If you bought it for PC and it’s available for Mac, you already own a Mac version
  • It will be Leopard-compatible (which is good, because I’m still on 10.5.8… why, I ask myself?)
  • Macs and PCs can play with each other, no problem my friend
  • Coming “soon”

For a full list, including a couple chipsets that will not work, head over to the Steam forums.

[via MacRumors]

Old school hack: rope a lawnmower (or goat) to a stake

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 05:30 PM PDT


According to some commenters, this hack has been around since the ’40s. It’s older than that, in fact — I imagine since the dawn of domesticated grass-eating animals, the old stake-and-rope trick has worked wonders. Goats never did it quite so neatly, though. It looks like a UFO landed there. Bonus: no goat poop.

[via Hack a Day]

Plant face mask takes cutting down on your carbon footprint to the extreme

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT

If the volcanoes in Iceland keep pumping out ash, we may all need to start wearing face masks to protect our delicate lung tissues. Of course, standard fabric or paper masks aren’t enough for some people, as physical filtration may not be enough in some cases. So you have this concept face mask from designer Robert Ortega.

Mr. Ortega created a mask that is infused with seeds that uses the CO2 and moisture in your breath to sprout, reducing your carbon footprint and making you look like some kind of freak with moss on your face. Of course, when you are done you could always just compost the mask, or plant it somewhere. I do think that if this product ever comes to market, they are totally missing out on the name though.

[via Treehugger]

Enclose your tub in a fire truck so your kids don’t drown

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 04:30 PM PDT


Look, I love my kids as much as they next guy, but do we really need a tub enclosure that fits right over your old, big tub designed to ensure that your wee ones are easier to grab when they’re all lathered up?

This $2,200 “tub extender” was part of a bathroom fixture trade show, a show that I believe CG should definitely cover next year. Basically it helps you by bringing the wee ones a big higher out of the tub but why not just wash them in the sink if you’re having that big a problem?

I could see this as being valuable if you have back problems, for example. These are, incidentally, the same guys who make the walk-in tub for the old and infirm. If you’re interested, you can check out the styles at Safety Tubs. I’d personally love one shaped like a T-Rex mouth.

via DaddyTypes

Very cool: super slow motion footage of Apollo 11 launch

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 04:00 PM PDT


While we have our own ideas about what should constitute a slow motion film, I guess this one from NASA is okay. I mean, if you like explosions and enormous hulks of metal rising into the air, and flames.

Okay, okay, it’s totally freaking awesome. I really want to know what the film speed and exposure were. It was going at 500 frames per second so there’s your shutter speed, but that sucker would have been bright.

[via BoingBoing]

Lok-it secure USB drive protects your data

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 03:30 PM PDT

I love this device. It’s always bothered me that if you lose a USB key, you lose the data as well. The Lok-IT secure USB device makes it so I don’t have to worry about losing it. Well, other then the purchase price. The technology is pretty cool in that the computer can’t see the drive until the PIN is entered, so it’s not easy to hack. So the bad news is, we have no idea on the price. For whatever reason, LOK-IT didn’t put any pricing on their website. If you want to buy one, you’ll just have to contact them directly.

Denon announces two new 3D-Ready Blu-Ray players

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 02:50 PM PDT

Denon is jumping into the the 3D market with both feet, bringing two new Blu-ray players to the market. Both feature 5.1 audio, BD Live, Netflix, and YouTube Streaming, and (my personal favorite) 1GB of on-board memory.

Denon’s two new 3D players will be available in June and August, priced at $399 (DBP-1611UD) and $799 (DBP-2011UDCI). Seriously, 1GB of internal memory. Why don’t more people do this? Why would you not put internal memory in your Blu-ray player, if you have BD-Live.

From the press release:

Mahwah, NJ, April 26, 2010 – Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, is providing discriminating consumers the opportunity to enjoy an enriched Blu-ray experience with the addition of two new 3D-Ready Universal Blu-ray players to its lineup. The new models, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, include the DBP-2011UDCI (SRP: $799, Aug.) and the DBP-1611UD (SRP: $399, June) that will join Denon's DBP-4010UDCI (SRP: $1,999) and critically acclaimed DVD-A1UDCI (SRP: $4,499) Universal Blu-ray Disc Players in the company's line of Blu-ray components, which also includes the S-5BD BD/Receiver (SRP: $1,799), a single-component that combines a 5.1-channel surround sound receiver with an advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player.
3D-Readiness, Ultimate Quality Audio, True "Universal" Players

Denon's Blu-ray players represent the leading edge in performance and features for the fast-growing high-definition format. The "universal" Blu-ray models provide superior playback of virtually all 5-inch silver discs. To ensure total future-readiness, an upcoming firmware update is scheduled to be available in the fall for 3D capability in the new Blu-ray players. In addition to their ultimate-quality video reproduction, all Denon players reflect the company's longstanding heritage as an audio leader, offering impeccable high-resolution sonic playback, including DVD-Audio and SACD.

Exciting New Content Opportunities, More On-Board Memory

Both new Universal Denon Blu-ray players provide easy and straightforward access to the Internet, opening up new content and networking opportunities. For instance, both offer Netflix* and YouTube streaming and are DLNA 1.5-certified for audio/video/photo streaming with other DLNA certified products across a network. In addition to their many innovative interactivity features, including built-in BD Live and "Bonus View" functionality, they offer leading-edge Web access features with 1GB** of on-board memory for BD-Live playback and a USB connector for additional external memory for media and BD-Live content. The players are designed to enhance a consumer's total home entertainment experience with features such as Kodak Picture CD compatibility, as well as DivX HD+, MP3 and WMA playback (all via either recordable DVD/CD or external memory).


Dilbert prods at the lost iPhone 4G prototype

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 02:33 PM PDT

Scott Adams, everybody. If he’s not one of your heros, you probably just need to read up on him a bit more.

Read the rest at MobileCrunch >>

Videos: WePad’s interface moves oh so smoothly

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT

This is the final version of the WePad, and it’s currently earmarked for a July release. We’ll see, of course. Anyhow, the device was shown off to the press in Germany earlier today, and several videos demonstrating the interface are now online for our viewing pleasure. It does look mighty slick, but you wonder if that’s enough to take on Cupertino’s "magical and revolutionary" device.

The home screen is filled with all sorts of widgets—not sure what the WePad name for "widget" is, I’m afraid—and you can clearly see how speedy the device is. Not bad for a for a first-gen device!

It’s based on Linux, so, at the very least, we know there’s a solid base in there.

The videos’ narration is in German, but that shouldn’t stop you from viewing nonetheless.

Again, the WePad certainly looks neat, but now we need some specifics, like, I don’t know, an official release date and price.


The iPhone Leak Gets Ugly: Police Raid Gizmodo Editor’s House, Confiscate Computers

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 01:31 PM PDT

Wow. Last week, Gizmodo published a massive scoop when they got their hands on what is mostly likely the next iPhone. At the time there was plenty of talk about the legality of Gizmodo’s actions (as they admitted to paying $5000 for the device). Now Gizmodo has just published a post saying that editor Jason Chen had four of his computers and two servers confiscated by California’s Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team, who entered the house with a search warrant.

Gawker’s COO has responded to the actions by citing California Penal Code 1524(g), which states that “no warrant shall issue for any items described in Section 1070 of the Evidence Code”, which protects information used by reporters.

Bring the retro-bowling arcade experience home

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 01:30 PM PDT

People love arcade games, and have since the 50’s. Some of the earliest games were based off of other recreations, like for example bowling. I remember playing one of these in the arcade in town during my youth, but it never held the attraction to me like Battle Zone or Asteroids did.

In fact, I had a Battle Zone in my living room for quite some time, it was great fun. Having a video game in your rec room has become more and more feasible in the recent history, but still expensive. It’s even possible to buy your own Bowl-o-Rama, for the low low price of $3495.00 from Brookstone.

[via Red Ferret]

Denon rolls out 10 new A/V receivers

Posted: 26 Apr 2010 01:10 PM PDT


Denon just announced its 2010 lineup, which includes a crap-ton of new A/V receivers. The company totally revamped its entire lineup, releasing ten new A/V receivers at each price point from $249 to $1,999. The whole line got some fine upgrades, too. Every model now rocks 3D-friendly HDMI 1.4, audio return channel and Consumer Electronics Control support. Analog-to-HDMI conversion and HD Audio decoding from Dolby to DTS is also included, although not in $249 entry-level model. Most models will hit retailers in the coming months so it might be best to hold off your next A/V purchase until the model in your perspective price-point launches. Wouldn’t want you to get buyers remorse.

DENON® REAFFIRMS LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCED A/V RECEIVERS

WITH TEN NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE MODELS

– Upgraded Line Offers A/V Enhancements and More Advanced Technologies at Lower Price Points; Ideal Home Entertainment Solutions for Every Consumer Need and Budget–
Mahwah, NJ, April 26, 2010 — Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, today announced its new line of advanced audio/video receivers with ten state-of-the-art offerings. The lineup features five new affordable, fully featured priced models in the company's popular Retail Home Theater Series line, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, including the AVR-991 (SRP: $999, July), AVR-891 (SRP: $799, May), AVR-791 (SRP: $499, May), AVR-591 (SRP: $349, May) and the AVR-391 (SRP: $249, July). These join two new, more advanced 7-channel Models, the AVR-1911 (SRP: $599, June), and AVR-1611 (SRP: $399, June). Also announced are Denon's three new "CI-class" receivers (see separate release) geared toward custom integrators, including the AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June), and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June). The new models will join Denon's AVR-4810CI (SRP: $2,999) and flagship AVR-5308CI (SRP: $5,500) in the company's renowned line of A/V receivers, as well as the company's advanced CI separates including the AVP-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) 12 Channel A/V Preamplifier and POA-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) Fully Balanced Power Amplifier.

Major Enhancements Throughout the Line

Among the significant enhancements made to all new Denon receivers is the inclusion of HDMI v1.4a Repeater Inputs with 3D (all mandated formats), Audio Return Channel and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) support. All models, except the AVR-391, feature analog-to-HDMI conversion and HD Audio decoding from Dolby and dts, and many feature advanced multi-zone networking capabilities. Simple one-cable HDMI connections add to simplicity of use, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding on all models provides for the enhanced audio experience of front height channels. The new receivers are also engineered throughout to provide consumers with all the features and capabilities they need to enjoy maximum compatibility with today's home entertainment source components. For example, iPod connectivity is featured in all models throughout the line, with the AVR-1911, AVR-791 and higher models adding iPod Digital Direct via USB, which is also 'Works with iPhone' certified.
All models feature an updated easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) or On-Screen Display that make the steps of system setup, operation and displaying other important information much easier for the end user. Notably, the new models all feature on-screen display (OSD) or GUI overlay via the HDMI connection – eliminating the frustrating necessity of additional cable switching or programming interruptions when making adjustments, such as volume, while watching HD content. Further enhancing ease-of-use, all models feature Source/Quick Select Power On and Quick Select options on the front panel and remote control to give end users one button source, surround mode selection.

In keeping with Denon's commitment to eco-friendly engineering throughout its product line, the standby power of all new receivers is below 0.1 watts, helping eliminate unnecessary power usage.

Denon A/V Receivers: The Culmination of 100 Years of Innovation

The audio/video receiver is at the heart of Denon's ongoing mission to enhance and expand the home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers. Noted Phil Cohn, the company's Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing: "Denon's 100-year legacy has been distinguished by breakthrough technological innovation at virtually every stage of the evolution of home entertainment, particularly in our advanced audio/video receivers. This year’s product line expresses our expertise and drive for innovation, giving people new ways to experience their entertainment, from a dramatically enhanced surround sound experience to interactive web access, multi-zone networking and more. Importantly, our receivers also give content creators inspiring ways to reach audiences with their artistic creations as they were intended to be experienced, including music, movies, games and more."

New Retail Home Theater Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance

Denon's Retail Home Theater Series line for 2010 provides discriminating consumers with a host of upgraded features and capabilities at affordable prices. The line now features three 7-channel models (AVR-791, AVR-891, AVR-991), as well as two 5-channel models (AVR-591, AVR-391). All five offer many of the same high-quality features and capabilities that distinguish Denon receivers in the marketplace, including some of those found in the company's CI models. Notably, the AVR-991 features Audyssey DSX with Front Height or Width Channels with Sirius Satellite Radio Ready capability, as well as being the least expensive Denon AVR with advanced networking that adds an RJ-45 Ethernet Port for third-party controllers, Mac/PC audio streaming, Internet Radio, Pandora, Flickr, a Web browser function and more. All models feature 24-bit/192-kHz Analog Devices DACs, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey MultEQ. All include analog-to-HDMI video conversion, while AVR-791 and higher feature 12-bit video processing and scaling from Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT).

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding in the new Retail Home Theater Series models allow for stunning delivery of today's most advanced high-definition audio programming. Model AVR-991 features Anchor Bay Technologies advanced video deinterlacing and upscaling, converting SD sources to HD. And thanks to the dedicated Denon iPod dock accessory control port on all models, users may connect and control their iPod/iPod Touch or iPhone using one of Denon's available iPod/iPhone docks, which provides on-screen artist, album and song information.

AVR-1911 and AVR-1611: Multi-Zone Functionality, HD Radio and More

Denon's AVR-1911 AVR-1611 7-channel receivers represent the leading edge of today's revolution in home entertainment system building. Both offer full two-zone A/V distribution capabilities, allowing users to enjoy a movie in full surround sound in the living room while listening to music distributed to a den or bedroom.* The AVR-1911 adds the advanced capability of a built-in HD Radio tuner, as well as iPod Direct Connectivity via USB and the most advanced Anchor Bay Technologies video deinterlacing and upscaling chipset for converting SD sources to HD.
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