CrunchGear |  |
- Pentax Japan unveils K-x in “rainbow colors”
- Microsoft gearing up for worldwide launch of Project Natal in October
- Video: Sony teases awesome-looking interchangeable lens HD camcorder
- Hands-on with Lenovo’s cavalcade of laptops and PCs
- Lenovo refreshes laptop line for 2010
- The Lenovo Q nettop series gets a makeover, should look at home under your HDTV
- Lenovo updates its IdeaCentre all-in-one line with new CPU, casing options
- iPad Camera Connection Kit now shipping
- Autonomous car reverse-powerslides into coned off parking spot. That is all
- Wow: the Sony NEX-3 EVIL camera looks insanely cool (updated)
- Rogers iPad pricing: no unlimited data, $35 for 5GB
- Bookshelf with integrated bookend: nice for minimalists (and cube-lovers)
- Iron Man 2 USB drive available now
- Unbelievably good idea: self-weighing suitcase
- NZXT’s Vulcan is probably the sweetest Micro-ATX case out there
- Will ActiveVideo Networks successfully bring TV-viewing to the cloud?
- Newertech’s special drawer system is perfect for naked HDDs
- Black|OPS Assassin PC chills out vertically
- Homebrew projector-equipped “Game Gun” possible to build right now
- It’s hip to be square (and Android 2.1-powered): Meet the Motorola Flipout
| Pentax Japan unveils K-x in “rainbow colors” Posted: 11 May 2010 04:41 AM PDT
It seems Pentax Japan just loves redesigning their K-x digital camera. The company started offering extra-colorful versions of the device last September, followed by another limited edition, a K-x in “robotic colors”, one month later. And today, Pentax unveiled [JP] the so-called TOWER RECORDS × PENTAX RAINBOW K-x, designed in collaboration with – you guessed it – Tower Records in Japan.
As usual, Pentax didn’t modify the camera technically and offers this version as a limited edition (1,000 units).
The Rainbow K-x is already listed on Tower Records Japan’s website (through which it will be sold exclusively) and costs $810. Tower Records plans to ship the Japan-only device from July 23. If you’re interested, I suggest you contact Tokyo-based import-export specialist Rinkya if they can help you order the camera.
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| Microsoft gearing up for worldwide launch of Project Natal in October Posted: 11 May 2010 04:05 AM PDT
Not only did Tariq say that Project Natal would be hitting the market in October 2010, well in time for the holiday season, but he apparently also revealed that the launch would be global, or simultaneously in North-America and the EMEA region at the very least. Tariq specifically said that the launch is going to be “somewhere in October” and that they will be “in a position to confirm the date at E3, which is in June”. So unless our dear friend Tariq got a bit overexcited, this looks like an official launch date confirmation to us. Microsoft had repeatedly hinted at an autumn launch, but this was never officially confirmed by company spokespersons up until today. We’re looking forward to trying it out for ourselves. If you’re into motion-sensing technology and are more interested in a slightly more open approach, be sure to check out Israeli startup Omek Interactive, which aims to challenge Project Natal in a big way.
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| Video: Sony teases awesome-looking interchangeable lens HD camcorder Posted: 11 May 2010 02:42 AM PDT
The “E-mount” interchangeable lenses for the two digi cams will be usable as well, next to the “A-mount” interchangeable lenses from Sony’s existing Alpha DSLRs (via a mount adapter). All of these pictures just show early mock-ups, meaning the final design may differ significantly when Sony starts selling the camcorder in fall this year.
Here’s Sony’s official promo video: Via AV Watch [JP]
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| Hands-on with Lenovo’s cavalcade of laptops and PCs Posted: 10 May 2010 09:02 PM PDT
Lenovo’s new line-up is heavy on the all-in-ones but has a few surprises up its sleeve. I got a chance to look at most of the new line last week and came away extremely enthused by the twee Q150. From the press release:
This little PC looks like it might give the value proposition of many streaming and DVR systems a run for their money. Generally, however, you’re looking at a strong line-up of Lenovo laptops with nary a Thinkpad in sight. Lenovo is actually moving towards chiclet keys this year and they’re aiming for a more fashion conscious consumer with their trade dress. They’re also heavy on the all-in-ones, which I’m not so sure about. What do you guys thing about all-in-ones? Would you buy one instead of a TV or a standard PC? Please enjoy the gallery and look for further Lenovo coverage tonight.
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| Lenovo refreshes laptop line for 2010 Posted: 10 May 2010 09:01 PM PDT
First up, the IdeaPad Z series; it’s a multimedia beast running your choice of Intel or AMD processors. Of course, you’ll have to choose how fast you want to spend. Hard drives come from 250GB up to 640GB. Screens are available in either a 15.6-inch or 13.3-inch size. The Z360 and Z560 are available with Intel’s new 2010 Core processors and Nvidia GeForce graphics, if you prefer them over the Z565’s Phenom II and ATI Mobility graphics. The Z360, Z560, and Z565 are available this June with an MSRP starting at $649.
Next up, the U series. Lenovo is pushing style on this model, with three new models. The U460 and U460s support up to a Core i7 processor. The U460 runs with a standard voltage processor, whereas the U460s and U160 run with an optional low voltage chipset for longer battery life.
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| The Lenovo Q nettop series gets a makeover, should look at home under your HDTV Posted: 10 May 2010 09:01 PM PDT
An Intel Atom D510 powers the little nettop with an Intel ION 512MB GPU helping push out HD videos. 2GB of RAM and a 250GB, 5400 RPM drive are also included. That should be enough juice to power through Hulu, Netflix, and just about any type of downloaded video. Good thing, too, because this thing is meant to live in your livingroom. The wireless keyboard/mouse says so and the HDMI port and S/PDIF-out agrees. The Q150 should drop in early June with an entry price of $249.
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| Lenovo updates its IdeaCentre all-in-one line with new CPU, casing options Posted: 10 May 2010 09:01 PM PDT
Inside the sleek black exterior of the updated A700 is either a Core i5 or Core i7 CPU, along with a 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5650 or 500MB HD 5450. The systems also support up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and up to a 2TB hard drive. Blu-ray is optional with 4 USB ports, 1 eSATA port, card reader, HDMI out/in ports (for use as a monitor) and AV in ports being standard.
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| iPad Camera Connection Kit now shipping Posted: 10 May 2010 07:59 PM PDT
Great Caesar’s ghost! The iPad Camera Connection Kit is now shipping and should arrive by the 13th. Anyone else getting these emails?
My personal kit is currently in Hong Kong after spending a few hours in Shenzhen where I’m sure it enjoyed some delicious beef gristle and hot peppers before crossing the border and heading to the airport.
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| Autonomous car reverse-powerslides into coned off parking spot. That is all Posted: 10 May 2010 06:10 PM PDT
Full video from the Stanford Racing Team (with science-y explanation) below. [via IEEE Spectrum and Metafilter]
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| Wow: the Sony NEX-3 EVIL camera looks insanely cool (updated) Posted: 10 May 2010 04:53 PM PDT
The LCD is not a touchscreen, though. I thought it was going to be, but it’s all managed via a wheel and a few buttons. Good news, though: it flips up like crazy and lets you shoot from weird angles. I like the look of the flash, too, with its adjustable height and angle. Very smart. There’s an electronic viewfinder for around $300. I must say, I really love the whole look they’ve got here. It’s agreeably simple, elegant even. The reviewer is bullish about the camera in general, though it’s hard to get a good idea of its performance without some serious technical comparisons. Here are the relevant specs:
Sample shots and more pics of the camera over at Digital Photography School. Update: Oops! Looks like that stuff wasn’t supposed to go live yet. DPS has taken it down. However, Quesabesde has even more info, including stuff on the NEX-5 as well. The 5 will be chunkier and will actually shoot at… 1080i? Wait, that can’t be right. Yes, it seems there is some conflicting information. But rumored specs put the NEX-3 with 720p and the NEX-5 with 1080… something. Also, burst speed is actually pegged at 2.7FPS at full resolution it seems that 7 is a special mode, probably with reduced resolution (still handy). The pricing is a little confusing, too, but all will soon be made clear, I’m sure. The leaks suggest these were supposed to go live tonight or tomorrow around the same time. Publishing errors like this do happen. In the meantime, here are the NEX-5 pics:
[via Photo Rumors]
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| Rogers iPad pricing: no unlimited data, $35 for 5GB Posted: 10 May 2010 03:56 PM PDT
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| Bookshelf with integrated bookend: nice for minimalists (and cube-lovers) Posted: 10 May 2010 03:30 PM PDT
It’s called Hold on Tight, created by Brooklyn designers Colleen and Eric. The wing nut on the bottom tightens or loosens the cube, which you can slide back and forth to keep your books snug (or leaning at a jaunty angle). Great, but that cube is pretty gigantic. Maybe they could put out something with a more subtle look? [via Sub-Studio and Swiss Miss]
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| Iron Man 2 USB drive available now Posted: 10 May 2010 03:00 PM PDT
The “commemorative” drive is from Tyme Machines, and will be available in 4GB ($34.99), 8GB ($44.99), and 16GB ($59.99) capacities. Make sure to pick up a Twilight drive while you’re there too.
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| Unbelievably good idea: self-weighing suitcase Posted: 10 May 2010 02:30 PM PDT
But who wants to bathroom scale every time you take a trip? I don’t even have one. That’s why this self-weighing luggage is so ingenious. What’s to explain, really? It weighs itself. You pull on the little handle, and the weight in pounds (or kilograms) is displayed on a little LCD. I believe this falls under the “why didn’t I think of that?” category. If you can believe it, the suitcase (from Expert Verdict) even costs just $100. It’s the standard carry-on roller type, and it won’t win any beauty contests, but who cares? Self-weighing suitcase, people! [via Inventor Spot, Gizmag, Geeky Gadgets, and Dvice]
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| NZXT’s Vulcan is probably the sweetest Micro-ATX case out there Posted: 10 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT
The external ports look solidly mounted, and I really like that handle (it’s rubberized). If you’re going with Micro, there’s a good chance you’re moving around a lot or going to LAN parties. Sure, there are special case hammocks for carrying around larger cases, but wouldn’t you rather have a handle built right into the chassis?
It’s even got a bottom mounted PSU. I didn’t know if that was possible with a Micro-ATX layout — but the benefits are manifest.There’s a lot of mesh, though, so you’ll really want to avoid noisy components with this thing. Hey, and 70 bucks really isn’t that bad, either.
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| Will ActiveVideo Networks successfully bring TV-viewing to the cloud? Posted: 10 May 2010 01:30 PM PDT
I, myself, would move to the cloud if it were at all possible. And by that I don’t mean move all of my vital digital services to someone else’s servers, but float up into the stratosphere and just hang out there for the rest of my days. When ActiveVideo Networks talks about moving the TV-viewing experience to the cloud, they are, in fact, talking about moving servers outside of your house for your own good, enabling what they call interactive video on demand. The overall idea is to make TV-viewing just interactive enough to make it more compelling without sacrificing the “idiot box”-ness of the medium. When you’re watching TV, you don’t necessarily want to break out GCC simply to change the channel. The best way I can describe what ActiveVideo Networks is trying to do is to synthesize the best of old-style TV widgets and something like Plex or Boxee—no additional hardware required, of course. The company is working with several cable providers (including Cablevision in the greater New York City area) and, soon, a pretty big consumer electronics company. What company? I don’t know because the fancy cats at ActiveVideo wouldn’t tell me! But no matter, there’s still plenty to look at right now, and there will be even more in the future. In addition to letting cable providers create simple, on-screen programs—think Blockbuster video-on-demand, being able to send “TV link” to your friends (“hey man, they’re giving a neat documentary about Ancient Rome on channel 271, check it out,” then a “link” pops up on their screen), end-users will be able to develop applications with a specially provided SDK. Maybe someone wants to develop a baseball widget/application, which you load up to see the entire Mets schedule from here until when they just miss out on the wild card in September? Shouldn’t be too hard to make since, like Paml’s WebOS, all you need is HTML and Javascript to make an application.
I should probably put a little more emphasis on the “TV link” deal, which doesn’t sound too crazy, and, more importantly, maybe even useful! It’s trying to make TV-viewing, which can be a solitary activity, into a more social one. It’s very Boxee-like in that sense. but instead of annoying your friends with tweets (that everyone can see—maybe you don’t want the world to know that you’re a huge Degrassi fan?) or Facebook (which is in the middle of a user exodus), you send them a direct link that’s easily selectable with your remote control. You can see the interface right there. Believe me, I’ve been around the block a few times—that’s not half-bad. ActiveVideo, true to its name, has recently acquired a company that specializes in cloud-based games. I don’t think that means you”ll be playing Rage or other that requires Direct X 11 or anything like that, but no one can deny that “casual” games are here, and they’re huge. Just like at Nintendo, feeling the heat from Apple of all people! Probably the most important thing from here on out would be to see where ActiveVideo winds up. Will it hook up with an LG or Samsung or Vizio to bring the cloud to your next TV, or will it be limited to select cable systems? I mean, the ActiveVideo gentleman, as I mentioned several sentences ago, will be joining up with an electronics company in the near future, so, you know, that’s good for them.
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| Newertech’s special drawer system is perfect for naked HDDs Posted: 10 May 2010 01:00 PM PDT
There’s not a lot to these things. They fit 3.5″ drives exactly, they’re stackable, they’re anti-static, and each drawer has a nice little label area, so you don’t need to put a masking tape label on every drive. At $10 each, though, they’re rather expensive. A little ramble through IKEA will probably locate you some almost-as-good items for a much lower price.
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| Black|OPS Assassin PC chills out vertically Posted: 10 May 2010 01:00 PM PDT
What is vertical cooling? Well, if you think about it, heat rises. Why not make a case that takes advantage of that fact and place the components in such a way that everything works together. Digital Storm turned the motherboard 90 degrees clockwise, added three 180mm fans at the bottom (for cold air intake), and put a fourth fan at the top of the case. Add liquid cooling on the CPU, and you’ve got a fairly quiet system designed for the gamer. The Black|OPS Assassin PC is available now from Digital Storm’s website, and MSRP starts at $2387 for their performance model. From the press release:
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| Homebrew projector-equipped “Game Gun” possible to build right now Posted: 10 May 2010 12:30 PM PDT
Basically it just uses some open source position-tracking software called SpacePoint Fusion, although at the moment it’s only playing a hacked version of open source FPS Cube and the setup is a bit bulky. The ShowWX gun controller, if I remember correctly, should be plug-and-play with most games, since it outputs mouse emulation in the end. Whether these will catch on at all depends on a lot of things, but I can tell you that it was extremely fun to play with Microvision’s version, and playing something like Alan Wake with one would likely be a very intense experience. We’ll keep you informed on any new, cool stuff along these lines. [via Hack A Day]
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| It’s hip to be square (and Android 2.1-powered): Meet the Motorola Flipout Posted: 10 May 2010 12:25 PM PDT
Square phones, man. Call me old fashioned, but I just don’t get it. Nokia did it with the Twist, LG did it with the LG Lotus and Lotus Elite, and now Motorola appears to be giving it a go — but unlike the rest of the lot, this one’s an Android-powered smartphone.
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In an interview with 
Lenovo announced their latest models today, a whole slew of new laptops, all-in-one models, and desktops. We’re going to talk about the latest laptops here, but make sure you check out our 
Apparently not only do we get the fast food restaurants, toys, and video games, we also get novelty USB drives. And since CrunchGear is your number one source for novelty USB drives, here’s the latest: Iron Man 2 USB drive, in the Mark VI suit with the new triangular chest plate.
So airlines are cracking down on the amount of luggage you can bring on board, and I can’t say I really blame them. Costs are up, profits are down, and the width of the average passenger has been increasing steadily for some 30 years now. They say can bring only 50 pounds on board, and who are you to say otherwise? You’re getting into their flying machine and going across country for a couple hundred bucks.Still, one can’t be blamed for wanting to get the most out of their money, and squeezing every last thing into one bag could end up saving you $20 in luggage fees.
Digital Storm announced their latest enthusiast PC, the Black|OPS Assassin. Normally we don’t bother telling you about every new computer that hits the market, but this one is actually fairly unique. It’s a departure from your standard design in that it uses vertical cooling, and the laws of physics.
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