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Is This Nondescript Black Slate Samsung’s iPad Fighter?

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:37 AM PDT

Talk about your classic Internet rumor. This pic is currently work its way around gadget and Android blogs as some think it’s Samsung’s upcoming Android tablet, which will possible be called the Galaxy Tab. That’s really all anyone has. It’s just some dude holding what looks like a tablet. Amazing. Click through for a closer look.

Emulate the HP 12c On Your Palm Pre

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:21 AM PDT


If you’ve never taken an accounting class, you won’t understand why the HP 12c is so important. It’s basically the go to financial calculator for everyone who has ever touched a 1099.

This is a Javascript emulation of the calculator and not a full app but don’t worry – you’ll be able to calculate the TCO of the dying Palm brand as HP subsumes and destroys the company inside its gaping, Sarlacc-like maw.

via PreCentral


Stand Back There’s A Hurricane Coming Through: Google Adds Weather Data To Google Earth

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:15 AM PDT

Google has added weather data to its Google Earth application. As of now, the new feature only supports locations in North America and parts of Europe.

In its blog, Google explains the feature not so much as being a substitute for watching The Weather Channel or visiting a weather Web site so much as it is an extension of the Google Earth experience. You fly about, check out this or that landform, but now you're able to see if there's a hurricane in the area, or if maybe there's a thunderstorm en route.

No, not exactly the most exciting story you'll see all day, but should be worth checking out when you have a spare moment or two.

RAPUDA: Robotic Arm For People With Upper Limb Disabilities (Video)

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:00 AM PDT

Robots can do good for mankind, not only in the future but also right now. Case in point: RAPUDA [JP], a robotic arm, which – once mounted onto a wheelchair – can help the disabled manage certain tasks they’d normally require the help of other people for on their own.  It’s developed by the Intelligent Systems Research Institute [JP] at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

RAPUDA is specifically designed for people with upper limp disabilities who can use a joystick to move a glass of water to the mouth or to pick up objects from the floor and place them on a table.

The robotic arm was first shown to the general public in September last year.

See the latest version in action in the video embedded below:

Panasonic’s 3D camcorder is now up for pre-order on Amazon

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:51 AM PDT


Amazon is ready to take your money for the world’s first consumer 3D camcorder just in case you and the misses are planning on producing your own, ummm, bedroom movies. If you don’t care about having it right out of the gate, you might want to hold on to your cash a while longer though because it isn’t scheduled to ship until October 15. Or you could save your money altogether because 3D is dumb. Just saying. [Amazon via 3D-Display-info]

Devon Tread 1 Watch Hands-On

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:42 AM PDT

Here it is, hands-on coverage with a close to final production ready prototype of the highly anticipated Devon Tread 1 watch. While it tells the time and is a luxury item, the Devon Tread 1 shares very little with the rest of the high-end watch world. Despite the fact that it has plenty of moving parts, this isn't a mechanical watch in the traditional sense. It uses a micro-controller board, rechargeable battery, and small motors to power the movement, as opposed to being a purely mechanical machine that is spring powered. There are a series of small, micro one-step motors in the movement that pull the treads that indicate the time. The treads are sophisticated reinforced nylon belts that move around the dial in a ballet of synchronized moves. The video should illustrate that well. The Tread 1 is really among the most gadgety watches I have ever had the pleasure of wearing.


Kindle iPhone/iPad App Now Smarter With A Dictionary, Wikipedia, And Google

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:22 AM PDT

Despite their clear commitment to the hardware version of the Kindle, Amazon continues to make the Kindle apps that run on the iPad and iPhone better. Today, version 2.2 of the app brings a full dictionary with it. This matches the functionality of Apple's own iBooks app, but the Kindle implementation is even a little better. Now in the Kindle app when you highlight a word, a definition will automatically appears at the bottom of the screen. And that's not all -- there you'll also find links to further investigate the word on Google or Wikipedia. Though this dumps you out of the app and into the iPhone/iPad web browser, it's a pretty nice feature.


The New Kindle, And Ebooks Generally: My Questions Answered [Video]

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:21 AM PDT

All this talk about the new Kindle reminded me that I still have some questions about Amazon's e-reader specifically, and ebooks generally. Why do people persist in comparing the Kindle to the iPad (something I first asked months ago); what is the relationship between hardback book sales and ebook sales (ditto); if e-readers keep getting more accessible, is the end of the paper book nigh? Questions like that. In the hope of finally getting some answers, I hopped on to Skype with CrunchGear's Devin Coldewey and interviewed him until he begged for mercy. Video below.


Apple Quietly Settles Patent Lawsuit, Promptly Gets Hit With Another One

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:20 AM PDT

Ah, the good ol' patent minefield. According to Law360, a paywall-shielded newswire for lawyers, Apple yesterday settled a patent infringement lawsuit with patent troll Minerva Industries, whose website is apparently currently, ahem, 'temporarily closed under repair'. This morning, Apple was hit with another patent infringement suit, brought on by Israeli technology holding Emblaze, which alleges the Cupertino company has refused to license its media streaming technology at issue.


Barnes & Noble Expanding In-Store Nook Displays To Large Boutiques

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:58 AM PDT

The Nook and the Kindle is currently locked in a heated battle. The B&N shot first a few weeks back with a sudden price cut, but Amazon responded likewise. Then Amazon dropped a huge bomb just the other day with the Kindle mkIII, which took nearly everyone — probably including B&N — by surprise. But Barnes & Noble isn’t going to close up shop and admit defeat. They still have one huge advantage over Amazon: in-store displays.

B&N’s just-announced plans includes expanding in-store Nook displays into 1,000 square-foot boutiques with multiple operating Nook demo units. Adjourning displays will be used to showcase the trendy accessories and useful add-ons such as lights and cases. All this means is book shoppers can actually spend some time with the ereading device before they drop $150 or $200 on the Nook. This is something Amazon doesn’t have.

Sure, the Kindle is now sold in Target stores, but it’s a different market. B&N shoppers are there for books — or coffee — and so it only makes sense to take full advantage of the foot traffic. Chances are the new, larger Nook displays will be located in a prime location with the goal of reaching a lot of shoppers. These displays will no doubt help convert more B&N shoppers into Nook owners than anything else. Many consumers know the Kindle brand and name, but they might find that the Nook is a perfectly acceptable device after spending some time with it. The ereader war just got a little more interesting.

Video: Can Plastic-replacing Foam Help Cut The Weight Of Cars By 50%?

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:41 AM PDT

Using foam for the production of vehicles (for automotive components) is hardly something new, but Japan-based “foam technology” company JSP (which is actually quite large and active globally) claims using foam instead of conventional plastic materials can help cut the weight of cars by as much as 50%.

First and foremost, lighter cars certainly raise safety issues, but a reduction in weight would also mean we get vehicles that require less gas. In the video below (shot by DigInfoNews during a recent technology exhibition in Tokyo), a GM of JSP pitches some of the most recent innovations of his company.

One of the most interesting prototypes is a composite panel car door, which is made of foam and plastic of vegetable origin. At 21kg, it’s 7kg lighter than a comparable steel panel door. Not quite 50% yet, but they might get there some day.

Here’s the video:

Mount Your iPad On Your Fridge With The FridgePad

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:26 AM PDT


iPads are great kitchen computers. They’re small, portable, and seemingly designed to take splatter and spills. But it’s probably best to get yours off the countertop and mounted anyway. Wall mounting is so permanent, and, well, not everyone wants one flush-mounted in their cabinets. That’s where the Woodford FridgePad comes in. It’s essentially a large, magnetic mount that’s perfect for sticking an iPad directly to your fridge — or anything else magnetic like an office filing cabinet. The fridgepad should hit Amazon sometime in the coming months for £49 (around $75 USD) but you can sign up for email updates on Woodford’s site.

Great King Kizer: Robot Sitting In Wheelchair

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:01 AM PDT

It’s no secret Japan is betting high on robots to tackle future health care problems in its rapidly graying society. But robots sitting in wheelchairs is an entirely new idea, as just demonstrated at ROBOTECH 2010 in Tokyo.

The humanoid you can see on the picture is called Great King Kizer [JP], and he’s controlling a wheelchair developed by Saitama University’s Center of Human Robot Interaction. I can only guess, but the purpose of the demo might be to show that the wheelchair is so easy to use that even a robot can control it.

Via NODE [JP]

Daily Crunch: Gift Bag Edition

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 12:00 AM PDT

The Ewee-PT, A Budget German Segway

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:56 PM PDT


People movers. What would we do without them? Walk, I suppose. Unfortunately, that’s not the best solution for some, whom age, injury, or circumstance have rendered less than ambulatory. For them, the Segway (or its peanut-esque cousin, Honda’s U3-X) may be a bonanza.

It was only so long before the knock-offs hit; it’s testament to the Segway’s legitimately innovative design that it took until now for something like this to hit. Or maybe it’s just that no one thought it worthwhile.

The Ewee-PT (don’t ask me) is a Segway knock-off just the way Chinese iClones are: ape the functionality, mimic the look, and reduce the cost. In this case, the functionality isn’t really complete: while it does balance on its own and you lean to accelerate or decelerate, you control steering with a joystick. The look is present, and I actually prefer it over the SkyMall-chic of the original. This one looks like they put it together in shop class, and it lends it a form of authenticity. Those little wheels might not be sufficient for off-roading, though.

And the cost is certainly reduced. It’s selling for €799, or around $1039 — a fraction of the cost of a new Segway. You can use the money you saved to buy some friends, nerd!

[via Engadget]

Get Wood For Your MacBook, iPad, Or iPhone

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:30 PM PDT

If you’re like me, your MacBook Pro is “gently loved”, and the lid is a little scratched up. Or maybe you just want something that looks a little more custom then what the rest of the Mac users are packing around. Whatever the reason, Recover’s skins are made in my home town of Portland, Oregon from real wood veneer. Compared to the prices you see from some vinyl sticker companies charge for cheesy graphics or cheap stickers, I’ll go with the feel and look of real wood. For example, Recover’s product for my pre-unibody MacBook Pro is just $35. That’s right around the same price many vinyl sticker companies charge. You can also get real wood veneer for your iPhone 4, iPhone 3G/3GS, or iPad. Go check them out, and if you see me at CES, I suspect my MacBook Pro will have real wood covering the lid.

September 21st Officially Civilization 5 Day

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 06:00 PM PDT

Not sure how much exactly this cost Firaxis, but the Governor of Maryland has named September 21st, 2010 to officially be Civilization 5 day. This date was not selected randomly, as that coincidentally happens to be the release date announced by 2K Games. To be fair, Firaxis and Sid Meyer are both from Maryland, and the Civilization series has been considered to be educational from a historical standpoint. So congrats Sid and Firaxis, that is quite an honor.

[via Gamasutra]

Save Packaging By Getting Your Amazon Deliveries Via Reusable Tote

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:30 PM PDT

If your inner tree-hugger cringes every time you get a single book or knick-knack wrapped up in enough packing materials for ten, then this is for you. Oh, and you have to live in Seattle.

Amazon has started a program in which you can get your packages delivered to the Seattle area in these cute reusable tote bags, which they seal with tape (and a kiss) and pick up the next time they come by.

The downside is that the totes are only delivered once per week, so if you’re in a hurry to get your item, this isn’t the best option. I wish I could do this with everything I get in the mail; my storage room looks like a UPS warehouse.

[via Giz; image via Giz commenter Kevin]

QingTing: Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:23 PM PDT


Not content just to “kind of” look like Apple devices, QingTing AKA Dragonfly has basically ripped off Apple wholesale, stealing the design of three of its “flagship products” – shown here is the Q Pro – as well as their web design. Who says China can’t compete in the marketplace of stolen ideas?

You can check these morons out right here if only to get a “More gorgeous appearance” with a “more fashionable feeling.”

Their iMac knock-off costs about $450, which isn’t too shabby, and they even sell something called the QPad which, oddly enough, runs either the Q OS or the QT os, depending on who you ask. After all, who doesn’t want to “enjoy the new playing methods of computers?”

via GizChina


$41,000 For The Chevy Volt? Sounds Right To Me.

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 04:35 PM PDT

I honestly laid in bed last night thinking about the Chevy Volt’s $41k price tag. Seriously. When I got the press release shortly before it crossed the wire yesterday, the price seemed about right for a first-gen Voltec vehicle. Then the $350 lease program looked even better. I was already totally sold on the Volt after driving an early mule over a year ago and the price tag didn’t even bother me one bit. It’s not like I planned on buying one, but I could see where GM was coming from.

Then my post went up at 12:00 pm yesterday and quickly filled with commentors railing against the $41,000 price tag. That was followed by nearly every national news program claiming the Volt’s price invokes a bit of sticker shock. I thought, “Did these people really think the Volt was going to be the same price as a Malibu?” Apparently.

But then Rush Limbaugh opened-up on the Volt today and two things became clear. One, many people including Rush (and previously Letterman) do not fundamentally understand the Volt’s capabilities. I believe most consumers expected the Volt to be a mass-market vehicle and an instant hit in a sort of iPhone way. Yeah, that’s just not how the auto industry works.

I guess part of my acceptance of the $41k price is that I have GM in my blood. The Internet would call me a GM fanboy, but it’s something a little more deep. I’m more of a GM loyalist — being born, raised and still living within minutes of GM’s long-forgotten birthplace — Flint, MI (70 miles from Detroit). This is the place where under the leadership of Billy Durant, a bunch of separate automakers joined together and formed General Motors starting with Buick in 1908. It’s now a sorry remnant of its storied past, but things are getting better, partly because of the Volt.

GM is spending $230 million in Flint, primarily to retool one of the old factories into the manufacturing facility for the Chevy Volt and Cruze’s 1.4L gasoline engine. The Volt’s battery pack is being developed and  made across the state in Holland, Michigan. It’s safe to say that everyone around here is pulling for the Volt.

But if I set aside all the feelings I have about GM, I still believe that $41k is the right price for the first-gen Volt. Even without the tax credit worth up to $7500, most of the initial 10,000 available Volts will be snatched up at full retail. People are buying luxury cars right now and it’s undeniable that the Volt will give the Prius a run for its celebrity clientèle.

Bloomberg reported a few weeks ago about the state of luxury autos right now; BMW, Mercedes, and Audi simply cannot keep up with the demand. While I’ll be the first to counter that point by saying that a Chevy isn’t an Audi, the report clearly states that people have money to spend on cars. The $7,500 tax credit President Bush approved (Sorry, Rush, this isn’t Obama’s tax credit) back in the recession of 2008 is just a bonus for the first round of buyers.

With a price tag of $41k, GM is clearly targeting this higher-end market. The Chevy Volt isn’t a car for the masses — at least it isn’t yet — and that’s fine. It doesn’t need to be. The Volt isn’t a consumer electronic like the iPad. It’s a car and its story isn’t finished within the first month of sales.

General Motors isn’t just in the business of selling one vehicle. The once king of automakers originally earned that title by developing many similar vehicle’s around common platforms and powertrains. This practice, along with the “it’s good ’nuff” attitude, is one of the main reasons for its demise as well, but the Volt’s powertrain, named Voltec, isn’t the overused 3800 engine used by countless Buicks, Chevys, Pontaics, and Oldsmobiles for two decades. It’s one of the keys to General Motor’s future.

There’s no way to tell how much R&D went into the Volt, but it’s probably safe to say that it was far more than the average vehicle. Rest assured that the entire investment isn’t riding on this one car (two if you count its European twin, the Opel Ampera), but rather on the multitude of vehicles that will share the same underpinnings and electric powerplant.

GM already showed off a few such vehicles like the Cadillac Converj sports coupe concept and the production-bound MPV5 crossover. Those are just the beginning, too. The Volt is the first model in what is sure to be a large line-up of extended-range electric vehicles with the same electric motor backed by a gasoline-powered generator.

Part of the reason for the Volt’s higher initial price than, say, the Leaf is that the Volt’s essentially the first of its kind to be designed with mass production in mind. Simply put, it’s an electric vehicle with a range of 40 miles that also has a small gasoline engine that will power the motor with excess sent to the batteries until the tank reads E — supposedly another 260 miles. Think of it as a hybrid with the powerplants in different roles. In a traditional hybrid like the Prius, the gasoline engine and electric motor can run separately — electric during slow speeds, braking and idle — or combined together during hard acceleration. However, it requires gasoline to go and the Volt doesn’t (Volt’s primary power plant is the electric motor).

This is what sets the Volt apart from other alternative vehicles; you literally don’t need to run on gas — the gas generator might still pop on to regulate the climate if it gets too hot or cold while the Volt’s parked, though. But then the Volt can also drive long-range as long as there’s gas in the tank. Sure, it’s not the best at either as many EVs have longer range and estimates peg the Volt’s gas mileage around 50mpg, but the real story is that it does both, which no other vehicle can claim. Well, maybe the coach-built Fisker Karma but that also carries a $87k pricetag.

$41,000 is a lot of money for a vehicle that many thought would be the savior of General Motors. But the Volt doesn’t have to be a breakaway hit for it to be success in GM’s eyes. The Prius will no doubt outsell it for years and the same probably goes for the Nissan Leaf. But GM’s in this for the long run and the Volt is just the beginning.
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