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Are You Getting New iStuff This Season?

Posted: 08 Sep 2010 05:41 AM PDT


With reviews trickling out of the new iGear, I wonder if anyone is actively updating and why? Do you need another iPod Touch right now? Are you really going to wear the Nano on your wrist? And you’re lying if you say you’re getting a Nano because only crazy people buy Nanos.

Thoughts? I’ve added a little js-kit comment box below so start commenting. I think I’ll get a Touch for my mom so she can Facetime with us over Wi-Fi at home but the Nano kind of leaves me cold.

Review: iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle

Posted: 08 Sep 2010 05:40 AM PDT

I remember my first iPod very well. Shockingly, I was a little late to the party, waiting until the fourth generation iPod (now called the "iPod classic") in 2004 to join the revolution. And I only bought one because I was planning to drive out to California (from Ohio) and I wanted enough music storage to last me the entire trip. I remember unboxing it and thinking: "wow, I can store all my music on this tiny device?" Today, six years later, I still have that old iPod. But I no longer consider it "tiny." In fact, it's more of a "brick" both in size and weight. It held 40 gigabytes of my music on its miniature hard drive platters. Today, the latest high-end iPod touch holds 24 more gigabytes and is a sliver of the size and a fraction of the weight. And it plays music for 28 more consecutive hours. Oh, and it has a color screen. One you can touch. One you can multi-touch.


Seiko Shows World’s First Active Matrix E-Ink Watch

Posted: 08 Sep 2010 03:00 AM PDT

We first blogged about it back in April this year, and now it’s here: the world’s first world's first watch with an active matrix e-ink system. Developed by Seiko, the “Active Matrix EPD” watch [PDF] crams a total of 72,000 pixels into a 2x3cm display.

Seiko says the high-resolution 300dpi display offers an extra-wide viewing angle so that wearers can read even small numbers from odd angles. The men-only watch shows four different tones for images (based on black and white).

The watch is radio-controlled and powered by a self-recharging solar battery (power consumption stands at just 1-2 micro amperes per second).

There will be three different models: stainless steel and stainless steel with gold-tone hard coating or black hard coating. Seiko plans to roll out the new watch in December without revealing pricing details (but it’s expected to cost $1,200 in Japan, at least).

Sanyo Announces Rechargeable Waist Warmer And Neck Warmer

Posted: 08 Sep 2010 01:20 AM PDT

Sanyo Japan has rolled out a number of eneloop-branded warmers in the past, for example for the hand or the whole body (in blanket form). And today the company unveiled rechargeable waist and neck warmers [press release in English].

Both devices are eneloop-branded (meaning they use Sanyo’s rechargeable batteries) and do what the names suggest: they help users keep warm at the belly/waist and neck, respectively. If you’re on the go and need more juice than the batteries provide, you can also use the eneloop mobile booster Sanyo showed last week to power the devices.

The waist warmer (pictured above) is available in M and L sizes and will retail for $96 when it goes on sale in Japan on October 7.

The neck warmers come in either ivory or black and will cost $84 (they will hit Japanese stores at the same time as the waist warmer).

In the press release linked to above, Sanyo doesn’t say anything about international sales plans unfortunately.

Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle Ships On November 4

Posted: 08 Sep 2010 12:56 AM PDT

Kinect Adventures and a 250GB HDD is also included in the bundle Microsoft just revealed. The bundle has been spotted a month ago and now it is confirmed that the package has a steep retail price of $399.

Daily Crunch: Bunker Dinner Edition

Posted: 08 Sep 2010 12:00 AM PDT

Nikon Coolpix P7000 Looks Like A P&S, Controls Like A DSLR

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 09:05 PM PDT

We speculated this morning that the new Nikon P7000 was going to be a G11 fighter, and now that we have the official specifications it certainly appears that is the case.

I’d go so far as to say that Nikon specifically went after the Canon G11 by putting a 10.1 megapixel sensor in the camera, and then making the lens have a slightly wider zoom range (28-200mm, vs Canon’s 2-140mm), by making the ISO range slightly higher (to 6400 over Canon’s 3200). It seems that the P7000 is all about trying to go one better, and it looks like Nikon may have a winner.

In addition to the high ISO range and wider zoom, the P7000 also records video 720p video at 24 FPS, and allows you to autofocus and zoom while recording. The CoolPix also has the ability to record audio using an external microphone via a microphone input jack, a CoolPix first. The new Nikon CoolPix P7000 will be available later this month with an MSRP of $499.95.

MELVILLE, NY (September 8, 2010) – With advanced functions and features similar to those found in Nikon's line of award winning and critically acclaimed D‐SLRs, Nikon Inc. today introduced the COOLPIX P7000, the ultimate compact camera that's ready to take on most any photo assignment. At home in a pro's gadget bag or in the hands of a spirited enthusiast, passionate photographers of all levels will benefit from the P7000's high performance, extensive manual controls, stunning image quality and advanced shooting functions.
The 10.1‐megapixel COOLPIX P7000 features a large 1/1.7" CCD sensor coupled with a 7.1x Wide Angle Optical Zoom‐NIKKOR ED Glass Lens for consistent superior image quality that explodes with vivid color and sharpness frame after frame. Taking Nikon's commitment to image quality a step further, the P7000 adopts Nikon's new EXPEED C2TM high performance digital image processing engine to ensure high‐ quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness.
"The COOLPIX P7000 represents the best of both worlds. It is an exciting compact camera offering from Nikon, as it not only provides expanded creative control found in digital SLR cameras, but also provides photo enthusiasts with the portability and simplicity of COOLPIX digital cameras," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The P7000 is the perfect complement to an advanced photographer's D‐SLR, and it inspires the entry‐level consumer to explore the boundaries of their photographic capabilities and fulfill their creative vision."
ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12,800 in low noise Night Mode) to ensure incredibly sharp, crisp images when shooting in low‐light or photographing fast‐moving subjects. The P7000 also offers a variety of functions that enable superior rendering when shooting at high sensitivities, including a Low Noise Night Mode and a Noise Reduction Filter. The camera also features 5‐ Way VR Image Stabilization System, which utilizes a variety of tactics including optical lens shift to minimize the effect of camera shake to help banish the blur while shooting handheld or in low‐light.
Thoughtful engineering has led to the addition of features that will be welcome to current D‐SLR users. The Zoom Memory function allows the camera's 28‐200mm (35mm equivalent) lens to be used in a way that simulates use of a prime lens, ideal for shooting at a preferred angle of view. The P7000 also adds controls and buttons for key features like ISO, white balance, bracketing and exposure compensation. The new innovative and independent Quick Menu dial ensures easy access to key functions with the comfort of analog operation. Advanced users will also enjoy the benefits of shooting RAW/NRW* files for creative freedom, and macro abilities as close as 0.8 inches.
While the image quality of the P7000 is nothing short of stellar, the video capabilities are far beyond that of a typical compact. The P7000 records HD video at 720p at 24 frames‐per‐second (fps) with optical zoom and autofocus control. A COOLPIX first, users can now record audio with an external stereo microphone via the microphone input. An accessory microphone or Nikon Speedlight can be mounted on the P7000's hot shoe.
Additional features of the Nikon COOLPIX P7000 digital camera include:

  • 7.1x Wide‐Angle Optical Zoom‐NIKKOR ED glass lens (28‐200mm f/2.8‐5.6) allows for detailed
    close‐ups and dramatic landscapes.
  • 3.0‐inch 921,000‐dot Clear Color Display with wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose,
    view and share still images and movies that come alive with rich detail and improved contrast.
  • Large optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment dial Tone Level Information helps photographers achieve their desired exposure with a histogram display, allowing them to determine the exposure while checking the balance between highlights and shadows.
  • Electronic Virtual Horizon Indicator gives the user visual confirmation that the camera has a
    level horizon.
  • In‐camera editing functions include exposure compensation, COOLPIX Picture Control, noise
    reduction filter, Quick Retouch, D‐Lighting and Active D‐Lighting.
  • 5‐Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization System
  • Optical VR Image Stabilization by lens shift minimizes the effects of camera shake.
  • Hybrid VR Image Stabilization by lens shift and electronic VR.
  • Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and
    the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
  • High ISO up to 6400 at full resolution for optimal results when shooting in low‐light or
    photographing fast‐moving subjects.
  • Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the
    shutter and saves the sharpest image.
  • Full Manual Controls‐PSAM (Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual) control gives creative
    control over images.
  • NRW (RAW) file function compatible with Mac® and Windows® Operating Systems.
  • Bracketing functions for Automatic Exposure (Sv and Tv) and White Balance allows the user to take consecutive shots with slightly different settings and select the one that best matches their
    intention.
  • HD (720p) Movie with Stereo, Mic Input Jack and HDMI Output records at 24 fps with optical zoom, autofocus and stereo sound.
  • Subject Tracking automatically activates autofocus while tracking moving subjects, like active children or unpredictable animals.
  • Scene Auto Selector automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts the camera's settings accordingly for great pictures anywhere. Smart Portrait System integrates the following features to make it a snap to capture stunning portraits:
  • In‐Camera Red‐Eye FixTM automatically fixes most instances of red‐eye. o Enhanced Face‐Priority AF can detect up to 12 faces from a variety of angles.
  • Skin Softening ensures smooth skin tone on the face of subjects by leveraging built‐in
    face‐detection technology.
  • Smile Timer automatically detects when a subject smiles and releases the shutter.
  • Blink Warning alerts the photographer if a subject has blinked.

    • The Nikon COOLPIX P7000 will be available in late September 2010 for $499.95** MSRP.

Nikon’s Coolpix S8100 Is A Solid Luxury Point And Shoot

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 09:02 PM PDT


Ths S8100 is the cheapest of the three cameras being released by Nikon today, and although at $300 it’s starting to get into the luxury range for point-and-shoots, I think it looks like a pretty solid deal.

You’ve got the usual 12.1 megapixels and HD (1080p) video, but the S8100 also does some interesting photographic tricks. It can capture five shots in a row at 10FPS, which is… disappointing in one way, but pretty awesome in others. It’ll be handy, anyway. Hopefully you can select to shoot more shots at a lower resolution. It’ll also shoot slow-motion video at 120FPS — that’s no Casio Exilim, but it will reduce events to a quarter of their normal speed.

It’s also got a 10x zoom which it says is fast, but they don’t list the F numbers so we can’t be sure. It goes up to ISO 3200 and there’s stabilization, though, so you won’t have to rely on the flash too much.

And one thing that’s definitely lovable: it’s got a very high resolution LCD. 3″ and 921K dots, which according to my chart is 640×480. Almost as good as the screen on the 7D and T2i.

Again, at $300 (available later this month) you’ve got a lot of options, but sight unseen I’d recommend this camera on the strength of the Nikon brand and unusual features. Here’s the full press release, if you like that kind of thing:

NIKON'S NEW COOLPIX S8100 GIVES CONSUMERS HIGH‐SPEED SHOOTING AND SUPER 10X ZOOM TO 
CAPTURE ''CAN'T MISS'' MOMENTS EVEN IN LOW‐LIGHT CONDITIONS 
 
The S8100's Compact Design Includes 12.1 MP CMOS Sensor to Capture Amazing Photos Up To 10 FPS  
 
MELVILLE, NY (September 8, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today announced the COOLPIX S8100, which offers a  
12.1‐megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor to provide consumers with enhanced performance 
and outstanding image quality for high‐speed shooting and low‐light conditions. Fast, responsive and 
versatile, the Nikon COOLPIX S8100 with an incredible 10X zoom will capture fast‐moving subjects in still 
images and HD (1080p) movies.  
 
To help capture moments that are gone in an instant, the COOLPIX S8100 not only features high‐speed 
shooting at five full resolution frames at up to 10 frames‐per‐second (fps), but a pre‐shooting cache that 
records up to two shots before the shutter‐release is fully pressed.  For extremely fast action shots, the 
S8100's Sports Continuous mode records up to approximately 120 fps.  With Subject Tracking, the S8100 
automatically tracks a designated subject by activating autofocus (AF), enabling the user to capture the 
best moment confidently. The S8100 also adopts Nikon's exclusive EXPEED C2™ image processing 
engine, which is customized to each COOLPIX model to further drive enhanced performance, 
outstanding image quality and HD video. 
 
Staying true to the legacy of the Style Series, the S8100 empowers users with serious performance and 
image quality, while remaining stylish and compact.  Equipped with a 10x Optical Zoom‐NIKKOR ED glass 
lens (30‐300mm, 35mm equivalent), the COOLPIX S8100 allows the user to get close to the action, even 
when recording a movie in Full HD (1080p).  For that family film producer, the S8100 features one‐touch 
recording, optical zoom and stereo sound recording while filming for an enhanced user experience.  
Additionally, users can perfect their movies in‐camera with a new editing function or snap still images 
while recording. 
 
"Our portfolio of compact digital cameras is designed to equip photographers of any level with the 
features and functions they will need for various shooting situations in a portable, compact body," said 
Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc.  "The COOLPIX S8100 blends superior high‐speed and low‐
light performance with a sleek and stylish design for a camera that is not only ready to go when you are, 
but one you are proud to show off."  
 
Advanced Technologies for Beautiful Nighttime Shots 
The COOLPIX S8100 features a 12.1‐megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor, which enables 
exceptional image quality even when shooting in low‐light settings.  This CMOS sensor lends itself to 
enhanced shooting functions in dark situations, including the advanced Night Portrait mode, which 
reproduces night scenes and indoor portraits as the user sees them while reducing image blur.  The 
Night Portrait mode combines consecutive shots of the background while the subject is taken using the 
flash, allowing challenging night scenes to be easily captured during handheld shooting and eliminating 
any subject movement.  To further help deliver crisp, sharp photos, the S8100 features a 4‐Way 
vibration reduction (VR) Image Stabilization System with ISO settings up to 3200.  
 
Other functions benefitting from the lower noise and exceptional image quality of the new CMOS image 
sensor include an advanced Backlight shooting function with an in‐camera high dynamic range (HDR) 
function, which merges images of the same scene to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal 
detail for a frame‐worthy shot.  Additionally, the S8100's advanced Night Landscape mode combines a 
series of five consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise for 
when taking handheld shots.  From romantic candlelit dinners to capturing the bright lights of New York 
City at night, the COOLPIX S8100 ensures that no low‐light moment will be left in the dark.   
 
Creative Versatility 
The COOLPIX S8100 helps unleash the user's photographic potential with enhanced shooting and editing 
functions, including a new Mode Dial conveniently placed next to the shutter‐release button for quick 
and easy access to shooting modes.  The COOLPIX S8100 also features the Creative Slider, which 
simplifies adjusting brightness, saturation and color tone in‐camera.  Other in‐camera editing functions 
include Quick Retouch and D‐Lighting, giving users the ability to adjust their images during playback. 
 
To further help the process of composing and sharing photos and movies, the COOLPIX S8100 boasts a 
3.0‐inch ultra high resolution (921,000‐dot) Clear Color Display with a wide viewing angle and anti‐glare 
coating.  Additional must‐have features in the S8100 include 17 scene modes, including the Scene Auto 
Selector, which automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts camera settings accordingly 
for great photos in any environment.  For outstanding portraits, the S8100 features Nikon's Smart 
Portrait System, which incorporates a series of automatic functions including In‐Camera Red‐Eye Fix™, 
improved Face‐Priority AF, Blink Warning, Smile Timer and Skin Softening to flatter even the most 
camera‐shy subject. 
 
Availability and Pricing 
The COOLPIX S8100 will be available late September 2010 for $299.95* MSRP in a choice of attractive 
colors including black, red and gold. 

The Nikon S80 Is A Whole Lot Of Camera In A Small Package

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 09:00 PM PDT

The Nikon S80 is the latest in Nikon‘s long line of pocket shooters. Nikon’s magically engineers managed to cram everything from a 14.1 MP CMOS sensor capable of 720p movies, a 5x optical zoom, and Nikon’s Expeed C2 image processor into a body less than 0.7-inches thick.

The rear panel houses an auto-rotating 3.5-inch touchscreen OLED, which displays a tabbed interface to better maximize screen real estate. Nikon built in also sorts of in-camera editing including adding animations to videos and editing photos. There’s even a paint function that takes full advantage of the touchscreen by allowing users to draw directly on their photos.

A 5-way optical image stabilizer assists the lens during shooting and an HDMI output makes showcasing photos and videos on a larger screen quite easy. A sliding front cover protects and hides the lens when not in use while also serving as the power switch.

Really the only thing not to like about the pocket shooter is the price. The MSRP is $329, but if that’s fine by you, expect the S80 to hit retailer’s in a variety of colors this fall.

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EMBARGOED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 at 12:01 AM EST Press Contacts: MWW Group Geoffrey Coalter E: Ugcoalter@mww.com Robin Theis E: rtheis@mww.com P: 201‐507‐9500 press.nikonusa.com NIKON'S NEW COOLPIX S80 TOUCH SCREEN DIGITAL CAMERA DELIVERS FUN AND FUNCTION IN A FASHION‐FORWARD DESIGN MELVILLE, NY (September 8, 2010) – Integrating stylish design with intuitive operation, Nikon Inc. introduces the new COOLPIX S80, equipped with a beautifully bright 3.5‐inch ultra high resolution organic LED (OLED) touch screen with an enhanced interface for a more enjoyable user experience. With a user‐friendly interface, the COOLPIX S80 gives the photographer easy touch control over the camera's key functions for smooth operation, including touch shutter shooting, zoom and playback. To help users better compose their photos, the S80 employs tab‐type graphics to maximize screen space without cluttering it with icons. When the camera is rotated for vertical shooting, display tabs and controls also automatically rotate for smoother shooting. The large 3.5‐inch ultra high resolution (819,000‐dot) OLED touch screen display delivers clear, rich image reproductions, bright vivid colors and excellent contrast. With a wide viewing angle (approximately 180 degrees), brightness control and an anti‐reflection coating, the S80's touch screen display makes it easy to compose, view and share photos and HD (720p) movies. "Our consumers not only rely on our compact digital cameras for beautiful photos and brilliant technology, but also as a reflection of their personal style," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The COOLPIX S80's slim, sophisitcated design, touch screen technology and excellent features make it fun for consumers to capture high quality images and share their memorable moments." Measuring 0.7‐inches, the surprisingly thin COOLPIX S80 can be slipped in any pocket or bag for unbeatable portability. Sliding the lens cover turns the camera on and off, while creating a sleek, modern look. Available in six colors as bright as the OLED touch screen display, the S80 is not only a compact digital camera, but it's also a fashion statement. With the COOLPIX S80's intuitive touch screen, creativity is at the user's fingertips. The S80 lets users add their personal touch to photos with the Paint function, giving them the ability to write or draw on images during playback. The Retouch Menu lets users easily adjust images in‐camera with the touch of a finger by choosing from a wide range of functions, including Color Options, Soft Focus, Selective Color,
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Cross Screen, Miniature Effect and Fish‐eye Effect. In playback mode, the user can even add moving stamps for an animated effect. In addition, the S80 features a new rating function that allows users to rate their photos with up to five stars and sort images according to their rating. The S80 is equipped with a built‐in slide show function, allowing the user to playback photos to pre‐set music for an enjoyable sharing experience. The COOLPIX S80 also features HD (720p) Movie with optical zoom and stereo sound available during recording. An HDMI output enables easy playback on an HDTV for big‐screen viewing of photos from a recent vacation or HD video from the latest family gathering. Packed into the super slim COOLPIX S80 are must‐have features like a 14.1‐megapixel CCD sensor and 5x Wide‐Angle Optical Zoom‐NIKKOR ED glass lens (35‐175mm, 35mm equivalent) to help the user capture beautiful landscapes and allow them to get close to the action. The S80 helps reduce camera shake with a 5‐Way vibration reduction (VR) Image Stabilization System that includes Optical and Hybrid VR, Motion Detection, ISO settings up to 6400 and Best Shot Selector, which automatically takes up to ten shots while the shutter‐release button is pressed, and then selects and saves the sharpest image. The S80 employs Nikon's EXPEED C2™ image processing engine to ensure outstanding image quality. To further help users take better photos, the COOLPIX S80 includes 17 scene modes and the Easy Auto Mode, which automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts camera settings accordingly for great photos in any environment. For outstanding portraits, the S80 features Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which incorporates a series of automatic functions including In‐Camera Red‐Eye Fix™, improved Face‐Priority AF, Smile Timer, Blink Warning, Blink Proof and Skin Softening to flatter even the most camera‐shy subject. Availability and Pricing The COOLPIX S80 will be available in fall 2010 for $329.95* MSRP in a choice of stylish colors including red, black, blue, pink, gold and silver/brown.

Amazon Dropping Shipping Prices On New Games

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 08:00 PM PDT

With the competition between brick and mortar and online stores, instant gratification is key. No one wants to wait when all their friends are playing the latest game, and Amazon knows that. In order to be competitive, 1Up reports that Amazon has decided to drop the shipping price to $0.99 on release day titles, on top of offering $10 and $20 gift card deals on some games. This means that you can get some seriously good deals that you’re not going to find in retail stores.

Plug Design Concept Protects You From Yourself

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 06:00 PM PDT

According to the designer, the Power Plug is designed to protect children. I actually thing that this particular device isn’t such a great item for a house with children because of the bright colors, but the concept is interesting at least. The original concept is from Luofang Jun, and while you can’t currently use this design in the US (you’re forbidden to have anything around the metal legs), maybe it’ll be huge in Europe.

Candela Is A Candle For People Who Are Afraid Of Candles

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 04:59 PM PDT


While candles are still a big business, there aren’t many of us who would rely on them for light. Mood, or scent, sure — but with the recent invention of electrical light, candles have been less than useful for their original purpose. The Candela is a concept that attempts to make candles useful again to a generation unacquainted with their subtle joys.

It’s got push-button lighting and snuffing (couldn’t you just blow on it?) and it a spring-loaded system for keeping the flame at the same level. A mirrored interior multiplies the light, and the pod-like retro design is appealing to the eye. It’ll still burn like hellfire if you touch the hot part, though. They haven’t fixed that bit just yet.

[via NotCot]

Get Used To “3D” TVs – They’re Here To Stay

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 04:00 PM PDT


We’ve seen a lot of TVs announced before and during IFA this year. That makes sense — it’s a consumer electronics show, after all. And I guarantee that most if not all of those sets will have their 3D capability touted. It’s a dangerous move, since so many consumers are wary of 3D — not enough content, bulky glasses, headaches, and so on. So there’s been some grumbling: why are they including 3D on TVs when nobody wants it?

It’s really pretty simple: adding 3D capability to a TV is trivial. It’s a freebie feature they get to charge for.

The most common (if you can call it that) home 3D technology relies on LCD shutter glasses, which require the TV to show alternating images that last a fraction of a second — as little as 1/100th. This would have been difficult a few years ago, when we were still making the move from interlaced to progressive, and supporting 30p instead of 60i was the priority. But once that particular little war was over, and TVs had gotten sufficiently thin and bright that improvements on that front no longer excited consumers, TV makers needed something new. A new number to make bigger and bigger. Somewhere in a board room last year might have been heard a grave CTO murmuring to the board, “Gentlemen: refresh rates.”

Despite the fact that the quality difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is questionable (to say nothing of the difference between 120, 240, 480, and surely more) and the visual benefits of faster refresh rates dubious, TV makers have pushed that part of the technology hard. I would never say it made TVs worse, far from it, but more difficult and important tasks like improving dynamic range have fallen by the wayside as TV makers strive to make their “TruMotion” or “SmoothVision” or whatever technology as smooth and tru as possible. The result is that pretty much every TV released now supports these faster refresh rates.

Enter 3D. While some (arguably superior) 3D methods require polarized light or special manufacturing or materials, active shutter 3D requires only a display that can display X frames per second, and LCD glasses that can strobe at a similar rate. I don’t blame them for going for that first; to change the coatings and backlight tech and everything to produce circular polarized light, or to switch to a lenticular array system, would be incredibly costly.

As it turned out, the 3D technology they went for could be added to last year’s TVs with almost no effort at all. A simple spec for 3D signal transmission over HDMI, a tweak to the display driver, and they’re done creating “the next generation of television.” A nice bit of sleight of hand, that!

So not only could they sell their day-old pastries for full price again, but they get to sell the accessories that go with them. LCD shutter glasses are expensive and the technology is being improved quickly, resulting in faster and better blackouts. And then, in another year or two, some company or panel OEM will decide to go in for the newer and better 3D tech, and the current sets will be obsolete.

The fact, though, is that 3D is here to stay as a feature, and in the case of today’s TVs, it’s not even a new feature.

What can you do? It seems that as a consumer, you’re being screwed. So it is. So it has always been and always will be. All I can tell you is to do your research and if possible, don’t buy into any premium features, since those are the ones that depreciate the quickest. You can get an excellent TV for a good deal under a thousand dollars, and you can see 3D movies in the theaters. Pay attention to the specs, compare color and contrast in real life (get local dimming if you can), and don’t let any shop shark talk you into buying anything above 120Hz.

Avast! TrackDropper Marries Music Piracy To Location

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 03:00 PM PDT


This Android app is charmingly anachronistic. Instead of simply letting you transfer files to others over the internet, Yves Raimond built an app that uses actual locations to provide downloads. Using the phone’s GPS, you cache the file to specific coordinates or an address, and anyone else with the app can download that file if they’re in the same place. It’s a virtual dead drop!

[via CNET]

Asus WX-Lamborghini Mouse Rolls Through FCC

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 02:30 PM PDT

Asus just had a new Lamborghini labeled product get approved by the FCC, for better or worse. The new mouse joins an already varied and colorful line of ill-advised products. I mean, really? Who buys a Lamborghini licensed mouse or laptop? If you own the car, you probably buy something a bit more high end, and if don’t have the car, you shouldn’t use one. It’s like the Ferrari or Porsche jackets that were so popular in the 80′s. If you don’t own the car, you look like a wanker. All we really do know it that the Asus WX-Lamborghini is a branded wireless mouse, but we have no idea on the price or availability. Not that you should buy one anyway.

[Via Wireless Goodness]

Sony’s Playstation Move “Ultimate FAQ” Answers Your Most Frequent Queries

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 02:00 PM PDT


If you’ve been thinking about buying a Playstation Move (and I recommend at least trying it, it’s quite good), you probably have a few questions, ranging from the usual “what are the prices for bundles” to “can I change the color of the ball” and other more specific stuff. The official Playstation Blog has put together a pretty comprehensive FAQ for your convenience.

Here are a few highlights:

Q: Does the PlayStation Move navigation controller have vibration feedback?
A: No.

Yeah, that’s a good idea: the precisely-tuned accelerometers being shaken like daisies in the wind whenever you fire a shot.

Q: Can the sphere on the PlayStation Move shatter? Does it prevent a safety risk around children?
A: No. The PlayStation Move's color-changing sphere is constructed out of a soft, pliable material. It will not shatter or break into sharp pieces.

I like how this implies that other controllers do shatter into sharp pieces.

Q: Will the PlayStation Move's cursor be as jumpy and shaky as other motion controllers on the market?
A: No. PlayStation Move uses an array of sensors — gyroscopes, accelerometers, Z-tracking, and visual tracking via the PlayStation Eye and color-changing sphere — to triangulate the controller's movements quickly and precisely with 1:1 precision. If the PlayStation Move is correctly set up, you will notice a smoother, vastly more precise feel than other motion controllers.

Some well-aimed Nintendo trolling.

Q: I saw tech demos for PlayStation Move on the Internet. Will I ever be able to download these on the PlayStation Network?
A: The internal tech demos of PlayStation Move applications are currently not available for purchase or download.

This is too bad: the demos we saw our old friend Peter try out looked really, really cool. I’m guessing that they or something like them will be made available eventually, though. They’re great for selling the capabilities of the system.

Anyway, go and read. Lots of good information if you’re on the fence about this controller.

Early Hands-On Of The Nikon P7000 Leaks Out, Reported As A Canon G11 Fighter

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 01:25 PM PDT

The Canon G series has been a fan favorite. The cameras in that series constantly offer near-DSLR performance in a compact size, but Nikon has so far not been able to produce such a product. The upcoming P7000 seems to be worthy of the title of G series fighter. Nikon has yet to announce the pocket cam, but DPreview got an earlier look at the cam and apparently published and then pulled their post. You’re in luck, though.

NikonRumors dug up the Google cache and, well, the hands-on report is worth your time. This camera complete with 10MP CMOS sensor, 720p movie mode, RAW support and the latest imaging processor might be on top of some people’s Christmas list.

Michelle Obama Program Blames Sony PlayStation For Making America’s Children Fat

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Consuming more calories than you use makes you fat. That’s a fact, Jack. Figuring out where these calories come from, OK, that’s a noble endeavor, but let’s not pretend there’s anything secret going on here. Like, you see this graphic here? It’s the winner of some Michelle Obama-headed design contest to help folks figure out how to best fight childhood obesity. And you’ll see the PlayStation completely demonized, as if Sony itself is somehow responsible for little kids packing on the pounds.

The chart, part of the Let’s Move program (and you’ll want to see the full-res version), highlights a few bad guys, including the use of high fructose corn syrup in soda, the launch of Super Size-sized foods at McDonalds, the increase in screen-watching hours, and, yes, the launch of the Sony PlayStation.

Surely Nintendo and Microsoft are thrilled with the award-winning chart.

And while it’s easy to say something like, "Well, it’s up to the parents to be parents, and to provide healthy food for their kids, and to make sure their kids aren’t spending every waking hour in front of their Sony PlayStation" how about this: it’s hard!

If Mommy and Daddy are working all day long to pay for a mortgage, they can’t exactly be there to cook a multi-course, healthy dinner for their kids. So, go to Wal-Mart, buy a bunch of microwaveable burgers (which are conveniently like 20 burgers for $10 or something ridiculous like that) and hope to God that the worst thing you have to worry about is their kid playing PlayStation in the evening and not stealing cars or doing drugs while breaking into 7-11s.

The point is, parents have it hard, too.


HP Confirms It Is Suing Mark Hurd For Potential Leakage Of Trade Secrets To Oracle

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 12:31 PM PDT

It seems like only yesterday that Oracle announced it was hiring former HP CEO Mark Hurd to be a Co-President and member of the Board — that’s because it was just yesterday. And now just one day later, we have a lawsuit filed by HP to block such a maneuver by Oracle.

In confirming the lawsuit in a brief blog post today, HP’s official corporate blog highlights what they see as the key issue here: trade secrets and confidential information. HP even included a link to the full complaint that they’ve posted on Scribd (embed below). Here’s the key nugget:

Yep, Comments Are Down Right Now

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 11:48 AM PDT

I know, you wanna leave a comment but can’t. They’re turned off for a bit but you can always drop us a note at Tips@CrunchGear.com or via Twitter or on Facebook. See, you don’t need the comments; there are plenty of ways to flame us.
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