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Aggressive Quadrocopter Can Fly Through Hoops

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 05:20 AM PDT

Yeah, we’re doomed. Remember those cool Quadrocopter Manhacks created by the GRASP Lab at Penn State? Well it’s getting worse: now these things can react to objects thrown in their path and fly around them autonomously. They can even right themselves after “extreme initial conditions” which means when you bat them out of the way they won’t fall down or fail but instead prepare themselves to attack again.

We are so surprisingly dead when these things get smart that most of us will go in our sleep, our necks filled with poison by mosquito-quiet quadrotors with need-tipped proboscii.
via Eng


VIA Releases USB 3.0 Thumbdrive Controller, the VL750

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 04:46 AM PDT

When you absolutely, positively have to have your data onto your hard drive in seconds, look to VIA and their new USB 3.0 thumbdrives. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a normal flash drive. The blue plastic is a dead giveaway but inside is VIA’s new VIA VL750 Flash Controller is backwards compatible with 2.0 ports and offers 100MB/s transfer speeds in 3.0 and 35MB/s in 2.0.

The chips are available now and should hit devices next year.

The VIA Labs VL750 is the first USB 3.0 compliant NAND flash controller of its kind in the market, featuring a 4-channel memory controller with interleaving support to offer blisteringly fast data transfer speeds of 100MB/s or more, depending on configuration. The VIA Labs VL750's four channel design dramatically improves data throughput over dual or single channel designs by offering more bandwidth and improved parallelization.

The VIA Labs VL750 features USB mass storage class 'Bulk-Only Transport' for universal compatibility across platforms such as Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux, and adds USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) support for additional performance. The VIA Labs VL750 is fully compliant with the USB 3.0 specification, and is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 standards, offering class-leading performance in USB 2.0 mode with transfer speeds of up to 35 MB/s.

CrunchGear Meet-up In Jerusalem Tonight

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 04:32 AM PDT


Once again I’m teaming up with Yael at the Tel Aviv Beer Tweetup to join you guys in some merriment on Thursday, September 16 (TONIGHT) from 7:30pm – 11:30pm at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem. You can RSVP here on Facebook or email rsvp at crunchgear dot com with the subject line “TWEETUP.”

Yael has been nice enough to move the whole event a few miles up the road and it seems that some folks are carpooling from Tel Aviv. Yael writes:

The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel (@InbalHotel) is going to be hosting this special Tweetup in the hotel pool bar.

Don’t miss the opportunity to come and speak to John Biggs, even if it means driving up from Tel Aviv…

If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact me: yael at beeri.com.
I would like to thank The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel for hosting our event.
Event hashtag will be #Jtweetup

That’s right! You can speak to the John Biggs. Something my own mother can’t claim to have done this week. Anyway, I’m happy to talk about everything start-up so bring your pitches and your one-sheets. I look forward to seeing you there.

I’m also around for about two weeks if anyone wants to meet up outside of the event. Drop me a line at john @ crunchgear dot com or Tweet @johnbiggs.

With Software Update: PS3 To Get 3D Blu-Ray Movie Playback Support On September 21

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 02:41 AM PDT

It was announced in July, and now it’s almost here: PS3 owners will soon be able to view 3D Blu-ray movies on their consoles (provided they have a 3D-capable TV and glasses, obviously). Sony today announced at the Tokyo Game Show that 3D will come to the PS3 with software update 3.50 next Tuesday (September 21).

Sony also just updated its official American PS3 blog, which states that the update will hit all 38 million PS3 sold worldwide. Big S made all PS3 compatible to stereoscopic 3D games with software update 3.30 back in April.

The company says it’s ready to offer the new update earlier than previously planned in order to ride on the current 3D boom.

HRP-4: Meet Japan’s New And Awesome Humanoid Robot (Video)

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 01:01 AM PDT

Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has done it again. After having developed one of the most advanced cybernetic human robots out there (namely the HRP-4C we covered previously), it is now time for the next humanoid. Meet the HRP-4 [JP].

The HRP-4 is primarily designed for use at R&D facilities at universities and companies. It stands 151cm tall, weighs 39kg, and boasts a total of 34 degrees of freedom. Buyers can mount a laptop on its bag to add further functionality.

The robot can strike poses in response to voice commands, and it can also detect and track human faces and certain objects.

AIST and co-developer Kawada Industries plan to start selling the HRP-4 in January next year. The robot itself plus the software necessary to control it will cost $325,000.

Here’s a quite impressive demo video:

Daily Crunch: Home Axe Movie Edition

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 12:00 AM PDT

IDF 2010: Intel AppUp Store Is Open For Business

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 08:40 PM PDT

Back in January, we started to hear noise about an Intel AppStore, and people in general scoffed. Another app store? That’s the last thing we need! Well, Intel is moving forward with theirs, and it’s got some serious firepower backing it up.

How serious? Well, you’re going to be able to buy Adobe Air and Microsoft Silverlight applications on it, and it’s got support from Best Buy, Asus, Croma, and Dixons. Hot Hardware reports that Intel has really gone all out with this store idea, and while there’s a ton of other options out there, this might be the one that wins your heart (and your dollars). The store will offer free and paid apps of course, and have a “try before you buy” option, to help you weed out the crapps. Apparently the store is opening with quite a few apps as well, including some from the likes of Barnes & Noble, KONAMI, Accuweather, and Gibson Guitars.


Halo Reaches Best Day 1 Sales Of 2010

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 08:00 PM PDT

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer revealed that Halo: Reach made over $200 million in Day 1 sales. This tops any other title so far this year, and also any other movie or “entertainment experience”. 1up reports that Halo: Reach also broke the total number of players on Xbox Live record previously held by Halo 3.


CrunchDeals: 25% Off These Dell Ultrasharp IPS LCDs

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 07:00 PM PDT

The deals just keep on coming. If that laptop wasn’t your style but you still have a couple Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket, maybe you should consider picking up a new monitor. These Dell Ultrasharps are marked down quite a bit right now, and while I can’t speak to these models themselves, I do trust Dell to make a good monitor. I’ve been using one for a good five years now.

The 21.5″ one will set you back $210, and the 23″ one will cost you $240. They’re both 1080p. What the… these deals are hella della good!

[via Gear Live]

Sony Makes Their Entry Into The “Flexible E-Paper” Party

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 06:03 PM PDT


Sony joins LG, HP, and… themselves (just noticed that) in the race to put out a decent flexible display. This one, being shown at a dealer convention, is an e-ink based display with a plastic substrate, allowing it to be flexed and possibly rolled. I’m guessing that picture pretty much shows the limit of its flexibility, though.

Can’t wait till you can write on one of these, then fold it up and put it in your wallet. So awesome.

CrunchDeals: 14″ Core 2 Duo Laptop For $275 Shipped

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 05:34 PM PDT

This ain’t no hot rod laptop, but I’m going to be honest here, that thing is probably about as fast as my (aging) desktop, though the game performance is definitely not up to par, what with integrated graphics and all. Still, it’s a totally decent backup laptop — and that price really can’t be beat: $260 plus $15 for shipping. It won’t be available for long, though: it’s a limited time deal. Buy or fly!

I guess stealing one would be cheaper. I don’t recommend that.

Slow Motion Axe Porn… Wait, It’s Not What It Sounds Like

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 04:52 PM PDT


Remember when we advised you to “chop foppishly” with Best Made’s “fabulous designer axes”? Neither do I. And let us never speak of it again. Just pretend you love beautiful and well-made objects chopping things, and watch the video above. It’s a teaser for a series of short films… probably also about axes. Shot on a Phantom.

[via NotCot]

Status Of CrunchPad Litigation

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 02:41 PM PDT

Late last year, on the eve of launch, I announced the end of the CrunchPad project, sadly ending a very exciting one and a half year effort to create a very inexpensive touch screen tablet computer.

Our partner, Fusion Garage, had inexplicably decided to simply terminate the partnership over “nothing more than greed, jealousy and miscommunication.” A couple of weeks later they launched the device that we had worked on together under a new name, and we filed a lawsuit for Fraud and Deceit, Misappropriation of Business Ideas, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Unfair Competitition and Violations of the Lanham Act.

Ugly stuff.

Except at the time we really didn’t know how ugly.

DIY: Add LED Backlighting To Your LCD Monitor Or HDTV

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 01:30 PM PDT

It’s relatively easy to find a dead LCD these days even without diving into a dumpster. Most of the time all that’s wrong is the backlighting mechanism went out, too, leaving a perfectly good LCD behind. So why not rip out that old CCFL and replace it with a swanky LED strip. This instrucible gives just about all the details you need. Of course this project might not be for everyone. After all you’re opening and modifing an electrical device. But I can’t think of a better way to learn the trade than actually doing it so I say you do it anyway. What’s the worst that can happen anyway? It’ not like you’re going to eat the CCFL bulb. (Don’t. It contains mercury and will kill you.)

iPad’s Orientation Lock Switch Repurposed To Mute In iOS 4.2

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:46 PM PDT

This isn’t exactly headline news, but I think it’s interesting. Apple has, in a rather rare show of hardware mutability, changed the behavior of the orientation lock switch on the iPad. It’s now a mute switch, and orientation lock is handled by the system panel brought up with the multi-tasking screen. A minor change, but I can’t think of any other occasion when they’ve backpedaled so quickly on a design decision.

Seems like a natural change; like other 1.0 Apple products, it seems the the iPad was a bit half-baked at launch.

[via Mac Rumors]

Need A Portable Turntable? Meet the Crosley Revolution

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:00 PM PDT


Vinyl is not dead, friends, and the respected record player is not without modern updates. We’ve seen USB turntables before, but turntables have, historically, been pretty large edifices of technology. That changes today with the Crosley Revolution. Stripped of the cabinetry that traditionally accompanies a turntable, the Revolution is portable, features a built-in handle, and can run on six AA batteries.. It also features an integrated FM transmitter, so you can enjoy that warm vinyl sound on anything with an FM receiver: your fancy audio system at home or that Sansa in your pocket. Coming soon for $150.

Crosley Radio Puts a New Spin on Vintage Tech with Its First Battery-Powered Turntable, the Crosley Revolution
Portable, two-speed turntable features USB hookup, headphone jack and full range stereo speaker to share your favorite old-school tunes anytime, anywhere

Louisville, KY- (September 15, 2010) – Crosley Radio, the premier vintage electronics manufacturer, has taken the turntable out of the box with its new USB portable, battery-powered, two-speed turntable – the Crosley Revolution.

Supporting 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, this sleek handheld device features an integrated wireless transmitter that allows you to stream music to any FM radio.

Plus, the convenient USB hookup and easy-to-use digitizer software suite offers vinyl aficionados a way to connect to Windows equipped PCs and Macs for easy analog-to-digital transfer. With these features, users have the option to swap vinyl songs with friends and create universal MP3 files, catapulting vintage music into the 21st century.

In addition to the wireless sound technology, the Crosley Revolution has a built-in full range stereo speaker and a headphone jack for optional sound enjoyment.

Running on six AA batteries, made of durable ABS construction and sporting a built-in handle, this portable turntable is meant to be toted along for any occasion.

The patent pending Crosley Revolution is available for $149.95 at CrosleyRadio.com. In addition to the black model, the Crosley Revolution comes in three custom colors (red, ivory and mint) offered exclusively at Urban Outfitters for $179.95. Other retailers include Hammacher Schlemmer, Brookstone and JC Penney.


3M Releases New Pico Projectors And Camcorder-Projector

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 11:48 AM PDT


The successor to the 3M MPro150 and MPro120 pico projectors has been released by 3M, and it’s looking chunky. The MP180 improves on the brightness of is predecessors, upping the lumens to 30. That’s not enough for watching a movie in full daylight, but it does mean you don’t have to dim the lights quite so far.

The trade-off appears to be in size. The MP180 appears to be significantly chubbier, but the old versions were pretty svelte to begin with, so it’s not such a big deal. Compare the above picture to the one I took of the 120:

So there’s definitely a size difference, but they’re both still pocketable, it looks like to me. They’ve improved the speakers as well as the brightness, which is good, because the old speakers were pretty tinny. They’re 800×600, which is fine for analog sources and some photos, but I know we’d all like to see 1280×720 happen sometime soon.

The MP180 costs $399, and has a little brother, the MP160, which costs $349. The difference is that the MP180 has a micro SD slot and interface for navigating on-device media, while the MP160 only has VGA and composite pass-through. Personally, I didn’t find the on-device storage of the MPro150 that handy for movies, but photos and presentations looked nice. They’re shipping in October.

3M has also debuted a new camcorder in the pocket-cam style that has an integrated projector. They call it the Shoot ‘N Share, I call it a little premature. The 15 lumens won’t be enough to display your video to friends, unless you guys really love hanging out in total darkness. And although it records HD video (720p at 60i, the press release says, which makes no sense), it only displays at 640×480 resolution. It also looks a bit bigger than people might like in a pocket projector, though I doubt 3M could make it much smaller. Costs $299.

I’m looking forward to testing these out. Personally, I think pico projectors aren’t quite paying for themselves just yet — but they will soon, and it’s fun to watch them progress. Hopefully we’ll get to take a look at these before they all get released in October.

Shure unveils SE315 Sound Isolating Earphones, Audiophiles Rejoice

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 11:30 AM PDT

Shure announced their latest sound isolating earphones today (don’t call them earbuds), the SE315. The SE315′s are a single driver earphone with a full range of sound, and a detachable cable.

Available in clear or black, the SE315 is based on the same design at the SE425 and SE535, and offers the same level of features at a reduced price. MSRP on the SE315 is $249, but you should be able to find them for $199.99 if you shop around a bit.

From the press release:

SHURE UNVEILS NEW SE315 SOUND ISOLATING™ EARPHONE
New Model Joins the SE425 and SE535, Which All Feature An Innovative Detachable Cable

09.14.2010 – NILES, IL– Shure Incorporated today unveiled the new SE315 Sound Isolating Earphone, a single driver earphone featuring full range sound and a unique detachable cable. This earphone joins the available SE115, SE425, and SE535 in the Company's award-winning Sound Isolating Earphone line, delivering enhanced sound signatures and premium driver technology in small, lightweight, universal-fit earphones.

Available in clear or black, the new SE315 offers the superior sound quality, durability, and style for which Shure is known. Designed to meet the needs of live performance and personal listening, the SE315 Earphones are ideal for studio monitoring systems and are a perfect upgrade for portable listening devices.

“Based on the design platform of the SE425 and SE535, the SE315 offers the same advanced features at a lower price point," said Matt Engstrom, Category Director for Listening Products at Shure. "Adding the detachable cable offers innovation outside of sound quality alone. It allows for the integration of other functionality, and extends the life of the product through easy cable replacement."

The new Shure Sound Isolating Earphones provide an unparalleled combination of sound signatures and sound isolation in a small, comfortable design. All three models feature a detachable cable with wireform fit. Traditionally a "pro" feature, the cable design allows for easy replacement, significantly extends the life of the product, and offers a more comfortable, secure fit. Additional features include:

• SE315 Sound Isolating™ Earphones – The SE315 uses a Single High-Definition MicroDriver for full range sound with optimized low end. It is available in black and clear, and comes with an accessories package that includes three pairs of disposable black foam sleeves (S, M, L); three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L); one pair of yellow foam sleeves; one pair of triple flange sleeves; a premium carrying case; and a wax guard.

• SE425 Sound Isolating™ Earphones – The SE425 uses Dual High-Definition MicroDrivers for accurate and balanced sound. It is available in clear and metallic silver, and comes with an accessories package that includes three pairs of disposable black foam sleeves (S, M, L); three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L); one pair of yellow foam sleeves; one pair of triple flange sleeves; a premium carrying case; ¼" (6.5mm) adapter; and a wax guard.

• SE535 Sound Isolating™ Earphones – The SE535 uses Triple High-Definition MicroDrivers that deliver an incredibly spacious sound with rich bass. It is available in clear and metallic bronze, and comes with an accessories package that includes three pairs of disposable black foam sleeves (S, M, L); three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S, M, L); one pair of yellow foam sleeves; one pair of triple flange sleeves; a premium carrying case; ¼" (6.5mm) adapter; airline adapter; a volume control; and a wax guard.

Pricing and Availability

• SE315: $199.99 retail [$249 MSRP]
• SE425: $299.99 retail [$349 MSRP]
• SE535: $499.99 retail [$549 MSRP]

The earphones carry a two-year limited warranty and are available for purchase from select retailers. For a complete list of where Shure products are sold, please visit www.shure.com.

A VHS Skin For Your Notebook, iPhone, & Blackberry

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 10:49 AM PDT

Nothing says radical like a pile of VHS taps, each with a carefully written label detailing someone’s collection of Cheers episodes. $15 for the cell phone skins and $20 for the notebook one. [Infectious via Laughing Squid]

IE9 Beta Now Available For Download

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 10:48 AM PDT

By now many of you probably know that Microsoft is unveiling the full public beta of the much-hyped new version of its browser, Internet Explorer 9, today. It looks like Microsoft just launched the page where you can downlaod the new browser; under the URL BeautyOfTheWeb.com.

As we wrote in our initial review of IE9, the new browser is built for speed, takes advantage of the latest HTML5 and other modern Web technologies, and has a relatively simple UI. And the IE9 browser will only work on Windows computer, with Bing loaded as the default search engine.


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