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Pentax Outs Camouflage Design Grips For Its K-r Camera

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 05:02 AM PDT

Do you think the TOWER RECORDS×PENTAX RAINBOW K-r Pentax showed two days ago was ugly (as quite a few readers do)? Maybe you already own a K-r but just want to beef it up instead of shelling out over $1,000 for an entirely new one? If yes, then check out these new grips Pentax announced [JP]  yesterday.

As you can see, all these grips come with some kind of “camouflage” design. Each one costs $64, and as they’re Japan-only, I suggest you contact specialized online stores like Rinkya or Geek Stuff 4 U if you’re interested in importing a grip.

The Chargepad Is Panasonic’s New Wireless Charging Solution For Mobile Chargers

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 04:03 AM PDT

If you’re like me, you don’t leave the house without a mobile charger in case the cell phone battery goes dry. And that’s exactly the target group for the so-called Chargepad Panasonic announced [JP] today: it’s essentially a device that charges mobile chargers wirelessly (also compare this to Hitachi’s approach by which you charge gadgets, in that case the iPhone, directly).

Along with the Qi-certified Chargepad itself, Panasonic also introduced compatible mobile chargers in two different sizes today (see below, the QE-CV201 is a case): the 5,400mAh model (QE-PL201-W) will be priced at $67, while the QE-PL101-W with 2,700mAh will cost $49.

In Japan, Panasonic will start selling both models and the Chargepad itself on June 24 (no word yet regarding a possible international release). The Chargepad itself will cost $61.

Freestyle AQUOS: Sharp’s Portable, Battery-Powered 20-inch LCD TV (Video)

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 03:01 AM PDT

Sharp announced [JP] a very special TV today: their so-called Freestyle AQUOS is a 20-inch LCD that’s portable and can be powered by an internal battery if needed. And Sharp didn’t forget to squeeze in a few pretty good specs either.

Here are the main features:

  • 20-inch LCD with 1,366×768 resolution
  • 400,000:1 contrast ratio
  • LED backlight
  • IEEE 802.11a/n Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • DLNA support
  • web connectivity (i.e. Yahoo! for AQUOS)
  • 2W×2ch speakers
  • HDMI, USB ports
  • digital TV tuner
  • built-in battery (2 hours battery life)
  • newly designed remote control (see below)
  • size: 486×24～33×295mm, weight: 3.3kg

Here’s Sharp’s Japanese promo video:

Sharp will start selling the Freestyle AQUOS in Japan on June 1 (price: $1,220).

Daily Crunch: Pattern Recognition Edition

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 12:00 AM PDT

TiVo And Dish Continue Court Slapfight Over DVRs

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 06:15 PM PDT


A Federal Court of Appeals has ordered Dish to cease operation of a series of DVRs which TiVo said violated its patents. In a slightly petulant-sounding statement, Dish said it plans to appeal and that there weren’t that many of the infringing DVRs in service anyway.

Chances are you won’t be affected by the change, but in case your old Dish DVR just croaks for no apparent reason, it might be this.

Toshiba Joins The Waterproof Camcorder Party With The Camileo BW10

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 05:56 PM PDT


Earlier today we saw Samsung’s W200 make its debut, and now Toshiba is entering the ring. That makes three newish candybar-style waterproof camcorders out there (don’t forget the Playsport). So what sets the BW10 apart? Not a lot!

It does 1080p, like the W200 and Playsport, and has USB and HDMI out like the W200 and Playsport, but is only rated to 2m of water, but falls behind the W200 with a slower (F/2.8) lens and smaller (2″) LCD — like the Playsport. MSRP is $150 — like the Playsport (the W200 is $160).

I’m going to have to get one of each of these things and tell you which is worth your money. Be patient, it’s not summer yet.

Self-Healing UV-Sensitive Material May Soon Coat Your Devices

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 05:36 PM PDT


Minor scratches to things like flooring, gadgets, and cars may soon be a thing of the past, if… wait, no, that lede is a little too PopSci. Let’s try again.

Researchers have come up with a new material that acts like a normal polymer coating under most circumstances, but when exposed to UV light, spontaneously heals nicks and scratches. Here comes the science!

Basically, the material (made of “metallo-supramolecular polymers”) isn’t actually polymeric, but acts like it; instead of long strands of molecules, there are lots of shorter ones, and in most cases they act the same. But the researchers made these sub-polymers sensitive to UV light, essentially “melting” when exposed to it.

When the material melts, it naturally fills in any areas that have been roughed up or scratched, as you can see in the video above. Looks pretty real to me.

Unfortunately, not every coating is right for every situation. This particular one may be too easily disrupted (by heat or friction) to use on, say, your iPhone, and may be too unstable in sunlight to use on cars. But it’s too cool not to use somewhere, so that’s the next problem these guys will have to solve.

The research was a collaboration between Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, the University of Fribourg in Germany, and the Army Research Laboratory.

[via Eurekalert]

“Constrained” iMac Supplies Point To Imminent Refresh

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 05:22 PM PDT

Although the last iMac refresh took place in July, we heard rumors a little while back that new ones would be arriving early this year. And with Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt, the expected improvements, ready to go, it seems like the new iMacs could drop any time.

And what’s this? 9 to 5 Mac hears whispers that supplies of current iMacs are running low. You know what that means. Expect the news some time in the next month, perhaps as early as next week.

Review: T-Mobile G2x (Optimus 2X)

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 05:05 PM PDT


Short version: Perhaps the most powerful phone on the market, the G2x is certainly impressive technically, but physically it’s uninspiring, and a lack of compelling HD and gaming content compatible with Android makes its greatest assets (large screen and powerful processor) underwhelming. And where’s my Gingerbread?

Head over to MobileCrunch for the full review.

Potential 3DS Design Flaw Causing Screen Scratches, Cracked D-Pads

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 02:36 PM PDT

You would think that Nintendo would have foreseen all the design issues of the 3DS, well, years ago. The company has been working with clamshell handhelds for over 30 years. However some 3DS owners are reporting that their top screens are getting scratched and some d-pads are cracking.

The common thought in the Nintendo support forums is that most of these scratches are really lines caused by oil and humidity building up when the unit is closed. Users report that they’re easily whipped off at first but become more permanent as they build up over time. Some turn into scratches as well. Users have resorted to sandwiching a cleaning cloth between the screens when closing the 3DS.

SlashGear also dug up a cracked d-pad, apparently the from the same design flaw as the lines and scratches. It seems the rubber stripping around the 3DS is too thin. So thin that the top screen is close enough to the bottom to result in oil build up and a cracked d-pad. Chances are Nintendo will resolve customer issues on an individual basis. Of course most 3DSs are under warranty and most retailers will probably still accept them as returns. Still, if this is happening to your 3DS, let Nintendo know so the full scoop is known and can be properly resolved.

“Industry Sources” Say New Xbox And Playstation Not Coming Until 2014

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 02:09 PM PDT


Although the chatter around the games industry indicates that E3 will bring a new console from Nintendo — and its rumored features are getting a little ridiculous. But what of the Xbox 360 and PS3? Is it time for them to get a refresh? Not quite, says one insider.

First, it’s important to remember that it was only last year and a half that we got the revised 360 and PS3 Slim — both significant improvements, and both heralding new accessories intended to extend the life of the consoles. And then there are statements on the record showing how Microsoft and Sony execs don’t really feel any pressure to upgrade the machines, since they’re selling well and the competition isn’t really doing anything new. And there’s word from the games development industry that a new generation of even more powerful consoles would make games even more difficult to develop and sell at reasonable prices.

So really, nobody should be expecting a new console from Microsoft or Sony this year, and even 2012 would be something of a stretch — the way we felt about the possibility of a WiiHD being released last year. It would have been surprising.

But 2013 — by that point it will be clear (whatever Nintendo does) that the consoles need a refresh. Why? Well, pressure from the rest of the industry, I’d say. More focus on integration with other platforms, adoption of new media and display standards, attachment to new markets.

Yet the insider quoted at Kotaku seems to think 2014 is a more likely time. Why? Probably just to save money. A year spent on squeezing the last drops out of the old generation is a year they save a billion dollars on R&D, marketing, manufacturing, and so on. And since Sony and Microsoft want to release around the same time (unlike last time, a staggered launch wouldn’t provide much advantage, only give the other an opportunity to respond), it’s likely they’ll both delay as long as humanly possible, unless they get some serious push from outside.

Some may be disappointed, but personally I think it’s just fine. The current consoles are quite powerful, though whether they have much room to grow is a hard question. At any rate, it’s $400 you won’t be spending this year or the next, and that’s something.

Apple Breaks Their Own Records Once Again, Sold 18.65 Million iPhones In Q2 2011

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 02:04 PM PDT

Apple may not be able to make a white phone to save their collective life, but that hasn’t hurt the iPhone’s sales at all. For the third quarter in a row, Apple has sold more iPhones than in the quarter before.

Read the rest at MobileCrunch >>

ThinkGeek Now Selling The iCADE iPad Arcade Cabinet For Reals

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 01:30 PM PDT

Thinkgeek’s iCADE iPad Arcade cabinet has been on my want list for a while now. Announced as an April Fools joke, the iCADE is now real and it costs $99. It’s on back-order, sadly, or I’d have picked one up.

The cabinet interfaces with the iPad and offers full button and joystick control using a unique API. It is currently compatible with the recently-announced Atari classics package, a $14.99 game pack that includes 100 Atari games.

Product Page


iPad 2 Shipping Estimate Drops To 1-2 Weeks

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 11:38 AM PDT


The iPad 2 is still a hard Furby to find. It’s still sold out mostly everywhere but at least the estimated wait time is dropping to 1-2 weeks on Apple.com. The shipping window jumped to 4-5 weeks shortly after the iPad 2 first went on sale. Well, it’s been a few weeks since then and the estimate dropped as promised even though the Japanese quake reportedly caused part supply issues.

It’s just not the US that’s blessed with a shorter wait. AppleInsider reports that other countries including Canada, Mexico, and Australia also have the 1-2 week window. This comes even as Apple is set to launch the iPad 2 in key Asian regions later this month.


Zero Punctuation: Crysis 2

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 10:15 AM PDT

No, that’s a great question. Why the hell does NYC get destroyed over and over again in film, games, and politics? Can’t someone come here to Flint, MI and profit from its destruction occasionally? Oh wait… Anyway, Yahtzee on Crysis 2 is after the break.

Fun Feature Found! BlackBerry PlayBook Sports Incoming Call Notifications

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 09:49 AM PDT


TIL a notification will pop up on the PlayBook when the bridged BlackBerry receives a call. This is news to me and I read a bunch of zero-day Playbook Reviews. CrackBerry has all the details but the screen dims and a little box pops up that even allows users to kill the phone’s ringer. RIM stated from the start that the PlayBook is a companion device and features like this could turn into a legitimate reason for the BlackBerry addicted to opt for the PlayBook over other tablets.

Video: Leica “Birdie”

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 09:28 AM PDT

LEICA ‘BIRDIE” from Philip Escobar Jung on Vimeo.

As you’ll see this isn’t an official Leica commercial. It should be, though. Why? Because you’ll remember it and that’s the most important aspect of any advert. [via Leica Rumors]

Samsung’s W200 Takes On Kodak’s Playsport In Waterproof Camcorder Showdown

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 09:00 AM PDT


Samsung has announced the W200, a vacation-proof 1080p camcorder that boasts a bigger LCD and faster lens than its natural enemy, the Kodak Playsport. I’m not sure the W200 is going to win any beauty contests, but at least spec-wise it’s looking good.

It shoots 1080p video through its F/2.2 lens (the Playsport has a F/2.8) and displays it on a 2.3″ screen (versus the Playsport’s 2″). Beyond that the differences kind of dry up, although the ability to “pause” recording and continue with the same video file later will be handy to a lot of people who don’t want to fiddle with editing afterwards.

It goes down to 3 meters underwater, and is safe against basic drops and dust. They claim a water-drop resistant coating, which may or may not be real; we’ll have to get our hands on it to determine that. The rest of the specs you can find below:

Samsung Introduces Multi-Proof W200 Pocket Cam for Full HD Filming Anywhere
The ideal vacation pocket cam features the best in imaging technology and specialized underwater features for great video anywhere

SEOUL, Korea – April 20, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has announced the launch of its W200 Pocket Cam. The W200 is designed so it can be taken anywhere to capture brilliant video in the toughest conditions, particularly underwater, thanks to features such as a 5 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and F2.2 Bright Lens. Created for those whose active lifestyles demand both durability and quality, it houses Samsung's leading imaging technology in a shock, water and dust-proof rugged body.

The W200 is built to withstand the elements to produce high-quality video in almost any circumstance and thanks to specialized functions, it makes brilliant underwater video easier to achieve than ever. It is waterproof up to three meters, making it suitable for great video of a relaxed day by the pool or even up-close shots of coral reefs. The W200's anti-water drop coating also means that the LCD screen will stay free of condensation, even in damp conditions, so you can film without wiping the screen. The lens also features anti-fog coating that lets steam disperse so you always have clear, blur-free videos and pictures even straight after coming out of the pool. To make capturing amazing underwater footage simple, the W200 also includes an Aqua Mode setting, which automatically sets the ideal parameters for the bright and clear underwater video. Despite being slim and compact, it is also shock-proof and dust-proof and so is the perfect addition to a backpack for any trip and robust enough for worry-free family vacations with young children. Because the W200 is designed to be taken anywhere, it also comes with a built-in USB arm to make it easy to share your adventure.

Innovative Samsung technology ensures that filming on-the-go never means a loss of image quality or brightness. The W200 is built with a 5-megapixel BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, which delivers double the sensitivity of previous CMOS sensors, capturing footage with dramatically reduced image noise and distortion. Along with this, the W200 includes a bright F2.2 lens to give users the ability to shoot during low-light conditions for stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images. The camcorder shoots in Full HD resolution to let you capture every moment in rich, dynamic detail and displays your video on a 2.3" 230K clear pixel LCD screen.

In addition to delivering high-quality video, the W200 makes it easy to both manage your video files and be creative with them too. With Samsung's Record Pause feature, users can pause briefly during filming and then resume from the exact same moment. When filming is complete, footage will all be in the same file, removing the need to merge them and making uploading and sharing hassle-free. To have more fun with filming, whether at the waterpark, on a rollercoaster or just capturing a special family moment, the W200 has two special Smart Filter features. Vignetting allows users to fade the edges of shots and the Fish-Eye setting creates an arty, distorted feel for unique and interesting footage.

"The W200 is the ideal Pocket Cam for anyone who wants to experience life to the fullest and share those experiences with friends and family," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "It's tough enough for filming a backpacking trip or vacation with small children, and light enough to carry around with you every day, so that you never miss a moment. We've used the latest in Samsung technology to make sure that you're able to capture a faithful memory of your experiences, wherever you go. The W200 is the Pocket Cam that you'd never want to leave at home – it's reliable and easy to use, whatever adventure you're setting out on."

Specifications*
Description HMX-W200
Image sensor 5M BSI CMOS
Lens 1x, AF
F No. F2.2
LCD 2.3" 230K(QVGA)
Video resolution 1920×1080 30p
Photo resolution 5.5M
Image stabilization DIS
Storage Micro SD/SDHC
HDMI Yes
Battery 1300mAh (2hrs)
Size 60 x 113 x 19.7 / 130g (with battery)
Features Waterproof (3m)
Shockproof (2m)
Built-in USB
Sa Availability & Price May/ $159
※All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, to benefits, design, components, performance, availability and capability of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Yahoo! Joins the Linux Foundation

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 08:35 AM PDT

Word comes today that search pioneer Yahoo! is joining the Linux Foundation. Yahoo! spoke at The Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit earlier this month and demonstrated its use of Linux throughout the enterprise, and specifically for cloud computing. As a member of the Linux Foundation, they can “maximize these investments through collaborative initiatives that advance the platform in specific areas.” Even though we don’t hear as much about Yahoo! these days, it’s still nice to see them throwing their weight not only behind Linux, but behind the Linux Foundation.

Raymie Stata, Chief Technology Officer at Yahoo!, says "Linux is an important software aspect of the World Wide Web and is one of several components that will continue to be used in the future of computing.”

Here’s the full press release.

Yahoo! Joins Linux Foundation

Search pioneer and premier digital media company powers its business with Linux, supports ongoing development and initiatives

SAN FRANCISCO April 20, 2011 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced that Yahoo! is its newest member.

Founded in 1994, Yahoo! is a major enterprise Linux user and premier digital media company that today attracts more than half a billion consumers a month in more than 30 languages. Yahoo! uses the Linux operating system as an integral part of its technical and developer infrastructure.

By joining The Linux Foundation, the company can maximize its investment in Linux while directly supporting the Linux community’s developer and legal efforts. Yahoo! will contribute to The Linux Foundation's working groups and initiatives focused on virtualization, cloud computing and legal topics, such as open compliance. The company will also participate in Linux Foundation events, including The Linux Foundation End User Summit where it will interact with Linux kernel developers and other open source software experts.

Additional resources available to Yahoo! for collaboration are The Linux Foundation's End User and Vendor Councils, as well as its Technical Advisory Board (made up of key Linux kernel developers and maintainers).

"The Linux Foundation is host to a variety of very important Linux projects as well as resources, tools and events that allow us to maximize our investment in the platform," said Raymie Stata, Chief Technology Officer, Yahoo! "Linux is an important software aspect of the World Wide Web and is one of several components that will continue to be used in the future of computing. Yahoo! is excited to collaborate with The Linux Foundation and its peers to advance technologies that will help Linux achieve its promise."

"Yahoo!'s leadership and deep expertise in cloud computing and the Web will provide valuable expertise that informs collaboration on Linux," said Amanda McPherson, vice president of marketing and developer programs at The Linux Foundation. "We welcome Yahoo! and look forward to its contributions to The Linux Foundation and Linux community."

Yahoo!'s Director of Linux Engineering, Sven Dummer, spoke at the recent Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit on a panel titled "What's Next for Linux in the Enterprise and the Cloud." See the video here: http://video.linux.com/video/1969


Report: The New Apple TV Is Selling Well, Analyst Puts Total Sales Just Under 2 Million In 7 Months

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 08:00 AM PDT


Apple’s secret quest for living room domination is off to a good start, that is if an analyst’s report is to believed. Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities surveyed Apple supplies and found that the latest generation Apple TV managed to maintain steady sales since its October 2010 launch. He claims that Apple sold just over 1 million units before Christmas and around 820k since the start of January. Of course these are all estimates, but Apple might confirm them in Wednesday’s earning conference call.

Apple famously called the Apple TV a hobby but it seems to be turning into a profitable hobby. If true, this cements the latest generation Apple TV as more than just a side project. It’s an important piece in Apple’s ecosytem.

It’s clear that Apple is looking dictate how content is consumed on every level. The Apple TV is the key to getting content off a computing device and into the living room with Airplay as the most important part. The Apple TV could be nothing more than an Airplay device and still have a spot in Apple’s dugout. All the streaming stuff including Netflix and iTunes shopping are fun extras.

The success of the Apple TV might spur a true Apple TV, an Apple HDTV, if you will. Rumors have circulated about such a device for years, and while I still feel it would require Apple to sell the HDTV at a financial loss, such a product fits into the current ecosystem well. An Apple HDTV paired with seamless cloud storage and wireless controllers could in fact replace a desktop computer for many households. Many of the iPad apps would look fine on a 10-foot interface, but Apple would probably not have an issue finding devs to code spectacular apps for the new platform.

Pipe dream? Yeah, I still think so, but even if the analyst’s numbers are just a bit off, they still show a good number of people want Apple on their HDTVs and that alone is a win for Apple. [via AppleInsider]
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