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Geo Cosmos: Mitsubishi Electric Shows 6-Meter OLED Globe

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 03:45 AM PDT

If you have a chance to go to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo this month, do it: Mitsubishi Electric has just installed a 6-meter OLED globe, the world’s first of this size, in one of the halls in the museum. Visitors will be able to see the so-called Geo Cosmos with their own eyes from June 11.

The aluminum sphere consists of a total of 10,362 OLED panels, each sized at 96 x 96mm, and will be hanging 18 from the floor. Mitsubishi used their existing modular Diamond Vision OLED technology to build the globe (the Geo Cosmos that was showcased so far consists of LCDs).

In the museum, Mitsubishi Electric says the Geo Cosmos will be used to display “scenes of clouds and other visions of the earth” taken from a satellite at a resolution of 10 million pixels.

Gemelos 3D Base: Full HD 3D Camera System Used For Surgery Training (Video)

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 01:07 AM PDT

Training surgeons in hospitals is difficult and expensive, but what if you could use some 3D tech in order to simulate treating patients in a realistic way? That’s what Japan-based Totsu Sangyo thought when it used their Gemelos 3D Base [JP], a 3D camera that captures pictures in full HD resolution, during a surgery at the University of Tsukuba.

Gemelos 3D Base was initially designed for filming sports events and other things, but Totsu Sangyo says because their system is so compact, they are now starting to pitch it to hospitals that want to train doctors. The company says another big selling point is that the 1/3 CMOS camera captures images at 20ns or less, which is important when it comes to filming fast-moving objects.

This video (shot by Diginfonews in Tokyo) provides more insight:

Huawei Teases Small Form-Factor “MediaPad”

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 06:00 PM PDT


Huawei will be showing off a new tablet at Communicasia later this month, and they sent along a couple pics just to make us curious. There’s not much to say other than that it looks a bit like an iPad squashed down to a… what is that, a 7″ screen? It’s hard to say. The watch looks small but that’s one big cup of tea. Here’s another pic showing the side view, with camera bump.

They’re planning a webcast on the 20th with more details; we’ll let you know then, if not before.

Nokia CEO Elop: Nokia Tablet Isn’t Out Of The Question

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 05:41 PM PDT


Speaking somewhat cryptically at D9, Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop responded to a question about tablets thusly:

I’m not going to announce a tablet here today. But as a high level point, there’s a connected digital experience will increasingly define what consumers are looking for. It’s important for us to play across that space. We have to address that whole space.

What do you guys think? If Nokia weren’t getting into the tablet game, Elop would have said “right now we’re focused on the mobile sector” or “we’re waiting to see how the market evolves.” This is as good as confirmation — by internet rumor-mongering standards, at least.

Windows 8 Brings Entirely New Look And Feel, Unifies Touch And PC Interfaces

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 05:05 PM PDT


Microsoft has just given a demonstration of what they’re calling Windows 8. It appears to be a complete revamp of the Windows interface, designed around a tile system like that of Windows Phone 7, and focused on being equally accessible via touchscreen interface or mouse and keyboard.

Windows president Steven Sinofsky says that Microsoft has “colored outside the lines” on this release, and while they’re retaining support for all the major applications and enterprise features, the new interface is meant to be fresh, fast, and accessible.

There are multiple influences based on the interfaces we’ve seen, pulling from many of Microsoft’s newer projects. Zune and Metro show through prominently, as well as Live web interfaces and Media Center. Perhaps as a truly user-facing OS layer, these rich interfaces will prove more popular than they have as disparate apps and semi-isolated ecosystems.

Sinofsky suggested that even the iconic Start button would be left behind, though during the demo, launching Excel bounced the interface back into a more traditional Windows desktop environment, Start button and all. He most likely means that in the new interface, the Start-style UI metaphor is no longer necessary. However, the Explorer and file browsers appear to have been totally revamped to be far less “folder within a folder,” which has been the storage style for going on three decades now.

Applications will be of two types: traditional Windows apps built using existing APIs, and new apps built on Javascript and HTML5. APIs and guidelines for these will be released a little further down the line. There is a big focus on making applications friendly to both touch and mouse/keyboard. Not an easy task, but when you have only a single OS that must go on tablets, notebooks, and desktops, it’s an essential one. Microsoft’s Julie Larson-Green insisted that it wasn’t “two shelves” but one single OS, when questioned about similarities to touch overlays like TouchSmart.

There’s also a new multitasking interface that’s more or less pane-based, allowing you to swipe in live apps from the side of the screen. It looks useful, though how the panes might interact (i.e. dragging a picture from the file browser to an image editor) wasn’t demonstrated.

System requirements weren’t discussed in specific, but Sinofsky said that “hundreds of millions” of PCs would run Windows 8, and that it wouldn’t require any more “oomph” than Windows 7. I assume that with ARM compatibility (and reduced power and clock speeds) comes a responsibility to slim down the OS, not relying on the huge computing overhead available in modern PCs. Hopefully this full-on Windows environment will be neither too stripped-down for power users, nor too clunky for people expecting a simple tablet interface.

You can watch a video of all this in action on YouTube (they’ve disabled embeds). I’ve put some screenshots below for those of you who don’t have time:

start ie10 snap desktop-menu weather news keyboard thumbs
Release date is undetermined; Sinofsky said that traditionally OS releases are every two to three years, but it wouldn’t be coming out this fall (i.e. two years after Windows 7 was released). That says to me “Spring 2012″ for actually getting it into the hands of consumers.

A more complete demonstration and rundown of features will be forthcoming, and they’re showing off devices and the OS at Computex later today, including ARM-based ones (presumably tablets), so there will be plenty more news breaking over the next few hours and days.

For a complete live blog of the announcement and Q&A session, head over to All Things D (the video is now up as well). Microsoft has a blog post and press release, as well.

Update: Microsoft has also held a “partner preview” showing off ARM and x86 hardware from Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Texas Instruments, though there didn’t appear to be anything new demonstrated. The devices are new (or prototypes) but nothing groundbreaking; it’s too early for Kal-El and using next-generation hardware to show off a system that ostensibly has low requirements would be cheating. Update 2: Nope, I was wrong, it’s Kal-El. Engadget has a hands-on with Nvidia’s tablet development platform.

Aluratek’s Mini Surge USB/Outlet Adapter Would Be Handy To Have Around

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 05:00 PM PDT

This thing from Aluratek would be a nice little doodad to have by your nightstand, in case you need to charge two phones, plug in an alarm clock, or put in an extra lamp — but don’t want to have to move your bed every time you need to make a change. Pop this guy onto the end of an extension cord and you’ve got a sweet dual-USB, multi-outlet one-stop power shop.

It’s only $20. Why not get one for Dad? Good for on-the-go bloggers, too, if you know any. (this guy)

German ISPs Surrendering 300,000 Pirating Suspects’ Details Every Month

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 04:13 PM PDT

As ridiculous as the copyright battles are here in the states, it’s a bit surreal when you see them exceeded elsewhere by an order of magnitude or two. According to German internet industry association ECO, ISPs in that country are giving up their subscribers to rightsholders at the mind-boggling rate of around 300,000 per month. To put that in perspective, you remember that big kerfluffle about The Hurt Locker pirates? Total people served: just under 25,000.

After names and addresses are given to the rightsholders, legal departments send out a letter demanding a sum of money up to ~$1700. The industry calls this “deep intervention.” Whether it’s a breach of privacy depends partially on Germany’s laws, what the people in question did, and how they did it, but it’s still scary as hell to think about.

They claim it has reduced piracy by 20%, a number I don’t trust for a second. Their piracy data only seems to carry them through the end of 2009 anyway, which means it’s not current with their excessive tactics. They also don’t mention how often people pay, take them to court over it, or simply ignore the cash demands.

TorrentFreak has more info.

[via HardOCP]

Informative Video On Star Photography

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 03:40 PM PDT


Our own Dave Freeman wrote up a nice little primer for astrophotography a while back, but some of you may prefer your learning in video form, and this one, by photographer Ben Canales, is a good place to start.

I wasn’t aware of the “rule of 600″ thing, where you divide your lens’s focal length into 600 to determine the maximum exposure length. Good to know! It helps to have a high-ISO capable camera as well, but it’s not necessary — I’ve gotten perfectly clear stars with my old Rebel XSi.

I’ll be heading up into the country in a month or so, and will definitely put some of these tips into practice. If you’ve got a tripod and can spend an hour or two outside where you are, you should try it as well.

[via Fstoppers and PetaPixel]

NZXT Gets Into The CPU Cooling Business With The Havik 140

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 03:00 PM PDT

I spent quite a while deciding on the fan for my new system, and although I’m happy with the one I got, It would have been nice to have this new Havik 140 from NZXT in the running as well. Mainly because I know it’ll be solid quality and it’s “universally compatible with Intel and AMD processors” — meaning I don’t have to drill down to comments and see whether this or that cooler works with my LGA1155 or whether it has some trifling build difference that breaks compatibility.

The fan design is funky, but I like it. My Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a full 10dB quieter according to the specs, though, so if you’re designing a silent system you might want to keep looking.

“The KickDrums” Demo TouchOSC MIDI Controller Especially For CrunchGear

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 02:39 PM PDT

I’ve talked to many a musician about gadget addictions and the digital tools of their trade. Most recently, I was speaking with the KickDrums‘ management and inquiring about the gadgets the group uses for digital production and performance. Rather than doing an interview, Tilla (a.k.a. Matt Penttila) rose to the occasion and sent his own video demoing Hexler’s TouchOSC MIDI Control surface for iPad. He uses it live and in the studio. Dude made this post easy on me. Bravo for that. We should hire him.

TouchOSC is not a new app, but did issue an update as of May 3.

Video below.

DARPA Video Shows The Evolution Of The Hummingbot Nano UAV

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 02:11 PM PDT


We’ve been following DARPA’s Nano UAV program since 2009, and it’s really remarkable how it’s gone from clumsy to cool to creepy in just a year and a half. DARPA thinks so too, so they put together a little video tribute to the thing. There isn’t much in the way of new footage in this, but it’s nice to have everything in one place.

Worried/excited about the increasingly powerful and versatile robot army we’re creating? You’re not alone. Spend some time perusing the Robocalypse tag and you’ll be more interested/terrified than ever.

[via Robots.net]

No AMOLED Panels For The iPad 3, Unfortunately

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 01:40 PM PDT

There has been some speculation as of late that Apple might upgrade to AMOLED panels for the iPad 3, rumors that were effectively squashed by industry sources claiming that the current rate of AMOLED panel production won't be able to meet iPad 3 demand, according to DigiTimes.

In other words, should Apple choose to go the AMOLED route, we'd be waiting much longer for the iPad 3 then we, or Apple, would like. Samsung, Apple's display provider (and current patent battle opponent), just recently started production in its brand new 5.5G AMOLED factory, and two months ahead of schedule no less. Still, iPad 3 demand is bound to far out-weigh the production rate at Samsung's new facility.

Even if we set aside capacity issues, AMOLED panels have yet to appear on a tablet. In fact, the only Samsung devices to sport AMOLED panels are its line of Galaxy S II smartphones. It would be very uncharacteristic of Apple to put unproven technology on one of its most sought-after products. Hopefully, AMOLED technology will have undergone a bit more testing by the time that Apple starts designing the fourth-gen iPad.


HP CEO: We’d License WebOS To Handset Makers, Appliance Makers, Whoever

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 12:41 PM PDT

Speaking at All Things D’s D9 conference today, HP CEO Leo Apotheker answered some audience questions and cleared up some concerns over whether webOS would simply be HP’s exclusive in-house OS, or whether they would be spreading it around.

When asked about the licensing situation, Apotheker responded that “It’s a great OS — why wouldn’t we want to offer it to other companies?”

Appliance makers, small businesses, and even someone like HTC. When asked what HP would do if the Taiwanese handset giant came to them wanting to make a webOS phone, Apotheker said “We’d certainly have that conversation.” Very open-minded, Leo!

But with so much development going into webOS for printers, PCs, and other HP specialties, how much longer can it remain a viable mobile OS while Apple and Google continue their arms race?

First Samsung Chromebooks Debut On… Gilt? (Update)

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 11:44 AM PDT


This is kind of a strange match. Samsung’s new Chromebook has hit Gilt two weeks early, according to an email sent to members of the luxury shopping site. No pricing was mentioned, but buying also gets you a special laptop sleeve from Rickshaw.

The rest of us mortals can’t get one until June 15th, when they become available on Amazon and Best Buy. Even the lucky stiffs who were gifted one at I/O haven’t received them yet.

Well, no biggie. It’s going to be a beta product at launch anyway, it’s probably better to wait a couple months for the bugs to get ironed out.

Update: They’re the 3G versions, being sold for $500, and the case is “whack.” [thanks, Aaron!]

Update 2: added the sleeve and sale page pics.

New Nook Gets Early Availability

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 11:23 AM PDT

We just posted our hands-on with the new touchscreen Nook e-reader, and we’ll have a full review in a couple days — but if you can’t wait (or don’t care what we think), B&N has actually started selling the things ahead of schedule. Pre-orders have shipped, online orders are shipping now, and devices will be in-store on Thursday and in stock on Monday.

Thinking about whether to buy this or the new Kobo eReader Touch? I’ll have both on hand in about a week, so if you hold tight I’ll be doing a head-to-head comparison.

Microsoft Gets Picky With Windows-Worthy Tablet Makers

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 10:45 AM PDT

Microsoft has chosen to take the semi-exclusive route when it comes to tablet software. While Google's Android operating system is a free-for-all platform for OEMs, and Apple's iOS is completely closed off to manufacturers, Microsoft has plans to fall somewhere in between open and closed. Specifically, the tech giant will limit the number of initial hardware makers that can employ the Windows OS on tablets to five, pairing each OEM with a chip maker selected by Microsoft, according to unnamed WSJ sources familiar with the matter.

The lucky chip makers chosen by Microsoft include Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments. Each will have to choose one hardware developer to create clamshell and tablet devices that run Microsoft's mobile OS, said the sources. After that, the chip makers will be able to use other manufacturers to build Windows Tablets. One person familiar with the situation said that Microsoft sees this strategy as a way to get products to market more quickly, and to ensure that the software performs well with the forthcoming tablets.

While that sounds like a pretty good plan, it also means that only a select few companies will be able to launch Windows tablets, which may not only upset other manufacturers, but could also limit the number of Windows tablets to enter the market. Plus, it's too soon to tell which hardware makers will be paired with the chosen chip makers, though WSJ's sources claim that most of the Taiwan-based companies have already been taken out of the mix.

One company to already voice its disapproval with Microsoft's Windows OS restrictions is Acer. "The industry does not belong to Microsoft, and it does not belong to Intel," said Acer president Jim Wong, at the Computex trade show on Wednesday. "It belongs to all participants. They cannot make the decision for all of us. That is the problem."

[via WSJ]

Hands-On With The New Nook: Watch Out, Amazon

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 09:00 AM PDT

I have egg on my face, hands, and in my hair. Last year I called a premature end to the ereader race, stating that the Kindle was first to market and therefore in first place. I’m pleased to report that I was wrong.

The new Nook is without question the best standalone Wi-Fi ereader on the market. Note that I added a few weasel words there, and if you’re looking for 3G then the Kindle 3G is still a winner, but as a reading device the Nook is nonpareil.

What did I have against the Nook, way back when? I saw B&N as a company behind the curve. What a difference a year makes. B&N isn’t afraid to make changes to their hardware or interfaces and they’re happy to release multiple devices into the market at the same time, something Amazon has been historically loath to do. Rather than just having a Nook, B&N tried to make a tablet, they created an app, and they built a unique, two screen device that brought some of the best of mobile tech to an ereader. With this device they’ve distilled everything they’ve learned into a device the size and shape of a thin missal.

The new Nook has a 6-inch infrared eink touchscreen, which means, simply, it uses the same eink technology found in other ereaders (albeit much brighter and clearer) with a system that senses finger touches in a fairly unique way. You can scroll through books by sliding your finger across the screen or you press one of the buttons on the side of device. You can select books from your library, buy new books instantly, and you can connect your Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail accounts to see what your friends are reading. This feature alone is actually a goldmine of recommendations and, most important, a great way to share the news about a new book.

You can select book text and share it simply by holding a finger on the screen and selecting a block of text. You can then send this text as a Tweet or as a status update.

I haven’t been able to test battery life, but it apparently runs for two months on one charge, so unless I build a reading robot it’s going to be a bit tough.

I’ll have a bit more to say about this device next week but, as it stands, the Nook is the best ereader I’ve seen so far.

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Acer Plans Early Lead In Ultrabook Race, Aims For Q4 Launch

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:15 AM PDT

When the iPad first launched last year, the word "tablet" became mainstream, and just about every electronics manufacturer out there has thrown out its version of a slate, one of the most quickly-adopted forms of technology to date. After Intel's recent announcement of a new thinner, lighter type of notebook, called the ultrabook, it wouldn't be surprising to see a similar reaction out of manufacturers. Acer, in particular, has already made a commitment to the ultrabook market, according to a statement made by its president Wednesday.

Acer has been working hard, as of late, to come up with a strategy to abate the threat of tablet PCs to its core notebook business. Its forthcoming ultrabook is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of this year. Freshly appointed president Jim Wong has realigned the company to push into the mobile sector going forward, and said on Wednesday that Acer hopes to see 15 percent of its revenue come from touch products (tablets and smartphones) by 2013, and a third of its revenue by 2015.

Acer has long been a powerhouse in the PC business, particularly excelling in the budget-friendly notebook sector. However, the overwhelming success of tablets has been a struggle for the PC maker. "The ultrabook can help to revive the notebook market," said Wong.

[via Reuters]

Contest: Win One Of Two New Element iPhone 4 Cases

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:44 AM PDT

Element Case just came out with two iPhone 4 cases, the Forumla 4 (above) and the Ion 4 (below). The Formula 4 is a full-body case while the Ion 4 is more of a bumper. Rather than sell their cases and make any money, they’d like to give them to you. It’s a new freemium business model they’re trying out. Here’s how to win…


I have two of these cases available, one of each, and you need to comment below with the case type you’d like and then describe your ideal iPhone case. Is it made of ice cream? Pumpkin seeds, lightly salted? Fish scales? I’ll close the contest on Friday at noon. Enter once and I’ll pick one winner at random then. Good luck!

Polycom Acquires HP’s Videoconferencing Unit For $89 Million In Cash

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:07 AM PDT

Video conferencing company Polycom is acquiring the assets of HP's Visual Collaboration business, including the Halo Products and Managed Services business according to a release issued by both companies this morning. The acquisition, which is valued at $89 million, is expected to close in Q3 2011.

Part of the deal, HP and Polycom have established a strategic relationship in which Polycom will be an exclusive provider to HP for telepresence, including both resale and internal HP deployments. The two companies have also agreed to make Polycom's video applications available for HP's WebOS platform and TouchPad line.


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