Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Vodafone and HTC unveil Android-powered HTC Magic
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(Data from vodafone.com)
BARCELONA — Feb 17, 2009 — Vodafone and HTC Corporation today announced the HTC Magic smartphone, Vodafone’s first Android-powered mobile, which will be available in the spring.
The stylish new handset is exclusive to Vodafone in the UK, Spain, Germany and France (SFR) and available on a non-exclusive basis in Italy. Customers can ensure that they are the first to receive information about the HTC Magic’s availability, pricing and pre-ordering by registering their interest via their local Vodafone website from today.
The introduction of the HTC Magic is the result of a successful relationship between Vodafone and HTC, and Vodafone’s joining, late last year, of the Open Handset Alliance.
A tablet-style device, with a sleek design and unprecedented compactness for a smartphone featuring the Android platform, the HTC Magic enables a superior mobile internet experience, providing broad flexibility for personalisation via the application-rich Android Market. Available in white in the UK, Spain and France, black in Germany and in both colours in Italy, the HTC Magic will be for sale in several other Vodafone markets over the next few months.
“Delivering an unbeatable mobile internet experience for our customers is a priority for Vodafone, so we are very excited to be introducing our first Android-powered smartphone in the spring,” says Patrick Chomet, Global Director of Terminals, Vodafone Group. “Following our joining of the Open Handset Alliance, we have worked very closely with HTC to bring this cool new phone to the market. Our customers want to access a wide range of the most attractive mobile devices to help them make the most of their time - the HTC Magic helps meet that need.”
“The HTC Magic embodies the compact style and sophistication for which HTC has come to be known, with the powerful and intuitive internet experience for which the Android platform was designed,” says Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corporation. “We are proud of our partnership with Vodafone and excited about making the Android-powered HTC Magic available to Vodafone customers in Europe.”
"The announcement of the HTC Magic is an important step for Android and the Open Handset Alliance," says Andy Rubin, Senior Director of Mobile Platforms at Google. "With it, Vodafone is opening up the mobile web for consumers across Europe and giving more third-party developers a platform on which they can build the next wave of killer applications."
Available from free on various price plans, the HTC Magic has a 3.2” QVGA touch screen display and features a trackball and navigational buttons for quick, easy access. The HTC Magic includes a variety of email options such as Google Mail™, POP3 and IMAP as well as Google Talk™ for instant messaging.
The HTC Magic has a variety of powerful mobile internet capabilities beginning with an Android-optimised Webkit browser. It also features the popular Google™ applications, Google Maps™ and Google Search™ as well as favourites like YouTube™. In addition, Android Market allows for quick and easy downloading of games and applications utilising Vodafone’s fast and reliable network.
Full details of availability and pricing will be available in the future in local Vodafone markets.
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Kindle 2: Hands-on impressions
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(Credit: CNET.com)
While Amazon isn't doling out review samples of its new Kindle 2 digital reader for a few weeks, I did get a chance to play with it at the launch event and come away with some first impressions.
Let me start by saying that the Kindle 2 is a nice upgrade over the original Kindle, but we're not talking a jump from, say, black-and-white television to color, so early adopters who own the original Kindle shouldn't feel too dejected.
Yes, the Kindle 2 is thinner--it measures a svelte 0.36 inches at its thickest point--and weighs in at 10.2 ounces. It also has 25 percent improved battery life and is about 20 percent faster, thanks to an upgraded processor. And it's got 16 shades of gray instead of 4, so the text pops a little more. But this is an evolution, not a revolution.
One thing that hasn't changed much is the height and width of the new Kindle. Some people have complained that the original Kindle should have been shorter and forgone the keyboard, like the Sony Reader. Whether you're a fan of the keyboard or not, it's worth noting that the Kindle 2 is about the same size as the original, measuring 8 inches top to bottom. According to the specs, the screen itself is a 6-inch, diagonal, E-Ink, electronic-paper display, with 600x800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi.
One gripe that Amazon has clearly addressed is the issue with the page-advance button. On the original Kindle, that button was extra long and easy to depress, which meant it was very easy to accidentally turn pages. On the Kindle 2, the page-turn buttons are smaller, and in playing with the device I noticed that it took a bit more effort to actually click the button and advance a page.
Amazon has upped the amount of onboard memory to 2GB (from 256MB), so you can store up to 1,500 books or assorted newspaper and blog subscriptions, as well as JPEG images. But unfortunately, it left out an expansion slot for additional memory. Like the earlier model, this one can play back MP3 files, but 2GB is pretty skimpy when you start getting into multiple albums with high bit rates--so think in terms of storing only your favorite songs or albums and not your entire music library.
I noticed a few other design changes. The on/off button and headphone jack have been placed at the top of the device, which makes both easier to access (the wireless on/off is now a toggle in the menu system, not a physical button, which is also good).
There's a USB port at the bottom of the device that doesn't look like your standard USB port; rather it's of the micro-USB variety, similar to the ones you find on Bluetooth headsets. You charge the unit and manually transfer files from your computer to the device via this port. I say "manually" because the Kindle 2 has the same free-of-charge, Sprint, high-speed data connection--Amazon calls it Whispernet--that allows you to make wireless book purchases in the Kindle Store, surf the Web, or have files, periodical subscription, and blogs delivered to your device over the air. Alas, the wireless aspects of the device still only work in America--and there's no word on a European or Asian version of the Kindle.
The original Kindle had a little rolling wheel to assist with navigation. The Kindle 2 moves to a five-way rocker button that's more straightforward and helps solve some--but not all--of the quirky navigational issues the device has.
Amazon has made some nice tweaks to the interface and made it easier to access the embedded dictionary to look words up. But it's far from a total revamp, so you're still left with moments when you're not sure whether you should go forward or back or which button you should hit to get to where you want to go. In other words, it's not entirely intuitive, so Kindle newbies will have to play around with the device for a day or two to really get the hang of it (that's pretty good, all things considered).
In many ways, these types of devices lend themselves to a touch-screen interface (that way, you can go to a virtual keyboard and shrink the device) and Sony went that route with its PRS-700 Reader.
Unfortunately, in going to a touch screen, Sony managed to lose some contrast and has run into some snags with glare issues. So, until the engineers improve the E-ink touch-screen technology, Amazon has made the right choice with its nontouch display, though some CNET readers are waiting for color, especially when it comes to Web surfing. (It's worth noting that the Sony PRS-700 allegedly has the same processor as the Kindle 2's, so they should run at very similar speeds).
At the press conference, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos made it a point to highlight two new features. The first is Whispersync, which gives you the ability to sync two or more Kindle devices and "allows you to seamlessly switch back and forth between your Kindle devices while keeping your reading location synchronized" and pick up in a book where you left off. The word is this feature will eventually apply to other wireless mobile devices, though no details were given at the launch--and no mention of the iPhone (not yet anyway).
The second is called "Read-to-me," a new "experimental" feature that allows you to have text read to you (this would come in handy if you were driving, for instance). In the onstage demo, the reading sounded really good, but in my brief tests there was still a pronounced robotic element to it. In other words, don't expect to get a true audiobook experience, though you can choose between a male or female digitized voice.
One warning: Unlike its predecessor, the Kindle 2 doesn't ship with a protective carrying case. The case that was included with the original was mediocre at best, but it's too bad Amazon has chosen to ship the Kindle 2 completely naked. So, while the price of the Kindle 2 is $359, you can expect to tack on another $20-$30 for a protective case. Amazon's Kindle 2 case will run you $29.99.
That gripe aside, the Kindle 2 is a nice upgrade over the original and I think those who waited for this new model to arrive will be happy they did. But remember, these are only our initial first impressions and as always, we'll wait to pass final judgment until we get our review sample and put the product through more rigorous testing.
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Next-gen Android phone coming soon?
HTC and T-Mobile are readying a new version of the G1 Android phone, according to the gadget blog Gizmodo.
On Wednesday, Gizmodo posted pictures of what is supposed to be the new Android "G2," which the blog says is expected in May. The new device is much thinner than the previous G1 because its slide keyboard is gone. Instead, HTC has taken a page out of the Apple iPhone playbook and will only offer a virtual keypad.
Pictures of the new G2 also show that it will have a 3.2 megapixel camera. The new phone will operate on T-Mobile USA's network, and the interface will be "very similar" to the G1, according to Gizmodo's sources.
In September, HTC and T-Mobile introduced the first phone to use Google's open-source operating system, known as Android. So far, the G1 remains the only Android phone available on the market. But more phones are expected soon. While none of the big phone manufacturers announced Android devices at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, there will likely be plenty of action next month at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Rumors have already been flying around the blogosphere about which manufacturers will be next with their Android phones. Samsung is supposedly readying an Android phone that will go on sale in the second quarter. Sony Ericsson is also rumored to be working on an Android phone for this summer. And HTC is said to be working on a whole portfolio of Android devices.
Overseas, there are also reports that China's Huawei Technologies will have an Android phone ready for the Chinese market in the third quarter.
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Griffin Navigate is more than just an iPhone remote
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Griffin Technology showed off the Navigate at a CES press event yesterday, though it was announced officially at Macworld several hours before. The Navigate may seem like just an ordinary iPod remote, and indeed it can be used that way. A nice bonus is that you can also use it with the iPhone, which could be a good thing if you're not crazy about the iPhone's touch-screen controls (also pretty useful when you're driving and need to not look at the screen). But the Navigate also has a built-in FM radio as well as four station presets and RDS track info display. The device itself is decent, with an OLED screen, a power switch, the typical play, stop, pause, forward, backward, and scan controls, and an EQ mode as well. Griffin is also planning on an iPhone application called iFM that will work together with the Navigate remote. iFM will identify your geographic location and automatically lists local radio stations so you can just tap your desired radio station from the list instead of having to scan for it. iFM will also display broadcast information like title, album, and artist info. Griffin plans to release iFM sometime in March 2009.
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Samsung Yepp YP-P3 PMP announced in Korea
The global market of Mediaplayers is now in such a position that every innovation with a large screen seeks to become «iPod killer». The new Samsung Yepp YP-P3, formally is announced in Korea (sales start in Europe expected in January), also will not escape this fate.This is understandable - superslim aluminum made, 3″ touchscreen, haptic feedback. The player has all the standard capabilities for playing audio and video viewing text and images, and also a FM-tuner, speakers and Bluetooth 2.0.What regards to memory, options are available from 4 GB to 32 GB. With such specifications long battery life is not a luxury but a necessity. Samsung claims that theYP-P3 is able to work in music playback mode up to 30 hours - a very good indicator.Prices - for Europe it is not yet known, at home - the player will be sold at $177 for the version with 4 GB of memory, $207 for 8 GB and $244 for 16 GB.Features of Samsung Yepp YP-P3
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Sprint Launches Dual-Mode 3G and 4G USB Dongle
This morning Sprint announced a new mobile broadband solution that supports both its 3G EV-DO network and 4G WiMAX networks. The U300 is the first USB dongle of its type, and it costs $149 with a two-year contract at local Sprint stores in Baltimore and surrounding areas. What makes this device attractive is that, typically, you wouldn’t want to purchase a WiMax broadband card unless you lived in a coverage area like Baltimore where Clearwire (formerly XOHM) exists.
This new solution, designed by Franklin Wireless, provides makes 4G more attractive to travelers; you can use a 3G connection back at home in Washington, D.C., and every time you travel to Baltimore, you’ll be able to surf at faster speeds without having to buy additional hardware. A single $79.99 data plan will cover surfing on either network, too. That’s a $20 premium over a single 3G broadband connection.
During our initial tests of the XOHM WiMAX network in Baltimore, built by Sprint, we averaged 3.05Mbps during a 25MB FTP download test and 2.4Mbps upload throughput. That’s smack dab in the middle of Sprint’s claims that this card will offer 2-4Mbps downlink speeds, but it’s still a good improvement over the typical 600 - 1.4Mbps you could expect from a 3G broadband connection.
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Nikon hits 24.5 megapixels with D3X
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Though almost everything you need to know about the new Nikon D3X leaked Friday, the 24.5-megapixel dSLR Nikon dubs its "extreme professional" model formally debuts today, November 30. What didn't leak was the price: $7,999.95. Start saving your pennies now.
There's quite a bit of speculation as to how similar the sensor in the D3X is to that in the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900; Nikon says it's "a Nikon designed sensor" that may (or may not) be manufactured by Sony, which usually means they're pretty similar. However, the A900's sensor has a pixel pitch of 5.9 microns, while Nikon's is surprisingly smaller--5.49 microns. So, they're pretty much different sensors, with different performance characteristics. The D3X's sensitivity range runs from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with a Lo 1 of ISO 50 and Hi 1 and 2 of ISO 3200 and ISO 6400. The camera will also offer a 5:4 (8x10) crop mode at 20.4 megapixels, along with the same 10.5-megapixel DX crop mode as the D3, and support.
With all that extra data to process, it's no surprise that the D3X isn't quite the speed demon the D3 is for burst shooting, though 5 frames per second at full resolution is certainly zippy enough for most. (Nikon didn't provide info on the number of frames, however.)
The rest--body, AF system, viewfinder, and Expeed image processor--is all identical to the D3, and Nikon claims you should expect similar performance. It's also compatible with the D3's accessories.
Pitting the D3X against the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III when the Nikon becomes available in late December will certainly make my cold winter days a little more interesting.
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Macbook Pro (2008)
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Redesigned with a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn't stop innovating with the body's design. The MacBook also includes a new 13.3-inch, LED-backlit glass display (instead of an LCD panel) and a glass trackpad that doesn't include a button (for larger tracking area) and features includes Apple's Multi-Touch technology.
Under the hood, the MacBook is powered by a powerful 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 3 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications faster and more efficiently as well as helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. And the MacBook features the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor, which delivers outstanding 3D game play with up to five times faster graphics performance than the previous generation.
It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser. Other hardware features include a 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 4 GB), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
(Enhanced Data Rate), and Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA connections).
The New MacBook Design
Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook all of those parts with just one part--the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable--perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.
The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides 40 percent more tracking area than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing you to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.
The keyboard has also been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are curved to perfectly fit fingers.
The 13.3-inch display is made of edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass for a smooth, seamless surface and features LED backlighting for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a super-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.
Video Processing & Output
The new MacBook uses a graphics processor that economizes space without sacrificing battery life. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M is great for gaming, providing up to a 5x performance boost. Enjoy faster, smoother, more responsive gameplay as you power your way through the 3D environments of Quake, Call of Duty, and Spore. The 9400M graphics processor shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory.
The MacBook includes a next generation Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, and is compatible with Apple's 24-inch Cinema Display. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays
Hard Drive and Memory
The 160 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) has an industry-leading 1066 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the glass display is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
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Report: Flash Memory Confirmed For Xbox 360 ‘Jasper’ Models
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Microsoft has apparently confirmed reports that Xbox 360 consoles featuring the new ‘Jasper’ motherboard also include 256MB of flash memory storage.
"We are constantly updating the console's more than 1,700 internal components," an unnamed Microsoft spokesperson told consumer site Xbox 360 Fanboy. "We can confirm that we are moving to internal memory for the Xbox 360 Arcade. The physical internal memory is the same size as the previous external memory units - 256MB."
The statement appears to imply that the internal storage is only utilized in the Xbox 360 Arcade, which is not bundled with a hard drive. Its presence should remove the need for the Arcade model to rely on external memory cards for storage – the same solution used for the Wii, which has 512MB of internal flash memory.
First rumored in October of last year, the Jasper board is intended to replace the current ‘Falcon’ models, in an attempt to reduce production costs and improve reliability. The Falcon, in turn, was introduced to replace the original ‘Zephyr’ board, which has been most prone to the infamous "red ring of death" problem.
Microsoft has always been reticent to detail or confirm the hardware changes, and new hardware packaging does not make them easily identifiable. However, sightings of the Jasper model began in U.S. stores late last month, and users reported the presence of the flash memory.
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Asus N10JC
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ASUS has put out its fair share of mini-notebooks, but its latest, the $649 N10Jc—despite its 10-inch screen and Intel Atom processor—is not a member of the growing Eee family. The N10Jc, ASUS’ first corporate netbook, is more concerned with security and performance features than being “easy to learn, work, and play.” Sporting several features not commonly found on other systems in its class—including a glossy screen, switchable Nvidia 9300M GS graphics, ASUS’ instant-on Express Gate, an HDMI port, a fingerprint reader, and a two-year warranty—the N10Jc packs plenty of perks. However, this mini-notebook’s punchy performance and solid graphics also means that it is chunkier and pricer than the others.
Design
The N10Jc looks more like a traditional ultraportable, like the ASUS U2E or U6V, than an Eee PC. Its glossy taupe lid branded with the ASUS logo and its silver hinge exude a professional look. The design isn’t as flashy as the Eee PC S101 (it lacks the Swarovski crystals) but looks classier than the Eee PC 1000, MSI Wind, and Samsung NC10.
While the N10Jc is smaller than most full-featured notebooks, it is the chunkiest in the netbook class. Measuring 10.8 x 7.6 x 1.4 inches and weighing 3.4 pounds with the six-cell battery, this is the largest 10-inch netbook on the market, mainly because of its inch-thick screen bezel, which also makes the screen look smaller. Compared with its distant cousin the Eee PC 1000H, which is one of the larger 10-inch netbooks on the market, the N10Jc is 0.1 inches thicker and 0.2 pounds heavier. Nevertheless, the system and its AC adapter, which brings the total travel weight to 3.8 pounds, fit nicely in a Targus portable DVD player traveling case and didn’t feel heavy on our shoulder.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the ASUS N10Jc is by far the best keyboard we have seen on any ASUS netbook. Unlike the Eee PC 901 or 1000H, the keyboard isn’t stricken with flex and the keys provide nice feedback without heavy clicking. Nevertheless, as happy as we are with the feel of the keys, touch typists may be bothered by the awkward placement of the right Shift key, which is shrunken and positioned next to the Up arrow. For this reason, we still prefer the keyboard on the Samsung NC10 and the HP Mini 1000.
We were similarly pleased with the feel of the N10Jc’s touchpad, which is spacious and similar in size to those on mainstream laptops. It offered a textured feel as we navigated around the desktop, and the two mouse buttons below are easy to click, unlike the rock-hard buttons on the Eee PC 1000 and 901. A fingerprint reader is nestled between the right and left mouse buttons but didn’t interfere with our navigation.
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Nokia N97 Announced - Full details and release date for Nokia N97
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We heard about it at the end of last week, but we had no idea just how exciting Nokia’s announcment would be! Christmas has come early this year as Nokia has revealed their brand new N-series handset, the N97 - and we couldn’t have wished for anything better! Take a look at the headline features:
Key Features of the new Nokia N97
- Touch display (3.5″ of it) which slides and tilts to reveal a full QWERTY kepboard plus d-pad for easy navigation.
- 5 Megapixel Camera
- Carl Zeiss integrated optics coupled with a dual LED flash
- A massive 32GB of internal memory with MicrSD support for further memory expansion
- Integrated Assisted GPS
- WiFi and HSDPA
- DVD quality video capture and 16:9 display
The N97 is a cutting edge smartphone that includes support for their OVI service as well as the Nokia Music Store. Nokia have called the N97 “the most advanced mobile computer” and have done well to keep ahead of current mobile phone usability trends. With more and more people using their phones to browse the net, to access email accounts and share photos online we expect that the likes of the N97 will become the most demanded everyday phone. GPS has also become a standard on handsets and more and more people are expecting their phones to have integrated GPS. App developers are also aware of this and the number of cool GPS reliant applications is growing at a phenomenal rate.
Nokia have divulged that the expected release date for the N97 is in the first half of 2009 and is expected to hold a pre-tax price tag of 550 Euros. So if you are wanting to get this handset soon after public release expect to take out a higher tariff package if you want it for free.
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Pioneer showcases 16-layer 400GB optical disc
( Source from: Digitimes )
Pioneer is exhibiting its super multi-layer read-only optical disc which features 16 separate layers on a single side with 25GB storage capacity on each layer for a total capacity of 400GB at the IT Month fair taking place in Taipei.
The technology of the super multi-layer read-only disc is based on Blu-ray Disc (BD) with a breakthrough in material of reflective layers, according to Pioneer High Fidelity Taiwan. The specifications of the pick-up head (PUH) of the disc is the same as those for the PUH of blank BD discs, and therefore the Pioneer discs can be read on BD players, the company said.
According to Pioneer's internal roadmap, its super multi-layer technology development is read-only (ROM) discs in 2008-2010, rewritable discs in 2010-2012 and 1TB (1,000GB) disc in 2013, the company indicated.
| Comparison of main specifications between BD and Pioneer's super multi-layer | ||
| Specification | BD | Pioneer's super multi-layer |
| Storage capacity and number of layers | 25GB for single layer; 50GB for double layers | 400GB for 16 layers; 500GB for 20 layers |
| Material of reflective layers | Metallic | Dielectric |
| Track pitch | 25nm | 10&14nm |
| PUH | 405nm, 0.85 | 405nm, 0.85 |
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Sanyo to launch new electric hybrid bicycle
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A model demonstrates Japanese electronics giant Sanyo Electric's electric motor assisted bicycle "Eneloop bike" in Tokyo.The new electric hybrid bicycle can triple the user's pedal power to make it easier to climb hills.(Credit: physorg.com)
Japan's Sanyo Electric Co. on Monday unveiled a new electric hybrid bicycle that can triple the user's pedal power to make it easier to climb hills.
Equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the "eneloop bike" takes the crossover between a normal bicycle and a moped one step further, aiming to tap growing interest in tackling global warming.
The system harnesses energy from braking when the bike goes downhill, and can add extra power equivalent to double the rider's pedal force for going uphill, in line with relaxed government restrictions on such systems.
The eneloop bike can travel 1.8 times faster than conventional bicycles thanks to the motor powering its front wheel, the company said.
Sanyo, which has rebranded itself as a purveyor of green technology, hopes to increase its market position in power-assisted bicycles, demand for which has almost doubled over the past eight years to hit about 283,000 last year.
The bicycle sells for 136,290 yen (1,430 dollars) and will be in stores in Japan from February 2009. A company spokeswoman said the firm also aims to launch the new bike overseas at some point in the future.
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Samsung NV100HD Review
When your local pub starts advertising 'Credit Crunch Lunches' (it's true!), you know times are hard. But maybe you're not quite ready to give up on life's little luxuries just yet? Maybe you still hanker after a state-of-the-art metal-bodied 14.7-megapixel touch-screen compact with an HD movie mode? Co-incidentally, that's just what Samsung's £170 NV100HD has to offer.
Positives
Samsung's compacts haven't always been the prettiest, but this one's a big step forward. It comes in four different colours, and the red version is particularly striking. The matte metal finish looks and feels classy, and round the back the ugly black buttons of Samsung's Smart Touch control system -- used on the NV24HD, for example -- are gone. The NV100HD uses a new Smart Touch 2.0 system that uses a touch-sensitive 3-inch screen instead. And it's quite a screen. 460,000 pixels make it super-sharp, and it's really bright and vibrant too.
Because all the adjustments are made using the touch-screen, the back of the camera is really clean, with just four buttons -- two for zooming, one to activate the menus and one for playback mode.
Smart Touch 2.0 is a big improvement, too. The previous system used a barmy triangulation system for displaying and activating menu choices via buttons which were far too light. This one's a lot more conventional and easier to operate.
Round the front you get a wideangle 3.6x zoom equivalent to a focal range of 28-102mm, while on the top is a power button, shutter release and mode dial. There are a couple more nice surprises here, including a Manual mode where you can adjust the shutter speed and aperture yourself and a 1280 x 720 HD movie mode.
Gadget fans will be impressed by the face-detection, blink-detection and smile-detection features, and if your portrait subjects have got faces like emery boards, the Beauty Shot function can smooth them over automatically.
The NV100HD's zoom is quite slow, but the AF is excellent and rivals the speed of Sony's CyberShot compacts, previously clear leaders compared to the rest.
Negatives
While the NV100HD is smart, it can't work miracles. Spec-hungry punters will gobble up the 14.7-megapixel resolution, but it's just too much in a sensor this size. The colours are great, but even at ISO 100 the camera's noise reduction system is smoothing over some fine textures, and by maximum ISO it looks like your pictures have been printed on blotting paper.
The HD movie mode's a disappointment too. The resolution's not bad (better than VGA, anyway), but if you insist on walking about while you're shooting, the camera's footage is so jerky it's almost unwatchable.
The touch-screen interface can be a bit of a pain, too. It's all right if you've got delicate little fingers and a patient disposition, but fat-thumbed fumblers will find it's a bit slow, vague and error-prone.
Conclusion
Yes, there's too much noise reduction, the movie mode's not great and the interface can be awkward, but these are all par for the course with super-slim, super-sexy compacts. What's striking about the Samsung is its elegance, its neatness and, most of all, its price. Why would you need to pay more?
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Preview: Nokia E63 Business Phone
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Nokia E63 (Credit:Nokia & Cnet.com)
Nokia introduced the latest model in its E series of smartphones, the Nokia E63. Traditionally, the Nokia E series, which includes the Nokia E71 and the Nokia E66, have been very business focused and slightly on the pricey side, but the cell phone manufacturer is hoping to break that mold and bring in more general consumers by selling the E63 at a lower price point.
The Nokia E63 will start shipping in Europe within the next few weeks for 199 Euros, which is about $248 here. Compare that with E71, which goes for $500 unlocked, and you've got a pretty good deal, especially when you consider that the E63 offers a full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, and a 2-megapixel camera.
The Symbian S60-based smartphone also includes support for Microsoft Exchange, POP/IMAP e-mail accounts, basic personal information management tools, and a music and video player. Like the E71, you can toggle between two different home views on the E63, depending on whether you're at work or at home. Other highlights include 2.3-inch, 16 million color QVGA display, Nokia Ovi support, 110MB internal memory, a microSD expansion slot (can accept up to 8GB cards), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. In its current form, the Nokia E63 does not support U.S. 3G bands and there is no built-in GPS.
We are still trying to confirm U.S. availability with Nokia, but we suspect it will be a couple of months after the European launch. Chances are you'll also have to buy it unlocked from online retailers or through Nokia, since we don't see it coming to a U.S. carrier for now.
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Now official: 800MHz Asus handset
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CNET Taiwan, first broke news of Asus' upcoming 800MHz handheld a couple of months back, and now the Taiwanese company has finally made it official.
Not only does the P565 have the fastest processor we've seen on a handheld, it also comes with a VGA (480x640) display. As a phone, it has a UMTS radio with HSDPA connectivity up to 3.6Mbps and tri-band GSM. Other common features such as Wi-Fi and GPS are also found in this handset.
Like the P552w, the P565 will come with the manufacturer's own Glide interface. We found this customization reasonably useful in our review of the P552w but not as polished as HTC's TouchFLO. It will be interesting to see if Asus has made any improvements to it in the upcoming device. We have contacted the company for availability and pricing information in Asia and are awaiting a reply.
(Source: Crave Asia via Engadget)
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Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder
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Introducing MinoHD: The World’s Smallest HD Camcorder
Flip Video MinoHD--the newest camcorder from Flip Video--puts the power of HD video in your pocket. Flip MinoHD offers all the signature Flip Video features you love--sleek design, simple user interface, flip-out USB arm, rechargeable internal Li-ion battery, built-in editing and sharing software, instant uploads to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video, plus stunningly crisp, clear HD-quality video. Weighing only 3.3 ounces and featuring a slim, sleek design that fits into any pocket or purse, super-small Flip MinoHD enables you to capture life in HD anywhere you go.
Flip Video MinoHD Highlights
Stunning HD Video
Flip MinoHD is the world’s smallest HD camcorder. But, in this case, small in size translates to high in quality. Flip MinoHD produces vibrant HD 720p (1280 x 720, 16:9 widescreen) video that can be enjoyed on any HDTV. Flip camcorders have earned a reputation for high-quality video, and MinoHD combines that signature Flip quality with the latest in HD technology. Its 4 GB of built-in memory lets you capture an hour of brilliant HD video, even in low-light situations. Plus, premier AAC audio means your videos will sound clearer than ever.
The Power of HD Video in Your Pocket
Flip MinoHD offers the same features that have made Flip Mino a huge hit. Weighing only 3.3 ounces, Flip MinoHD features a super-sleek, super-portable design that truly puts the power of HD video in your pocket. This portability allows you to capture HD video almost anywhere you go: a morning hike, a lazy afternoon at the park, a late-night party, and everything in between. Like other Flip Video camcorders, MinoHD offers a simple user interface with one-touch recording, making it easier and more fun than ever to take HD-quality video. Simply power on and press record, and you’ll be capturing HD video in seconds. When it’s time to edit or share your videos, flip out the USB arm and connect to any Mac or PC to launch the built-in FlipShare software.
Built-in FlipShare Software
MinoHD comes equipped with FlipShare--Flip Video's new video-sharing solution. FlipShare lets you:
- Save and Organize: Watch your videos on your computer whenever you want, and create your own folders to organize your videos, or simply use the automatic date-stamp system.
- Publish Online: Upload your videos instantly to YouTube, MySpace, AOL Video and many other websites, all with the click of a button. It’s never been this easy to publish online!
- Email Videos: Send your videos privately to friends and family, and select from a wide assortment of included greeting cards to personalize your message.
- Edit and Create Movies: Edit individual clips and create custom movies--complete with your favorite music. FlipShare even allows you to capture snapshots from your videos.
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