Thursday, September 03, 2009
For power users ONLY; if you're not a power user DON'T CLICK THE LINK - http://bit.ly/19jQ32 whoever can tweet me @acfou what this is, wins.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
AdAge: 1H09 trad'l ad spending fell 15.4%; online display ads' first YOY decline since 2002 with a 1.0% drop - http://bit.ly/1cNDFB
Microsoft Offers 90-Day Trial of Windows 7 Enterprise RTM [Downloads]
No need to worry about waiting in line for a download or scrounging for a license key. You can download the 32-bit and 64-bit, both with the license key packaged in the download.
If you want to dual boot Windows 7 and XP, make sure to check out our article on the topic.
On the fence about trying it out? Take a peak at the most under-hyped features of Windows 7 or browse our Windows 7 coverage to get a feel for what the new operating system has to offer.
Windows 7 with Intel Optimizes Laptop DVD Playing [Batteries]
IDâ¢This Identifies Things in Photographs with the Power of Humans [Webapps]
id•this is a simple but brilliant little web application that lets users upload photos of anything they're looking to identify. If you feel like offering your expertise to the site, you can try your hand at identifying any pics other users have uploaded. Users can also vote up and down other suggestions so that, in theory, the most accurate identification will rise to the top. (It's sort of like Yahoo Answers with a very specific niche.) Some users appear to be uploading pictures as quizzes instead of actual questions (e.g., "Can you identify this? Hint: It was taken on a Greek island."), but we think its greatest potential lies in actually getting answers—provided it gets a decent user base.
id•this is also available as a free iPhone application for even easier picture snapping, uploading, and identifying on-the-go. Pretty cool.
id•this [via TechCrunch]
Is This the Full-Frame 18-Megapixel Leica M9 and Mysterious Leica X1? [Rumor]
Push Google Voice SMS and Twitter Messages to iPhone With Prowl, No Growl Required [IPhone Apps]
The downside is that you're trusting your Google Voice and Twitter logins to third-party services, but if you wanna get push notifications about @mentions or DMs from Twitter or SMS messages from Google Voice without keeping a computer running at home with Growl whenever you're out, they're the way to go.
Any other services that use Prowl this way? [GVMax, Prey Fetcher, Thanks Zachary!]
Sony X-Series Carbon Fiber Ultraportable: Half Inch Thin, 1.5 Pounds [Vaio]
Update: Aaaand that's cause it's apparently got an Atom processor inside Engadget's been told. Didn't Sony learn anything from the Vaio P?
For those keeping score on thinness, Adamo is 0.65 inches and weighs around 4 pounds, while MacBook Air's ballooning ass is 0.76 inches and it weighs about 3 pounds, though both of them have 13-inch screens versus the X-series 11.1-inch display. But still, Atom? And god, I don't even wanna know how much it's gonna cost. [Engadget]
Nokia Booklet 3G and N900 Will Come to America, Absolutely No ETA [Nokia]
Nokia's Vice President of Devices Kai Oistamo wouldn't answer anything in terms of availability and when asked if the Booklet 3G netbook would be sold before the end of 2009 he again would not "disclose any dates on the product launch in North America."
Now we have to admit that both products look pretty darn good. The N900 could change our tune on Nokia's impending doom and the Booklet 3G has some unique netbook features including assisted GPS. But on the later I'm just not sure it will be worth the wait. And sure there is a lot of interest (Oistamo even says the video of it "crashed the YouTube servers"). Come on, it is Nokia's first laptop. But it will most likely be overpriced ($810 without subsides is ridiculous) with a few special features. You tell me, would you wait on the Booklet 3G?
GE's Wireless Patient Monitoring System beams your vitals at 2360MHz
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/ges-wireless-patient-monitoring-system-beams-your-vitals-at-236/
Filed under: Wireless
GE's Wireless Patient Monitoring System beams your vitals at 2360MHz originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSony announces VAIO X ultraportable
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/sony-announces-vaio-x-ultraportable/
Update: We grabbed some shots of the X in the flesh, but they won't let us hold it, and specs are still a mystery.
Update 2: Well, no wonder the battery lasts all day -- we're told the VAIO X currently has an Atom processor, although final specs haven't been locked in. Still -- Atom? Whatever Sony's going to charge for this thing is way too much.
Sony announces VAIO X ultraportable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsNokia X6 confirmed to sport a capacitive display, we can finally exhale
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/nokia-x6-confirmed-to-sport-a-capacitive-display-we-can-finally/
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
Nokia X6 confirmed to sport a capacitive display, we can finally exhale originally appeared on Engadg! et o n Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsLeica M9 and X1 leak out ahead of schedule
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/leica-m9-and-x1-leak-out-ahead-of-schedule/
Continue reading Leica M9 and X1 leak out ahead of schedule
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Leica M9 and X1 leak out ahead of schedule originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this |&! nbsp;CommentsSony VAIO X slimster hands-on
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/hands-on-sony-x-series-slimster/
Further visual inspection reveals a pair of USB jacks, SD/Memory Stick slot, WWAN SIM slot and folding feet on the bottom to prop up the lappie so you can attach an Ethernet cable in the mechanically yawning RJ45 jack or a Kensington lock to the left-side. Unfortunately, the only video output option is VGA. Nevertheless, the Windows 7 box we tested performed as expected for such a small device -- lethargically, but capably for casual internet browsing and tweeting. And honestly, we could see ourselves dropping a premium (less than $2,000 we're told) for this 11-inch ultra-portable as opposed to the VAIO P. At least now we know what Sony meant when they said they wanted their ! products to be aspirational. See the new X up close with its X505 cousin in the gallery. Trust us, it's worth a look.
P.S. It'll be announced with official specs in October with units available for retail about a week after Windows 7 launches.
Sony VAIO X slimster hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsWi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/wi-fire-long-range-wifi-adapter-hands-on-and-impressions/
Continue reading Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions
Filed under: Peripherals, Wireless, Networking
Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this! &nbs p;| CommentsNokia's 3D N810 Internet Tablet caught on blurrycam
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/nokias-3d-n810-internet-tablet-caught-on-blurrycam/
[Via The Raw Feed]
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
Nokia's 3D N810 Internet Tablet caught on blurrycam originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBuffalo intros 4TB TeraStation NAS
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/buffalo-intros-4tb-terastation-nas/
[Via Akihabara News]
Filed under: Storage
Buffalo intros 4TB TeraStation NAS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPanasonic Lumix GF1 Camera Improves on the Olympus E-P1... But Not By Much [Cameras]
Besides the size and shape, the Lumix GF1 is very similar to the E-P1: Same 12.1 MP sensor, same 720p video and HDMI-out and same $900 kit price. But it does bring a handful of improvements, most notably the addition of a built-in flash. For the E-P1, the flash is a $200 attachment that hikes up the price and lowers the portability, so some people will be pleased to see it integrated in the GF1.
The other big refinements over the E-P1 is the LCD. Since there's no optical viewfinder—or even a high-res digital one like on the G1 and GH1, it's important to get all the dots you can on the 3" LCD itself. The E-P1's has a paltry 230,000 dots, while the GF1's has 460,000 dots.
The lenses Panasonic is offering in the kits also look great, though of course we can't make a definitive judgment until we try them out. One kit has the Lumix G 20mm f1.7 "pancake" lens, which seems better, on paper, than the E-P1's 17mm f2.8 kit lens. The other kit includes the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens. Both kits should retail for $900 when they're released in early October.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS LATEST LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA – THE LU! MIX DMC- GF1
The LUMIX GF1, the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash*, packs powerful DSLR and HD video capabilities into a sleek and easy-to-use compact body
Secaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic's success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.
"Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact "DSLR-like" digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility."
With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional int! erchange able lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight.
Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 High Definition video in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. With a dedicated video record button, capturing video is convenient and easy. The LUMIX GF1 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and other video recording formats include: QVGA, VGA and WVGA. The LUMIX GF1 has a unique Movie Program Mode that allows consumers to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred to give creative effects – something typically only possible with expensive professional camcorders.
The LUMIX DMC-GF1 includes the new My Color mode, which includes seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom – all which let users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will effect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. Furthermore, the exposure meter can be displayed in other shooting modes and the correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range.
For those users not quite comfortable with extensive manual and creative controls, the LUMIX GF1 provides a user-friendly setting that can address a beginner's comfort level, while helping them evolve their photography skills. ! For inst ance, Panasonic's new Scene mode, Peripheral Defocus, lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera's keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.
Also, helping to make the LUMIX GF1 more approachable, Panasonic's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a system of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed – allows for intuitive use when shooting still or video images. While shooting video, iA activates Panasonic's O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce video-blurring due to handshake. In addition, Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. For still photos, the iA system encompasses: Face Recognition (up to six faces can be registered); Auto Focus (AF) Tracking; Mega O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Exposure; and Intelligent Scene Selector.
The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings. New for the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangea! ble lens es via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic's DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.
The LUMIX GF1's sensor technology offers the best of both worlds - the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the low-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images, while maintaining fine detail and rich gradation. The LUMIX GF1's Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.
The contrast AF system adopted in the LUMIX GF1 is not only accurate, but also very quick – approximately 0.3 seconds with the LUMIX G H-FS014045 lens. Users can choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas; 1-area AF with a selectable focus area; Face Detection; and AF Tracking. The LUMIX GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera - without pressing the shutter button halfway.
As with all Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras, the LUMIX GF1 is equipped with a highly-effective Dust Reduction system. Thus, if dust gets inside the camera (when changing lenses), Panasonic's Dust Reduction system addresses this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor which vertically vibrates around 50,000 times per second, thus repelling the dust.
The content captured on the LUMIX GF1 can easily be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV by simply inserting the SD/SDCH Memory Card into the VIERA's SD/SDHC Memory Card slot or into a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player. Alternatively, ! an optio nal mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GF1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link™ operation, with control of playback functions, such as slideshows, managed from the VIERA HDTV's remote control.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight "pancake" lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.
For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/
[Via The Nokia Blog]
Continue reading Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPanasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/panasonic-goes-rangefinder-with-the-lumix-dmc-gf1/
Update: Well, what do you know? PhotographyBLOG has a nice gallery of sample shots up to give you a solid idea of what this bad boy's capable of.
Continue reading Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsAcer's Ion-powered Aspire Revo 3600 packs dual-core Atom 330
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/acers-ion-powered-aspire-revo-3600-packs-dual-core-atom-330/
Filed under: Desktops
Acer's Ion-powered Aspire Revo 3600 packs dual-core Atom 330 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSamsung boasts of first commercial LTE modem for cellphones
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/samsung-boasts-of-first-commercial-lte-modem-for-cellphones/
We can't say that we're absolutely certain that Samsung's not fibbing a little with its latest claim, particularly since NXP rolled out a multi-mode LTE / HSPA / etc. cellular modem way back in June of last year. Whatever the case, we're just stoked to see yet another big player drinking the LTE Kool-Aid, with Sammy developing what it calls the "first LTE modem that complies with the latest standards of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)." The modem, which is being labeled the Kalmia for now, supports download rates of up to 100Mbps and upload speeds around 50Mbps within the 20MHz frequency band. In other words, if your future handset is equipped with this chipset, you could theoretically stream four HD movies with no buffering. Now, if only Samsung would announce a new mobile to go along with this, we'd really have reason to carouse.Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless
Samsung boasts of first commercial LTE modem for cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPanasonic's 85-inch plasma screen is $30,000 worth of decadence
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/panasonics-85-inch-plasma-screen-is-30-000-worth-of-decadence/
Filed under: Displays
Panasonic's 85-inch plasma screen is $30,000 worth of decadence originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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