Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook: 10/31/10

Friday, November 05, 2010

Bluemind Is an Ultra-Lightweight Mind Mapping Application [Downloads]

Click here to read Bluemind Is an Ultra-Lightweight Mind Mapping Application

Windows: If you're looking for a lightweight mind mapping tool to tuck on your flash drive, Bluemind is a speedy option with easy keyboard and GUI navigation, plenty of customization options, and support for multi-format exporting. More »

There's Another 21:9 3DTV in Town [3Dtvs]

Until now it's only been Philips that's had truly-widescreen 21:9 TVs, but Taiwanese company AUO has got in on the action with what they're claiming is the world's largest 3DTV with that aspect ratio, at 71-inches.

Of course, when only one other company has taken a stab at 21:9 TVs (and invented the damn things), it's not much of a boast. Philips has done two now—a non-3D one last year, and a 58-inch 3D titanium one this year, which goes on sale in the UK this month for £3,999—around $6,500 in the States.)

While not many of us will have heard of the brand AUO, they're claiming that their LED-backlit LCD has a 240Hz frame rate, and a very thin bezel, which you can see in the photo. Bizarrely, they're joining LG in the passive polarizing 3D camp, and while some people prefer passive 3D, the resolution is halved so most prefer active shutter 3DTV. [AUO via Akihabara News]

AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) announced today that it will soon showcase for the first time a series of the latest 3D display technologies: the world's largest 71" 21:9 Cinema Scope HD (CSHD) 3D TV LCD panel(*); a large, interactive 3D touch panel solution with video game applications; a leading 65" QFHD 4K2K lenticular lens 3D LCD TV panel; and an array of 3D displays for various applications at FPD International 2010 in Japan from November 10 to 12. These products highlight AUO's innovative efforts and breakthroughs in the home theater, entertainment and commercial markets, and demonstrate the Company's ability to provide 3D total solutions.

AUO announced the world's largest 71" 21:9 Cinema Scope HD (CSHD) 3D TV LCD panel with high quality 3D images
After putting on the polarized 3D glasses, audiences will enjoy a lifelike stereoscopic world with high image quality and brightness
AUO is presenting the world's largest 71" CSHD 3D TV panel for maximal visual enjoyment. The 21:9 ultra-wide screen offers a stunning, cutting-edge theatrical experience of high quality 3D images. The panel is designed with a 240Hz double frame rate, LED scanning backlight and optimized parameters for better motion flow. The new ultra-narrow border design presents the images in even more delightful proportions. Wearing polarized 3D glasses, audiences will be able to enter a lifelike stereoscopic world filled with images of extraordinary clarity and brightness.

AUO will also exhibit a naked eye 3D display solution: the 65" QFHD 4K2K lenticular lens 3D panel. Its proprietary technology has resolved the problem of uneven brightness that occurs with conventional 3D displays, raising the resolution of a single viewpoint to high definition. The 3D panel has brightness as high as 500 nits, with eight viewpoints. Its fine image quality is suitable for commercial use, making the panel the most eye-catching large-sized public information display currently available.

In response to the growing demand for interactive 3D multimedia, AUO has combined its 65" full HD 3D display with an advanced and accurate 3D interactive solution to provide a superlative gaming experience. The infrared video camera detects the player's movements as he or she interacts with the 3D images. Reacting in real time to lifelike 3D images, players can enjoy the most amazing gaming experience possible with today's technology. For audio-visual entertainment, gamers have no better option.

AUO will also showcase a 4" 3D interactive touch panel suitable for use with smartphones, video game consoles and tablet PCs. The light pen and touch panel are integrated for the first time so that users can move within three dimensions-horizontally, vertically and in depth. For players of interactive 3D games, a fun and interesting 3D world becomes readily accessible. Adding spice to the mobile life, the 4" portrait / landscape barrier 3D touch panel leads the industry by allowing users to freely move their fingers about on the touch panel and switch between 2D and 3D modes in portrait or landscape positions.

AUO works continuously and creatively to achieve innovations and breakthroughs in 3D technology. AUO aims to create products that provide consumers with audio-visual experiences of sensational quality and intense satisfaction. AUO also leverages both its complete production lines and mass production capabilities for more business opportunities in the 3D market, aiming to place itself in a leadership position.

*Based on market research information available as of Nov. 4, 2010.

AUO showcases world's largest Cinema Scope 3D LCD TV, among other three-dee niceties

In case you haven't noticed, FPD International 2010 is just about ready to hit full-swing, and AUO is on hand with a stockpile of new kit. AUO Optronics just so happens to be a fairly substantial panel maker in the grand scheme of things, so people tend to pay attention when they roll out the planet's largest Cinema Scope (read: 21:9 aspect ratio) 3D LCD TV. A 71-inch version of the aforesaid device is on hand for the public to gawk at, as is a 65-inch QFHD 4K x 2K lenticular lens 3D TV. The former boasts a 240Hz double frame rate, LED scanning backlight and optimized parameters for better motion flow, and unlike most three-dee televisions these days, this one works with polarized glasses -- you know, the ones that are dirt cheap, don't require batteries and haven't been known to give people headaches. The latter is a glasses-free solution, but unlike the company's next generation 3D notebook panels, you'll need to be located in one of eight viewing spots to dig the effect. In related news, AUO is also trumpeting a 4-inch 3D interactive touch panel suitable for use with smartphones, portable game consoles and tablets, but unfortunately, no release information is being doled out for any of this stuff. A heartbreaker, really.

Continue reading AUO showcases world's largest Cinema Scope 3D LCD TV, among other three-dee niceties

AUO showcases world's largest Cinema Scope 3D LCD TV, among other three-dee niceties originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK gets Magic Sky Control roof, turns transparent at the touch of a button

Put down those iPads, Mercedes owners, and look to the sky. There's a word of wonder up there and, if you had yourself an SLK with the Magic Sky Control vario-roof, you could be looking at it. Well, of course, you could already be looking at the sky if you had an SLK because, you know, it's a convertible. But, let's say you want to do it without actually having to experience nature. Now we're talking. The vario-roof is a glass panel in the center of the SLK's retractable hardtop and now, if you tick the 2000 euro ($2,800) Magic Sky Control option, you can control that sky, tinting the glass panel at will by re-aligning the light-blocking crystals embedded within. It's like a big pixel on an LCD with the whole sun as your backlight and a truly awful dot pitch.

Gallery: SLK Magic Sky Control roof

Mercedes-Benz SLK gets Magic Sky Control roof, turns transparent at the touch of a button originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why is T-Mobile selling an iPhone cable?

T-Mobile USA has been an oft-rumored darkhorse to help kill off AT&T's iPhone exclusivity in the country -- and for the life of us, we can't think of a good reason that the carrier's corporate stores would be carrying iPhone charge / sync cables now other than in preparation for a launch. It's interesting to note that Deutsche Telekom boss Rene Obermann in part blamed the lack of the iPhone in the States as a driving factor in its third quarter churn rate... a meaningless musing, perhaps, but it could've been a little bit of foreshadowing, too. It's important to note that T-Mobile has carried Nexus One accessories this year, too, so it's not out of the realm of possibility to think that they're just trying to cater to the unlockers who are already using iPhones on T-Mobile -- but then again, we'd argue that the people savvy enough to do that probably aren't shopping for overpriced cables in carrier stores. It's also important to note that T-Mobile literally just took a dig at FaceTime (while blasting AT&T's network in the same breath), so it's hard to say what this means, if anything.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Why is T-Mobile selling an iPhone cable? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mold Sculptures On an iPad App, Then Print Them With a 3D Printer [Video]

We've already ascertained that 3D printers are cool. But when connected to an iPad, running the Beautiful Modeler app? Consider our collective minds blown. You can mold digital clay into whatever you want, then print it with a 3D printer.

You'll need a 3D printer, obviously—MakerBot's Thing-O-Matic is the cheapest, at $1,225.

It's probably the easiest way to design 3D objects, without mucking around on CAD or other design programs. Actually using your fingertips to bend the lump of clay within the iPad app, turning it into a little object to print out—well, it sounds like a dream come true. Imagine your mom making Christmas tree ornaments this way, or being able to conjure up a little doohicky for sliding under a short table leg, within minutes?

Never have I wanted a 3D printer so much before.

The source code is available to grab from the Interactive Fabrication site now, and cleverly the program actually hooks up your laptop at the same time, so you can see your object's progress there, and model it on the iPad. [Interactive Fabrication via CreativeApplications via FastCo]

Apple's New Gaming Patent Would Allow iPhone Laser Tag [Patents]

"Interactive Gaming with Co-Located, Networked Direction and Location Aware Devices," sounds dull, but Apple's New Gaming Patent Would Allow iPhone Laser Tag Apple's latest patent is anything but. The tech described would use augmented reality tricks to open up whole new forms of portable gameplay—iPhone guns, anyone?

The gist of the patent is its ability to take advantage of the phone's position-sensing guts—gyroscope, accelerometer, and GPS—to turn your iOS device into a controller that talks to other controllers. Imagine using your iPhone's camera and screen to take aim at a friend, and then nailing her with a wirelessly-transmitted shot. Each phone involved in such a game would know the location of the other, constantly sharing positional data. Also described in the patent are Apple-sanctioned control accessories, allowing you to hold your phone like a gun or steering wheel.

This is pretty radical stuff from a company that's confined its gaming—highly successfully, it should be acknowledged—to whatever can be accomplished through solitary tapping, swiping, and tilting. But this new patent suggests Apple wants to take iOS gaming off of the toilet and subway seat, and out into the open. And we're excited. [TUAW]

Plextronics rolls out next-gen OLED ink, promises bigger, better OLED displays

A bottle of ink may not exactly seem like the key to bigger, better, and cheaper OLED displays, but that's just what Plextronics is promising will result from its new "next generation" Plexcore OC NQ ink. That's particularly notable because it's a non-aqueous, inkjet-printable ink, and is intended specifically for use with so-called solution-processed, phosphorescent OLED technology (as opposed to the vapor processing now commonly used), which at least some folks are betting on as the next big thing for OLED manufacturing -- recent tests have also shown significant advances for the technology, including a lower operating voltage and boost in lifetime over previously tested systems. What's more, while it's still in the testing phase now, Plextronics says it expects the ink to be broadly available to manufacturers sometime next year, which should mean that actual OLED displays using it will follow sometime thereafter.

Continue reading Plextronics rolls out next-gen OLED ink, promises bigger, better OLED displays

Plextronics rolls out next-gen OLED ink, promises bigger, better OLED displays originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Lumix GF2 preview

At first glance, sitting all on its lonesome like that, the GF2 might forgivably be perceived as just another mundanely incremental upgrade on what was already a lauded predecessor in the Lumix GF1. But, for once, our pessimism was not borne out by the facts -- far from it. With the GF2, Panasonic has somehow managed to shrink its smallest Micro Four Thirds shooter even further, by a reported 19 percent, and the difference in handling is tangible. The Japanese giant has also lightened the load by seven percent, thrown in a new touchscreen-centric UI, and, predictably, upped the video ante to 720/60p or 1080/60i recording in AVCHD format. Join us after the break to see what we thought of this delicious new recipe for pseudo-pocketable large-sensor shooting.

Please note: Panasonic has not yet finalized the GF2's firmware, meaning that the sample images and video below may not necessarily be indicative of the quality you'll get from the final product.

Gallery: Panasonic GF2 hands-on

Gallery: Panasonic GF2 sample images

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF2 preview

Panasonic Lumix GF2 preview originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netbooks are being 'cannibalized,' says Windows GM

Tablet sales affecting netbooks? Seems everyone's been suggesting that lately, from Best Buy to ASUS, with much of the blame placed on Apple's iPad for mining the gap, so to speak. Add Microsoft to that chorus -- specifically GM for Windows Product Management Gavriella Schuster. Referencing the pink netbook sitting between her and Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Nick Eaton, Schuster said, "These are definitely getting cannibalized... these are really a second device. But they are getting cannibalized" (SPI's emphasis, not ours). Given Windows' dominance in the netbooks, she's probably got some hush-hush numbers that color her opinion. Then again, speaking of color, perhaps she just doesn't like pink.

Netbooks are being 'cannibalized,' says Windows GM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung showcases 4.5-inch flexible AMOLED, may actually mass produce this one

For all intents and purposes, every single flexible display we've seen over the past few years has eventually been filed in the "awesome things that'll never materialize" drawer. There are exceptions to that rule, mind you, but we've largely been frustrated by how often these things pop up at trade shows and then vanish forever. Samsung Mobile Display, however, is hoping to change that. According to reports stemming from FPD International 2010, this here 4.5-incher is dangerously close to production, and given the lustworthy 800 x 480 resolution, we couldn't be more excited about the possibilities. We're told that Samsung is eschewing the traditional glass substrate in favor of a newfangled plastic version, and evidently it's a heck of a lot easier to mass produce. After all, we're still waiting for this thing, guys.

Samsung showcases 4.5-inch flexible AMOLED, may actually mass produce this one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skyfire for iPhone hands-on (video)

Although Skyfire for iPhone is almost exactly like its Android counterpart, it's still not available for download in the App Store due to server issues, so we thought you might want to see how it works. We've seen improvements on the Flash-to-HTML5 conversion servers in the past day or so, which makes watching videos a breeze. The app itself serves as a fully functional browser with the usual features you'd hope to find: bookmarking, a dedicated search bar, custom homepage, and even private browsing. Pages render rather quickly, although scrolling and pinching to zoom is a little rough around the edges. As for actually watching Flash videos, it couldn't be easier -- once you've navigated to a page embedded with a video, a popup window will appear and you're good to go. Sadly, though, the browser lacks the ability to scrub videos. But hey, if you've been waiting three-plus years to play flash videos on your 3.5-inch display, Skyfire might (or might not) be the solution to your burning desire. Be sure to check out the browser in action after the break!

Continue reading Skyfire for iPhone hands-on (video)

Skyfire for iPhone hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS Eee PC 1015T now on sale, complete with AMD V105 CPU

So, the mystery's solved. If you'll recall, we spotted ASUS' Eee PC 1015T sittin' pretty at Computex, but considering that the OS was wiped by the time we got to it, we were left to take the placard's word for it when it came to specifications. Now, B&H has begun to offer this bad boy here in the States, with $349.99 nabbing you a 1.2GHz AMD V105 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB (5400RPM) hard drive, ATI's Mobility Radeon HD 4250, a 10.1-inch LED-backlit panel, inbuilt webcam, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a 32-bit copy of Windows 7 Starter and a six-cell battery. All told, it rings up at 2.8 pounds and should last anywhere between three and six hours on a full charge, but we're guessing real-world performance will swing towards the former. It's available right now in blue, black and white, and if you're looking for a way to stick it to Intel's sluggish Atom line, here it is.

ASUS Eee PC 1015T now on sale, complete with AMD V105 CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS DR-900 e-reader escapes into the wild, gets a video overview

Ah, ha! So there it is! After waiting for months and months (and months), it seems as if ASUS has quietly started shipping its ginormous DR-900 e-reader. At least in some sectors of the world, albeit in "non-final" form. Hispazone managed to get their paws around one recently, and they did the world a solid by writing up a lengthy list of impressions and filming a hands-on video (embedded after the break). Critics seemed to admire the build quality, and they felt that the inbuilt web browser certainly has potential. But most of all, they seem concerned about the estimated price; it's bruited that the DR-900 will start shipping to consumers in Q1 2011, but the €300 ($426) asking price probably won't sit well with most. Hit the source for more of the translated goodness.

Continue reading ASUS DR-900 e-reader escapes into the wild, gets a video overview

ASUS DR-900 e-reader escapes into the wild, gets a video overview originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell offering free Venue Pros to employees in exchange for their BlackBerrys

You'd think working for a big tech company would have its gadget-related perks and in Dell's case that's very much true. The big PC vendor has demonstrated its commitment to building up its own smartphone services by offering to trade employees' old and busted BlackBerry devices for the shiny new hotness that is the Venue Pro. If everyone takes up Round Rock on its offer, there'll be 25,000 RIM smartphones looking for new homes soon, along with a sprightly start to Windows Phone 7's time in the limelight. The Wall Street Journal reports this'll cut Dell's mobile communications bill by a quarter, thanks to no longer having to support BlackBerry servers, while also noting that Android variants will be made available in the future as well. Where there's Lightning, there's gotta be Thunder, right?

Dell offering free Venue Pros to employees in exchange for their BlackBerrys originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 06:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Calvin Klein plunges into 3D waters with pair of cool new shades

Calvin Klein has never been afraid of associating itself with a bit of cheap marketing, so it's no surprise that the fashion brand is now slapping its name atop some 3D-capable sunglasses. The patent-pending curved 3D glasses from Marchon3D have been adorned with the CK livery and, erm, we guess they're that little bit more stylish than the usual pair of 3D goggles you might have thrown your way at the cinema. Now you just have to decide where your loyalties lie, Calvin Klein, Gucci, or Oakley?

Continue reading Calvin Klein plunges into 3D waters with pair of cool new shades

Calvin Klein plunges into 3D waters with pair of cool new shades originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, November 04, 2010

Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK

Hard to say if it's too little, too late, but one thing's for darn sure -- Acer definitely has a lot of competition to shake off if it wants this Aspire RevoView to truly succeed. Announced originally way back in May, this here network media streamer is just now gaining an image, price and release date. It's able to fetch content from USB hard drives, an internal 3.5-inch HDD, a memory card slot or the world wide web, but the latter seems contained to just YouTube, Picasa and Flickr for the time being. It'll push things out via an HDMI socket on the rear, and the bundled remote will keep your keister firmly planted while it's in operation. No word on whether or not this fellow will ever leave the confines of the UK, but it'll go on sale there next week for £119.99 ($193).

Continue reading Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK

Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Inspiron Duo flips its lid on official video

Blink really slowly and you might miss it. Seriously, though, Dell's 35-second Inspiron Duo teaser plays up the tablet angle for quite a bit -- even prominently showing off a JBL speaker dock -- before getting to the really awesome part. Oh, you know, where it totally flips its screen over and becomes a netbook. Coming soon, and last we heard it was by the end of the year, so that gives them around 57 days to make it happen. Video after the break.

Continue reading Dell Inspiron Duo flips its lid on official video

Dell Inspiron Duo flips its lid on official video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon's tiny Coolpix S5100 reviewed before disappearing into someone's pocket

There are those who pick their pants based on the size of the camera they're going to pocket for the day, and those who just pick their pants and take a camera if one fits. For that latter group Nikon's latest, the Coolpix S5100, may be a good choice. It has scored a "Recommended" review over at Photography Blog, delivering good quality images through its 5x zoom and 12.2 megapixel sensor despite that diminutive size -- barely wider than a credit card. And, with a $179 MSRP, it won't put too much of a hurting on those real pieces of plastic you wouldn't dare leave home without.

Nikon's tiny Coolpix S5100 reviewed before disappearing into someone's pocket originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fedora 14 Brings Sped-Up JPEG Handling, Better Remoting to Linux Desktops [Downloads]

Click here to read Fedora 14 Brings Sped-Up JPEG Handling, Better Remoting to Linux Desktops

All systems: Fedora 14, the latest release of the Red-Hat-backed Linux desktop, includes a library for handling JPEG photos that speeds up photo processing, thumbnail creation, and photo importing. There's also support for better control of remote desktops and virtual machines. More »

Friday, November 05, 2010

Thursday, November 04, 2010

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