Custom 3D-Printed Beams Can Be 10,000 Times Stronger Than Steel

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5964609/custom-3d+printed-beams-can-be-10000-times-stronger-than-steel

Steel beams are pretty uniformly strong, but they're all run of the mill, literally. If you start 3D-printing custom beams for the exact purpose they're intended to serve though, you've got a regular space-age material on your hands. It's lighter than steel and orders of magnitude stronger.

The process, developed byYong Mao of the University of Nottingham, UK and colleagues, isn't just the product of one innovation, but rather a whole bunch of them wrapped up into one bundle. First, you start out withF a hollow beam and you test it with the load it needs to bear. When it inevitably fails, you use some sophisticated software to analyze that sucker and 3D print an internal fractal structure to provide support, kind of like what's inside your bones. Then lather, rinse, and repeat. With each iteration of ever-smaller fractal innards, the beam can gain strength by the order of magnitude, with practically negligible weight gain. Third generation beams, about as far as we can hope to go with current tech, are 10,000 times stronger than steel.

There is one big limitation to how strong you can get with this stuff however, and it all depends on printer fidelity. Since these sorts of beams are specifically designed, there's not much extra support to carry your load, so if the mesh isn't perfect, you could be in trouble. As 3D printers get better however, imperfections won't be a problem on the larger scales, and more and more iterations will be possible, making for structures that are both incredibly strong and incredibly light. Now if only they could figure out how to 3D print some new bones for us. [Physics World]

Panasonic ST50 Plasma Television Review: Good Picture, Great Value

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5964094/panasonic-st50-plasma-television-review-good-picture-great-value

Dropping two grandon a high-end television simply isn't possible for most households. Does that mean you should suffer with some $100 off-brand Fony set. No way. As Panasonic's second-best option in plasma reminds us that even if you can't get the VT50 you want, you can still go for the ST50 you need.

What Is It?

Panasonic's latest mid-level 55-inch 3D plasma display.

Who's it For?

Television aficionados who'd rather save $1,000 than be able to brag that their set is the absolute top-of-the-line.

Design

The ST50 shares much of the same styling as the rest of Panasonic's plasma line. The 60-pound display sits atop a broad, silver base and its 55-inch diagonal screen is surrounded by an 1.5 inch clear acrylic-over-black bezel.

Using It

The ST50 is big and bulky—71 pounds with the stand attached—so get some help with the physical setup. Logging in to wireless, setting up streaming apps, and calibrating the set took no longer than usual. The ST50 doesn't have as many advanced picture adjustment options as other sets in its class, but it does host a surprisingly exhaustive array of integrated apps—weather reports, breaking news, streaming music and movies—if you're looking for a TV that doubles as a home media server.

The Best Part

The picture quality is fantastic, especially coming from a set that only set you back $1200. The blacks aren't quite as inky and colors don't pop quite as vibrantly as on the flagship VT50, but the image quality and black levels of the ST50 are still among the best in the price range—and totally superior to that of entry-level models.

Tragic Flaw

The set gets hot—like, even for a plasma. During Kill Bill marathons, you'll need be sure that you have adequate ventilation.

This Is Weird...

For some reason, it only includes three HDMI ports—one fewer than most other sets we've tested—and lacks a PC port.

Test Notes

• No 3D glasses are included. A good universal pair can set you back nearly $100.
• The motion-smoothing features can cause a disconcerting, overly-smoothed "soap opera" effect when activated but can easily be turned off in the Display menu.
• It withstands bright rooms better than most other plasma sets, but it struggles in direct sunlight.

Should You Buy It?

If you want this size and you're sold on plasma, then yeah. The ST50 is a solid television, and it's a good value for the money. The picture quality is noticeably better than similarly priced sets, both plasma and LED. It's not a stretch to say it approaches the level of the vaunted VT50—for $900 less.

Panasonic Viera TC-P55ST50 Specs

• Screen Size: 55"
• Display Type: Plasma
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3 HDMI, 2 USB, DNLA
• Weight: 71 pounds with stand
• Price: $1,200
• Gizrank: 3.5 Stars

HTC One VX to be available on AT&T by December 7th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/htc-one-vx-att-december-7th/

The HTC One VX was slated to arrive on November 16th alongside its bigger brother, the HTC One X+, but when the time came, only the latter showed up -- the mid-range HTC handset just seemed to have mysteriously disappeared. After a couple of weeks, it seems the phone will finally be in store shelves starting December 7th: "Yes, we expect to be fully stocked in all channels by 12/7," said an AT&T spokesperson to us. So if you want to snag the VX with its 4.5-inch qHD display, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 5-megapixel camera and 4G LTE speeds for just $50 under contract, feel free to mark the date on your calendar. Just make sure you use a pencil.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC

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Source: Android Central

ASUS Qube with Google TV pops up at the FCC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/asus-qube-dongle-for-google-tv-pops-up-at-the-fcc/

Despite its crucial role in the Android ecosystem, ASUS hasn't taken the plunge on Google TV so far. An FCC approval for a new adapter, the Qube, suggests that reticence is coming to a quick halt -- and in an uncommon way. Rather than build a full media hub, ASUS appears to be crafting a possibly Roku-like dongle that would graft Google TV on to a host device through USB. The Qube's components aren't outlined in earnest, but it would pair up with an RF-based keyboard and touchpad for its main input.

Some details may have been given away through Google Play listings for O!Mobile Control Center and Remote apps linked to the Qube -- they hint that ASUS could use the same Marvell Armada processors that power modern Google TV boxes, as well as extend smartphone control beyond what Google's official remote app can offer (we tried it with an existing Google TV unit and it wouldn't connect.) At this moment, we're less curious about when and where the Qube releases than how it will sell; its dependence could see it destined for an equipment bundle instead of sitting on shelves by its lonesome. We're asking around for possible details and will let you know if we hear more.

Continue reading ASUS Qube with Google TV pops up at the FCC

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, ASUS, Google

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Source: FCC, Google Play (1), (2)

Lenovo A586 touts voice unlock through Baidu, A*STAR verification tech

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/01/lenovo-a586-touts-voice-unlock-through-baidu-astar/

Attempts to get away from unlocking our smartphones through codes and finger swipes have mostly centered on camera tricks like Android's Face Unlock. If you happen to pick up a Lenovo IdeaPhone A586 when it reaches China on December 12th, you'll have the option to use some dulcet tones instead. The Android smartphone builds in a new speaker verification system from Baidu and A*STAR's Institute for Infocomm Research that looks for a specific voice signature: speak a distinct passphrase and the phone unlocks without gestures or a longing stare. Few will be especially smitten with the 4.5-inch, 854 x 480 display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 5-megapixel camera or 4GB of storage, but they'll be glad to get access to their A586 in a more hands-off (and hopefully spoof-resistant) way. We'd only be worried about choosing a passphrase that won't trigger odd looks from passers-by.

Continue reading Lenovo A586 touts voice unlock through Baidu, A*STAR verification tech

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo

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Vi a: CNET

Source: Singapore Government

Raspberry Pi's $25 Model A enters production, could be in tinkerers' projects early next year

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/raspberry-pi-model-a-enters-production/

Raspberry Pi's Model B computer will be no stranger to regular readers. We've seen it turn up in all sorts of projects, and generally stretched in various directions. If you were holding out for the cheaper, lower specced Model A however, your time is near. A recent post on the official Raspberry Pi site confirms that the first Model A samples are rolling off the production line. The main differences? Whereas Model B has two USB ports and 512 MB of RAM plus Ethernet, Model A sports only the one port, has half the RAM, and no Ethernet connection, making it more power economical as well as $10 cheaper. Price likely isn't the issue here, but if you were after the even more stripped back version, it's estimated they'll be ready to purchase online early next year.

Filed under: Desktops

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Source: Raspberry Pi

New iMacs on sale now starting at $1,299, we unbox both of them

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/2012-imacs-on-sale-now-first-look/

This is more of a PSA than anything else: just like Apple said they'd be, the new iMacs are on sale today, with the 21.5-inch model available right away and the 27-inch version shipping in December. The smaller guy starts at $1,299, though there's also a more tricked-out $1,499 version; the 27-incher starts at $1,799 and goes up to $1,999. Whichever the model, a few key design principles apply. For staters, both measure just 5mm thick at the edges, and neither has a built-in optical drive. Both promise a 15 to 20 percent performance boost fueled partly by Ivy Bridge, and partly by Apple's new FusionDrive, which combines an HDD with a 128GB solid-state drive, with everything stored on the SSD by default until you run out of space. Finally, both promise 75 percent less screen glare, thanks to a manufacturing process that eliminates the gap between the LCD and the glass. (Apple and other OEMs already use a similar technique on smartphones; we've just never seen it done on a screen quite this large.)

So what separates the two, then, aside from screen size? Specs, mostly. And also, resolution. The 21-inch version has a 1,920 x 1,080 pixel count, while the 27-incher steps up to 2,560 x 1,440. (In other words, the same resolution as last year's offerings.) While both pack quad-core Core i5 processors, the 21.5-inch model starts with a 2.7GHz clock speed, compared with 2.9GHz for the bigger guy. As you might have guessed, the graphics are slightly better on the larger version: NVIDIA's GTX 660M is standard there, versus GT 640M on the 21-incher. Both offer 1TB of storage, but the smaller machine uses a 5,400RPM drive while the bigger one has a 7,200RPM disk. The 27-incher can also be configured with a 3TB drive or 768GB SSD. As for RAM, both come with eight gigs standard, but the 21.5-inch model goes up to 16GB, while the 27-inch version goes up to 32GB and has user-accessible memory slots.

As it happens, we have two new iMacs here in house (one in each size, natch) and you can expect a full review very soon. For now, though, we've got some unboxing shots and first impressions just past the break.

Continue reading New iMacs on sale now starting at $1,299, we unbox both of them

Filed under: Desktops, Apple

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Source: Apple

Intel rumored moving to non-upgradable desktop CPUs with Broadwell

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/29/intel-rumored-moving-to-non-upgradable-desktop-cpus-with-broadwell/

For many, the very definition of the custom desktop PC is the ability to upgrade the processor, choosing a $300 retrofit instead of a $1,500 whole-system replacement. We might have to kiss that symbolism goodbye if sources at Impress Watch, SemiAccurate and ZDNet are genuinely in the know. They claim that desktop processors built on Intel's future, 14-nanometer Broadwell architecture will be switching from contacts based on a land grid array (LGA) to a ball grid array (BGA) that could dictate soldering the chips in laptop-style, rather than putting them in an upgrade-friendly socket. The exact reasons for the supposed switch aren't available, but there's speculation that it would be mutually beneficial for Intel and PC manufacturers: Intel would have more control over motherboard chipsets, while builders could save money on assembly and conveniently drive more outright PC sales. Intel hasn't confirmed any of the strategy, so we'd still be very cautious before making any presumptions. If real, though, the switch would be glum news for chipset makers, motherboard makers and most of all hobbyists; even though socket changes have made CPU upgrades tricky in the past, having the option removed altogether could put a damper on the do-it-yourself community.

Filed under: Desktops, Intel

Co! mments

Source: Impress Watch, SemiAccurate, ZDNet

Apple begins selling unlocked iPhone 5 in the US, starting from $649

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/29/apple-begins-selling-unlocked-iphone-5-in-the-us-from-649/

It's that special time of the year... that is, when Apple decides to unfetter the iPhone for US shoppers. The Cupertino crew has quietly started selling the iPhone 5 in an unlocked, off-contract form that will work on GSM, HSPA+ and (if you're in the right countries) LTE networks. There's few surprises versus what we've seen in years past, or in other regions: the unlocked iPhone 5 ships in the same capacities and colors as the carrier-bound model, and starts from $649. That's still expensive for those still used to buying on an agreement, and it won't represent as much bang-for-the-buck as a $350 Nexus 4. If you're yearning for the LTE the Nexus 4 lacks and don't mind living in an iOS universe, however, Apple is ready and waiting.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple

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Via: AppleInsider

Source: Apple

Samsung Galaxy Camera with Verizon LTE shows at the FCC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/samsung-galaxy-camera-with-verizon-lte-shows-at-the-fcc/

At least a few Americans have been disappointed that the current version of the Samsung Galaxy Camera goes without LTE; when the data connection is intended almost exclusively for uploading massive photos, HSPA+ can only go so far. To our relief, Samsung knows our impatience well enough to have sent a version of its connected point-and-shoot with American 4G through the FCC's approval gauntlet. This time, the camera goes under the EK-GC120 name (the HSPA+ model is the GC100) with LTE access on Verizon's slice of the 700MHz spectrum -- and that's it for cellular access, without even a trace of foreign wireless bands. As such, there's little doubt the GC120 is headed to Big Red and will have to resort to WiFi on any vacation outside of the US. Any uncertainty mostly rests around just when the Galaxy Camera arrives on Verizon's network, and whether or not the extra wireless speed will demand a premium.

Filed under: Cameras, Wireless, Samsung, Verizon

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Source: FCC

Fuji X-E1 Review: Wonderful for Stills, But It's No Jack of All Trades

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5963988/fuji-x+e1-review-wonderful-for-stills-but-its-no-jack-of-all-trades

The Fuji X-Pro1 was a hit. But at $1700 for the body alone, it was (and still is) bonkers expensive. The new X-E1 is Fuji's reaction to that. With a pared down body and new kit lens, Fuji could maintain its enthusiast appeal—and attract a broader market.

What Is It?

Another Leica-lookalike mirrorless cam from Fuji. Basically, it's the X-Pro1 minus an optical viewfinder, plus a pop-up flash, and for a lot less money—$1000, body-only.

Who's It For?

Purist photographers who want high image quality over versatility.

Design

Fuji might mimic retro rangefinders, but the results looks damn good, so it's hard to complain. The body feels light, plasticky, and cheap, but once you pop a lens on there, it's pretty beefy. It's smaller than the X-Pro1, but still larger than most mirrorless cams.

Using It

Once you settle in to the control scheme, it's intuitive and wonderful to use. You rarely have to scroll through menus to hunt for functions. The auto-focus is quick, sometimes, but it doesn't always meet the high standard set by the lightning-fast Olympus mirrorless cameras. The X-E1's incredibly clear electronic viewfinder lags when in motion, but the clarity and lack of colorful noise in low light makes up for it.

Overall image quality, as seen in these full size shots, is as ravishing as with the X-Pro1, a camera that shares this one's 16.3-megapixel APS-C sensor. Fuji's new 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens is sharp, with an easy-to-grip cap, a wonderful aperture ring, and a wider aperture than most kit lenses. One gripe—the lens barrel doesn't have aperture values etched on, so you have to look at the LCD for your f-stop.

The Best Part

The control scheme is simply the best ouf of any camera in recent memory. There is a physical switch for every major function, and everything is clearly labeled and well placed.

Tragic Flaw

RAW files out of the X-E1 are a bit off. The noise pattern at high ISOs is splotchy when compared with the even, tight, grain-like noise of many other cameras. It is almost as if Fuji is applying some noise reduction to the RAW files, which would be very peculiar. It's a nit-picky complaint—but this kind of thing can affect detail at high ISOs. (UPDATE: Apparently this is due to a fault in how Adobe Camera RAW handles Fuji's files, and it was an issue with the X-Pro1 as well. A fix is supposedly in the works.)

This Is Weird...

You can't adjust ANY settings while recording video. Cool, guys.

Test Notes

• We love the plentiful bracketing options. You can bracket exposure, ISO, dynamic range, and even Fuji's film simulations (essentially color profile presets).
• The shutter-speed wheel is a bit tough to rotate. You usually need two fingers to turn it, where it would be great to just use your thumb.
• Fuji's lens lineup is limited. Only a 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, and 60mm f/2.4 are available, with another 6 or so lenses arriving in the next year, according to this lens roadmap. 'Til now, at least, all of Fuji's lenses have been of great quality at moderate prices.

Should You Buy It?

Absolutely, for stellar images. But not if you want bells and whistles. This isn't a camera for video, for in-camera effects, wi-fi, or scene modes. It's for unadulterated photography, with fantastic image quality and control.

The caveats include mediocre autofocus, crappy video mode, and weird RAW noise patterns. But this is a good low-cost alternative to the X-Pro1. Aside from that model's better build quality, are nearly zero qualities that we miss on this lower-priced camera.

If you're in the market for this, consider a few alternatives—there's the Sony NEX-7, which is due for a refresh in 2013, and could be a bargain. The Sony NEX-6 is definitely more versatile, but it's slightly behind in control scheme. Then, the Olympus OMD-EM5 rules the world of auto-focus—but it can't match the sheer image quality of the X-E1.

View our gallery of full size images on Flickr

Fuji X-E1
• Sensor: 16.3 MP X-Trans CMOS
• ISO Range: 200-6400 (100-25,600 expanded)
• Lens Mount: Fuji X-Mount
• Display: 2.8" 460,000 dot
• Video: 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 @ 24 fps only
• Price: $999 body-only, $1399 with 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens
• Gizrank: 3.5

Scanadu's Scout tricorder and companion app detect what ails you, arrive in 2013 for $150

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/29/scanadu-scout-tricorder/

The quest to create a tricorder began many years ago, when such a device was but a figment of Gene Roddenberry's vivid imagination. However, his vision has crept ever closer to reality in recent years, with many researchers crafting devices capable of gathering human health data and the creation of an X Prize competition to spur further tricorder development.

Scanadu is a company that's answered the X Prize bell and is aiming to bring just such a device to market by late next year for a mere $150. Called Scout, the tricorder is roughly two inches square and a half an inch thick and packs a rechargeable battery, IR , EEG and EKG scanners, plus an accelerometer, Bluetooth radio and a micro-USB port. That hardware, when combined with Scout's companion smartphone app can track a person's heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, pulse transit (essentially systolic blood pressure) and blood oxygenation.

To gather that data, users first must download the free Scout app and pair the tricorder hardware with their Android, iOS or BB7 handset via Bluetooth. Then it's simply a matter of pinching the device between their thumb and finger and holding it against their temple for ten seconds while the app takes the necessary readings. From there, the app can track your data over the long haul and provide an accurate picture of your health. We had a chance to see functional and production Scout prototypes and to speak with Scanadu CEO Walter De Brouwer and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alan Greene about Scout's development, so join us aft! er the b reak for more.

Gallery: Scanadu Scout tricorder prototype hands-on

Continue reading Scanadu's Scout tricorder and companion app detect what ails you, arrive in 2013 for $150

Filed under: Misc

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DIY Wi-Fi Antenna Cheaply Extends Your Wireless Network

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5964111/diy-wi+fi-antenna-cheaply-extends-your-wireless-network

We've shared tons of ways to boost your home Wi-Fi, but if you need something a bit more powerful, this DIY antenna can stretch your wireless network much further.

DIYer Danilo wanted to share his internet access across multiple apartments, and traditional methods just weren't doing the trick. He wanted to try out a bigger antenna, but before buying one, cooked up a DIY option himself to see how well it worked. All i took was a bit of copper wiring, some aluminum foil, and some tupperware (to keep it protected from the elements, since it sat outside). The result was so good that he didn't even need to buy an antenna. You'll need to be able to solder, but if that's already a skill you have under your belt, this'll probably be a quick and easy project. Hit the link to see more.

Direttiva biquad per i 2,4Ghz (Translated) | Danilo Larizza via Hack a Day

Verizon FiOS brings its live TV streaming app to LG Smart TVs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/verizon-fios-75-live-streaming-channels-lg/

Verizon is continuing to extend access to its FiOS TV service (at least, within the homes of subscribers) by bringing an app to LG Smart TVs with access to 75 channels and Flex View video on-demand. That follows the iPad last week, as well as earlier apps for the Xbox 360 and Samsung's connected TV platform. This app is of course customized for LG's Magic Remote gesture control feature, and is available on all 2012 Smart TVs, plus the BP620 Blu-ray player via the Smart TV smart World app store. The good news is you can make use of it in a room with no cable box needed, however the lineup is still missing a few key channels (ESPN) that may be tough to do without. Verizon recently announced a deal with NBCUniversal to increase its TV Everywhere selection, if it can add a few more the set-top box-less future may be within reach.

Continue reading Verizon FiOS brings its live TV streaming app to LG Smart TVs

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Verizon, LG

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Toshiba preps 13MP phone camera sensor that promises low-light shooting without the noise

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/29/toshiba-preps-13mp-phone-camera-sensor-with-low-light-and-low-noise/

Toshiba isn't the most vocal of mobile camera designers; it's often shouted out by the likes of OmniVision and Sony. It has reason to crow now that it's near launching a next-generation imager of its own. The 13-megapixel, CMOS-based TK437 sensor carries the backside illumination we already know and love for its low-light performance as well as color noise reduction that should fight the side-effects of such a dense, sensitive design. If we take Toshiba at its word, the visual quality of the sensor's 1.12-micron pixels is equal to that of much larger, less noise-prone 1.4-micron examples -- important when stuffing the sensor into 0.33 square inches. Photos will prove whether the achievement is more than just talk, although we'll have some time to wait when test samples will only reach companies in December. It's months beyond that before there's a production phone or tablet with a TK437 lurking inside.

Continue reading Toshiba preps 13MP phone camera sensor that promises low-light shooting without the noise

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Tablets

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Source: Toshiba

Will.i.am launches pricey i.am+ camera add-ons for iPhone, we go hands on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/will-i-am-iphone-accessories-hands-on/

So, we learned two things today. Firstly, Will.i.am is able to attract quite a media scrum, and secondly, national press photographers have sharp elbows. Nevertheless, we braved the London debut of the Black Eyed Peas star's i.am+ iPhone accessories and fortunately came away with more than just Elephunk-sized bruises. We got some brief playtime with the gadgets, plus an interview with the CEO of Will.i.am's tech venture -- none other than Chandra Rathakrishnan of Fusion Garage fame (or notoriety). If you're wondering if we asked him why anyone would spend upwards of £199 ($315) on a wide-angle lens attachment when a really decent alternative can be had for a fraction of that cost, then hopefully the video and early impressions after the break will satisfy your curiosity.

Gallery: i.am+ iPhone camera accessories hands-on

Continue reading Will.i.am launches pricey i.am+ camera add-ons for iPhone, we go hands on (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile

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Aakash 2 hands-on: the $40 educational slate with revolution on its mind

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/aakash-2-hands-on/

Efforts to put cheap computers in the hands of students have always hit major stumbling blocks. Most notably price. The OLPC project had noble goals, but ultimately ended up well above its target price of $100. The Classmate was more of a "me too" product than anything truly revolutionary. What started as India's effort to launch a $10 laptop, slowly mutated into a $35 tablet that, even then, struggled in its initial incarnation. What ultimately became known as the Aakash was painfully underpowered and had carried a cost almost double its $35 target. With the second version DataWind is hoping to make good on the promise of an ultra-affordable tablet that can actually be used by students and educators. CEO of the company Suneet Tuli swung by our offices with the Ubuslate 7Ci, the commercial version of the Aakash 2, to give us a chance to put the device through its paces and talk about the transformative power of education.

Gallery: Aakash 2 hands-on

Continue reading Aakash 2 hands-on: the $40 educational slate with revolution on its mind

Filed under: Tablets

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Sharp's first 4K 32-inch IGZO LCD is destined for Japanese workstations

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/sharp-pn-k321-4k-igzo-lcd-monitor/

We've been waiting to enjoy the promised extra detail and low power consumption of IGZO-based LCD panels for a few years now, and they're finally starting to appear. The latest on the docket is Sharp's new PN-K321 monitor, built for professional use with 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160) plus HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, and what Sharp claims is the industry's thinnest frame at just 35mm thick. With an expected price of 450,000 yen or so (about $5,500 US) when it debuts in February 2013 it's still too pricey for our desks but if you're doing CAD work you may be able to design a budget it can fit into. We're seeing them in phones, tablets and now monitors overseas, here's hoping we'll see plenty of these high pixel density yet power-sipping panels with US release dates at CES in January.

Filed under: Displays, HD

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Source: Sharp Japan

Lenovo IdeaPhone P770 stuffs 29-hour battery and Jelly Bean into a lower-cost smartphone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/lenovo-ideaphone-p770-fits-29-hour-battery-and-jelly-bean/

Motorola may face a new contender to the Droid RAZR MAXX HD's battery capacity crown. Lenovo's quietly introduced IdeaPhone P770 at least theoretically challenges its American counterpart by cramming a 3,500mAh lithium polymer battery into a thicker 11.9mm (0.47-inch) body. That's 200mAh more than Motorola's energy champion, and enough for the company to flaunt a 29-hour talk time. That's not quite as long as Motorola's claimed 32 hours, but Lenovo has done something its American rival seemingly can't -- launch a phone with Jelly Bean. Motorola might rest easier in knowing that the the P770 is an unrepentantly budget-focused behemoth, carrying a 4.5-inch qHD display, a (possibly MediaTek-made) 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4GB of built-in storage, an 8GB microSD card and both 5-megapixel rear as well as VGA front cameras. For the ¥1,699 ($273) Lenovo is asking for an off-contract model in its native China, the P770 could still be the first pick of many local phone owners on long-haul trips. It's just a shame that the lack of 4G (and Lenovo's domestic-first mobile strategy) likely means we won't see a launch in the US.

[Thanks, FT]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo

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Via: Unwired View

Source: Lenovo (translated)

Sharp ships its first phone with an IGZO display on November 29th, ushers in a low-power LCD era

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/sharp-ships-its-first-igzo-display-phone-on-november-29th/

The gray clouds of Sharp's gloomy earnings are about to get a silver lining: NTT DoCoMo is at last launching Sharp's new flagship phone, the breathlessly worded Aquos Phone Zeta SH-02E, on November 29th. When it arrives, the SH-02E will be its* first smartphone to carry an IGZO-based display and show us just how well the high-brightness, low-energy invention fares in a 4.9-inch, 720p LCD. There's no known fixed pricing, although it's likely the Android 4.0 device will be sitting at the very top of its Japanese carrier's range through its Snapdragon S4 Pro, 16-megapixel camera and LTE data. Not fully convinced of IGZO's worth? Fujitsu's more conventional Arrows V F-04E is arriving a day earlier with a regular LCD and a Tegra 3, although we'd say that it's worth waiting the extra 24 hours to be a technology vanguard.

Update: While the SH-02E was the first phone announced with an IGZO LCD screen, it's been beaten to the market by ASUS' Padfone 2, which is also rocking the new technology.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: Impress Watch (translated)

Source: NTT DoCoMo (translated)

NEC shows 2014-era portable DNA analyzer that could outpace your favorite crime drama

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/nec-shows-2014-era-portable-dna-analyzer/

NEC gave us promises of truly on-the-spot forensics when it unveiled its first portable DNA analyzer back in 2007, although the reality hasn't been quite in line with the dream: its current system takes an hour to get a result and won't win any awards for sleekness. From what we're seeing of a next-generation analyzer due in 2014, those expectations are more likely to be met. The new version puts the full DNA extraction, amplification and separation processes on a newer chip that meets NEC's original goal of producing output in 25 minutes -- faster than a short cop drama, if you include the commercial breaks. Few beyond the police will be casually tossing the analyzer around given its 70.5-pound weight and $120,000 price, but a much slicker design at least gives it the profile of a small, rolling suitcase. The upgrade could be vital for identifying suspects and victims in record time; if our only worry is that NEC takes all the mystery out of our favorite TV shows, we'll be more than satisfied.

Filed under: Science

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Via: PCWorld

Source: NEC (PDF)

Raspberry Pi says it'll run Minecraft, demos upcoming 5-megapixel, 1080P, $25 camera

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/raspberry-pi-says-itll-run-minecraft-demos-camera-board/

The Raspberry Pi will soon be able to see all, thanks to an upcoming camera board that will mate with unused CSI pins on the $35 hobbyist board. The new 5-megapixel camera (in the video after the break) will be capable of 1080P, 30fps video, and though the prototype being shown at Electronica 2012 is attached using scotch tape technology, the Pi foundation promised it would come with a proper mount when it ships in the new year for $25. In other news, the group has also announced a new port from the Notch gaming group called "Minecraft: Pi edition." You'll be able to play the game, of course, but if you're feeling more ambitious it'll also support several programming languages, letting you "modify the game world with code" to boot. The group promised you'll be able to download it next week at the source.

Continue reading Raspberry Pi says it'll run Minecraft, demos upcoming 5-megapixel, 1080P, $25 camera

Filed under: Cameras, Robots, Science

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Source: Raspberry Pi (1), (2)

Samsung 'Baffin' pops up in FCC; reportedly mixes 5-inch WVGA display, quad-core CPU

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/24/samsung-baffin-5-inch-wvga-android-korea/

Apparently feeling we were running low on Galaxy smartphones after the current lineup of Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III mini and Galaxy Note II, Samsung's SHV-E270L just made the FCC rounds and is rumored to be next in line. Flashing its codename "Baffin" in the documents, this device does not seem destined for an appearance beyond Korean borders, but a unique blend of specs and rumors that it will arrive as the "Galaxy Grand" continue to intrigue. Listed as an LTE phone in the Bluetooth database, and appearing in GLBenchmark reporting a 1.4GHz (possibly quad-core) CPU like the Galaxy S III, but with a much lower 800x480 WVGA display. According to a report from Korea's Money Today, the idea is to create a device for older customers that's easier to read with bigger icons and letters on its large 5-inch low res screen (as opposed to the 5-inch 1080p pixel density monsters we're now accustomed to), with a quad-core CPU pushing Android 4.1 and its Smart Stay features plus a 2,100mAh battery. We're not sure if it will increase your parent's scores in Fruit Ninja, but vision-challenged KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom customers may have an interesting decision to make very soon.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: FCC, Bluetooth, GLBenchmark