Hitachi works up new stereoscopic vision display technology

from Engadget by Darren Murph

Details are a bit hazy on this one, but it looks like Hitachi is readying a new "small sized stereoscopic vision display technology." Measuring in at 7.9- x 7.9- x 3.9-inches and weighing 2.2-pounds, the mysterious device apparently utilizes an array of mirrors and projects imagery in a manner than gives off a three-dimensional illusion. Reportedly, the new "synthetic image" device is similar in design to its larger "Transpost," and Hitachi hopes to implement the technology in locales such as schools, exhibitions, museums, etc. Nevertheless, the outfit is slated to show off the unit at SIGGRAPH 2007, so if anyone happens to drop in, do let us know how impressive / unflattering it really is in person. [Via Impress]

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First "real" snapshots of Meizu's M8 supposedly surface

from Engadget by Darren Murph

We'll be the first to admit that the first "real" photographs of Meizu's M8 still appear mighty doctored, but hey, so long as the final product looks this good, we'll be content. Nevertheless, the firm has made available three supposed snapshots for us to drool over, and while we're far beyond the point of actually believing anything these guys say in regard to a release date, the latest news on that front has the finalized unit ready for testing by the year's end. 'Course, there's still no set date for actually getting it into the needy hands of consumers everywhere, but the most recent price estimates peg the 4GB M8 at 2,380CNY ($314) and the 8GB version at 2,880CNY ($380). Per usual, feel free to peep the other two snaps after the jump.

[Via MyMiniOne]

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OLE pill bug robot concept could fight forest fires

from Engadget by Conrad Quilty-Harper

German researchers at the University of Madgeburg-Stendal have developed a concept for a robot shaped like a pill millipede that could potentially detect and fight forest fires. Were the "OLE" a real robot, it would be able to scuttle around the forest floor at speeds of around 6 to 12 MPH, using infrared and "biosensors" to detect fire sources. If it gets into trouble, it can curl up just like a real pill bug and be fully protected thanks to a ceramic-fibre compound shell that can withstand temperature of 1,300 Degrees Centigrade. According to the researchers, 30 of these OLEs could protect a forest area as large as 2,700 square miles, whilst simultaneously freaking out hundreds of forest animals.

[Via GearFuse; thanks, Steve]

 

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Google-backed Gbox online music store uses Universal's open MP3s

from Engadget by Conrad Quilty-Harper

Google, Universal, and a new start-up company called gBox are teaming up to sell music exclusively through an ad based format, bucking the iTunes style method of selling music online. The partnership works out with Google referring users to gBox, where they can buy DRM-free copies of Universal's music catalog for 99 cents. Universal still has to pay Google for the ad space, which begs the question, why couldn't Universal simply distribute the music itself? But hey, at least it looks like the whole DRM-free thing's working out for Universal and Co. Your turn, Mr. J.

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Kingston offers up 4GB Class 6 miniSDHC cards

from Engadget by Darren Murph

Although Kingston's latest trio of 4GB miniSDHC cards aren't first on the scene per se, that Class 6 iteration is sure sitting at the head of the class. Partnered by Class 2 (2MB/sec) and Class 4 (4MB/sec) versions, the Class 6 miniSDHC card boasts an impressive minimum sustained data transfer rate of 6MB/sec, which ought to be more than sufficient for those unexpected video captures on your mobile. Most interesting, however, is the pricing scheme for the aforementioned devices, as the 4GB Class 6 card runs just two bucks higher ($66) than the Class 4 version ($64), and a mere four dollars more than the lowly Class 2 ($62) sibling, so it's a pretty safe bet that you'll be going for the speed on this one.

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