Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

N-Gage to Incorporate GPS and Cellphone Camera Into Games? [Cellphones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/245209374/n+gage-to-incorporate-gps-and-cellphone-camera-into-games

According to NokNok, a meeting with Will Shen, N-Gage's Head of Production in North America, revealed that Nokia is looking to use GPS and cellphone camera functionality as a utility in games. In fact, Shen noted that any functionality a phone may possess could be used to make a game more interactive. For example, users could be asked to take photographs that would be analyzed by the game for relevance using "clever techniques," then "feed" those images to an in-game character.

Shen also noted that GPS functionality could be used for location based gaming, but stressed that they want to make sure that they are not spilling over the line that separates innovation from gimmicks. Obviously, we will have to wait and see if they can actually pull any of this off but, at the very least, Nokia fans should be pretty excited about the potential that the new N-Gage platform is bringing to the table. [NokNok]

Cyber Goggles Record and Tag Your World For Future Reference [Gadgets]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/245131350/cyber-goggles-record-and-tag-your-world-for-future-reference

Straight out of sci-fi and into reality, this pair of "cyber goggles," invented at the University of Tokyo, records everything you see as you wander through the day, then tells you where to find stuff later.

A computer analyzes the video for recognizable objects: you know, a hammer, a cellphone, a potted begonia, etc. To search for an item, you type in a keyword, and if located, a video of that item plays in the LCD screen positioned over your right eye.

The intended end product is a less bulky system that can help people locate lost belongings and maybe even assist in investigations and other visual searches. Naturally, though, the core of this whole system is insanely powerful visual recognition software, and until that works without a hitch, your just gonna have to remember where you left your car keys. [Pink Tentacle]

D-Link DIR-855 Router Blasts Wireless N Over Dual Channels [D-Link]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/245222314/d+link-dir+855-router-blasts-wireless-n-over-dual-channels

If you are looking for a serious solution for your home media streaming needs, D-Link's new DIR-855 Wireless N Router is offering simultaneous full-on dual 802.11n transmissions over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. So, for those with heavy bandwith needs—this router will allow two people to go to town using their own independent high-speed channel.

The DIR-855 also features three dual external antennae, an OLED network activity display, Dual Active Firewall (SPI, NAT), Green Ethernet technology, backwards compatibility with 802.11a/g, and a 1 year warranty. Not to mention a hefty £169.99 ($340) price tag. No word on when we might see it in the states [D-Link and Trusted Reviews]

Nokia to Support Microsoft Silverlight Web Video [Industry]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/245451974/nokia-to-support-microsoft-silverlight-web-video

Nokia%20Silverlight%20GI.jpg Nokia has committed to bring Microsoft Silverlight video services to its S60 devices. Further, Nokia will also add support for the video content to its S40-based handsets at later stages. Given the immense market penetration of Nokia's Symbian- based cellphones, this partnering will have a large effect on mobile content support, and you can bet your bottom dollar that Adobe is feeling a little sick right now. [Reuters]

Everex gPC mini Hands On: Look Out Mac Mini? [PCs]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/245209373/everex-gpc-mini-hands-on-look-out-mac-mini

The folks at Wired recently got their hands on Everex's new gPC mini Linux based PC, and initial impressions indicate that it is a good value based on specs, but they note that gOS Linux is still not ready for prime time as a viable Windows alternative. That having been said, outside of some problems picking up monitor resolution and the notable lack of Wi-Fi, the gPC mini "worked fine."

Like it's big brother, Wired noted that the mini gPC has potential with the budget and Linux guru crowd—but until the final verdicts are in I wouldn't go rushing out to drop $499 on one. And I definitely wouldn't go comparing it to the Mac Mini. Other than aesthetics, these two devices have little in common. [Wired]