Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Sony announces own backside illuminated CMOS -- take that OmniVision

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309522345/

Well, there you have it: the BSI gauntlet has been officially thrown. Sony just announced its own backside-illuminated CMOS sensor meant to rival OmniVision's achievement. Sony's sensor features 1.75 micron pixels totalling 5 effective megapixels capable of 60fps and offers low noise at twice the sensitivity of traditional sensors at the same pixel size. That's a signal to noise ratio of +8dB (+6dB sensitivity, -2dB noise), nerds. Nice Sony, but OmniVision's 8 megapixel sensor targeting cameraphones (Sony's is apparently targeting digital cameras and camcorders) brings the pixels down to 1.4 microns (with 0.9 micron pixels on the roadmap) albeit with an undisclosed SNR. Regardless, we look forward to seeing our friends' chemically-spiked club shots in excruciatingly slovenly detail later this year.

BSI, learn it -- it's shaping up to do for imaging what perpendicular did for magnetic storage.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

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Toshiba's 1.8-inch 160GB disk hits 5400RPM for netbooks

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309390245/

Filed under: Laptops, Storage

Who makes a 160GB, 1.8-inch SATA disk spinning at 5400RPM? Nobody, until today. Toshiba just announced the industry's largest-capacity / fastest 160GB MK1617GSG disk for ultra-portables and netbook-class machines. While others have hit the magical 160GB mark in an 8-mm thick form factor, this is the first 1.8-inch SATA to reach 5400RPM. Oh, and because you're about to ask: no, it's too chubby for an iPod classic (where that speed wouldn't likely be noticed) or ultra-thin laptop like the MacBook Air or Envy 133. Thanks for asking though.

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Honlai's QingBar MP101 iPhone projector makes us want more

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309546910/

Filed under: Displays

Looks like Honlai had more than one mini-projector on display at Computex. The MP101 is capable of throwing a 15- to 27-inch display form your iPhone or iPod touch in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, we're talking just 10-15 lumens and a 200:1 contrast. Still, it'll do for a quick and dirty LCoS jones. See a working prototype after the break.

[Via AVING and DisplayBlog]

Continue reading Honlai's QingBar MP101 iPhone projector makes us want more

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Video: NeoVisus Gaze prototype enables handsfree computer control

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309608357/

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

If you're tired of worrying about carpal tunnel syndrome setting in and ruining your ability to surf the intarwebz, Martin Tall is cooking up an alternative to the tried-and-true mouse / keyboard control combo. The NeoVisus Gaze prototype, quite simply, enables computer users to control the action on screen with just their eyes. Granted, this setup works entirely better when viewing photos than, say, typing up a thesis -- but there's always voice recognition software for that, right? Check out the demonstration video below.

Continue reading Video: NeoVisus Gaze prototype enables handsfree computer control

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Verizon snags LG Dare, Decoy and Chocolate 3

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/309685902/

Filed under: Cellphones

So, what do you do after announcing your intentions to spend nearly $30 billion on America's fifth largest carrier? Why, you announce a trio of new phones for the summertime, that's what. Verizon Wireless is trumpeting the launch of the Dare (pictured), Decoy and Chocolate 3, all of which are being provided by LG. As for the Dare, you'll find 3G, V CAST, VZ Navigator and a 3.2-megapixel camera, while the Decoy becomes the world's first handset with a Bluetooth headset integrated into its body. Finally, the Chocolate 3 goes all flip-phone on us and includes an FM transmitter, twin speakers, 1GB of internal storage, 2-megapixel camera and V CAST support. Unfortunately, VZW hasn't dished out official details on pricing just yet, but you can find out for sure when they go on sale later this month, June 16th and sometime in July (in order of mention).

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