Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Cookstr Offers Recipes from Famous Chefs [Cooking]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/kvPapn4T42A/cookstr-offers-recipes-from-famous-chefs

Looking for recipes from legends like James Beard and Julia Child, or current celebri-chefs like Mario Batali and Daniel Boulud? Try Cookstr, which has created a database of recipes from well-regarded authors and chefs. The search feature works quite well, and particularly nice are the Refine Search tools like Skill level, Kid Friendly, or One Pot if your not particularly confident, have fussy little ones or don't want to do a sink full of dishes. The Dietary Consideration options include twenty settings, in case you need to whip up something low fat, peanut-free and halal. Suggested menus and cooking tips are promised for the future. Looking for more culinary inspiration? Find recipes based on what you have in the larder at Allrecipes or search based on what you're craving right now at Cookthink.


Read More...

Adobe, ARM Teaming Up to Optimize Flash on Mobile Devices [Adobe Flash 10]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/N_y4x_EVWFQ/adobe-arm-teaming-up-to-optimize-flash-on-mobile-devices

flash_iphone.jpgAccording to the MIT Technology Review, Adobe is working with mobile processor manufacturer ARM on optimizing Flash Player 10 and AIR for ARM processors. Why does this matter? Because ARM processors are found in 90% of mobile phones (iPhone and G1 included), not to mention set top boxes, PMPs, and gaming devices (like the Nintendo DS). And how will they do it? Adobe and ARM say they have three main areas they're working on to improve the mobile flash experience.

First, they're customizing the compiler specifically for the ARMv6 and ARMv7 processors, which will help speed up and smooth out communications between the processor and the app. Second, they're going to take advantage of the graphics subprocessors found in some ARM chips. Flash on desktops isn't optimized for any sort of graphics processor, but taking advantage of this on a mobile platform will not only help with the workload, but it will improve battery life at the same time. Lastly, they're making video compression and decompression better suited for the processors, so that it requires less horsepower.

It should come as no huge surprise that Adobe says Flash 10 will be running on ARM devices by next year, considering that they already announced plans for the software on the iPhone and G1. It will not only make it easier to view sites with rich web content, but it will also be easier to view and upload flash videos, and run flash-based apps. [MIT Tec! hnology Review]


Read More...

Digital Photos Act as Unique Fingerprints in Finding Criminals with Digital Cameras [Fingerprint]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/EAzNGBU3kGc/digital-photos-act-as-unique-fingerprints-in-finding-criminals-with-digital-cameras

Forensic specialists can now pinpoint the exact make and model of a camera simply by analyzing the pixels in digital photos. This technique would be useful in the future for tracking down criminals, such as kidnappers who've leaked photos of their hostages to the media. Read on to find out how it works.

When a digital camera captures a photo, the camera creates each pixel using a charge-coupled device—a microchip that is made up of millions of capacitors that get electrical charges depending on how intense the lighting is in a certain spot. Each of these capacitors has a lens and a color filter that creates one single pixel from a mosaic made up of red, green and blue filters.

The colors and brightness levels that we can physically see in our digital pictures are created by a demosaicing software, which is custom built for every camera model due to each camera's individual specs and subtle differences. Because of this, a certain camera model will generate distinct pixels—and unique relationships between its neighboring pixels—which can pinpoint the exact make and model of the camera.

Knowing this information could greatly help forensics teams since each digital camera has a shelf life of about 18 months, which would significantly narrow the pool of where and when it was sold. Although it is not perfect, early tests have shown this technique has proven to be 90 percent accurate, which is still an A in my book! [New Scientist via Slashdot]


Read More...

HP Touchsmart TX2 Laptop is a 12-inch Multitouch Wonder [Multitouch]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/OKw4Pvy-0Jc/hp-touchsmart-tx2-laptop-is-a-12+inch-multitouch-wonder

HP's Touchsmart tx2 is awesome because its the first consumer-oriented convertible notebook to feature a multitouch technology built into the display. The 12.1-inch screen uses a capacitive touchpanel that can track two points simultaneously, operates with fingers or a stylus, and comes with the Mediasmart 2.0 interface customized for the notebook. While Dell's oft-mentioned Latitude XT came out last year with the multitouch power to simultaneously track all five fingers, the feature was kept dormant until the middle of 2008 and lacks any realy mainstream software to take advantage of the tech.

The Mediasmart 2.0 software lets you watch movies, look at photos, play music, listen to radio and watch TV on demand. HP is partnering with MTV networks to bring IPTV content in from MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. On the hardware side, you can carry out a variety of gestures on the tx2 including select, drag, double tap, pinch, zoom, arc, rotate and flick. In addition to working with the MediaSmart software, the multitouch gestures will also work with a variety of Windows software out of the box including Microsoft Office, most internet browsers, and most photo applications.

In addition to the 1200x800 multitouch capability, the 4.5-pound tx2 has 2.1GHz AMD Turion X2 processor, ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD (5400 RPM), Bluetooth, integrated webcam, 8x DVD burner, VGA out and a digital pen.

As far as Windows 7 Beta compatibility goes, the tx2 currently will not work with the new OS, but HP says they are working with Microsoft and they can't comment on unreleased products. The HP Touchsmart tx2 is available for pre-order beginning today over at HP, starting at $1150. It will begin shipping at the end! of Nove mber. [HP]

HP Brings Multi-touch Innovation to Consumer Notebooks

Powerful multimedia software puts digital content at people's fingertips

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 19, 2008 – HP today announced the industry's first convertible notebook PC with multi-touch technology designed specifically for consumers.

Building upon the touch innovation HP developed for its TouchSmart desktop PCs, the HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC was developed for people on the go who value having their digital content at their fingertips – literally.

The enhanced HP MediaSmart digital entertainment software suite on the tx2 allows users to more naturally select, organize and manipulate digital files such as photos, music, video and web content by simply touching the screen.

"Breezing through websites and enjoying photos or video at the tap, whisk or flick of a finger is an entirely new way to enjoy digital content on a notebook PC," said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. "With the introduction of the TouchSmart tx2, HP is providing users an easier, more natural way to interact with their PCs, and furthering touch innovation."

The tx2 is the latest result of HP's 25 years of touch technology experience, which began with the introduction of the HP-150, a touch screen PC that was well ahead of its time, in 1983.

Digital media powerhouse
The tx2 gives customers the choice to set aside the keyboard and mouse in favor of a more natural user interface – the fingertip.

HP's multi-touch display delivers quick and easy access to information, entertainment and other social media. The tx2 recognizes simultaneous input from more than one finger using "capacitive multi-touch technology," which enables the use of gestures such as pinch, rotate, arc, flick, press and drag, and single and double tap.

The ! converti ble design with a twist hinge allows consumers to enjoy the TouchSmart in three modes: PC, display and tablet. With a rechargeable digital ink pen, users can turn the tx2 into a tablet PC to write, sketch, draw, take notes or graph right onto the screen – and then automatically convert handwriting into typed text.

Starting at less than 4.5 pounds, the tx2 possesses a 12.1-inch diagonal BrightView LED display and an HP Imprint "Reaction" design.

The tx2 notebook's HP MediaSmart software lets customers enjoy photos, listen to music and watch Internet(1) TV or movies in high-definition.(2) The software is optimized for multi-touch input while also making it simple to search digital content.

In an effort to provide consumers with rich content through the Internet, HP has expanded its partnership with MTV Networks (MTVN) by offering video content from 10 television channels and online brands within MediaSmart's TV module.

Beginning in December, users can enjoy all the best content from Nickelodeon, the No. 1 entertainment brand for kids; MTV, the premier destination for music and youth culture programming; and COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network and the No. 1 network in primetime for men ages 18 to 24. MTVN also plans to make content from Atom, CMT, GameTrailers, Logo, Spike, The N and VH1 available within MediaSmart's TV module.

The MediaSmart software was first brought to HP HDX notebook PCs in September, using the interface first popularized on HP TouchSmart PCs. HP plans to include the software in the tx2 and all future HP consumer notebook PCs.

Powered by the AMD Turion™ X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor or AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor(3) and built on Windows® Vista Home Premium, the tx2 will be made available worldwide in an array of configure-to-order options.

Additional features, accessories and service
The HP TouchSmart tx2 series is ENERGY STAR® qualified and EPEAT™ Silver registered. Mercury-free LED displa! y panels are included on the tx2 as part of HP's ongoing commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.

The HP tx Series Notebook Stand elevates the tx2, enhancing its usability while stationary, including making it possible to put the PC in an upright position for full interactivity with the touch screen.

HP Webcam with Integrated Microphones allows users to see brighter, cleaner images when chatting over an Internet(1) connection.

The tx2 offers access to a variety of self-help tools built in and online. It also is supported by HP Total Care, which enables consumers to reach support agents 24/7 by phone, email or real-time chat.

Pricing and availability
The HP TouchSmart tx2 is available for ordering today in the United States at www.hpdirect.com with a starting U.S. price of $1,149. (4) More information about the tx2 is available at www.hp.com/go/touchsmarttx2.

HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC

THE WORLD'S FIRST MULTI-TOUCH CONSUMER NOTEBOOK*

• Experience intuitive, two-finger control of entertainment within HP
MediaSmart.
• Enjoy music, photos, movies and TV programs within HP MediaSmart.
• Get fast, direct access to an HP tx2 Support Specialist @ 866.408.5408
(U.S. only).
• Twist the display up to 180° to share content and watch films — or fold it
flat for writing.
• Surf the Web(15) and use applications intuitively by touching the screen
with a finger.
• True Tablet PC: Write, draw and erase accurately with the included pen.
• Simplify your password management with the optional integrated
fingerprint reader.
• Engage in live video chat using the HP Webcam(15) and
integrated microphone.
• Enjoy the ultimate audio entertainment experience with SRS Premium
Sound.
* All disclaimers shown on the bottom of page 2.

KEY SPECS

• AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual-Core Processor QL-64 (2.1 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR,
AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual-Core Processor QL! -62 (2.0 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) OR,
AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-74 (2.2GHz, 1MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
OR,
AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-72 (2.1GHz, 1MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
OR,
AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-80 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
OR,
AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-82 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
OR,
AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-84 (2.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
OR,
AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-86 (2.4GHz, 2MB L2 cache) (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
• Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate(1) (2) OR,
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium(1) (2)OR,
Genuine Windows Vista® Business(1) (2)
• 12.1-inch diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800), Integrated touch-screen, Convertible display
• ATI Radeon™ HD 3200(9) available
• Up to 8GB DDR2 SDRAM System Memory (2 SODIMM; 64-bit OS)
• 160/250/320/400G/500B(8) 5400 rpm SATA
• SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support(10) (11) OR,
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±RW with Double Layer Support(10) (11) (12)
• 802.11b/g WLAN OR,
802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth(15) OR,
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN(14) OR,
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n with Bluetooth(14) (15)

UNSURPASSED STYLE

HP's innovative notebook PC designs truly integrate fashion and technology. High-gloss HP
Imprint finish encases the elegant forms and is more durable than traditional painted
surfaces. The tx2 Reaction Imprint reveals an energized pattern inspired by the circular
elements found in audio equipment. HP notebooks have won coveted International Red
Dot and iF material awards.

MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT

Providing more choices than ever, HP MediaSmart enables access to DVDs, videos, photos,
music, games(25) and Internet TV(15) at the touch of a button. Built-in demos show you how
to add music to your slide shows or videos with drag-! and-drop functionality – and much
more. Dual headphone jacks enable you to share films and music without disturbing
others. Muvee Reveal makes creating films complete with effects a snap! And the included
HP Mini Remote Control can be stored in the ExpressCard slot. It's time to play!

WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT

• One-year limited hardware and software warranty with 24/7 phone support with
numerous extended service plan options
• Toll-free phone support during warranty @ 1.800.HPINVENT (1.800.474.6836) in the
U.S. and Canada; online support for the life of the product by clicking on the "?" icon
• Easy-to-use dashboard for system diagnostics and updates with preinstalled HP Advisor

MOBILITY YOU CAN TOUCH

For those whose active lives demand a device for note capture, entertainment,
communication and robust computing that's easy to carry everywhere, the HP TouchSmart
tx2 Notebook PC delivers. The tx2 combines powerful ultra-powerful computing with Tablet
PC capabilities and entertainment features in an attractive design light enough to go
anywhere. With multi-touch support within HP MediaSmart, it is the first notebook PC for
consumers that enables the use of two fingers to navigate HP's entertainment applications.
HP has developed a specific set of gestures to help you get the most from your TouchSmart
tx2.
• SINGLE, DOUBLE TAP: Select objects by touching them once (single tap), or double tap
to open objects/programs.
• FLICK: Scroll or pan within an application either horizontally or vertically. For example,
in MediaSmart Photo, flick your finger to the left on the display and the inertia from your
flick will move the photos leftward, just as if you pushed a piece of paper to the left on a
table.
• PRESS & DRAG: Touch an object on the display and hold and drag it to the desired
destination.
• ARC: Allows you to move tracks to/from playlists without having to make a straight line. • PINCH: Touch an object on the display once to select the item then place 2 fingers on
opposite corners of the object, then move them closer together to decrease the object's
size or to zoom out. Move fingers away from one another to enlarge the object or to
zoom in.
• ROTATE: Rotate photos by touching the object once to select the item then use 2 fingers
on opposite corners of the image and rotate the image either clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
• LAUNCH MEDIASMART: Touch the screen with two fingers together and write the letter
m on the display to launch the MediaSmart Smart Menu.
• ENERGY STAR® qualified to conserve energy
• EPEAT SILVER registered
• Recyclable box for less waste
• Exclusive use of EPA SmartWay carriers for reduced transportation-related emissions.
• Replaceable battery for longer life span
• Free recycling for your old computer hardware**
Please recycle your computer hardware and printing supplies. HP recycling services make
responsible disposal easy. Visit www.hp.com/go/ecohighlights for more information. **
Shipping charges apply.
Digital ink pen
Exclusive HP Reaction Imprint finish
HP Mini Remote Control
HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC
HP recommends Windows Vista® Home Premium.


Read More...

LG launches Prada II teaser site, matching Bluetooth watch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/lg-launches-prada-ii-teaser-site-matching-bluetooth-watch/

Filed under:


Not that it wasn't official already or anything, but nothing demonstrates dedication to a product like an exclusive home on the web. Yep, LG has just launched a standalone microsite for the altogether sexy Prada II, and while you already know about the specs -- HSDPA, WiFi, 5-megapixel camera, 3-inch 400 x 240 pixel capacitive multi-touch display and quad-band GSM connectivity -- you probably weren't aware of the matching Prada Link Bluetooth watch. As you'd expect, the timepiece syncs with your Prada II and shows your incoming calls / texts, and we'll go out on a limb and presume that it tells time, too. Sadly, the tidbits we're most interested in (a release date and pricing) aren't clearly available on the site, but we'll be refreshing like madmen hoping for that to change.

[Via UnwiredView]

LG launches Prada II teaser site, matching Bluetooth watch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Read More...