Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

First signs of Google's new 'semantic search' spotted, put to good use

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/google-semantic-search/

So, Google wasn't merry-dancing when it promised to update its search engine with new "semantic" algorithms. One of our readers sent in the screen grab above, which shows what happens when they search for "Howard Carter." In addition to all the regular links, there's a box on the right that seems to be distinctly aware of who that poor fellow was (er, happy birthday old bean). We haven't been able to replicate these results, which probably means it's a limited roll-out at this time. Nevertheless, if we're right, then this archaeologist's name will have wormed its way through Mountain View's constantly updated knowledge database, which we're told can link facts together rather than just match keywords. Carter's cause of death? Hmm, clearly the system still as a few things to learn about mummies and curses.

[Thanks, Joseph]

First signs of Google's new 'semantic search' spotted, put to good use originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 05:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Micron teases working DDR4 RAM module, aims for late 2012 production

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/micron-teases-working-ddr4-ram-module/

JEDEC is still finalizing the standards for DDR4, but that doesn't mean component manufacturers are holding back on developing the tech now. Samsung announced the first DDR4 DRAM module last year, and now Micron has announced that it's developed a working part of its own. Using its 30-nanometer technology, the 4GB x8 part is just the first of many products in the company's DDR4 portfolio -- it will expand to include x16 and x32 parts with initial speeds of 2400 MT/s and eventually the JEDEC's targeted of 3200 MT/s. So when will DDR3 seem like a distant relic? Well, Micron is already sending around samples to clients, and it hopes to begin full-scale production by the end of the year. As always, jump past the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Micron teases working DDR4 RAM module, aims for late 2012 production

Micron teases working DDR4 RAM module, aims for late 2012 production originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GE Figures Out How to Squeeze 100W of Light from a 27W LED Bulb [Lighting]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5908379/ge-figures-out-how-to-squeeze-100w-of-light-from-a-27w-led-bulb

One drawback of LED lighting is that as the bulb's output wattage grows, so too does the chip cooling system. But GE's new Energy Smart bulb's ingenious cooling design packs a 100W of power at a quarter the energy requirements of a standard A19 incandescent.

To cram the necessary parts into the A19 shape, GE partnered with Nuventix to replace the conventional cooling fans with something they call a synthetic jet—essentially an oscillating membrane that helps dissipate the heat. In addition, the Energy Smart bulb emits at the 3000K color temperature and is rated at a 25,000-hour service life.

"Our innovation team has tackled a previously insurmountable technical challenge: cooling a 100-watt A-19 shaped replacement LED bulb without making it physically bigger," said Steve Briggs, general manager of LED systems, GE Lighting in a press release. "Each subsystem such as optics, electronics and thermals needed to be designed for miniaturization and cooperative performance. We explored the limits of what's possible and pushed far beyond industry expectations and competitors' thinking and product offerings."

GE engineers plan to further develop this technology to exceed the new 100W limit. For now, the Energy Smarts will hit store shelves by June of next year but no price has been set yet. You can expect them to be pricey, though. [GE Lighting]

Lenovo swings out diminutive ThinkCentre M92p Tiny, bevy of all-in-ones and VoIP-ready ThinkVision display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/lenovo-thinkcentre-m92p-tiny-and-more/

Lenovo's going all-out on Ivy Bridge-based ThinkCentre pro desktop updates this evening, and the centerpiece is the smallest of the lot. The ThinkCentre M92p Tiny -- yes, it's officially nicknamed Tiny -- is about as thick as a golf ball at 1.4 inches and ready to tuck behind your display, but packs up to a third-generation Intel Core chip, vPro for IT control and your choice of spinning or solid-state hard drives. The M92p Tiny and a lower-end M72e should arrive in June, although what the respective $799 and $499 prices will get you are still mysteries.

There's no shortage if you prefer your desktops slightly more upsized. The all-in-one pack is topped by the 21.5-inch ThinkCentre Edge M92z, an uncommonly thin (2.5 inches) desktop using an IPS-based LCD with optional multi-touch that's due in July for $699. The 20- and 23-inch M92z AIO models start off at $799 for their June releases and pack up to 1TB of storage and dedicated AMD Radeon HD graphics, while a more modestly equipped, 20-inch M72z AIO will appear the same month for $599. And if you've just got to have a traditional box, Lenovo will gladly sell you the budget ThinkCentre Edge 72 ($439) or slightly uprated ThinkCentre M82 ($599). Everyone has the option of the 23-inch ThinkVision LT2323z display, which touts an IPS-based LCD and a webcam with Lync VoIP-certified, noise-cancelling microphones. The screen's p! rice has n't been set, but it does have a locked-in June release. You can delve into the full details of Lenovo's massive ThinkCentre revamp in the releases after the break.

Gallery: Lenovo ThinkCentre May 2012 updates

Continue reading Lenovo swings out diminutive ThinkCentre M92p Tiny, bevy of all-in-ones and VoIP-ready ThinkVision display

Lenovo swings out diminutive ThinkCentre M92p Tiny, bevy of all-in-ones and VoIP-ready ThinkVision display originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for u! se of fe eds.

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Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS packs 12-megapixel sensor, f/2.0 lens, ruggedized housing for $399

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/olympus-tough-tg-1/

Ruggedized cameras have always been delivered with some kind of compromise -- an inflated price tag, bulkier body or sub-par image quality. Now, much as the E-M5 did to tighten the gap among mirrorless cameras, Olympus is introducing a full-featured pro-worthy Tough model. The Tough TG-1 is effectively an XZ-1 in a ruggedized shell -- its 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, 25-100mm, f/2.0-4.9 4x zoom lens and 3-inch 610k OLED display are all wrapped in a reinforced body, capable of flawless shooting at depths of 40 feet, in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) and after a 6.6-foot fall. With the TG-1, the company is aiming for the pro's gear bag, bringing features like 30 fps full-res rapid-fire shooting (for 50 consecutive shots, or 220 in a 3-megapixel 60 fps mode), the same TruPic VI image processor previously available only on current-gen PEN models and super-fast E-P3-like focusing speeds to an affordable, pocketable compact.

The TG-1 is also a capable video shooter, offering 1080/30p captures on land and under the sea, with Linear PCM audio recording and a powerful Multi-Motion Movie image stabilization feature. A shutter range from bulb to 1/2000 second boosts versatility, while tools like GPS, an e-compass and pressure-measuring manometer combine to provide data-rich pictures while also aiding in-camera tools, like a compass with 3D renders and a power-efficient GPS that helps to identify more than 700,000 landmarks around the gl! obe. It' s hardly approaching ILC territory, but the camera includes some lens accessory compatibility, with an available conversion adapter with fisheye and telephoto attachments that work (and can be swapped in and out) underwater. Double-locking battery and HDMI port doors will keep dust and water away from compartments, and a repellant coating helps fight water build-up on the lens -- there's 40.5mm filter compatibility as well. The Olympus Tough TG-1 is set to ship for $399 in mid-to-late June, and we're fairly certain it will be worth the wait. Full PR is just past the break.

Gallery: Olympus Tough TG-1