ViewSonic VSD220 Smart Display with Android 4.0 comes to US in October, dips to $399

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/viewsonic-vsd220-smart-display-with-android-4-0-comes-to-us/

You might remember ViewSonic's slightly strange VCD22 Smart Display from our journey to Computex. If the sight of that 22-inch, Android-based all-in-one desktop set your heart aflutter, you'll be glad to know the finished version is coming to the US as the VSD220 by mid-to-late October. It's decidedly less portable what we saw in Taipei this June and strips out the battery we suspect most buyers wouldn't have used. For better or worse, though, most everything else is the same: while we didn't expect a change to the TI OMAP 4 processor, the VSD220 will be clinging to Android 4.0 instead of upgrading to Android 4.1 for its trip across the Pacific. The micro-HDMI video input, 1.2-megapixel front camera, microSD slot, three USB ports and Ethernet (yes, Ethernet) do help justify a space on the desk, especially for those who want a secondary display for another mobile device or PC. The VSD220 faces a stiff fight from traditional all-in-ones that don't always cost much more -- but we'll at least get a price drop to a more palatable $399 in return for our patience.

Continue reading ViewSonic VS! D220 Sma rt Display with Android 4.0 comes to US in October, dips to $399

Filed under: Desktops, Displays

ViewSonic VSD220 Smart Display with Android 4.0 comes to US in October, dips to $399 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientists develop robotic tentacle that can pick flowers, make us thumb our collars

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/scientists-develop-robotic-tentacle-that-can-pick-flowers/

Okay, it's a little too late for Johnny 5's grass hopper, but thanks to new "gentle" robotic tentacles developed at Harvard University, future generations of insects could escape a similar demise. Researchers have created a new soft appendage made from flexible plastic, that uses three compartmentalized air channels to achieve a snake-like range of movement. The touch of the tentacle is so light, that it is able to pick flowers without damage. While suggested applications include working with fragile objects, or in hard to reach locations, the team also experimented by adding cameras, suction cups and -- most terrifyingly -- syringes to the tip. The only limitation, apparently, is that the air channels prevent it from being scaled down. So while our insect friends are safe from strangle-bot, we might not be so lucky.

Filed under: Science, Alt

Scientists develop robotic tentacle that can pick flowers, make us thumb our collars originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CyanogenMod 10 now available in 'M-Series' monthly builds

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/cyanogenmod-10-now-available-in-m-series-monthly-builds/

If keeping up with those CyanogenMod 10 nightly builds was hard work, or just a little too bleeding-edge, then you might be interested to hear about the introduction of "M-Series" releases for CM10. Once a month, the team will release a more stable version for your downloading pleasure, though they are also keen to point out they will be available under the experimental tag. The list of handsets that will get the new builds includes variants of the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S, Galaxy SIII, Nexus S, Nexus 7, Galaxy Note and Sony Xperia S. Support for more phones is promised, but for now, head over to the official site for the comprehensive list and a link to the downloads.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

CyanogenMod 10 now available in 'M-Series' monthly builds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Ridiculous Bike Mutates While You Ride It [Wish You Were Here]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5941993/this-ridiculous-bike-mutates-while-you-ride-it

There are a million different bike designs out there, each suited to a different terrain. The Continuously Ergonomic Race Vehicle—Or CERV—is Cannondale's attempt at making a single bicycle that can adapt to the course you're on. It's a bonkers concept that looks just as crazy as it sounds.

Immediately upon looking at CERV you know there's something weird about it. The actual working prototype of the chainless, forkeless concept was built by Priority Designs for the EuroBike 2012 design show. The bike's front end is adjustable to different heights depending on whether you're in the middle of a tough climb or a downhill sprint. The key to the design is that even as the handles rise and fall, the distance between the saddle and the crank remains the same.
The problem, of course, is that on most bicycles, the fork is essential for steering. That means that the mechanics of the bike's steering had to be completely reengineered to suit the adjustable design.

Could this bike be the future of the Tour de France? For now we can only dream-first Cannondale has to convince people to abandon long-trusted mantras of bicycle design in favor of a revolution. [Priority Designs]

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Tiny Floating Donut Turns a Glass Of Water Into a Humidifier [Video]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5941946/tiny-floating-donut-turns-a-glass-of-water-into-a-humidifier

The next time you travel to a particularly dry part of the world, you'll wish you could bring along this tiny plastic Fogring donut to ensure your sinuses aren't destroyed while you're supposed to be relaxing. It floats on water and uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn liquids into refreshing vapors—humidifying a room with nothing but a full drinking glass and a USB connection.

The ultrasonic transducer technology it uses isn't new, but its extremely compact form factor is. The Fogring's even small enough to be used on an plane, if you think personal comfort far outweighs the panic as other passengers see a cloud of mist rising from your seat. There's no pricing or availability details yet, but it's currently being exhibited at a design show in Paris so the odds are good that this will eventually make its way into consumer's hands.

[Neotizen via Freshome]

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