Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The new Nexus 7 vs. last year's model: what's changed?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/24/nexus-7-whats-changed/

Google's second-generation Nexus 7 hasn't been the company's best kept secret -- we've seen leak after leak, after leak and, well, you get the point. Still, now that the revamped 7-inch slate is officially out the bag, we can finally leave speculation behind and attach some formal specifications to the thing. As expected, the new Nexus 7 brings a number of internal upgrades to the table, while its outer shell has seen a few minor aesthetic changes. All signs point toward it being a worthy successor to Mountain View's popular tablet, but how big of an upgrade are we talking about, exactly? Those answers await after the jump, where we break down the specs and spell out what's different between the old and new Nexus 7.

Filed under: Tablets, ASUS, Google

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Google introduces Chromecast, a $35 HDMI streaming solution for televisions (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/24/google-chromekey/

Google's Chromecast is Mountain View's next foray into the television market. In brief, it's a $35 HDMI dongle that mirrors content being played nearby on a tablet, smartphone or computer. Hrm, that sounds familiar. The 2-inch device runs "a simplified version of Chrome OS" and requires separate USB power; connect it to your local WiFi network and similarly connected devices work with Chromecast. It can be ordered right now on Google Play and will apparently ship in one to two days. Of note, the device seems US-only for now, as our UK colleagues are showing a "not available in your country" prompt. Early buyers get three months of free Netflix with the purchase. Additionally, it's also heading to retail (read: Best Buy) on July 28th. Google ended its presentation with a quick word that Chromecast functionality will eventually come embedded in various other devices, and that it's working on getting other countries access "as quickly as possible." No specs were given during the presentation, but its Google Play page lists the device as HDMI-CEC compatible, and it uses 2.4GHz 801.11 b/g/n WiFi. Given the separate USB power required, the $35 nets you a Chromecast device, an HDMI extended, a USB power cable and a separate power adapter.

Apps that work with the device include a "Cast" button that allows users to push video to their televisions and control various aspects remotely (volume, play, pause, etc.). "Once Chromecast is plugged in, you just go to YouTube on your smartphone," Google reps said. "You'll see the cast button in your UI and you press it -- Chromecast will pull the info you requested from the cloud and play it on your TV." Meanwhile, an on-stage demonstration showed YouTube video being pushed "via the cloud," thus enabling other apps to be used while a video is being viewed on a television screen. Netflix was up next, and it has similar remote control functionality. Google Play movies and television (expectedly) also work with Chromecast, and Google delightedly demonstrated it with Vin Diesel vehicle Fast Five. Finally, Google demoed full Google Chrome projected on a TV and controlled remotely with a "standard $500 Windows 8 laptop." The feature is "still in early days," but a promise has already been made: that users will be able to easily project content to televisions via their web browser.

Update: We've added Chromecast's first commercial (which demonstrates much of the device's functionality) just after the break, and a source link with Google's formal announcement.

Gallery: Google Chromecast

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals, Internet, Software, HD, Google

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Source: Google

Netflix, Pandora confirmed as content partners for Chromecast streaming

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/24/chromecast-content-partners-netflix/

Google's taking another big stab at the TV market with its just-announced Chromecast HDMI streaming solution, and it's naturally lined up some content partners to make that device more useful. At its event today, the company confirmed that Netflix is on board with video streaming support from its Android and iOS apps; Chromecast buyers will also get three months of Netflix for free "for a limited time" with their purchase (notably, that includes existing Netflix members). On the audio side of things, you'll also be able to take advantage of music streaming courtesy of Pandora, which is apparently coming sometime after launch according to Google's blog post. Less surprisingly, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and the Play Music app will also be offering full support for the device, letting you push videos and music to your TV (and the sound system attached to it) from your mobile device of choice. Additional content partners are said to be "coming soon."

Gallery: Netflix on Chromecast

Filed under: HD, Google

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Source: Google

Hands-on with Chromecast, Google's wireless HDMI streaming dongle

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/24/chromecast-wireless-web-content-hdmi-streaming-dongle-and-tech-h/

We should've known this was coming after Google and Netflix informed us back at CES they were working on their AirPlay competitor, the DIAL wireless streaming protocol. Today, with the revelation of the new Chromecast HDMI dongle to leverage DIAL and expand upon it, you'll be able to stream more content more easily to your home's biggest screen -- all for just 35 bucks. We got to check out the Chromecast at today's Google event, so join us, won't you, for our full impressions.

Gallery: Google Chromecast hands-on

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Google

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Christie and NVIDIA team up for an interactive car-buying experience powered by augmented reality (hands-on video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/24/christie-nvidia-custom-audi-hands-on/

If committing the requisite funds for an Audi R8 coupe seems like a stressful ordeal, NVIDIA and Christie have created an augmented reality purchase experience to lend a hand with the selection process. Under the hood, the whole lot is powered by NVIDIA GPUs, Christie projectors and RTT DeltaGen software for car configuration. Using a 3D-printed, one-fifth scale model of the R8, a series of projectors and projection tiles utilize a 3D WARP mesh to outfit the car with paint, wheels and even headlamps. A tablet UI then allows the eager customer to toggle colors, rim options, side panels and turn the lights on and off. In addition to customizing the car itself, the system also shows how the R8 will look in different environments, from dusk by the water to the rural open road. For a quick video demo from the SIGGRAPH show floor, join us after the break.

Gallery: NVIDIA and Christie custom car configuration hands-on