Amazon offers one-hour deliveries with Prime Now

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/18/amazon-prime-now/

Amazon has just launched a new service called Prime Now, which will let Prime members order "tens of thousands" of "daily essentials" for immediate delivery. Once you download the new app (on Android or iOS), you'll get the option of picking a one- or two-hour delivery between 6AM and midnight, with Uber-like tracking included. The fastest option will run $7.99 per order and two-hour deliveries are free for Prime members. The service looks like a response to Google's same-day Shopping Express launched last year, which offers same day (but not one-hour) delivery at $5 a pop, or $99 a year. Prime Now will operate exclusively in Manhattan to start, but Amazon has promised that it'll soon be coming "to a city near you."

Amazon toyed with taxi deliveries earlier, but said that the Prime Now will be powered by its "growing network of fulfillment centers," and deliver goods like paper towels, books and toys. The discount online retailer has recently seen its turf invaded by interlopers like Walmart, which has the advantage of brick-and-mortar stores if you need something now. And if you can't get out of the house, Google will do the dirty work by picking up items from retailers like Staples and Costco, and delivering them the same day via Shopping Express, which we mentioned earlier. Since many of Amazon's competitors now price-match, that will put it back on par with them for convenience -- and it didn't even need any drones.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Amazon

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Source: Amazon

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A Little Lead Can Make Graphene Magnetic

Source: http://gizmodo.com/a-little-lead-can-make-graphene-magnetic-1671641756

Graphene has very many strengths , but there is one thing it isn't and that is magnetic. Now, a team of researchers has found that the insertion of a little lead into the planar graphene structure can change that.

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LG says next year's 4K TVs will be better because of quantum dots

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/15/lg-4k-quantum-dot-hdtv/

LG has announced that next year, it will have a new set of 4K TVs to slot between its existing Ultra HD LCDs and super-colorful OLED models. These are different because they use quantum dot technology, which LG says will make for a wider color palette and better color saturation than regular LCDs. Sony's already using the technology in its high-end TVs, and reports have indicated that Samsung will offer LCDs with quantum dots as well. The tech used here will use nanocrystals in sizes of 2 to 10 nm that show a different color based on their size, laid in a film over the usual IPS LCD. LG has committed heavily to OLED as a display technology of the future, but even with prices dropping rapidly, it's still out of range for most buyers. As a result, improving traditional LCDs -- and trying to convince folks to upgrade to 4K at all -- is where the key battles will be. The new TVs will be available in 55- and 65-inch versions at first, and you can be sure we'll be taking a close look at them in Las Vegas next month.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD, LG

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Source: LG Newsroom

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How a mobile phone camera works visualized

Source: http://sploid.gizmodo.com/impressive-video-show-how-a-camera-works-as-seen-from-t-1671191148/+barrett

Many people know how a camera works—at least conceptually. In the practice, it's not easy to imagine (in fact, it truly blows my mind if I really think of it.) This excellent 3D visualization shows exactly how the photo is taken. Very very neat.

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Jaguar's 'Ghost Car' Navigation System Is Straight Up Science Fiction

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/jaguars-virtual-windshield-ghost-car-navigation-system-is-stunning-2014-12

Jaguar just unveiled a proposed new navigation system that's unlike anything we've ever seen.

Most modern navigation systems instruct drivers using a series of arrows or at best a pictographic representation of a highway exit. However, Jaguar's new experimental system abandons the arrows and instead projects an image of a "Ghost Car" for the driver to follow.

Officially known as "Follow-Me Ghost Car Navigation," the system uses the heads-up-display technology to project an illuminated "ghost car" that looks to be driving right in front of the actual vehicle. 

"Driving on city streets can be a stressful experience, but imagine being able to drive across town without having to look at road signs, or be distracted trying to locate a parking space as you drive by," said Jaguar Land Rover's director of research and technology, Dr. Wolfgang Epple, in a statement.

"We want to present all of this information on a Heads-Up Display in the driver's eye-line, so the driver doesn't have to seek it out for themselves and take their eyes off the road ahead."

In addition to automotive apparition, the experimental navigation system also projects onto the windshield an array of strategic information for the driver to use — such as parking guidance, stop light duration, and geographic landmarks.

This new nav system is related to the company's 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen technology, which features an array of video displays mounted around the car's cabin that virtually eliminates driving blind spots around the vehicle. 

As with Jaguar's Virtual Windscreen, there isn'! t a set date for the system's debut in a production vehicle. But I wouldn't be surprised to see it in the next generation Jaguar XJL Portfolio or Range Rover Autobiography.

SEE ALSO: The 10 Best Car Engines In The World

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