Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Your iPad can double as a smart home hub with iOS 10

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/14/ipad-as-smart-home-hub-in-ios-10/

No inclination to get the latest Apple TV just to give yourself a hub for your HomeKit devices? If you have a reasonably recent iPad hanging around, you won't have to. Apple tells SlashGear that iOS 10 can use your iPad as a smart home hub as long as the tablet is both plugged in and connected to your network. It seems like an odd move, but Apple says it's all about increasing HomeKit's reach -- you can't buy the new Apple TV in countries like China, so the iPad offers that remote home automation instead. Either way, you probably won't want to try this in a multi-person household. You don't want to lose out-of-home control over your thermostat just because Junior wants to play Hearthstone.

Source: SlashGear

Read More...

Friday, June 10, 2016

Philips camera monitors baby vitals from afar

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/10/philips-camera-monitors-baby-vitals-from-afar/

Sure, junior looks fine sleeping on the baby-cam, but do you know her or his oxygen level, heartbeat and breathing rate, you monster? Of course not (don't worry, you're a good parent), because there's no way of monitoring such things short of hooking the poor tyke up to a pulse oxymeter. At least, until now. Philips has revealed a camera that can detect all those things from afar, without touching the patient. The fruit of the companies contactless monitoring project, it can get a pulse rate, breathing rate and blood oxygen level by detecting changes in skin color that are invisible to the naked eye.

Monitoring breathing and heartbeat (even through walls) isn't new, but Philips says it knows of no other studies focused on remote blood oxygen monitoring. The results are accurate to within two percent of traditional measuring methods, according to Philips, though it depends on several factors including the patient's skin color. "For patient populations with specific conditions, managing their care in a less intrusive way is critical in order to avoid unnecessary distress," says Philips Patient Care CEO Carla Kriwet. So far, the company hasn't revealed any plans for a product, but calls the results "promising" for the future of contactless monitoring.

Via: CNET

Source: Philips

Read More...

Monday, June 06, 2016

ASUS' ZenBook 3 vs. the updated MacBook: Which packs more punch?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/04/asus-zenbook-3-apple-macbook-compared/

The 12-inch MacBook is attractive and compact, but not without compromises. When the original came out last spring, our reviewer Dana Wollman took issue with its lackluster performance and lack of ports outside of a USB-C connection. Still, the MacBook was good enough to warrant a refresh in 2016 that delivered more battery life and improved performance. Now, ASUS is getting in on the minimalist act with its new ZenBook 3. At a glance, the new MacBook and ZenBook 3 seem quite similar indeed, with small, lightweight designs and, well, not many ports. While we'll certainly put the Zenbook 3 through its paces in a full review, a quick peek at the specs reveals two machines similar in profile, but with the potential for very different performance.

ASUS ZenBook 3 Apple MacBook (2016)
Price $999 / $1,499 / $1,999 $1,299 / $1,599
Dimensions 296 x 191.2 x 11.9mm (11.65 x 7.53 x 0.47 inches) 280 x 196.5 x 13.1mm (11.04 x 7.74 x 0.52 inches)
Weight 910g (2 pounds) 920g (2.03 pounds)
OS Windows 10 OS X El Capitan
Display 12.5-inch LED-backlit LCD 12-inch LED-backlit LCD with IPS
Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 2,304 x 1,440
Processor Intel Core i5 6200U or Core i7 6500U Intel Core m3 (1.1GHz) or Core m5 (1.2GHz)
Memory 4GB / 16GB 8GB
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 520 Intel HD Graphics 512
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB SSD 256GB / 512GB SSD
Ports USB-C USB-C
WiFi 802.11ac with WIDI 802.11ac
Battery 40 WHr 41.4 WHr

Read More...

Friday, June 03, 2016

MSI's Backpack PC is an imperfect solution to VR wires

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/03/msi-backpack-pc-hands-on/

One of the problems with the current crop of non-smartphone VR headsets is that they need to be connected to PCs via thick, heavy cables. These might hamper your movements when you're busy playing a game, or worse, you could trip over an errant wire and fall face flat on the floor. Well, a few companies have come up with an interesting solution: VR backpacks that carry a full-fledged PC, enabling you to move around unencumbered. MSI's version is called the Backpack PC. Since it was on display here at Computex 2016, so I took a few minutes to try it out for myself.

Equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and a GeForce GTX980 graphics card, the entire rig weighs in at around 10 pounds. That sounds pretty hefty, but to my surprise it actually didn't feel too heavy when I strapped it on. This particular backpack was attached to a HTC Vive, which the helpers at the MSI booth then fitted to my head. I then played a game demo that had me shooting at flying robots, which shot back tiny red energy balls that I was supposed to avoid. If I didn't dodge those bullets, my "ship" would be destroyed.

As a result, I found myself moving around a lot, bobbing and weaving as much as I could. Compared to the normal Vive experience, I have to admit the lack of wires feels pretty freeing. Instead of worrying on whether I was about to wrap myself around in cables, I could just enjoy the game. Still, wearing a backpack feels pretty silly, plus its battery life is only around an hour before you have to charge it again.

MSI hasn't announced pricing or availability for its Backpack PC just yet, but the company says it should be out later this year. I don't imagine this will be too popular for normal home use, but I could see it being useful for perhaps in-store demonstrations or amusement parks where wires lying around could be a real hazard. Or, you know, if you want to feel like you're one of the Ghostbusters.

Stay on top of all the latest news from Computex 2016 right here.

Read More...

Thursday, June 02, 2016

Google's new software lets anyone make interactive displays

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/02/googles-new-software-lets-anyone-make-interactive-displays/

Google has created an intriguing new piece of open-source software in the form of AnyPixel.js, where anyone can create their own large, interactive displays. "Big and unusual" are the key operators here, and that seems to be exactly what Google has done as its first project.

While brainstorming ideas for something interesting to put in the NYC office, Google came up with an interactive light-up arcade button installation, taking over six thousand buttons and coordinating control via web page, opening up the panel of buttons to developers to create something fun. The result is an awesome-looking set of light-up buttons that you can press on your own for colorful, swirling designs or patterns you can watch over and over.

Google wants to put that kind of power in your hands, so you can create your own similar setups, whether you choose balloons, lightboxes, or a myriad of other components to bring your ideas to life. Before you get started you can take to Google's browser previewer as well to get some sort of idea of how your project will look when it's completed, so you don't have to be in the dark throughout the creative process.

If you're interested in working with AnyPixel.js, you can grab it from GitHub right here.

Read More...

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

AMD's 7th generation laptop chips are stronger Intel competitors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/amd-7th-gen-laptop-processors/

AMD has always been the cheaper alternative to Intel's processors, but with its latest generation of mobile chips, it's also aiming to close the performance gap. Announced at Computex today, the new high-end FX chips are 56 percent faster compared to AMD's previous generation of laptop processors, while its entry-level chips are 52 percent faster compared to the last-gen. And compared to Intel's fastest Core i7 mobile chip, the 7th gen AMD FX offers 53 percent faster graphics and a 51 percent bump in compute performance. Basically, these are the laptop chips AMD fans have been waiting for.

As is usually the case with major processor upgrades, AMD also focused on power efficiency for the new chips. The company claims its high-end FX chips now use 12 percent less power than the last gen, and the latest A9 processors use 41 percent less power when playing local 1080p videos. At the lower-end, AMD added "Excavator" cores to the new A9, A6 and E2 processors, which gives them a decent performance bump and makes them more efficient at playing HD video.

AMD says its new manufacturing process also allowed it to reach faster clock speeds with the chips. Its high-end FX 9830P offers 3GHz base speeds (with maximum speeds of 3.7GHz), while the lowest end E2-9010 is clocked at 2GHz (max up to 2.2GHz). The new A9 chip, which is being positioned as an Intel Core i3 competitor, gets max speeds 1.5GHz faster than the i3-6100U.

While AMD isn't talking about specific pricing details for these chips (it's not like you can buy them on their own), partners including Dell, HP, ASUS and Lenovo are already using them in new system designs. And of course, you can expect them to reach even more laptops (and some all-in-ones) throughout the year.

Read More...

AMD's Radeon RX480 GPU is VR ready for just $199

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/amds-radeon-rx480-gpu-is-vr-ready-for-just-199/

For its upcoming Polaris GPUs, AMD doesn't just want to entice hardcore gamers. Instead, it's aiming to bring virtual reality-capable PCs to just about everyone with its new Radeon RX480 video card, which will retail for a mere $199. The RX480 is capable of more than 5 teraflops of computing power, whereas NVIDIA's new GTX 1070 packs in over 6 teraflops for $380, and the high-end GTX 1080 sports around 9 teraflops for $600. On paper alone, AMD's new card is an astounding value (and one that NVIDIA can't yet counter without lowering prices).

The RX480 is based on AMD's new Polaris architecture, and it'll be available in 4GB and 8GB memory configurations. It'll support AMD's Freesync technology to smooth out frame rates, as well as HDR gaming with DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 support.

Really though, the key selling point of the RX480 is its cost. Currently, the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift require video cards costing around $300 at the minimum. By delivering a $199 card that's VR capable, AMD has dramatically lowered the cost of entry to VR for consumers. It's also a smart strategy for AMD, since NVIDIA has currently sewn up the high-end and mid-range market with the GTX 1080 and 1070.

Still, it's not as if the RX480 won't be good for gamers. In a remote video, Id developers praised its ability to run the new Doom remake (though we didn't get exact frame rate numbers). You could also run two RX480 units simultaneously, a configuration that managed to beat out NVIDIA's GTX 1080 while playing Ashes of Singularity. (And better yet, that configuration would only be around $400, compared to $600 or more for the 1070.)

The RX480 clocked in 62.5FPS, while the GTX 1080 was a bit lower at 58.7FPS. AMD's Radeon head Raja Koduri proudly pointed out that the dual-RX480 system only reached around 50 percent of its computing capacity, while the NVIDIA card was maxed near 100 percent.

The RX480 will hit store shelves on June 29th, and we're aiming to get our hands on it soon for testing.

Read More...

Double Robotics turns its telepresence robot into a VR rig

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/01/double-robotics-360-camera-dolly/

There's one big problem with trying to capture virtual reality video while moving... those pesky humans. Even if you have stabilizing gear, the person carrying the camera will still limit what and how you shoot. Double Robotics has a simple answer to that, though: its newly-launched 360 Camera Dolly robot transforms the company's telepresence bot into a remotely controlled, silent VR camera rig. If you want to record a cinematic tracking shot or college campus tour, you don't need any people or noisy equipment on the scene.

The dolly has an attachable mount that accepts virtually any VR camera array weighing less than 5 pounds, including those built for action cameras and smartphones. It's not a trivial purchase at $3,000 for a full kit (the same as the regular telepresence robot), but that's still reasonable for pro VR productions. And if you only need the mount, you can buy it by itself for $249.

Source: Double Robotics

Read More...

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Samsung's new 512GB SSD is smaller than a postage stamp

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/samsungs-new-512gb-ssd-is-smaller-than-a-postage-stamp/

Storage in your laptop or smartphone is a compromise between volume, access speed and physical size. But, the industry's competition to shrink them while boosting their specifications is fierce. A few months after shipping a 16TB solid-state drive, Samsung has announced a fast, efficient 512GB SSD that's half the size of a postage stamp.

Samsung's press release claims that the drive is the first mass-produced 512GB SSD with non-volatile memory express (NVMe), a host-controller interface with a streamlined register for speed, in a single package. Unlike other hard drives in multi-chip packages (MCP), Samsung's new drive is organized in a ball grid array into a collected unit, making it simpler to fit in and connect to other parts in the device. This makes the drive ideal for the ultra-slim notebook PC market, where space and weight are at a premium.

A senior Samsung VP said in a press release that the tiny drive triples the performance of a typical SATA SSD. Its read/write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and 900MB/s, respectively, mean you could transfer a 5GB HD video in 3 seconds. Samsung will start selling the drive in June in 512GB, 256GB and 128GB models.

Source: Samsung

Read More...

Up close with the ASUS ZenFone 3 series

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/30/asus-zenfone-3-deluxe-ultra-hands-on/

Like it does every year at Computex, ASUS announced a bunch of new smartphones that won't break the bank. Only this time, the best-looking device turned out to be the base model: the ZenFone 3. I managed to get some hands-on time with this $249 device and to my surprise, it looks just as good in real life thanks to the spun-metal finish on the back. It also has a more premium feel than its predecessor due to the switch from a plastic body to a combination of metallic frame and 2.5D glass panels. At this price point (with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage), there's little to complain about, but it'll take some real-life usage to see if the mid-range Snapdragon 625 will suit your needs.

The high-end ZenFone 3 Deluxe isn't far off either. It has a metal unibody case that's subtly curved on the back for better ergonomics, and unlike most competing metallic phones, the Deluxe manages to cover up most of its antenna bands -- the remaining bits are just on the body's chamfer. Still, I wouldn't mind having the ZenFone 3's body for the Deluxe as I'm more mesmerized by its concentric circles on the back, which is more effective than the same effect applied to the Deluxe's chin and ear pillow on the front side. On a more positive note, the Deluxe's Super AMOLED screen is visibly more vibrant, though we've yet to find out how well it performs under daylight. As for performance, we're confident that the 6GB of RAM (at $499, with 32GB of storage) plus the Snapdragon 820 will keep things running smoothly, assuming the final software build won't have any major bugs.

This leaves us with the 6.8-inch ZenFone 3 Ultra. Compared to its two smaller siblings, the Ultra has a less exciting design, featuring a flat metal unibody simply decorated with a chamfer, but at least it feels solid like the other two. As with the ZenFone 2, the Ultra's volume keys are also placed on the back, which is a bit odd given that the other two ZenFone 3 models have them on the side. On a similar note, the Ultra's fingerprint reader is located on the front side instead of the back like on its siblings, which perhaps makes more sense given that you're less likely to be holding up the phablet as often; it is notably heavier, after all (233g instead of the Deluxe's 170g), mainly because of the generous 4,600mAh battery.

One thing I must praise is that those dual speakers at the bottom are super loud, which says a lot because even the single speaker on the lesser ZenFone 3 models is already pretty powerful. I just wish they were facing the front. $479 for this model gets you 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage, so even though it's running on a Snapdragon 652 (which should be more than plenty for everyday use), it probably wouldn't take much to convince those who are addicted to watching videos on the road. As to how big that market is, only time will tell.

Based on my early hands-on time, it's safe to say that ASUS is generally headed in the right direction with its latest smartphones, but there are still questions remaining: Are the cameras as good as they claim to be? And how stable is the latest ZenUI? We'll need to spend some more time with these devices -- and fully put them through their paces -- to know for sure.

Read More...

Intel's 7th generation of Core CPUs are coming later this year

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/intel-will-release-7th-generation-of-core-cpus-later-this-year/

Besides its $1,723 10-core Core i7 Extreme Edition processor, Intel just teased some other chip news during its keynote presentation at Computex. There aren't many details available, but the company confirmed the the 7th generation of its Core CPU technology will go on sale later this year. They will be joined by its Apollo Lake chips, which are a cheaper version of the current 6th gen Skylake family. Apollo Lake should bring 4K video capability and USB-C to cheaper, 2-in-1 laptop/tablet style devices with smaller batteries. As far as the 7th generation of Core CPUs, buyers can expect support for Thunderbolt 3, and IR cameras used for features like Windows Hello's facial recognition.

Read More...

Digital Storm's latest gaming all-in-one packs a 10-core CPU

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/digital-storm-aura-gaming-all-in-one-pc/

The trend of gigantic all-in-one gaming PCs isn't ending any time soon. Digital Storm has unveiled a new version of the Aura, a 34-inch curved system that packs some truly high-end hardware. To begin with, it's one of the first PCs to use Intel's enthusiast-oriented, Broadwell-E-based Core i7 Extreme Edition processors -- you can equip it with up to a 10-core chip if you're bent on juggling multiple apps at the same time. You can also stuff in a GeForce GTX 1080 to make sure games play smoothly at the Aura's ultra-wide 3,440 x 1,440 resolution.

As with other all-in-ones of this caliber, you're not giving up hardware upgrades to save space. Digital Storm promises that you can replace just about everything, including the graphics card and the motherboard. It even supports liquid cooling, in case you hate the idea of a noisy (or just hot-running) rig. Just be prepared to open your wallet if you like the concept. The Aura starts at $1,999, and history suggests that you'll be paying much more to get your dream machine.

Source: Digital Storm

Read More...

Friday, May 27, 2016

Lenovo's new Droids might be shiny and metallic

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/26/lenovo-new-droids-leak/

See those phones above? They might be three versions of the Droid Lenovo's launching in an upcoming event in June. Evan Blass (aka evleaks), well-known source of device leaks, has posted the photo on Twitter, and people seem to have anointed the black-and-bronze model as the Beyoncé of this trio. While the image only shows the Motorola and the Droid logos, the phone will likely have Verizon's branding somewhere, since the line's exclusive to the carrier.

Blass also tweeted out an image of three swappable backplates called MotoMods, which could be compatible with the upcoming handset. He said the three backplates have different features: one has a projector, another has JBL speakers and the third one has a Hasselblad camera. Those backplates will definitely make the phone more interesting than comparable competitors, but we won't know for sure until the company launches them on June 9th.

The DROIDs you're looking for? pic.twitter.com/j5zqq73Zh2

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 25, 2016

By the way, these are (from L to R) the projector, JBL speakers, and Hasselblad camera. https://t.co/7FIk9wA8zx

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 26, 2016

Via: The Verge

Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)

Read More...

Backpack PCs will help you avoid VR cable catastrophe

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/27/vr-backpacks-are-now-a-real-thing/

HP revealed an arsenal of new gaming gear yesterday, but it had one more device up it's sleeve. Another PC that's part of the recently announced Omen line is a backpack machine that's VR-ready. It's still in development, so details are a bit scarce at this point, but the mobile setup packs a Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 32GB RAM and everything else you'll need to power an HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. There's no word on the graphics card just yet, but a belt holds two batteries -- one for the CPU and one for the graphics card.

As you might expect, battery life is pretty limited. In fact, HP says those batteries will only last for about an hour. However, you'll be able replace those packs without having to shut the system down thanks to a smaller third battery. In terms of heft, the Omen VR backpack weighs under 10 pounds and offers a wireless display, mouse and keyboard for setup and troubleshooting. Since this device is still in the works, there's no word on pricing or availability. If we had to guess, you'll need to tap into your savings account when the time comes.

HP isn't the only one with a VR backback though, as MSI also announced one as part of its Computex lineup. The Backpack PC (yes, that's the name) carries an Intel Core i7 alongside a Nvidia GTX 980 graphics card. MSI is touting the benefits of "big movements and total immersion," but it too is light on the finer details, especially pricing and availability. Back in April, Zotac put one of its mini PCs in a backpack to offer a VR-ready setup with Nvidia GTX 970, 980 or 980i graphics. There's no word on price here either, unfortunately, but we could hear more at the event in Taiwan this week.

The goal with all of these machines is for users to be able to use a tethered VR headset without being anchored to a desktop machine. In theory, you can plug into one of these backpacks and walk around during the game or other VR experience. Of course, you likely don't have a lot of room to roam in your living room, but places like the VR theme park The Void could be a spot where these devices see the most use. Either way, it beats cramming a computer into a regular backpack that will quite literally get you hot under the collar.

Source: MSI, The Verge

Read More...

Thursday, May 26, 2016

MIT exploited heat to make the most efficient solar cell yet

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/26/MIT-solar-thermophotovoltaics/

Sorry, University of New South Wales: Your efforts at shattering the efficiency record for solar cells earlier this month have been, ahem, eclipsed. A group of researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a way to possibly break the maximum efficiency of a solar cell, the Shockley-Queisser Limit. The Shockley-Queisser tops off at around 32 percent, but that's taking standard solar cell setups into account. The MIT scientists switched it up and converted incoming sunlight to heat prior to having it generate electricity, a trick that could possibly double the power produced by a given panel.

These solar thermophotovoltaics (above) take light and pass it through an intermediary part comprised of nanophotonic crystals that outputs thermal radiation -- something that's otherwise wasted using typical means. From there, the radiation is converted to the best-possible light wavelengths, via an optical filter, that a normal solar cell can use.

The school says this method means that in the future, passing clouds or even total darkness (if a thermal storage system is in place) wouldn't affect the system's ability to gather and produce solar energy, respectively. And this is all with what the team refers to as "unoptimized geometry." Meaning, efficiency could go even higher than what was achieved during this experiment. Your day in the sun is over, UNSW.

Via: MIT News

Source: Nature Energy

Read More...

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

New Solar Cell Turns Light Into Heat to Potentially Double Effiency

Source: http://gizmodo.com/new-solar-cell-turns-light-into-heat-to-potentially-dou-1778593027

There’s a annoying theoretical limit on the efficiency of solar cells that limits the amount of electricity they can create from sunlight. But now a team of MIT engineers has developed a system that overcomes the problem by first converting light to heat—and it could double the efficiency of solar cells.

Read more...

Read More...

E Ink announces a color breakthrough, but it's only for signs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/24/e-ink-announces-a-color-breakthrough-but-its-only-for-signs/

There's a small glimmer of hope for the seemingly doomed dream of color electronic paper. E Ink, which helped pioneer ePaper by providing the technology for Amazon's Kindle, announced today that it's finally developed a display that can show up to 32,000 colors. Dubbed Advanced Color ePaper (ACeP), it's a huge leap above the company's aging Triton tech, which could only display around 4,000 colors. Basically, it'll be clear enough to be practically indistinguishable from color printed onto real paper. But don't get your hopes up for an e-reader with ACeP just yet -- for now, E Ink is positioning it for in-store signage as 20-inch panels.

While it's just as low-power as you'd expect, ACeP isn't as sharp as E Ink's black and white technology yet, which can reach up to 300 pixels per inch. ACeP only has a resolution of 1600 x 2500 pixels, which clocks in at 150ppi. It also takes a full two seconds for the display to refresh. Still, ACeP is a significant move for E Ink, which for years has been struggling to develop color displays that can go against increasingly sharp OLED and LCD screens. With Qualcomm's Mirasol technology floundering, ACeP could end up being the color ePaper solution we've been waiting for.

Source: E Ink (PR)

Read More...

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Facebook offers a free VR audio tool thanks to a buyout

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/23/facebook-offers-free-vr-audio-tool/

Facebook isn't merely content to make a virtual reality camera rig and call it a day. The company has revealed that it acquired Two Big Ears, the creator of the VR audio app Spatial Workstation, and has set the software loose. As of now, Spatial Workstation is free -- anyone with a Mac (Windows support is coming) can produce immersive sound for their 360-degree videos. Support for the company's existing Pro and gaming products will phase out over 12 months, but you'll eventually see the gaming tech merged into the Facebook-owned software.

This isn't lightweight software -- don't go in expecting GarageBand for VR. However, it's bound to be a big help for anyone serious about VR video, including Facebook. The more professional-sounding videos are out there, the more reasons you have to buy a Facebook-backed headset like the Oculus Rift or Gear VR.

Via: VentureBeat

Source: Facebook, Two Big Ears

Read More...

Polaroid's first smart TVs pack 4K and Google Cast

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/23/polaroid-smart-tv-with-google-cast/

When Google unveiled a wider range of TVs with Google Cast support, you might have done a double-take when you saw Polaroid's name -- what, the reborn camera maker? Yes, it's true... and you may have a good reason to take notice. Polaroid has unveiled its first-ever smart TVs, and it's clear that they offer some bang for the buck. Every model in the LED-lit range packs a 4K display, a 120Hz refresh rate, native HEVC decoding and Google Cast streaming, so you won't have trouble either watching Ultra HD video or sharing a YouTube clip from your phone.

The big deal, as you might guess, is the cost. The initial lineup will launch at sizes between 43 and 65 inches at respective prices between $499 to $999, while a 75-incher due in the fall will still be semi-affordable at $1,899. We wouldn't expect stellar image quality for the money, but these may well be more than enough if you're just looking to stay current without crippling your bank account.

Source: Polaroid

Read More...

Vizio's cheaper tablet-controlled 4K TVs start rolling out

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/24/vizios-cheaper-tablet-controlled-4k-tvs-start-rolling-out/

If you want Vizio's 4K TV with SmartCast 6-inch Android remote, Ultra HD with Dolby Vision HDR and Google Cast receiving but you're not ready to pony up for a high-end P-Series set, a cheaper version is now available. Vizio announced the refreshed-for-2016 M-Series line in April and now they're going on sale, first via Vizio.com and eventually through other retailers. CTO and head of marketing Matthew McRae says that larger 70- and 80-inch versions are still on the way, but currently the $850 50-inch is the easiest one to get.

Vizio:

  • VIZIO SmartCast™ 50" M-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™ (M50-D1) MSRP $849.99
  • VIZIO SmartCast™ 55" M-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™ (M55-D0) MSRP $999.99
  • VIZIO SmartCast™ 60" M-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™ (M60-D1) MSRP $1,249.99
  • VIZIO SmartCast™ 65" M-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™ (M65-D0) MSRP $1,499.99
  • VIZIO SmartCast™ 70" M-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™ (M70-D3) MSRP $1,999.99
  • VIZIO SmartCast™ 80" M-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™ (M80-D3) MSRP $3,999.99

Source: Vizio Blog

Read More...

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Malware for Virtual Skimming Is Getting Scarier

Source: http://gizmodo.com/malware-for-virtual-skimming-is-getting-scarier-1778067986

In 2009, malware called “Skimer” surfaced and security firms took notice. Skimer is essentially malware that gives hackers full access to an ATM without needing to install any physical hardware, like a card skimmer . According to a new investigation by Kaspersky Lab, the malware is not only seems in use, but it’s also become more powerful.

Read more...

Read More...

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Google built a processor just for AI

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/18/google-ai-processor/

Google is no stranger to building hardware for its data centers, but it's now going so far as to design its own processors. The internet giant has revealed the Tensor Processing Unit, a custom chip built expressly for machine learning. As Google doesn't need high precision for artificial intelligence tasks, the TPU is focused more on raw operations per second than anything else -- it's an "order of magnitude" faster in AI than conventional processors at similar energy levels. It's space-efficient, too, fitting into the hard drive bays in data center racks.

The fun part? You've already seen what TPUs can do. Google has been quietly using them for over a year, and they've handled everything from improving map quality to securing AlphaGo's victory over the human Go champion. The AI could both move faster and predict further ahead thanks to the chip, Google says. You won't get to buy the chip yourself, alas, but you might just notice its impact as AI becomes an ever more important part of Google's services.

Source: Google Cloud Platform Blog

Read More...

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Windows phones will finally let you log-in with a fingerprint

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/13/windows-10-mobile-fingerprint-scanner/

We've know for a while now that Windows 10 would support for alternative log-in options like fingerprint, facial and iris recognition. Thanks to Windows Hello, unlocking a phone with facial recognition is possible, but using a finger to access your device hasn't been an option. Well, that's about to change. At the WinHEC conference this week, Microsoft announced that support for fingerprint scanners will be part of a Windows 10 Mobile update this summer.

Of course, that software feature will need hardware to support it. HP's Elite X3, a phone that doubles as a laptop, has a fingerprint scanner but we'll have to wait and see if other device makers adopt the Windows Hello tool. Microsoft says while some OEMs have experience with fingerprint components from FPC and Synaptics, using scanners from other companies may take a bit more effort to work alongside Windows 10. The Anniversary Update that will deliver the feature is in testing now, and it should arrive in July for both desktop and mobile.

Via: MSPoweruser, The Verge

Source: WinHEC Presentation (PDF)

Read More...

Thursday, May 12, 2016

A Major Mystery About Earth's Magnetic Field Has Just Been Solved

Source: http://gizmodo.com/a-major-mystery-about-earths-magnetic-field-has-just-be-1776291902

For the first time, physicists have observed a mysterious process called magnetic reconnection—wherein opposing magnetic field lines join up, releasing a tremendous burst of energy. The discovery, published today in Science, may help us unlock the secrets of space weather and learn about some of the weirdest, most magnetic objects in the universe.

Read more...

Read More...

LG's GoPro rival can stream direct to YouTube

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/12/lg-action-cam-lte-gopro-rival/

LG has made an action camera that can live stream to YouTube (or anywhere else) without a phone or WiFi. The LG Action CAM LTE (clearly, hours spent on the name) has onboard 4G to beam video direct to the web. The camera itself looks like an elongated GoPro Hero4 Session (the frame it's hanging from in the picture looks almost identical). Unlike GoPro cameras, though, LG's Action CAM has built-in GPS and motion sensors -- much like the Garmin, or TomTom action cameras. This means you'll be able to record where your footage was taken, gather metrics or easily find video highlights later.

The Action CAM's 12-megapixel sensor shoots 4K/UHD at 30 frames per second (fps), 1080p at 60fps and for extra slo-mo, there's a 120 fps option at 720p. If you're hoping to make use of the cellular livestreaming, then you're limited to 720p at 30 fps. That cell connection isn't the only way to get video out of the camera though. The Action CAM supports memory cards up to 2TB, and there's built in WiFi and Bluetooth too (plus good old USB of course).

LG says the Action CAM is part of its "Friend" line of accessories, which it launched in Barcelona earlier this year with the LG G5, although there are no specifics about how it actually fits in with the rest of the line (especially as it doesn't need to borrow the phone's data connection). It's likely that you'll be able to use a handset as a viewfinder though. The Action CAM is also waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes without a case, so you'll definitely not want your phone with it then (we also imagine this hinders livestreaming).

On paper, the Action CAM seems to offer more features than most of its rivals. GoPro cameras don't have motion sensors, and there are very few with livestreaming built in right now. GoPro gets around this by native support for Periscope, but that still requires you have your phone within WiFi reach. We can't tell you if this makes LG's camera a worthy rival just yet, as we have no idea about price, data costs and even where it'll be available beyond South Korea next month, followed by the US and Europe later.

Source: LG

Read More...

Vuze camera offers 3D VR video for less than $800

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/12/vuze-vr-camera-pre-orders/

HumanEyes swore up and down that its Vuze virtual reality camera would undercut the price of professional cams by thousands of dollars, and it clearly wasn't kidding around. The company has started taking pre-orders for its 3D 360-degree camera at a relatively modest $799. That's significantly less than the under-$1,000 target it set back in January, and a sliver of the cost of high-end alternatives -- even GoPro's upcoming Omni rig is likely to be much more expensive, and only shoots in 2D. You'll have to wait until the fall to get your unit, though, so don't count on using the Vuze for a VR vacation documentary.

This isn't the cheapest or most portable VR camera you can get. Ricoh, Samsung and others are already making smaller 360-degree cameras that cost under $400, and Nikon's upcoming KeyMission 360 may be similarly affordable, but all these options only shoot in 2D. Vuze's system packs eight cameras versus two to four on most of these competitors, which is what allows to record in 3D (or 2D at higher resolution). Another advantage of the extra optics, is it doesn't have to rely on fisheye lenses (and thus compensate for serious distortion) to create its wrap-around 4K picture. As such, this might be the best way to capture VR video on an enthusiast's budget. You're theoretically getting the quality of the pro option without the bank-busting cost.

Source: Vuze

Read More...

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Leaked Canon Lens Has Some Bright Ideas Built in

Source: http://gizmodo.com/leaked-canon-lens-has-some-bright-ideas-built-in-1775812012

Leaked Canon Lens Has Some Bright Ideas Built in

Properly lighting a tiny subject when doing macro photography is tricky since your camera ends up so close to it. A ring light surrounding the lens is one solution to the problem, and it looks like Canon might soon be releasing a macro lens featuring an LED ring light built right in.

Read more...

Read More...

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Mankind Doesn't Stand a Chance Now That Robotic Cockroaches Have Started Cooperating

Source: http://gizmodo.com/mankind-doesnt-stand-a-chance-now-that-robotic-cockroac-1774920929

The scourge of puppies, babies, and robotic vacuums is no longer a problem for robotic cockroaches. Researchers at UC Berkeley have taught this pair of VelociRoACHes to cooperate and help each other tackle stairs using a tiny magnetic winch and old-fashioned teamwork.

Read more...

Read More...

This New 'Skinterface' Could Make Smartwatches Suck Less

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-new-skinterface-could-make-smartwatches-suck-less-1774926857

This New 'Skinterface' Could Make Smartwatches Suck Less

If smartwatches are going to create a gadget future beyond smartphones, they’ll have to up their game . Researchers from Carnegie Mellon may have just the thing with a new smartwatch interface that uses that fleshy bezel right next to the typically tiny displays: your arm.

Read more...

Read More...

A Robot's Stitched Up a Pig Gut All By Itself

Source: http://gizmodo.com/a-robots-performed-the-first-ever-autonomous-suturing-o-1774855279

Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly common in hospitals, but it’s always under the control of a human surgeon. Now, a robot’s sewn up incisions in a live pig’s gut, all by itself.

Read more...

Read More...

Netflix adds data-saving quality controls to mobile apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/05/netflix-data-saving-quality-controls/

Back in March, Netflix revealed that it was working on a "data saver" feature for its mobile apps. Keeping its word, the streaming service announced today that the cellular data tool that allows users to adjust video quality to save data is available in its iOS and Android apps. In fact, we're seeing the new feature in both Netflix apps here at Engadget HQ. By default, the software adjusts video quality to allow for about 3 hours of streaming per gigabyte of data. The company says that tests showed this to be the best balance of data use and quality when streaming over a cellular connection.

In addition to the default setting, there are options for low, medium and high quality streaming that allow for four hours, two hours and one hour of watching with 1GB of data. There's also a setting for those with unlimited data plans, and if you don't want to use any of that monthly allotment, you can opt to only stream movies and TV shows on WiFi. Netflix also offered the reminder that even if you choose higher quality in the app, your mobile service provider may place its own limits on bandwidth. Regardless of networks fiddling with quality, these new quality settings should help folks who enjoy an episode of House of Cards on the go, but regularly exceed their data caps.

Read More...

Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Simple exploits use images to attack websites

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/04/imagemagick-web-exploits/

Would-be hackers don't always have to jump through hoops to bring down a website. Researchers have discovered relatively simple exploits in ImageMagick, a common package for processing pictures on the web, that let attackers run any code they like on a targeted server. If someone uploads a maliciously coded image and ImageMagick handles it, they could theoretically compromise both the site and anyone who visits it. That's particularly dangerous for forums and social networks, where user uploads are par for the course -- a vengeful member could wreck the site for everyone.

Thankfully, there are fixes. The ImageMagick team is closing the security holes within the next few days, and it's possible to thwart at least some attacks by either verifying the integrity of images or using a policy file to disable the susceptible features. The concerns are that these safeguards won't cover everything, or that website owners won't rush to shore up their defenses. It could be a while before you can assume that your favorite social sites are protected.

Via: Ars Technica

Source: ImageTragick, ImageMagick

Read More...

Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Hacker who stole from banks ordered to pay $7 million

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/02/russian-hacker-gozi-virus/

A hacker whose creation stole bank account details from over a million computers across the globe has been ordered to pay $6.9 million. Nikita Kuzmin from Russia is one of the three architects of the Gozi virus, which infects computers through PDF files. People unwittingly install it on their machines by downloading a PDF file they receive that's relevant to their interests. Authorities first identified Gozi back in 2007, but by the time they did, Kuzmin and his cohorts had already siphoned millions of dollars from people's accounts.

The feds' computer experts identified a server that contains 10,000 bank account details pilfered from 5,200 computers, 160 of which belongs to NASA. Besides stealing money himself, Kuzmin also rented out the Gozi virus to other hackers for $500 a week. He earned $250,000 from that particular venture. However, Kuzmin helped authorities out with other investigations while he was in jail for 37 months back in 2011. While the DOJ didn't release the details of how he contributed, it's clear whatever he did worked: he didn't get additional jail time.

Source: Department of Justice, Bloomberg, Reuters

Read More...

HP's new Pavilion PCs include a 15-inch hybrid laptop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/03/hp-2016-pavilion-pcs/

Spring is well underway, and that can only mean one thing for HP: time to unveil a wave of new home PCs. The company has trotted out a host of new Pavilion PCs that pack both obligatory upgrades -- thinner, faster and new colors -- as well as a few welcome improvements. The highlight by far is the Pavilion x360 line of convertible laptops, which gets a larger 15.6-inch model (above) on top of the existing 11.6- and 13.3-inch versions. Yes, HP's most affordable hybrid is now big enough to replace larger portables. You'll also find slimmer designs for the two smaller versions, optional keyboard backlights on the two larger systems and your pick of current Intel chips ranging from a Celeron to a Core i7. When the Pavilion x360 updates arrive from May 15th through May 29th, prices will start at a frugal $380 for the 11.6-inch PC, $480 for a 13.3-inch version and a not-too-shabby $580 for the 15.6-inch model.

There's more to the refresh than that, of course. The more conventional Pavilion line is slimming down at the 14- and 15.6-inch sizes, and the larger systems (including the 17.3-incher) can carry the latest Intel Core i7 or AMD A12 processors, up to 16GB of RAM and storage that can include both a 128GB SSD and a 2TB hard drive. Systems start showing up as soon as May 18th, with prices starting at $540 for a 14-incher, $580 for the 15.6-inch Pavilion and $900 for the 17.3-inch behemoth.

On the desktop side of things? Some Pavilion All-in-Ones now carry a "micro edge" display that cuts the border thickness by 75 percent, and there's an optional RealSense camera for both gesture commands and signing in with face detection. A new Pavilion Desktop, meanwhile, is 30 percent smaller than its ancestor while sporting up to a Core i7 or AMD A12, 16GB of RAM, 3TB of storage and budget GeForce GTX 750i or Radeon R7 graphics. The all-in-ones first show up between July 3rd and July 10th with prices starting at $700 for a 23.8-inch display and $1,000 for 27 inches. The Pavillion Desktop hits on June 26th for $450, and it'll be joined at the same time by a 32-inch quad HD Pavilion Display that sells for $400.

Source: HP

Read More...

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Opera is the first big web browser with a built-in VPN

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/21/opera-browser-vpn/

If you've wanted to use a virtual private network to improve your web privacy or (let's be honest) dodge content restrictions, you've usually had to either install a third-party client or use a relatively niche browser with the feature built-in. As of today, though, you have a more mainstream option: Opera has released a developer version of its desktop web browser with native VPN support. You only have to flick a virtual switch to get a 256-bit encrypted connection that hides your connection details and prevents sites or governments from blocking content they don't want you to see.

The preview version only gives you three simulated locations for the VPN (Canada, Germany and the US), so this won't give you access to a whole lot until the finished browser is ready. However, the VPN is free. If all you want is to access a forbidden streaming service or make it harder for snoops to monitor your traffic, this might be your easiest and most affordable solution.

Source: Opera

Read More...

Monday, April 18, 2016

Flexible lens sheets could change way cameras see

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/18/flexible-lens-sheets-could-change-way-cameras-see/

Cameras are already embedded in a lot of devices, but what you could wrap them around things like a "skin?" That's the premise of "flexible sheet cameras" developed by scientists at Columbia University. Rather than having just a single sensor, the devices use an array of lenses that change properties when the material is bent. The research could lead to credit card-sized, large-format cameras that you zoom by bending, or turn objects like cars or lamp posts into 360-degree VR cameras.

In order to create a wraparound camera, the team first considered attaching tiny lenses to single pixel-sized sensors, a tact that's been tried before on curved surfaces. However, they realized that when bent, such an array would have gaps between sensors that would produce artifacts in the final image. Instead, they created flexible silicon sheets with embedded lenses that distort and change their focal lengths when bent. The resulting prototype has no blank spots, even with significant curvature, so it can capture images with no aliasing.

The team flexed the prototype sheet -- with a 33x33 lens array -- in a predictable way, allowing them to produce clean (though low resolution) images. However, if the amount of deformation isn't known, the system produces random and irregular images. For instance, they created a simulated camera based on a larger, more flexible sheet that produces a hilariously distorted image (above) when when draped on an object.

However, the goal is to eventually measure the amount of deformation with built-in stress sensors, then calculate the sheet's geometry to produce a clean image. While the current prototype is very low-res, it proves that the concept is viable, so the team plans to "develop a high resolution version of the lens array and couple it with a large format image sensor." Eventually, the sheet camera could result in sensitive large format cameras that produce very high dynamic range images. If you want to be more futuristic, the tech could even turn household objects and wearables into giant image sensors. Invisibility cloaks for all?

Via: Digital Trends

Source: Columbia University

Read More...

AI-powered cameras make thermal imaging more accessible

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/18/flir-and-movidius-ai-thermal-camera-module/

As cool as thermal cameras may be, they're not usually very bright -- they may show you something hiding in the dark, but they won't do much with it. FLIR wants to change that with its new Boson thermal camera module. The hardware combines a long wave infrared camera with a Movidius vision processing unit, giving the camera a dash of programmable artificial intelligence. Device makers can not only use those smarts for visual processing (like reducing noise), but some computer vision tasks as well -- think object detection, depth calculations and other tasks that normally rely on external computing power.

You'll have to wait for companies to integrate Boson before you see it in products you can buy. However, its mix of AI and compact size could bring smart thermal imaging to gadgets where it's not normally practical, such as home security systems, drones and military gear. You may well see a surge in devices that can recognize the world around them in any lighting condition -- even in total darkness.

Source: FLIR, MarketWired (Yahoo)

Read More...

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Experts crack nasty ransomware that locks your PC and your backup

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/12/experts-crack-petya-ransomware/

Petya, a brutal piece of malware, surfaced two weeks ago. It's a mean bit of crypto-extortion that hits its victims where it hurts: right in your startup drive. Because it encrypts your master boot file, if attacked, not only will you be unable to start up your PC and not even access your startup disk. Eeesh. Fortunately, there's help. Leostone has come up with a tool that creates the password needed to unlock your startup disk. It's not all that simple, however.

You'll need to remove the startup drive and connect it to a separate (not infected) Windows PC, and then pull some specific bits of data to plug into this web app — and craft your password. (There's also another free tool that can grab the necessary data nuggets here.) From there, you'll be able to decrypt that all-important master boot file — and forever learn the lesson of vigilance when it comes to possibly fake CHKDSK antics.


Source: Ars Technica, Twitter (@Leo_and_stone)

Read More...

Monday, April 11, 2016

Solar cell generates power from raindrops

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/11/solar-cell-generates-power-from-raindrops/

Rain is normally a solar energy cell's worst nightmare, but a team of Chinese scientists could make it a tremendous ally. They've developed a solar cell with an atom-thick graphene layer that harvests energy from raindrops, making it useful even on the gloomiest days. Water actually sticks to the graphene, creating a sort of natural capacitor -- the sharp difference in energy between the graphene's electrons and the water's ions produces electricity.

The catch is that the current technology isn't all that efficient. It only converts about 6.5 percent of the energy it gets, which pales in comparison to the 22 percent you see among the world's better solar panels. If the creators can improve the performance of this graphene-coated cell, though, they could have a dream solution on their hands -- you wouldn't have to live in a consistently sunny part of the world to reduce your dependency on conventional power.

Via: Science News Journal

Source: Wiley Online Library

Read More...

Friday, April 08, 2016

State-run healthcare websites aren't as secure as you'd think

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/07/state-run-healthcare-websites-arent-as-secure-as-youd-think/

Health insurance websites in California, Kentucky and Vermont apparently aren't as secure as they should be. According to the Associated Press, based on the vulnerabilities found by the Government Accountability Office, other states' health care websites could be just as ripe for intrusions. Without naming names, the GAO reported that one state didn't encrypt passwords, another didn't have the right type of encryption server-side and the last anonymous state failed to "properly use a filter to block hostile attempts" to visit its site.

The scary part is that some of the issues still exist, even though the GAO's examination concluded last March. Former Kentucky governor Steve Beshear says that no information was compromised and there were never any security breaches, however. The GAO says that Healthcare.gov isn't much better about security either, but, that like Kentucky, private data has not been lost or pilfered despite numerous "security incidents." Comforting!

It isn't all unsettling news though. From the sounds of it, the Golden State's Covered California site is trying its best to prevent intrusions and fix any new holes since the GAO's investigation concluded. There's a joke that could be made here about the government's attitude toward encryption given current events, but I'm going to let the comment section sort that one out.

Source: Associated Press

Read More...