Kingston debuts 96GB SSDNow V+100 solid state drive, complete with 25 percent performance boost
November 2, 2010 No Comment
Another week, another SSDNow drive. This go ’round, Kingston’s trotting out a midrange 96GB version of the SSDNow V+100, which promises to offer a 25 percent increase in performance over existing V+ units. Furthermore, this guy has an enhanced ‘always-on’ garbage collection feature, which purports to clean redundant data from the drive to prevent performance degradation and maintains the drive over its life cycle. Thankfully for you dual-boot users, the garbage collection scheme operates independently from the OS — in other words, it works with both modern, TRIM-supporting systems such as Windows 7, as well as older legacy OS’ such as Windows Vista and XP that do not support TRIM. The 96 gigger carries an MSRP of $290, while a 64GB unit can be had for as little as $220 and a 512GB version for a staggering $1,900. Continue reading Kingston debuts 96GB SSDNow V+100 solid state drive, complete with 25 percent performance boost Kingston debuts 96GB SSDNow V+100 solid state drive, complete with 25 percent performance boost originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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The World Wide Web Consortium — you know, the team responsible for certifying and standardizing HTML5 — has put together its first table of official conformance test results, giving us an idea of how well prepared each of the most popular browsers is for the oncoming web standards revolution. The data show Internet Explorer 9 as the most adroit performer ( again ), though Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Safari don’t seem to be too far behind in their HTML5 compliance, either. Of course, these checks don’t cover the entire spec, which in itself isn’t even finalized yet, but they provide us with a glimpse into a brave new world where Microsoft actually cares about coders keen on maximizing interoperability by adhering to web-wide standards. Good stuff. Check out the full results at the source link below. [Thanks, Mehran ] W3C tests HTML5 browser compatibility, crowns IE9 the champ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Affectiva’s Q Sensor wristband monitors and logs stress levels, might bring back the snap bracelet
November 2, 2010 No Comment
Credit to Affectiva — for a medical bracelet, the Q Sensor looks delightful. The item you’re peering at here has been developed by the aforesaid Massachusetts-based startup in order to give a voice to those who may not have one , and in theory, it can provide vital information to caregivers long before a breakdown takes place. Particularly with autistic children, who often cannot communicate their stress levels effectively, the Q Sensor is able to “detect and record physiological signs of stress and excitement by measuring slight electrical changes in the skin.” From there, it can send signals to doctors, parents or caregivers, and those folks can react accordingly to information that they would otherwise not be privy to. Put simply, the band works by detecting subtle moisture changes under the skin when the “flight or fight” mode is initiated, and while even the creators admit that such a response isn’t absolutely indicative of stress, it’s generally a signal worth paying attention to for one reason or another. Purportedly, a beta version is set to go on sale to researchers and educators later this month for $2,000, and there’s a video just after the break if you’re still struggling to grok the purpose. Continue reading Affectiva’s Q Sensor wristband monitors and logs stress levels, might bring back the snap bracelet Affectiva’s Q Sensor wristband monitors and logs stress levels, might bring back the snap bracelet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …ASSA ABLOY trials remote hotel check-ins, unlocking your room with NFC cellphones (video)
November 2, 2010 No Comment
Just think of it, no more hanging around your hotel ‘s front desk like some unrefined homo erectus. The Clarion Hotel in Stockholm is starting up a new pilot program to allow visitors to check in and collect their room key without the repugnant need for speaking to an actual human being — it can all be done with an NFC -equipped mobile phone. Provided your smartphone can do the near-field communications dance, all your information can be remotely downloaded, stored, and wiped (if need be), and you can even check out from a room using the accompanying application. Samsung handsets are being provided to selected customers during the period of this trial, though once its four-month incubation period is over, you’ll have to bring your own bit of advanced telephony to avoid the queues. We’re sure you’ll think of something. Video and full press release after the break. Continue reading ASSA ABLOY trials remote hotel check-ins, unlocking your room with NFC cellphones (video) ASSA ABLOY trials remote hotel check-ins, unlocking your room with NFC cellphones (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Google has filed a lawsuit in the US Court of Federal Claims against the US Department of the Interior for being what it claims as “unduly restrictive of competition.” Apparently the DOI wrote up procurement requirements for a hosted email and collaboration solution (it’s currently hobbling along with 13 different platforms for its 88,000 users) that specifically stated the software had to be part of the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite. Google thinks there should be a competitive procurement process for the $59 million contract, allowing for potential alternatives to Microsoft (like Google Apps , for instance). The DOI says it’s up for open competition on the contract, but it’s “standardized” on Microsoft tech. We’ll have to see how this plays out. Google suing US Department of the Interior for Google Apps snub originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …LG H1000B Windows 7 tablet emerges at FCC, mystifies in almost every way
November 2, 2010 No Comment
Based on design alone, it’s safe to say that the inscrutable device shown above isn’t the UX10 we peeked at Computex nor the Android-based Optimus Pad … unless, of course, LG’s hardware engineers have tweaked the enclosure rather significantly. According to a filing that just popped up in the FCC’s database, the H1000B tablet will eventually hit the US market with 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth and a copy of Windows 7, and we’re also hearing that an SD card reader is likely around the edges. The downward sloping front makes us wonder if this thing isn’t cut out for some sort of dock, but it’s not like a peripheral port is jumping out at us, either. Our bets are on a CES 2011 debut, but here’s hoping things materialize a bit quicker for you last-minute holiday shoppers. LG H1000B Windows 7 tablet emerges at FCC, mystifies in almost every way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …EVO 4G HDMI dock finally shows up at Sprint stores, will come home with you for $40
November 2, 2010 No Comment
It’s been five long months since we last heard about the HTC EVO 4G ‘s HDMI dock, but it now looks to have finally made its way out to Sprint stores. Good and EVO managed to pick one up for $39.99 from their local purveyor of Now Network products and they’ve had a little hands-on action with the peripheral. Noteworthy notes include an extremely glossy finish on the docking station along with a predictable incompatibility with any cases or extended batteries that expand the bottom portion of the EVO’s case. A six-foot HDMI cable is bundled in the box, so all you really need to do is dust off that credit card and go be the best consumer that you can be. EVO 4G HDMI dock finally shows up at Sprint stores, will come home with you for $40 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It’s getting to be the norm when tearing down the latest piece of tech that the first thing to confront the inquiring disassembler is a big bad battery pack. The Galaxy Tab doesn’t disappoint in that respect, with a chunky white slab of power storage dominating the majority of its subdermal real estate. There are also comparatively large speakers and other little curios to explore, but we’re not going to spoil the show for you. Just head on past the break for the full video. Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab undressed, reveals massive battery (video) Samsung Galaxy Tab undressed, reveals massive battery (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Microvision integrates direct green laser into pico projector prototype, completes RGB achievement
November 2, 2010 No Comment
You should by now be aware that we’re big fans of Microvision’s Show WX pico projectors. Whether integrated into the smartphones or gaming peripherals of the future, we feel like the company’s Laser Display Engine has a big part to play in our lives. It’s therefore very welcome news to hear that its research team has managed to integrate a ” direct ” green laser into the portable projector setup, making for simpler and cheaper manufacturing of smaller components. Up to this point, Microvision has been performing its color mixing using a red laser, a blue laser, and a red laser specially re-calibrated to output green light, but that added bit of complexity can now be set aside with the inclusion of lasers that produce green hues natively. The company cites at least five global manufacturers ready to produce direct green beamers in commercial quantities by late 2011, so with a bit of luck and price competition, the pico projector dream might have itself a glorious realization after all. Continue reading Microvision integrates direct green laser into pico projector prototype, completes RGB achievement Microvision integrates direct green laser into pico projector prototype, completes RGB achievement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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If your answer to the question ” how would you change Apple’s Mac mini ” was to give it a lower price, rejoice, for Apple has listened to your sage advice. Unamerican markets around the world are waking up to the news that the mini desktop computer has shrunken in price — by €100 in Europe and by
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