In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line. Perhaps the simplest function on any camera, the shutter release is typically triggered using a dedicated button, or — most often in the case of a professional rig — using a wired or wireless remote . The Triggertrap falls into that latter category, completing the circuit necessary to capture an image after receiving commands from a virtually limitless array of sources. After pairing with your DSLR or ILC using a universal connector, you’ll be able to trigger the device to snap a photo using a laser beam (thanks to the built-in photo transistor), sound (a hand clap, for example), or a timer — typically most applicable to time-lapse photography. An auxiliary port will enable you to get even more creative — you could release the shutter using a remote control, pressure trigger, or even a cell phone call, for example. The Triggertrap is well on its way to a Kickstarter campaign goal of $25,000, but there’s still time to pre-order a DIY kit for $70, or a turn-key version for five bucks more. As always, Kickstarter will issue a refund if the project isn’t funded before the July 31st deadline. Both devices are Arduino based and open source, so you’re free to make modifications as you wish — assuming you don’t mind getting your hands dirty with a bit of programming. Jump past the break for a quick demo video, and keep an eye out for the creator’s Pringles can DIY macro lens , just past the 13 second mark. Continue reading Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video) Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It’s a curious thing about consumer electronics: they often disappear as fast as they hit shelves. That’s kind of what happened with Lenovo’s ThinkPad x120e : months after our glowing review, it vanished from the company’s online store, never to return. (You can still find it through Amazon and other retailers.) And though it remains MIA, Lenovo did just unveil the 11.6-inch ThinkPad x121e for Europe and the Japanese market — a clear preview of what’s on the horizon for us Yanks. This time around, it packs an Intel Core i3-2357 CPU, an AMD Fusion E-350 chip, or a Fusion C-50 APU. Other specs include a 1366 x 768 panel, up to 320GB in HDD storage (or a 128GB solid-state drive), HDMI and VGA out, three USB 2.0 ports (one of them powered), a 4-in-1 memory card reader, and, in some configurations, a WiMAX radio. Depending on the model, it comes with a three- or six-cell battery, the latter of which promises a max of eight-plus hours of battery life if you pair it with an Intel-based system. It’s on sale now for Japanese business customers with general availability coming at the end of this month, and it’s also listed on various European sites. Lenovo’s US division told us it doesn’t yet have a timetable to share, so for now you’ll just have hit the source links and settle for a vicarious thrill. Gallery: Lenovo ThinkPad x121e Lenovo launches 11.6-inch ThinkPad x121e for Europe, the Japanese market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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When you go for a run, the less you’ve got to carry on your person, the better. Think of VEA’s new Sportive mobile watch as something of a digital fannypack: it looks goofy, but it’ll help you consolidate some of that extra baggage. The device has some basic phone functionality, a camera, and an MP3 player — oh, and it apparently does the time as well. It’s got a nano-sized 1.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, 8GB of storage, and an SOS button that sends out your location and other vital info, should anything happen to you on your run. It’ll start shipping on July 14th for €399 ($578). Run, don’t walk, because the price bumps up to an even more lofty €499 ($722) in September. VEA’s Sportive mobile watch is for those with money, calories to burn originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Netflix bringing instant streaming Latin America, global domination plan on track
July 5, 2011 No Comment
Soon enough, most of the western hemisphere will be able to enjoy Netflix Watch Instantly without the need for proxies and work-arounds. Later this year the company will add 43 countries in Central and South America, and the Caribbean to its list of supported locales. It will also wrap up its North American expansion by streaming flicks into the heart of Mexico. When exactly folks in Brazil and Trinidad will be able to sign up, and how much it will cost when it launches are still up in the air at the moment. One thing is certain though — while Hulu is striking deals with the likes of Miramax and the Criterion Collection to bolster its library of feature length films, Netflix is building a global empire. Netflix bringing instant streaming Latin America, global domination plan on track originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Surely by now you’re mighty familiar with Samsung’s Android-conquering Galaxy Tab 10.1 , but we’re still here waiting on that slate’s promised TouchWiz update . Now it’s on display, courtesy of an official video posted by the company. Whilst listening to some incredibly jazzy music that will make racing fans think they’ve accidentally booted into Gran Turismo 5 , watch a disembodied hand show off some of the Honeycomb customizations that, for the most part, look fairly unobtrusive, including a bigger, friendlier settings screen. More interesting, though, is a look at the Mini Apps that are accessed by what looks to be a gesture from off the bottom of the display. Six proggies will be available at launch: a calendar, task manager, clock, note pad, calculator, and music player. We’re still not sure just when the OTA update will filter out to enable these suckers, but more importantly we’re not sure what to call them when it does. Mini Apps isn’t doing it for us, and sadly Java already has “applets” locked up tight. [Thanks, Marc] Continue reading Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Bluetooth headphones are a dime a dozen these days. Well, not really — they’re certainly plentiful, but cost quite a bit more than a piece of Bazooka. Veho’s entry into the reasonably saturated market sits just above the pricing sweet spot at $110, but it does sport some nice features like touch controls on the side for manipulating your iDevice or smart phone, and a mic for use as a hands-free headset. The lithium-ion battery inside can keep these folding over-ear phones pumping out Springsteen bootlegs and Joell Ortiz mixtapes (gotta cover all your bases, right?) for up to ten hours. And, if all black isn’t you’re thing, the Gumball 3000 edition adds some bright orange flair. Check out the galleries below. Gallery: Veho Bluetooth Headphones Gallery: Veho Bluetooth Headphones Gumball Edition Veho’s Bluetooth headphones fold up, kickout the wireless jams originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Is it just us or do all-in-ones seem to be having a moment? Over the past two months, we’ve seen Toshiba make a belated jump into the market, while Lenovo went and added one to its family of Think-branded laptops and desktops. And that’s not even counting models by old-timers like Apple, Dell, and MSI. And then there’s HP, which has been making touchscreen all-in-ones for three years — long before they were a thing . The company’s had plenty of time to fine-tune its finger-friendly TouchSmart software, and now, its newest model, the TouchSmart 610 ($899 and up), ushers in a fresh design, highlighted by a hinge that allows the display to slide down and lie nearly flat. Although it’s been shipping since this spring, it’s only been available with Sandy Bridge for about a month now. We took one of these tricked-out beasts into our living room and got reacquainted with the comforts of not-so-mobile computing. At the risk of spoiling everything, we think this should be on your shortlist if you’re considering an all-in-one, especially one with a big ‘ol touchscreen. Read on to find out why. Gallery: HP TouchSmart 610 Continue reading HP TouchSmart 610 review HP TouchSmart 610 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Whereas Android users were able to get their hands on a Google+ app as soon as the social network launched, iOS users have thus far been left out in the cold, with nary a soul to “hang out” with. Fortunately for them, though, their arduous, week-long wait may be coming to an end, now that Google+ has applied for App Store citizenship. The confirmation came yesterday from Erica Joy, a Mountain View employee who shared the news on her Google+ profile. According to Joy, the app has already been submitted for approval, leaving it up to Apple’s council of elders to give the yea or nay. Joy didn’t specify the exact date on which Google applied for iOS entry (saying only that it happened prior to yesterday’s post), nor did she speculate as to when the app may be ratified. But unless it’s laced with political rhetoric or packing a dictionary , Google+ should sail through the approval process… maybe . Google+ iOS app already submitted for Apple’s approval, employee says originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Canon restores camera production in Japan, hints at mirrorless model in 2012
July 5, 2011 No Comment
There’s no question that Canon and Nikon still dominate the interchangeable lens camera (ILC) market, but with Olympus , Panasonic , Sony , and now Pentax all launching compact, inexpensive, mirrorless models in recent years, the legacy manufacturers have some catching up to do. In an interview confirming the restoration of pre-quake production levels in Japan, Canon camera division head Masaya Maeda told Reuters that the company is “considering the technical aspects” of creating a mirrorless camera, following up by saying “we will launch an interesting product next year.” The comment doesn’t exactly make a mirrorless Canon a sure thing, but it’s as solid a commitment as we can expect for now. One possible concern for Canon is that entry into the new ILC category would cannibalize the company’s higher-end point-and-shoot offerings, which likely offer higher margins. But if mirrorless models gain market share over traditional DSLRs and Canon doesn’t have its own cam to match, the company could find itself racing to catch up, rather than dominating the ILC category as it has done in the past. Competition from Canon isn’t likely to start a price war, since there isn’t much elasticity at this point, but it could put pressure on other manufacturers to push the limits with image quality, accessory selection, and perhaps even lead to a future lens standard — though we’re probably more likely to see a Pentax Q that can actually capture DSLR-quality images far before manufacturers decide to adopt a universal lens mount. Canon restores camera production in Japan, hints at mirrorless model in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Before stumbling back to work this morning, you might wanna take a minute to give your neurons a well-deserved massage with this new teaser for Sony’s S1 and S2 tablets. Much like last month’s spellbinding ad , this sequel features plenty of balls, levers and bizarre figurines moving together in serpentine synergy. If you look closely, you might even spot one of Sony’s Honeycomb slates. This is only the second installation in what could very well be a never-ending series — but we’d be OK with that, because these clips make our brains happy. Click play to get the ball rolling and let the symphony begin. Continue reading Sony’s new tablet teaser is just as hypnotic as the first (video) Sony’s new tablet teaser is just as hypnotic as the first (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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