Chinese prisoners forced to produce virtual gold, real profits for their guards
May 26, 2011 No Comment
The virtual goods economy of massively multiplayer online games may be thriving, but it’s also stimulating an undesirable side-effect: exploitation. A former detainee at a prison in Heilongjiang province, China, has told the Guardian about how he was habitually forced into playing MMOs like World of Warcraft for the collection of loot, which the prison guards would then resell online for as much as
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Hasselblad’s H4D-200MS is yet another upgrade to its H4D camera line that we want badly, but wouldn’t have a need — or a budget — for. This latest piece of kit is nearly identical to the 50 megapixel H4D-50MS externally, but internally adds an astonishing 150 more megapixels to the mix — yes, that’s an astounding 200 megapixels! Don’t feel forgotten just yet if you have the older model, though, as Hasselblad can upgrade your sensor for €7,000 (roughly $10,000) — a great deal considering the full kit costs €32,000 (about $45,000). With that said, we should note that details are null on the medium-format sensor’s native resolution — similar to the multi-shot feature on the 50MS, the new 200MS combines six shots to create ridiculously detailed 200 megapixel still images, and it handles less intensive photos with a four-shot 50 megapixel still mode. Should you dare to venture outside the studio, there’s a 50 megapixel single-shot live mode for quick shots as well. Excuse us while we wrap our heads around the sheer number of pixels; you’ll find more info after the break in the meantime. Continue reading Hasselblad’s 200 megapixel H4D-200MS camera now shipping, breaks your bank Hasselblad’s 200 megapixel H4D-200MS camera now shipping, breaks your bank originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 06:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Panasonic resurrects Sanyo’s pistol-grip camcorders, trots out three new models
May 26, 2011 No Comment
Worried that Panasonic would kill off Sanyo’s signature pistol-grip camcorders after it bought its rival last year? Fear not — Panny just went and resurrected Sanyo’s ergonomic design with three new models – slapping its own brand on ‘em, of course. And, in a move that would do Sanyo proud, Panasonic brought back the DMX-CA100 / VPC-CA100, a 1080p camcorder Sanyo released last year under the same name. It’s gotten a spec boost, though, with the ability to snap 16 megapixel still photos, up from 14.4. The other two — the HX-DC15 and the HX-DC1 — both shoot 1080p video as well, with the DC15 offering 16GB internal memory and a 16 megapixel sensor, and the DC1 able to take 14.4 megapixel stills. No word on availability outside Japan, but we’re sure those of you with a penchant for flip-out displays and candy-colored plastic will find a way to snag one. Panasonic resurrects Sanyo’s pistol-grip camcorders, trots out three new models originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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In case you’d forgotten (and who could blame you), Kingmax used to have a thing for setting small records — even if it meant one-upping itself . Four years later, the king is back and he brought a 64GB microSDXC card with him; the world’s first, wouldn’t you know? If history repeats itself , we can expect similarly sized storage from SanDisk and other manufacturers soon. We love passing storage milestones, but don’t get too excited: only a handful of devices currently have the architecture to support microSD cards bigger than 32GB, so make sure you have a compatible device before you empty your wallet. Don’t have one? Don’t sweat it; there’s no word yet when the new cards will be available, so you have plenty of time to upgrade. Head past the break to check out the press release. Continue reading Kingmax flaunts world’s first 64GB microSD card Kingmax flaunts world’s first 64GB microSD card originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 04:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Verizon bonanza: Droid X2, Revolution, Trophy, and Xperia Play hit Big Red today
May 26, 2011 No Comment
Verizon is seriously diversifying its portfolio today with the official in-store launch of four new smartphones. Three of them roll up in Android gear, though they all have major selling points beyond Google’s software. LG’s Revolution is the sole LTE -capable handset of the bunch, bringing with it a 4.3-inch screen and pre-installed Netflix for $250. The Droid X2 undercuts it on price, at $200, but doubles the core count with its Tegra 2 processor and ramps up resolution to qHD (960 x 540). Gaming aficionados can spend the same amount on the Xperia Play from Sony Ericsson, which offers a slideout gamepad and unique PlayStation Certified status. Bringing up the rear is HTC’s well-traveled Trophy , a 3.8-inch Windows Phone that accepts it’s a little late to the party and therefore slices $50 off its asking price, with a $150 levy before the obligatory two-year contract. What say you — buy, try, or keep waiting? Verizon bonanza: Droid X2, Revolution, Trophy, and Xperia Play hit Big Red today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 02:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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You know the drill : Panasonic introduces a perfectly capable camera, and a few months later Leica tweaks a few angles, paints it black, and slaps its iconic logo on its own version of it — admittedly, changes that make all the difference in terms of design. In this case it’s the Panasonic ZS10 that’s gotten revamped as Lecia’s new V-LUX 30, a followup to its V-LUX 20 compact. At $749, this one’s actually one of Leica’s more affordable offerings, but that will still only buy you the exact same guts as its $400 (or less) Panasonic counterpart: a 15.1 megapixel sensor, 16x optical zoom, 1080i video recording, a 3-inch LCD ’round back, and built-in GPS for geotagging. Head on past the break fro the complete press release, and look for the camera to be available in June. Continue reading Leica announces $749 V-LUX 30 compact camera Leica announces $749 V-LUX 30 compact camera originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 03:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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North Korea has already made its mark on the tablet market — albeit a rather unimpressive attempt — and even produced a supreme leader-approved OS , and now the DPRK is further proving its tech ambitions with the production of three different PC models. In a post published to PCWorld today, Martyn Williams reports on a March 10th state TV broadcast that revealed a North Korean factory where workers are busily assembling the machines by hand. According to Williams, the models in production include a desktop PC and a netbook-sized laptop, designed for educational use. The third variant, an enterprise laptop, boasts dual USB ports, internet connectivity, and two and half hours of battery life. That’s about it in the way of specs, but from what we’ve seen, we doubt these machines are set for world domination. For a series of screen shots from the broadcast, check out Williams’ blog at the coverage link below. North Korea apparently pumping out state-sponsored PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 15:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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What would a morning be without a little injection of rumorjuice courtesy of DigiTimes ? Today’s tattle has HTC’s 10.1-inch LTE “Puccini” tablet hitting mass production in June with AU Optronics and Wintek pegged as the touch panel suppliers. Other specs, like the 1.5GHz MSM8660 processor and Android 3.0.1 build, seem to have been culled from that 911sniper leak which DigiTimes graciously cites as “sources in the supply chain.” Of course, the June date has been tossed around before by DigiTimes but it’s good to hear it again so close to the 10-incher’s rumored summer release. HTC’s 10-inch ‘Puccini’ Honeycomb tablet still rumored for summer release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 01:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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What would a morning be without a little injection of rumorjuice courtesy of DigiTimes ? Today’s tattle has HTC’s 10.1-inch LTE “Puccini” tablet hitting mass production in June with AU Optronics and Wintek pegged as the touch panel suppliers. Other specs, like the 1.5GHz MSM8660 processor and Android 3.0.1 build, seem to have been culled from that 911sniper leak which DigiTimes graciously cites as “sources in the supply chain.” Of course, the June date has been tossed around before by DigiTimes but it’s good to hear it again so close to the 10-incher’s rumored summer release. HTC’s 10-inch ‘Puccini’ Honeycomb tablet still rumored for summer release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 01:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …What would a morning be without a little injection of rumorjuice courtesy of DigiTimes ? Today’s tattle has HTC’s 10.1-inch LTE “Puccini” tablet hitting mass production in June with AU Optronics and Wintek pegged as the touch panel suppliers. Other specs, like the 1.5GHz MSM8660 processor and Android 3.0.1 build, seem to have been culled from that 911sniper leak which DigiTimes graciously cites as “sources in the supply chain.” Of course, the June date has been tossed around before by DigiTimes but it’s good to hear it again so close to the 10-incher’s rumored summer release. HTC’s 10-inch ‘Puccini’ Honeycomb tablet still rumored for summer release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 01:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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