Cooler Master’s 2011 Case Mod Competition looks to be the gift that keeps on giving. After serving up a Tron lightcycle and an architectural marvel , it’s now playing host to a mod that redefines the idea of an all-in-one PC. Peter from the Netherlands has managed to fit a pretty bombastic set of components — 4.5GHz Core i7-980X , two ASUS GeForce GTX 580 graphics cards in SLI, over 12TB of storage with an SSD boot disk, and two PSUs providing 1,500W of power in total — together with a water-cooling setup and the inevitable glowing lights inside one enclosure, which just so happens to also serve as his desk. The three-piece monitor setup is also a custom arrangement, with a 27-inch U2711 IPS panel being flanked by two 17-inchers. Admittedly, this isn’t the first water-cooled and over-powered desk we’ve laid eyes on, but that shouldn’t prevent you from giving the links below a bash and checking out the amazingly neat design of Peter’s l3p d3sk. Continue reading Dutchman integrates a 4.5GHz water-cooled rig into his d3sk Dutchman integrates a 4.5GHz water-cooled rig into his d3sk originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 08:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sharp Aquos Android clamshell tricks friends into thinking you can’t afford a smartphone
May 20, 2011 No Comment
Looking for a handset that harkens back to simpler, pre-smartphone era, without losing the Googley luster of Android? We’ve got the perfect phone for you, and all you’ve got to do is move to Japan and get a Softbank Mobile account. Sharp , one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in its native country, rolled out the retro-future Gingerbread-packing Aquos Phone Hybrid 007SH, an Android 2.3 flip phone with a 180-degree swiveling touchscreen above the hinge and a numeric dial pad below that all the cool kids in Shibuya crave. It’s also got some pretty solid specs, so far are clamshell phones go, including a 6MP camera and a 3D-capable display. The handset will hit Softbank in mid-June followed shortly by Sharp’s rotary Honeycomb tablet. Continue reading Sharp Aquos Android clamshell tricks friends into thinking you can’t afford a smartphone Sharp Aquos Android clamshell tricks friends into thinking you can’t afford a smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 21:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
Here’s an amazing story to end your week on a high note: a 25-year-old paraplegic is now walking again, thanks to a groundbreaking procedure developed by neuroscientists at the University of Louisville, UCLA and Cal Tech. The Oregon man, Rob Summers, was paralyzed below the chest in 2006, after getting hit by a speeding car. This week, however, doctors announced that Summers can now stand up on his own and remain standing for up to four minutes. With the help of a special harness, he can even take steps on a treadmill and can move his lower extremities for the first time in years. It was all made possible by a spinal implant that emits small pulses of electricity, designed to replicate signals that the brain usually sends to coordinate movement. Prior to receiving the implant in 2009, Summers underwent two years of training on a treadmill, with a harness supporting his weight and researchers moving his legs. This week’s breakthrough comes after 30 years of research, though scientists acknowledge that this brand of epidural stimulation still needs to be tested on a broader sample of subjects before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. Summers, meanwhile, seems understandably elated. “This procedure has completely changed my life,” the former baseball player said. “To be able to pick up my foot and step down again was unbelievable, but beyond all of that my sense of well-being has changed.” We can only imagine. Paralyzed man can stand and walk again, thanks to spinal implant originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 08:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
Sure you can do neat things like unlock your iPhone using facial recognition , but the Air Force has far grander visions for the tech. Specifically it wants a camera that can identify and track possible insurgents at a significant distance (though it’s unclear how far we’re talking about here) using only a few seconds of footage. It’s turned to Photon-X Inc. to develop a sensor that combines spacial measurements, infrared and visible light to create a “bio-signature” that maps not only static facial features but muscle movements that are unique to each individual. The technology could also be used in targeting systems to identify enemy vehicles and integrated into robots to help them navigate and identify objects… or threatening meatbags. The Air Force even foresees law enforcement, banks, and private security firms using the cams to monitor customers and watch for suspicious activity. Similar tools have been created that use software to analyze video feeds, but they can’t match the accuracy or range of this “behaviormetric” system. Normally, this is where we’d make some snide reference to Skynet or Big Brother but, honestly, we’re too creeped out for jokes. Creepy new Air Force camera can identify and track you from far, far away originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sure you can do neat things like unlock your iPhone using facial recognition , but the Air Force has far grander visions for the tech. Specifically it wants a camera that can identify and track possible insurgents at a significant distance (though it’s unclear how far we’re talking about here) using only a few seconds of footage. It’s turned to Photon-X Inc. to develop a sensor that combines spacial measurements, infrared and visible light to create a “bio-signature” that maps not only static facial features but muscle movements that are unique to each individual. The technology could also be used in targeting systems to identify enemy vehicles and integrated into robots to help them navigate and identify objects… or threatening meatbags. The Air Force even foresees law enforcement, banks, and private security firms using the cams to monitor customers and watch for suspicious activity. Similar tools have been created that use software to analyze video feeds, but they can’t match the accuracy or range of this “behaviormetric” system. Normally, this is where we’d make some snide reference to Skynet or Big Brother but, honestly, we’re too creeped out for jokes. Creepy new Air Force camera can identify and track you from far, far away originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
Sure you can do neat things like unlock your iPhone using facial recognition , but the Air Force has far grander visions for the tech. Specifically it wants a camera that can identify and track possible insurgents at a significant distance (though it’s unclear how far we’re talking about here) using only a few seconds of footage. It’s turned to Photon-X Inc. to develop a sensor that combines spacial measurements, infrared and visible light to create a “bio-signature” that maps not only static facial features but muscle movements that are unique to each individual. The technology could also be used in targeting systems to identify enemy vehicles and integrated into robots to help them navigate and identify objects… or threatening meatbags. The Air Force even foresees law enforcement, banks, and private security firms using the cams to monitor customers and watch for suspicious activity. Similar tools have been created that use software to analyze video feeds, but they can’t match the accuracy or range of this “behaviormetric” system. Normally, this is where we’d make some snide reference to Skynet or Big Brother but, honestly, we’re too creeped out for jokes. Creepy new Air Force camera can identify and track you from far, far away originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
An explosion occurred at Foxconn’s Chengdu plant earlier today, with reports claiming several workers have been injured. The Taiwanese company has yet to release a statement regarding figures and the cause of this tragedy, but according to 21st Century Business Herald , witnesses saw lightning hit the A05 building before the explosion took place — it is believed that this is a case of dust explosion, and security guards were allegedly warning evacuees that the smoke was toxic. At the time, hundreds of workers were present in the affected workshop which houses an iPad 2 assembly line. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Update: Sina Tech is reporting two deaths and sixteen injured people, with three in critical condition. We’ve also added a video from the scene after the break, courtesy of Sohu . Update 2 : Apple has provided a statement to All Things D , saying: We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Foxconn’s plant in Chengdu, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families… We are working closely with Foxconn to understand what caused this terrible event. Continue reading Explosion at Foxconn’s Chengdu plant kills two Explosion at Foxconn’s Chengdu plant kills two originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
We thought HTC’s Flyer wasn’t going on sale until May 22nd , but it appears a certain big box retailer has changed its plans. Our tipsters have told us that stores with the device in stock have started selling it today, May 20th, despite the somewhat confusing text you see in the picture above. So, if you’re pining for a $500, seven-inch slab of silky smooth Sense 3.0, head on down to the local Best Buy and grab one yourself. [Thanks, Anonymous] Flyer Friday: Best Buy starts selling HTC’s seven-inch slate today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 19:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
The world: it’s always changing. The technology world [a subset of the world]: it’s also always changing. From the Beginnings department: The PlayStation Network is reborn in most nations, the Thinkpad X1, HTC Flyer, and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 are baptized with official Engadget Reviews, an Android security flaw worms its way into our consciousness, and Kansas City is officially added to the official “fast places to surf the net” list. From the On their way out, in one way or another Department are the Space Shuttle and Nokia’s Ovi label. Which one is most/least important to you? Help form your opinion with the help of Tim, Brian, and Dana. Your secrets are safe with us. Host: Tim Stevens Guests: Brian Heater, Dana Wollman Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Bulletproof 04:08 – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 review 11:09 – PlayStation Network restoration spreads across the world (update) 13:09 – Japan won’t allow Sony to turn PSN back on until it’s assured it’s safe 14:00 – PSN logins exploited again, Sony takes pages offline 15:37 – Sony’s ‘Welcome Back’ campaign apologizes to distraught PSN users with free games, good vibes 19:08 – Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition review 28:03 – HTC Flyer review 35:21 – Google confirms Android security issue, server-side fix rolling out today 38:43 – HP Veer 4G review 43:20 – Samsung’s foldable AMOLED display: no creases, even after 100,000 tries 50:50 – Google adds Kansas City, MO to list of Kansas Cities covered by ultra high-speed internet (video) 52:42 – Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off one last time (video) 54:02 – Apple proposing smaller SIM standard? 54:37 – Study finds Netflix is the largest source of internet traffic in North America 55:50 – Next-gen Porsche 911 getting hybrid transmission system? 57:09 – Nokia slams door on Ovi label, rebranding everything to Nokia Services 58:11 – Listener questions Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [ iTunes ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [ RSS MP3 ] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [ RSS AAC ] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [ Zune ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens . Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @tim_stevens @bheater @danawollman Filed under: Podcasts Engadget Podcast 240 – 05.20.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …
For those unfamiliar, an elevator pitch is a short, snappy, attention-grabbing presentation of an idea that anyone looking to climb the ranks has ready for any chance meeting with a head honcho, well, in an elevator. More sophisticated elevator technology might render this classic move in its traditional form obsolete.The new technology also kind of
Continue reading …