Japanese elevators get voice recognition, Japanese elevator rides get even more awkward
March 8, 2011 No Comment
We here at Engadget are all about helping the less fortunate, so Mitsubishi Electric ‘s latest innovation in elevator tech has us all warm and fuzzy. The new interface allows for blind users — and presumably lazy users — to select their destination floor by voice, with a subsequent announcement when they arrive. Additionally, the system kicks in whenever it detects a wheelchair, replacing the potentially difficult process of reaching high buttons with the simple act of speaking. No word on whether the system works in English just yet or if it’ll make it to the States, but you might want to brush up on your Japanese either way. Japanese elevators get voice recognition, Japanese elevator rides get even more awkward originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Networked ‘On Air’ light illuminates when webcast begins, dims when it ends (video)
March 8, 2011 No Comment
We won’t get into the myriad ways to impress one’s audience while engaging in a live video podcast, but here’s one that slides into the ‘surefire’ category. The crafty folks over at MAKE decided to construct an automated On Air light for their new live sessions, and rather than automating it with a human hand flipping a switch at a predetermined time, they decided to wire it up to receive signals from a UStream API. In essence, the light is programmed to turn on when the podcast shows ‘online,’ and turn off when that status changes to ‘offline.’ It’s a beautifully simple concept, and yet, so illuminating. See for yourself after the break. Continue reading Networked ‘On Air’ light illuminates when webcast begins, dims when it ends (video) Networked ‘On Air’ light illuminates when webcast begins, dims when it ends (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It may not have the charm or good looks of, say, the uBOT-5 , but a new wearable vital signs monitor could cut back on doctor’s visits for the chronically ill. Produced by a Kansas State University student, the GumPack — known as such for its size — is a multi-sensor monitoring device that fits in the palm of your hand and relays vital stats to your doctor via the internet. Along with a built-in camera and microphone for record keeping, as well as WiFi capabilities for connectivity, the battery-powered GumPack will sport various sensors, like a reflectance pulse oximeter or a two-thumb ECG . The monitor is still in the concept stage, and will likely not be available for mass-market distribution for years — if ever — but with technology like this in the works, the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” lady might as well start looking for a new gig. GumPack wearable vitals monitor: the new MedicAlert bracelet? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Immersion releases SDK to put haptics in Android, helps smartphones move what their makers gave them
March 8, 2011 No Comment
About a month ago, we told you about Immersion’s MOTIV dev platform to design Android apps with tactile feedback, and today its release has finally arrived. The SDK comes with predesigned haptic effects, sample code, and the ability to tweak the duration and intensity of the feedback — allowing developers to perfectly tailor the amount of shake in your groove thang. Interested parties can hit up the source link for the SDK download and start indulging in the haptic dark arts immediately. Continue reading Immersion releases SDK to put haptics in Android, helps smartphones move what their makers gave them Immersion releases SDK to put haptics in Android, helps smartphones move what their makers gave them originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …JBL’s On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock gets official, unavailable to purchase
March 8, 2011 No Comment
When we first peeked this AirPlay -enabled speaker dock, we were admittedly excited to see how things would turn out after it made rounds through the FCC. JBL just tossed up the splash page for the On Air Wireless speaker and we’ve gotta say — it looks to be a promising means of streaming your jams. The system connects wirelessly to your AirPlay-enabled Mac and iOS device on 4.2 or later and packs a screen that’ll display the track info of the song you’re rocking out to. What’s more, the rounded grill sports a dual alarm clock, FM radio, and a USB port for future firmware updates. As you might have surmised by now, the dock is not yet available for purchase and there’s no word on price. If you’re interested, though, be sure to hit the source link, sign up for more info and get ready to headbang this spring. JBL’s On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock gets official, unavailable to purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Next New Networks purchased by yesterday’s old YouTube, more custom content on the way
March 8, 2011 No Comment
Tired of the unprofessional, poorly-lit, generally unfunny clips that get uploaded to YouTube by the thousands every day? How about some rather more professional looking but still potentially unfunny content? Welcome to YouTube Next. That’s what Next Now Networks is calling its new focus, “supercharging content creator development on YouTube” after being bought by that company, which itself is still a fairly recent Google acquisition. The Next New Networks goal was to work with independent “talent” to develop their online following, helping them find “paths to revenue.” Along the way that company found itself somewhere south of $50 million dollars, according to The New York Times , and has lost its CEO in the progress. What’s next for the two? More YouTube superstars, naturally. Next New Networks purchased by yesterday’s old YouTube, more custom content on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …HTC seeks EVO View 4G trademark, all but confirming WiMAX tablet for Sprint
March 8, 2011 No Comment
Not that we were doubting the veracity of our tipster’s info , but here’s a nice fat slice of pseudo-official confirmation of what we were told a couple of days ago. HTC has laid claim to the trademark of “HTC EVO View 4G,” confirming our indications that an EVO View tablet would be coming to Sprint’s Now Network. That postulation is also supported by the fact that the EVO branding has only ever appeared in association with Sprint as well as some pretty compelling circumstantial evidence . There is an interesting new piece to the puzzle, however, in the 4G appendage to the device’s name, which would imply that we’re looking at our first WiMAX tablet — something Sprint promised for this year and looks set to unveil at the upcoming CTIA 2011 trade show. Our expectation is that the EVO View 4G moniker will be attached to HTC’s1.5GHz Flyer , a 7-inch Android Gingerbread slate with aspirations for Honeycomb glory in its near future. Only one way to be sure though, keep an eye on our CTIA coverage and we’ll let you know as soon as the official bird chirps out the official word. HTC seeks EVO View 4G trademark, all but confirming WiMAX tablet for Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Add one more to the list of manufacturers supporting Apple’s AirPlay . Philips just announced its Fidelio SoundSphere speakers that support WiFi music streaming over Apple’s new media sharing “standard” from your PC or Mac iTunes library or from any iOS device. Unfortunately, Philips isn’t providing any useful detail about these speakers with free-floating tweeters and 360-degree sound. But hey, if you’re the kind who buys speakers based on appearance alone, then the €799 (about $1,100 — nearly twice as much as the Zeppelin Air ) price tag for the speaker pair + dock should be no problem when they hit Europe sometime in May. Press release and bonus pic after the break. Continue reading Philips Fidelio SoundSphere WiFi speakers get AirPlayed Philips Fidelio SoundSphere WiFi speakers get AirPlayed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Are you the sort that doesn’t mind letting random people pull up in your driveway to recharge their electric vehicle ? Then you might want to consider using the new PlugShare app for iOS devices that was just released today, which will let you broadcast your location and plug status to everyone passing by. Of course, there are also some privacy settings if you prefer to control things a bit more tightly, and the app also includes a complete database of public charging stations across the US if you’d rather not bother someone else at all when you’re out on the road. What’s more, while the app is iOS-only at the moment, the company promises that an Android version is “coming soon.” Head on past the break for a quick demo video. Continue reading PlugShare app lets you share your plugs with other EV drivers PlugShare app lets you share your plugs with other EV drivers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Microsoft goes on a hiring spree for new Xbox hardware devs, staffing up for next console push?
March 8, 2011 No Comment
Before you go leaping to any conclusions, do remember that Microsoft plans on keeping the Xbox 360 going until at least 2015 so we’re not really talking imminent changes here. Nonetheless, the software giant has listed a plethora of new job openings, with the most interesting ones being at its Mountain View research campus, where a team responsible for “defining and delivering next generation console architectures” is looking for fresh blood. A graphics hardware architect is sought to ensure that the next Xbox strikes the optimal balance between the awesome and affordable, while a design verification engineer and a few others will be hired to test and help develop prototypes. This bolstering of numbers seems to indicate Microsoft is starting to ramp up research and development on its next-gen home entertainment linchpin, and while nothing’s likely to emerge from those Mountain View labs in the short term, the mere sound of clanking tools and buzzing electrons is getting us excited already. Microsoft goes on a hiring spree for new Xbox hardware devs, staffing up for next console push? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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