Researchers debut one-cubic-millimeter computer, want to stick it in your eye
February 26, 2011 No Comment
This as-of-yet-unnamed mini computer was fashioned as an implantable eye pressure monitor for glaucoma patients, but its creators envision a future where we’re all crawling with the little buggers. Taking up just over one cubic millimeter of space, the thing stuffs a pressure sensor, memory, thin-film battery, solar cell, wireless radio, and low-power microprocessor all into one very small translucent container. The processor behind this little guy uses an “extreme” sleep mode to keep it napping at 15-minute intervals and sucking up 5.3 nanowatts while awake, and its battery runs off 10 hours of indoor light or one and a half hours of sun beams. Using the sensor to measure eye pressure and the radio to communicate with an external reader, the system will continuously track the progress of glaucoma, without those pesky contacts . Of course, the mad scientists behind it look forward to a day when the tiny device will do much more, with each of us toting hundreds of the computer implants all over our bodies — looks like a bright future for cyborgdom . Researchers debut one-cubic-millimeter computer, want to stick it in your eye originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Facebook phone rumors were swirling for quite awhile , then HTC answered a question that seemingly nobody asked by delivering unto the world a phone with a dedicated Facebook button… the ChaCha . In what can only be considered a stroke of luck for all of humanity, the Taiwanese handset maker has been granted the opportunity to rectify its naming gaffe courtesy of a trademark infringement suit brought by ChaCha Inc. That company trademarked its name and logo in 2007 for its text and voice internet search engine services and is (rightfully) displeased with the HTC’s choice of names for its Facebook-focused handset. ChaCha doesn’t want mobile users thinking that it’s endorsed the phone, and given that the company’s bread and butter is providing mobile search, such confusion seems likely. ChaCha is asking for money damages and a permanent injunction to prevent the phone from going to market with its name. That’s just fine with us — if only the courts could grant an injunction to remove that Facebook button. ChaCha sues HTC for Facebook phone trademark infringement originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Windows Phone’s new UI and Xbox games are most exciting aspects of Microsoft deal, says Nokia poll
February 26, 2011 No Comment
In search for feedback on its momentous decision to dump Symbian in favor of Windows Phone , Nokia has put up the above poll on its Conversations website canvassing opinions about what users anticipate most out of the new deal. There’s no consensus choice, with the equivocation of reactions being underlined by the fact that the “Other” option was the modal response, however of the given categories, a UI refresh and Xbox-related gaming boons turned out to be most important. No surprises there, Symbian’s touchscreen UI shortcomings are well known about while the Xbox tie-up has been one of Microsoft’s big selling points for Windows Phone 7 since its start. We’d just ask Nokia to be quick about delivering on these things — spending too long in anticipation mode won’t be good for our health. Windows Phone’s new UI and Xbox games are most exciting aspects of Microsoft deal, says Nokia poll originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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A project manager demonstrated a tiny spy plane with flapping wings like a hummingbird. Journalists were given a look the high-tech device that was developed for a US defense agency. (Feb. 26)
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If this super slim monitor looks familiar, it’s for a good reason — AOC’s new Aire Black LED monitors are nearly identical to their white counterparts , save a couple exceptions. As the name suggests, the new monitors are an all black affair, and come in 20-, 22-, and 23-inch iterations. The slender screens also come equipped with a new software feature called Screen+ that allows users to divide the display into four separate work spaces. Other than that, not much is new here — like the rest of the Aire series, the Aire Black features a 12.7-millimeter-thick screen, with a 16:9 aspect ratio, 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, DVI-HDPC input, and five millisecond response time. If you like your monitors skinny, you can get your hands on the ebony displays now for $129 (20 inch), $149 (22 inch), or $179 (23 inch). Full PR after the jump. Continue reading AOC Aire Black LED-backlit monitors, more of the same, now in black AOC Aire Black LED-backlit monitors, more of the same, now in black originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 07:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Well, look what we’ve got here! Seeing that HTC just introduced the Incredible S — a world phone only available in the UK — it was only a matter of time before the phone hit the stateside. A trusted tipster just hit us with screen shots of Verizon’s internals containing a device dubbed HTC ADR6350. The other screenshot below has a listing for the HTC63503 with a description of “INCRD2.” Putting two and two together, we’d say with great confidence that the Incredible 2 is coming to Verizon in the near future — and we certainly wouldn’t be surprised if it had something to do with that “buttonless” shot we saw a while back. Stay tuned as we try and dig up more details… and in the meantime, peep the second screenshot after the break! Continue reading HTC Droid Incredible 2 shows up in Verizon’s system HTC Droid Incredible 2 shows up in Verizon’s system originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 05:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sony indicates all future Alpha models will include translucent mirrors
February 26, 2011 No Comment
That satisfying clunk of the mirror swinging up and away, the rapid-fire clatter of DSLRs going into burst mode, could be on its last legs. Well, for Sony Alphas at least. The company has confirmed that its translucent mirror tech, most recently confirmed to be coming to the A77 and earlier shown on the A55 and A33 , will be coming to the entire Alpha line. The sensor actually captures light through the mirror itself, which is just reflective enough to allow for real-time focusing even while capturing video. It’s something of a bold move in the generally stoic DSLR market, and only time will tell whether it helps to boost Sony’s street cred up to Canon and Nikon levels. Sony indicates all future Alpha models will include translucent mirrors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice
February 26, 2011 No Comment
Digging the 1080p LifeCam Studio but don’t feel like spending $100? Or, maybe you don’t need all those p’s? Microsoft has, for you and you alone, announced the new LifeCam HD-3000. It tops out at 720p but retails for a more palatable $39.95. Also newly announced is a trio of mice, first and most exciting being the $19.95 Express Mouse (above) which, according to Microsoft, has both the looks and the moves. We’re not really sure what that means, but it is kind of funky looking with the offset cord your choice of six colors ranging from “Hibiscus Red” to “Dahlia Pink.” For those who’d rather stick with something less-flowery there’s the Comfort Mouse 3000 for the same price, similar features in a design less likely to stand out in the conference room. Or, cough up another $10 for the $29.95 Comfort Mouse 6000, pictured below. It gives up ambidextrous pretenses in favor of a more form-fitting shape and five whole buttons. Can you handle that many buttons? Yeah, you totally can. Continue reading Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Microsoft Research shows off next-generation gesture interfaces, Kinect integration, other neato stuff (video)
February 26, 2011 No Comment
Leave it to Microsoft Research to show off some cool stuff that may or may not actually happen on any thing you ever actually buy. Check out the video after the break to see the latest, Director of Microsoft Applied Sciences Steven “Stevie B” Bathiche showing off a variety of interesting interfaces. It all starts with gesture controls that take you well beyond the touchscreen, relying on a retro-reflective sash and a camera to detect hand position. But, things quickly progress to a flat lens called a wedge that can enable holographic-like imagery. Pair that with a Kinect and perspective shifts come into play, tracking your face to enable you to peer around like looking out a window. It’s all just waiting for you below — and maybe IRL sometime in the future. Continue reading Microsoft Research shows off next-generation gesture interfaces, Kinect integration, other neato stuff (video) Microsoft Research shows off next-generation gesture interfaces, Kinect integration, other neato stuff (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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We’re drowning in interchangeable lens options, but that’s far from being a bad thing. For those that finally caved and picked up Panasonic’s Lumix DFC-GF2 , we’re interested to see how you’d change things if given that golden opportunity. Are you satisfied with the size, weight and design? How’s the low-light performance? Would you alter anything about the lens selection? Introduce a version that changes colors with the seasons? Go on and get creative in comments below — the GF3 needs some ideas, you know? How would you change Panasonic’s Lumix DFC-GF2? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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