Engadget

Intel briefly demonstrates clamshell MID on video

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 8:47AM

Whoa boy, what have we here? A dramatically short video over at jkkmobile shows off a mysterious new Intel MID, which we presume was captured in Shanghai at the Intel Developer Forum. Unfortunately, there's absolutely zero information on this piece outside of what you see in video posted after the jump, but the sleek clamshell design already has our attention. Judging by the Day Zero news bullets over on Intel's site, we know the firm's aiming to unveil "smaller form factors with improved power efficiency," and judging by the looks of this one, it certainly fits the bill. We'll keep you posted if more details emerge.

Continue reading Intel briefly demonstrates clamshell MID on video

Epson pops Penryn in 13.3-inch NA801 laptop

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 8:19AM

For those wondering when you'd see an all new Endeavor from Epson (yes, all six of you), the time has finally come. Astonishingly enough, the outfit's latest 13.3-incher actually isn't half bad, and comes equipped with such niceties as a WXGA panel, your choice of Windows XP / Vista, Intel's 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T8100, NVIDIA's 256MB GeForce 8600M GT, up to 3GB of DDR2 RAM, between 80GB and 250GB of HDD space, a dual-layer DVD burner and integrated Bluetooth. You'll also find gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, VGA, an ExpressCard slot, a multicard reader and a battery good for around 3.4-hours on a full charge. Reportedly, the 4.4-pound NA801 is set to ship later this month and start at ¥149,940 ($1,503), but you can drive that figure right on up if you're the CTO type.

[Via Impress]

Sony unveils BRAVIA W4000-Series LCD HDTVs

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 7:51AM

Check it: Sony's unloaded a nice foursome today with its all new (but eerily familiar) W4000-Series lineup. Available in 32-, 40-, 46- and 52-inch sizes, the newest members of the BRAVIA family all feature a 1080p resolution, Picture Frame Mode, BRAVIA Engine 2, BRAVIA Sync, XMB, 24p True Cinema, USB Photo Viewer, 178-degree viewing angles, a built-in DVB-T tuner, VGA port and a trio of HDMI connectors for good measure. The 32-incher gets stripped down a bit with the omission of Live Color Creation, a 10-bit panel, PhotoTV HD, and x.v.Color -- all of which are included on the larger models. Unfortunately, Sony's keeping quiet with regard to pricing / availability, but we'd certainly keep an eye out for any strange new shelf inhabitants over in Europe.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Colorware gets ahold of Guitar Hero axes -- we're in love

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 2:42AM

If you thought a Colorware'd DS Lite was the new heat, get a load of this. The company famous for making gadgetry of all kinds look its best has turned its talents on the iconic Guitar Hero axe, and we must say, we're infatuated. Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 thrashers are all invited, and while users can join the revolution for as little as $198 (that includes the title and a painted instrument), current slingers can send their guitar in and get it colorized for as little as $99. For those on a budget, we strongly recommend not clicking the links below. Those completely unafraid of purging their wallet on impulse buys can go ahead.

[Thanks, Adam]

Read - Colorware's Xbox 360 guitar
Read - Colorware's PlayStation 3 guitar
Read - Colorware's Wii guitar

Sega dissolves Korean subsidiary, nixing $330m Yokohama arcade complex

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 1:21AM

Aside from planning to axe 400 jobs as part of Sega Sammy's most recent "turnaround efforts," the outfit will also be closing the doors to its Korean subsidiary. Currently, Sega Korea is "handling the domestic distribution and sales of video game software, as well as the operation / sales of amusement facilities and machines," and reportedly, the closure will be executed in the name of "global business optimization." As it stands, there's no set date for the branch's dissolution, but just in case your smile wasn't turned upside-down already, the company also stated that it would discontinue the development of a ginormous $330m arcade complex slated for construction in Yokohama, Japan -- if you couldn't guess, that one's being shuttered so the firm can "focus its efforts on its core business to improve its performance" in short order. Seriously though, what the hell kind of company would spend $330m on arcade, anyway?

[Via Joystiq, image courtesy of USMC]

SIM2, Dolby showcase 46-inch HDR display prototype

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 11:11PM

Well, would you take a look at that. Right on cue, Dolby and SIM2 are collaboratively showcasing a 46-inch 1080p display built around the former firm's high dynamic range technology. The HDR-enabled LCD HDTV boasts 1,836 LED-based backlight units (designed / developed by SIM2), a full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, brightness level greater than 4,000 cd/m2, an "infinite" contrast ratio, 16-bits of luminance and a Xilinx Virtex field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) chipset. Additionally, the prototype employs a design created by Giorgio Revoldini, and while we can't imagine hearing of a release date anytime soon, the two firms aren't wasting any time putting the new set on a world tour to presumably wow onlookers. Hey SED, you taking notes here?

Pleo finally learns to sit with Life OS 1.1

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 9:58PM

Although Pleo just got upgraded to v1.0.2 earlier this month, UGOBE is taking the Life OS to 1.1 and adding a laundry list of features to boot. Initially available for install only through an SD card (download via USB should hit within a few weeks), the update enables your favorite dino pet to sit, sing a variety of melodies, call for attention, get sick (coughing / sneezing) and change attitudes based on how much attention it gets. As these things always go, there's also the promise of a few unannounced inclusions ("strange habits," as it were), and it should be noted that previous downloads -- Holiday, Love-struck, MySkit, Yapt, etc. -- will need to eventually be re-downloaded in new versions to be compatible with the Life OS 1.1 update. Give the read link some attention to check out the changes, and fire up the download while you're over there.

[Thanks, Caaahl]

LiMo Platform Release 1 gets loosed, R2 to come later this year

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 3:14PM

Don't look now, but mid-2008 is almost here, and for those waiting intently for the release of a LiMo SDK, you're one step closer to having your dreams realized. Announced today, the LiMo Foundation has made available what it calls the "first globally competitive, Linux-based software platform for mobile devices." According to Morgan Gillis, executive director of LiMo Foundation, the consortium is hoping that R1 will "spur rapid innovation and contributions from all LiMo members," and it's restated that software development kits for Native, WebKit and Java operating environments are set to launch during the second half of this year. Not one to sit idly, the entity has also announced that Release 2 is currently "being specified and developed," and should escape testing and greet the real world in late 2008.

[Via PhoneScoop]

DisplayLink releases beta drivers for OS X

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 12:29PM

Folks hanging on the Mac side of life have surely been waiting in tense anticipation for DisplayLink to become OS X friendly, for like, ever. As promised, the first drivers have emerged in order to give Intel-based Macs (yes, MacBook Air and Mac mini are included) the ability to connect with up to four monitors over USB. Granted, the beta software has no 2D acceleration and no OpenGL 3D acceleration, but both limitations are known and will hopefully be ironed out in the final release. So, what are you waiting for? Tap the read link below to get your download on -- but be sure to read up on the documentation before forging ahead without a care in the world.

[Thanks, Mike]

MSI's 13.3-inch VR340 laptop ain't too pretty, special

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 11:58AM

MSI seems to be in quite the contradictory mood, as that "Innovation with Style" slogan certainly doesn't apply to the laptop it's plastered on. We had to triple-check to ensure the VR340 wasn't actually introduced ages ago, but in fact, this 13.3-incher is incredibly fresh. Packed within the way-too-heavy 4.85-pound frame is an elusive dual-core Intel CPU, WXGA panel, up to 3GB of DDR2 RAM, dual-layer DVD burner, a trio of USB ports, 5-in-1 multicard reader and a six-cell battery for good measure. Mum's the word on a price, but chances are that won't hurt too many feelings.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

Okoro's OMS-ZX100 Media PC does Blu-ray, HD DVD and SSD

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 10:44AM

Okoro Media Systems has been offering up well-spec'd HTPCs for quite some time, but it has finally seen fit to jump on the flash-based storage bandwagon. The firm's new ZX series of Extreme Digital Entertainment Systems gets going with the OMS-ZX100, which comes standard with a 32GB SSD (for the OS and such) and a 1TB HDD for media storage. Moreover, you'll find a 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850 processor, 3GB of DDR2 RAM, NVIDIA's 256MB GeForce 8600 GT graphics card, Blu-ray / HD DVD playback and your choice of "any automotive color" on the chassis. 'Tis a shame it costs $5,995 to even join the ZX100 club, but look to spend even more if you're hankering for a built-in CableCARD tuner and WiFi adapter.

Lime green Motorola Q9c headed to Alltel, US Cellular

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 10:21AM

Don't you dare say green wasn't already in style, as in all actuality, it's US Cellular and Alltel following the crowd yet again. As the run-up to CTIA 2008 continues, the aforesaid outfits have both announced that a lime green variant of the Motorola Q9c will soon be on their shelves. Aside from that, prospective customers can also snap up the WinMo 6-powered Q9c in licorice, and of course, they'll find a 1.3-megapixel camera, 2.4-inch display and 128MB of onboard memory. As for pricing, you can call Alltel's version your own for $99.99 on contract, and while US Cellular is being mum on the subject, both providers will have 'em available "this summer."

[Via CNET]

Read - Alltel's announcement
Read - US Cellular's announcement

Orange Dream's brainwave management software gets you closer to the Matrix

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 9:59AM

We'll be honest -- there are quite a few things about the Cyber MC brainwave management solution that remain unclear to us, but it's probably for the best. Korean startup Orange Dreams has apparently concocted some sort of eyewear / software combo that can control your brainwaves and calm your nerves, convince you that you really aren't craving nicotine or make you believe that fruits and vegetables really are more delicious than a Cadbury Cream Egg. We're not about to delve into how this thing actually intends to work, but those unafraid can give it a go next month.

[Via Hallyu Tech]

Swede used 40Gbps internet connection to dry laundry

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 8:51AM

Chances are, you could think of a million and one ways to totally take advantage of having a 40Gbps internet connection installed in your abode, but for one Sigbritt Löthberg -- who actually had such a setup -- she chose to take advantage of it in quite a perplexing way. Reportedly, the 75-year old dame wasn't too interested in downloading an entire HD film in two seconds or having ping times more minuscule than the brain can fathom; rather, she chose to use the excess heat emitted from all the kit shoved in her house to "dry her laundry." Unfortunately, the poor lady has had the gear removed from her domicile for further testing in another location, but according to Hafsteinn Jonsson, who is heading up the fiber network operation for Karlstad Stadsnät, they're considering "giving her a 100Gbps [link] in the summer -- then she'll be able to dry all her neighbors' laundry too."

[Image courtesy of TheRedWoodMotel]

AMD brings DisplayPort to pros with ATI FireGL V7700

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 8:07AM

Hot on the heels of AMD's Radeon HD 3000 graphics card receiving its oh-so-coveted DisplayPort certification badge comes the firm's first DisplayPort-equipped card for the professionals in attendance. Hailed as the "first commercially available 3D workstation graphics card with DisplayPort support," the ATI FireGL V7700 sports a PCI Express 2.0 interface, 10-bit display engine, 512MB of onboard memory, dual-link DVI connector and a promise to handle CAD / DCC projects with ease. 'Course, we don't see you picking this one up just for kicks at $1,099, but those actually in need can place a gaping hole in their wallet in exchange for one next month.

Cancer patient has PSP stolen en route to chemotherapy treatment

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 30th 2008 at 9:00AM

There's depressing gaming stories, and then there are outright travesties. Unfortunately, this case falls squarely into the latter category, as a 7-year old cancer patient had his beloved PlayStation Portable swiped -- right along with his medical records, a backpack full of medication, his games and even his homework -- while en route to a chemotherapy treatment for a tumor in his brain. Apparently the boy's family had stopped at a restaurant while traveling from Oklahoma to Texas, and while inside, thieves had their way with what was left inside the vehicle. Thankfully, authorities from the Dallas police department came to the rescue by purchasing a brand new PSP and raising over $1,000 to repurchase the goods that were lost, and as for the crooks, we'll just trust karma to handle the rest.

[Via PSPFanboy, image courtesy of Flickr]

Atom processor to cost Intel just $6 to $8?

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 30th 2008 at 5:46AM

Ever since Intel compared the criticality of its (still) forthcoming Silverthorne (which now goes by Atom, if you couldn't guess) processor to the original Pentium last June, we've all wondered just how fantasmical our worlds would become when this thing finally dropped. Now, however, Tom's Hardware has discovered that the release may actually do more for Intel than we geeks. After consulting a source it believes to be quite credible, it found that the CPU -- which will likely sell for upwards of $30 at the low-end -- will cost Intel just "$6 to $8, including production, packaging and shipping." Without busting out the abacus, it's still fairly easy to see how profitable said chips could be if Intel can move these at even a snail's pace, but of course, we'd take the dollars and cents estimates with a grain of salt until they actually hit the market.

[Via Digg]

Biosensing nanodevice could hasten security checks, health screenings

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 30th 2008 at 12:13AM

We'll go ahead and warn you: if you're hoping to purge your mind of all things science this weekend, this post isn't the one to be reading. For the rest of you knowledge seekers, Arizona State University researcher Wayne Frasch has developed a biosensing nanodevice that could possibly revolutionize health screenings and speed up that grueling airport security process. Put simply (well, as simply as possible), he discovered that the enzyme F1– ATPase can be equipped with an optical probe and "manipulated to emit a signal when it detects a single molecule of target DNA." Currently, a prototype of the DNA detector is already being worked up, but there's no word on when (or if) the device will escape the lab and hit the commercial realm. Still not geeked out? Hit the read link and hold on for dear life.

[Via Physorg]

Hackers embed flashing animations on epilepsy support forum

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 29th 2008 at 8:50PM

Shortly after hearing a sad tale of a 7-year old cancer patient having his medication and PSP stolen whilst en route to treatment comes yet another story of the world's meanest preying on the innocent. This go 'round, a group of griefers (which appear to be members of Anonymous) managed to invade a support forum established by the nonprofit Epilepsy Foundation and use JavaScript code and messages littered with flashing animations to effectively assault dozens of visitors who suffer from the disorder. The Foundation managed to catch wind of the problem within 12 hours of the attack, and while the boards were closed down temporarily to purge it of offending messages, many readers (such as RyAnne Fultz, pictured) experienced headaches and seizures before rescue arrived. Let's just say we sincerely hope the culprits get what's comin' to 'em.

Nintendo's Wii Wheel priced at $14.99

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 29th 2008 at 6:15PM

We've known that Nintendo would be bundling a single Wii Wheel in with the forthcoming Mario Kart Wii title, but now it seems that folks riding shotgun (or riding your tail) can grab one of their own. According to a recently released flyer from GameStop, extra Wheels -- should the plethora of steering apparatuses already out there not suffice -- will be sold for a cool $14.99 each. April 27th just seems so, so far away, doesn't it? Check the flyer in full after the jump.

[Thanks, Pat]

Continue reading Nintendo's Wii Wheel priced at $14.99