Recent Comments:
Giveaway: have an iPhone on us! {Engadget}
Jul 1st 2007 7:14PM I am a firm believer in tactile keys -- on mobile phones *and* on programmable media center remotes. That said, the device is pretty good looking; if I won one for free, it would be a great platform to try and build a media center remote (for my stereo/MCE box) and see if a super sexy form-factor can make up for the lack of physical buttons. Wouldn't actually use it as my phone, though, I use a blackjack for that purpose...
Microsoft R&D shows off multi-touch laptop {Engadget}
Jun 22nd 2007 7:33PM Unlikely that APPL has any patents that would block this level of work -- recall that MSFT has been working on multi-touch with their very viable "surface" for ~5 years. Neither the technological approach nor the UI metaphors APPL has unveiled with the iPhone are novel. Likewise, none of the UI metaphors explored in this video are novel either --> what is interesting is this tech approach. Just as the tech approach behind MSFT's "surface" is also unique/different.
Sony claims Xbox 360 requires HD DVD, etc., thus costs $700 {Engadget}
Oct 20th 2006 1:24AM Many of the posts try to clarify by pointing out that Sony [parapharasing the sentiment] "does not mean to fool anyone with the term 'required'; they are simply trying to find a fair price comparison for equivalent functionality".
I would like to make 2 points:
1) I get that Sony doesn't mean "required". I also get the value in comparing equally equipped set-ups. The chart is still mis-leading, however, because it does not opt for the most efficient way to price the 360. Would this be a fair argument? "Coke is cheaper than Pepsi. If I want 2 litres of cola for my dinner party tonight I can either buy a 2 liter of coke (~$2.00); or I can buy 6 cans from the vending machine ($.75 * 6 = $4.50)"? Of course it wouldn't be fair, if you want to price compare you should find the most efficient way in which case to build up the featureset. Had the "fact sheet" whether forged or not priced out the comparison starting with the optimal 360 bundle there would have been fair less discussion in this response. I have yet to see a defender of the fact sheet address this fallacy on Sony's part?
2) I am greatly amused by the reversal of roles here. Last generation, Microsoft innovated and attempted to change the industry by mandating a HDD in every XBox sold. Their hardware also came later than PS2 but was noticeably superior even with the launch games. This time, Microsoft came first, meaning that Sony will come second with the better hardware (though in their case there seems to be no evidence that launch titles will demonstrate a definitive one-upping in graphics). It's also interesting to note that Microsoft learnt that the returns on hard-drives didn't justify their inclusion, and so opted to give consumers choice (a tough lesson learnt, and apparently un-noted by Sony). Why do I raise this second point about the reversal of roles? Because I think its valuable for us all to ensure that we are at least internally consistent as individuals. When xBox first came out were you criticizing the mandatory HDD, or the increased cost as a result? If so, I hope you have a similar complaint now that Sony has copied that model. Likewise, when PS2 was first to market were you down-playing XBoxes superior functionality by arguing that "I've had the pleasure of playing PS2 for n-months while you waited for the new device?" If so, I hope that you acknowledge that this time around Microsoft therefor has the more compelling offering....
Just some food for thought...
VW nav prototype incorporates Google sat imagery {Engadget}
Feb 5th 2006 1:34AM I'm confused the mention of "google earth like bird's eye view". I am a big fan of MSFT's current virtual earth offering (http://local.live.com) expressly because of their "bird's eye view", which I thought was a MSFT innovation? I went over to google to try and find comparable bird's eye views, and couldn't find any?!?! Is this a case of revionist history giving google the credit, or am I simply missing something?
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser will feature NXT flat speakers {Engadget}
Dec 28th 2005 10:19PM This speaker technology is nothing new. My high end loud speakers at home are MartinLogan's, which use the same technology. In fact, when loudspeakers were first being invented, flat panel was the first experimental technique *before* cone speakers. There are trade-offs. Flat panel speakers are line-sources as opposed to conical speakers which are point-sources. This difference means that the directionality of the audio information is much tighter on a flat panel speaker, resulting in much better imaging. Check out MartinLogan.com for more information on the technology. I've often considered making some tiny flat panels to install in my cars....
