DPI
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Logitech G mice get the world’s first sub-micron sensor with an update
Logitech's gaming mice can now track movement at the sub-micron level with 25,000 DPI resolution.
Latest Windows 10 preview takes the headache out of high DPI
Because of old legacy programs, using Windows with high-res displays has always been a little tricky, especially if you're switching between multiple screens. The latest preview build pushed to Insiders helps with that problem by changing the way Windows tells a program what DPI it's using. With the new build 16237, if a user changes the resolution of the display by docking/undocking or adjusting a setting, they'll only need to close and reopen most programs to fix any blurriness, instead of rebooting or logging out.
'Stained glass' nanotechnology capable of printing up to 100,000 dpi
Researchers in Singapore have managed to create high-resolution color images several times sharper than typical methods using a metal-laced nanometer framework. While normal inkjet and laser jet printers can reel out up to 10,000 dots per inch, this nanotech-based technique has a theoretical limit of around 100,000 dpi. The technique is closer to lithography than typical modern printing, and could pave the way for future high-resolution reflective color displays and high-density optical storage. Scientists crafted precisely patterned metal nano structures, and designed the surface to specifically reflect the intended color. According to project leader, Dr Joel Yang, "The team built a database of color that corresponded to a specific nanostructure pattern, size and spacing," with an ultra-thin metal film spread across the image activating these "encoded" colors. Looks like yet another reason to upgrade our dull fleshy retinas.
Intel: Ivy Bridge GPU to support 4K resolutions
Color us unsurprised that Ivy Bridge is destined to be faster and smaller than its predecessor, but unbeknownst to us is an interesting tidbit concerning the upcoming architecture's GPU. The revamp will support resolutions in excess of 4K (topping out at a maximum of 4,096 x 4,096) -- a sizable jump from the WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) limitation of its Sandy Bridge's forebearer -- opening the door to all sorts of resolution independent goodness. Guess that means you won't need a discrete GPU in the future to power that bodacious (but pricey) pro-level display. Have a peek in the links below if you're hungry for more.
Dutch net neutrality first in EU, mobile operators side-eye KPN
KPN may have shot itself in the foot, but the Dutch parliament certainly helped pull the trigger. Following a very public brag earlier this year that the operator was using deep packet inspection to throttle service and charge users for unintended network usage comes a massive industry buzz kill in the form of mobile net neutrality legislation. Pending approval by the Senate, wireless network operators in the Netherlands will no longer be able to shiv customers for using that nifty rival messaging, or VoIP service of their choice -- Skype and Whatsapp, for starters. The country's telcos put on their lobbying best to whine the usual lines about higher consumer prices, and shaky quality assurance, but the Dutch government called that bluff. Though the ruling bans traffic discrimination, it doesn't preclude tricksier tiered data pricing -- sneaky little carriers. While this win is a first for Europe, OG credit goes to Chile for paving the way. Not yet banned in the Netherlands? Amazing airports, tulips, and cheese wheels. [Image credit via Arbor Media]
Holland's net neutrality act threatens to disrupt mobile carriers' pricing schemes
Net neutrality advocates are gaining momentum in The Hague as Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, agreed to begin drafting legislation prohibiting teleco providers from blocking or charging extra for specific data traffic. Verhagen's action comes at the request of majority leaders in Netherland's Lower House, which adopted a motion to modify the Telecommunications Act in support of bit equality. The change should cause waves throughout the nation's mobile industry as Holland's largest provider, KPN, recently announced it would use deep packet inspection to monitor and selectively charge customers based on their usage. Currently, Vodafone blocks VoIP unless customers pay extra and T-Mobile has previously suggested it might follow suit. The Economic Minister is now working with officials in Brussels to ensure the legislation is compatible with the EU framework, and the proposal is expected to go before the Dutch parliament within a few weeks. Skype and WhatsApp have received particular attention, as mobile providers argue they must offset the losses caused by these apps with surcharges -- or to block them altogether. Perhaps it's not the best week to be a telco exec in the Netherlands, but users of these "controversial" apps surely have reason to smile. [Image courtesy Flickr]
Android Honeycomb has hidden Gingerbread interface, enabled by higher LCD density
Google's already indicated that tablets and smartphones won't be sharing the same Android build until Ice Cream Sandwich in Q4, though interestingly enough, it turns out that the tablet-friendly Honeycomb actually has Gingerbread's interface quietly tucked underneath. According to modder Graffix0214, all you need for making the jump is one simple tweak in a system file: assuming you already have root access, use your preferred method -- Pocketables recommends the LCDDensity for Root app -- to change the LCD density value to 170 or higher to emulate a smaller, denser display. After a reboot, you should then see some Gingerbread love as demoed by Graffix0214's video after the break; and likewise, set the value to 160 or lower to roll back. It sure is nice to have an option, eh?
Samsung and LG to showcase high pixel density LCD panels for tablets at SID 2011
It's a well-known fact that LG's already dominated the pixel density race in the smartphone market thanks to the Retina Display inside the iPhone 4, but we've yet to see similar technologies making their way to larger devices. That could change very soon, however, with Samsung and LG both announcing larger high-density panels to be showcased at SID 2011 next week. From Samsung we'll be seeing its 10.1-inch 300ppi prototype LCD panel, which rakes up an astonishing resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 under the battery-friendly PenTile RGBW matrix (not to be confused with AMOLED and Super AMOLED's RGBG arrangement). What's more, Samsung also teases "commercial availability" for this technology later this year. Things are a bit vague with LG -- no specific resolutions are mentioned in the pre-show announcement, but we're told that the company will introduce "a full line-up" of "ultra-high resolution" Advanced High Performance In-Plane Switching (AH-IPS) products, including 3.5-, 4.5-, 7-, 9.7, 55-, and 84-inch panels, with a "greater number of pixels than the PPI that can be recognized by the human eye at a typical distance" -- a proclamation typically reserved for the iPhone 4's 326ppi Retina Display. Of course, LG could be misleading here -- the 9.7-inch panel brought up in the press release could just be the exact same 1,024 x 768 IPS display on the iPad, but we'd be surprised if LG doesn't have a similarly-sized prototype to fire back at Samsung's 10.1-inch 300ppi panel. Well, keep an eye out for our SID 2011 coverage next week and we'll let you know what goodies we find.
Dutch telco KPN using deep packet inspection to monitor mobile customers, throttle services
KPN set off some alarms in Holland last month when it announced a plan to start charging customers separate fees for using VoIP, streaming video, and sending instant messages. But, the question remained: how exactly would it keep mobile data users honest? The answer turns out to be deep packet inspection, which examines network traffic to identify what you're sending and where it's going. It's been suspected that the secret ingredient in KNP's service-throttling sauce was DPI, but it was finally confirmed in a presentation to investors recently. In fact, Mark Fisher, the director of KPN Mobile, bragged that it was the "very first" provider to be "able to identify by deep packet inspection what is actually the destination as data packages go along." Predictably, privacy and net neutrality advocates are up in arms, with some claiming it is a violation of the Dutch Data Protection Act. We just hope someone nips this in the bud soon -- we don't need American carriers knowing about our Scottish Fold obsession. Check out the source link for an audio clip of Fisher's confession. [Thanks, Daan]
Samsung sees a Retina Display in your tablet future, and perhaps glasses-free 3D
Samsung gazed into its crystal ball today, and what did it see? The pixel density of tablet screens drastically increasing. Yes, while Apple may not have managed to cram a screen into the iPad 2 worthy of the Retina moniker, it sounds like Samsung Semiconductor may be working on just such a thing, as the company projects that it will have tablet displays with 300 to 400 pixel-per-inch resolutions by 2015. Presently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab has a seven-inch, 1024 x 600 panel, which translates to only about 170ppi, but Samsung suggests that tablets of the exact same size might stretch well beyond 1080p desktop resolutions as pixel density increases, and yet still manage a respectable 8 to 10 hours of battery life. Samsung also said that while it's still waiting to see if consumers adopt stereoscopic 3D, it might be interested in joining the throng, perhaps bringing a glasses-free tablet display to market in the years to come. Curious what else the future might hold, according to Samsung? Take a peek at our gallery below. %Gallery-119627%
Mac OS X Lion has TRIM support for SSDs, HiDPI resolutions for improved pixel density?
As you'd expect, developers have wasted no time in tearing apart the Mac OS X Lion preview, and in so doing they've allegedly discovered some intriguing things -- namely, support for the SSD-wiping TRIM command, and a series of high-DPI display modes which would allow for icons and UI elements with twice the graphical detail -- which could mean a PC-sized Retina Display. The former doesn't sound like the most exciting upgrade, but it's truly a boon for Mac users with solid state storage, as TRIM can greatly improve write speeds in compatible drives. As far as the improved pixel density rumors are concerned, it's not clear whether Apple's actually looking at doubling display resolutions in new computers (9to5Mac imagines a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a 2880 x 1800 screen) or whether Apple's simply moving to maintain icons that are precisely the same physical size across all its displays -- which would make fantastic sense for a touchscreen UI, by the way.
Hitachi's 6.6-inch IPS tablet display with amazing 302 ppi
What you're looking at is not just another display. This little beauty throws 1600 x 1200 pixels across a 6.6-inch transmissive IPS panel for an amazing 302 pixels per inch density. That's just shy of the 326 ppi density seen on Apple's 3.5-inch Retina Display (and now Sharp IS03) and blows away the 132 ppi density of the iPad's 10-inch 1024 x 768 IPS panel or 169 ppi density of the 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel Galaxy Tab and BlackBerry PlayBook. Even at that size, the panel still manages an 800:1 contrast ratio and 400 nits of brightness. Unfortunately, we don't have any word on when we can expect these to ship in volume, though we wouldn't mind seeing it show up in Apple's rumored 7-inch iPad -- anywhere, really. P.S. To fuel speculation, this Hitachi panel shares the same 4:3 aspect ratio as Apple's iPad. Just sayin'.
ASUS Eee Tablet: a notepad with impressive 2450 dpi touchscreen sensitivity (updated)
Don't call it the Eee Pad, this is ASUS' Eee Tablet -- a digital notebook with a 2,450 dpi touchscreen and lickity quick 0.1 second page turns on a backlight-less TFT-LCD offering 64-levels of grey. As such, ASUS is calling its Eee Tablet one of the world's most accurate and sensitive note taking devices available. The other being paper and pencil of course. While the Eee Tablet will serve up texts and ebooks for reading just fine, ASUS is really pushing the note taking feature with built-in notepad templates and the ability to store, sort, tag, and annotate your notes on the fly. It comes packing a MicroSD slot and 2 megapixel camera for snapping lecture slides which students or professionals can then annotate and then sync back to a PC over USB. Battery life? 10 hours -- so yeah, it's not E-Ink... but then again it's not E-Ink. Update: Uh, ok, we've received clarification here at Computex. Apparently, when ASUS says "a 2450 dpi touch resolution screen" they actually mean a 2,450 dpi input sensitivity. In other words, annotations probably will feel like writing on paper, or an 8-inch 1024 x 768 pixel panel, anyway. Update 2: We've just been told to expect the Eee Tablet to cost somewhere between $199 and $299 of the green stuff when it launches sometime in September. Update 3: Lookie here -- we've got a hands-on preview up, video and all. %Gallery-93955%
Is 1080p enough resolution for everything?
Usually when we're talking about a Pete Brown of Microsoft it is the one who works on Media Center, but this other Pete gives his opinion on something also near and dear to our heart; he says that HDTVs have ruined the PC display market. His point is that while the technology exists to produce super high dots per inch displays, most are 1920x1200. He's totally right and we've wondered why there aren't more super high resolution displays for our computers as well, but we're not so sure it is all HDTVs fault like he says. What we wonder if most people even like super high density displays because either they're still running XP -- that doesn't let you adjust to high DPI displays -- or just because what they have is good enough. In the end, we too want the more pixels, but blaming HDTVs? Nah.
Razer refreshed DeathAdder gaming mouse is more accurate, still hates southpaws
Zanily enough, nearly three full years have passed since Razer first introduced what would eventually become one of its best-selling gaming mice, so it goes without saying that the aging DeathAdder was due for an update. For those looking for a clean cut, straight-up gaming mouse to use between the hours of 10PM and 5:30AM, this revamped critter might just fit the bill. The biggest change is the inclusion of a 3.5G 3500dpi infrared sensor and a tangle-free braided cable, and fans of the existing design will greatly appreciate the fact that it's essentially the same (externally, of course). It's still not ambidextrous in nature (sorry, lefties), but you will find on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments, five independently programmable buttons and all the blue glow your retinas can handle. It should be available to order momentarily for $59.99 (US) / €59.99 (Europe).%Gallery-73948% Show full PR text RAZER REVAMPS DEATHADDER GAMING MOUSE WITH WORLD'S MOST PRECISE INFRARED TRACKING SENSORMajor upgrades under the hood for one of Razer's best-selling gaming miceCarlsbad, Calif. – September 24, 2009 – Razer™, the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, is pleased to announce the long awaited update to the Razer DeathAdder™. Newly upgraded with a state-of-the-art 3.5G 3500dpi infrared sensor and tangle-free braided cable, the Razer DeathAdder maintains its legendary right-handed ergonomic form factor and rock solid build quality that made it famous. With these new upgrades, the Razer DeathAdder has been equipped with the world's most precise infrared sensor to date – trumping the competition yet again."The DeathAdder is undoubtedly one of Razer's best selling gaming mice," says Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, President of Razer. "To date, the Razer DeathAdder has served the gaming community for a good 3 years and with all the advances in sensor technology, we put our sensor scientists and engineers to task to imbue it with the most precise infrared sensor in the world – but at the same time maintain the specially designed form factor that gamers have come to know and love."About the Razer DeathAdder™The new Razer DeathAdder is an upgraded replacement for the original and is now equipped with the ultra-precise 3500dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G infrared sensor and tangle-free braided fiber cable. The Razer DeathAdder utilizes a right-handed ergonomic design to provide optimum comfort for intensive and extended game play. Its 3500dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G infrared sensor provides gamers with 4x more precision than a standard 800 dpi mouse. The 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ response time of 1ms delivers instantaneous execution, giving gamers the competitive edge over opponents with faster communication between the Razer DeathAdder and the computer.The Razer DeathAdder maintains all of its competitive features, including its five independently programming Hyperesponse™ buttons, On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment, Always-On™ mode and Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon™ feet. All of these lead to a superior, elevated gaming experience.Razer DeathAdder™COST: US: $59.99, Europe: €59.99AVAILABILITY:Razerzone.com – 24 SeptemberIn Stores – Late September Features· Ergonomic right-handed design * 3500dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G infrared sensor· 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms responseTechnical Specifications o 3500dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G infrared sensor o Ergonomic right-handed design o 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response o Five independently programmable Hyperesponse™ buttons o On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment o Always-On™ mode o Ultra-Large non-slip buttons o 16-bit ultra-wide data path o 60–120 inches per second and 15g of acceleration o Zero-Acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon® feet o Gold-Plated USB connector o Seven-Foot, lightweight, braided fiber cable o Approx. size in mm: 128(L) x 70(W) x 42.5(H)
DPI reveals iVision 30-WUXGA HD projector
DPI, or Digital Projection International for the anti-acronym crowd, isn't much on pumping out low-end consumer projectors. It would rather focus on crafting beasts such as the one you see above: the iVision 30-WUXGA. As the title so eloquently explains, this beamer packs a spectacular 1,920 x 1,200 native resolution and the latest DarkChip DMD technology from Texas Instruments. Amazingly, the whole thing only weighs 6.5-pounds, and other specs include a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 3,100 ANSI lumens and HDCP-compliant HDMI / DVI inputs (among other analog jacks). 'Tis a shame there's no price mentioned, but it's safe to assume bargain hunters won't find much to love here.[Via AboutProjectors]
Microsoft talks third-party Zune accessories
You can't run around launching fancy new music players these days without a secondary offensive of cases and car chargers following close behind, and Microsoft's new Zunes have a veritable cavalry behind them. In addition to the official accessories we've already heard about from J Allard and crew, the company's lined up a number of third-party manufacturers to crank out 60 different Zune-friendly products, including Polk, Belkin, DLO, Monster, Altec Lansing, Targus, iHome, Memorex and Griffin. Microsoft's new pals will be releasing everything from speaker docks to RCA cables, so it looks like you'll be able to build a happy little home for that new Zune of yours when it launches next month.
Saitek's sexy Obsidian mouse incorporates touch-sensitive scroll
If you've found yourself pacing in tense anticipation for Apple's touch-sensitive mousing device, Saitek's latest could definitely calm your nerves and satisfy your desires simultaneously. The sexy Obsidian mouse touts a 1,000 DPI optical tracker, four-way touch-sensitive scroll, a bundled recharge cradle with wireless transmitter, five total buttons, support for Windows / OS X systems, Teflon feet, and best of all, it even includes a pair of Li-ion batteries to keep you mousing all through the night. Additionally, the curvaceous critter doesn't play favorites with dominant hands, as both righties and southpaws alike shouldn't have any qualms handling this one. Currently, the Obsidian is available now for £39.99 ($80) for our pals across the lake, but if you'll just be patient, the device is slated to land on US soil for a mere $49.95 real soon.[Via I4U]
Kodak intros 200 page-per-minute i1860 commercial scanner
With all these newfangled fingerprint / retina scanners in the news lately, it's easy to forget about the plain ole document-reading variety, but Kodak is bringing it all back into focus by unveiling its "fastest production scanner ever," the i1860. The mammoth-sized device captures images at up to 200 pages per minute, and sports a snazzy color touchscreen as well as "automatic height-adjustment" for those long, cold nights spent running year-end reports. Its SurePath technology, in conjunction with "three ultrasonic multi-feed detection sensors," will supposedly help you avoid an office worker's worst nightmare (paper jams during crunch time), and the five output formats should handle just about any obscure map or overcrowded spreadsheet you throw at it. The machine also touts a 300dpi optical resolution, 500 sheet feeder, JPEG / TIFF file export functionality, and FireWire connectivity. Should you work in a heavily overloaded archiving business, or just have ridiculous amounts of cash to burn, you can pick up have this 480-pound beast delivered in December for a whopping £55,000 ($104,605).[Via BIOS]
DS versus PSP: the battle for the best LCD
PC Magazine got a "display expert" from DisplayMate Technology to evaluate the screen performance of the DS Lite and the PSP. To a casual observer, both have stunning displays. But how do they fare when they're analyzed by the same methods used on high-end HDTVs? The report is incredibly thorough, so I'll just give you some key highlights:
