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NODE modular sensor gets color scanning capability
What's a modular sensor without modules? The folks behind Node have released the iPhone peripheral's fifth end cap, the NODE+chroma, a sensor that scans colors, transmitting that data to your handset via Bluetooth 4.0. The $99 add-on features white LED light, capturing a reading in around a second, regardless of the influence of ambient light. You can pick up the new module over at Node's site, along with climate, gas, thermometer sensors and an LED flashlight. And while you're at it, you should probably pick up the $149 Node as well, or those sensors won't be of much use.
Adobe Releases Kuler for iPhone
Rejoice designers. Adobe has released a free Kuler app for iPhone. Kuler is a free service offered by Adobe that helps designers with the creation and sharing of color themes using a series of slides and color wheels. The site is fun, but the app is a powerful addition. The app allows designers build and edit color themes based on photos taken with the iPhone. Simply snap a picture in the app's camera view and it will automatically build color palettes based on the image you capture. The palette tones are shows via a series of overlaid color dots that show you where the primary colors are being drawn from. It then uses this information to create a color swatch for you. The app gives you the option to manually adjust your color selections with RGB sliders or switch between presets like "Colorful" and "Muted" to quickly manipulate your set. The app also features pre-set color rules for its color wheel, allowing you to quickly identify monochromatic and complementary colors with ease. Themes can be named, tagged and shared via email, Twitter or Kuler's website. Once a theme has been shared to the Kuler site it can be uploaded for use in other Adobe apps, such as Illustrator. Kuler is available for free right now in the App Store. Go play with some colors.
Adobe Kuler color selection iPhone app is now available, redesigned web interface in tow (video)
Although the shiny new iOS app and retooled web interface were demoed a few weeks back at MAX 2013, Adobe has released both facets of its new and improved Kuler color selection tool into the wild. The iPhone software enables hue selection with the handset's camera or selecting a previously captured image for inspiration -- with built-in preset moods and color rules to expedite the process when needed. Created themes can then be saved and accessed via both the web interface and inside Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and Illustrator. The free app is available now in iTunes and a quick walkthrough resides beyond the break.
3M, Nanosys ready to bring quantum dot film to LCD makers
3M and Nanosys have just announced that they'll start shipping qualification samples of their Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF) to manufacturers to bring a 50 percent wider color gamut and lower power consumption to LCD displays. Consisting of trillions of quantum dots tuned to create precise color hues, such films can be swapped in to replace existing backlighting tech, meaning manufacturers will need no special equipment to adopt it. The companies say they'll have samples for manufacturer design cycles starting "late second quarter this year" -- but if you can't wait that long, you'll be able to actually buy similar tech from Sony, likely very soon.
Samsung Galaxy S III leaked in purple, pegged for April release on Sprint
Starting next month, Sprint loyalists will likely be able to get their paws around the Galaxy S 4. Or, if the budget has been a bit tight, a brand new Galaxy S III. The image above has been posted by the typically-reliable evleaks, showing off a heretofore unannounced purple edition of one of Samsung's cash cows. We aren't given too many details beyond a proposed April ship date, but one can only expect it to be offered for a song given the imminent arrival of its successor. To date, the GS III has been issued in red, white, grey, brown and black -- clearly, the only thing missing is a version that Willy Wonka himself would endorse.
Former Color employee talks about Apple's Lala deal
Aubrey Johnson is a former employee of Color, the startup recently acquired by Apple and founded by Bill Nguyen, who sold another company to Apple called Lala. Over on his personal blog, Johnson has put up a post that walks right through the story of how Apple picked up Lala, from the reasoning behind the buy to how the purchase was actually negotiated. The whole process sounds very exciting -- Nguyen's company (which had nailed down a lot of search results but was flagging in profitability at that point) got a buyout offer from Nokia that even Nguyen wasn't impressed with. But he successfully sold that offer up the line to Google, and then got Apple interested, essentially pitting Apple and Google against each other for this little company that threatened to be the musical lynchpin of either service. Finally, Nguyen sat down with Steve Jobs and other Apple higher-ups, Jobs passed a number across the table, and Nguyen nodded -- and that was it. The company sold for $80 million with about that much more in bonuses for the remaining employees. And as Johnson points out, a lot of those employees then went on to work with Nguyen again at Color, and Apple bought them again. At a price, Johnson says, that was so nice (given these employees' talent and experience) it was worth it twice anyway. That's how you do business like Apple: Pay for what you need whatever it costs, and be glad you're building the best company around. [via MacRumors]
Samsung Galaxy Note II reportedly coming in black, triggers monolithic memories (update: fake!)
Samsung gave Galaxy S III buyers a small rainbow of color choices in the summer, and there's signs that the Galaxy Note II might receive a similarly resplendent treatment. A supposed press image obtained by AndroidSlash shows the giant smartphone draped in a previously unavailable black that's potentially very striking -- and more than a little reminiscent of 2001's species-changing monoliths. There's no official word from Samsung on its authenticity, although we wouldn't be surprised knowing the company's history and the Note II's strong track record. When a theoretically niche device is selling like gangbusters, some added diversity could be in order. Just don't expect any Starchildren as a result. Update: Alas, this is indeed a fake. The source has updated to confirm that this was just a quick darkening job with an image editor -- you can tell by the darkened LED flash, camera and logo. But still, we wouldn't be surprised if Samsung does release its phablet in other colors to keep milking it.
Case Scenario lets you get a jump on the 2013 Pantone Universe Color of the Year
All you fans of Pantone 17-5641 (aka "Emerald") should be happy -- that particular color has been selected as the Pantone Universe color of the year for 2013. Case Scenario, an accessory manufacturer, is celebrating with the release of their US$35 2013 Color of the Year Pantone Universe iPhone Case (there's a mouthful!). The case faithfully reproduces Pantone 17-5641 while protecting your iPhone 5, so you can use it to color match your hair, nails, car, house paint, clothing and tattoos to the 2013 Color of the Year. You'll be able to pick up the case at Bloomingdales and Urban Outfitters. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to dye my cat Pantone 17-5641.
Former Color Labs employee suing the company and CEO Bill Nguyen
In the wake of social media startup Color's shutdown, a former employee is now suing the exorbitantly funded startup and embattled CEO Bill Nguyen. TechCrunch reports Adam Witherspoon filed a lawsuit alleging "intentional infliction of emotional distress" and is seeking an unspecified figure in damages. Among various indiscretions described in the suit are allegations that Nguyen was not only using a portion of the startup's $41 million in venture funding to pay directly for his family's nanny as well as a ski instructor, but that he made "vindictive threats" against those who opposed him. Last month we learned that Color's talent was headed to Cupertino, and although a lot of misinformation was making the rounds, today's suit also confirms that the company's assets have been sold to Apple. The lawsuit, which you can read in full at TechCrunch, goes into detail regarding Color's engineering talent being moved to Apple, and how Witherspoon's severance offer to move on was significantly less than the rest of Color's staff who would not be joining Apple's ranks. Even as the Color ship sails into the sunset, it's fairly obvious that this tale isn't over yet.
Texas Instruments confirms color TI-84+ calculator is on track for a spring 2013 release
You've seen the recent rumors of a TI-84 calculator with a color screen, and now Tech Powered Math has gotten the official word from Texas Instruments that such a device is indeed coming, finally bringing the popular line of calculators out of the monochrome age. As those earlier reports have suggested, however, you'll have to wait until sometime in the spring of next year to get you hands on one, and pricing has yet to be confirmed -- the site says the MSRP "could" be in the neighborhood of $150, though. Apparently, one reason for the lack of specificity with a release date is that the apps from the older calculators aren't compatible with the new TI-84+ C, so Texas Instruments has been focusing on rewriting the most popular ones in time for the calculator's release, with an eye towards releasing more over the course of the summer. TI assured the site that the new model is "not replacing anything," though, and adds that it has no plans to discontinue the standard TI-84+ or the TI-84+ Silver Edition. Those interested can find plenty more details on the calculator and TI's plans at the source link below.
PocketBook teases first front-lit, color e-reader for June 2013, gets ahead of itself
Shouting "first!" isn't reserved for overeager blog commenters. PocketBook is just as determined to get ahead of the e-reader field with the first unveiling of a front-lit, color E Ink device, well before it's ready for store shelves. While the device doesn't even have a name, we're already promised the combination of Kindle Paperwhite-like illumination with a Triton-based 8-inch, 800 x 600 touch display that can show 4,096 colors. There's even an early battery life estimate of a month of typical use, which should stack up decently against most of the e-reader's grayscale counterparts. Just don't be surprised if PocketBook loses its crown before it's even sitting on the throne. An initial launch in the Commonwealth of Independent States is pegged for June 2013 -- far enough into the future that competitors could announce and ship products before PocketBook lands its first sale.
TI-84 calculator with color screen surfaces, geeks giddy with anticipation
Texas Instrument's TI-84 makes quick work of graphs and equations like nobody's business, but it's done so for years while clinging to an outdated black and white screen. Now, however, it looks like that'll change for at least one flavor of the souped-up digital abacus. Cemetech forum user 0rac343 posted a photo of a TI-84+ C Silver Edition, claiming that it was one of 24 provided by TI for in-classroom testing and that it's slated to launch next spring. Tech Powered Math reports that a contact who's worked with Texas Instruments has confirmed that the calculator is the real McCoy. In fact, the firm's website has a page where visitors can sign up for updates about the number cruncher in question. With the help of the refreshed TI-84, we might finally be able to tell if Blinky, Inky, Pinky or Clyde is the ghost chasing us down in the hardware's Pac-Man clone.
Barnes & Noble cut the price of Nook Tablet, Nook Color once more, really wants them on your Christmas list
Barnes & Noble recently took the wraps of two new tablets, updating its range (along with everyone else it seems) in preparation for next year. That doesn't mean it's washed its hands of the OG Nook tablet and Nook Color -- in fact, both just got another price cut. Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to pick up the original 8GB tablet for $159, the 16GB version for $179 and the Nook Color for $139. With two price cuts in three months, anyone would think it was trying to get rid of stock. This still puts last year's lower capacity model shoulder-to-shoulder with Amazon's 2012 Kindle Fire (with ad subsidies), but with Christmas just around the corner, we're not complaining about more choice for less dollars.
Color closeout story shifts; team said to be headed to Apple
It's been a Color-ful 24 hours for anyone following the several contradictory stories surrounding the future of the exorbitantly-funded social media company Color. As the dust settles, it appears that Apple is poised to purchase the heart of Color, just not its name. The saga started when an email purportedly sent by Color's VP of Finance Andrew Urushima surfaced, suggesting that the company was on the brink of going dark. This suggestion was then promptly denied by a spokesperson for the company. Then came a report that Apple was prepared to purchase the company in full, for a steep fee. Now, according to AllThingsD, Apple is indeed putting cash on the table for Color's engineering talent, but not for the company itself. The majority of the startup's staff is reportedly being "acqhired" by Apple -- a move that brings over the key members of Color's team, but leaves behind the company's intellectual property and, of course, the name. But this tale may not yet be over, and as both Apple and Color are refusing to detail exactly what is going down behind the scenes, we'll have to keep an eye on how it all pans out.
Verizon Galaxy S III now available in black and brown
Verizon teased on Monday that black and brown models of Samsung's Galaxy S III would be coming soon, but mum was the word on exactly how quickly that would be. Turns out, it was real fast. The pair of smartphones are now available at the carrier's online storefront with a $199.99 price tag for those who don't mind a two-year commitment with Big Red. If the new shades strike your fancy, hit the source link below to give one (or two) of the devices a new home.
Verizon teases black and brown Galaxy S III models for the subtle crowd
AT&T might have nabbed Verizon's color for the Galaxy S III, but that doesn't mean Big Red subscribers will be left out. The CDMA carrier has just posted a rotating teaser on its home page promising the low-key black and brown versions of Samsung's flagship sometime "soon," with availability sign-ups on hand for the impatient. That's all we know for now, although history suggests there won't be a premium over the $200 contract price of the existing blue and white models. We're hoping the new shades of Galaxy come soon -- Verizon's offering will be the first chance most Americans have to get the Android phone in muted colors and relive the glory days of brown electronics.
Logitech Harmony Touch remote officially announced, brings swipe, scroll and tap LCD for $249
The cat is already well out of the bag, but we finally have some official information about the new Logitech Harmony Touch universal remote. Its first addition to the line in a while, Logitech is pushing its center-mounted 2.4-inch color touchscreen with support for control by tapping, swiping or scrolling through up to 50 channel icons as a way to "unprecedented control" of your home entertainment system. We're still not entirely sure about the transport controls being placed so far up top or the usefulness of a screen focused on direct live channel access in the DVR and streaming age (check out our thoughts on this week's podcast), but it does bring the usual control of up to 15 devices and backlit keys. Just as we saw in the stores, the price is set at $249 and it controls only via IR, not RF like the pricier Harmony 900. Check out more info in the press release after the break (along with quick demo and how-to setup videos) or on Logitech's blog, fans of the new device should be able to find them released widely in the US and Europe this month.
Jawbone takes a cue from Colorware, will let customers order the Jambox speaker in custom colors
Want a blue-and-black Bluetooth speaker to match your Engadget t-shirt, messenger bag and whatever other paraphernalia you have lying around? You're in luck: Jawbone is about to start accepting orders for the Jambox speaker in custom colors. All told, you'll be able to choose from 13 shades for the grill, and nine for the end caps. Jawbone says it can see customers choosing school and team colors, not that you need an excuse to want an orange piece of kit. The personalization is free of charge, meaning the price of the speaker is still $200. The only downside, so far as we can tell, is that the Big Jambox isn't included. For now, the site is only open to select users (i.e., loyal customers who have participated in company forums, surveys and such), but starting August 28th it'll be open to everybody. In the meantime, which of you has the cojones to order it in purple and yellow?%Gallery-162979%
Black Galaxy S III shown on T-Mo website: glossy and shady in equal measure
It's that mythical third color again -- or maybe the fourth, if you happen to be with a particular carrier. We saw hints of a darker shade of the Galaxy S III in Germany back in June, but even then we weren't totally convinced of its pedigree. More recently there have been rumors of a black Galaxy S III coming to independent retailers in the UK, but with nothing formal to back them up. So, now we have this: an animation of a very black and very glossy flagship, rotating on a lofty pedestal over at T-Mo's official US site. Can we finally relax and say it exists for sure, or did T-Mo perhaps paint it to make their site look more uniform? More to the point, would anyone hold out for this rather than snap up the ever-popular white variant right now?
'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.
