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NASA READIs early detection GPS network, aids first responders with earthquake warnings

Anthony Verrecchio — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:21:00 EST

After tacking space shuttle Discovery onto the back of a 747, the brainy gang over at NASA's READI for a new challenge -- earthquake detection. The agency's GPS-monitoring system, known as the Real-time Earthquake Analysis for Disaster Mitigation Network, is being tested with the goal of more accurately detecting the scale of quakes and, consequently, getting tsunami warnings out as soon as possible. The setup, made possible by a partnership between the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and the United States Geological Survey, works by measuring ground displacement in real-time to provide a faster, more detailed assessment of imminent damage, thereby giving first responders a head start on determining aid. So the next time you look up to the night sky and wish upon a tracking star, keep in mind that sometimes privacy-skewing, positioning tech could just save your life.

NASA READIs early detection GPS network, aids first responders with earthquake warnings originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bunnie Huang builds open-source geiger counter to help Japanese civilians

Daniel Cooper — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST

Chumby co-creator Andrew "Bunnie" Huang was so moved by the Japanese Earthquake and Fukushima meltdown that he felt compelled to help out. Teaming up with nonprofit organization Safecast, he started work on a radiation monitor that was suitable for everyday civilian use, rather than it remain the sole province of officials. As well as its readings being able to stand up to scientific scrutiny, Huang's counter had to remain functional after a natural disaster, last for ages and be small enough for people to carry around. When he had finished building the reference design, he open-sourced the design so companies like Medcom and individuals could build their own. If you'd like to dabble in the arts of radiation monitoring, head on down to the source link for a fascinating insight into how it's done.

Bunnie Huang builds open-source geiger counter to help Japanese civilians originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FujiFilm's $1,700 X100 Black Edition now shipping, limited to 10K units worldwide

Joe Pollicino — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:34:00 EST

We somehow missed this retro-styled gem at back at CES, but no matter -- Fujifilm's X100 Black Premium Edition is now shipping and available for purchase. This is exactly the same 12.3-megapixel camera that's been pleasing photographers for nearly a year, albeit in a darker, single-tone finish that's limited to a run of 10,000 units worldwide. Priced at $1,700, the black X100 is 500 more bones than the standard-issue variant and features the same 23mm fixed lens, but it comes with a lens hood, leather case, clear lens filter and an adapter ring; all of which are all painted to match. We'd say this blacked-out shooter gives the NEX-7 a run for its money in the dapper looks department, but you can decide for yourself at the source link below. Full press release past the break.

Continue reading FujiFilm's $1,700 X100 Black Edition now shipping, limited to 10K units worldwide

FujiFilm's $1,700 X100 Black Edition now shipping, limited to 10K units worldwide originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's new Street View feature provides eerie glimpse of post-tsunami Japan

Amar Toor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:44:00 EST

Google has put the devastation of March's Japanese tsunami in hauntingly stark relief, with the release of a new Street View feature that covers the country's most ravaged regions. It's all part of an initiative to "digitally archive" the aftermath of this year's earthquake and tsunami, with Street View images captured across some 44,000 kilometers of Northeastern Japan. The panoramic, 360-degree photos cover both inland and coastal regions, allowing users to retroactively trace the path of destruction across Fukushima and other areas, while placing them at ground level amidst a graveyard of battered homes and abandoned buildings. Google hopes this archive will help scientists to gain a better understanding of the damage wreaked by natural disasters, while preserving the memory of those who suffered most. It's viscerally eerie, powerful and, above all, tragic. Be sure to check it out at the source link below.

Google's new Street View feature provides eerie glimpse of post-tsunami Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobislyder offers low-level roll track for filming, gleams the cube

Chris Barylick — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST

You tried to shoot a quick handheld movie with your smartphone the other night. And it wound up looking like you shot it in the middle of an earthquake. Before putting your video editing application's "Analyze for Stabilization" feature to the test, have a gander at Glidetrack's Mobislyder. Essentially a combination of a roll track and a skateboard, the Mobislyder ships with a variety of mounts to fit a selection of smartphones, camcorders and compact cameras. This, combined with four non-rolling feet and a swivel mount, allow the Mobislyder to be used at almost any low angle. That thing you're peering at above is available for $135, which could be a solid deal for a good, steady, sliding platform to shoot from. Or, it could be $96 more than the parts you picked up from Radio Shack and Home Depot to perform the exact same function. A full video demo awaits after the break.

Continue reading Mobislyder offers low-level roll track for filming, gleams the cube

Mobislyder offers low-level roll track for filming, gleams the cube originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google launches Person Finder app following earthquake in Turkey

Amar Toor — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:16:00 EST

In the wake of yesterday's devastating earthquake in Turkey, Google has launched a specialized Person Finder to help victims find missing loved ones. First developed in response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Google's Person Finder has since been deployed to several other natural disaster zones, including post-tsunami Japan earlier this year. The idea behind the company's Turkish initiative remains as straightforward as ever: users can enter information on the person they're looking for, or add any details they may have on people who aren't already accounted for. Of course, all submitted records remain available for public search and viewing. If you've been affected by the earthquake or have any information on someone who has, you can find Google's Person Finder at the source link below.

Google launches Person Finder app following earthquake in Turkey originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MOTOFONE F3, the zombie apocalypse survival phone (video)

Myriam Joire — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EST

You can never be too prepared. Whether you're being chased by brain sucking zombies, hunted down by ruthless killer robots, or -- more likely -- the victim of an earthquake or other natural disaster. There's only one phone you really need, and that's the MOTOFONE F3. Forget your smartphone and its fancy pants features, forget the internet -- when the apocalypse strikes your survival might depend on a durable handset with great battery life and just the basics, which is exactly what the MOTOFONE F3 delivers. Introduced in 2006 for developing markets, it makes and takes calls, sends and receives text messages, beeps and vibrates, stores and recalls your most important contacts, and includes an alarm clock -- that's it.

Of course, these specs describe almost every simple phone launched since SMS was added to the GSM standard. What makes the MOTOFONE F3 unique is that it uses a segmented e-paper display which sips power and remains legible in both direct sunlight and dark back alleys, along with dual antennae for superior radio performance. Battery life is absolutely incredible, with over 2 weeks in standby and several months powered off. Motorola also designed the handset to be light (68g), thin (9mm) and strong -- it's resistant to shock, dust and moisture, with a sealed keypad and speaker (which is extremely loud). The best part? You can pick one up online, unlocked, for as little as $25.

Check out our gallery below, and whatever you do, don't be like our protagonist in the zombie apocalypse video after the break -- don't leave your SIM at home.

Psst... yeah, we know this phone's ancient, but every now and then we like to reach back and have a little fun. And, you know, escape a looming zombie horde.

Gallery: MOTOFONE F3

Continue reading MOTOFONE F3, the zombie apocalypse survival phone (video)

MOTOFONE F3, the zombie apocalypse survival phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 5 turns Japanese iPhones into earthquake alarms

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EST

Following the devastation wrought by the recent Japanese earthquake, Apple has hooked the country's early warning system into iOS 5. The tectonically-volatile nation has the most sophisticated alarm in the world, delivering life-saving warnings seconds or minutes before disaster strikes. iOS users already had access to this functionality via apps like Yurekuru, but iOS 5 will bring it directly into the operating system. The service can be activated in the Notification Center settings pane, accompanied by a warning that the constant connection will deplete your battery faster -- a fair exchange if it saves your life.

iOS 5 turns Japanese iPhones into earthquake alarms originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson posts surprising Q2 loss, blames Japanese earthquake

Amar Toor — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:40:00 EST

Many analysts and market watchers were expecting a strong Q2 earnings report from Sony Ericsson today, but the company took them by surprise, posting a net loss of some €50 million (about $70.5 million), compared with a net gain of €12 million (around $17 million) at the same time last year. The manufacturer also sold only 7.6 million phones during the quarter, marking a 31 percent year-on-year decrease, while overall revenue fell from €1.76 billion (about $2.5 billion) last year to €1.19 billion (almost $1.7 billion) during Q2 2011. CEO Bert Nordberg attributed much of the decline to the Japanese earthquake, which disrupted the venture's supply chain, resulting in the loss of around 1.5 million devices. The report comes after Sony Ericsson launched a widespread cost-cutting campaign and re-focused its efforts on smartphone production, which comprised more than 70 percent of all sales during Q2, compared with just 40 percent at the end of last year. For a more thorough breakdown, head past the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson posts surprising Q2 loss, blames Japanese earthquake

Sony Ericsson posts surprising Q2 loss, blames Japanese earthquake originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video)

Dana Wollman — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:58:00 EST

A few months ago, back when Japan was freshly reeling from that devastating earthquake and tsunami, it became obvious that robots could help survey radiation levels in Fukushima, even if they were powerless to lower them. Now, Tokyo Power Electric Co., the company that operates the damaged nuclear plant, is experimenting with an ad hoc system designed to clean at least some of the radioactive dirt from the reactors. What you see in that clip below is an industrial-grade vacuum cleaner attached to a Warrior, the most heavy-duty of iRobot's mobile bots. The idea is that workers can control the system from a safe distance, and let the robot handle the dirty work of removing toxic sand and debris. Head past the break to see it in action, combing the floor of the (eerily) empty plant.

Continue reading Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video)

Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Topcon's IP-S2 Lite creates panoramic maps in 3D, spots every bump in the road (video)

Amar Toor — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:53:00 EST

You'd need only a smartphone app to pinpoint every pothole on your block, but to map out more severe structural damage, you'd probably need more sophisticated equipment -- which is where Topcon's IP-S2 Lite comes in. Unveiled at last week's 3D & Virtual Reality Expo in Tokyo, this road condition evaluation system is comprised of a 360-degree camera, GPS and an inclinometer. After using its camera to capture images at 16 frames per second, the IP-S2 analyzes the properties of every shot and uses this information to create 3D video footage. The contraption can also measure the height, distance and surface area of any given frame, allowing engineers to insert computer-generated images into the video (as pictured above) and to construct more accurate maps of disaster-stricken regions. In the wake of this year's devastating earthquake, for example, Japan's Geospatial Information Authority used this technology to map coastal areas of the Miyagi Prefecture, giving officials and rescue workers a better idea of the damage inflicted upon the region. You can find out more about the IP-S2 in the video after the break.

[Thanks, Don]

Continue reading Topcon's IP-S2 Lite creates panoramic maps in 3D, spots every bump in the road (video)

Topcon's IP-S2 Lite creates panoramic maps in 3D, spots every bump in the road (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parrot AR.Drone floats into damaged New Zealand cathedral, returns with haunting video

Amar Toor — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:14:00 EST

Whenever disaster strikes, robots are among the first to scope out the damage. Rarely, however, do they return with footage as eerie as what this Parrot AR.Drone recorded in Christchurch, New Zealand. In the wake of Monday's 6.0-magnitude earthquake, engineers sent the $500 bot into the city's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament -- a 106-year-old Roman Catholic church that had sustained significant damage, rendering it too dangerous for humans to enter. The iPad-controlled quadrocopter swooped in and captured rather depressing images of the cathedral's battered interior. The video's quality may be low, but its creepy quotient is high: shattered stained-glass windows, piles of debris, stray pieces of iconography -- it's all quite heavy. Head past the break to see it for yourself.

[Thanks, Ross]

Continue reading Parrot AR.Drone floats into damaged New Zealand cathedral, returns with haunting video

Parrot AR.Drone floats into damaged New Zealand cathedral, returns with haunting video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony estimates $3.2b loss this year, $171 million cost for PSN breach

Tim Stevens — Mon, 23 May 2011 08:26:00 EST

It has not been a good year for Sony, which was affected both by the massive earthquake in March and the PSN outage that spanned from April into May. There couldn't be any doubt that those things would have a drastic impact on the company's bottom-line, and it's now taking the time to give investors an idea of just how big an impact that could be -- even though the financial issues lie largely elsewhere. Sony is set to announce its full financial report for its fiscal year this Thursday and, to soften the blow, estimates have been revised steeply downward. Previously Sony predicted a ¥70 billion ($855 million) profit, but now thinks a ¥260 billion ($3.14 billion) loss is rather more accurate -- a ¥360 billion non-cash charge taking the wind out of ¥200 billion in operating income.

The earthquake was directly blamed for a loss of ¥22 billion, but that figure could certainly grow as this estimate is only through the end of March. Additionally, Sony has provided a early guess of a ¥14 billion (about $172 million) total cost for the PSN breach. That's less than two bucks per exposed account, but again we wouldn't be surprised if it's a figure that increases through the year. You know, once the lawyers start having their fun.

Sony estimates $3.2b loss this year, $171 million cost for PSN breach originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple offers free repairs for iPhones, other products damaged in Japan quake

Zach Honig — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:35:00 EST

Apple customers with Macs, displays, and iOS devices that were directly damaged in the Japan earthquake and tsunami may be eligible for free repairs. The offer, posted on the company's Japanese website, excludes iPod classic, nano, and shuffle, and only applies to customers living in areas covered by the Ministry of Health's Disaster Relief Act. Originally posted in March, Apple's announcement joins Softbank's offer to replace lost iPhones registered to its network, and free calls to Japan from U.S. carriers, among others. Considering water and other accidental damage typically voids a device's warranty, you'll want to give AppleCare a call soon -- the acceptance period only runs through June 30th.

Apple offers free repairs for iPhones, other products damaged in Japan quake originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SARbot searches for victims underwater in Japan (video)

Zach Honig — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 21:39:00 EST

Joining the extended family of robots assisting with the relief effort in Japan, the Texas-based Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (CRASAR) has sent its SARbot to Rikuzentakata. Like some of the other bots, this guy can shoot video as it swims under houses and other crippled structures, but it also sports a "limb grasping mechanism," designed to retrieve drowning victims and assist in other search and rescue operations. As of yet the machine's searches have come up empty, but the bot has kept the camera rolling during it's underwater adventures, so head past the break to check out a clip of its footage.

Continue reading SARbot searches for victims underwater in Japan (video)

SARbot searches for victims underwater in Japan (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 21:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iRobot Packbots enter Fukushima nuclear plant to gather data, take photos, save lives (video)

Amar Toor — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:56:00 EST

iRobot recently deployed a pair of robots to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan, where intense levels of radiation have made it increasingly dangerous for human rescue workers to operate. The remote-controlled Packbots entered one of Fukushima's reactor buildings on Sunday morning, in the hopes of providing authorities with a better idea of what's going on inside the plant's nether regions. Each Packbot entered the facility with an attached video camera, allowing Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) to receive live interior images and temperature readings of the troubled reactor building. It would certainly be a daunting task for any human to undertake, but the Packbot is specially designed to cope with hazardous conditions (in the past, it's been used to defuse bombs for the U.S. Army). And the Packbot isn't alone, either. Authorities are also using a mechanical excavator and transporter to wipe away some of the debris outside the plant, while an unmanned helicopter has been hoisted skyward, to take aerial photos of the area. TEPCO has yet to release information on the Packbots' findings, but if Sunday's mission proves to be a success, they'll be sent in to two other reactor buildings, to do it all over again. Check out a video and an extra image of the Packbot, after the break.

Continue reading iRobot Packbots enter Fukushima nuclear plant to gather data, take photos, save lives (video)

iRobot Packbots enter Fukushima nuclear plant to gather data, take photos, save lives (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TALON robot gets declawed, helps Japan sniff out radiation (video)

Sean Buckley — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:58:00 EST

Robotics experts at the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory just taught an old war machine some new tricks, namely radiation detection -- a timely acquisition of knowledge, for sure. Swapping out rocket launchers and machine guns for a suite of radiological sensors, digital cameras, and a GPS device, this modified TALON will be used to map the radiation levels (and create a visual output) surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The newly modified TALON landed in Japan just last week, joining an existing team of robot helpers already in use in the disaster area, including two additional TALONs equipped with sensors that can identify more than 7500 environmental hazards. Guns for Geiger counters seems like a good trade to us; check the video up top to watch the 'bot try out its treads.

[Thanks, John]

TALON robot gets declawed, helps Japan sniff out radiation (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Softbank's CEO donating ¥10 billion to Japan's quake-affected region

Darren Murph — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:41:00 EST

Softbank already stepped up to the plate by offering gratis handsets to earthquake orphans following the horrific events that transpired last month, but now the outfit's CEO is doing one better. ¥10 billion will be leaving Masayoshi Son (admittedly deep) pockets in order to "support the region and people affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami," and if you're curious, that equates to just under $120 million in greenbacks. Of course, one might say that said sum is pocket change for Japan's wealthiest citizen, but he even vowed to "donate to the same cause all of his future compensation as the head of Softbank." On top of Son's personal donations, Softbank as a company will be handing over ¥1 billion, with both the man and his entity considering various channels for which the money will be distributed. We've got a feeling this is just a bit more serious than your average PR stunt, and we've no qualms handing Mr. Son the round of golf claps he so richly deserves.

Softbank's CEO donating ¥10 billion to Japan's quake-affected region originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony CEO casually mentions he's supplying cameras to Apple

Sean Hollister — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:26:00 EST

We were tempted to call it an April Fools' joke, but it seems the story's true: Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer reportedly let slip that his company is producing cameras for the next batch of iPhones and iPads during a public interview with the Wall Street Journal. Traditionally, Apple's sourced its sensors from OmniVision, including the delightfully backside-illuminated 5 megapixel CMOS unit you'll find in the iPhone 4, but since Sony too has BSI tech and OmniVision has reportedly encountered delays, your next portable Apple product might house a Sony Exmor R sensor like the one we admired on the Xperia Arc. Mind you, that may not end up actually happening, because of the context in which Sir Howard revealed the news -- according to 9 to 5 Mac, he said that the factory producing sensors for Apple was affected by the Japanese tsunami. Oh well.

Sony CEO casually mentions he's supplying cameras to Apple originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iRobot, QinetiQ machines to assist in Japan relief effort

Christopher Trout — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:25:00 EST

A few weeks ago, it looked like robots would play a relatively small role in recovery efforts following the earthquake and subsequent nuclear crisis in Japan, but as concern grows over radiation leaks, robotics companies are positioning their mechanical offspring to do jobs deemed unsafe for humans. We've already heard of Aldebaran's plans for a fleet of rescue bots, and now QinetiQ and iRobot are lending automated assistance to the cause. QinetiQ plans to send in a set of Robotic Applique Kits -- used to convert Bobcat loaders into unmanned vehicles -- along with sensor machines like the TALON and Dragon. Meanwhile, iRobot's enlisted two each of its PackBots and Warriors to help aid in recovery -- the former is used by the US military for bomb disposal. Both companies have already deployed teams to Japan for training.

iRobot, QinetiQ machines to assist in Japan relief effort originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Softbank to offer free phones to earthquake orphans, free replacement for lost iPhones

Richard Lai — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:14:00 EST

Following the catastrophic earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, surviving victims from the affected region are going to face a tough time over the coming months, if not years. Many of those who are more fortunate have been actively contributing in one way or another, regardless of distance, to help put Japan on its road to recovery. Back in the country, one such generous person is non other than Softbank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son, who's recently visited Tamura, one of the cities most affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. During that trip, Son announced that Softbank will cover a year's worth of living costs (commute and food) and provide job positions for the 1,200 people to be relocated to Takeo in Saga, the prefecture where Son originated.

Additionally, Son is using Softbank's "Let's Do It" campaign site -- a tracker for his "Let's Do It" tasks posted on Twitter, each accompanied by a completion status indicator -- to crowdsource requests for supporting earthquake victims. So far, these requests are mainly about ways to increase efficiency for donation efforts (like publishing a live list of item shortages for each shelter, and setting up new mobile networks at the shelters), but there were two that caught our attention. Last week, one of Son's followers suggested that Softbank should provide orphaned children free phone credit for a limited time, so that they could contact their friends and other family members. Son then retweeted this idea and announced that all earthquake orphans will receive free phones, along with call costs waived until they reach the age of 18. Another gadget-related initiative came in earlier today with Son promising free replacement for all lost or damaged iPhones due to the earthquake, with details to follow later.

Obviously, anyone providing aid to Japan in any way, shape, or form deserves just as much credit, but Softbank's extra mileage and cunning use of social networking is certainly praiseworthy in its own right. Here's hoping that Son's actions will inspire others for even greater causes.

[Thanks, Tres]

Update: It's worth pointing out that Son said he's also happy to help pay phone bills for earthquake orphans who are already on other networks, including DoCoMo. Good on ya, sir!

Softbank to offer free phones to earthquake orphans, free replacement for lost iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujifilm resumes production on X100 cameras, new-age vintage is rolling again

Tim Stevens — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Fujifilm has a hit on its hands with the retrotastic X100 camera, selling for a whopping $1,200 but still flying off shelves. That popularity resulted in some shortages, and a stoppage of production due to the disaster in Japan made that situation worse. Now the company is announcing a resumption of production, so the 12.3 megapixel compact with a 23mm fixed lens should be hitting store shelves again in the next week or so. Place your orders now, if you haven't already, and get that sepia filter warmed up so that your pictures can look as vintage as what you're shooting them with.

Fujifilm resumes production on X100 cameras, new-age vintage is rolling again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monirobo measures radiation following nuclear crisis at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant

Christopher Trout — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:29:00 EST

According to a report by a Japanese news agency, a radiation monitoring robot, aptly named Monirobo, is the first non-human responder to go on-site following the partial meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The machine, which was developed by Japan's Nuclear Safety Technology Centre to operate at lethal radiation levels, reportedly began work Friday, enlisting a 3D camera, radiation detector, and heat and humidity sensors to monitor the extent of the damage. A second Monirobo, used to collect samples and detect flammable gases, is expected to join its red counterpart soon -- both robots are operated by remote control from distances up to one kilometer away. They join the US Air Force's Global Hawk drone in unmanned surveillance of the crisis.

Monirobo measures radiation following nuclear crisis at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba and Hitachi LCD plants damaged, will shut down for a month

Sean Hollister — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:39:00 EST

You can't have a 9.0 magnitude earthquake without breaking a few factories, particularly ones that produce fragile liquid crystal screens, and this week Toshiba, Hitachi and Panasonic are each reporting damages that have forced them to close LCD production facilities affected by the tsunami and quake. Panasonic isn't sure when its plant in Chiba prefecture might resume carving up the glass sandwiches, telling Bloomberg that "there has been some damage, though not a fire or a collapse," but both Hitachi and Toshiba will reportedly halt some assembly lines for around a month to deal with damages. It's probably still too soon to talk about panel shortages -- though they seem likely soon -- but we'll let you know how things progress.

Toshiba and Hitachi LCD plants damaged, will shut down for a month originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese quake will likely affect the global supply of gadgets

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:24:00 EST

Devastating. There are no words to effectively convey the human catastrophe suffered in Japan. Engadget would like to express our sincere condolences to those readers personally affected by recent events.

As a tech publication, we're obviously focused on the impact these events will have on Japan's vast consumer electronics industry -- an industry that has responded with millions of dollars in cash, equipment and services to help with the relief effort. Thus far, Canon, Panasonic, and Sony have each pledged ¥300 million ($3.67 million) in donations. Sony is also matching employee contributions as will Mitsubishi who's donating a whopping ¥500 million ($6.1 million) in aid. On the equipment side, Sony is donating some 30,000 radios to relief efforts while Panasonic is providing 10,000 radios, 10,000 flashlights, and 500,000 batteries. NEC, Kyocera, and Epson are each donating ¥100 million in funds, computers, and telecoms and IT equipment.

While it's still too early to quantify the exact impact the earthquake, tsunami, and ongoing nuclear troubles will have on the global tech industry, the scope of the issues is becoming clearer now that the initial chaos has passed. Click through to see how everything from laptop batteries to iPads are at risk.

Continue reading Japanese quake will likely affect the global supply of gadgets

Japanese quake will likely affect the global supply of gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contact Japan for free via AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and more (update)

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:40:00 EST

We imagine that many of you, like us, have been making frantic calls to friends and family in Japan over the last few days without regard to the costs. Now, in the face of otherwise devastating news, we have some good news to share courtesy of AT&T. Ma Bell is offering wired and wireless billing relief for calls made on AT&T between March 11th and March 31st. Under the plan, AT&T wireless postpaid customers will not be charged for international long distance or text messages to Japan from the US and Puerto Rico. Likewise, residential wireline customers can seek credits for up to 60 minutes of direct dialing to Japan. Sure it's a shameless publicity grab but this one seems genuinely helpful.

Update: Sprint and Verizon have both now elected to waive call and text message fees (in Verizon's case, the move applies both to landline and wireless numbers).

Update 2: Dish Networks is also getting in on helping people stay up to date. Boris wrote in to let us know you can now watch TV Japan for free as well.

Update 3: Comcast is also in the game, providing free calls for Xfinity Voice and Business Class Voice customers.

Update 4: And that ain't all! Cox Communications has announced that calls and texts placed to Japan with Cox Digital Telephone and Cox Wireless will be free of charge through March 31.

Update 5: Kelly let us know that Verizon has added Japan TV for free for FIOS subscribers too.

Update 6: Don't worry, pay-as-you-go customers: Cricket has been kind enough to inform us that their customers will be able to make phone calls effective immediately, until March 29.

Continue reading Contact Japan for free via AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and more (update)

Contact Japan for free via AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and more (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony, Subaru, and Toyota close factories in wake of earthquake, other companies check in

Tim Stevens — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:07:00 EST

Our thoughts this morning are with the folks in Japan and the other Pacific areas affected by the massive 8.9 earthquake that struck about 230 miles East of Tokyo. Reports of damage are flooding in from the country, and indeed many familiar manufacturers are checking in. Sony and Toyota have both stopped operations in their factories due to damage. Tragically, one Honda worker lost his life after a wall collapsed, while several Panasonic workers are said to have suffered minor injuries. It remains to be seen exactly what impacts this will have on consumers, but Sony's closed factories were responsible for the production of Blu-ray discs and batteries, while the numerous automotive shutdowns could result in short-term shortages. This bad news sent stocks downward, with German share prices for Sony dropping 2.5 percent and Honda 4.5 percent. We're still watching with concern to see what other impacts the resultant tsunamis could have, but for now we'll keep hoping for the best.

Update: Some further news from Smarthouse, which indicates that Sharp's new 10G LCD plant in Sakai City shut itself down automatically upon first signs of a quake. Hooray for technology.

Sony, Subaru, and Toyota close factories in wake of earthquake, other companies check in originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google reacts to Japanese tsunami with a Person Finder tool

Vlad Savov — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST

Now this is the sort of activity you'd expect from a true search giant. Instead of sitting on its hands during the tsunami that has stricken Japan today, Google has put together a Person Finder tool where people worried about the plight of their loved ones can look them up by name. There are only a few thousand records up on the site at the moment, but it should still be a useful repository for missing person data, particularly since mobile networks were taken down by the tsunami's damage earlier this morning. Information should also start piling up as recovery efforts continue. Let's just hope this Person Finder won't have to be used for too long and things can be brought back to normal soon.

Continue reading Google reacts to Japanese tsunami with a Person Finder tool

Google reacts to Japanese tsunami with a Person Finder tool originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earthquake detection software gains foothold in California

Donald Melanson — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:21:00 EST

Stanford's Quake-Catcher Network has been up and running since early 2008, but it looks like it's just now starting to reach the critical mass of users that's essential for its success. As you may be aware, the software takes advantage of the accelerometers built into many new laptops to watch for any signs of shaking or vibration, which it then compares with data from other laptops in the same area -- if they're all shaking at the same time, that's a pretty good indication there's an earthquake happening. Until recently, however, there hasn't been enough users in any particular area to produce reliable data, but Stanford now counts more than 450 users in California alone, which has provided it with its first truly viable testbed. Of course, more users would be even better, and you can sign up and download the software at the link below if you're interested in helping out.

Earthquake detection software gains foothold in California originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SoCal quake putting the hurt on AT&T and Verizon?

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:44:00 EST

We're hearing some reports that folks on AT&T and Verizon are having trouble with their cellies -- voice and BlackBerry services, respectively -- in the wake of this morning's magnitude 5.4 tremblor out in southern California. What's the story, Los Angelinos? Still able to make and receive calls?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: ATT, Verizon Wireless

SoCal quake putting the hurt on AT&T and Verizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enryu T-53 service robot cleans up Japan post-earthquake

Darren Murph — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST

It's been far too long since we've seen the Enryu support robot out on the streets of Japan, and unfortunately, it was called into action once again recently after an earthquake reportedly rocked Niigata. The newest edition, dubbed the T-53, has received a number of improvements over the prior T-52 model, and aside from being able to hoist 220-pounds per arm without a stressing a joint, this rendition is supposedly a registered, street-legal vehicle to boot. Check it in the work zone after the break.

Continue reading Enryu T-53 service robot cleans up Japan post-earthquake

Filed under: Robots

Enryu T-53 service robot cleans up Japan post-earthquake originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hello Kitty emergency gadget saves lives, looks real cute

Joshua Topolsky — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 09:43:00 EST

If you live in a place like Japan, there are two things that probably pop into your head from time to time. One is earthquakes, because the little island has been home to some of the biggest over the years, and the other is Hello Kitty -- and she needs no introduction. Sanrio, in its infinite wisdom, has sought to join these two disparate elements by creating the Hello Kitty emergency gadget. In the event of some type of catastrophic event, Hello Kitty will be there with her hand crank USB cell phone charger, LED flashlight, AM/FM radio. hazard siren, and compass -- all in one super-cute pink package. Of course, once rescue workers find you, you still might die... of humiliation.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Hello Kitty emergency gadget saves lives, looks real cute originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese mobiles could make satellite calls to massive dish

Darren Murph — Sat, 05 May 2007 04:45:00 EST

When you're already tracking every kid out there to make sure no one gets into too much mischief, you definitely need a way to make a call whilst in "mountainous areas or at sea," right? Apparently the Japanese government thinks so, as it's planning on bringing satellite calling to the masses by launching a bird that's 50-meters in diameter in order to enable "ordinary handsets" (you know, the ones without the mile-long antennas) to make satellite calls in times of emergency with just slight modifications. The aforementioned sat would be over twice the size of the 19-meter Kiku No. 8, which currently holds the crown for the largest launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, meaning that the newfangled equipment would fit nicely within the confines of today's increasingly shrinking cellphone and still find signal. Interestingly, the ministry isn't looking to get the service going before 2015, so we just might be looking at mainstream antenna-less iterations by that time anyway.

[Via DigitalWorldTokyo, photo courtesy of SatellitePhones]

Filed under: Cellphones

Japanese mobiles could make satellite calls to massive dish originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2007 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese mobiles could make satellite calls to massive dish

Darren Murph — Sat, 05 May 2007 04:45:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Studies, Misc

Japanese mobiles could make satellite calls to massive dish originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2007 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Regenerative house to grace Greece mountainside

Darren Murph — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:57:00 EST

You've got plenty of options when it comes to healing your own body, but patching up your domicile usually requires days of back-breaking labor and gobs of cash to boot. Thankfully, that awful process could be nearing its end, as a £9.5 million ($18.64 million) European Union-funded project sets out to develop self-healing walls for your average home. The idea is to develop "special walls for the house that contain nano polymer particles, which will turn into a liquid when squeezed under pressure, flow into the cracks, and then harden to form a solid material." The technology would prove quite useful in areas where earthquakes are prominent, and in an effort to test things out before shoving it out to contractors everywhere, a swank villa is being erected on a Greece mountainside to collect information. The house's walls will be built from "novel load bearing steel frames and high-strength gypsum board," but more importantly, they will contain a smorgasbord of wireless sensors and RFID tags meant to collect, store, and disseminate critical data regarding "any stresses and vibrations, temperature, humidity, and gas levels." Now, who's the lucky lad(s) that get to call this their ~~home~~ research dwelling?

[Via Physorg]

Filed under: Household

Regenerative house to grace Greece mountainside originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan's earthquake warning system tested out

Darren Murph — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:30:00 EST

It's a good thing that Japan's Meteorological Agency actually had the nationwide earthquake warning system ready to rock in March, as the fiber optic system was put into use this month in an attempt to warn citizens of an imminent tsunami. Reportedly, a "huge tremor" struck and triggered the system, which allowed warnings to be beamed out en masse "within a single minute." Although the system was tested before in false alarm fashion, this was the first time it had been used in a legitimate emergency, and it beat the previous options "by around one to two minutes." Sadly, it still wasn't quick enough to save everyone from the 6.9-magnitude quake, as 170 people suffered various injuries while one individual passed away, but the statistics could've been much worse had the speedy system not kicked in at all.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Japan's earthquake warning system tested out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubukata offers up compact smoke / earthquake detector

Darren Murph — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 08:55:00 EST

While we've seen detectors from nearly every angle imaginable, Ubukata Industries Co. is helping us all to consolidate just a bit by cramming two of the most important sensors into a single, compact device. The multi-tasking earthquake detector and alarm comes in a variety of colors and is compact enough to mount on a ceiling without drawing too much unwanted attention, and it also features built-in lighting to brighten your way in case you lose power. Furthermore, this gizmo sniffs out unpleasant drafts of smoke and feels the rumbles of earthquakes with magnitudes of five or higher, setting off a presumably piercing alarm to let you know something's going down. Of course, the price of a twofer doesn't run cheap, as this two-in-one emergency mainstay demands ¥14,700 ($124). [Warning: PDF link]

[Via I4U]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Ubukata offers up compact smoke / earthquake detector originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientists use earth-embedded GPS antennae to improve quake understanding

Cyrus Farivar — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:37:00 EST

While GPS can do pretty much everything from provide basic map locations to help us engage in fun activities like geocaching, it had never occurred to us that it could also be used in seismology. Fortunately for folks living in quake country, geophysicists have figured out how to do just that. According to a paper that was just presented at the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, a joint team from Stanford University and from the University of Indiana have figured out a way to use GPS antennae lodged deep in bedrock that can provide a new model for assessing risk of future earthquakes. Armed with these tools, scientists can now determine how quickly various points on the earth are moving, which allows for a better understanding of how tectonic faults shift. But if anyone's knowledge of earthquakes can be improved, it's certainly ours -- we had no idea they get shaken up occasionally over in Indiana.

Filed under: GPS

Scientists use earth-embedded GPS antennae to improve quake understanding originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Italian scientists develop quake detection theory

Cyrus Farivar — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 03:31:00 EST

If research at the University of Naples and the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology in Rome proves to be accurate, folks who live in earthquake country may eventually have a few more seconds to respond to oncoming earthquakes. New research published later this month in Geophysical Research Letters shows that primary waves (P waves) from earthquakes contain enough information about its magnitude and destructive potential to alert potential victims about their impending situation about 15 seconds beforehand. While that may not seem like very much time to dive under a table, it may be enough for automated systems to shut off gas pipelines or to halt high-speed trains. This sounds very much like that Japanese system we spotted in October -- whichever one is deployed first, we'll be glad to see it.

[Via Slashdot]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Italian scientists develop quake detection theory originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 03:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan Meteorological Agency develops earthquake warning system

Darren Murph — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST

Okay, so JMA's newest pre-quake warning system doesn't cover as much ground as SMS alerts, but with only 10 to 20 seconds of available panic time before an earthquake hits, we'd probably be toppling over one another before we could even find our cellphone anyway. Japan's Meteorological Agency is currently testing a prototype system which detects the oh-so-subtle "P Waves" that precede the destructive "S Waves," and alerts major operations to halt their hustle and take cover. Since the primary waves travel more quickly than the comparatively sluggish secondary waves, the system picks up on the magnitude and speed at which the quake is approaching, and beams the data over fiber optic networks to emergency relay stations setup in corporate towers, governmental buildings, hospitals, and transportation venues such as railways. The typical alert allows under half a minute to shutdown operations and dash for safety, but the agency claims this crucial shred of time can be enough to scurry away from any treacherous hazards nearby. The government plans to expand a fully-featured system to provide alerts via television, radio, and "wireless communications" by March 2007, but until then, we suspect the ole "ear to the ground" method is the best you've got.

[Via Pink Tentacle]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Japan Meteorological Agency develops earthquake warning system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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