Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/#comments Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on

Leap Motion unveiled its new gesture control technology earlier this week, along with videos showing the system tracking ten fingers with ease and a single digit slicing and dicing a grocery store's worth of produce in Fruit Ninja. Still, doubts persisted as to the veracity of the claim that the Leap is 200 times more accurate than existing tech. So, we decided to head up to San Francisco to talk with the men behind Leap, David Holz and Michael Buckwald, and see it for ourselves. Join us after the break to learn a bit more about Leap, our impressions of the technology, and a video of the thing in action.

Gallery: Leap motion control technology hands-on

Continue reading Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on

Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesture controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsgestureshands-oninfraredirleapleap motionLeapMotionmotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsvideoFri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google patent application could give Project Glass one true ring controller to rule them all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/google-patent-application-could-give-project-glass-a-ring-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/google-patent-application-could-give-project-glass-a-ring-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/google-patent-application-could-give-project-glass-a-ring-controller/#comments Image

Let's face it: right now, the head nods and other rudimentary controls of Google's Project Glass are mostly useful for looking good, sharing photos and not much else. A US patent application submitted last September and just now published, however, raises the possibility of more sophisticated control coming from your hands. A ring, a bracelet or a even a fake fingernail with an infrared-reflective layer would serve as a gesture control marker for a receiver on heads-up display glasses. Having this extra control would give the glasses-mounted computing room to grow by learning gestures, and it could even depend on multiple ornaments for more sophisticated commands -- at least, if you don't mind looking like a very nerdy Liberace. We can imagine the headaches a hand-based method might cause for very enthusiastic talkers, among other possible hiccups, so don't be surprised if Project Glass goes without any kind of ring input. That said, we suspect that Sauron would approve.

Google patent application could give Project Glass one true ring controller to rule them all originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braceletbraceletscontrollerfinger nailfinger nailsFingerNailfingernailsgesturegesturesgooglegoogle project glassGoogleProjectGlasshand gesturehand gesturesHandGestureHandGesturesheads up displayheads-up displayHeads-upDisplayHeadsUpDisplayHUDinfraredirliberaceLord of the RingsLordOfTheRingspatentpatent applicationpatent filingPatentApplicationPatentFilingpatentsProject GlassProjectGlassringring controllerRingControllersauronUSPTOwearable computerwearable computingWearableComputerWearableComputingwearablesFri, 18 May 2012 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patent application tech tracks your DS from above, serves as tour guide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/nintendo-ds-position-patent-application/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/nintendo-ds-position-patent-application/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/nintendo-ds-position-patent-application/#comments Image

Nintendo is already guiding you through the Louvre with a 3DS, but a newly published US patent application takes that kind of tourism to a very literal new level. Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto's concept describes a way to direct lost tourists by beaming position information through an overhead grid of infrared transmitters to a mobile device (portrayed as a DS Lite) held by the confused visitor below. The handheld then talks wirelessly to a server that lights up floor displays with maps and directions, and a helpful app on the device lets visitors pick their route while they read up on sightseeing tips. Like with any patent, there's no certainty that Nintendo will act on the idea and start wiring up museums with IR blasters, but the January 2012 patent may still be fresh in a frequently inventive mind like Miyamoto's.

Nintendo patent application tech tracks your DS from above, serves as tour guide originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsApplicationdsinfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorLouvremapmapsMiyamotonavigationnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo DSNintendo3dsNintendoDspatentpatentsshigeru miyamotoShigeruMiyamototourismtouristus patent and trademark officeUsPatentAndTrademarkOfficeUSPTOwi-fiwifiFri, 04 May 2012 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers working on thermal cloak, Predators trill their disapproval]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/researchers-working-on-thermal-cloak-predators-trill-disapproval/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/researchers-working-on-thermal-cloak-predators-trill-disapproval/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/researchers-working-on-thermal-cloak-predators-trill-disapproval/#commentsResearchers working on thermal cloak, Predators trill in disapproval
Slathering yourself with mud to avoid head-hunting aliens is great and all, but it ain't exactly the paragon of good personal hygiene. Fortunately, researchers have concocted a cleaner and less cakey defense against Predators that's more likely to be mom approved. Fresh on the heels of the microwave invisibility project at the University of Texas at Austin, French researchers have found a way to make a cloak that can hide a subject from thermal imaging devices. The concept uses alternating materials with varying rates of diffusion to move heat around and create a thermally invisible region. Conversely, the technique can be used to concentrate heat in one spot so it gets hot rapidly. Although it doesn't quite have the wow factor of Cornell's invisibility project, the thermal research may prove to be more practical because it also can be used to manage heat and improve cooling in components such as computer chips. Of course, the question now is, can it be used to cloak an entire tank?

Researchers working on thermal cloak, Predators trill their disapproval originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloakcloakingheatheat imagingheat signatureHeatImagingHeatSignatureinfraredinvisibility cloakInvisibilityCloakinvisibleresearchstealththermalthermal cloakthermal imagingThermalCloakThermalImagingthermographyThu, 29 Mar 2012 04:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-review-verizon-wireless-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-review-verizon-wireless-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-review-verizon-wireless-lte/#comments Samsung's Galaxy Tab series boasts seven distinct models. Throw in all of the variants of each one -- LTE, WiFi, WiMAX and even the Galaxy Note 10.1 if you want to be picky -- and all of a sudden the number of tablets produced by the Korean electronics giant over the past sixteen months shoots up to exceed twenty. In a vast sea of incredibly similar-looking Android slates, there's one model that dares to be different: the Galaxy Tab 7.7, an oddly sized tablet with a stunning Super AMOLED Plus display.

Last month, we were given the opportunity to review the global version, and definitely liked what we saw. It's an understatement, then, to say that we were ecstatic to give Verizon's LTE version a run for its money (which, at $500 with a two-year commitment and $700 without, is a lot). What did Big Red choose to tweak? How's the battery life once you factor in that next-gen network? These answers and more are coming your way after the break.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE overview

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g700mhzgalaxy tab 7.7galaxy tab 7.7 lteGalaxyTab7.7GalaxyTab7.7Lteinfraredirir emitterIrEmitterltelte band 13LteBand13mobilepostcrossreviewsamsungsamsung galaxy tab 7.7 lteSamsungGalaxyTab7.7Ltetab 7.7Tab7.7verizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovzwWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Extra Sensory Perception]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/extra-sensory-perception/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/extra-sensory-perception/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/extra-sensory-perception/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

At Intel's CES 2012 press conference, the giant chipmaker justified calling thin notebook PCs "ultrabooks" by noting how the devices would increasingly be characterized by more than their thinness.

The integration of sensors has become so core to the modern smartphone experience that their absence would make using such devices untenable.

Most of that differentiation was based on plans to integrate the kinds of sensors that have become commonplace in smartphones and tablets, sensors that can detect location, motion, orientation and proximity. The integration of sensors has become so core to the modern smartphone experience that their absence would make using such devices untenable. Imagine if we had to manually reorient a display every time we wanted to play a game or take a photo or if we had to avoid activating a button with our cheeks when holding a phone against them.

But as Switched On discussed in taking on how screen size affects form factors, what is a limitation of form factor today may not hold true tomorrow. Already, of course, smartphones can tap into remote intelligence for applications such as remote camera viewing or unlocking of doors via services from home security companies such as ADT and Vivint. From around the world, you can even remotely start a vehicle using the Viper SmartStart app. But there are increasing opportunities for smartphones to act on information from sensors that are not embedded into their shells.

Continue reading Switched On: Extra Sensory Perception

Switched On: Extra Sensory Perception originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerADTappconnectivitygyroscopeinfraredintegrationintelkickstarterlocationmotionnodesensorsmartphoneSmartStartswitched onswitchedontabletTWINEultrabooksVivintSun, 18 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neonode zForce uses infrared LEDs to measure pressure, replace capacitive touch (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/neonode-zforce-uses-infrared-leds-to-measure-pressure-replace-c/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/neonode-zforce-uses-infrared-leds-to-measure-pressure-replace-c/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/neonode-zforce-uses-infrared-leds-to-measure-pressure-replace-c/#comments Smartphone fanatics may recall the Neonode N2 -- a rather unique recall-plagued feature phone that ultimately resulted in the demise of the company's handset arm. Neonode is still a major player in the portable device market, but may be more familiar to OEMs that employ its infrared LED-based touch technology, rather than consumers that utilize it in e-readers, with tablets soon joining the mix. zForce offers several advantages over its capacitive-based counterparts -- it's incredibly responsive and accurate, and can now measure the intensity (or pressure) of your touch, and not just position. There's also a built-in proximity sensor that can be added to any device for a few pennies, which is considerably less than traditional offerings. However, because Neonode uses an array of infrared LEDs and photodiodes, a raised bezel is required to accommodate the additional hardware, making it impossible to integrate a flush display.

We went hands-on with an updated smartphone-sized embed of the company's zForce technology that not only works with any object, such as a finger, pen or a paint brush, but also recognizes both the pressure of your implement and also its size, so a larger paint brush has broader strokes than a smaller one, for example. Because the device can operate at 500Hz all the way up to 1,000Hz (refreshing 1,000 times per second), it appears to be incredibly responsive, with an almost unnoticeable delay between the time you touch the pad and when your input is displayed on the screen. A second demo unit, called Stargate, offers dual-layer touch with support for 3D control -- you can literally reach inside the unit to manipulate an object. There's no word on when this latest tech will make its way into devices, or how exactly we'll see it used, but you really need to see it in action to get a feel for how it works -- jump past the break for our video hands-on.

Gallery: Neonode zForce hands-on

Continue reading Neonode zForce uses infrared LEDs to measure pressure, replace capacitive touch (hands-on)

Neonode zForce uses infrared LEDs to measure pressure, replace capacitive touch (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlcontrollercontrollerscontrolsdisplaydisplayshands-oninfraredinfrared LEDInfraredLedinput deviceinput devicesInputDeviceInputDevicesLEDLEDsmobile world congressmobile world congress 2012mobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012mwcmwc 12mwc 2012Mwc12Mwc2012neonodeneonode stargateNeonodeStargatenonode zforceNonodeZforcestargatetouchtouchscreentouchscreensvideozforceFri, 02 Mar 2012 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/insert-coin-prototype-peripherals-incorporate-no-moving-parts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/insert-coin-prototype-peripherals-incorporate-no-moving-parts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/insert-coin-prototype-peripherals-incorporate-no-moving-parts/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
When in doubt, strip out the moving parts and see what you wind up with. This is the idea inventor Jason Giddings is following as he turns to Kickstarter to help fund the prototype creation for a glass keyboard and mouse, both sporting multitouch functionality. The design uses the same biometric systems that currently capture fingerprints on assorted trackpads and keyboards, and uses a technique known as Frustrated Total Internal Reflection -- which incorporates a series of LEDs on the bottom of a device -- to bounce infrared light beams around the inside of the glass. This process is interrupted when a finger touches the glass, wherein a simple embedded camera captures the event, processes where the keystroke, mouse click or gesture took place and relays the signal to the computer.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers

Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometriccameraembeddedFrustrated Total Internal ReflectionFrustratedTotalInternalReflectionfundinggestureglassinfraredJason GiddingsJasonGiddingskeyboardKickstarterLEDmousemultitouchtrackpadvideoMon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/#comments
It's a "programmable disco ball," a "cat toy for humans," and a "personal laser light show," all rolled into one. That's how one Matt Leone describes his latest creation, aptly known as the Laser Ball. To realize his dream, Leone drilled a set of holes into a garden variety tennis ball, and inserted about 14 laser diodes, each with an attached strip of diffraction grating. Said diodes were then synced up with an Arduino-equipped Teensy microcontroller nestled within the ball, alongside a rechargeable battery. As a cherry on top of this DIY sundae, Leone then incorporated an infrared remote package from Adafruit, allowing him to remotely jump start his next house party. The result is a cyborg-like ball that makes any LED cube look... square. Check it out for yourself, in the video after the break.

Continue reading Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)

Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitarduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfinfraredIRlaserLaser Balllaser diodeLaserBallLaserDiodematt leoneMattLeonemicro controllerMicroControllerremote controlRemoteControlTeensytennis ballTennisBallvideoMon, 14 Nov 2011 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists make magic auto-origami using ink and light (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/scientists-make-magic-auto-origami-using-ink-and-light-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/scientists-make-magic-auto-origami-using-ink-and-light-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/scientists-make-magic-auto-origami-using-ink-and-light-video/#comments We've seen nano-origami and robo-origami, but nothing quite as rapid and simple as this. Researchers at North Carolina State University have figured out how to neatly fold plastic using infrared light and an inkjet printer. Deep black lines are printed onto the plastic sheets, which then absorb the light and cause the material to fold without anyone having to touch it. The wider the line, the greater the angle of each fold, so it's possible to set, say, a 90-degree bend for a cube or 120 degrees for a pyramid. What's more, by giving the lines different patterns, folds can be made to work in specific directions, potentially producing the most perfect, most hygienic bento box that's ever contained your lunch. Click past the break to watch the folding unfold.

Continue reading Scientists make magic auto-origami using ink and light (video)

Scientists make magic auto-origami using ink and light (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d3dautomaticbentobento boxesBentoBoxesfoldfoldinginfraredinkinkjetlightmanufacturingnc stateNcStatencsuNorth Carolina State UniversityNorthCarolinaStateUniversityorigamiplasticvideoFri, 11 Nov 2011 21:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Your iPhone 4S's proximity sensor's working overtime -- thank Siri (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/your-iphone-4ss-proximity-sensors-working-overtime-thank-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/your-iphone-4ss-proximity-sensors-working-overtime-thank-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/your-iphone-4ss-proximity-sensors-working-overtime-thank-si/#comments
As far as assistants go, Siri can be rather demanding. In fact, she apparently requires that your iPhone 4S's proximity sensor be on whenever the handset's screen is activated. That's the conclusion iFixit arrived at, upon discovering that, unlike previous generations which flip on the sensor upon firing up a phone call or Skype conversation, the 4S kicks on the infrared detectors whenever the screen turns on. The change would allow Siri to detect just how close your face is as you speak to her without the handset pressed up against your face. More details in the video after the break.

Continue reading Your iPhone 4S's proximity sensor's working overtime -- thank Siri (video)

Your iPhone 4S's proximity sensor's working overtime -- thank Siri (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleinfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensoriphoneiphone 4sIphone4smobilepostcrossproximity sensorProximitySensorsirivideoThu, 10 Nov 2011 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Griffin's Beacon universal remote control system now available for Android, ships for $70]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/griffins-beacon-universal-remote-control-system-now-available-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/griffins-beacon-universal-remote-control-system-now-available-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/griffins-beacon-universal-remote-control-system-now-available-f/#comments
It's been quite a while since we got our hands on Griffin's Beacon universal remote control, way back at CES. The IR converter has since hit the market for iOS users, but the Android community, until recently, had been left in the dark. That changed yesterday, however, when Griffin announced that its wire-free system is now available for Google-powered handsets and tablets. The transmitter, fueled by a quartet of AA batteries, converts an Android device's Bluetooth signal into infrared and sends out commands to your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player, effectively allowing users to place it anywhere around their home entertainment system. The remote control functions are handled by Dijit's customized app, where you'll be able to browse, search and call up TV shows, using the integrated guide. The app, like its iOS counterpart, is available for free, but the system itself will set you back about $70. If you're even remotely interested, check out the source links below, or the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Griffin's Beacon universal remote control system now available for Android, ships for $70

Griffin's Beacon universal remote control system now available for Android, ships for $70 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapplicationAVbeaconbeacon universal remoteBeacon Universal Remote Control SystemBeaconUniversalRemoteBeaconUniversalRemoteControlSystemBluetoothdijitgriffinhdpostcrossinfraredIRIR converterIrConverterremoteremote controlRemoteControltabletTVuniversal remoteUniversalRemoteWed, 09 Nov 2011 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Sheriff's office receives weaponizable drone, alarms local news station]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/texas-sheriffs-office-receives-weaponizable-drone-alarms-local/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/texas-sheriffs-office-receives-weaponizable-drone-alarms-local/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/texas-sheriffs-office-receives-weaponizable-drone-alarms-local/#comments Ready to supersize your favorite RC helicopter and bullseye some perps with an aerial bean bag launcher? The Sheriff's office in Montgomery County, Texas is, and it's really freaking out the local news. KPRC Local 2 News feverishly asks if the Sheriff's new unmanned Shadowhawk helicopter is a safety asset, or a privacy violation -- we just think it's awesome. Built and sold by Vanguard Defense Industries, this wireless whirlybird comes equipped with a remote video camera, an infrared heat-seeking device and an onboard GPS. It's also capable of carrying weapons, although the Sheriff said that there were no plans to weaponize the UAV. The 50-pound chopper is FAA approved to help track down criminals on the run or assist swat teams in a standoff -- a blessing that should keep this police drone from being grounded. Hit the source link below see KPRC's local coverage, "Big Brother" freakout and all.

Texas Sheriff's office receives weaponizable drone, alarms local news station originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Click2HoustongpsinfraredRC helicopterRcHelicopterremoteremote controlremote UAVRemoteControlRemoteUavShadowhawkUAVVanguard Defense IndustriesVanguardDefenseIndustrieswargadgetweaponsTue, 01 Nov 2011 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SideBySide makes tiny projectors fun again (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/sidebyside-makes-tiny-projectors-fun-again-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/sidebyside-makes-tiny-projectors-fun-again-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/sidebyside-makes-tiny-projectors-fun-again-video/#comments Kids these days just don't get thrilled by tiny projectors the way they used to. Disney Research is hoping to address the problem with its new SideBySide prototype, a pico projector that interacts with images projected nearby. The device outputs both visible and infrared light, while a built-in sensor detects the latter, allowing it to react to the image. The team showed off a handful of applications for the technology, including a few games, drag and drop file sharing and the ability to change perspectives on a 3D model. Non-interactive video after the jump.

Continue reading SideBySide makes tiny projectors fun again (video)

SideBySide makes tiny projectors fun again (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney researchDisneyResearchinfraredpicopico projectorsPicoProjectorsprojectorprojectorsvideoMon, 17 Oct 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Desk Pets' TankBot rolls out with Android and iOS support, is the tiny racer in your hand]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/desk-pets-tankbot-rolls-out-with-android-and-ios-support-is-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/desk-pets-tankbot-rolls-out-with-android-and-ios-support-is-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/desk-pets-tankbot-rolls-out-with-android-and-ios-support-is-th/#comments Lonely and living in the city, but don't have the patience or maturity for Man's Best Friend? Well, you could always take a TankBot under your wing. Desk Pets' palm-sized four-wheeler first whirred into our hands earlier this year at the International Toy Fair, promising a variety of play modes and iOS control. Now, the team behind the roving gizmo has finally released it to retailers' shelves, tacking on a $25 price tag and adding Android compatibility. The mini-bot operates in a trio of configurations: an autonomous mode that makes use of its infrared sensors to navigate obstacles, a free-roaming option that'll have it wandering aimlessly and, most importantly, a free mobile app that puts dual joystick control on your Apple device's screen or universal remote (connected via headphone jack) for steering on an Android phone. Don't expect to squeeze hours of fun out of this little tchotchke, though, as its retractable USB port only gets you about 15 minutes of gee whizzery. Skip past the break to watch a video demo of the lil' guy en vivo.

Continue reading Desk Pets' TankBot rolls out with Android and iOS support, is the tiny racer in your hand

Desk Pets' TankBot rolls out with Android and iOS support, is the tiny racer in your hand originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidappappleApple iOSAppleIosapplicationbotdeskdeskpetsdeskpetstankbotGoogle AndroidGoogleAndroidinfrarediosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmazemazesolvingrobottank botTankBottoytoy fairvideoTue, 20 Sep 2011 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny infrared LEDs could find a home in ultra-thin multitouch screens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/tiny-infrared-leds-could-find-a-home-in-ultra-thin-multitouch-sc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/tiny-infrared-leds-could-find-a-home-in-ultra-thin-multitouch-sc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/tiny-infrared-leds-could-find-a-home-in-ultra-thin-multitouch-sc/#comments Osram Opto Semiconducters A company called Osram Opto Semiconductors has created a new infrared LED that can be used in conjunction with detectors to create ultra-thin touchscreens. We've seen infrared used in touchscreens before, most notably in Microsoft's Surface and recent e-readers from Barnes & Noble and Kobo. But, Osram's solution is complex enough to work in a multitouch tablet, while being as space-saving zForce. At only 0.45mm tall the diodes and sensors can easily be crammed into a bezel around a screen and sip just 35mW during regular use. Now the company just has to convince someone to put the tiny IREDs in their products.

Tiny infrared LEDs could find a home in ultra-thin multitouch screens originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infraredinfrared LEDinfrared LEDsinfrared touchscreenInfraredLedInfraredLedsInfraredTouchscreenIREDLEDLEDsosram opto semiconductorOsramOptoSemiconductortouchscreentouchscreensSun, 18 Sep 2011 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo unveils Concept You luxury sedan, dripping with touchscreens (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/volvo-unveils-concept-you-luxury-sedan-dripping-with-touchscree/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/volvo-unveils-concept-you-luxury-sedan-dripping-with-touchscree/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/volvo-unveils-concept-you-luxury-sedan-dripping-with-touchscree/#comments
The Frankfurt Motor Show is underway in Germany, where Volvo has just taken the wraps off the Concept You -- a new luxury sedan that features some pretty nifty, touch-based controls. Directly behind the car's steering wheel lies a monitor that digitally displays your basic driving information, including speed and a map of your trajectory. The wheel also features some sensor enhanced panels, which you can use to adjust your radio or cruise control settings. A touch interface on the center console, meanwhile, uses an infrared sensor to pick up on any hand or eye movements before activating to bring up the system's infotainment control mode, which boasts an unreleased FreshAir subwoofer from Alpine. From here, you can surf the web, swipe through radio stations, check for safety alerts or control your air conditioning, using only your fingers or customized gestures. Plus, there's an extra touchscreen placed between the two rear seats, meaning your kids won't be left out of the action, either. Cruise past the break for an exclusive video of the Concept You's so-called smart pad technology, along with the full PR.

Continue reading Volvo unveils Concept You luxury sedan, dripping with touchscreens (video)

Volvo unveils Concept You luxury sedan, dripping with touchscreens (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air conditioningAirConditioningalpineappcarcockpitconcept youConceptYoucruise controlCruiseControldisplayfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt motor show 2011FrankfurtMotorShowFrankfurtMotorShow2011freshairinfotainmentinfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorinterfaceluxurymonitorsafetysedantouchtouch controlTouchControltouchscreenvideovolvovolvo concept youVolvoConceptYouTue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero1 VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/zero1-voomote-zapper-remote-control-for-ios-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/zero1-voomote-zapper-remote-control-for-ios-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/zero1-voomote-zapper-remote-control-for-ios-hands-on-video/#comments
Are you one of those old-school types who still watches TV programs on an actual television? Then you probably also own one or fifteen of those cordless channel changer contraptions -- you know, the kind that use AA batteries and magic beams of light to command station and volume adjustments. Well, set down the remote, lean back in that oversized plastic-covered velvet sofa, and get ready to toss out your last pair of alkalines. Zero1's new VooMote Zapper remote module has been making the rounds at IFA, letting you use any iOS device as a universal remote. Sure, the concept itself isn't new -- there have been other iOS-integrated remotes -- but the Zapper is small, relatively inexpensive, and interfaces quite nicely with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Your programmed selections are stored on the Zapper itself, so you can easily use it with multiple iOS devices.

The $70 device can be matched with identically colored cases ($20 and up), and also includes rather comprehensive TV Guide functionality, enabling you to see local programming, watch previews of unfamiliar content, and send an infrared signal to your TV to launch a program -- during its scheduled airing time, of course. We took a look at the app / itsy bitsy hardware combo, and it seemed to work well, with an easy setup process (codes for nearly every device come preloaded) and fast response time. VooMote reps said the device has a range of 25 feet, which is more than plenty for our tiny apartment configs, but may not suffice in some stadium-style media rooms. At the end of the day, it's really just a (very) elegant touchscreen universal remote solution, so we'll leave it at that. Jump past the break to see the Zapper in action.

Gallery: VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video)

Continue reading Zero1 VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video)

Zero1 VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30 pin connector30PinConnectoradapterappapplicationAVcustomizabledisplaydonglehands-onhdpostcrossideviceIFAIFA 2011Ifa2011infrarediosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchone viewOneViewremoteremote controlRemoteControlroomroom controlRoomControltvTV GuideTvGuidevideovoomotevoomote zapperVoomoteZapperzapperzero1zero1.tvzero1.tv voomotezero1.tv voomote zapperZero1.tvVoomoteZero1.tvVoomoteZapperSun, 04 Sep 2011 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero1.tv's Voomote Zapper brings remote-controlled universality to iOS users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/zero1-tvs-voomote-zapper-brings-remote-controlled-universality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/zero1-tvs-voomote-zapper-brings-remote-controlled-universality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/zero1-tvs-voomote-zapper-brings-remote-controlled-universality/#commentsBack in July, we caught a glimpse of the Voomote One -- Zero1.tv's universal remote adapter for iPhone and iPod Touch users. Now, the company has just announced a slimmer, iPad compatible successor to its bulky peripheral, with the Voomote Zapper. Slated to debut at IFA later today, this paperclip-sized dongle attaches to your iDevice's 30-pin connector, allowing you to remotely control any A / V gadget with the help of Zero1.tv's free and customizable iOS app. The Zapper's Room Control feature also lets you catalog all your infrared devices by location, while controlling multiple systems with a single button, thanks to its One View function. Its iPad-optimized TV Guide, meanwhile, allows you to fire up your favorite shows with even greater ease, using the app's graphically-displayed programming schedules. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can zap your way past the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Zero1.tv's Voomote Zapper brings remote-controlled universality to iOS users

Zero1.tv's Voomote Zapper brings remote-controlled universality to iOS users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30 pin connector30PinConnectoradapterappapplicationAVcustomizabledisplaydonglehdpostcrossideviceIFAIFA 2011Ifa2011infrarediosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchone viewOneViewremoteremote controlRemoteControlroomroom controlRoomControltvTV GuideTvGuidevoomotevoomote zapperVoomoteZapperzapperzero1.tvzero1.tv voomotezero1.tv voomote zapperZero1.tvVoomoteZero1.tvVoomoteZapperThu, 01 Sep 2011 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/#comments
We're all intimately familiar with the backs of our hands, so why not use them as a haptic interface to control our gadgets? That's the idea behind the device pictured above -- a nifty little wrist sensor that turns your paw into a flesh-toned trackpad. Designed by Kei Nakatsuma, a PhD student at the University of Tokyo, this contraption employs infrared sensors to track a user's finger as it moves across the back of a hand. These movements are mirrored on a wristwatch-like display, thanks to seven IR detectors and a set of piezoelectric sensors, effectively turning any digit into an organic stylus or mouse. Nakatsuma, who unveiled his work at this week's SIGGRAPH, says his creation can't handle the more complicated, pinching or rotating gestures you could manipulate on most smartphone touchscreens and acknowledges that the screen can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. But the underlying technology could pave the way for similarly handy designs, while allowing users to interact with their gadgets without having to constantly glance at their screens, or go fishing in their pockets. Feel your way past the break to see a video of the device in action.

Continue reading Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video)

Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displayhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackhuman skinHumanSkininfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorinputinput deviceInputDeviceinterfacejapanpiezoelectricpinchingresearchscreensensorSIGGRAPHsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011skintouchtouch interfaceTouchInterfaceuniversity of tokyoUniversityOfTokyovideowristwristwatchFri, 12 Aug 2011 04:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Light Blue Optics touch interface pico projector passes through the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/light-blue-optics-touch-interface-pico-projector-passes-through/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/light-blue-optics-touch-interface-pico-projector-passes-through/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/light-blue-optics-touch-interface-pico-projector-passes-through/#comments Last time we saw Light Blue Optics' Light Touch, it was deep in the bowels of CES, where we got to play with its touch-sensitive projections. Well, the little laser pico projector has finally made its way from that dark trade show corner into the bright lights of the FCC. It still turns any flat area into a WVGA touchscreen using holographic laser projection (HLP) and infrared sensors, only now it's more finger friendly and supports multi-touch gestures. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a single mono speaker so you aren't surface computing in silence, and there are composite video and micro-USB ports for pulling content from other devices. Of course, the Light Touch still only projects a 10.1-inch image, so it won't be turning your wall into a touchscreen. But, it should do just fine turning a tray table, desk, or perhaps even the nearest person planking into one.

Light Blue Optics touch interface pico projector passes through the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobe flashAdobeFlashhlpholographicholographic laser projectionholographic projectorHolographicLaserProjectionHolographicProjectorinfraredlaserlaserslight blue opticslight touchLightBlueOpticsLightTouchpico projectorPicoProjectorprojectorwvgaTue, 09 Aug 2011 02:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's S1 and S2 tablets pose for the cameras again, show off more angles (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/sonys-s1-and-s2-tablets-pose-for-the-cameras-again-show-off-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/sonys-s1-and-s2-tablets-pose-for-the-cameras-again-show-off-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/sonys-s1-and-s2-tablets-pose-for-the-cameras-again-show-off-mo/#comments http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/sonys-s1-and-s2-tablets-pose-for-the-cameras-again-show-off-mo/ Sony's S1 and S2 Honeycomb tablets have been very coy in front of the cameras since their initial unveiling. Aside from two visually pleasing short films and a tease of a hands-on, we haven't seen much of them since -- or any specific release details, for that matter. The former's changed at least, however, thanks to Notebook Italia. The site managed to handle the duo long enough in front of a lens to capture a bevy of snapshots, along with a short video of the S1 running PlayStation Suite. If you've been anxious to get a better look you'll find the S1 clip past the break, and all of the photos by hitting the source link below.

Update: Niccolo from HDblog.it wrote in just as this post was going live, offering up another batch of screenshots and another hands-on video. That's down below, enabling double your viewing pleasure, and double your fun.

[Thanks, Lau]

Continue reading Sony's S1 and S2 tablets pose for the cameras again, show off more angles (video)

Sony's S1 and S2 tablets pose for the cameras again, show off more angles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidclamshellDLNAhoneycombinfraredKunimasa SuzukiKunimasaSuzukiNotebook ItaliaNotebookItalianvidiaplaystationplaystation certifiedplaystation suitePlaystationCertifiedPlaystationSuiteps suitePsSuiteqriocityquick and smoothQuickAndSmoothS1S2sonysony s1sony s1 tabletsony s1 s2sony s2sony s2 tabletsony tabletSonyS1SonyS1S2SonyS1TabletSonyS2SonyS2TabletSonyTabletvideoWed, 06 Jul 2011 08:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sewell InjectIR extends your IR signal over HDMI, gives you even less reason to leave the couch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/sewell-injectir-extends-your-ir-signal-over-hdmi-gives-you-even/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/sewell-injectir-extends-your-ir-signal-over-hdmi-gives-you-even/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/sewell-injectir-extends-your-ir-signal-over-hdmi-gives-you-even/#comments Is your HDMI cable really pulling its weight? Sure, it's delivering high-definition video and audio, but what has it done for you lately? InjectIR puts the cord to use, sending the IR signal from your Blu-ray / DVR / et al. remotes through its CEC channel, and then transmitting it directly into your hardware's sensor, thereby extending your IR range without an extra cable. The kit also has a switch for those times when you actually need to use the CEC channel. The InjectIR is up now for pre-order on Sewell's site. It'll start shipping next month and will run you $45 -- a small price to pay for being able to move the sofa back where it belongs.

[Thanks, Ian]

Sewell InjectIR extends your IR signal over HDMI, gives you even less reason to leave the couch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cec channelCecChannelhdHDMI cableHdmiCablehdtvinfraredirremoteremote controlRemoteControlMon, 27 Jun 2011 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA lander prototype ditches the manpower for an autonomous flight (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/nasa-lander-prototype-ditches-the-manpower-for-an-autonomous-fli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/nasa-lander-prototype-ditches-the-manpower-for-an-autonomous-fli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/nasa-lander-prototype-ditches-the-manpower-for-an-autonomous-fli/#comments
Hear that? Those were the giddy giggles of some very happy scientists down at NASA's Alabama-based Marshall Space Flight Center. Besting its previous June record for autonomous flight, this prototype robotic lander hovered for nearly half a minute at a height of seven feet before parking itself safely on the ground. Conceived as a joint project between NASA, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation, the intelligent bot is slated to go where its parachuting, aero-braking cousins can't -- like the Moon, or an asteroid. Future tests are on deck for the self-propelled lander to hover up to one hundred feet over the short span of a minute -- no doubt its current feat is pretty neat, but we wouldn't want to be the unsuspecting dolt who walked under it without his infrared goggles on.

NASA lander prototype ditches the manpower for an autonomous flight (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infraredNASANASA Marshall Space Flight CenterNASA robotic landerNASA robotsNasaMarshallSpaceFlightCenterNasaRoboticLanderNasaRobotsrobotic landerRoboticLanderrobotsspacespace programSpaceProgramvideoFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Utechzone Spring eye-tracking system hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/utechzone-spring-eye-tracking-system-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/utechzone-spring-eye-tracking-system-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/utechzone-spring-eye-tracking-system-hands-on-video/#comments In the midst of fiddling with tablets and laptops at Computex, we haven't been thinking much of eye-tracking technologies until we saw Utechzone's booth. What we have here is the Spring, a TW$240,000 (US$8,380) eye-tracking rig that was launched in March 2010 and is aimed at users with limited mobility. The package consists of an LCD monitor, a computer, and an external sensor that utilizes infrared to track our pupils. Also included is an eye-friendly software suite that lets users play games, browse the web and media files, send emails, communicate with caretakers, and read PDF or TXT files.

We had a go on the Spring and quickly learned how to control it with our eyes: much like the Xbox Kinect, in order to make a click we had to hover the cursor over (or fix our eyes on) a desired button until the former completes a spin. The tracking was surprisingly accurate, except we had to take off our glasses for it to work; that said, the other glasses didn't exhibit the same issue, so the culprit could be just some coating on our lenses. Another problem we found was that it only took a quick jiggle with our eyes to cancel the spinning countdown, so full concentration is required to use the Spring. This shouldn't be a problem outside a noisy event like Computex, anyway, and if you need more convincing, we were told that a disabled Taiwanese professor managed to hit 100,000 Chinese characters within three months using phonetic input on the the same rig -- he's planning on releasing a new book soon. Have a look at our eyes-on video after the break for a better idea on how the Spring works.

Gallery: Utechzone Spring eye-tracking system hands-on

Continue reading Utechzone Spring eye-tracking system hands-on (video)

Utechzone Spring eye-tracking system hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistancecomputexcomputex 2011Computex2011disabledeyeeye trackingeyeTouchEyeTrackingfeaturedfeatureshands-oninfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorpupilpupil trackingPupilTrackingspringtypingUtechzonevideoMon, 06 Jun 2011 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple camera patent could stop smartphone bootleggers in their tracks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/apple-camera-patent-could-stop-smartphone-bootleggers-in-their-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/apple-camera-patent-could-stop-smartphone-bootleggers-in-their-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/apple-camera-patent-could-stop-smartphone-bootleggers-in-their-t/#comments Apple Infrared Camera System Apple is always filing patents for strange and fantastic things that never seem to find their way into actual products. But an application published today details some interesting tech that we could actually see getting jammed into a future iPhone (for better or worse). By pairing an infrared sensor with the camera already on board, portable devices could receive data from transmitters placed, well, wherever. Beyond simply blasting out text and opening links like a glorified QR code, transmitters could disable certain features, such as the camera, to prevent recording at movie theaters and music venues. If completely shutting off the cam seems a bit heavy-handed, watermarks can also be applied to photos identifying businesses or copyrighted content. Some potential uses are a little less Big Brother, like museums beaming information about exhibits to a user's or launching an audio tour. Obviously third parties would have to get behind the IR push and there's no guarantee that Apple will put this in a future iProduct. Still, we're a little worried that the days of blurry YouTube concert videos may be coming to an end.

Apple camera patent could stop smartphone bootleggers in their tracks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityautomationcameradataInfraredinfrared cameraInfraredCameraiosiPadiphonepatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationtransmittertransmittersThu, 02 Jun 2011 20:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Creepy new Air Force camera can identify and track you from far, far away]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/creepy-new-air-force-camera-can-identify-and-track-you-from-far/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/creepy-new-air-force-camera-can-identify-and-track-you-from-far/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/creepy-new-air-force-camera-can-identify-and-track-you-from-far/#comments Photon-X Behaviormetric Sensor Sure you can do neat things like unlock your iPhone using facial recognition, but the Air Force has far grander visions for the tech. Specifically it wants a camera that can identify and track possible insurgents at a significant distance (though it's unclear how far we're talking about here) using only a few seconds of footage. It's turned to Photon-X Inc. to develop a sensor that combines spacial measurements, infrared and visible light to create a "bio-signature" that maps not only static facial features but muscle movements that are unique to each individual. The technology could also be used in targeting systems to identify enemy vehicles and integrated into robots to help them navigate and identify objects... or threatening meatbags. The Air Force even foresees law enforcement, banks, and private security firms using the cams to monitor customers and watch for suspicious activity. Similar tools have been created that use software to analyze video feeds, but they can't match the accuracy or range of this "behaviormetric" system. Normally, this is where we'd make some snide reference to Skynet or Big Brother but, honestly, we're too creeped out for jokes.

Creepy new Air Force camera can identify and track you from far, far away originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d modeling3dModelingairforcebehaviormetricbio-signaturecameracamerasfacial recognitionFacialRecognitioninfraredmilitaryphoton-xrobotrobotssensorsensorstrackingvideovideo cameraVideoCamerawar gadgetWarGadgetFri, 20 May 2011 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[ZeroTouch 'optical multi-touch force field' makes a touchscreen out of just about anything]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/zerotouch-optical-multi-touch-force-field-makes-a-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/zerotouch-optical-multi-touch-force-field-makes-a-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/zerotouch-optical-multi-touch-force-field-makes-a-touchscreen/#comments The rise of tablets and smartphones has made the touchscreen a rather ubiquitous interface, but they aren't everywhere quite yet. A group of students from Texas A&M intend to change that, however, with the invention of ZeroTouch: a seemingly empty picture frame that lets you turn any surface into an interactive touchscreen. It might not look like much, but ZeroTouch is packing a series of pulsing LEDs and infrared sensors that turn that blank space into a highly sensitive surface. Basically, the strategically placed LEDs cover the open area in a sheet of invisible light. When a hand or stylus enters the picture (or lack there of), those beams are interrupted, providing cues to a piece of software that tracks the object's movement -- and boom! You've got a touchscreen. Of course, this isn't the sort of thing that's going to make it to market anytime soon, but you can check out ZeroTouch rocking the rippling water effect in the video below.

Continue reading ZeroTouch 'optical multi-touch force field' makes a touchscreen out of just about anything

ZeroTouch 'optical multi-touch force field' makes a touchscreen out of just about anything originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infraredinfrared sensorinfrared sensorsInfraredSensorInfraredSensorsinterfaceinterface designInterfaceDesignIRLEDLEDsscreensensitivetexas amTexasAmtouchtouch sensitiveTouchSensitivevideozeroZeroTouchThu, 12 May 2011 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Laser steering system uses liquid crystal to destroy the enemy on the cheap (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/laser-steering-system-uses-liquid-crystal-to-destroy-the-enemy-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/laser-steering-system-uses-liquid-crystal-to-destroy-the-enemy-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/laser-steering-system-uses-liquid-crystal-to-destroy-the-enemy-o/#commentsIt might look like a poor man's game of Pong now, but a new laser steering system coming out of North Carolina State University could make blowing things up Star Wars-style cheaper and more efficient. The setup enlists a series of "polarization gratings" through which a laser beam passes. Each of these gratings, made of liquid crystal applied to a plate of glass, are configured to redirect the light in a particular direction, thus simply steering the laser beam without significantly decreasing its power -- with each grating comes a new "steerable" angle. The system's creators point out its not only hyper accurate, but also less expensive than existing arrangements due to the use of liquid crystal. Apparently the US Air Force is already using the stuff, but don't expect them to go all Death Star anytime soon.

Continue reading Laser steering system uses liquid crystal to destroy the enemy on the cheap (video)

Laser steering system uses liquid crystal to destroy the enemy on the cheap (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenseinfraredIRIR laserIrLaserlaserlaser beam steeringlaser beamslaser steeringlaser steering systemLaserBeamsLaserBeamSteeringlasersLaserSteeringLaserSteeringSystemmilitaryMilitaryTechNorth Carolina State UniversityNorthCarolinaStateUniversityus air forceUsAirForcevideowarwar gadgetWarGadgetTue, 03 May 2011 06:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Apache's new infrared targeting system spots foes when they fire, doesn't wait for the smoke]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/apaches-new-infrared-targeting-system-spots-foes-when-they-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/apaches-new-infrared-targeting-system-spots-foes-when-they-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/apaches-new-infrared-targeting-system-spots-foes-when-they-fire/#commentsApache Longbow Attack Helicopter It just keeps getting harder for America's enemies to hide from the technological marvel that is the modern US military. A new ground fire acquisition system (GFAS), coming to Apache Attack helicopters next spring, uses infrared sensors to detect muzzle flashes from small arms fire and pinpoint enemy positions to within five meters. Before the sound would have a chance to reach current acoustics-based sensors the source of the shot pops up on the targeting computer, is sent back to commanders in the Operations Center, relayed to ground troops, and fed to other aircraft -- by the time they're able to pull the trigger again combatants may already be on the wrong side of a Hellfire missile. The new system will make spotting opposing forces easier and keep pilots as safe as they can be -- at least until missions can be flown from the comfort of their couch.

Apache's new infrared targeting system spots foes when they fire, doesn't wait for the smoke originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AH-64AH-64 ApacheAh-64Apacheapacheapache attack helicopterapache longbowapache longbow attack helicopterApacheAttackHelicopterApacheLongbowApacheLongbowAttackHelicopterarmyboeingboeing AH-64 apacheBoeingAh-64Apachegfasground fire acquisition systemGroundFireAcquisitionSysteminfraredmilitarytargeting systemTargetingSystemwargadgetweaponweaponsMon, 02 May 2011 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony S1 and S2 dual-screen Honeycomb tablets get official (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/sony-to-launch-two-honeycomb-tablets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/sony-to-launch-two-honeycomb-tablets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/sony-to-launch-two-honeycomb-tablets/#comments Sony's hosting a press event in Tokyo today where it just made the first announcement: a pair of Android 3.0 tablets -- yes, the very two Honeycomb slabs we told you about exclusively back in February. The first is the Qriocity-focused 9.4-inch S1 media tablet with both front- and rear-facing cameras and a curved wrap design that resembles a folded magazine. The S1 features a Tegra 2 SoC and customized "Quick and Smooth" touch panel UI with "Swift" web browser. It can also be used as a remote control for Sony gear thanks to integrated infrared.

The second tablet is the dual-screen S2 clamshell with its pair of 5.5-inch 1,024 x 480 pixel displays, Tegra 2 SoC, and camera. While it sounds bulky, Kunimasa Suzuki just pulled the hinged tablet from his jacket pocket on stage. Sony takes advantage of the two screens with a custom book-style UI layout for its e-reader app, split keyboard and messaging displays for email, and split display and game controllers for PS One gaming. Both the S1 and S2 are PlayStation Certified, support DLNA, and are WiFi and 3G/4G "compatible" according to Sony. See the Sony tablets codenamed "S1" and "S2" in action after the break on their way to a global release in the fall -- possibly sooner in the US.

P.S. While the company isn't ready to talk prices yet, our sources told us back in February that Sony was considering a $599 MSRP on the S1 while the S2 would likely come in at $699. Still no word on the Windows 7 slider but with the other two leaks official, it's now only a matter of time.

Gallery: Sony S1 and S2 dual-screen Honeycomb tablets get official


Gallery: Sony S1 and S2 tablets press shots


Gallery: Sony S1 and S2 tablets eyes-on

Continue reading Sony S1 and S2 dual-screen Honeycomb tablets get official (video)

Sony S1 and S2 dual-screen Honeycomb tablets get official (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbreaking newsclamshellDLNAhoneycombinfraredKunimasa SuzukiKunimasaSuzukinvidiaplaystationplaystation certifiedPlaystationCertifiedqriocityquick and smoothQuickAndSmoothS1S2sonysony s1sony s1 s2sony s2SonyS1SonyS1S2SonyS2swifttablettegra 2Tegra2videowrapTue, 26 Apr 2011 00:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Battle Tag lands at the FCC, we're already out of breath]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/ubisofts-battle-tag-lands-at-the-fcc-were-already-out-of-brea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/ubisofts-battle-tag-lands-at-the-fcc-were-already-out-of-brea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/ubisofts-battle-tag-lands-at-the-fcc-were-already-out-of-brea/#comments Remember when we just about passed out from exhaustion following a rather short demo of Ubisoft's nouveau laser tag setup? Well, judging from its appearance over at the FCC, it looks like the RFID-packing Battle Tag is ready to play. Unlike some of our more fruitful dives into the commission's archives, this one doesn't uncover a whole lot about the product that we didn't already know. Internal photos show an RFID reader, used to communicate with ammo packs for reloading, and a thorough examination of the game's user manual revealed the accompanying software is compatible with Windows only. So, no, we won't be exposing any big secrets here, but for laser tag aficionados, whoever they may be, today is a good day. A Battle Tag setup for two is now available via Ubisoft for $130.

Ubisoft's Battle Tag lands at the FCC, we're already out of breath originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle TagBattleTagFCCfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissiongamesinfraredlaserlaser tagLaserTagpc gamesPC GamingPcGamesPcGamingRFIDteardownUbisoftUbisoft Battle TagUbisoft laser tagUbisoftBattleTagUbisoftLaserTagWed, 06 Apr 2011 06:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/sony-ericssons-acro-leaked-shows-up-its-older-brother/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/sony-ericssons-acro-leaked-shows-up-its-older-brother/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/sony-ericssons-acro-leaked-shows-up-its-older-brother/#comments Whoa there, Mister Clickety-click, contain that check-box excitement just a tick. Thanks to a keen set of eyes (and an overly-eager Sony Ericsson employee), we present SE's latest unreleased Xperia, the Acro -- a refinement to its recent Gingerbread-wielding Arc that you most certainly weren't meant to see. Duplicating the core specs of its sibling, Sony's future stuntman takes it a step further, performing infrared and NFC communication, while also showcasing its DTV reception skills -- you know, so the locals can get their fill of zany game shows on the commute. Like its kin, the Arc features a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255, 4.2-inch display and an 8.1 megapixel Exmor R sensor, just like the one you may or may not see in future iPhones. Even though the TV function is decidedly intriguing, we know you're just considering beaming bits of IrDA glory to your graphing calculator. Hey, there's no shame in that.

Update: Based on the model number, we're pretty sure the Acro is destined for KDDI's au brand.

[Thanks, Chris]

Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz4.2-inch720p8 megapixel8Megapixelacroandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcdtvexmor rExmorRgingerbreadinfraredirdaleakleaksmobilemobile dtvmobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvmsm8255nfcqualcommsmartphonesnapdragonsonysony ericssonSonyEricSonyEricssonTue, 05 Apr 2011 03:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Lasers let deaf ears pick up what the sonic world is putting down]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/lasers-let-deaf-ears-pick-up-what-the-sonic-world-is-putting-dow/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/lasers-let-deaf-ears-pick-up-what-the-sonic-world-is-putting-dow/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/lasers-let-deaf-ears-pick-up-what-the-sonic-world-is-putting-dow/#comments Not going to front: we've a soft spot in our heart for focused beams of light. We've seen 'em rid the world of its space junk and set the pace of human hearts, and now, they're taking a leading role in aural advancement. As improbable as it sounds, a research team from the University of Utah led by Richard Rabbitt has found that lasers may be able to give deaf people the ability to hear. Using a low-power infrared diode -- similar to those in laser-pointers tormenting cats the world over -- Professor Rabbitt found that exposing oyster toadfish hair cells (analogous to the cells found in humans' inner ears) to infrared light caused them to release neurotransmitters and activate adjacent neurons. This could lead to laser-based ear implants able to stimulate focused areas of cells with thousands of sound wavelengths, as opposed to today's electrode implants whose electrical current spreads through human tissue and limits the deliverable sonic range. Smaller, more efficient power supplies and light sources are needed before optical hearing aids become a reality, but if these newfangled lasers ever get their act together, we should be able to hear version two (and three) coming down the pike.

Lasers let deaf ears pick up what the sonic world is putting down originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earshearinghearing aidhearing lossHearingAidHearingLossimplantinfraredirlasermedicalmedicinerichard rabbittRichardRabbittsounduniversity of utahUniversityOfUtahThu, 31 Mar 2011 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[AIST shows off full-color night vision camera, well lit Bullwinkle figurine (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/aist-shows-off-full-color-night-vision-camera-well-lit-bullwink/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/aist-shows-off-full-color-night-vision-camera-well-lit-bullwink/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/aist-shows-off-full-color-night-vision-camera-well-lit-bullwink/#comments You might know them for seemingly ridiculous innovations like Segway shoes or the HRP-4C pop star robot, but the folks at AIST have put away the gimmicks for their latest invention -- a full-color night vision camera. Produced by Nanolux, an arm of AIST, the camera uses a series of algorithms to read and process wavelengths reflected by objects lit with infrareds, allowing it to successfully reproduce reds, blues, and greens in the darkest of conditions. The company hopes to make the device available by the end of 2011 at a price point lower than conventional night vision cameras, and says they will work with different lenses to improve long-range photography for the device. Such an invention could have serious implications for fields like surveillance and wildlife observation, but fear not, AIST hasn't lost its sense of humor -- the company used a Bullwinkle figurine rotating on a Lazy Susan to demo its latest invention at Printable Electronics 2011. Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading AIST shows off full-color night vision camera, well lit Bullwinkle figurine (video)

AIST shows off full-color night vision camera, well lit Bullwinkle figurine (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AISTcameracolorcolor night visioncolor photographyColorNightVisionColorPhotographyfull colorfull color night visionFullColorFullColorNightVisioninfraredIRlow lightlow light photographylow-lightLowLightLowLightPhotographyNanoluxnightnight timenight time photographynight visionnight vision cameranight vision videoNightTimeNightTimePhotographyNightVisionNightVisionCameraNightVisionVideophotographysurveillanceSurveillance VideoSurveillanceVideovideovideo cameraVideoCameravisionWed, 02 Mar 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Prospero the robotic farmer robotically plants seeds, makes humans even more lazy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/prospero-the-robotic-farmer-robotically-plants-seeds-makes-huma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/prospero-the-robotic-farmer-robotically-plants-seeds-makes-huma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/prospero-the-robotic-farmer-robotically-plants-seeds-makes-huma/#comments Let's face it -- humans are lazy, yet incredibly industrious. We've seen everything from a self-making bed, to a channel-changer to even a touchless keyboard. And now, we're blessed with a robot that plants seeds for us. That's right, the image you see above is of a five-legged machine that has the ability to complete all of the necessary steps to grow a plant. Thanks to a Parallax Propeller chip that's mounted on a Schmart Board, Prospero is able to autonomously navigate in any direction and avoid obstructing objects. There's a sensor that lies under its body that senses where seeds have been deployed. If the robot detects that the ground is in need of a seed, it'll dig a hole, drop the seed, move the soil back over the hole and then spray paint the ground white to note that the process was successful. The belly of the bot is also equipped with fertilizers and herbicides, and Prospero can 'talk' (via infrared) to other robots in order to maintain crop-creating efficiency. You can check out a 48-second clip of the planting process after the break. Or, if you're a harvest-enthusiast, hit the more coverage link for 5 minutes of glorious green thumb action.

Continue reading Prospero the robotic farmer robotically plants seeds, makes humans even more lazy (video)

Prospero the robotic farmer robotically plants seeds, makes humans even more lazy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomyfarmfarmerfarmingharvestinfraredlazyparallax propllerParallaxPropllerplantplanterprosperoprospero robotProsperoRobotrobotroboticrobotic farmerRoboticFarmerrobotsschmartschmart boardSchmartBoardseedssoiltrosen roboticsTrosenRoboticsvideoTue, 01 Mar 2011 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Connect SQ Blaster and SQ Remote review: Home automation, unified]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/square-connect-sq-blaster-and-sq-remote-review-home-automation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/square-connect-sq-blaster-and-sq-remote-review-home-automation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/square-connect-sq-blaster-and-sq-remote-review-home-automation/#comments Having already taken our first feverish steps down the path of an automated home, we figured it was time to try and integrate the home entertainment system with the household lighting. Our goal coming into this review was to sit down on the sofa and hit a single button on an old, unused iPhone 3G to automatically dim the lights, fire up the 5.1 sound, flip on the media streamer, and ignite the projector. To accomplish this seemingly monumental task we installed a WiFi-enabled SQ Blaster in the TV cabinet, a puck-shaped IR blaster from Square Connect that communicates with MiOS home control gateways like Mi Casa Verde's Vera. So, did we succeed? Did we achieve the ultimate in home-owner nerdvana? You'd better believe it. Read on to find out how.

Continue reading Square Connect SQ Blaster and SQ Remote review: Home automation, unified

Square Connect SQ Blaster and SQ Remote review: Home automation, unified originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplehome automationHomeAutomationinfrarediosirir blasterIrBlasterprogrammable remoteProgrammableRemoteremote controlRemoteControlreviewsq blastersq remoteSqBlasterSqRemotesquare connectSquareConnectvideoz-waveFri, 25 Feb 2011 14:43:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC's razor-thin MEDIAS N-04C Android launched in Japan, gets carefully manhandled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/necs-razor-thin-medias-n-04c-android-launched-in-japan-gets-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/necs-razor-thin-medias-n-04c-android-launched-in-japan-gets-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/necs-razor-thin-medias-n-04c-android-launched-in-japan-gets-ca/#comments
We've already seen product shots of the crazy thin, drool-inducing NEC MEDIAS N-04C, but for a product boasting the "world's thinnest" title, it's always useful to see comparison shots for the sake of our curiosity. Thankfully, the good folks over at Akihabara News were present at DoCoMo's launch event, and they were able to get up close to inspect this 7.7mm-thin Android 2.2 handset (with Android 2.3 upgrade available around July). It's pretty amazing considering all the goodies packed within this phone -- here's a quick recap: NFC, 1seg TV Tuner, infrared port, 5 megapixel camera, 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 chip, etc. Oh, and this phone uses Gorilla Glass, too. If you happen to reside in Japan -- which is where it'll remain exclusive to -- you'll be able to pick up this NEC in black or white flavor on March 15, though price has yet to be announced. Video after the break, and more hands-on photos over at Akihabara News.

Continue reading NEC's razor-thin MEDIAS N-04C Android launched in Japan, gets carefully manhandled

NEC's razor-thin MEDIAS N-04C Android launched in Japan, gets carefully manhandled originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cellphonecontactless paymentContactlessPaymentdocomofroyogorilla glassGorillaGlassinfraredjapanmediasMedias N-04CMediasN-04cmobile phoneMobilePhonemsm7230N-04Cnecnec Medias N-04CNecMediasN-04cnfcphonequalcommqualcomm msm7230QualcommMsm7230smartphonevideoThu, 24 Feb 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Desk Pets TankBot hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/desk-pets-tankbot-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/desk-pets-tankbot-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/desk-pets-tankbot-hands-on-video/#comments Although we've only gotten a glimpse of a TankBot as a render, we were more than interested to see this robot toy doing its thing in the real world. We spotted these tiny desk pals at the International Toy Fair and got to take a look at some working prototypes. As we reported earlier, the TankBots have three functioning modes -- autonomous, maze solving and iOS controlled. The bots feature LED eyes and two infrared transmitters -- that's how it solves the mazes. Charging is done by plugging in the USB dongle found on the rear of the tank and you'll get 15 minutes of battery life after a 30 minute charge. And if you're wondering how your iOS device will play with the TankBots, a free app will be available to download and each toy will come bundled with an infrared dongle. You can grab TankBots from stores for 20 bucks come June. Head past the break to see some cute, yet impressive maze-solving in action.

Gallery: Desk Pets TankBot hands-on

Continue reading Desk Pets TankBot hands-on (video)

Desk Pets TankBot hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleapplicationbotdeskdeskpetsdeskpetstankbotinfraredinternational toy fairInternationalToyFairiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmazemazesolvingrobottank bottankbottoytoy fairToyFairvideoWed, 16 Feb 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/exclusive-sony-s1-brings-qriocity-to-9-4-inch-honeycomb-table/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/exclusive-sony-s1-brings-qriocity-to-9-4-inch-honeycomb-table/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/exclusive-sony-s1-brings-qriocity-to-9-4-inch-honeycomb-table/#comments Think for a second, what major consumer electronics company doesn't have a tablet to show? Right, Sony. In fact, the rumor womb has been conspicuously barren of salacious Sony tablet tattle ever since Apple's iPad was announced back in 2010. Oh sure, Sony's owned-up to the development of prototypes that fill a "very important position" somewhere in between its own Vaio PC lineup and the Xperia Play byproduct of its Ericsson commingling. But beyond that: zilch, nada... until today.

We have a couple of tablets we'd like to tell you about, starting with a 9.4-inch honeypot of an Android 3.0 tablet. Details of which have been confirmed by two highly trusted and independent sources. Known by its "S1" codename internally, Sony is busy customizing Matias Duarte's Honeycomb interface to its own specification. Although, we're skeptical of Sony's software capabilities, we've been assured that Sony's work is cutting edge stuff created by a talented engineering team spanning Sony's VAIO, Reader, PlayStation, and Sony Ericsson product groups. The team is lead by the VAIO organization but will probably launch as a Sony product without VAIO branding, according to one source. Sony's custom-built transitions and UI elements have created a user experience that rivals and at times improves upon the iPad's renowned experience. The tablet itself, we're told, is 100 percent focused on Qriocity, Sony's music, games, ebooks, and videos on demand service that's just been launched in Europe. It comes preloaded with Sony PS One games, a Bravia Media Remote, and yes, PlayStation integration -- though it's unclear if that'll be limited to Remote Play or if the Android tablet will be PlayStation Suite certified. One source speculates that it could very well get the PlayStation gaming seal of approval by the time it ships -- but that's just an educated guess.

Update: We now have confirmation that the S1 is indeed PlayStation Certified making this a full-blown media and gaming tablet. We've also revised the illustration above to make the top less pronounced.

So what about that curvaceous mockup above? A design described to us as "beautiful, the best thing" one source has ever seen from Sony. Click through the break and we'll explain.

Continue reading Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet (updated)

Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9.4 inch9.4Inchbravia media remoteBraviaMediaRemotedesignexclusivehoneycombinfraredIrmedia remoteMediaRemoteplaystationplaystation suiteplaystation tabletPlaystationSuitePlaystationTabletps oneps tabletPsOnePsTabletqriocityremote playRemotePlays1slatesonysony ericssonSonyEricssontabletvaioWed, 16 Feb 2011 12:10:00 EST