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Sharp reportedly getting cozy with Hon Hai Precision, helping to make phone and tablet LCDs in Chengdu

Jon Fingas — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:48:00 EST

If we believe Japan's Nikkei, the decision by Hon Hai Precision Industry (that is, Foxconn's daddy) to buy a stake in Sharp was really just the start of a long, torrid love affair in LCD production. While Hon Hai is getting the rosy side of the deal for Sharp's TV-oriented Sakai plant, it's now thought to be paying Sharp for display technology that would go into a new factory in Chengdu for small- and medium-sized LCDs used for smartphones and tablets. If all dovetails as nicely as the two would like, the joint venture would see advanced mobile displays manufactured on the cheap -- the best of both worlds. Suffice it to say that there's a few companies that might be interested, as clients like Apple are no strangers to Chengdu. Before you let visions of IGZO-based LCDs on every iPad and iPhone dance through your head, though, remember that neither Hon Hai nor Sharp has confirmed anything -- and that the plant wouldn't be up and running until 2013 at the earliest, even if everything's in sync.

Sharp reportedly getting cozy with Hon Hai Precision, helping to make phone and tablet LCDs in Chengdu originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Koubachi WiFi Plant Sensor takes your cactii's temperature, sends it to your iPhone

Joseph Volpe — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:08:00 EST

Plants, like pets, need to be constantly cared for, but not everyone's blessed with the requisite green thumb. So, for those of you imbued with what we'll call the bad, brown touch, Swiss outfit Koubachi's got a cloud-based solution to sidestep those negligent ways and keep your window garden thriving. Dubbed the WiFi Plant Sensor, this wireless peripheral nestles into the soil of any potted flora or fauna, sending relevant vitality data off to the company's servers where it's then analyzed and beamed back to your handset (via iPhone app) or online account with care instructions in tow. You'll have to cough up £99 (about $156 USD) for the currently available European-only, golf club-like device, but that's about all -- access to the company's apps and services are free for users. So, if you've been dying to pull back the curtain on the secret life of plants or just sick of shelling out to replace your withering window collection, hit up the source below to get your order on. Official presser after the break.

Continue reading Koubachi WiFi Plant Sensor takes your cactii's temperature, sends it to your iPhone

Koubachi WiFi Plant Sensor takes your cactii's temperature, sends it to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple to pitch in on costs for improving Foxconn factory conditions

Jon Fingas — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:29:00 EST

Apple and Foxconn had already promised to improve working conditions at mainland Chinese factories, and Foxconn CEO Terry Gou has just revealed that the cooperation will be about more than just tightening up standards -- it'll be financial, too. The two companies plan to share the costs of making workers' day-to-day experiences more tolerable, although neither side is forthcoming with how much of the cost it plans to shoulder. Both Foxconn and likely Apple saw the better conditions as a "competitive strength," according to Gou, who implied that any costs would be paid back in goodwill and happier staff. Although it remains to be seen how much impact the cost sharing will have on Foxconn's ability to make its July 2013 target, that one of the contractor's many clients has actively volunteered cash to upgrade conditions is, as far as we can tell, a first.

Apple to pitch in on costs for improving Foxconn factory conditions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung shuns point-and-shoot cameras, switches factory to pricier mirrorless types

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:11:00 EST

Samsung's main camera plant in China is being converted to produce high-end mirrorless cameras instead of cheaper compacts. That's a steel-and-concrete sign that the manufacturer is trying to boost digital imaging profits by focusing on cameras with higher margins, and it implies a level adaptability that other companies can only dream of. To drive the point home, Samsung's imaging chief Han Myoung-sup told the WSJ that "low-end compact camera offerings will gradually be reduced" to make way for the "mirrorless segment." A wise move? Well, Sammy's latest NX range of interchangeable-lens (ILC) mirrorless models start at around $700, which is at least twice the going rate for a decent point-and-shoot. While that higher price point may seem off-putting, demand for mirrorless cameras is actually expected to explode by 60 percent this year, according to IDC projections -- while sales of compacts are retreating in the face of ever more powerful smartphone snappers. Ultimately, Samsung's business plan could be good news for us end-users too, if a newly expanded NX range brings the entry point for ILCs down by $200 or so -- although that could just be wishful thinking on our part.

Samsung shuns point-and-shoot cameras, switches factory to pricier mirrorless types originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese researchers show off 'interactive' plants: real leaves, artificial emotions

Donald Melanson — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:33:00 EST

Looking for a little more companionship from your household plants? Then a team of researchers from Keio University in Japan may have just the thing for you. They've developed a rather elaborate system that promises to lets plants react to you and display a variety of different emotions (see "anger," pictured above). Yes, that's a real plant sprouting up out of the box, which contains sensors and microphones that monitor its surroundings, as well as some actuators that are connected to the plant itself with some fine cords. Lest you worry about the safety of the plants themselves, the researchers say that they've had plants rigged up like this for nearly a year and none have wilted. Of course, there's no indication of a commercial version just yet, but you can get a glimpse of the current state of things in the video after the break courtesy of DigInfo TV.

Continue reading Japanese researchers show off 'interactive' plants: real leaves, artificial emotions

Japanese researchers show off 'interactive' plants: real leaves, artificial emotions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Cook pays a visit to a Foxconn factory, smiles for the camera

Brian Heater — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:45:00 EST

We can't say we're particularly surprised, but Apple CEO Tim Cook managed to take some time out of his whirlwind tour of China to pay a visit to a Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou charged with making those shiny new iPhones. The above shot of the bespectacled executive in the bright yellow smock was issued by Apple itself to document the trip. The overseas visit and the ensuing factory tour all come in the wake of a new focus on the working conditions of Foxconn factories that arrived thanks in part to a report from This American Life later retracted by the show.

Tim Cook pays a visit to a Foxconn factory, smiles for the camera originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp to cut LCD production in Osaka plant by half

Jason Hidalgo — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:48:00 EST

Remember that brand-spanking new production facility in Sakai City, Osaka that Sharp just christened a few years back? Japan's Nikkei business daily reports that Sharp will be cutting output at that factory by a whopping half for a month or maybe longer -- its second major reduction in a year. The Sakai factory typically makes 1.3 million 40-inch panels per month but was running at 80-90 percent capacity after being idled in April. Sharp continues to be impacted by the same cutthroat competition in the LCD market that has affected Japanese rivals like Hitachi and Sony as the high yen continues to push up pricing for domestically produced goods while dragging down overseas revenues. Sharp, which recently announced its 2012 lineup, is now thinking about reconfiguring the plant to make panels with higher resolutions and other features during the slowdown.

Sharp to cut LCD production in Osaka plant by half originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hon Hai sees profit fall nine percent in Q3, pins hopes on new Chinese factories

Amar Toor — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:26:00 EST

Hon Hai Precision Holdings has just released its Q3 earnings report, and it probably did so with a whimper. That's because net profits fell to NT$19.2 billion (about $614 million) this quarter, marking an 8.6 percent decline from Q3 2010, when Hon Hai (aka Foxconn) reported a net income of NT$21 billion (around $702 million). The company blamed the decline on a slow economic recovery and its ongoing expansion in China, where new factories are being constructed across inland areas like Chengdu, Wuhan and Zhengzhou. These costs are still taking a toll on Hon Hai's bottom line, though analysts say the expansion could pay off in the long-run, thanks to the lower wages that Hon Hai will have to pay to maintain operations in these less affluent regions. Some are also hopeful that the iPhone 4S will help spur production heading into Q4 of this year, though its ultimate effect, of course, remains to be seen. Hit up the links below for more details and analysis.

Hon Hai sees profit fall nine percent in Q3, pins hopes on new Chinese factories originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Foxconn's Brazil factory ready for business, will begin shipping iPads in December

Amar Toor — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:15:00 EST

It appears that Apple is about to expand its manufacturing operations to Brazil, where a new Foxconn factory is already in place and ready to churn out iPads, according to a report from national media outlet UOL. Aolizio Mercadante, the country's minister of science and technology, confirmed the news this week during a hearing held by the Commission of Economic Affairs. "At first many doubted, but it will be the first time that [Apple] will produce iPads outside Chinese territory," Mercadente said. "We are taking a big step for digital inclusion in the country." Located in Jundiaí, the new facility was constructed under a joint venture between Foxconn and the Brazilian government, with the former reportedly contributing $12 million to the initiative. Rumors of a South American expansion began circulating earlier this year, with many expecting Foxconn's Brazil-based operations to get underway during Q1 of 2012, according to DigiTimes. Construction, however, appears to have wrapped up ahead of schedule, with Mercadante claiming that iPad shipments will begin in December. Apple, for its part, has not commented on the report.

Report: Foxconn's Brazil factory ready for business, will begin shipping iPads in December originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researchers grow crops on super thin film, do away with that pesky soil stuff

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:47:00 EST

Here's the problem with plants: they require dirt which is, well, dirty. Japanese researchers at Mebiol have figured out a way to grow small crops of Earthly flora on clean sheets of hydrogel (commonly found in diapers), called Imec, that measures just tens of microns thick. Roots grow along the membrane, absorbing water through it, but the material is able to block out bacteria and viruses that could harm the plants. Of course, there are downsides. Water is absorbed at a much lower rate through the gel than with traditional soil, so plant size is limited and only the strongest and healthiest varieties can truly thrive on the flexible sheets. By using carefully selected plants and high quality fertilizer though, researchers were able to grow tomatoes, spinach and even melons, and hope to strengthen the film enough to support trees. Not bad for a substance normally used to absorb baby pee. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Researchers grow crops on super thin film, do away with that pesky soil stuff

Researchers grow crops on super thin film, do away with that pesky soil stuff originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blast at Intel's Arizona plant injures seven, investigation under way

Richard Lai — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:01:00 EST

Yesterday afternoon, a blast occurred at Intel's Arizona plant just outside Phoenix, injuring seven people with one suffering from severe burns. According to Phoenix Business Journal, the incident took place in a solvent waste treatment room at Fab 22 -- not far from Fab 32 which will be manufacturing 22nm chips -- but Intel Vice President Josh Walden assured us that "there was no damage or release of chemicals to the community," and production has already resumed in both facilities. The company is currently looking into the possible causes of this accident -- you'll know it when we have an update, and we wish the victims a quick recovery.

[Image courtesy of neepster]

Blast at Intel's Arizona plant injures seven, investigation under way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualcomm CEO confirms death of 5.7-inch Mirasol e-reader display, looks forward to 'next version'

Amar Toor — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:09:00 EST

Remember that Mirasol e-reader display Qualcomm was hoping to release this year? Yeah, it's not happening. Speaking at a press briefing in San Diego yesterday, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs confirmed that the 5.7-inch panel has been abandoned after failing to meet expectations. Instead, the company will devote its attention to the "next version" of the technology, which has Jacobs feeling optimistic:

"We have a really interesting roadmap -- we're starting out on e-readers because we figured having E Ink as a competing technology was a good way to get started. But if you think about the power consumption of the screens that are out now [on tablets], they're very bright OLED screens that use up a lot of the power of the battery. We don't today have as vibrant color as an OLED display - but we have a roadmap that gets us to a much brighter color."

Presumably, this roadmap would include that low-power "converged e-reader" we heard about a few weeks ago, slated for release by the end of the year. Jacobs also mentioned that Qualcomm is planning to invest a billion dollars in its Taiwan Mirasol plant, which might help produce the kind of volume that, say, Amazon would demand for its Kindle displays. It's all speculation, of course, but Qualcomm certainly seems to have some big plans in store for the rest of the year.

Qualcomm CEO confirms death of 5.7-inch Mirasol e-reader display, looks forward to 'next version' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Foxconn plant reopens, resumes operations following explosion

Donald Melanson — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:02:00 EST

Foxconn confirmed today that its manufacturing plant in Chengdu, China has reopened and resumed operations following an explosion in its iPad 2 production facility last month that killed three employees and left others in hospital. The company has also announced that while its investigation into the incident is "ongoing," it has already addressed the preliminary finding that the explosion was "likely due to an explosion of aluminum dust in a ventilation duct." To that end, it says it has put in place "improvements in workshop ventilation," as well as a "a total revamping of the policies and practices related to the disposal of that dust." All Things D has the company's complete statement at the link below.

Foxconn plant reopens, resumes operations following explosion originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Sam Sheffer — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:26:00 EST

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.

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Qualcomm lays down $1 billion for new Mirasol plant in Taiwan, catering small and medium devices

Richard Lai — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:03:00 EST

Good news, digital bookworms! After months of rumoring, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs has just announced that Qualcomm will really be building a new Mirasol plant over there. Specifically, the $1 billion, seven-hectare factory will reside in the Hsinchu Longtan Science Park to mass-produce small and medium flavors of said transflective display, meaning the Snapdragon maker will, for the first time, be able to churn out something smaller than the current lone 5.7-inch model. Yep, those must be the low-power smartphone screens that Qualcomm talked about previously, which sure sound delicious. Now, what's up with our little Pixel Qi?

Qualcomm lays down $1 billion for new Mirasol plant in Taiwan, catering small and medium devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel confirms Oregon plant will be ready to make 450 mm wafers

Donald Melanson — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:33:00 EST

Intel's already boasted of its massive investment in a new 22 nanometer manufacturing process, and it's now confirmed that it's new plant in Hillsboro, Oregon, dubbed D1X will be ready to produce 450 millimeter wafers. Of course, "ready" seems to be the keyword here -- Intel will apparently stick with 300 mm wafers for a while yet, but have all the necessary preparations put in place to kick start 450 mm production when the industry is ready for it. That shift promises to both increase efficiency and cut costs by allowing more chips to be produced at a time, but it will likely still be years before we see any actual results -- one analyst speculates it could be 2018 at the earliest before 450 mm fabrication tools are ready.

Intel confirms Oregon plant will be ready to make 450 mm wafers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualcomm building a $2b Mirasol plant after winning 'major client'?

Vlad Savov — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:49:00 EST

Well, if this isn't a statement of intent, we don't know what is. Those good old market sources are reporting today that Qualcomm has set aside a cool $2 billion to build a new Mirasol display production plant in Taiwan. The chipmaker already has a Mirasol facility in Longtan, a joint venture with Foxlink, but is said to be the sole investor in this new build. The whole thing has apparently been spurred on by a major client having "already started the design-in process" after seeing production samples of the 5.7-inch, low power, color display. We can't know for sure who that client may be, but Qualcomm's been doing some real heavy flirting with Amazon and all those overtures might (might!) finally have paid off. Of couse, as Jeff Bezos himself said, a color Kindle isn't likely to hit the market anytime soon, and this new factory isn't expected to begin volume production until 2012, but we'll take a slow and speculative roadmap over no roadmap at all.

Qualcomm building a $2b Mirasol plant after winning 'major client'? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TSMC begins construction of new $9.3b foundry, wants to sate our constant hunger for chips

Vlad Savov — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:17:00 EST

TSMC might not necessarily be a household name, but the product of its labors tends to be all over home electronics. Aiming to keep that trend going, the Taiwanese chipmaker has just broken ground on its third 300mm wafer plant, located in Taichung's Central Taiwan Science Park. The new Fab 15 will have a capacity of over 100,000 wafers per month -- earning it the prestige of being described as a Gigafab -- and once operational it'll create 8,000 new skilled jobs in the area. Semiconductors built there will also be suitably modern, with 40nm and 28nm production facilities being installed, and lest you worry about such trivial things as the environment, TSMC says it's doing a few things to minimize the foundry's energy usage and greenhouse gas emission. Then again, if you're going to spend nearly $10 billion on something, would you expect anything less?

Continue reading TSMC begins construction of new $9.3b foundry, wants to sate our constant hunger for chips

TSMC begins construction of new $9.3b foundry, wants to sate our constant hunger for chips originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic opens the doors on its biggest plasma plant yet

Richard Lawler — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:51:00 EST

Despite worries / FUD from some corners that plasma HDTVs may be going away, Panasonic's latest giant investment in the technology should keep its high quality televisions coming our way for quite some time. Just a few days ago it opened its biggest plant ever in Amagasaki, which should eventually contribute to a total production capacity of over one million screens per month. Check out the pics and a video on AV Watch of robotic arms pulling 150-inch glass panels into place -- those of us hosting events on a smaller scale than the Winter Olympics are more likely to see these cut into 42-, 46- or 50-inch varieties -- before they become the 3D or even 4K televisions of the future. Still a die hard LCD fan? At least be warmed by the news of increased efficiency and reduced emissions, lower prices and cleaner air are something we can all appreciate.

Panasonic opens the doors on its biggest plasma plant yet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Sharp's new LCD factory, we can see our next HDTV from here

Richard Lawler — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:46:00 EST

The path back to LCD leadership for Sharp begins at its just opened Sakai City manufacturing facility. Being a 10th generation facility means it can roll out more and bigger displays, producing six 60-inch LCDs from each glass substrate, 60% more than older 8g facilities. Check out the pics for a peek at where 72,000 substrates per month will be made, delivering those slim LED backlit televisions getting so much love, along with solar panels (also being installed on the roofs for that extra green vibe that's in vogue these days) and a few of the more than 100,000 energy efficient LEDs lighting the factory itself. Whether your closest HDTV purchase is a turkey fueled memory from last weekend or yet to come, bargain hunters and AV fans alike can appreciate an eyeful of the robots and testing equipment slicing, dicing and stamping screens headed for shelves nearby, whether bearing an Aquos brand or any number of other nameplates.

Gallery: Sharp Sakai City 10g LCD plant

Inside Sharp's new LCD factory, we can see our next HDTV from here originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultrathin, algae-based batteries could charge things you never thought possible

Darren Murph — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:07:00 EST

Somehow or another, we've figured out how to send mere mortals to the moon, create (and mass produce) a laptop thin enough to floss with and add multitouch capabilities to a mouse. But for whatever reason, we're still stuck using AA batteries that last approximately one-fifth as long as you need them to. Outside of a few breakthroughs here and there, the battery industry at large has found a holding pattern that digs at consumers and likely fattens the wallets of those in charge. Thanks to new research surrounding the use of Cladophora (green algae) in a flexible, ultrathin alternative, it looks as if we may finally be onto something good. Researchers purport that these super skinny cells could be placed in areas where batteries are currently unable to go -- think of perpetually charged wall sensors, energized clothing or even light-up wrapping paper. Better still, prototypes have shown the ability to hold a significant charge, but unfortunately for us all, no specific production date has been pegged. A boy can dream though, yeah?

Ultrathin, algae-based batteries could charge things you never thought possible originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Glass leaves sweat to generate electricity, get nervous in public situations

Laura June — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:13:00 EST

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Michigan and MIT have created glass "leaves" with networks of veiny channels filled with water. The smallest channels extend all the way to the edges of the leaf, where open ends allow water to evaporate, which draws water along the central stem of the leaf -- at a rate of about 1.5 centimeters per second. The glass leaves have been wired for electricity by adding metal plates to the walls of the central stems and connecting them to a circuit. Researchers then charge the plates and the water inside the stems creates two conducting layers separated by an insulating layer, which acts as a capacitor. The waterflow is then periodically interrupted with air bubbles, and every time a bubble passes through the plates a small electrical current is generated -- about 2 - 5 microvolts per bubble. The team thinks that on a large scale, artificial trees could be use to generate large amounts of energy entirely through evaporation.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Glass leaves sweat to generate electricity, get nervous in public situations originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony, Sharp 10G LCD production plant deal officially official

Richard Lawler — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:18:00 EST

Economic difficulties made things more complicated than expected, but Sharp and Sony have finally inked an agreement on a billion dollar joint venture that will see Sony initially taking a 7% stake later this year, rising to 34% by the end of April 2011. The key here is for Sony to get access to the production, while Sharp sees this as just the first of several deals that will allow it to sell half of the 13 million 42-inch TVs produced annually to other manufacturers. The Nikkei says deals with Toshiba and European manufacturers are on the table, so despite what your next TV says on the front, there's a decent chance it originates at the Sakai plant scheduled to open in October.

Read - AV Watch
Read - Nikkei

Filed under: Industry, Sharp, Sony, LCD

Sony, Sharp 10G LCD production plant deal officially official originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Timelapse Garden Video Camera keeps tabs on plant growth / death

Darren Murph — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:24:00 EST

For those of you looking to prove just how green your thumb really is, have a gander at the Timelapse Garden Video Camera. Offered up at the always intriguing Hammacher Schlemmer, this weatherproof garden tool engages in the tedious task of taking snapshots of your flora in customizable intervals and then weaving them together into a single 1,280 x 1,024 AVI video. The lens can focus as close as 20-inches away, and with the bundled 2GB USB flash drive, upwards of 18,000 photos can be stored at a time. Amazingly, we're told that it can operate for up to four months using four AA cells, and it even turns itself off at night and back on in the morning in order to not waste capture space and battery life. It's shipping now to hedgers, groundkeepers and everyday plantsmen for $159.95.

[Via OhGizmo]

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Household

Timelapse Garden Video Camera keeps tabs on plant growth / death originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony to shutter Japanese TV plant as part of restructuring efforts

Darren Murph — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:44:00 EST

Hey Sony -- we know that experiencing your first annual operating loss in 14 years calls for drastic measures, but this is bordering on downright rash. Barely a month after announcing that 16,000 employees would be axed, Sony has now revealed plans to close one of its two television plants in Japan and rid itself of 2,000 domestic full-time jobs as it attempts to "revive its electronics business." Of note, it's stated that those 2,000 -- which seem to be a part of the previously mentioned 16,000 figure -- will be shed via "early retirement and other programs." Just think what a 40-inch XEL-1 would do for business. No, seriously Sony, just think.

[Image courtesy of DigitalWorldTokyo]

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Sony

Sony to shutter Japanese TV plant as part of restructuring efforts originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony to shutter Japanese TV plant as part of restructuring efforts

Darren Murph — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:44:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Sony to shutter Japanese TV plant as part of restructuring efforts originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EasyBloom USB stake sensor now shipping, plants celebrate

Darren Murph — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:26:00 EST

Well, wouldn't you know it? That PlantSense prototype we peeked around this time two years ago has seemingly found the fundage to start up production, and at long last the revamped product is available for you to purchase. Now christened EasyBloom, this USB stake sensor analyzes important data when stuck in soil for 24 hours, after which it uploads the data to your PC (via USB) for determining whether or not a flower / tree / etc. should be planted there. Additionally, it can "diagnose what is wrong with an ailing plant," and it can even dole out a recommended list of which plants would be suitable for your environment. Sure, $59.99 may seem like a lot of green to toss out for something such as this, but it sure beats purchasing new flora every fortnight after you murder yet another round.

Gallery: EasyBloom USB stake sensor now shipping, plans celebrate

Filed under: Peripherals

EasyBloom USB stake sensor now shipping, plants celebrate originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlantBot takes your flora in search of sun (and fun!)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:09:00 EST

You try and you try to keep your plants well-watered and situated in the brightest spot you can find, but that darned sun has an annoying tendency to move and leave your urban foliage wilting. You could try leaving them in the window, or switching to creepy robotic flowers, or you could just replace your pots with PlantBot, a four-legged contraption designed to seek out the sun and plunk your plant right where it needs to be. Designed by The Play Coalition, a group of people who "love to design things that are often functional but usually just fun," it looks like something out of a woodworking-themed anime, tickling our geeky natures while exuding that undeniable aesthetic of a well-made piece of furniture -- even if not delivering quite the same level of usefulness. Alas, there's no video available of this in action, but we do have an animation of it shambling across the room waiting for you just below.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading PlantBot takes your flora in search of sun (and fun!)

Filed under: Household, Robots

PlantBot takes your flora in search of sun (and fun!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNU's oxygen emitting robotic plants: deforestation solved

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:51:00 EST

When the earth warms and the forests turn to dust, at least the robots will remain to re-oxygenate the Earth. The Chonnam National University developed robotic plant (pictured above holding a human child puppet) from Korea stands over four-feet tall; consists of a pot, stem, and five meat-eating buds; and emits oxygen, moisture, and even an aroma of human effluence, we presume. As people approach the "flower," the robot bends towards the person and begins to bloom and slightly shake in response to the startled victim's voice rising from a mute whimper to an alarmist howl. The robot also responds to music and light by dancing and opening and closing its petals in some kind of victory celebration. Project leader Park John-oh suggests building a robot garden from his creation -- sure, we'll get right on that just as soon as we get our Doomsday Machine back on-line.

[Via Hallyu Technology]

Filed under: Robots

CNU's oxygen emitting robotic plants: deforestation solved originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Motors to build new HQ, factory in San Jose

Darren Murph — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:44:00 EST

It's no surprise to see Tesla Motors giving even more attention to California -- after all, Los Angeles is home to its very first dealership -- and as soon as the requisite approvals go through, San Jose will become the site of its new headquarters and factory. Both facilities will be located on around 90 acres of land near Highway 237 in North San Jose, and early reports peg the city giving Tesla a 40-year lease with the first decade being "rent-free." The Golden State is also stepping in to provide a sweet tax-free rent-to-buy deal on the factory equipment, and in the end, the two projects could generate around 1,000 direct or indirect jobs. One question, Tesla: how's the employee discount?

Filed under: Transportation

Tesla Motors to build new HQ, factory in San Jose originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG, Amtran hook up on LCD joint venture to go live in 2009

Richard Lawler — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:13:00 EST

LG and Amtran, the manufacturer behind Vizio HDTVs, put pen to paper today on a LCD joint venture in China. Amtran will own 49 percent of the new company and set it up on its existing production base in China, with LG holding the other 51 percent. According to Reuters the plant should be up and running early next year pumping out 5 million LCD TVs a year, but that hasn't improved investor reaction, with shares in both companies falling again. As usual, keep an eye out for quality and not just a nameplate, those Insignia / Vizio / LG on the shelf next year could have a lot more in common than you think.

Filed under: LG, Others, LCD

LG, Amtran hook up on LCD joint venture to go live in 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia to pay German state ?1.3 million to settle Bochum dispute

Darren Murph — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:24:00 EST

Germany wanted $6.2 million in research subsidies back from Nokia, and in addition to the "tens of millions" that the company has already relinquished after the highly-disputed Bochum plant closing, it'll be coughing up another €1.3 million ($2.04 million) to hopefully close the door on the matter. Said payment will be addressed to North Rhine-Westphalia, which was quite angry after the handset maker decided to hack 2,300 jobs from Germany and relocate operations to Romania for "lower labor costs." The sum here is in addition to the €20 million "Growth for Bochum" foundation that the outfit started, but apparently that show of goodwill didn't really change the hearts of those already bitter.

[Via PhoneScoop, image courtesy of Reuters]

Filed under: Handsets, Nokia, Misc

Nokia to pay German state ?1.3 million to settle Bochum dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia to pay German state ?1.3 million to settle Bochum dispute

Darren Murph — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:24:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia to pay German state ?1.3 million to settle Bochum dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hynix set to close its Oregon plant, cutting 1,100 jobs

Donald Melanson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:41:00 EST

It may have once talked about toppling both Intel and AMD within a decade, but South Korea's Hynix looks to have been knocked back on its heels a bit amid a general downturn in the DRAM market, and it's now taken the rather drastic step of closing down its plan in Eugene, Oregon, eliminating some 1,100 jobs in the process. As EE Times points out, that move is at least partly due to the fact that 300mm plants are ramping up faster than expected, making 200mm plans like the one in Oregon far less cost effective to operate and, apparently, too expensive to upgrade. There's also the little matter of some tariffs the United States had imposed on Hynix, which it was able to avoid thanks to its plant in Oregon, but which now appear to be set to expire. For its part, Hynix denies that has anything to do with the plant closing, and it adds that it is still looking at ways to "have a presence" in Eugene.

[Via The Wall Street Journal]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Hynix set to close its Oregon plant, cutting 1,100 jobs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp still sees lots of life in LCD, brushes OLED off like it's paparazzi

Darren Murph — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:36:00 EST

Ever notice that all the hot-on-OLED firms, um, aren't named Sharp? Yeah, we've seen intentions to plow full speed ahead into OLED development from Panasonic, Sony (obviously), LG and a host of others, yet Sharp seems quite content with rocking the world with its LCDs. During a brief chat with TechRadar, the outfit's Miyuki Nakayama was quoted as saying that "LCD isn't mature yet, [as] there is still a lot to come in the future," specifically noting that LCD resolutions could be jacked to 4K2K. Better still, when pushed to comment on the OLED bandwagon (and more specifically, Sharp's decision to stand aside), he stated that "organic EL screens aren't a threat to LCD and they won't be for at least another decade." The reason? "The screens don't last long and they can't easily be made bigger." In all honesty, we can see Sharp's point -- after all, it makes LCDs for quite a few applications not named HDTV. Still, some pretty bold words, no?

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Sharp, LCD

Sharp still sees lots of life in LCD, brushes OLED off like it's paparazzi originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung to break ground on yet another LCD plant

Darren Murph — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:38:00 EST

Hey, someone has to take care of Planet Earth's insatiable appetite for LCD, right? Samsung is once again looking to expand its LCD manufacturing operations in China, this time by investing around $500 million to erect a new facility for cranking out the seemingly successful 82-inch panel (among others). Reportedly, the plant will eventually be used to pump out 40-, 46-, 57-, 70- and 82-inch LCD panels in order to "satisfy the robust market requirement," but there's no word given on how soon product will start to ship from its doors.

Filed under: Industry, Displays

Samsung to break ground on yet another LCD plant originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conceptual artificial plant enables you to practice before slaying flora

Darren Murph — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:24:00 EST

C'mon, we know there are a few of you out there who couldn't keep a potted plant alive if a botanist was holding your hand, but there's hope for you all yet. At least, there is if QianJun Gao's masterpiece ever makes it past the drawing board. This eloquently dubbed Practice Plant features a trio of "flowers" that display barometric readings and turn colors depending on status, and the surrounding leaves will droop to signify their need for attention. Thankfully, even the brownest of thumbs could always restart this puppy and try again, and with enough trial runs, maybe one day those hanging baskets wouldn't sway out of your way as you waltz by.

[Via YankoDesign]

Filed under: Household

Conceptual artificial plant enables you to practice before slaying flora originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 May 2008 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony ups the investment in Blu-ray

Steven Kim — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:09:00 EST

Talk about a war chest! Coming off the Blu-ray win in the format war, Sony has announced plans to invest more than $100 million in its Terre Haute, IN plant. The facility is used for Blu-ray disc production, and Sony is budgeting for at least 65 more workers, $101 million in new equipment and $7.4 million in property improvements. The plant is mostly staffed by hourly workers, but Sony plans on 15 of those 65 positions to be salaried. The old adage about "spending money to make money" is true, and at this point we're not going to bother with asking whether the money was freed up from the format war or not. All we ask is that the increased Blu-ray disc production capacity helps move titles from the Sony archive to store shelves!

Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Sony

Sony ups the investment in Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DIY kit lets houseplants Twitter when they need water

Joshua Topolsky — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:34:00 EST

Finally, your mind-exploding, breakdown-inducing struggle to keep your houseplants watered regularly is getting a little help. A group called Botanicalls has come up with a method to monitor your plants remotely, then be Twittered when they need some water. Taking a slightly different direction than the ThirstyLight, the system is based around the popular (and versatile) Arduino board, which is combined with a DIY moisture sensor, and a small piece of code that will alert you when your greenery is starting to need a drink. Look, we'll be honest with you: it's a pretty complicated process to go through just to figure out when your plants need water, but if you're as serious about flora as we think you are, this will be a dream come true.

[Via Make]

Filed under: Household

DIY kit lets houseplants Twitter when they need water originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AU Optronics pledges $9.3 billion to build two LCD factories

Darren Murph — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:57:00 EST

Call us crazy, but we're sensing a trend here. Just months after Samsung announced its intentions to expand an 8G LCD plant and merely hours after Matsushita trumpeted plans to spend $2.8 billion on constructing a new LCD factory of its own in Japan, along comes word that AU Optronics is following suit. This firm, however, is busting out a whopping $9.3 billion in order to erect two facilities "to meet demand for large-sized LCD TVs." Reportedly, one of the buildings will be situated in Taichung, Taiwan, and while it has yet to decide whether it will build 8.5G factories or ones that are even more advanced, we've got all ideas it will have orders lined up from day one, regardless.

[Via Widescreen Review, image courtesy of FTIS]

Filed under: Industry, Displays, Others, LCD

AU Optronics pledges $9.3 billion to build two LCD factories originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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