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ICYMI: DIY Iron Man
Today on In Case You Missed it: British inventor Richard Browning show us his (slow, careful) flights across a test area using his "Daedelus" jet pack prototype. Daedelus consists of six kerosene-powered microjets strapped to his limbs, which doesn't sound dangerous at all. While that might sound like a bad idea, the system "flies" at a walking pace, and the wearer only hovers about six to ten feet off the ground. For his part, Browning's convinced the jets are safe, stating that he uses small amounts of kerosene and has a dead-man's switch to kill the set-up when not pressed. For now, Browning is mostly shopping the device around at exhibitions, but he hopes it will one day be used by rescue or military personnel.
iCache Geode claims title of first shipping iPhone e-wallet, asks 'who needs NFC?'
Apple has been sending mixed signals as to whether or not it will bring NFC to the iPhone for mobile payments, but iCache clearly isn't waiting for the technology to show its face -- the company just started shipping its Geode e-wallet. As we saw just a few weeks ago, the Geode simply rolls existing credit and debit cards into a proxy GeoCard that's scanned at the store to handle transactions. Although it demands a specially-made case with an e-paper screen and fingerprint reader, not to mention an app to manage the attached cards, the choice lets an iPhone owner buy goods at all the usual places instead of having to hunt down special terminals. We like the one-card universe it creates, although it's clear the shopper has to carry a lot of the responsibility for making this digital payment dream a reality: at $200 a pop, the Geode's wallet-slimming effect carries a premium, especially since it won't work with anything besides an iPhone 4 or 4S.
CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices
CTIA 2012 is wrapping up and we thought we'd spend a few minutes reminiscing about some of the more interesting devices we had a chance to see for the first time or that were launched here. Unfortunately for us -- and thereby for you, too -- the show lacked the bite we've seen at previous events, in fact it barely registered a nibble. We did catch up with five products we'd like to highlight so follow on after the break for our recap.
iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video)
The iCache Geode was easily the most impressive use of technology that we saw during CTIA 2012. It's the epitome of how a fantastic tech idea can be translated to real-world use in a very classy and clever way. At its heart it is extremely simple: take all your existing credit, debit and loyalty cards, save them in a secure way and be able to use any of them without actually having the original cards handy. The system is comprised of a housing for the iPhone coupled with an app, an E Ink display on the rear, a fingerprint scanner, the GeoCard, and a magnetic stripe reader that is capable of quickly reading in your card details and saving them. Using the Geode is a two-step process -- scan all your cards into the device with an included scanner attachment, then using the iPhone app select your method of payment and the GeoCard in the housing is instantly programmed. Pop the card out, tap it on a solid surface to activate it and spend your money. Loyalty cards are equally easy to use: select one of them in the app and its barcode is written to the E Ink display on the Geode's rear surface. Of course iCache has considered the security implications and has addressed them in a few different ways. The iPhone doesn't store any of your card details as they're kept in the housing itself. On launch the app does a hardware check to be sure nothing's been tampered with, asks for a fingerprint scan and the card programming only lasts for a user-defined period of time after you've tapped it on the table. Click on through for a video demo of the whole ride.
ASUS hops on the AMD train with Geode-based Eee PC 1201K
AMD has picked up a fair bit of ground in the netbook space lately with support from the likes of HP and Acer, and it looks like it's now added yet another big partner -- ASUS is relying on some AMD hardware for its just-announced Eee PC 1201K netbook. That's an AMD Geode NX 1750 processor backed up by a SiS 741GX/966L chipset, to be specific, which is complemented by some mostly ordinary specs otherwise, including a 1GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, a built-in memory card reader and, somewhat interestingly in light of yesterday's news, Windows XP Home for an OS. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but you can check out the complete spec list and a few more images at the link below.
Touchscreen-based CUPC-P80 UMPC just might double as a carputer
Comfile Technology's CUPC-P80 isn't quite a full-fledged UMPC, though it could definitely get away with posing as one. Realistically though, we suspect this one was engineered to control media and such within your vehicle. The 12v power system and the 10.2-inch display sure make it an ideal candidate for replacing that stock radio in your '87 Taurus, and while the 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 isn't potent enough to stream YouTube videos in high-def, it should be plenty to spin your latest Tears For Fears-filled playlist. Other specs include 512MB of RAM, an Ethernet port, 4GB of flash storage, three USB sockets and an SD card slot. The rig can be purchased now for $699 without an OS, or for $849 with Windows XP embedded.[Via Zedomax, thanks Max]
AMD has no plans for Geode successor, retirement party
You know that low-power Geode processor that powered a-many of OLPC XOs? Better stock up now, 'cause AMD isn't planning a proper successor. In the words of spokesman Phil Hughes: "There are no plans for a follow-on product to today's available AMD Geode LX products, but we expect to make this very successful processor available to customers as long as the market demands." Pretty straightforward if we should say so ourselves, but it'll be kind of weird with just VIA and Intel holding down the low-power CPU fort. According to Dean McCarron, president for Mercury Research, the Geode was "a nice niche market for [AMD]," but considering the current market, the chip maker is being forced to focus its efforts on fewer devices. It's been real, Geode -- way to go out on top.[Via HotHardware]
The OLPC XO gets overclocked, loses its innocence
It's safe to assume that if you're using one of OLPC's XO laptops, you're not exactly a speed demon. Still, you probably wouldn't mind squeezing a little more power out of that innocuous Geode CPU -- and now there's a way to do it. The cats and kittens over at OLPC News have discovered a way to (relatively) safely overclock your system using a shortcut at the open firmware prompt. At least one reader reports a 21.8 percent boost in system speed, and claims that bumping the 433MHz processor to 588MHz, and the 166MHz RAM to 233MHz has resulted in a much smoother ride with Ubuntu. Of course, if you decide to try this, keep in mind that just like overclocking the big boys, you could explode your system, restart the Cold War, or attract tons of vampires.
Manuscriptum: the two-pound, Linux-powered mini PC
Manufactum, the same company who apparently produces a totally sensational espresso machine, is offering up something a bit different with the Manuscriptum. Not vastly unlike many of the diminutive alternatives already out there, this two-pound PC gets stuffed with a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor, an 80GB hard drive, up to 1GB of RAM and a motherboard that handles four USB 2.0 ports, VGA / serial connectors, dual Ethernet jacks and audio out. Additionally, this little fella is passively cooled and sucks down just 12-watts of power when in operation. As for the OS, you'll find Debian Linux loaded on, and it also ships with OpenOffice, Foxit PDF Reader and Firefox to keep you busy right from the get-go. In the aforementioned configuration, the Manuscriptum will run you €449 ($650), but it sounds like you can pony up even more if you're craving a customized rig complete with a 32GB SSD.[Via LinuxDevices]
Raon Digital's Everun in the wild, starts at $700
The first Vega UMPC from Raon Digital definitely found its way into the hearts of those brave, generation one UMPC users. Not because it was technologically superior -- a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800... puhlease. Rather, it was one of the first to break through $1,000. While others have moved on to Vista in their 2nd gen UMPCs, Raon's new EVERUN continues down the XP route while packing significantly more bang for the buck. It's scheduled to hit S.Korea in late June with prices starting at ???650,000 or right around $700 for the entry level "EVERUN lite" model. Unfortunately, once the specialized importers add their markup, we'll be looking at something closer to $900, unless we get lucky and Raon sells direct. They've also released a video which you can check after the break.
Data Evolution's $799 Cathena CX UMPC with swiveling screen
UMPCs have been branching out from the original (and oft frowned upon) design for some time now, as manufacturers look for tweaks that may hook customers that were previously turned off by the idea. Data Evolution's Cathena CX managed to mix a swiveling LCD into the small frame of a UMPC, and should also catch quite a few eyes with the "aggressive pricing." Internally, the unit features a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor, 512MB of RAM, your choice of a 40GB, 80GB, or 100GB hard drive, a seven-inch WVGA touchscreen, 802.11b/g, and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. Moreover, you'll find the usual QWERTY keyboard, touchpad, five-way joystick, audio in / out jacks, Ethernet, a pair of USB 2.0 connectors, VGA output, a four-in-one flash card reader, and a Li-ion battery that purportedly lasts up to five hours without needing a boost. The 2.2-pound machine comes standard with Windows XP, and best of all, can be snapped up for a reasonable $799 if you're cool with the basics.[Via LinuxDevices]
Kohjinsha's SA1F00V adds touchscreen -- still less than $1k
So you liked Kohjinsha's sub-$1,000 SA1F00 ultra-ultra portable, eh? But man, if only it packed a touchscreen. We hear ya brother, we hear ya. Check it, Kohjinsha just announced the SA1F00V which not only adds a 100GB disk option (up from 80GB) but also slams in a touch-sensitive 7-inch panel for use with its built-in stylus or your conveniently built-in finger. Other than a slight increase in heft to 990-grams (2.2-pounds) and wee jump in MSRP to ¥99,800 ($843), the rest of the specs, including the 5-hour battery, remain unchanged. Yeah, same 500MHz Geode LX800 too which is quickly aging next to the latest class of UMPCs, MIDs, and mobile Intel procs. Still, if you want über portability on the cheap then this is about as good as it gets in this price range.
OLPC to get speedier hardware upgrades?
While OLPC test machines are circulating around, and orders are reportedly adding up in vast quantities, it looks like the green machine could be receiving a few hardware upgrades. According to Vulnerable Minds, the One Laptop Per Child panel at Shmooncon announced that the machine would now sport a 433MHz AMD Geode LS-500 processor (up from 366MHz), 256MB of system RAM (up from 128MB), and a 1GB NAND drive (up from 512MB). The CPU is of the .13-micron variety and only draws 0.08-watts, and it'll also sport the obligatory 7.5-inch sunlight capable display, 1,200 x 900 monochrome / 692 x 520 color resolutions, 802.11b/g, and interestingly, the draft version of "802.11s ESS mesh networking" will also be supported. The trio of USB ports, stereo speakers, VGA webcam, SD card slot, and microphone all remained unchanged, but if you (or your respective government) have any outstanding orders, we sure hope you're lobbying for the newly upgraded machines.
Digital Cube working on "world's smallest" UMPC
While we think we've found the undisputed champion of world's most bizarre UMPC, the company most noted for its broad array of DAPs and PMPs is purportedly "working on the world's smallest ultra mobile PC." Sadly, there's not a lot of details aside from that shown on the ginormous Digital Cube sign hoisted up at CeBIT, which explains the unsurprising inclusions of GPS navigation, wireless internet, mobile TV, and a media player. The splash screen proudly proclaims its ability to handle Windows XP, and while we can't be certain just yet, we certainly wouldn't put it past this outfit to just rebadge an existing unit and call it their own -- of course, it's not like that design scheme looks remotely familiar or anything. Nevertheless, this presently generic (and mysterious) handheld computer will hopefully be out for the masses here soon, so we'll be sure to snag some hands-on action with the bugger if the opportunity arises.[Via SlashGear]
Cow milking robots
Swedish company DeLaval specializes in "cow comfort" products including the Voluntary Milking System. You see, a cozy independent cow is a happy cow and that makes for an increase in milk yield, dig? The VMS is powered by embedded Linux 2.4.18 running on an AMD Geode GX1 200MHz processor - a single system can milk a herd of 60 cows three times a day. This gives farmers more time to kick back, relax and presumably drunk-milk their friends and pets. When the cow feels the need, she enters the stall where a laser and photo-sensor guided robotic arm searches for, cleans, and then milks each of the four teats. Milk flow, quantity and time is monitored and compared to historical data as early indicators of illness or injury. Be sure to check out the vids for plenty of hot lactating bovine action.
