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The world’s first smartwatch had the same issues we have today
More than two decades after the Ruputer first launched, and we're still struggling with battery life and utility in smartwatches.
ICYMI: UAVs of the sea, real-time FaceSwap and more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-838513{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-838513, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-838513{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-838513").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: The Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins has created a UAV that can stay underwater for two months, before launching through water and air. A mouth-mapping system using an off-the-shelf web camera is able to swap out anyone's lips onto the face of a famous person talking, and get pretty realistic results -- this can't end well. And Domino's is unveiling a robot delivery system in Australia that will either make you hungry or angry, depending on how you feel about 15-year-olds having a first job. Seiko created a Rube Goldberg machine with watch parts and it's darling. As always, please share any great tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
Playdate: Giving away Snake's watch with 'Metal Gear Online'
Metal Gear Online hasn't even been active a week and yet and it's dealing with some pretty serious issues. First there's the whole real-money for in-game insurance thing, and as Eurogamer reports, there's a load of balancing and server issues too. But, who needs a game when you could have bitchin' watch modeled after the one Big Boss/Venom Snake/Who Even Knows wears in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? While you're enjoying today's broadcast you have the distinct chance to win just that: a Seiko watch that's subtle enough to not trigger any alarms, but those in the know will give a hearty smile if they spot it. Winner: Congratulations to Alex B. of Glendale, CA!
12 moments in the keyboard's history
At some point in the day, we all smash our fingers against some form of keyboard -- whether it's of the physical or virtual variety. In this week's Rewind, we take a look at how the keyboard's grown beyond its humble typewriter beginnings and taken on a life of its own.
Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch now up for pre-order
Does the time you spend at work away from your e-reader leave you crippled with the E Ink shakes? Well the good news is that Seiko's gorgeous atomic clock-syncing 'active matrix' E Ink watch we covered a while back is now available for pre-order via Amazon Japan. The bad news is that it's priced at ￥84,000 (on sale) -- which equates to roughly $1,022 based on current exchange rates. That's about five times more than Phosphor's latest 24 hour time zone mastering E Ink watch, or nearly enough cheddar to a buy one of Amazon's latest Kindles for everyday of the work week. Really, though, the price isn't too surprising coming from a respected watch company like Seiko, especially when you take into account its schmancy 180 degree viewing angle, geek-chic looks, and radio-controlled movement. Don't be misled by the 'active matrix' terminology however, because a matching leather trench coat isn't part of this deal. [Thanks, P-A]
Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch will be on sale by end of 2010
It's always good to see a concept, particularly one as appealing as Seiko's "active matrix" E Ink watch, make it to retail product. The company's had a thing for E Ink timepieces for a while now, but what sets this new one apart is the supposed 180-degree viewing angle it affords -- and, of course, those retro good looks do it no harm either. Then there's also the radio-controlled movement, which receives its time from the nearest atomic clock, and the solar cells framing that electrophoretic display. All very nice and neat, but the best news is that it might (might!) be priced within reach of regular Joes and Vlads like us. We'll know soon enough, a retail release is expected by the end of the year.
Seiko's 'active matrix' E-Ink watch exemplifies awesome, might just be the future (video)
Seiko's been doing the whole E-Ink wristwatch thing for years now, but the vast majority of 'em could really only be viewed when looking directly down onto the so-called dial. The appropriately named "Future Now" EPD watch aims to change all that, with an "active matrix" E-Ink display that allows for the same 180 degrees of visibility that you've come to expect in the average LCD panel. The all-black watch made its debut at Basel World 2010, boasting a grand total of 80,000 pixels, each of which are capable of displaying four shades of grey. Seiko's also trumpeting the achievements in power reduction, though we aren't informed of exactly how long this thing can shuffle minutes away before needing a recharge. Either way, we couldn't be more anxious to see this gem hit store shelves -- hop on past the break for a quick look at exactly what we mean.
Murata's new balancing robot loses a wheel, gains a trick
Riding a bicycle isn't exactly easy, especially if you're made of circuitry, wires, and a gyroscope. That was Murata Seisaku-kun's one trick, and now he's sadly obsolete. Meet Seiko, a 20-inch tall, 11 pound unicycle riding robot. Like her, uh, "cousin" Keisaku-kun, Seiko relies on a chest-mounted gyro to stay upright and uses Bluetooth to communicate with a PC that gives instructions. (Yes, she's a PC.) Lucky robot lovers can watch the whole family of robo-carnies do its stuff at CEATEC Japan 2008, but even luckier you can check out the elder bot on his bike in motion after the break without having to leave your chair.
Seiko Slimstick keeps tabs on your exercise routines
While there's a smattering of products out there meant to log your running miles, Seiko's looking out for those who'd rather do a few sit-ups or handle some heavy lifting rather than placing a beating on their knees. The adequately minuscule Slimstick (15-grams; 2- x 6.4- x 0.89-centimeters in size) is meant to reside in the pocket of a given exerciser and track calories burned along with an "overall workout value," which can be benchmarked against one's goal. To do so, it packs a dual-axis accelerometer and a decent amount of fairy dust, and yes, it promises to do all the things your paltry (or lazy, as it were) pedometer simply won't. Your next fitness buddy is available now for just ¥5,775 ($55), or ¥6,980 ($67) with a presumably supreme "strap set."[Via technabob]
Seiko's Spring Drive Spacewalk watch for earthbound and spacelings alike
One of the few dozen active-duty astronauts in the US space program? Inquire within about Seiko's Spring Drive Spacewalk watch, custom-designed for game god and soon-to-be ISS resident Richard Garriott. Not a member of NASA? Who cares, just how many watches do you own that could withstand direct exposure to the heatless vacuum that is space (should you ever find yourself in it)? Exactly. Only a hundred are being made though, so be ready to spring when Seiko tags this series with a price and puts it on sale.[Via Watch Report]
Varioptic and Seiko to start manufacturing liquid camera lenses
Could it be that liquid lenses for cellphone cameras are finally about to go from promising-but-undelivered tech to the real thing? We're not holding out hope -- they didn't rock the world when they popped up in a couple nondescript Samsung phones before -- but Varioptic and Seiko have just announced a deal to crank out 500,000 of the goopy buggers a month starting in Q3. It's not clear exactly what cellphones these are going to turn up in, apart from being targeted at 5 megapixel camera modules that require continuous auto-focus in video mode.[Via Phone Scoop]
Seiko Epson shows off UXGA e-paper display
Those fortunate enough to traverse the halls of Embedded Technology 2007 could've seen Seiko Epson's latest wonder up close and in person, but for the rest of us, we'll have to settle for the above picture and a drool-worthy description. The prototype e-paper terminal measures in at just 3-millimeters thick and weighs only 57-grams, and it's even equipped with a USB port. Furthermore, it features a 6.7-inch display with a luscious 1,600 x 1,200 resolution, but the unit on display could only handle grayscale imagery. Also of note, the entire unit was powered by a single button cell battery, which enabled the screen to be redrawn upwards of 1,400 times (at 0.7-seconds per redraw) before running out of juice. Details surrounding its eventual commercialization were pretty much par for the course, meaning your guess is as good as ours at this point. Two more snapshots after the jump.[Via Technabob]
Seiko Epson, Murata team up on contactless quick charger
Not even a week after startup WiPower boasted about its breakthrough in wireless power, Murata and Seiko Epson have announced plans to "jointly development a non-contact quick charging system." Reportedly, the technology "leverages electromagnetic induction," and both the charging stand and a given mobile device would be "respectively equipped with coils that generate power." As for the production, it sounds like Seiko Epson will hone in on the "transmitting side, or primary side," while Murata "will be involved in the production of the rechargeable Li-ion." The overriding goal is to recharge a handset "in about 10 to 15 minutes in a non-contact manner," which would purportedly push power transmission efficiency from current levels of 30- to 50-percent to nearly 70-percent. Oh, and we've already been assured that these "will not generate heat."
Seiko's EM-49 in-car socket extender with USB
Check it road warriors, the Seiko EM-49 car power socket extender is ready to turn your vehicle into a mobile power strip. Not only does it triple the single, 12V power socket on most (older) cars, it also features a USB jack for quick charging your USB capable device (yes, even that one) while rollin' four on the floor. Yours for ???18,100 in S.Korea or just $19 bucks if you can track one down on the domestic front. [Via AVING]
Epson's EMP-X5, EMP-822 3LCD projectors disregard cool down time
Epson is playing the 3LCD card yet again in the EMP-X5 and XMP-822 projectors, but rather than hashing out specs we're all too familiar with, the firm stepped it up by including a "one touch off" feature that eliminates the need for a time consuming cool down process before wrapping things up. Both units maintain a small stature and weigh in at around six-pounds, sport VGA resolutions, and share 400:1 contrast ratios. The EMP-X5 musters 2,200 ANSI lumens, touts a "sliding lens cap," and automatic keystone distortion adjusting, while the EMP-822 (pictured after the break) jumps to 2,600 ANSI lumens, includes a few more inputs, rocks a built-in speaker, and offers up a "direct shutdown" feature to make grab 'n go presentations a breeze. These little fellows aren't exactly aimed at the budget-minded set, mind you, as the time-saving shutdown features will run you ¥198,000 ($1,670) on the EMP-822, while the lesser-spec'd sibling is still waiting for a price to call its own.[Via Impress]
Epson intros 15.4-inch Endeavor NJ2050 laptop
While we've no doubt that you can easily track down a more provocative laptop than the business-minded Endeavor, Epson is apparently updating the NJ2000 to elicit a few more corporate purchases. The Endeavor NJ2050 still sports a 15.4-inch screen in both WXGA and WXGA+ varieties, but gives users the choice of a (nearly archaic) Intel Celeron M or the much preferred Core 2 Duo on the processor front. Additionally, the graphics set found itself updated with ATI's Radeon Xpress 1100, and interested customers have the BTO flexibility to add up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a hard drive from 40GB to 160GB in size, and any of Microsoft's latest operating systems (yes, that includes XP). You'll also notice a PCMCIA slot, SD / MMC / MSPro memory card reader, gigabit Ethernet, stereo speakers, FireWire, and a dual-layer DVD burner. Prices will start around ¥69,930 ($589) for the basic configuration, but more thoroughly equipped machines will run you a few hundred more.[Via Impress]
Seiko Watch shows off e-ink model for her
Proving that it does not actually favor one gender over another -- despite the fact that these two models were introduced nearly two years apart to the day -- the Seiko Watch corporation has finally taken the wraps off a female version of its original Spectrum Electronic Ink watch from 2005. Although both watches sport a distinctly bracelet-like shape, this new timepiece for the ladies is a full wraparound design that could easily be mistaken for a piece of jewelery, especially if the display is set to loop animations in so-called "mystery mode." With the male Spectrum still difficult if not impossible to come by -- only 500 have been made so far, supposedly, priced north of $2,000 -- it's not clear when the average consumer will able to get her hands on this, but at least you protesters can stop picketing Seiko headquarters and go back to your jobs if you still have one.[Via I4U]
Dictionaries galore: Seiko and Franklin's DB-J990, Canon's V300 and M300
Back when we were students, the only things our dictionaries could do were weigh down our backpacks and act as a home base during kickball. It's no secret that, like everything else, the Japanese have had better study aid options. Now not one, but three manufacturers announced new additions to their respective mega-dictionary handhelds: Seiko in conjunction with Franklin, and Canon. First up is Seiko's and Franklin's SII by Franklin DB-J990 which defies category conventions and opts for a slider design reminiscent of the Vaio UX rather than the usual clamshell. In addition to MP3 audio playback and support for common eBook formats, RSS, Word, and Powerpoint, it contains ten dictionaries, including The Princeton Review's "Cracking the TOEIC" test preparation, and boasts full PC connectivity, allowing users to access and manipulate all the information on their handheld from their computer (for instance, annotating words you're having difficulty with). Not to be outdone, Canon is offering a pair of dictionaries which also have MP3 playback: the Wordtank V300 ($471) and the Wordtank M300 ($386). Both devices have 38 reference guides in five subject areas, some with text-to-speech ensuring proper pronunciations. There is also a built-in voice recorder, so you can compare your articulation against the device's. The only differing factor between the two Wordtanks are in screen size and battery life: the V300 donning a 4.9-inch screen with 80 hours to the charge, versus the M300's 3.78-inch screen and 107 hours of life. Both Wordtanks should be available in Japan come February 2, and the DB-J990, which will retail for $295, will also be available in next month. For those not turned off by the usual not-for-the-U.S. disclaimer, you can peep pics of Canon's devices are after the break.[Via Akihabara News]Read - SII by Franklin DB-J990 Read - Canon Wordtank M300Read - Canon Wordtank V300
Citizen readies VIRT Bluetooth watch for release
Ever since we saw Seiko's CPC TR-006 prototype watch with built-in Bluetooth, we've been anxiously waiting for a piece of stylish wristwear that also makes a fuss when we get a phone call, and displays Caller ID info so our smartphone never has to leave its belt holster. Well our long wait will finally be over on July 7th, but in a cruel twist of fate, instead of that not-unfashionable Seiko, the first Bluetooth watch to market will be a rather hideous looking model from Citizen with a tiny screen and gaudy blue buttons marring the face. Besides sporting that disaster of a design, though, the W700 VIRT Bluetooth watch doesn't sound like it's all that uncomfortable to wear, with its sub-two-ounce weight paling in comparison to the those G-Shock shackles some people weigh down their arms with. Plus, you get a pretty decent five-day battery life, SPOT-like charging dock, and best of all-- at least for cellphone addicts -- an optional alert for notifying you if your phone ever travels a potentially-traumatizing distance from your person. Only 5,000 of these pieces will be sold during the initial rollout, but even if they're offered at a very reasonable price (which we highly doubt), sales will probably be limited to only the geekiest most hardcore early-adopters.[Via Wrist Dreams]
