AmbientLightSensor
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Daily Update for November 4, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Is Apple preparing to sell standalone backlit keyboards?
This should probably be taken with a very large grain of salt, but several sites are speculating that Apple might be preparing to sell standalone backlit keyboards. MacGeneration points out that there are ambient light sensors on the new iMacs, similar to what is found on the MacBook Pro. 9to5Mac goes a bit further and provides a screencap, seen above, of System Preferences showing the option to illuminate keyboards in low-light situations. 9to5Mac is a bit skeptical on the keyboards and guesses that one too many options was copied over from the latest MacBook Pro release, but the site adds that any sort of backlit keyboard from Apple would be considered a winner. Would you want to see a backlit keyboard for Apple's desktops? Let us know in the comments! [Via Macgasm]
Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100
It wasn't too long ago that we were pondering the relative scarcity of backlit desktop keyboards, so let's all warmly welcome a new entrant into this niche category. The K800 from Logitech picks up where the wired Illuminated Keyboard left off: it has the requisite inflated price, adjustable and intelligent illumination to please functionalists, and a dagger-like profile for aesthetes. Ambient light sensors will align the keyboard's brightness to your environment, while proximity detectors will only flip the switch when your hands are in position to start writing. There's also a Micro USB cable to refresh your battery when it starts running low -- it's rated for up to 10 days of wireless use -- but whether this whole package of smart convenience is worth the $99.99 we'll leave up to you. The K800 should be shipping out later this month, and you can find out more about it in the press release after the break.
NEC outs versatile E231W monitor with 1080p resolution and green aspirations
You know that the 16:9 display ratio is here to stay when even NEC's business monitors -- long the bastion of old school sensibilities -- start offering it as a standard feature. At least the Japanese company has also had the decency to include a DisplayPort on its latest 23-incher, with a full 1080p resolution and ambient light sensor adding to the feel of modernity. The E231W isn't moving things along much further than the well-liked EA231W of last year, but it does consume less power (28W) and up-front cash ($299) than its senior sibling. 250 nits of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 4-way adjustability (height, tilt, swivel, and pivot), and a 3-year warranty round off the energy-efficient package. Availability of this latest MultiSync monitor is scheduled for later this month, and you'll find the full PR after the break.
Nuovations' Iris + Reflex brings ambient light sensing to Macs of all stripes
It may not be of much use to anyone with a recent iMac or MacBook, but folks with a Mac that doesn't have a built-in ambient light sensor will soon be able to get their fix courtesy of Nuovation's new Iris + Reflex combo. That includes the Iris USB light sensor, which is small enough to not obstruct any nearby ports, and works in conjunction with the company's Reflex software to dial down your display's brightness to suit your surroundings. In fact, it even bests Apple's standard offering when it comes to advanced settings, although we're still trying to figure out why you'd want to have two of the sensors connected. Still no actual pictures of the sensor, unfortunately, but you'll apparently be able to pick it up this summer for between $20 and $30.
LG's new W53 SMART monitors pack more intelligence per pixel
Just when we thought the desktop monitor market couldn't get any more staid, LG comes along and spices it up a little bit. The new W53 SMART Monitors series includes a few "smart" additions like ambient light detection for Auto Brightness adjustment (like some laptops have), a Cinema Mode for blacking out the rest of the screen when video is playing, a timer to remind you to take breaks (like right now, for instance... you feel yourself getting very sleepy...) and a proximity sensor to activate the monitor controls when your hand approaches the display, and hide them when you're not tweaking anything. Sizes range from 18.5- to 27-inches, and the models 21.5-inch and up do 1920 x 1080p Full HD at 16:9. The displays also offer contrast ratios up to 50,000:1, and 2ms response times. The lineup should hit worldwide this month.[Via Engadget Spanish]
Tinkering with Apple portables' light sensors
He taught the Mac world to wonder again by unearthing the secrets of the Sudden Motion sensor and now Amit Signh is at it again.This time his sights are set on the ambient light sensors on more recent Apple portables (as well as those cool light up keyboards). Amit lays out how someone can programmatically take advantage of those sensors. Hackers, start you engines.
