nano
Latest
Apple recalls faulty first generation iPod nano players in Korea
While Apple may have moved on to selling the 4th generation iPod nano, consumer protection agencies are still focused on gen-1. For good reason too, apparently, as there's mounting evidence that those early white and black plastic players have a tendency to overheat, swell, and possibly burst into a nasty chemical fire. Responding to four formal consumer complaints made between December and June, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards sent a request to Apple on June 25th recommending that Apple "aggressively" collects first generation iPod nano with Lithium Ion batteries made by the Chinese company ATL. Initially, Apple agreed to replace faulty units as they did in Japan upon request by the consumer. However, KATS is now reporting that Apple will recall the players under its own initiative making this the first formal iPod nano recall we can, uh, recall.
Video: Lenovo's Atom-based IdeaPad S12 starts shipping with handling
It's 12-inches so technically you won't find Intel calling it a netbook. But don't let semantics come between you and Lenovo's $499 IdeaPad S12. Inside you'll find a very netbook-y 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor with GMA 950 graphics, 1280 x 800 resolution, 1GB of memory and 160GB disk, 802.11b/g WiFi, and 6-cell battery. Only the black model is shipping in the US while the white and VIA Nano editions are still tagged with that standard Lenovo "ships in more than 4 weeks" placeholder. Click through for a bit of hands-on video from a show that shall remain anonymous even from those in attendance.
Radiopaq's Sound Jacket improves nano sound quality, according to this handy chart
Accessories aimed at the iPod nano 4G crowd are always a curious affair. Isn't the whole point to have your tunes on-the-go, with a minimal of fuss? And aren't costly (and bulky) add-ons the definition of "fuss?" We seriously doubted there was much of a market for the portable speaker attachment we saw a few weeks back, and now it's Radiopaq's turn to get us scratchin' our heads. The iPod Sound Jacket claims to do away with "the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting" and reveal the "hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression." In other words, it seems to be a graphic equalizer. One that you have no control over, to boot. Sound familiar? But then again, according to the product literature the device boosts sound quality "up to 60 percent." If only it were able to boost our self esteem by, say, 40 percent or more. Now that would be well worth the £69.99 (roughly $115).[Via SlashGear]
Evidence mounts for iPods with cameras
The iPod with camera is pretty much a given at this point in Apple's evolutionary approach to its audio / video players. In fact, we've already seen iLounge's confident rendering of an iPod nano with camera. Now we have the first cases with matching camera cut-outs (like that of the above) for the iPod nano in addition to an iPod touch case with similar cutouts passing through our tips box. This morning TechCrunch is claiming that a "massive number of camera modules" for iPods have been ordered per information provided by a source in Asia. Add it all up and we should see the announcement of a new iPod touch and iPod nano with photo / video recording sometime around September per Apple's usual pattern.[Via MacRumors, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Tiny, printable batteries promise to change the face of obnoxious greeting cards forever
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS in Chemnitz led by Prof. Dr. Reinhard Baumann have unveiled tiny, printable batteries that they hope to put into production for pennies apiece. The new battery prototype is primarily composed of a zinc anode and a manganese cathode that can be screen printed and covered with a non-printed template cover. Each mercury-free battery weighs less than one gram, and can individually produce about 1.5 volts of electricity. By placing several batteries side by side, however, up to 6 volts can be generated. The institute has already produced these little power houses in the lab, and hopes to see them into production by the end of the year. The batteries have a relatively short lifespan, making them suitable for applications such as powering greeting cards. All we can say is that this battery would have made the card we got two years ago that sang "Word Up" much, much awesomer. [Via Physorg]
Lenovo S12 gets a VIA Nano option
Wanna trade in some battery life and get a bit of extra speed in the deal? Lenovo is now offering its spanking new S12 netbook with a VIA Nano ULV 2250 processor and VIA Chrome9 HC3 graphics instead of the usual Intel Atom / GMA 950 combo, which should offer a little more pep (at least in some applications) and lops $50 off the original's spendy $500 asking price. The Nano setup will draw more battery than the Atom, so you might want to invest that extra cash in another battery if you can track one down, but at least the $450 price includes a 6 cell as standard.
Rumor: Budget iPhone model expected, says FT.com
If the promise of a new, faster and video-editing enabled iPhone isn't enough to make you block out time for Monday's WWDC keynote on your calendar, check out the Financial Times report that revitalizes rumors of a new lower-priced iPhone model (iPhone mini? iPhone nano?) said to be ready for announcement on Monday. The new device would also come subsidized with a carrier contract, but would cost buyers just $149US or $99US up front. While rumors of a cheaper iPhone have been circulating since the original iPhone introduction, the option to split the product line may make more sense now that consumer spending is in recession-tightened mode. Still, PCworld points out that FT's choice of analysts to quote is a little bit problematic; Morgan Stanley's Kathryn Huberty got cited by Seeking Alpha as the worst predictor of Apple's numbers in September 2008. If you had a choice between a full-featured iPhone capable of video calls and clip capture/editing, or saving $100+ on a 4GB model with capabilities similar to today's iPhone 3G, which would you choose? [via Engadget]
Tongfang debuts VIA Nano-based S30A thin-and-light laptop
VIA's Nano processor may have been making the rounds of netbooks and nettops lately, but the company isn't overlooking the processor's potential for more traditional laptops, and it now has a pretty impressive example of the latter in the form of Tongfang's new S30A thin-and-light. In addition to that sporty paint job, this one packs a 13.3-inch display, a 1.3GHz VIA Nano U2250 processor, discrete S3 Chrome 435 ULP graphics, a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, an ExpressCard slot, and a built-in DVD burner -- all of which still manages to fit in a 1.3-inch thick, three-pound package. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price or release date just yet, and there's a good chance it'll be showing up under something other than the Tongfang brand whenever it is actually released. Head on past the break for a quick video hands-on from VIA itself.[Thanks, Stew]
Apple iPhone 3.0 rumor roundup
Heard any good iPhone 3.0 rumors lately? No? That's because they're all here in this tidy little roundup. The latest (pictured above) is a purported top-facing bezel frame for the "Apple iPhone 3Gen 2009." Besides being black unlike the chrome edge of the iPhone 3G, iLounge and others have noticed a repositioned ear speaker, tucked high against the top-edge that could be making way for a front-facing camera or additional sensor(s). iLounge also created a render (pictured after the break) of a 5th gen iPod nano based on information provided by a source who "has a perfect track record for accuracy." In addition to a slightly larger screen with 1.5:1 aspect, there's now a camera on the back; a redesign that dovetails nicely with rumors about Apple to getting serious with integrated video and digital cameras. iLounge also claims that there will be three new models (3G, enhanced 3G, and mainland China version lacking WiFi we suspect) of iPhones with matte plastic bodies less prone to scratching. Importantly, countries will get the phone appropriate to their telco's capabilities -- iLounge says users won't have to choose between a fast and slow iPhone, they'll get what their carriers can support. Each will ship in a choice of two capacity options with 32GB being the top-end rumored. Oh, and iPhone 3.0 will also get into the Nike+ game without requiring an adapter (like the iPod touch). These rumors ride a wave of reports that inventories of the iPhone 3G are running low and component makers are now shipping parts for the next generation iPhone. So Steve Jobs or not, we're still expecting the hardware to be announced at WWDC with possible July 17 launch. Read -- iPhone 3.0 bezel (via iFun.de) Read -- iPod nano with camera renders, three versions of iPhone 3.0 Read -- PCB makers begin shipments for new iPhone Read -- Nike+ Read -- 16GB iPhone 3G listed as End of Life Read -- 32GB iPhone 3G
VIA Nano-powered Shuttle XS29F gets official
Well, Computex Taipei still hasn't formally kicked off, but it looks like it's close enough for VIA and Shuttle, who have now gotten official with that Nano-based small form factor PC that first surfaced earlier this week. Now dubbed the Shuttle XS29F, this particular version comes equipped with the low-power combo of VIA's Nano U1700 CPU and VX800 media system processor, along with support for up to 4GB of RAM, your choice of SATA II storage options, both VGA and DVI ports, four USB 2.0 ports and, perhaps most importantly, a maximum power consumption of just 50 watts for the entire system. That, as VIA helpfully explains in the video after the break, means the system can ditch all the usual fans and heatsinks and remain nearly silent during operation, not to mention let you save you a bit on your energy bills. Still no word on a price, sadly, but we're hoping Shuttle will be a bit more talkative once Computex opens its doors.
Aussie whiz-kids can cram 1.6TB on a DVD-sized disc, go Outback tonight
Don't take it personally, Blu-ray -- we still love you and all, but there's just something dreamy about baking 1.6TB of information onto a blank piece of optical media we can actually afford. According to a new report, a crew of researchers at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia have exploited the properties of a certain gold nano-rod that will theoretically enable them to shove 300 DVDs worth of data onto a single disc. Calling the method "five-dimensional optical recording," the technique "employs nanometer-scale particles of gold as a recording medium," and according to developers, it's primed for commercialization. Essentially, these gurus have figured out how to add a spectral and polarization dimension, giving them the ability to record information "in a range of different color wavelengths on the same physical disc." As for the chances this actually makes it out of the laboratory and into the lives of real humans? Slim, Jim.[Thanks, Sam]
Microbot controls swarm of bacteria, puts all flea circuses to shame
Sylvain Martel, what hast thou sown? The director of the NanoRobotics Laboratory at the École Polytechnique de Montréal this week is presenting his latest microbot at ICRA in Japan, and it's got a pretty crazy trick. The solar panel-equipped device sizes up to about 300 x 300 microns, and using a sensor to detect nearby pH levels, it's been shown as capable of controlling a swarm of 3,000 bacteria using electromagnetic pulses. Sure, Martel suggests there'll be some eventual medical uses for the technology, but we'd be lying if we said the video demonstration didn't give us the willies. See for yourself in the video linked below. Read - Announcement Read - Video
11.6-inch Dr. Mobile FreeStyle netbook makes its video debut
Dr. Mobile had its first few 8.9-inch FreeStyle Minis on display at CES, and we've already gotten a glimpse of VIA's 11.6-inch FreeStyle prototype, but the VIA-sponsored How To Be Mobile site is now showing off Dr. Mobile's own version of the larger thin and light netbook which, as you can see above, comes in many flavors. Expectedly, the specs are pretty much in line with VIA's prototype, and include a 1.3GHz Nano processor, a 1366 x 768 resolution on that 11.6-inch screen, up to 4GB of RAM, your choice of SSD or standard hard drives, and a 1.3 megapixel webcam, among other standard features. With the Dr. Mobile name, however, comes a slew of different style options that range form basic white and black to metallic red and eye-catching yellow option that sports a carbon fiber-type finish. Still no word on pricing, unfortunately, but it looks like they should be rolling out in the next month or so. Head on past the break for the video.
iPod nano GPS hack ensures that you and your MP3s make it home safely
We've seen iPod hacks run the gamut, from the useful to the just plain absurd, but no matter how rough around the edges such a project may seem, we always get a kick out of the ingenuity and hard work involved. Today's DIY wonder comes from a cat named Benjamin Kokes, who's using his engineering chops to put together a GPS peripheral for the iPod nano. As the project stands right now, he's taken a reference board sporting a Nemerix GPS and written a screen driver for it, allowing it to do its thing on the handheld. Apparently, all this bad boy is capable of doing right now is finding a satellite and displaying your latitude and longitude -- but we'd like to see your old nano do that! Hit the read link for the whole, sordid tale in geek-tastic detail, or to speak with the developer if you'd like to give this a shot your own self. Tell him Engadget sent you.[Via Technabob]
EagleTec Nano flash drive makes losing data easier than ever
Still haven't found a USB drive small enough for your needs? Then you might want to consider EagleTec's new Nano flash drive now available from the ever dependable folks at Brando, which measures an impossibly tiny 19 x 15 x 6 mm and weighs in at a mere three grams. Despite that size, however, you'll still get a fairly generous 4GB or 8GB of storage ($22 and $33, respectively), and an included lanyard that'll let you attach it to something you're less likely to misplace, though you're on your own keeping the drive's cap from wandering off.[Via OhGizmo]
When netbook processors compete, everyone wins
You know the drill: the Atom is the king of all netbooks, with a domain stretching as far as the eye can see. But, upstarts like the Via Nano and AMD's Athlon Neo are encroaching on Intel's domain, and Crave took the time to pit examples of the three against each other in a series of benchmarks to see which should rule the land. Rather sadly for us, each of the three tests had a different winner, with the Atom N280 excelling in multi-tasking, the Nano U2250 best for iTunes encoding, and the Neo MV-40 quickest under a Jalbum-based benchmark. So you know what that means: everyone gets a prize, nobody has to go home crying, and you should just go ahead and buy whichever netbook you like best already.Update: It's actually unclear which proc won which test, as the table at the source shows one thing, but the text swaps the Neo and Nano around. But, again, there's not much between these three.
Scientists develop 'coin sorter' for nanoparticles, first-ever nanofluidic device with complex 3D surface
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Cornell University have banded together and formed what they're touting is the first nanoscale fluidic device with a complex three-dimensional surface. The staircase-shaped prototype is 10nm at its tiniest and 620nm at its tallest -- all smaller than the average bacterium, and a departure from the usual flat, rectangular-shaped fare. According to the press release, it can manipulate nanoparticles by size, similar to how coin sorters separate your pocket change. Potential uses includes helping to measure nanoparticle mixtures for drug delivery or gene therapy, or the isolation / confinement of individual DNA strands. Don your science caps and hit up the read link for the more technical details[Via PhysOrg]
Samsung 12.1-inch NC20 with VIA Nano power ready for Stateside purchase
A friendly tipster has pointed us over to NewEgg where Samsung's much loved NC20 is ready for purchase and presumably delivery. Mind you, this isn't just another Atom-based netbook. This 12.1-incher is one of the first to ship Stateside with a Via Nano processor of any type, the 1.3GHz U2250 in this case. You're also looking at Via Chrome9 integrated graphics, 160GB 5400rpm disk, 1GB of DDR2 memory, and 6-cell Li-ion battery. $550 is the pre-tax price for clicking all the way through to purchase where we suspect you'll be treated to a ship date. One thing's for certain; it'll be later than March 6th.[Thanks, angelwolf71885]
Tata Nano photographed at official unveiling party
Make no mistake, that thing you see pictured above definitely looks no nicer than $2,000, but hey, at least it actually is just $2,000. Indian Autos Blog was on hand at the Tata Nano's official unveiling in Mumbai, and naturally, it fired off a number of images to share with those of us not able to hop a flight to see it in person. The car is set to take showrooms around the nation by storm starting this Wednesday, but for those of us stuck elsewhere on the planet just longing for a (new) beater car for under two large, the pics in the links will simply have to suffice.[Via AutoblogGreen]
Tata's $2,000 Nano car to hit Indian streets in July
After getting official over a year ago, missing its original production plan and eventually hitting a wall with respect to production, Tata's long-awaited Nano vehicle is all set to take to the streets this July. According to a fresh report over at Reuters, the world's cheapest car (100,000 rupee, or $1,980) is expected to be the hottest thing around when it ships in India in a matter of months. In fact, there are so many orders waiting to be filled, initial owners will be "randomly selected from bookings made between April 9 and 25." We're also told that a European variant will be launched by 2011, and while a US model is still a possibility, no firm launch date has been given there. Good luck getting your rear into one, and be sure and shoot us a few hands-on shots if you do.
