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PrePeat rewritable printer lets you undo print jobs, no ink or toner used
Inkless / tonerless printers aren't exactly new, but here's a more novel approach: inkless, tonerless, and completely reusable. The PrePeat rewritable printer is exactly that: using special paper made of PET plastic, you can make all the flowcharts and meeting notes you need, and when you want to start fresh, feed the paper back in to start fresh. Upfront cost is 500,000 yen (about $5,600 in US) for the printer and 300 yen for each sheet, in lots of 1,000 -- which we're taking to mean at least another 300,000 yen / $3,360 to get some use out of it. Each piece of paper is said to work about 1,000 times, but no word on how much (if any) history can be extracted from the materials -- just keep that in mind should sensitive information be your daily trade. Video demonstration after the break.
How would you change Apple's unibody MacBook?
Quietly unveiled alongside the 27-inch iMac and the Magic Mouse was this: Apple's attempt to force the unibody construction that we've already seen used on its MacBook Pro into the lowly MacBook line. This 13-incher didn't revolutionize Apple's low-end laptop line, but it did add a pinch of style and an integrated "7-hour" battery while keeping the price tag steady at $999. We certainly had our fair share of gripes when testing this scuff-magnet out, but now that you've had nearly two months to toy around with your own, we're anxious to hear what you'd do different next time. Is the build quality up to your standards? Are you still weeping uncontrollably as you search in vain for a FireWire 400 port? Is the 9400M GPU potent enough for you? Did this honestly deserve to be priced at a few hundies less? Feel free to unleash hot fury in comments below -- maybe ole Steve will feel the heat.
Xerox announces silver ink, keeps printable electronics dream alive
Here comes Xerox, huffing and puffing its way back from obscurity with what it believes is a revolutionary new advancement. Its brand new silver ink and related printing technologies promise to make it possible for the lazy or breadboard handicapped among us to print their own circuit boards atop plastics, film, and even textiles. The wizardry of it lies in the company's development of a metallic ink with a melting point lower than that of plastics, which allows the former to be laid (in liquid form) atop the latter. It's all very neat, and the potential for flexible, lightweight, disposable electronics is well and good, but haven't we heard this all before?
MacBook goes unibody, available today
Like a bat out of hell, Apple has just shuttled a new, unibody MacBook in the gadget world's direction. The new model -- which looks like an arctic, glossy version of the familiar 13-inch MacBook Pro line -- will be landing in stores today (yes, today), with a familiar price tag: $999. In terms of changes, besides the new, high-test plastic casing (built in the same fashion as the aluminum MacBook Pros) the 13-incher boasts a LED-backlit display, new glass multitouch trackpad, and a built-in, "7 hour" battery. Inside the single SKU will be a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM (upgradable to 4GB), an NVIDIA 9400M GPU, 250GB hard drive and the old standby SuperDrive. We had a chance to play around with the laptop, and it's pretty snazzy for a hunk of plastic. The surface is super slick (AKA super fingerprint friendly), though the base of the laptop utilizes a soft-touch, non-slip surface that's nice to handle. The display certainly is brighter and better looking than the previous model, though the one on the desk we saw was slightly dimmer than we would prefer -- in its defense it was sitting right next to a super bright iMac. As stated, the new model can be picked up right this very second at stores around the globe, and we'll have a much closer look very soon -- so stay tuned! A full spec breakdown is after the break. Update: Check out our hands-on! %Gallery-75975% %Gallery-75964%
Tangible 3D UI being developed in Japan (video)
People have been trying to sell us 3D this and 3D that for ages, but for the most part it's always been the same flat surface we're looking at and poking with our fingers. Some restless souls in Japan, however -- including Engadget's very own Kentaro Fukuchi -- have begun developing a way for computers to recognize a person's interactions with real objects and to respond accordingly. The essence of this new technique is to use translucent rubbery objects, whose diffraction of specially polarized light is picked up by a camera. Thus, relatively subtle actions like squeezing and stretching can be picked up by the different light results produced. Still in the early stages of design, the system is hoped to assist in surgery training, though we've got video of its more fun potential uses after the break.[via New Scientist]
Polycarbonate MacBook to live on, be redesigned?
It might seem like Apple's been ignoring its non-Pro MacBook line lately -- even doing hardware updates on the sly -- but consumers haven't, and they've been lapping up that solitary SKU with unabated enthusiasm. No surprise then that Cupertino would have bigger plans on the horizon, and AppleInsider claims Apple's engineers are already hard at work on an "industrial design overhaul" for the humble 13-incher, with some configurations expected to come in under the current $999 price point. Great news if you're lusting after a Mac, but still want to be able to buy groceries -- right, Giampaulo?
Sony joins the bandwagon, declares death to annoying clamshell packaging
Had we known that eliminating those frustrating, potentially dangerous hard clamshell packages would simply take a nudge, we would've picketed for action years ago. Shortly after Amazon took and stand and announced its own initiative to cut back on wasteful, hard-to-open packaging, Sony has confirmed earlier reports that it will indeed be working towards something better. On a recent post to the outfit's blog, the company noted that it should "have a new alternative to announce soon." No need to reinvent the wheel, Sony -- the hard work has already been done. Check the totally corny vid promoting the change after the break.
Hands-on with Element Case and your chance to win a TUAW version
We get a small number of physical products to review around here, and the streets are thick with iPhone cases of every variety -- but Element Case stood out. These aren't generic leather or plastic cases, they are somewhat beefier plastic cases available with metal, carbon or wood accents and sporting magnetic "flip" lids. The added surface area makes it a little easier to play games, especially if you're getting cramps playing Fieldrunner all day. At the end of this review we've got a special-edition TUAW Element Case to give away.The phone is secure in the case because you have to unscrew the bottom of the case, slide the phone in, and put the screws back in. There are ports along the sides that allow you to access everything you'd normally need: camera, volume, sync cable port. You can't put the phone in the dock, however. The "flip" lid is a piece of plastic with magnets, and those magnets lock onto the screws. The lid attaches to the back of the case when you need access to the screen -- a nice design feature. I'm not sure all this protection adds any shock absorption, but the phone certainly feels sturdier with a rigid casing on the outside. For games, the added surface area was welcome, even more ergonomic. Speaking of the casing, you can choose a CNC-machined version with a base in aluminum alloy (fits first-gen iPhones), but my model was the "Liquid" edition, which is injection-molded plastic (fits both 1st-gen and 3G iPhones). There's a slightly fancier plastic model with some wood veneer on the back, plus a nickel-plated model and a very limited-run of the "CRG" model. The only problem with all this is that several of the cases are for the 1st-gen iPhone only (like the CRG), so you'll have to peruse the shop and see what's available. Essentially everything is limited-run, which adds to the cache value of your case, if that's your thing. No designer case would be complete without customization, and Element Case will custom-engrave a design on the lid or back of your case. %Gallery-39464%
Plastic shares Linger in Shadows development tools
Are you familiar with the demoscene group known as Plastic? If you are not, then you've been taking the "interactive digital art" Linger in Shadows for granted. Plastic is the group responsible for putting LiS together; so all your strange nightmares of floating Basset Hounds are all thanks to them. Speaking of 'putting LiS together,' Plastic group co-founder, Bonzaj, sent us a tip on a video the group made which showcases some of the tools used in making Linger. The group used something called "Pico" -- a graphics engine for integration with Maya. "The tools are Maya plugins," said Bonzaj. "... and they can be downloaded from our site for free." Budding game developers (or digital artists for that matter) might want to avail of the free tools, but first, you'll probably want to check out that video we mentioned earlier and see those tools in action. You can watch that after the break.
Wave of mutilation ends as Best Buy, Sony and Microsoft take a stab at clamshell-free packaging initiative
It looks like Amazon started a trend last week when they announced their "Frustration Free Packaging" initiative, which boils down to the elimination of clamshell-style packaging for a lot of their top-sellers, and the introduction of more eco-friendly materials, like good old-fashioned (recycled) cardboard. According to The New York Times, a number of other companies, including Best Buy, Sony, and Microsoft are joining the club in eschewing heavy duty materials in favor of less aggressive ones. Anything that reduces our level of annoyance with the retail experience while pitching in to help out our increasingly threatened Mother Earth is something we'll gladly get behind. And we're pretty sure our dentist will agree.
Amazon takes a stand to eliminate wasteful, hard-to-open gadget packaging
Come on folks, say it in unison with us: "Finally!" At long last, a company with a little clout has stood up and questioned the necessity of those ridiculous hard plastic containers that hold minuscule flash cards and the like (along with plastic twist-ties), and better still, it's already doing something about it. Beginning today, consumers who are tired of borrowing the fire department's Jaws of Life to rescue their new USB drive can opt for products in Amazon's "Frustration-Free Packaging," which utilizes streamlined packaging that often includes recyclable cardboard. 19 products from the likes of Fisher-Price, Mattel, Microsoft and Transcend are currently available in the new containers, and the firm's CEO has a vision of offering its "entire catalog of products in Frustration-Free Packaging" within a few years. Hey, everyone else in the gadget world -- care to hop on a meaningful bandwagon for once?Read - Frustration-Free Packaging initiativeRead - Frustration-Free Packaging storefront
Download the Linger in Shadows soundtrack for free
The guys at Plastic are a charitable bunch -- they have made the soundtrack to their demoscene Linger in Shadows a free download on their website. The ZIP file even includes an additional track from their other demoscene, Into the Pink. Visit their website here and click on the soundtrack link in the middle of the page to download the file. Wojciech Golczewski is the Polish composer responsible for the atmospheric soundtrack. You can find out more information about him and sample additional tunes by visiting his official website here. [Thanks, kspraydad!]
PSN Thursday: Qore, Linger in Shadows, much more
Time to bring out fat kitty again as the PSN update drops a bunch of new content on us this week. There's interactive art piece Linger in Shadows, a bunch of new add-on content, a new Qore, the level pack for echochrome PSP and a whole truckload of premium themes. Check it all out after the break. The European PSN update can be found over with those Tokyo socialites at PS3 Fanboy.
Linger In Shadows steps into the light this Thursday
A new PlayStation Blog post, written by Rusty Buchert (not to be confused with the PS3 Fanboy janitor, Rusty Bucket) who is the Senior Producer for Linger In Shadows, has revealed when we can finally get our hands on it. Buchert nonchalantly mentions that it'll be available on October 9th, but neglects to mention any pricing information. He also finally tells us a little something about the project's background. Buchert is keen to state that Linger In Shadows is not a game. Then what is it? " It is an experiment with the demoscene and it is an experiment in Interactive Digital Art." Historically, the demoscene has been a community who developed passive audio-visual "demos" which attempted to push the boundaries of a piece of technology. Linger In Shadows bucks the trend by allowing people to interact with their creation. Hence the trophies. So, based on that, we wouldn't be surprised if Linger In Shadows was released for free. Even if it's not, we're intrigued to check out what Plastic have been creating (in their spare time, no less). Check out the PlayStation Blog for more details.
Trophies: Linger in Shadows
0 Platinum 0 Gold 5 Silver 11 Bronze Difficulty: Very Easy Online Trophies? No Time to Completion: 1 hour DLC Trophies? No View Trophy List Read More About the Game %Gallery-78311%
World of WarCrafts: Character charms
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.Until now, this charming technique has been a well-kept secret, passed down through the ages to only the most devoted crafters and dark magicians. Use the knowledge contained herein to fabricate your very own WoW Trinkets. Here is what you will need: Shrinky Dink paper Ink-Jet Color Printer Image Editing Software Scissors (tiny manicure scissors work best for me) Clear Acrylic Spray Jump Ring Jewelry Pliers Brown Paper Bag Foil Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions. %Gallery-30631%
Linger in Shadows lurks onto European PSN this week
Download to PSP Finally, the veil will be lifted. The strange, mysterious real-time PS3 demoscene Linger in Shadows will be available for download this week ... at least, according to the official PlayStation website. This interactive demo is yet another artistic experiment for the PSN -- you can get a small taste by watching this video released by the artists themselves. We can't wait to see how the PS3 community responds to quite possibly the strangest addition to the PSN yet. Update: For some reason, Linger in Shadows has been mysteriously delayed.[Via Siliconera]
Linger in Shadows rated E by ESRB
Linger in Shadows is quite mysterious. We know that it's going to be a rather experimental release on the PSN -- a daring piece of "interactive art," according to PSN producer Rusty Buchart. But, what the experience be like? We're still unsure, but the ESRB has just rated the title -- and has claimed it A-OK for Everyone. Early trailers of Linger in Shadows give off a very strange, creepy vibe. Looks like whatever this becomes, it will stay safely in PG territory. Don't expect any excessive violence or gore in this one, folks. [Thanks, grief!]
Physicists develop plastic semiconductors for laser diode use
Not to get all scientific on you or anything, but a team of Imperial physicists have just figured out a way to use plastics in laser diodes. For the uninitiated, scientists have been unable to make plastic semiconductor laser diodes because they had not yet found / developed "any plastics that could sustain a large enough current whilst also supporting the efficient light emission needed to produce a laser beam." Now, however, that obstacle has reportedly been overcome by making minor tweaks to a given plastic's chemical structure, and the resulting material will transport charges some 200 times better than before without impeding its ability to emit light. By the sound of things, the crew behind the breakthrough isn't quite ready to offer up the solution to manufacturers, but with a bit more work, we suspect that notion will change.[Via Slashdot]
Don't stay in the dark, Linger in Shadows explained
For some time now we've been wondering what exactly Linger in Shadows is. Thankfully, our days of suppositions need be over for senior producer Rusty Buchert of Sony Santa Monica has clarified what this formerly mysterious game is all about. Said Buchert in this video interview from SCEA Judges Day, "It's interactive digital art." It's a PSN title that's a collaboration of "programmers, artists, and music guys all getting together ... and building these compositions of an artistic nature." The key word here seems to be "artistic" which no doubt shows in the game's surreal visuals. It also looks like it won't be too long before all of us can get in on the action. The game is expected to see release this Summer or July at the earliest.
