AH - New ELECTRONIC and GADGETS

Links for 2012-01-30 [Digg]

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Naya Rivera Enchants in Naeem Khan at the 2012 SAG Awards
Jaws dropped on the red carpet as Naya Rivera stepped out in a low-cut grayish purple gown from Naeem Khan at the SAG awards January 29, 2012.
Angelina Jolie Uber-Hot in Packham at the 2012 SAG Awards
The 2012 Screen Actors Guild awards were held at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles January 29, 2012. Looks encompassed everything from classic Hollywood styles to more daring numbers, all making their wearers turn heads on the red carpet. Of course, no red carpet event would be complete without actress Angelina Jolie.
Lea Michele Glimmering in Gray at the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards
While her fellow Glee star Dianna Agron had us drooling in a low-cut purple gown, Lea Michele turned up the sartorial heat clad in chiffon from head to toe at the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards January 29, 2012. Read more: http://masalamagazine.blogspot.com/#ixzz1l09a313a

iPhone 5 Launch in June

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Production of iPhone 5 is poised to start and sample devices have already been released; the eagerly awaited follow up to iPhone 4S is expected to become available this summer, according to a new report.

The report by 9to5mac.com is based on a reliable source at Foxconn in Taiwan.

According to the source, the sample devices have minor differences but each has a display that is 4-in, or larger; and a symmetrical form factor that is longer and wider. Reports last summer talked of a tear-drop shape.

According to the report, the final form factor has yet to be decided.

The contention of the 9to5mac.com source that Apple sample devices are longer and wider is drawing skepticism from industry watchers who say that while it is likely Apple's next generation iPhone will feature a larger display, it is unlikely to be larger sized, because the current size feels just right.

A summer launch for the iPhone 5 is being predicted based on the pattern observed with iPhone 4S; first report of production gear up for it appeared late in Spring 2011 and the device was launched in October 2011. IPhone 4S predecessors were all launched in Summer.

Sony Announces Next Gen Back Illuminated CMOS Sensor

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Sony announced on January 23, 2012 that it had developed the next generation Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensor that is more compact, consumes less power and has higher processing speed.

In conventional image sensors, the back illuminated pixel section and the analog circuits for signal processing are placed on a single chip which is stacked on top of supporting substrate, as shown in the figure above.

In Sony's new sensor, the back illuminated pixel section is stacked over a chip containing the analog circuits section for signal processing that also acts as the supporting substrate.

Image sensor research has so far focused on achieving higher pixel numbers, improved image quality and faster processing speeds. Sony's new sensor additionally strives for more compact sensor size.

Sony's new stacking arrangement facilitates the use of large-scale circuits while keeping overall chip size small. Independent mounting on two different chips enables the pixel section to be specialized for higher image quality while the circuit section can be specialized for higher functionality. In addition, the arrangement facilitates faster signal processing and lower power consumption.

Samples of the new sensor will start shipping from March, 2012.

EcoATM Disposer Gives Cash for Your Old Gadgets

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:45:00 +0000

Among the most useful devices exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show can well be counted the EcoATM – an incomparable gadget designed to deal with all other gadgets. It doesn’t only take care of your gadgets that are past repair – it can bring in cash for worn and dated electronics when properly used.

As soon as one of your aged gadgets comes up for disposal, instead of chucking it into a garbage bin you’d do well to delegate it to the EcoATM’s special area where it will perform photographing and scanning and come up with a solution for the gadget’s future.

The EcoATM gets a circuit check done and apprise the level of the functioning, after which it will use a network of all available electronics-recycling companies to see how much they can stump up for it – so you will have a fairly accurate idea what sum you can get for recycling. There’s the choice of disposing it to the EcoATM, in which case the device will offer exchange facilities.

Asus Announces Rose Gold and Hot Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:45:00 +0000

Vegas’s Consumer Electronics Show was certainly a great draw for all electronic minded males, but ladies that wandered in were also rewarded for their visit with new laptops from ASUS. Something to look forward to, ASUS’s two female design ZENBOOK laptops, Hot Pink and Rose Gold, combine wow! looks with the latest word in features.

The zenbooks are 0.35-inch thick at the rear dwindling to 0.11 inch at the front and the first Ultrabooks with the curved edge design. Their performance is enhanced with the ASUS’s Super Hybrid Engine II technology bettering other existing Ultrabooks by 25% extra battery life which spells two-week-long standby time or more than two months in sleep/hibernate mode. Battery lifespan can be checked with PowerWiz utility.

The beautiful pink and gold laptops turn on instantly, working on the latest Intel Core i7 processors; they also feature Bluetooth V4.0 and USB 3.0. ASUS’s SonicMaster technology provides excellent sound.

Links for 2012-01-17 [Digg]

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Top 5 Best Dressed 2012 Golden Globes
The 2012 Golden Globes featured a number of devastatingly gorgeous stars strolling the red carpet, all of them worthy of a magazine cover or a spot on the runway. But we've narrowed the selection of immaculately-styled actresses to five, whom we feel best exemplify sartorial grace. Read more: http://masalamagazine.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-5-best-dressed-2012-golden-globes.html#ixzz1jmoVRjHs
Top 3 Best Makeup 2012 Golden Globes
As we all know, what face in Hollywood would get noticed without an expert application of color to set it off. Our top three choices for Best Makeup at the 2012 Golden Globes were Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon and Charlize Theron. Read more: http://masalamagazine.blogspot.com/#ixzz1jmokXBPL
Top 3 Best Jewelry 2012 Golden Globes
When you're on the Hollywood A-list, every jeweler in town is going to come knocking come awards season. Three actresses on the Golden Globes red carpet this year made beautiful choices, not only in their attire but the gems to make them red carpet special.

Canon G1 X - Large Sensor Zoom Compact

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:41:00 +0000

The most outstanding feature of the G1 X is its massive sensor; at 18.7 x 14mm it is nearly the same size as the APS-C (22.3 x 14.9mm) sensor fitted on most DSLR cameras, including Canon's EOS series.

Canon says it developed the new sensor with the aim of offering APS-C sensor equivalent pixel size and sensitivity in the compact camera, giving users shallow depth-of-field and high dynamic range typically associated with DSLRs.

The camera utilize on-chip noise reduction technology and has 4 channel read-out for high speed.

The surface area of the PowerShot G1 X's sensor is 6.3 times larger than the sensor in the PowerShot G12, and its light-gathering ability 4.5 times greater, offering users dramatically improved image quality and facilitating low light photography.

The PowerShot G1 X offers a maximum full-resolution ISO range of 100 to 12800, perfect for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions.

The camera allows users to specify how it controls ISO to obtain the best balance between image quality and shutter speed to freeze subject motion.

It features a 28-112mm (35mm equivalent), f/2.8-f/5.8 (4X) opical zoom with f/2.8. The lens is specifically built for use with the new sensor. Though the new sensor has a diagonal length that is 2.5 times larger than that of PowerShot G12, the lens diameter is just 1.4 times larger.

Despite its larger size and 4x optical zoom the lens retracts snugly into the G1 X body presenting a surprisingly compact footprint.

The G1 X can shoot 1080p HD video, features a 3-in, 922K dot flip-out LCD panel, lots of manual knobs and dials for quick access to camera setting, 14-bit RAW capture, HDMI-out and a dedicated movie button.

Other DSLR like features include face detection technology (35 faces in a scene), HDR Shooting include 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting, Manual pop-up flash and Creative filters

A Servo AF/AE feature allows tracking of a subject moving towards or away from the camera with the shutter half-pressed, ensuring that the subject is in focus and well-exposed when the shutter is finally pressed.

Tracking AF gives photographers the ability to select objects from the center of the frame and track them if they move, or if the frame is recomposed.

Motion Detection Technology automatically detects motion in the shooting scene. If movement is detected, the camera will automatically increase the ISO sensitivity (when Auto ISO is engaged) and shutter speed to minimize blur and optimize image quality.

The estimated selling price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera is $799.99 and is scheduled to be available in February.

Acer Unveils Aspire S5 Ultrabook with Ivy Bridge Processor

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:39:00 +0000

Acer on Sunday, January 8, stole a march over rival PC makers by unveiling its Aspire S5, 13.3-in ultrabook powered by an Intel Ivy Bridge processor ahead of the start of CES 2012 on January 10.

The Aspire S5, claimed to be the thinnest laptop in the world, will be available in the market by May or June.

According to past reports, Intel will officially release Ivy Bridge processors to the market in April, with the launch of as many as 25 variants aimed at desktops, laptops and netbooks.

According to Acer, Intel's Ivy Bridge processors feature a 20 percent boost in performance over Sandy Bridge processors, with 30 percent better graphics performance.

The S5 laptop will feature 8 hrs of "uncompromised" battery life, USB 3.0 and Intel's latest Thunderbolt connectivity technology.

Ivy Bridge architecture, built using 22nm process, is the successor to the 32nm process Sandy Bridge architecture. The Ivy Bridge platform will be the first to feature Intel's tri-gate transistors.

The 22nm 3-D Tri-Gate transistors provide up to 37 percent performance increase at low voltage versus Intel's 32nm planar transistors. Alternatively, they consume less than half the power when at the same performance.

Ivy Bridge will support DirectX 11 graphics, USB 3.0, and 1600MHz DDR3 memory.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Mirrorless Camera Thrills

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:39:00 +0000

Fujifilm's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, Fujifilm X-Pro1, announced on Monday, January 9, lived up to expectations fanned by Fujifilm's earlier products, such as FinePix X100 and FinePix F300EXR.

The X-Pro1's headlining features are: a 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and a brand new X lens mount.

Fujifilm also announced the release of three X-mount prime lenses.

X-Trans CMOS Sensor

The most outstanding feature of the X-Pro1 is its newly developed X-Trans CMOS sensor which Fujifilm says delivers resolution matching that of a full frame sensor!

The sensor uses a 6x6 pixel color filter array, instead of the traditional 2x2, which reduces moiré and false color, eliminating the need of an optical low pass filter, which degrades resolution.

Fujifilm says the new color filter array is inspired by the random arrangement of fine film grain.

RGB pixels are arranged randomly in each 6x6 pixel set, eliminating moiré and false colors observed when shooting stripes and other repeating patterns with conventional 2x2 color array and no low pass filter.

The X-Pro1 features a more powerful image processor - EXR Processor Pro - to crunch the more complex output signal from the new sensor. The processor is capable of high precision image processing at high speed.

The camera shoots full HD video as well, up to 1080p.

Hybrid Multi Viewfinder

The Hybrid Viewfinder, which first appeared in the FinePix X100, combines a "bright frame" optical viewfinder found in DSLRs with an electronic viewfinder system typical of mirrorless digital cameras. Using an integrated prism, the X-Pro1 can project either the image on its 1.44 MP viewfinder LCD panel or the view from the illuminating window into the viewfinder.

You can switch between the two modes with a "one touch" switch on the front of the X-Pro1 body.

The Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. You can use it to compose or playback shots.

For a bright viewing image and minimum shutter lag, choose the Optical Viewfinder. When capture settings are important - exposure, focus, white balance and depth of field - switch to Electronic Viewfinder.

X-Mount

Fujifilm has developed the X-Mount to leverage the mirrorless design. The mount has a short flange back distance of just 17.7mm, allowing the rear lens elements to come as close as possible to the sensor. The wide opening allows the lens to be mounted deeper within the body — up to 7.5mm (approx.) from the mount surface — reducing the back focus distance of each lens to the minimum possible, thus achieving high resolution all the way to the edge of the image

Lenses

The X-Pro1 will be launched with three XF Fujinon fast aperture prime lenses - XF18mmF2 R (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, XF 35mmF1.4 R (53mm equivalent) f/1.4, and XF60mmF2.4 R Macro (90mm equivalent) F/2.4

The molded aperture diaphragm blades of the lenses are curved to create a circular image at all aperture settings and blade edges are meticulously rounded off to deliver a sharper image.

Other Features

1.4 million pixel LCD screen.
The top and base of the camera body are made from die-cast aluminum alloy.
The body has a leather like finish, but is covered with synthetic leather. An original manufacturing process produces a texture with the look and feel of authentic leather.

Acer N Lenovo to Launch Windows 8 Tablets in 2012 3Q

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:12:00 +0000

Acer and Lenovo are planning to launch Windows 8 tablets powered by Intel's Clover Trail – W processors in the third quarter of 2012, sources tell Digitimes.com.

In the first half of 2012, Intel plans to start shipping its Medfield processor targeting Android 4.0 smartphones and tablet PCs.

While Medfield processors face an uphill task competing against ARM-based processors in the Android market, tablet PC manufacturers are more optimistic about Intel's Clover Trail – W processors as the enterprise market is likely to see a lot of value in tablets that can run Microsoft applications that their users are already familiar with.

Both Medfield and Clover Trail processors are built to the Cedar Trail architecture based on Intel's 32nm process (Sandy Bridge) technology.

The architecture puts the CPU and GPU on the same silicon chip and features improvements in graphics capabilities including Blu-ray 2.0 support, a dedicated media engine for full 1080p playback and additional digital display options including HDMI output and DisplayPort.

Nikon D4 FX Format Flagship Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:12:00 +0000

Nikon on January 6, 2012 announced the release of the Nikon D4, a full frame (FX format, 36.0 x 23.9 mm) camera.

The D4 supersedes the Nikon D3S, released in 2009, as Nikon's flagship DSLR camera.

Nikon D4 will be displayed at the 2012 International CES, from Tuesday, January 10 through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The camera features a new 16.2 MP sensor with a breathtaking ISO sensitivity range - from ISO 50 to ISO 204800. For low light photography, the camera also features illuminated controls.

An auxiliary 91K-pixel RGB sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder.

In addition, the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers significant improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance (AWB) control accuracy.

The 51 focus point AF system facilitates faster autofocusing and is able to detect and focus on subjects in low light. It supports high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 10 fps in FX format with AF and AE tracking.

The AF sensor also supports smaller aperture lenses with 11 focus points allowing for more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x).

The D4 can capture full-HD video at 30 fps, and offers three movie recording formats to suite the recording conditions or creative intent.

Apple iPad 3 in March

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:12:00 +0000

iPad 3 will ensure Apple continued supremacy in the tablet market till October, when the killer iPad 4 arrives to demolish the challenge posed by Windows 8 tablets powered by Intel Clover Trail-W processors.

Sources amidst Taiwanese component manufacturers tell Digitimes that the iPad 3, to be launched in March, will feature a QXGA (1,536x2,048 pixels) display and longer battery life. Past reports have talked of a 14,000 mAh battery to be supplied by Simplo Technology and Dynapack International Technology.

Following the launch of iPad 3, Apple will reduce the price of iPad 2 to undercut competition from vendors such as Sony, Motorola Mobility and Samsung Electronics, who have products priced around the $359 mark.

Perceiving a more credible threat from Windows 8 tablets powered by Intel's Clover Trail-W chipsets that support Windows applications such as Microsoft Office, Apple will launch the 9.7-inch iPad 4 with souped up hardware and integrated application suite in October.

Windows applications overwhelmingly remain ingrained into corporate IT culture. No matter how good and slick the integrated application suite that Apple comes up with, the challenge from Wintel- or WoA (Windows on ARM)-based tablet PCs to be released in the fourth quarter will remain formidable.

Links for 2012-01-03 [Digg]

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Emphysema - Symptoms of Emphysema
Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath. What symptoms did you experience with your emphysema?

Apple to Launch Two Next Generation iPads in January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:34:00 +0000

Apple will reportedly launch two new iPad versions, both with 9.7 inch displays, at the iWorld on January 26, 2012.

According to Digitime sources, apple will continue to market its iPad 2 at a reduced price, as a competitor to Amazon's Kindle Fire at the low end of the market.

The two new iPad models will feature quad core processors and QXGA resolution (1,536x2,048 pixels) displays. They will target the medium and high ends of the market.

Sharp, LG Display and Samsung are all three in the display supply chain.

Despite its raging patent war against Samsung, Apple has also contracted with the Korean giant for supply of A6 quad-core processors and 5 MP CMOS image sensor (CIS) for the iPads. The 5 MP CIS will go into the medium end device, while Apple's flagship iPad will feature a 8 MP CIS from Sony, sources tell Digitimes.

The standout feature of the new iPads will be long battery life, based on an astounding 14,000 milliampere-hour (mAh) battery to be supplied by Simplo Technology and Dynapack International Technology.

The Digitimes report confirms an earlier BGR report that Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair had told clients in a note that Apple will be sticking with a 9.7-inch panel for next generation iPads.

"Don't expect a 7-incher. While we believe Apple has tested 7-inch screen prototypes for over a year, we don't currently expect the company to release anything in the 7-inch size in 2012," Blair wrote in the note on December 23, 2011.

India Seeks Taiwanese Participation in $35 Aakash Tablet

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

The Indian government is soliciting participation from Taiwanese Tablet PC makers in a bid to push down the price of its second Aakash tablet PC to $35, according to Digitimes .

The Aakash currently costs $50 to build. The Android 2.2 device is powered by 366 MHz Processor and 256 MB RAM. It features a 7-in, 800x 480 resistive touch screen.

The device is being assembled by UK-based Datawind, with 10 to 20% components sourced from Taiwan; 8,000 units having been shipped so far to students for trial.

The Aakash tablet is currently being offered only to post-secondary students.

Datawind launched a commercial version of the product, called the UbiSlate, with a cellular modem, in November.

The UbiSlate, which is now completely sold out, was priced around $60 including 12 months of warranty, with internet access across mobile networks priced at $2 for 2GB.

A follow-up version of the device is planned, with international bidding, earlier scheduled in December, but now postponed to January.

The government hopes to ship 200 million units of the next Aakash version over the next few years.

Tablet PCs are considered media consumption devices suitable for streaming videos, browsing the net, reading ebooks and social networking.

The Indian government's push of the device as a student learning aide that will compensate for lack of adequate schooling facility is difficult to understand, as are its ambitious plans to sell 200 million devices.

Asus Bets on Transformer Prime to Sell 3-6 Million Tablets in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

Asus will sell 3-6 million tablet PCs in 2012, against 1.8 million in 2011, company chairman Jonney Shih said recently. [via CENS.com]

Shih is optimistic about the long term prospects of tablet computers in general, and Asus' Transformer Prime in particular, which is currently the only tablet with an optional keyboard and battery dock, facilitating the use of a physical keyboard.

Asus is pursuing a patent for the detachable keyboard dock, as well as working on a new tablet with an attached physical keyboard.

Shih's optimism is also driven by the expected launch of Windows 8 in the second half of 2012. Windows 8 will allows tablets to be used for data creation, not just media consumption as is the case now.

According to Shih, Asus will launch a Windows 8 version of Transformer Prime in 2012.

Shih acknowledged that some Transformer Primes were facing Wi-Fi signal problems. The company has posted a product exchange for those facing the issue on its website.

Most Confusing by Sexes Gadgets

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

Amica Kitchen Appliances commissioned a research into the jungle of machinery through which we have to struggle in the course of life – and found that men are practically helpless with kitchen gadgets whereas women get lost in the functions of a cell phone or an MP3 player.

Of 2,000 adults polled men proved to be fairly efficient about household devices, yet now and then they run into a gadget that is stubbornly recalcitrant. 25% confessed that they wouldn’t know how to operate the washing machine and about the same number admitted they were baffled by the grill.

Women said they occasionally have trouble making their computer do what they want or find many of the high-tech devices unmanageable – down to their kids’ games console or a digital camera.

The comment from the Amica Kitchen Appliances’ spokesperson rounded off the conclusion that women are handy with the kitchen appliances while men have their hearts set on gadgets that they can carry about “and as a result master new technology with excitement and ease.”

On the other hand the survey revealed that if a man is clueless he will be unlikely to ask his partner for a lesson in gadget usage and would rather risk ruining the machine. It’s different with women who would simply delegate the baffling gadget to the partner’s abilities and refuse to employ it altogether.

10 GADGETS MOST OFTEN MISUSED BY MEN

Kitchen appliances – oven, grill, dishwasher, microwave oven, hob, mixer
Household appliances – washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, hoover

10 GADGETS MOST OFTEN MISUSED BY WOMEN

Computers and laptops
Cell phones, smartphones, iPad, Blackberry
MP3, digital camera, games console
Sat nav.

Links for 2011-12-25 [Digg]

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Wonderbra Is the Deepest Pushup Bra
Some of ladies who mean to be belles of this year’s Christmas parties and kept racking their brains over how to be dressed to kill – and those who just want their assets appreciated
Designers of the Year 2011
The fashion of the year 2011 is distinguished by its retrospective character – the designers have been endlessly quoting their favorite epocs and trends.
Supermodel of the Year 2011
Despite the fact that, apparently, Gisele Bündchen will never give up her title of the highest paid model in the world, it is difficult to call her the main model in 2011.
Trend of the Year 2011
High and smooth balet bundles, tight and snow white tutus, pointe shoes, appearance in public to watch “Swan Lake”… Total interest in ballet has become the main trend of this year.

Links for 2011-12-23 [Digg]

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Helen Mirren Appear on Glee | Masala Magazine
Veteran actress Helen Mirren has signed up to lend her voice to an upcoming episode of musical TV series Glee.
Babies - Pregnancies of the Year 2011
In 2011, Hollywood has celebrated a real “baby boom”. Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, January Jones, Lily Allen, Natalie Portman and many other actresses have become mothers.
Fiasco of the Year 2011
Stars are accustomed to the fact that their professional and personal life is carefully watched by the international media, and every rise or fall of theirs is discussed by the whole world. Read more: http://masalamagazine.blogspot.com/2011/12/fiasco-of-year-2011.html#ixzz1hQO4UsCj
Breakups of the Year 2011
After the official representative of Jennifer Lopez had announced her decision to divorce her famous husband Marc Anthony, the public was unexpectedly petrified. Read more: http://masalamagazine.blogspot.com/2011/12/breakups-of-year-2011.html#ixzz1hQOFRKW0
Couples of the Year 2011 | Masala Magazine
The participants in this category have not yet thought about the wedding, but they have already confessed their romantic feelings to each other. The most active girl, who has been non-stop looking for a boy-friend and has eventually found her happiness, is the star of Gossip Girl Blake Lively. Read more: http://masalamagazine.blogspot.com/2011/12/couples-of-year-2011.html#ixzz1hQOM2bAF
Weddings of the Year 2011
Love fever in 2011 has resulted in several high-society weddings, among which Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton‘s wedding ceremony was the obvious leader. The long-awaited marriage of a royal person with “a representative of the people” was covered on all continents. The ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey and attended by about 2000 people, was watched by more than 5 million people around the world.

Fujifilm Organic Sensor Technology Promises Reduced Pixel Size

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:05:00 +0000

Fujifilm was recently granted a patent for a sensor that uses a photo sensitive organic (carbon based) film on top of silicon substrate with circuitry for electron readout.

The organic coating converts photons impacting the sensor directly to electrons, unlike CCD and CMOS sensor that use silicon photodiodes to convert photons to electrons.

The electrons produced are read by circuitry embedded in the silicon substrate, just as in the case with traditional CCD and CMOS sensors.

The organic film allows practically the entire surface area of sensor to be used for sensing light (100% aperture), which is not the case with traditional sensors.

The extremely thin organic layer is able to absorb enough light making the sensor free from spectral cross-talk between tiny pixels when capturing slanting rays of light. As a result, there is no need for microlenses to gather incident light as in traditional sensors, which dramatically reduces manufacturing cost.

The organic film based sensor is sensitive only to visible light, unlike traditional sensors, which are also sensitive to IR mandating the use of an IR filter.

The most compelling advantage of the organic sensor is: It allows small sized sensors to perform better, because with photodiodes there is a limit to how small a pixel can be without unacceptable losses in its sensitivity.

Smallest pixel size is already down to 1.4 µm and despite unrelenting efforts to reduce it further, there is clearly a limit. Organic CMOS Image Sensor for Reduction in Pixel Size

Olympus Developing Mirrorless Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:05:00 +0000

In an interview with Japan's Digital Camera Magazine the marketing manager for Olympus, Haruo Ogawa, has revealed that the company will launch a new series of mirrorless cameras featuring new, breathtaking viewfinder technology.

Olympus will continue with its PEN series mirrorless cameras which come with an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The new series cameras will be compatible with PEN cameras.

Ogawa hinted that the new technology should help mirrorless cameras become mainstream, instead of remaining confined to the domain of hobbyists.

Olympus developed the new viewfinder technology in response to user feedback that EVFs don't deliver the joy of optical viewfinders (OVFs) despite supporting features that OVFs lack. (EVFs allow you to preview the effect of the art filter or WB selected. They also make framing, zooming in and focusing easier.)

In September 2010, Fujifilm announced its Super Compact FinePix X100 with a hybrid viewfinder that allows you to switch between an electronic and optical viewfinder, using an integrated prism to project either the image on its 1.44MP viewfinder LCD panel or the view from the illuminating window into the viewfinder.

Ogawa evaded going into specifics about the new viewfinder, despite being pressed for them during the course of the interview.

Interestingly, Ogawa emphasized that though Olympus is launching yet another series of mirrorless cameras, the company will continue to support Micro Four Thirds sensor based traditional DSLRs. A successor is already being developed for the E-5 launched in September 2010.

Olympus and Panasonic first introduced mirrorless DSLR cameras in August 2008 based on the Four Thirds (18 x 13.5 mm) sensor standard adopted by the two companies.

Ogawa's interview to Digital Camera Magazine was in Japanese . An English translation by a dpreview.com forum reader can be viewed here .

Olympus was recently rocked by an accounting scandal that is threatening the existence of the corporation.

Much Cheaper Now, and Still on Your Rooftop

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:32:00 +0000

Solar Power generation costs have dropped to an extent where a unit of solar power is cheaper than what you pay to the utilities in some regions.

According to an analysis at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, solar photovoltaic systems are very close to achieving the tipping point and becoming mainstream.

According to Joshua Pearce, an associate professor of electrical engineering and materials science at Michigan Technological University and a member of the team that conducted the analysis, the price of solar panels has dropped 70% since 2009. Equally important, it is now evident that assumptions used in previous studies to compute the cost of solar power generation were flawed.

"Historically, when comparing the economics of solar and conventional energy, people have been very conservative," says Pearce.

When computing the cost of photovoltaic energy, analysts need to factor in variables like cost to install and maintain the system, finance charges, how long it lasts, and how much electricity it generates.

Following an exhaustive review of previous studies, Pearce and his colleagues concluded that the values given those variables were out of whack.

"It is still a common misconception that solar PV technology has a short life and is therefore extremely expensive," he said. However, PV panels are solid-state electronic devices with no moving parts and should last a long time. "Based on the latest long-term studies, we should be doing our economic analysis on a 30-year lifetime at minimum," Pearce said.

In addition, most analysis assume that the productivity of solar panels will drop at an annual rate of 1 percent or more, a huge overestimation, according to Pearce. "If you buy a top-of-the-line solar panel, it's much less, between 0.1 and 0.2 percent."

Finally, "The price of the solar equipment has been dropping, so you'd think that the older papers would have higher cost estimates," Pearce said. "That's not necessarily the case."

Equipment costs are determined based on dollars per watt of electricity produced. Very recent studies set the amount between $2 and $10. The true cost in 2011, says Pearce, is under $1 per watt for solar panels on the global market, though system and installation costs vary widely. In some parts of the world, solar is already economically superior.

For example, France's Solairedirect recently bid to supply solar power to India's national power grid at Rs7.49 (US$0.14) per unit (kWh), a rate that is below the average cost of power generated by diesel generators, which is about Rs 13 (US$0.25) per unit.

The Solairedirect bid is no aberration or market capturing ploy. Other companies have successfully bid in the Rs8.00 to Rs8.28 range.

The environmental benefits of using solar power - reduced pollution and carbon emissions - are not factored in in economic studies like Pearce's.

Apple Gears Up for Switch to Next Gen iPads

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:32:00 +0000

Apple supply chain manufacturers are switching focus to next generation iPad components, winding down production for iPad 2 components, reports Digitimes .

Supply of next generation iPad components has already started even as production of iPad 2 components is winding down with iPad 2 production volumes expected to drop from 14-15 million units in the last quarter of 2011 to just 4-5 million units in first quarter of 2012.

Chinese-language Commercial Times, quoting Kevin Chang, an analyst of Citigroup Global Markets, reports that Foxconn Electronics will start rolling out next gen iPads from January, increasing monthly production volumes from February onwards.

Between 9.5 – 9.8 million next gen iPads are expected to be produced in the first quarter of 2012.

Apple is expected to end 2011 triumphantly with total iPad sales of 40 million units, having sold 25.06 million units in the first three quarters.

It is rumored that next gen iPads will comprise two products – a low end iPad Mini and flagship product iPad 3.

iPad mini will reportedly feature a 7.85-in display with 1024 x 768 resolution, the same as iPad. It will be powered by an improved processor based on the ARM Cortex A9 core, with 512 Mb RAM.

Some analysts believe the mini will be diminutive in price not display size, to match Amazon's Kindle Fire.

The flagship iPad 3 will hit the market after the Mini. It will reportedly feature a QXGA 2048 x 1536 retina display.

Links for 2011-12-12 [Digg]

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Apple iPod Classic 160gb Black 7th Generation Review
This is the best ipod they make in my opinion. Some people might think it's too big and like the smaller ipod nano, but the size is one of things I like. The...

Links for 2011-12-11 [Digg]

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Shadi Dance Abroad
MUST DANCE IN SHADI Best Punjabi dance performed in Abroad on marriage ceremony

Robot Girlfriend Invented

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:33:00 +0000

While long accustomed to Japan’s technical ingenuity, the world will certainly gape at this one – so much lifelike the woman – sorry, the female robot – looks. It has been given out that it, or maybe she, is capable of the simplest facial functions like moving its head and lips, blinking, and even responding to questions. There is no further information, but it’s reasonably doubtful that Japanese boffins will stop at that. Probably they will make her a thoroughly marvelous creature that will mark a new epoch of human relationship? Were all these fantastic books actually more realistic than we could have guessed at the time? It seems that we will know the answer to this question very soon.

Acer Plans Quad-core Tablet, Will Continue Netbook Production

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:40:00 +0000

Acer reportedly plans to launch a quad-core Android 4.0 tablet early next year that will compete against Eee Pad Transformer Prime from Asus and an upcoming quad-core device from Samsung, sources tell Digitimes.

By Vijainder K Thakur

Tablet computers powered by dual core processors from Acer (Iconia Tab A500), Asus (Eee Pad Transformer) and Samsung (Galaxy Tab) did not capture the market to the extent they were expected to, but all three vendors have decided to remain in the field.

Android tablets have failed to significantly dent Apple's market share in tablet computers, despite fielding performance similar to the iPad. Users appear to be more enamored by Apple's sharper focus on the tablet as an entertainment device, as compared to Android offerings. It's moot if improved performance from quad core processors and Android 4.0 will help Android tablet gain better market traction.

Lenovo too is expected to launch a quad core processor tablet early next year crowding the market.

Quad core tablet offerings from Acer and Lenovo are expected to be priced between US$459-599, which rules out potential Amazon Kindle Fire customers being lured.

As a result, Asus, Samsung, Acer and Lenovo are together expected to compete for just 10-15% of the total tablet PC market.

On a different note, Acer vice president Scott Lin has said the company will continue to produce netbook computers.

He was responding to reports that Samsung plans to discontinue 10.1-inch netbooks in the first quarter of 2012, leaving just Acer and Asus in the field.

Lin says emerging Asian markets such as India, China and Indonesia are expected to pick up the slack from reduced demand in the west and Acer will focus on these markets.

Snappy Dresser Helps Find Clothes Faster

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:40:00 +0000

There are people who can rig themselves up for an occasion fast as lightning and those who take infinite pains putting together a needful outfit. There are a lot of people in-between – and all of them stand a good chance of appreciating the latest greatest clothing gadget called the Snappy Dresser. What it can do besides storing your clothes is offer you suggestions as to which of them will do – and come together – for a particular occasion. After you have agreed (or disagreed and put in corrections) it remembers what is actually your feedback and the next time you’re around requiring a combination for a similar occasion, it will be shown first.

The Snappy advisor is also great at Virtual Rehearsing, Laundry selection, and Remote Management. As a side service it will hold your shoes or other smaller accessories. Then, you can customize it choosing between five frame colors and arranging the frames as two wardrobes with two interfaces. It’s a cinch this sort of wardrobe can make your clothes selection process a much faster and a more exciting business.

Breast Cancer Detector - Check at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:40:00 +0000

We really need more of those health-monitoring devices that are handy and usable allowing us to get the necessary info without driving over to a hospital, and here’s a gadget that seems to be of a primary importance for early detection of breast cancer from Nihon University. It’s portable and easy to use.

Based on the phase shift technology, the new detector doesn’t involve any pressure on the breasts. You just place the gadget against the skin and get the picture on the LCD at once. The detector gives off light at the wavelength of 850nm and measures it as it is reflected back. If there’s a cancerous area its thicker concentration of blood cells will absorb more light compared to intact areas and consequently will appear on the screen colored noticeably darker.

The sad news is that the helpful gadget is still being tested, and human tests haven’t even begun. So the university people cannot yet commit themselves to tell us when the detector is ready to go on sale, while there are sure to be a lot of people whose minds will be much calmer for possessing one.

Jawbone Health Monitors for iPhone Users

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:19:00 +0000

With healthy lifestyle and looks being on the steep rise in terms of social desirability, it’s not surprising that gadgets and devices are pouring in boasting the most convenient ways to monitor your health. In an attempt to create the best thing in health monitors, Jawbone has launched the Up iPhone accessory and a free iPhone App that watch over your energy level, sleep cycles and everything related to your present condition.

The Up iPhone accessory connects to your iPhone’s headphone jack by a 3.5mm plug hidden under the rubber cap on the end and syncs in. There’s a motion engine that keeps track of your steps and calculates calories, and a band that collects information on the depth of your sleep and can even decide on the best time for you to wake up according to your sleeping pattern. Also, rely on it for charting your weekly progress.

The outstanding features are the gadget’s water resistance at depths under one meter, so you can easily forget about it in routine situations so far as you don’t deep-dive – a mere shower won’t hurt it! Besides, the Up is capable of creating a “team,” that is, a friends list of your own, enabling you to maintain connections with pals with Challenges-enhanced facilities.

The band is available in seven colors (make your choice of black, brown, blue, two shades of red, silver or white) and three sizes. Retail price of the band is $100, currently to be purchased at Jawbone’s official website and soon to hit Target Stores like the Apple Store, AT&T or Best Buy.

Asus Unveils Eee Pad Transfromer Prime

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Asus officially unveiled the Eee Pad Transformer Prime, the world's first tablet powered by a quad-core processor, and released its full specs on Tuesday, November 8.

Announced just seven months after the launch of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer, the Transformer Prime lives up to the pedigree and general design of it predecessor - A high end Android tablet with an optional keyboard and battery dock.

With a 10.1-in display and an aluminum chassis, it's both slim (0.33in, 8.33mm) and light (1.29lb, 586g), with a body that is water, oil and fingerprint resistant.

The 1280 x 800, Super IPS+ Gorilla Glass display has a 178-degree viewing angle.

Coming to its features, it makes sense to start with the one that is most outstanding - the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, which was also officially launched on Tuesday.

NVIDIA Tegra 3 Processor

The Tegra 3 uses four 1.5GHz cores to speed up processing. The processor's two additional cores should drain the battery a lot more than in the Transformer, which is powered by dual core Tegra 2 processor, but don't. That is because in Tegra 3 NVIDIA has put a fifth core to handle tasks that require less computing horsepower, and the fifth core just sips battery power.

Tegra 3's four main cores kick in for demanding tasks such a gaming and rapid fire internet browsing, but when you settle down to read a page or watch a video, or when your tablet is just idle, the spartan fifth processor runs the show.

According to Asus, the Prime lets you to watch up to 12 hours of HD video with a single charge of its 22Wh battery. The dock adds another 6 hrs of operating time.

Tegra 3 provides up to three times the graphics performance of Tegra 2, and up to 61% lower power consumption.

Main Camera

The main camera on the prime has been upgraded from 5MP to 8MP and features a bright (f/2.4) auto-focusing lens. The back-illuminated CMOS sensor on the camera can capture full HD, 1080p video. Another nifty camera features - touch-to-focus.

There is a 1.2 MP front-facing camera, as in the Transformer.

Sensors

GPS and gyroscope.

Other Features

1GB of RAM, touchpad, USB 2.0 port, full-sized SD slot.

Price and Ship Date

The Transformer Prime will ship worldwide in December, priced at $499 with 32GB storage, and $599 with 64GB. model.

Amazon Steps Up Kindle Fire Manufacturing Orders

noreply@blogger.com (Ahsan Hussain) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:23:00 +0000

With pre-orders for Kindle Fire relentlessly pouring in, Amazon has reportedly stepped up orders for the tablets on Taiwanese manufacturers to over 5 million units, reports Digitimes.

Amazon's manufacturing partners in Taiwan include Wintek, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), LG Display, Ilitek, Quanta Computer, Aces Connectors and Wah Hong Industrial.

In the middle of the third quarter, Amazon had increased its initial 3.5 million unit order to 4 million units.

Kindle Fire will start shipping on November 15, and Amazon is hard at work adding to the list of apps that would be available in the Amazon AppStore on launch.

Kindle Fire runs a highly customized version of Android, requiring apps to be tweaked to run on it with optimized performance.

Apps expected to be available on launch include:

Netflix
Rhapsody
Pandora
Twitter
Comics by comiXology
Facebook
The Weather Channel
Allrecipes
Bloomberg
LinkedIn
Zillow
Pulse
The Cat in the Hat
Quickoffice Pro
Jamie's 20-Minute Meals
IMDb Movies & TV
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox

Kindle Fire users will be able to download one paid application "free" every day.

The device will provide easy access to Amazon's over "18 million movies, TV shows, songs, books, magazines, apps and games" as well as free storage in the Amazon Cloud.