Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

ViewSonic reveals 7-inch Android tablet

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:13:17 -0500

Somewhere between what we've come to know as a tablet computer and a smartphone sits ViewSonic's new Viewpad 7. You might already guess from the name that this portable tablet with phone functionality sports a 7-inch touchscreen display. It runs on Android 2.2, has both Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities, and cameras at the back and front. The device is currently on show at ViewSonic's stand at IFA 2010 in Berlin, but for those not lucky enough to be in Germany this week, here's a brief summary of what's on offer... Continue Reading ViewSonic reveals 7-inch Android tablet

Tags: 3G, Android, IFA 2010, MicroSD, Smartphone, Tablet, Viewsonic, Wi-fi

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Localized heating could be the key to mass-producing graphene nanocircuits

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:09:31 -0500

Scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology have documented a major breakthrough in the production of nanocircuitry on graphene, a material that many envision as the successor of silicon for our electronics needs. Using thermochemical nanolithography (TCNL), the team found that the electrical properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) can be easily tuned to reliably produce nanoscale circuits in a single, quick step... Continue Reading Localized heating could be the key to mass-producing graphene nanocircuits

Tags: Electronics, Engineering, Georgia Tech, Graphene, Nanoscale, Nanostructures, Nanowires

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Reducing your power bill with Microsoft's Hohm

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:56:38 -0500

For a lot of people, the electricity bill is an unwanted piece of paper printed with angular graphs and big dollar signs, but with the rising cost of power in today's energy-conscious society it's becoming more important to understand exactly what all those lines and numbers mean. Microsoft's Hohm website aims to make sense of the jargon by providing personalized data on consumers' home energy consumption, and offering recommendations on how to save energy and reduce those bills. .. Continue Reading Reducing your power bill with Microsoft's Hohm

Tags: Consumption, Electricity, Energy, Energy-saving, Hohm, Microsoft, Power, Wifi

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StroboClip tuner from Peterson now shipping

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:27:11 -0500

Tuner manufacturing veteran Peterson Electro-Musical Products has been helping musicians keep their instruments in check since 1948, and introduced the first true bypass strobe tuner in 2004. Responding to requests from players for a snap-on tuner, the company has announced the StroboClip. The handy tuner benefits from 0.1 cent accuracy, exclusive presets for a variety of stringed and non-stringed instruments, a sturdy, road-friendly design and a pivoted clear screen that makes for easy viewing... Continue Reading StroboClip tuner from Peterson now shipping

Tags: Acoustic, Guitar, Music, Tuner

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Eye-controlled earphones let you pick up phone calls with a glance

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:21:15 -0500

The Japanese wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo has recently developed and demonstrated a peculiar pair of headphones that can precisely detect a user's eye movements without a camera, and use those movements to control electronic devices such as mobile phones and portable music players. DoCoMo started working on this idea back in 2008 by adapting an electrooculogram (EOG), a medical device used for measuring eye response, to their purposes. An EOG works on the principle that the human cornea has a positive electrical charge. As the user looks to the left or right, the charge shifts in the space between the user's ears – a change that can be easily detected by appropriate sensors. .. Continue Reading Eye-controlled earphones let you pick up phone calls with a glance

Tags: Earphones, Eye, Hands-free, Mobile Phone, NTT Docomo, Sensors

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Sanyo set to release new eneloop boosters

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:33:41 -0500

Since introducing its eneloop rechargeable battery technology in 2005, Sanyo is reported to have shipped over 130 million cells. Now the company has announced some new additions to its eneloop universe series which provide a power boost to a host of mobile devices including Apple's iPad, Sony's Xperia smartphone and Nintendo's DS series portable gaming devices... Continue Reading Sanyo set to release new eneloop boosters

Tags: Batteries, Eneloop, Lithium-ion, Sanyo

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Samsung Galaxy Tab revealed

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:57:18 -0500

Apple has defined the market for tablet computers with its iPad and every new release since has inevitably drawn the question – is this an iPad killer? By the looks of things, Samsung's first tablet offering – the Galaxy Tab – could well be. The device trumps its rival on three key points. It's significantly smaller, lighter and more portable, it includes a camera and it works as a phone. We got our hands on the Galaxy Tab during the official launch at IFA today... Continue Reading Samsung Galaxy Tab revealed

Tags: Galaxy tab, IFA 2010, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy, Tablet

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Panasonic unveils world’s first 42-inch 3D plasmas amongst new line-up at IFA 2010

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:48:46 -0500

Amongst the plethora of displays out to tempt our eyeballs at IFA 2010 in Berlin were some nice looking new release plasmas from Panasonic. There was the 42-inch TX-P42GT20 that marks the addition of yet another series to the company’s 3D VIERA line-up, along with two new 3D plasmas to join its high-end VT20 series. The new 42-inch and 46-inch models, the TX-P46VT20 and TX-P42VT20, sees the VT20 line-up expand to cover the gamut of 42- to 65-inch screen sizes. The new 42-inch models also mark a world first for 3D plasmas... Continue Reading Panasonic unveils world’s first 42-inch 3D plasmas amongst new line-up at IFA 2010

Tags: 3D, HDTV, IFA 2010, Panasonic, Plasma

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Video: how to fly a helicopter

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:21:43 -0500

James Bond, Evelyn Salt, Jason Bourne... One thing you'll notice about all secret agents (at least, the ones worthy of Hollywood franchise love) is that if they need to get the hell outta Dodge, ANY vehicle will do. These super-spies are just as comfortable behind the controls of a jet plane, a submarine, a tank or a jetpack as you or I are cruising around in an automatic car. Why let them have all the fun? Here's a 5-minute hi-def primer on the basics of flying a helicopter, so you'll know what you're doing next time you 'jack an Apache... Continue Reading Video: how to fly a helicopter

Tags: Flying, Helicopter, Video

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Sony unveils 3D 240fps laptop due in 2011

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:10:42 -0500

Sony continued to build out its entire 3D ecosystem at IFA in Berlin last evening when it showed a number of new 3D capable devices, including plans for a 3D IPTV network, a new 3D Home Projector (VPL-VW90ES) and three new network-capable, 3D-ready AV receivers. The biggest hoohah from the media though was undoubtedly a 3D VAIO laptop prototype which will become available in spring 2011, only six months from now. .. Continue Reading Sony unveils 3D 240fps laptop due in 2011

Tags: 3D, IFA 2010, Notebook, Prototype, Sony, VAIO

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Neutrino observatory under Antarctic ice nearing completion

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:05:54 -0500

After two decades of planning, the world’s first kilometer-scale neutrino observatory should finally be completed by this December. Named IceCube, it will consist of an array of 5,160 optical sensors embedded within one cubic kilometer of the Antarctic ice shelf – to put the accomplishment in perspective, one of the next-largest such observatories is just 40 cubic meters in size. Its main purpose will be to try to establish, once and for all, the source of cosmic rays... Continue Reading Neutrino observatory under Antarctic ice nearing completion

Tags: Antarctic, Astronomy, Cosmic, Ice, Optical sensor, Space, University of Wisconsin

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Apple updates iPod lineup and adds social networking to iTunes

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:55:28 -0500

Apple’s September 1 event saw the announcement of updates to the entire iPod line with the sole exception of the iPod Classic. The iPod touch gains the same high resolution Retina display and A4 chip found on the iPhone 4, along with FaceTime video calling, HD video recording, 3-axis gyro and iOS 4.1, all packed into a new slimmer, lighter form factor. There’s also a completely redesigned square-shaped iPod nano with a multi-touch interface and a redesigned iPod shuffle that sees the reintroduction of clickable “ring” buttons... Continue Reading Apple updates iPod lineup and adds social networking to iTunes

Tags: Apple, iPod, iPod touch, iTunes, Multi-touch, Updates

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Einstein's prediction finally witnessed one century later

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:26:07 -0500

Einstein said it couldn't be done. But more than one hundred years later physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have finally found a way to witness “Brownian motion”; the instantaneous velocity of tiny particles as they vibrate. The “equipartition theorem” states that a particle's kinetic energy, that due to motion, is determined only by its temperature and not its size or mass, and in 1907 Einstein proposed a test to observe the velocity of Brownian motion but gave up, saying the experiment would never be possible – not so... Continue Reading Einstein's prediction finally witnessed one century later

Tags: Brownian motion, Einstein, Laser, Optical, Quantum, Temperature, University of Texas

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Smaller, lighter NuVinci bicycle transmission revealed

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:13:12 -0500

Three years ago, Fallbrook Technologies introduced its NuVinci Continuously Variable Planetary (CVP) N170 transmission for bicycles. The device created something of a stir in the cycling community, as it replaces traditional derailleurs with a rear hub containing metal spheres, plus it also replaces distinct gears with a continuously variable system of transmitting mechanical power – kind of like comparing a three-setting desk lamp to one with a dimmer switch. Riders can change gears even when not pedaling, they don’t need to worry about improper chainring/cog combinations, and the fiddly bits aren’t out in the open where the dirt can get at them. The N170 is heavier than a conventional derailleur system, which is why you don’t see it much on bikes other than cruisers. That could change, however, with this Wednesday’s announcement of the NuVinci N360 transmission. Fallbrook claims it has all the good points of the N170, but is 30 percent lighter and 17 percent smaller... Continue Reading Smaller, lighter NuVinci bicycle transmission revealed

Tags: Bicycle, Cycling, Pedaling, Transmission

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Apple unveils new slimmed down, streaming-focused Apple TV

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:02:27 -0500

The “one more thing” at Apple’s September 1 event was an updated Apple TV. Apple has certainly cranked up the ol’ shrink ray for a form factor that is 80 percent smaller than the previous generation. The rumored addition of apps didn’t eventuate nor did the rebranding to “iTV” but, as predicted, the update sees the device sporting an A4 chip and it will only be able to handle a maximum resolution of 720p. Because the new Apple TV does away with local storage altogether in favor of cloud-based storage and streaming of content, Apple says the choice of 720p was more a balance between quality and bandwidth than any rumored difficulties the A4 chip may have with Full HD content... Continue Reading Apple unveils new slimmed down, streaming-focused Apple TV

Tags: Apple, Apple TV, Home Entertainment, Streaming, Wi-fi

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Innergie's super compact mCube Slim universal power adapter

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:38:39 -0500

Power supplies are the bane of the regular business traveler. They're all different, heavy and if you have a few electronic items in your kit, they clutter your baggage and eat heavily into your increasingly stringently-policed baggage allowance. Innergie showed a new addition to its range of mCube universal adapters at IFA today which goes a long way to overcoming all these problems. The mCube slim weighs just 150g, is smaller than an iPhone, can charge two devices simultaneously, fits all common notebooks and will charge almost every other portable device... Continue Reading Innergie's super compact mCube Slim universal power adapter

Tags: Adapter, IFA 2010, Innergie, Mcube

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Ford unveils first-ever Police Interceptor SUV for North America

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:34:50 -0500

Ford Motor Company has revealed its new Police Interceptor utility. The SUV, along with the new Taurus-based Interceptor sedan that Ford unveiled earlier this year, will replace the Crown Victoria Interceptor sedan when it ceases production in late 2011. The utility reportedly gets at least 20 percent better fuel economy than the Crown Vic, and sports a variety of other features that Ford hopes will make it the vehicle of choice for car-shopping police forces... Continue Reading Ford unveils first-ever Police Interceptor SUV for North America

Tags: Ford, Police Car, SUV

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ARCHOS announces five new Android tablet computers

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:53:33 -0500

Apple has pretty much defined what many of us now consider to be a tablet computer. When the term is used, we automatically think of a 9.56 x 7.47-inch (242.8 x 189.7mm) iPad. Now, French consumer electronics company Archos is about to have us question that perception with the announcement of five new internet tablets with screen sizes ranging from 2.8-inches (71mm) diagonally across to 10.1-inches (257mm). The new devices will all run on Android 2.2 (Froyo) with support for Adobe's Flash 10.1 player, be powered by either 800MHz or 1GHz processors and sport built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi... Continue Reading ARCHOS announces five new Android tablet computers

Tags: Android, Archos, High Definition, MicroSD, Multi-touch, Tablet, Wi-fi

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Highly efficient light extraction from semiconductors promises better LEDs

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:28:50 -0500

One of the biggest challenges in creating a better light-emitting diode (LED) is the search for a way to efficiently extract the light generated in the semiconductor device into the surrounding air, while avoiding the internal light reflection that is cause for a considerable waste of energy. A team of Japanese researchers have recently managed to achieve just that, in what is believed to be a huge step toward significantly more energy-efficient LEDs. .. Continue Reading Highly efficient light extraction from semiconductors promises better LEDs

Tags: Anti-reflective, Efficiency, LED, Light, Semiconductors

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Miele showcases a washing machine that knows when electricity is cheap

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:16:55 -0500

Miele has announced its new smart grid ready domestic appliances at IFA 2010. These appliances have been designed to start automatically when electricity is cheapest, offering consumers energy savings. The first two appliances featuring smart-grid functionality will be a washing machine and a tumble dryer. The models can also be fitted with Miele’s gateway communication module, providing access to the appliances through a PC and the ability to monitor electricity rates. .. Continue Reading Miele showcases a washing machine that knows when electricity is cheap

Tags: Appliances, IFA 2010, Miele, Refrigerator, Tumble Dryer, Washing Machine

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Lenco L-71 turntable records direct from vinyl to SD card

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:58:02 -0500

Dutch manufacturer Lenco has introduced a new turntable at IFA today which offers advanced digital functionality at a fraction of the price of equivalent units. The Lenco L-71 turntable retails at less than EUR100 and records directly to USB memory stick or SD card. That makes the cost of liberating the music you've already paid for on vinyl much cheaper than ever before... Continue Reading Lenco L-71 turntable records direct from vinyl to SD card

Tags: Audio, IFA 2010, Lenco, Turntables

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Dyson to release carbon fiber vacuum

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:39:47 -0500

Carbon Fiber is unquestionably a wonder substance, being used to construct the world’s fastest and most expensive race cars and bikes, not to mention a host of other items where light weight, strength and stiffness are more important than cost. So when we first saw the pics of the Dyson D26 Carbon Fibre vacuum, we figured it was a lightweight vacuum cleaner – no, the wonder substance is actually used for its anti-static qualities and is used in the fibres on the brushbar and is claimed to be a significant improvement in picking up fine dust particles and allergens... Continue Reading Dyson to release carbon fiber vacuum

Tags: Carbon Fiber, Dyson, IFA 2010, Vacuum

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Jean Michel Jarre produces the AeroSystem One speaker system

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:21:28 -0500

There’s no doubting Jean Michel Jarre’s talent as a musician and showman, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes with his new roles as a soothsayer (he’s predicting the demise of the Internet on the basis it will be rejected by today’s youth as a sham) and as an AV entrepreneur with sales of his new speaker system AeroSystem One. Launched today at IFA in Berlin, the EUR 800 (US$1000) stand-alone unit contains a 60 W sub-woofer and two 30 W speakers all integrated to deliver a roomful of sound... Continue Reading Jean Michel Jarre produces the AeroSystem One speaker system

Tags: Aerosystem One, Audio, IFA 2010, iPhone, Jean Michel Jarre, Speakers

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All-electric bus picking up passengers in Southern California

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:23:05 -0500

Even in the form of diesel-powered buses, mass transit is a much more environmentally friendly way to get people around than individual cars. All- electric buses, however, take the eco-credentials of mass transit to the next level and from next week, commuters in the San Gabriel/Pamona area of Los Angeles County can do their bit for the environment by traveling on three Proterra EcoRide BE35 all-electric buses purchased by Foothill Transit. .. Continue Reading All-electric bus picking up passengers in Southern California

Tags: Buses, California, Lithium-ion, Public Transport

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Two new compact XF-Series professional camcorders from Canon

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:27:15 -0500

With a compact form factor, the new XF105 and XF100 are Canon’s smallest professional camcorders to date. Targeted at electronic newsgathering (ENG) crews, independent filmmakers, documentary producers, event videographers and military agencies, they use the same Canon XF Codec featured in the XF305 and XF300, introduced earlier this year. This is an MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec for capturing and recording native 1920 x 1080 video at a constant bit rate of 50Mbps that offers twice the color resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 formats. It also ensures widespread compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems with an MXF (Material exchange Format) File Wrapper that combines video, audio and metadata in a single file... Continue Reading Two new compact XF-Series professional camcorders from Canon

Tags: Camcorder, Canon, Compact

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