Sony's Walkman line managed to outsell the iPod in Japan earlier in the year, proving that Japan is still Sony dominated in many ways. The company's struggles globally have been well documented, and particularly in North America, they have been struggling to return to the prime position they had held for so long before the recession. But now, Sony's going back to their roots. The company will reportedly (based on an Reuters report) re-enter the Japanese e-book market before Christmas, and that will also include
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Satellites Used to Track Black Friday Mall Traffic
Those satellites in space don't just take spy pictures. On this Black Friday 2010, they are actually taking pictures of you, and your rush to Black Friday deals. The research is being done to see what consumer demand this year means for retail stocks. The trend, so far, has been favorable. The companies involved in this are Remote Sensing Metrics and Digital Globe. Remote Sensing Metrics is a Chicago-based consulting firm that analyzes the satellite imagery. In turn, it purchases those images from Colorado-based
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AAXA Technologies Reveals L1 v2 Pico Projector
Pico projectors are still evolving, and while they haven't reached 1080p just yet, they're coming close. AAXA Technologies has been in the pico projector market since the beginning, with the L1 being their flagship model. Now, there's a second version. The L1 v2 is an 800 x 600 resolution projector with a LCoS imager, three-color laser light source and a 20 lumen output. There's focus free operation, the ability to project images up to 50" in size and a battery onboard that can last 1.5 hours. Additional features
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Group Develops Turkey Quadricopter to Pummel Pedestrians with Pumpkin Pies
In honor of Thanksgiving, the folks at Utah Aerials decided to take a quadricopter and turn it into a turkey. The idea was to have the turkey-copter drop pies on unsuspecting passersby. The stunt is documented below, but it brings back memoeies of the WKRP in Cincinnati episode "Turkeys Away." In that episode of the late-70s sitcom, the station drops live turkeys out of a helicopter over a shopping center as a Thanksgiving Day giveaway. Unfortunately, domestic turkeys cannot fly. Arthur Carlson, station manager,
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Group Develops Turkey Quadricopter to Pummel Pedestrians with Pumpkin Pies
In honor of Thanksgiving, the folks at Utah Aerials decided to take a quadricopter and turn it into a turkey. The idea was to have the turkey-copter drop pies on unsuspecting passersby.The stunt is documented below, but it brings back memoeies of the WKRP in Cincinnati episode "Turkeys Away." In that episode of the late-70s sitcom, the station drops live turkeys out of a helicopter over a shopping center as a Thanksgiving Day giveaway. Unfortunately, domestic turkeys cannot fly. Arthur Carlson, station manager, later remarked, "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."
Watch the videos, of both the turkey-copter and the WKRP episode.
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IBM Introduces World's Fastest Processor: 5.2GHz Enterprise Chip
Don't blink -- if you do, you may miss IBM's new processor. The company is boldly claiming that the chip within IBM's new zEnterprise clocks in at 5.2GHz, making it the world's fastest microprocessor. We're sure this claim could be challenged on multiple fronts, namely by hardcore overclockers who have seen their own chips operate at much higher speeds with the help of liquid nitrogen. But IBM's new silicon doesn't require any complicated cooling; it's just blisteringly fast.Of course, this 5.2GHz chip won't find its way into any consumer PCs anytime soon, but that doesn't mean it won't end up there eventually. The new chip will ship to mainframe customers starting on September 10th, and IBM says that the record-breaking speed is necessary for businesses managing huge workloads, such as banks and retailers, especially as the world becomes increasingly more inter-connected, data has grown beyond the world's storage capacity, and business transactions continue to skyrocket.
The new zEnterprise technology is the result of an investment of more than $1.5 billion in IBM research and development in the zEnterprise line, as well as more than three years of collaboration with some of IBM's top clients around the world. If you're into details, the z196 processor is a four-core chip that contains 1.4 billion transistors on a 512-square millimeter (mm) surface. It's manufactured using IBM's 45 nanometer (nm) SOI processor technology, and it makes use of IBM's patented embedded DRAM (eDRAM) technology, which allows IBM to place dense DRAM caches, or components, on the same chips as high-speed microprocessors, resulting in improved performance.
IBM's z196 Processor - Copious Cache, Now at 5.2GHz
If you need more details, have a taste of this: "The core server in the zEnterprise System -- called zEnterprise 196 -- contains 96 of the world's fastest, most powerful microprocessors, capable of executing more than 50 billion instructions per second. That's roughly 17,000 times more instructions than the Model 91, the high-end of IBM's popular System/360 family, could execute in 1970." Pretty impressive, but there's no published price for obvious reasons. We're guessing it's more than your house, or something close.
Crysis anyone?
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Satellites Used to Track Black Friday Mall Traffic
Those satellites in space don't just take spy pictures. On this Black Friday 2010, they are actually taking pictures of you, and your rush to Black Friday deals.The research is being done to see what consumer demand this year means for retail stocks. The trend, so far, has been favorable.
The companies involved in this are Remote Sensing Metrics and Digital Globe. Remote Sensing Metrics is a Chicago-based consulting firm that analyzes the satellite imagery. In turn, it purchases those images from Colorado-based company Digital Globe, which operates its own satellites.
“2010 is proving to be a much better year in terms of traffic. Beginning in September 2010, late back-to-school shopping discounts boosted traffic as people shopped closer to the event.â€Remote Sensing Metrics told CNBC that the average shopping mall was 31.6 percent full in 2008 during the pre-Black Friday timeframe. However, in 2009, with the Great Recession in full force, that figure dropped to 31.0 percent full. This year, the pre-Black Friday run-up saw a 35 percent shopping mall fill rate.
This, quite naturally, bodes well for retailers this year. In fact, the satellite analysts believe that based on that pre-Black Friday data, the shopping season will prove to be a net positive over 2009, and even 2008, before the full Great Recession storm hit. Watch a CNBC report below.
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Hasselblad Ships Ferrari And Stainless Steel H4D Cameras
Any professional in the photography world knows the Hasselblad name. It has been around for years, and the company's cameras have been used in loads of magazine shoots, automobile shoots, etc. The H4D medium format family has been a staple of the company's line, and two new versions are being introduced today: a Ferrari version and a limited edition Stainless Steel version.
The H4D Ferrari Limited Edition Camera is limited to just 499 units, and it has an iconic Ferrari red paint scheme, a Ferrari logo and special box. On the other side, the Stainless Steel H4D-40 is the same as the standard version, but with a special enclosure. This is limited to 100 pieces. Pricing for both is pretty high; the Ferrari version will cost €21,499, while the Stainless version will cost between €13,990 and €14,990. Needless to say, if you have to ask about the pricing or usage scenario, these probably aren't for you.
Hasselblad Announces Pricing and Shipping Date for the H4D Ferrari Limited Edition Camera
26/11/2010 First announced at photokina, and received with great enthusiasm from Hasselblad and Ferrari fans, the exclusive H4D Ferrari Edition camera is now available to purchase for 21,499 Euros (+tax). This brand new model is dedicated to the new generation of photographers looking for the ultimate image quality, and will be produced in 499 units. A winning combination, the Hasselblad H4D Ferrari Limited Edition camera will have appeal to Ferrari and Hasselblad fans who appreciate the innovation, quality and design that symbolize both brands.
The H4D Ferrari Limited Edition is finished in Ferrari's unique color "rosso fuoco", and bears the legendary Racing Shield. The camera, which comes with an 80mm lens, is presented in an exclusively designed and engineered box with a glass top equally labeled with the distinctive Ferrari Racing Shield. Dual layers, one for the camera, with the lens and accessories housed in a separate lower level, are lined with a soft and rich material. This striking case is housed in a special handmade case and therefore is ideal for both storage and display.
For more than 6 decades Ferrari as well as Hasselblad are renowned for technological innovative solutions, passion for excellence and an extraordinary sense of style. Based upon that mutual and absorbing passion, Ferrari and Hasselblad partner in the launch of this new generation of H4 cameras.
For Ferrari enthusiasts striving to produce images at top speed, the new Phocus Quick software by Hasselblad that simply sidesteps any kind of complex postproduction will turn out to be the perfect tool to "strike home".
For more information on the H4D Ferrari Limited Edition, please, visit the Hasselblad website at:
www.hasselblad.com/promotions/h4d-40-ferrari-edition
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New from Hasselblad: the Stainless Steel H4D-40 - as beautiful as it is strong
26/11/2010 In response to photographer requests after seeing the solid steel body around which all H4Ds are built at photokina, Hasselblad is now producing a limited run of 100 H4D-40 Stainless Steel cameras.
Revealing the solid stainless steel body that's at the core of all H4D-40's generated excitement among photographers not only because it demonstrated the camera's core strength but also because of its unique look and appealing aesthetic. Now, for a limited time, photographers who want their camera to look as striking as their pictures, can purchase the H4D-40 Stainless Steel for 13,990 Euros (body only +tax) or 14,990 Euros (with HC 2.8/80mm lens +tax).
The award-winning H4D-40 features Hasselblad's groundbreaking True Focus and Absolute Position Lock technology as well as the latest in extended functionality, including an electronic spirit level, previews in tethered mode, and a new graphical information display. With these advanced features, Hasselblad continues to develop the ultimate camera system for discerning photographers.
For more information on the H4D-40 Stainless Steel, please, visit the Hasselblad website at:
www.hasselblad.de/promotions/h4d-40-stainless-steel
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Chevrolet Volt Gets EPA Sticker: 93MPG On All-Electric
A car isn't really a piece of computer hardware. It's made of up lots of them, though, and Chevrolet's Volt holds a special place in the hearts of technology freaks. For years, people have watched the Volt progress from a concept, into a car with a questionable future, into a car that's all-but-ready for release. Now, the final hurdle is upon General Motors. The Chevy Volt is expected to debut on American car lots as a 2011 model, and the biggest question surrounding it was just how good would the gas mileage be.Now we know. The EPA has just revealed the MPG sticker for the 2011 Volt, and it's impressive. The math to figure up these figures is fairly complicated, but the car has received a 93MPG equivalent when running in all-electric mode, and a 37MPG rating for gas-only. Somewhere in-between is where it's likely to land in real-world use, and that's not bad at all.
Will you be standing in line to get the technology lover's car? Does this EPA sticker make up your mind one way or the other?
Volt gets new fuel economy label to go with new drive system
DETROIT – When the 2011 Volt begins arriving in Chevrolet showrooms over the next few weeks it will have an all-new fuel economy label to go with its unique propulsion system.
With its ability to operate completely gasoline- and emissions-free for 25 to 50 miles and then continue indefinitely with its range- extending engine, the Volt’s energy efficiency depends on how you use it.
Because the Volt works like no other car before it, General Motors and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency collaborated to design a new label to help consumers understand what to expect when they drive the Volt. Before plug-in cars like the Volt, calculating fuel economy was simply a matter of filling the tank with fuel, driving the vehicle and dividing the distance by the amount of fuel consumed.
Even though they have no tailpipe emissions, electric cars still use energy so the MPG equivalent (MPGe) is determined by measuring electricity use and converting it based on the energy content in a gallon of gasoline. This MPGe rating allows consumers to compare the Volt’s efficiency to other cars in its segment.
The Volt uses two energy sources, electricity from the grid, and gasoline from the pump, with the mix depending on how far you drive and how often you charge the battery. The Volt is a complex vehicle that is incredibly easy to use. And while the new fuel economy label also looks complex, it has more information than any EPA label before it.Â
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Hylas Bringing Satellite Internet To 350,000 Europeans
Satellite Internet has been provided in America for years via HughesNet. But elsewhere, it has been somewhat difficult to come by. Now, the first satellite dedicated to bringing satellite Internet to Europe has launched, as the Hylas-1 has flown off on an Ariane 5 rocket in order to offer service to up to 350,000 customers.The Hylas is hoping to cover dead spots in Europe, which are seen as remote locations where broadband isn't yet available. The rocket has just launched this week, so it will still be a few weeks before it is correctly positioned and queued for service. The UK government alone has poured £40m in the Hylas development program, and they currently have a commitment to provide each British inhabitant with a high-speed connection by 2015. That equates to 2Mbps or greater, which this satellite can presumably provide.
In fact, Hylas claims that speeds as high as 10Mbps are possible, and Avanti's CEO has promised that this will just be one of many satellites launched to provide service. The second one is already under construction, and the company plans to put capacity over Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. We never really expected satellite Internet to be the key link in providing people in remote areas with broadband, but we suppose it's better than nothing...even if the upload speeds aren't ever anything to write home about.
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MSI Radeon R6870 Twin Frozr II Graphics Card Unveiled
AMD's Radeon HD6870 GPU is definitely a powerhouse, and you've got a bunch of options when it comes time to buy that core on any variety of cards. Now you have one more. MSI has released their version of the card, a Twin Frozr II graphics card. The MSI R6870 Twin Frozr II has 1GB GDDR5 high-speed graphics memory, large-area copper base heat-sink with high density radiation fins, dual 8cm temperature-controlled PWM fans, and five heat-pipes to increase airflow.MSI also includes their fterburner OC software designed for instantaneous GPU and memory clock adjustments and advanced fan speed control, and it can support up to four displays via DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4a outputs. MSI hasn't supplied a price point or release date yet, but it should hit shelves soon.
The all-new MSI R6870 Twin Frozr II blends cutting-edge thermal solution and next-generation AMD GPU for ultimate performance.
(Taipei-Taiwan) Internationally renowned graphics card and mainboard manufacturer MSI announces today the R6870 Twin Frozr II graphics card. It is equipped with the latest 40nm AMD Radeon HD6870 GPU, IGB GDDR5 high-speed graphics memory, and the award-winning Twin Frozr II thermal solution. As a result, the operating temperature and noise of the R6870 Twin Frozr II are reduced by 19?C and 12.8dB respectively (versus the reference design). Also, the overvoltage function from the MSI-exclusive Afterburner software further enhances the OC potential of the Barts GPU, and AMD’s Eyefinity Technology provides optimal multi-display 2D/3D output for gaming, productivity and entertainment. Along with the super reliable Solid CAPs which prolong product life and enhance product stability and quality, the R6870 Twin Frozr II is the best choice ever for power users looking for graphics cards with ultimate performance and low operating temperature.
Exclusive Twin Frozr II thermal solution maintains perfect balance between cooling and noise control
The Twin Frozr II found on the R6870 Twin Frozr II consists of a large-area copper base heat-sink with high density radiation fins, dual 8cm temperature-controlled PWM fans, and five heat-pipes to increase airflow and enhance heat conductivity for the GPU and neighboring components. In addition to the superb cooling effect, it is quiet! Under full load, the Twin Frozr II cooler reduces temperature and noise by 19?C and 12.8dB respectively versus the reference design. By design, the R6870 Twin Frozr II is the industry-first graphics card that achieves a perfect balance between thermal solution and noise reduction.
Support for Afterburner overvoltage function to unleash display performance
In terms of software support, the R6870 Twin Frozr II supports the MSI-exclusive Afterburner OC software designed for instantaneous GPU and memory clock adjustments and advanced fan speed control. Users can even save up to 5 OC profiles of their own for gaming, productivity and entertainment. With the Afterburner, users can further adjust the GPU voltage to break through the limit of GPU and thereby unleash the power and performance of graphics cards. The Afterburner can also monitor the GPU temperature and fan speed for power users to totally control their graphics cards.
AMD Eyefinity and 3D Video
The R6870 Twin Frozr II is equipped with the AMD-exclusive Eyefinity Technology for multi-display, supporting up to four screens*. DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4a (which support 3D video and 7.1-channel lossless TrueHD and DTS-HD audio formats) help provide consumers with the most exciting audio/visual fun.
All Solid Caps maximize lifespan
Insisting on providing consumers with the best quality, the R6870 Twin Frozr II is made with all Solid CAPs. Apart from the extra long lifespan, they can maintain high stability even in high workload for consumers to experience the best performance and ultimate quality in MSI graphics performance.Â
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AAXA Technologies Reveals L1 v2 Pico Projector
Pico projectors are still evolving, and while they haven't reached 1080p just yet, they're coming close. AAXA Technologies has been in the pico projector market since the beginning, with the L1 being their flagship model. Now, there's a second version. The L1 v2 is an 800 x 600 resolution projector with a LCoS imager, three-color laser light source and a 20 lumen output.There's focus free operation, the ability to project images up to 50" in size and a battery onboard that can last 1.5 hours. Additional features include a powerful media player capable of decoding of video (AVI, ASF, WMV, MPG), audio (MP3, WAV, AAC), images (JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP), and popular document formats (DOC, XLS, PPT, PDF), onboard memory, and a USB port capable of reading files directly off a standard USB thumb drive.
While the L1 v2 is slightly larger than the original L1, it still remains the world's smallest 20 lumen pico projector - no larger than a small cell phone, measuring only 4.2" x 2.1" x 1.2" and weighs in at 170 grams (including battery). Additional accessories allow the L1 v2 to connect to Apple iPhone/iPod, Microsoft Zune, Sony Playstation Portable (PSP), and a wide range of cellphones from Nokia, LG, Samsung, and HTC.
The AAXA L1 v2 is available for pre-order at www.aaxatech.com for $399 and begins shipping December 1, 2010; after the pre-order session ends, the MSRP jumps to $449.
AAXA Introduces L1 v2 Laser Pico Projector
November 24, 2010
AAXA Technologies is pleased to announce the release of the AAXA L1 v2 Laser Pico Projector, an updated version of the L1, the world's first laser powered pocket projector. The updated design improves the performance of L1 v2 by increasing the thermal efficiency of the PCOS laser light engine. The unique three-color laser light source enables the L1 v2 to produce images with amazing color saturation that are always in focus. Designed for mobile professionals and entertainment, the AAXA L1 v2 pocket projector combines a revolutionary laser light source, proprietary despeckling technology, and an LCoS imager to achieve a 20 lumen output at 800x600 resolution without the pixilation problems found in some laser projectors.
The flexibility offered by the L1 v2 laser light source opens up a new world of possibilities in projection applications. The focus-free operation allows for rapid changes in projection size, simultaneous far and near surface projection, angled projection, and projection on curved and other non-flat surfaces. Its ultra-efficient optical engine enables the L1 v2 to produce rich images even in less-than-dark environments - and color-rich images up to 50" in dark environments. Combined with onboard 1.5 hour battery, the L1 v2 operates as a true hand-held laser projector without the need for any cables or external power source.
Built-in features include VGA input supporting up to 800x600 resolutions for laptop connections and on-board gamma correction. Additional features include a powerful media player capable of decoding of video (AVI, ASF, WMV, MPG), audio (MP3, WAV, AAC), images (JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP), and popular document formats (DOC, XLS, PPT, PDF), onboard memory, and a USB port capable of reading files directly off a standard USB thumb drive.
While the L1 v2 is slightly larger than the original L1, it still remains the world's smallest 20 lumen pico projector - no larger than a small cell phone, measuring only 4.2" x 2.1" x 1.2" and weighs in at 170 grams (including battery). The L1 v2 projector is much smaller than the traditional "pocket projector". It slips into a pocket or briefcase and comes with a stand, making it fully portable and configurable for maximum presentation flexibility. Additional accessories allow the L1 v2 to connect to Apple iPhone/iPod, Microsoft Zune, Sony Playstation Portable (PSP), and a wide range of cellphones from Nokia, LG, Samsung, and HTC.
The AAXA L1 v2 is available for pre-order at www.aaxatech.com for $399 and begins shipping December 1, 2010 and will also be available through our fine retail partners.
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