Sony unveils 3D head-mounted display for surgeons to peer inside you
Sony's 3D head-mounted displays have been asking for a place in your film-watching and gaming routines since 2011, but now their latest HMD is volunteering to act as the viewing end of medical endoscopes. Hirai and Co. have just unveiled what amounts to a retooled HMZ-T2, dubbed the HMM-3000MT, which helps surgeons peek inside a patient's body in 2D or 3D -- the latter of which is said to improve precision. By eliminating the need to keep tabs on an external screen, the electronics giant thinks doctors won't have to restrict their posture and movement.
Though the hardware carries the same 720p 0.7-inch OLED panels as its sibling, it's been tweaked for use in a standing position with beefed up support for balance and comfort. The hardware also packs a picture-in-picture feature to catch different views of operations, and even the ability to rotate and flip video feeds. While the headgear has been approved for use in Japan, it hasn't been confirmed for a launch in other territories. In other words, don't expect to see it if you go under the knife relatively soon.
Filed under: Sony
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Source: Sony
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Ford adds Surveillance Mode to squad cars, alerts cops to unexpected humans
For many police officers, their cruiser's front seat is often their office -- but a parked car isn't always a safe car. With Surveillance Mode, Ford hopes to keep your city's finest a little safer in the heat of the night. By combining its existing driver-assist tech -- backup cameras, power door locks and cross-traffic alerts -- the Dearborn automaker has devised a system to signal officers of a potential attack from behind. When a potential assailant crosses into the rear camera's viewing range, Surveillance Mode sounds a chime, the windows roll up and the doors lock. This ought to give officers valuable extra time to apprise the situation at hand. It may not be a tumbler, but it's a start.
Oh, and don't fret about your local black and white's sanity: Surveillance Mode can be deactivated at will, so gaggles of pedestrians won't set off the alarm every five minutes.
Filed under: Transportation
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Source: Ford News Center
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MakerBot's contest winners print a better birdhouse
Like The Longines Symphonette before it, Thingiverse's army of 3D printing enthusiasts don't rest, so when MakerBot put them to the task of building a better home for wayward birds, they naturally jumped into action. Not to put too fine a point on it, but while we're still a ways from indoor plumbing and the like, the American Craftsman Bungalow is surely the sort of thing any upwardly mobile winged friend would want to call home. The first place winner gets (fittingly) an Eggbot, some PLA filament, display space at the MakerBot NY store and the admiration of birds everywhere. And if Hitchcock has taught us anything, it's that you want those buggers on your side. You can download the schematics for all of the winners in the source link below, complete with the standard whistles and bells.
Filed under: Misc, Peripherals
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Source: Thingiverse
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Dropchord drops into Leap Motion store, OUYA and mobile versions to come
Leap Motion owners better start stretching their air keytar muscles now that Double Fine's Dropchord is available for purchase in the Airpsace store for both PC and Mac. In terms of innovation, the game itself isn't particularly earth-shattering -- if a score-based arcade game and a music visualizer got together and had a baby, it would be Dropchord. What's enough to pique our interest is the fact that its gesture controls have been optimized for use with Leap Motion, allowing it to showcase the device's motion-activated potential. That being said, the game is also heading to other platforms in the near future. It'll land on OUYA on July 31st and iOS and Android devices on August 1st. You can check out the full press release after the break or head on over to Airspace to purchase the game for $2.99.
Filed under: Gaming
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Source: Airspace Store
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Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 Bluetooth in-ears: sweat resistance, six-month sleep
Plantronics was proud to present its BackBeat Go
Bluetooth in-ear headphones last year, but it's also aware improvements
are always welcome. To that end, the company's ready to show off its
second iteration: BackBeat Go 2. P2i moisture resistance and reworked
internals for improved sound back up the sporty wire-behind-the-ear
design and fit stabilizers -- look out, Jaybird.
Not only does the hardware remember up to eight devices, but a
DeepSleep mode shuts it down if you walk out of range without turning
the power off, allowing it to sleep for up to six months. The internal
batteries squeeze out about 4.5 hours of playtime for music, and an
optional microUSB recharging case ($20) can provide about two and a half
juice refills. As you'd expect, an inline remote keeps you in control
of your playlists and calls, while DSP enhances incoming and outgoing
sound. Ears perked? The headphones will be available starting today at
various retailers in your choice of black or white for $80.
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video
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Sony PlayStation 4 waltzes past the FCC
Sony's PS4 dev kit passed by the FCC roughly a week ago, and now its consumer-oriented counterpart has passed through Uncle Sam's offices. Not only do the federal documents show the consoles' polished exterior, but they once again note a "max clock frequency" of 2.75GHz, teasing just what kind of horsepower sits inside the black parallelogram. Though there isn't much more to note in the agency's files, a duo of system labels marked with "Made in China" and "Made in Japan" hint that Hirai and Co. will be manufacturing the hardware in both those territories. Mark Cerny's wunderconsole won't be hitting store shelves until later this year, but it already has the appropriate paperwork to make the trip stateside.
Filed under: Gaming, HD, Sony
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Source: FCC
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New Gmail layout spawns targeted ads that look like emails
Gmail's new layout doesn't just keep your inbox organized, it also gives Google the perfect opportunity to send you unsolicited email ads. These sponsored missives appear as highlighted entries under the Promotions tab, where you can also find deals and updates from online services you subscribe to. To be fair, Gmail has long displayed advertisements at the top of your inbox, so this development isn't totally new. In a statement sent to Venturebeat, the company says it's merely relegating ads "to a more appropriate place" and that they won't show up unless they're relevant to you. No word yet if this is a permanent arrangement, but if it makes you livid, you can always kill your Promotions tab or dismiss the intrusive emails by clicking the "x" button on the right.
[Image credit: Antonio Gulli]
Filed under: Internet, Google
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Via: BGR, VentureBeat
Source: Geek
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New Exynos 5 Octa: 20 percent more CPU power, over twice the 3D graphics oomph
Samsung couldn't help itself last week when it teased a new Exynos 5 Octa system on a chip, and now it's dishing out the full details. The fresh 5420 variant of the SoC is based on Mali-T628 MP6 silicon, packs a quartet of ARM Cortex-A15 cores running at 1.8GHz and four 1.3GHz Cortex-A7s in an ARM big.LITTLE configuration. Seoul claims that the package packs 20 percent more CPU processing punch, and has two times greater 3D graphics power than its predecessor. Dual-channel LPDDR3 at 933MHz gives the processor a screaming memory bandwidth of 14.9 GBps, which lends it full HD WiFi display support. Baked inside is an image compression solution that makes for energy efficient multimedia loading, and squeezes out more hours of use with high-res displays. There's no word on which devices might use the new SoCs, but the chips are already being sampled by Samsung's customers, and mass-production is slated for August.
Filed under: Mobile, Samsung
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Moto X's camera UI leaks, reveals swipe-driven UI and slow motion mode
We learned a few things about the Moto X's camera interface in that leaked Rogers promo video, but we didn't learn everything. Android Police is more than willing to fill in those blanks by posting screen captures that reportedly show Motorola's new camera software in action. The images suggest a stripped-down, swipe-driven UI reminiscent of a Google Play Edition phone, but with an extra bit of polish. In addition to the flick-based launching and tap-to-hold burst shooting that we've seen, the Moto X depends heavily on a hidden settings carousel with a few features above and beyond stock Android, such a slow motion mode. While the screenshots say little about the cameras themselves, it's reasonable to suspect that we'll learn more about those within a few days.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
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Source: Android Police
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Insert Coin: Canary, a one-stop shop for securing your home
In Insert Coin,
we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it
can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
If recent trends are any indication, there's a strong possibility that a cylindrical computing device
will be in your future. Canary is the latest curved component to make
its debut this year -- this one's focused on security. The vertical
computer includes a high-def camera and mic, along with infrared motion,
temperature, humidity and air quality sensors. It's an all-in-one
solution for securing your home (or perhaps just a room in your home),
providing video feeds and sensor readouts to your Android or iOS device
in real time. You can automatically arm or disarm it when your device
comes within range of a pre-selected location, and there's even a siren
that can be triggered remotely, should you need to wake up a roommate or
terrorize a pet.
Canary is currently up for
grabs on Indiegogo. The $149 and $169 early bird specials have already
reached their 200-unit caps, so pre-ordering
the device will now set you back a cool $199. That offer includes a
white finish and shipping within the US -- expect it to reach your
doorstep by May. If you're willing to jump up to $249, you can snag a
Canary in matte black or silver, or, if you're really feeling generous,
you can pledge $1,000 and walk away with a beta unit, which should
arrive in February. Hit up the source link for a video demo.
Filed under: HouseholdComments
Via: GigaOM
Source: Canary
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Apple celebrates 1 billion podcast subscriptions
Just over eight years ago, Apple introduced podcasts as an integral part of iTunes, and along the way, it helped shape how we consume information and entertainment. Now, the company's announcing a rather significant milestone in the field: something to the tune of 1 billion subscriptions. Of course, the road to this achievement has been marred with some unpleasant bumps, but today's all about celebration. In that spirit, Apple's highlighting some of its most popular podcasts of all time, such as This American Life, TWiT and All Songs Considered, along with up and coming programs such as The Alton Browncast. Granted, it's not quite the fanfare as you'll find when Apple celebrates App Store milestones -- the most recent being 50 billion downloads -- but it's hard to get bent out of shape given all the free content. So grab your earbuds and do some celebrating. Cupcakes are entirely optional.
Filed under: Internet, Apple
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Via: Macworld
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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:30PM ET
It's Monday, and you know what that means; another Engadget HD Podcast. We hope you will join us live when the Engadget HD podcast starts recording at 8:30PM. If you'll be joining us, be sure to go ahead and get ready by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then you'll be ready to participate in the live chat.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
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LG invitation and video tease G2 debut at August 7th event (video)
While there wasn't much doubt as to what LG would unveil at its August 7th event, the company has made it official: a new invitation and teaser video (both after the break) expressly state that we'll see the G2 at the New York City gathering. The invitation tells the media that it will be the "first in the world" to see the smartphone, and shows the device's signature (if frequently leaked) back-mounted volume buttons. At this rate, there won't be any real mystery left to the G2 by the time LG executives take to the stage -- still, we'll try to feign surprise at the launch.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
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Source: LG
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The Daily Roundup for 07.22.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
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Must See HDTV (July 22nd - 28th)
Unfortunately there's no Syfy B-movie of the week to look forward to over the next few days, but we do have the recently returned Whose Line Is It Anyway. John Oliver is also back with another round of stand-up comics from NYC, while the Spell-mageddon game show sates our craving for a spelling bee hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro where contestants are distracted by spraying water and electric shocks Look after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
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Motorola Droid Ultra Limited Edition leaks, touts a go-faster racing stripe
If you think a red version of the rumored Droid Ultra just wouldn't be special enough, you're in luck. Frequent Motorola device leaker Houdabao claims to have photos of a Limited Edition model that would include a wrap-around racing stripe, much like a decked out muscle car. Unfortunately, there isn't much more to share. While Houdabao echoes talk of the Droid Ultra sporting a 5-inch LCD and a 6mm thick body, he doesn't outline the Limited Edition's full feature set. There's also no mention of its intended audience -- it may be only for Verizon staff, like the red Droid RAZR. Should the special-run Droid Ultra reach the public, though, there's a chance we'll learn more about it tomorrow. Check out a second photo of the Limited Edition after the break.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, Verizon
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Via: Droid-Life
Source: Houdabao (Sina Weibo)
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Samsung's 55-inch curved OLED TV set to land in the US this week for $15k
Well, it looks like LG won't be the only option available this month for those in the market for a 55-inch curved OLED TV. According to CNET, Samsung's similar TV set, already on sale in Korea, is headed to "select dealers" in the US as early as this week. At least one of those, NY-based Value Electronics, says that its shipment is already on the way, and that it will run the same $14,999 that LG's TV demands at Best Buy. To be clear, that is $15k per TV. One TV. Fifteen thousand dollars. Slightly curved.
Filed under: HD
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Source: CNET
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Fresh Paint finds its way to Windows Phone 8 devices
Fresh Paint, the digital art app born on Windows 8, has finally migrated to mobile devices, and starting today, aspiring artists running Windows Phone 8 can fiddle with its brushes to their hearts' content. This new, simplified version doesn't make any major departures from the Windows 8 application; you can still mix pigments to create custom hues, share your creations via text, e-mail and SkyDrive and add filters to your photos to make them look like paintings or sketches. It's worth noting that WP8 doesn't support styluses, so you'll have to make do with finger painting or a capacitive stylus without pressure sensitivity. To download the free app, head over to Windows Phone store, linked below.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Microsoft
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Source: Windows Phone Store, Windows Phone Blog
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gdgt's best deals for July 22: Nintendo 3DS, RCA HDTV
Ready to save some cash on your tech buys? Then you've come to the right place. Our sister site gdgt tracks price drops on thousands of products every day, and twice a week they feature some of the best deals they've found right here. But act fast! Many of these are limited-time offers, and won't last long.
Today's hottest deals include Nintendo's 3DS at one of the lowest prices we've seen, as well as a hot deal on a 32-inch RCA HDTV. Want the latest deals delivered to your inbox? Join gdgt and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your "Want" list. Every time there's a price cut, you'll get an email alert!
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Submit your hardware to Engadget's second Insert Coin: New Challengers competition
Roughly this time last month, we opened up our second Insert Coin: New Challengers competition to all you entrepreneurial makers. The first one was an unquestionable highlight of March's first-ever Expand event in San Francisco, and we're psyched to see what you guys have in store for us this time. Ten semifinalists will get tickets to the show and a $1,000 travel stipend. One Judges' Choice winner will walk away with $10,000 and one Readers' Choice winner will get $15,000. Both will also score a product review on this site.
Ziphius, which managed to pick up both prizes back in March, is entering the home stretch in its own search for $125,000 over on Kickstarter. The aquatic drone managed to capture the imagination of the Expand crowd and our online audience, beating out a number of impressive finalists, including the Make-a-Play, SmartPulse, Smart Knob and Snapzoom. Think you've got something just as good in the works? Well, now's the time to show us. Submissions are open now through September 27th. You can find all the necessary rules over on our event page.
Filed under: Announcements, Meta
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Source: Expand
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Editorial: Apple's Dash for the Dashboard
Cars are dangerous, all the more when drivers reach for controls positioned at arm's length. Road risk is increased by the fact that many drivers seek distraction or productivity while rolling along. Multitasking while behind the wheel can be more perilous than driving drunk.
The car also represents third-party business opportunities. It is an under-served mobile environment. Many apps that work beautifully at home or in a coffee shop, such as music playback or messaging, are halting or awkward in the rolling living room of a car.
The race is on for control of the car's infotainment systems. Apple's recently granted patent for a touchscreen dash is Cupertino's aim toward owning the dashboard operating system and interface, in ways that hook into the company's device and media businesses. But thorny competition comes not only from other tech companies, but also from the car companies. And whatever victories Apple enjoys in the dashboard could ultimately be neutered by longer-term automotive tech inventions.
Filed under: Misc, Transportation
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Google visits reportedly represent nearly 25 percent of North American web traffic
Google's
pretty popular here in North America, but one analytics firm is
reporting some figures that might sound a bit too good to be true.
DeepField, a company that focuses on analyzing web performance, is today
claiming that Google broke a web record within the last month -- visits
to the site now represent 25 percent of all North American web traffic,
with 60 percent of all internet-connected devices accessing the service
each day. Netflix, for its part, represents the leader in bandwidth (despite YouTube
falling under the Google umbrella), but far more users access the
search site within a 24-hour period, as you'd probably expect. Without a
statement from Mountain View, it's important to note that these figures
are unconfirmed. Considering Google's reach, however, the claims might
not be far off.
Filed under: Internet, GoogleComments
Via: PCWorld
Source: DeepField
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LG VS980 emerges at FCC, could be the Optimus G Pro for Verizon
If this recent FCC filing is any indication, it looks like AT&T won't have US exclusivity over the LG Optimus G Pro for much longer. The document points to a LG VS980 that's clearly headed for Verizon; it supports the carrier's LTE bands and the model number is in line with other Verizon LG smartphones like the LG Intuition (VS950). Seeing as the AT&T model is marked as the E980, our Magic 8 Ball says that all signs point to the VS980 being the Big Red version of the Optimus G Pro. So that'd make at least a couple of ways Americans can get their hands on the LG smartphone, which is two more than anyone in the UK.
Filed under: Mobile
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Source: FCC
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Turkish security researcher claims responsibility for Apple dev center hack
When Apple's developer portal went down Thursday, there were a lot of questions left unanswered. One of the more notable was, just who was responsible for this attack on the premiere destinations for iOS and OS X developers? Turkish security researcher Ibrahim Balic is claiming he was behind the hack, but it wasn't his intention to cause any harm. Balic says that he reported the vulnerability to the proper Cupertino authorities but, for whatever reason, his efforts didn't end there. He actually exploited the security flaw he had discovered, which gave him access to the names, email and mailing addresses associated with developer accounts. In total he discovered 13 bugs, at least one of which he demonstrated in a YouTube video, that appeared to show him accessing a list of developer names and user IDs. That clip has since been pulled, as Balic was concerned about some of the information displayed on the screen. However, in a tweet he asserted that sharing the confidential data was essential to prove his point about the severity of the vulnerability.
The researcher does insist that his actions were legal and ethical. He told the Guardian that he only accessed developer account data in an effort to discover just how deep the rabbit hole went as part of a penetration test and will delete all of the data he collected. He claims that immediately after reporting his findings to Cupertino the dev center was shutdown, but that he never received a follow up from someone at the company. Instead there was simply an announcement of an attack, without any correspondance between Balic and Apple. So far Apple has not responded to our request for comment, and has neither confirmed nor denied Balic's account of events.
Filed under: Internet, Apple
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Source: The Guardian, NTV/MSNBC, Ibrahim Balic (Twitter), Firstpost
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Netflix Q2 earnings show 1.2 million new subscribers; plans for original stand-up comedy, documentaries
Netflix has revealed its earnings report for the second quarter of 2013 which shows its worldwide customer base has grown by 1.2 million. The company now has "nearly" 30 million customers in the US (up 630,000) and 8 million internationally (up 610,000), with streaming revenue up 26 percent domestically and 155 percent outside the US. That compares well with the same period last year, when it added 530,000 customers in the US. This year has been highlighted by Netflix's push into original programming and just last week that initiative resulted in a bounty of 14 Emmy nominations. Expect more in the future, as Reed Hasting's letter mentions the company expand into documentaries and stand-up comedy specials.
According to the report, the new $11.99 family plan that supports four simultaneous streams has seen "limited uptake" (did anyone know it was available?), while the new individual profiles will be implemented in Q3. The company has rolled out a new streaming platform to its partners, and says its next goal is a single UI that works with various input devices, whether voice, pointer or d-pad. While we paw through the financial documents for more details, don't forget Netflix plans to live stream video of its investors call on YouTube later. The event should start at 6PM ET and is embedded after the break.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
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Source: Netflix Q2 letter to shareholders
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