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Six months after announcing it would bring its 1.5"-thick UltraThin line to the US, Hitachi is finally starting to ship product. Sizes range from 32" to 47" and 1080p from 37" and up—previously we thought the line would stop... Read More »
The rather beautiful looks of the robot in this image hide the fact that in reality it would be part of a swarm of military bots designed to creep into caves, bunkers and other hostile areas to grab intel on the baddies hiding within. Yes: it sounds like Minority Report, Dr Who and Robot Wars all rolled into one. And yes: it might just end up as a real machine, since BAE Systems has just been awarded US$38 million by the Army Research Lab to head up the Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology project to develop the technology. The promotional video gives us a few more clues, despite its game-like looks, and if you don't like spiders then the image of one of the other potential drone bots will surely give you the heebyjeebies.
More photos have emerged of Motorola's upcoming ZN5, and apparently suggest that the 5-megapixel camera is in fact a Kodak-built unit. The photos look pretty genuine, and certainly tally with the images leaked in April, so what else can we tell from them? The phone looks to be fairly slim, has a curious almost "buttonless" keypad, a purple camera shortcut key and a xenon flash alongside the autofocus camera unit. Could this compete with the likes of Sony's Cybershot camera phones, and help dig Motorola out of its current mess? Check out the gallery to see more, including a photo supposedly taken with it and a screenshot that suggests the camera can shoot in RAW format. [KeySJ.com via Reg hardware]
After a 24-hour Galactica marathon, robots are gettings robots to follow the orders they were supposed to. Like Monty here, seen in the following video opening his new Roomba, ready to subjugate it into the tedious chore of cleaning the carpet.
Whatever it may look like, designer Bomi Kim has not invented a different kind of time-delay sex toy: his "Meaning of time" is actually a DIY clock. In fact, it's about as minimalist a clock concept as you'll ever see. The body contains the mechanism, and has holes for you to stick hands into. Stick in anything, stick in sticks if you like, then use the spike to stick it up somewhere. Complete freedom of creative expression, and rather clever we think. It's just a concept, for now. [Yanko design]
JVC's new Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier for projectors has a staggering 8192 x 4320 resolution—that's 35 megapixels, or around 16 times more than full HD. In fact, JVC is saying the little single-device reflective liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) imager has the highest resolution in the world, and the first to enable projectors to produce "Super Hi-Vision" images. The technology behind it has been worked on since 2003, refining the pixel count and contrast upwards with each generation. Last year JVC made a 1.27-inch 4096 x 2400 version, which went on sale in a projector in February 2008. So does this mean we'll see the new 1.75-inch, 20,000:1 version in projectors soon? Very likely, but we expect you'll find it in professional projector gear, rather than for your home. [Akihabaranews]
Posted by Nick Broughall at 2:27 PM on May 2, 2008
The little hamster who runs around in the little iPhone rumour mill must be some kind of genetically enhanced super hamster - there have been so many rumours flying around these past few weeks about the imminent launch of the 3G iPhone that it would need super-hamster abilities just to keep its heart from exploding.
So, to sort fact from fiction, here's a rundown on what the Internet thinks you can expect from the Jesusphone 2.0:
Despite repeated bashing and smashings, the Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumour is eternal like the sun god. Taiwanese rag Economic Times is reporting that Pegatron Technology—an Asus subsidiary, not a Decepticon as McWhertor points out—has received an order from Microsoft for a Blu-ray-equipped Xbox 360, due to be manufactured soon and shipped in time for the holidays. Weeks ago, Digitimes said Lite-On was going to make 'em. Let's assess.
Posted by Nick Broughall at 1:24 PM on May 2, 2008
If you're in the market for a new keyboard (but can't afford an Optimus Maximus), a new webcam (you didn't win our Iron Man comp) or a new mouse, (Your cat ate your last one. Maybe) then you might want to look at choosing some Microsoft hardware in the run up to the end of financial year.
The big M is offering a 30% cash back on the RRP of any PC peripheral hardware. That works out to be a whopping $135 for the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, for example.
The offer stands until July 31. Then it's back to full price with no cash back.
[Microsoft]
Posted by Nick Broughall at 11:30 AM on May 2, 2008
These have been around for a while overseas, but it's the first time I've seen them available from an Australian distributor.
The Iron Man flick pressed my buttons from start to finish. Specifically, that little gadget nerd button over my heart, right where Tony Stark's arc reactor plugs in. On one hand, Stark's legendary womanising, alcoholism and vanity are way underdeveloped. (Disappointingly, Downy Jr. looks too sober.) But if you're at all interested in the future of exoskeletons, holographic 3D CAD, advanced heads up displays and stuff blowing up under the recoil-free power of repulsor beams, you're going to want to see this movie, well, just to see it.
AU: I wouldn't class anthing in here as a spoiler as such, but there are some aspects of the movie discussed that might upset some people wanting to see the film. If so, don't read it.
Posted by Nick Broughall at 11:09 AM on May 2, 2008
Whether you took Mozzy's stance that Apple quietly slipping Safari into its Software Update for Windows users "bordered on malware" or just didn't give a shit, looks like you'll have to admit it worked like gangbusters: Net Applications reports that it tripled Safari's marketshare in only a month.
Amazon has filed suit against the state of New York in response to the law passed last week that requires the company to collect sales tax on purchases made by New Yorkers. They say the law, which demands any web retailer with affiliates in the state to charge sales tax, is vague and unconstitutional. The company also says they've been unfairly targeted since lawmakers dubbed the bill the "Amazon Tax". I hope they're right and the law gets repealed; I'm not spending 8.375% more of my hard-earned money than I should until this is worked out. [NYT]
Posted by Nick Broughall at 10:01 AM on May 2, 2008
TomTom have long been at the forefront of satnav technology, but recently they seem to have lost some of their zing, some of their sparkle. Their latest batch of devices are essentially slight redesigns on their previous models, without any really compelling features.
So what's the answer? Adding Google Maps functionality, of course. Not in the practical way - using them to replace the WhereIs mapping - but by letting you send business POIs to your satnav from Google maps via TomTom's Home software.
It's exactly like what we saw Garmin satnavs doing about a month ago, and the Dash GPS before that. So I guess they get full credit for adding a feature that's pretty much standard these days. They get bonus points for that cheesy video above explaining how it works, too.
[TomTom]
Just when we thought we couldn't love GTA IV more, they go and make this Apple parody. You can see it when you go into an internet cafe. We think it reflects quite truthfully on the Apple audience, don't you? Now excuse me while I call up my publisher to line up a How to Do Everything with Your iFruit Phone. [TUAW]
Jetpacks are great, but never could they reach the levels of ridiculousness this strap-on helicopter provides with its rocket-powered rotor blades. The pack is powered by two hydrogen fuel canisters and the rockets at the end of the blades negate the need for a tail rotor. It's entirely possible this is just a drawing that will never actually get made. But as DVICE points out, Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana, the firm that designed this, made an actual prototype of their last jet pack. So I'm holding my breath for some trial videos to hit YouTube. [Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana via DVICE]
We make fun of Microsoft's Steve Ballmer all the time—we just did it again just now—but there's no denying what an influential figure he is. Even Guy Kawasaki, a guy who used to be Apple's chief evangelist, can't deny that he gets stuff done. Guy puts it this way:
iLounge brings up this interesting, and true-sounding, story of iPhone peripheral manufacturers getting pre-briefed on specs for the 3G iPhone before the device is even announced. It makes sense since these companies need the specs to make cases that actually fit, but only need as little detail as possible to do so. Here's what one of these manufacturer says the new one will have: slightly different tapering on the edges, a different speaker/mic hole setup, slightly different sensor arrangement (possibly even a front camera), and a red, white or black colour scheme.
Posted by Nick Broughall at 9:03 AM on May 2, 2008
If you live in NSW, you probably remember that back in 2006, the Iemma government made a big promise to deliver free, city-wide wireless internet access across Sydney and it's surrounding suburbs. If it helps jog your memory, it was right before the election.
Well, yesterday, the NSW government pulled the plug on the project. After reviewing 15 different proposals from companies keen to provide the network, they decided it wasn't economically or technically viable.
The NSW Minister for Commerce, Eric Roozendaal, had this to say:
It appears that the geniuses at the Defence Department have been asleep at the wheel of their new Joint Strike Fighter program, leading some to believe that its super valuable aviation and weapons technology may have been compromised. The crux of the problem involves the fact that the Pentagon's Defence Security Service (DSS) has had a difficult time monitoring the contractors working on the aircraft. While no specific breaches have come to light regarding the classified information, an audit has uncovered that the DSS cut corners and the DoD suffered lapses in its controls designed to evaluate and protect the sensitive information from unauthorised access.
If you live in harsh climates or areas prone to nature's wrath, sometimes having the right gear can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, there are plenty of companies and designers out there vying to be the one to save your arse when the big one hits—but some of the stuff they come up with is downright bizarre. Wired has put together a gallery of these items—some of which we have seen already (like the Cocoon "nutsack" tent and the Bedu rapid response kit), while others (like those illustrated in the gallery below) are completely new. For the full list, hit the following link. [Wired]
Ultraportable,s or netbooks as Intel is wont to call them, are officially a dime a dozen now, but an upcoming model, the IL1 from CTL (who's making the Classmate 2) looks like it might shake up the market, at least a bit, if being the cheapest thing around is the bottom line. A 1GHz Via processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB SSD or 60GB HDD plus an SD card reader, with Linux or Windows XP. The screen's Eee-sized, an LED-backlit 7-inch LCD, all for "less than US$350." It's also got less of a kiddie or toy-look to it than either the Classmate or Eee PC, which might be a selling point for suits. Full stat smatter below.
Posted by Nick Broughall at 7:52 AM on May 2, 2008
For those who haven't yet heard, a band of number-crunching nostalgists took the concept design for Charles Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2, and turned it into a real, fully functional machine. Today, it went on display at the Computer History museum in San Jose. Difference Engine No. 2, designed in 1847, was designed to calculate and tabulate values run through polynomial functions up to the seventh order. It, along with the other Babbage Engines, is considered to be the first automatic computing machine.
Actiga's partnering with Microsoft to make officially sponsored third-party wireless peripherals, the first of which is a skateboard controller. It's going to be compatible with the latest skating games, presumably, but there haven't been any compatibility announcements yet. What Actiga is going to follow this up with is unclear, but we'd think maybe a gun controller for all the FPS games, or a...yeah there's pretty much mostly shooter games on the 360. [Kotaku]
Microsoft's not only delaying Windows XP SP3 temporarily, but they're also pulling off Windows Vista SP1—which has already been pushed out to automatic software update—because of potential incompatibilities. Most of us don't need to worry about it since this is just an issue with MS's SQL Servers that affect Microsoft Dynamics Retail management systems. Unless you're running a SQL database at home to track the chore distribution for your family, you can go ahead and manually fetch the update and install it yourself. [PCWorld]
This Kohler Fountainhead toilet looks so not like a conventional toilet that we'll probably have second thoughts about putting our asses on it and letting fly. Not only is there a glowing LED mechanism on the back to illuminate your business, but buttons on the lid allows it to automatically open up for #1 or #2. For the eco-maniacs, there's the 4.8 litre per flush system, saving water and dehydrating sewer crocodiles at the same time. How much would you pay for this? US$3,800? It's yours in June. It's the closest thing you'll get to taking a dump on Ayn Rand's work without resorting to defecating in the fiction aisle at Barnes and Noble. [Kohler via DVICE]
For those who haven't yet heard, a band of number-crunching nostalgists took the concept design for Charles Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2, and turned it into a real, fully functional machine. Today, it went on display at the Computer History museum in San Jose. Difference Engine No. 2, designed in 1847, was designed to calculate and tabulate values run through polynomial functions up to the seventh order. It, along with the other Babbage Engines, is considered to be the first automatic computing machine.