18
Jul
2011
Engadget: It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard from the fine folks at Ideum, but when the image above floated into our inbox… well, it’s safe to say our interest was piqued. We last heard from these guys back in the fall of 2009, and while The Platform is certainly a bit smaller than the 100-inch MT-50 that came before it, it’s also a heck of a lot more practical for average consumers. (more…)
29
Jun
2011
Engadget: Social networking has long been Google’s white whale. The company has done plenty of dabbling in the space, releasing Orkut, which has failed to catch on in the US, and rolling out Buzz to the relative indifference of its massive user base. Announced today after seemingly endless leaks, Google+ represents a major push for the software giant. The service began showing itself to a smattering of users last night, as a black bar across the top of various of the company’s properties. A “+You” button on the far left of the bar currently brings you to the service’s landing page, offering a tour of the many features that fall under the Google+ umbrella. Get to know the services better after the break. (more…)
04
Mar
2011
Electronista: Saab has previewed its upcoming infotainment system, IQon, which is based on Google’s Android OS. Users will be able to access navigation utilities, multimedia content, web-based services, and a variety of other features. The interface is presented in an eight-inch touchscreen, while an integrated modem automatically connects to the Internet when the car is started.
Despite the primary features that will ship with IQon from the factory, the company is highlighting the system’s ‘open innovation’ strategy to woo third-party developers. PArticipants will have access to specific APIs for the vehicle, connecting to more than 500 signals measuring data such as vehicle speed, GPS location, driver workload, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, engine speed, torque, temperatures, barometric pressure, and the location of the sun.
The IQon system is currently being previewed in the Saab PhoeniX concept car, which is on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
04
Mar
2011
iPodNN: Sony on Wednesday revamped its AV receivers for 2011 with four seven-channel models that lean heavily on the purely digital side of media. Aside from the entry DH520, the DH720, DH820 and DN1020 all take in iPhone or iPod audio through at least USB and, with the DH820 and DN1020, through a bundled dock. The DN1020 as the flagship is also designed for Internet radio from the start and will pipe Slacker or vTunes when linked up over Ethernet.
The Internet connection gives the range leader support for Sony’s iOS and Android remote control apps.
Features scale rapidly between models and spread from basic home theater support. The DH520 puts out 100W of power per channel through its 7.1-channel output and will take in 3D and standby mode delivery through any of its four HDMI inputs; two component inputs are also available. Along with iPhone and iPod USB support, moving to the DH720 ups the power per channel to 105W and adds upgraded sound processing, auto calibration, as well as a Faroudja DCDi Edge that upscales analog video to 1080i.
The DH820 increases power again to 110W per channel and can support a second subwoofer. It bundles the expected dock and adds a third component input. Output is improved a second time with a Digital Legato Linear audio component, automatic phase matching and support for a second zone of audio with synchronized output for parties.
At the top, the DN1020 has the same power as the DH820 but brings in the networking and a sound optimizer.
All but the DN1020 will be available in March at prices of $230, $300 and $400 starting from the low end. Sony is anticipating shipping its best model a month later for $500.
04
Mar
2011
Electronista: Apple today introduced the iPad 2, its second-generation tablet. The device uses a new dual-core processor called the A5, said to be twice as fast as the A4. Graphics processing is said to be nine times faster, and the device has both front- and rear-facing cameras. The device is a third thinner than the original iPad at 8.8mm versus 13.4mm, which Apple notes is also thinner than the iPhone 4. This contributes to a smaller weight at 1.3 pounds versus 1.5.
The iPad 2 further gains a gyroscope, and forward- and rear-facing cameras, which among other things can be used for iMovie, FaceTime calls, and Photo Booth. Black and white colors will be available, and 3G versions of the tablet will support AT&T and Verizon. Battery life is rated the same as the iPad 1 at 10 hours. Uniquely, a special $39 cable will allow HDMI out at resolutions up to 1080p while still charging.
The iPad 2 ships to the US on March 11th. Beginning on the 25th reach will expand to a host of other countries, including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Wi-Fi and 3G tablets will continue to be available in the same capacities and at the same prices as predecessors, ranging from $499 for 16GB Wi-Fi through to $829 for 64GB 3G.
04
Mar
2011
Engadget: Of course, it’s not all about new TVs, as Panasonic also took the opportunity today to bust out MSRPs for a slew of other home theater products. As it mentioned at CES, the connected features of its 2011 Blu-ray players are taking center stage, with Skype access through Viera Cast, while they also claim to feature the industry’s fastest playback, measuring at half the booting and loading time of the 2010 lineup. One other key feature is the ability to use an iPhone as a WiFi connected remote and load movies, music or pictures onto the phone then play them on the HDTV. The top of the line DMP-BDT310 should arrive in May while the rest are already making their way to store shelves.
04
Mar
2011
GPS Business News: A new report from market research firm In-Stat forecasts that over 35 million in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are expected to ship in 2015 as automakers are starting to capitalize on the demand for the same dynamic multimedia experience in the car that consumers have become accustomed to in the home.
“Along with a rich multimedia experience, today’s drivers and passengers are also demanding constant connectivity in the car,” said Stephanie Ethier, Senior Analyst at In-Stat.
“The majority of automakers are embracing this demand for connectivity and forming strategic partnerships with technology and software companies to offer solutions that will enable consumers to access digital content in and out of the automobile via both wired and wireless options.”
04
Mar
2011
Pioneer.eu: In March Pioneer introduces 2 new headphones that achieve impressive sound quality and bass, while displaying eye-catching outer designs.
The bicoloured and boldly designed SE-CL721 ‘Bass Head’ in-ear headphones are ideal for anyone looking to make a statement in the club scene and promise to faithfully reproduce the heavy bass of club sound.
The SE-MJ151 over-ear stereo headphones have a luxurious feel with their leather-look ear pads and fresh retro-style design. (more…)
18
Feb
2011
GPS Business News: This week at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, mobile navigation provider Route 66 introduced ¨Follow Me¨, an augmented reality feature available on Android phones. Follow Me shows video of the street in front of you using the camera of the phone or tablet and adds a virtual 3D car driving in front of you. Indicator lights flash to tell you where to turn left or right.
The solution is already integrated into “Drive & Walk”, the Samsung turn-by-turn navigation app developed by Route66 for the Android handset of the brand.
Watch the video clip below to better understand the concept of this augmented reality mode.
18
Feb
2011
Pioneer.eu: After 5 years, it was time for an update to the Pioneer DJM-800 club mixer. Enter the DJM-900 Nexus – the next level in creativity for the pro DJ. Headline features include ultimate computer connectivity, up-to-date effects, high performance features and sound.
Due for release late March 2011, the newest addition to the club-standard DJM range will retail at 1,899 euros inc. VAT.
The 4-channel 96kHz/24-bit soundcard streams all audio signals with no loss of sound quality – and being Traktor Scratch Certified, the DJM-900 Nexus unlocks DVS control. DJs can connect one USB cable and control Traktor with Timecode CD and/or vinyl, directly through the mixer.
6 stunning studio-quality Sound Color FX expand upon the previous 4 and add extra dimensions to any DJ set. With a dedicated FX processor for each of the 4 channels, it raises the bar once more. An overhauled Beat Effects section further enhances the potential for mind-blowing arrangements: 5 new effects, a revolutionary level of control and Pioneer simplicity will rival any other system.
The new built-in X-Pad brings instant one-finger Beat Effects performances. Users of the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 can hit the DJM-900 Nexus Quantize button to lock all these new effects to the Beatgrid of the playing deck.
The DJM-900 Nexus layout is the industry’s most intuitive, most widely used and most creative. With the new plug-and-play software connection that makes DJ transition a breeze, the result is a next generation mixer that is ready for professional DJ booths the world over.
Key features
Sound Color FX
Engineered to bring studio quality sound and sequencer style tricks to the club, six new beefed-up effects turn creative vision into a reality at the twist of a dial. In addition to the essential FILTER and CRUSH, the DJM-900 Nexus boasts four new modern effects.
Overhauled Beat Effects add a whole new level of control
On top of the 6 super-easy Color FX on each channel, the channel-assignable Beat Effects bring a whole new level of control – making extreme processing more reliable and creative with instant results. Let’s start off with the new control interface:
New High Quality Effects for a digital generation
These include Reverb, Spiral, Slip Roll, Melodic and Midi LFO.
Pro DJ Link functionality enhances performance
The DJM-900 Nexus joins the Pro DJ Link family with a LAN connection that brings three revolutionary new features: Now On Play, Beat Effects and Cue Link.
Fully TRAKTOR™ compatible for plug-and-play simplicity
TRAKTOR™ users can connect their PC to the mixer via a single USB port – conveniently located on top of the unit – to get direct input from Traktor’s 4 decks and enjoy all of its features.
Advanced design for accurate reproduction of audio sources
The DJM-900 Nexus is equipped with the same high-quality audio input and output circuits as the DJM-2000.
New high performance channel faders
New fader technology and fader caps will make the DJM-900 Nexus last for even longer between services in super-tough club environments.
18
Feb
2011
Crave: Panasonic’s new DMP-BDT310 and DMP-BDT210 Blu-ray players are as capable and great to use as always, but now the company has added another feature to attract your attention and spending power. So what is this new trick? It’s the ability to open the disc tray by waving your hand over the top of the player.
No, we don’t know why you’d want that either. But it is kind of cool, and does reduce the amount of time you have to spend looking for a tiny eject button. The only problem we could see is that most people will put the player somewhere that doesn’t make waving at the top of it all that easy.
This technology is only available at the top end of the Panasonic range. The BDT310 also has Panasonic’s twin-HDMI output system, which allows people with older AV systems to connect the 3D output to their TV, while using the second HDMI to send audio to their sound system.
The company has also managed to get disc-load times right down too. The test movie Coraline, in 3D, loaded in around 10-15 seconds. Panasonic can’t do anything about those horrific copyright warnings, but it can at least cut down on the rest of the waiting time before you watch the movie you’ve paid for.
Panasonic is also very proud of the fact that these smaller players use less power than before, take up less space on your shelf and can ship in tiny boxes. Two of these things are great for the environment, and one is great for your home-cinema system.
18
Feb
2011
Gizmag: TDK has announced the release of its Life on Record range. The new line of premium audio gear includes two- and three-speaker Boomboxes and a 360-degree Sound Cube. Each member of the line-up mixes retro styling with modern functionality, and even allows users to plug in an electric guitar or microphone for some play/sing-along fun.
Arguably the most noticeable of the forthcoming releases is the three speaker version of the Boombox. A modern take on the kind of audio blaster which sat on the shoulders of folks compelled to share the latest hip hop grooves with everyone in a three block radius during the 1980s, TDK’s flavor sports a 6-inch subwoofer and a couple of 6-inch coaxial drivers which knock out 35 Watts of full range power.
In addition to the built-in AM/FM radio, music can be sourced from media players like the iPod via the included 30-pin to USB cable or 3.5mm line-in jack. A guitar or microphone input jack also joins the party, which can be mixed in with other audio sources for impromptu performances. The retro rotary dials are joined by touch-sensitive controls, which can be used to access and play audio files on a connected external flash or hard drive, and there’s an innovative equalizer which “gives your music a visual heartbeat.”
The two-speaker Boombox enjoys similar good looks and operation, but loses the subwoofer. Consequently, the full range output is rated at 20 Watts RMS.
Both devices run on either AC power (adapter supplied) or battery power – not the rechargeable Li-ion kind as you might expect these days, but weighty D-class ones. Perhaps taking the retro design a little too far, the three-speaker system needs a dozen batteries and the two-speaker unit requires ten.
If room-filling, multidirectional sound is more your cup of tea then the 9.8 x 9.8 x 9.8-inch (250 x 250 x 250mm) Sound Cube could tick all of your requirement boxes. There are two 5.25-inch, high dynamic range drivers and two 5.25-inch tuned, passive radiators facing outwards from this neat little sound box.
The active left and right coaxial drivers are set 180 degrees to each other, and the same goes for the passive radiators, which results in sound coming from front, back, left and right. This unusual configuration is said to result in fairly wide sound stage possibilities, without the user having to give much thought to positioning.
It benefits from the same AM/FM radio setup, audio source connectivity and similar retro styling of the Boomboxes, but has a more compact design. It pumps out 20 Watts RMS and also runs on either AC power or 12 D-class batteries.
The Life on Record range will be available in the U.S. shortly. The three-speaker Boombox is priced at US$499, the two-speaker Boombox will cost US$399, and the Sound Cube comes in at US$299.