Swap Rebel watch phone laughs at your wrist-mounted iPod nano

Apple's iPod nano and the Sony Ericsson LiveView may have disappointed as wrist computers, but our Dick Tracy dream soldiers on, to the point where we found ourselves taking another look at that most dubious of converged devices: the watch phone. There, we discovered the Rebel, the latest creation from UK manufacturer Swap, a quad-band GSM wrist unit with a 1.46-inch color touchscreen and a built-in camera for both video and stills. It may look like a sterile medical wristband, but that silicone strap actually hides a USB port on one end, the better to let you transfer your MP3s and MP4 video to its paltry 2GB of expandable microSD storage. The watch also does FM radio, beams audio to your Bluetooth headset and comes with the typical smattering of basic apps. Still, there's not a lot for the asking price of £189 (about $300) so you'd best be head over heels in love with the design. PR after the break, more images at our source link.

Toshiba's new glasses-free 3D display tilts images and viewing angles your way

Autostereoscopic (read: glasses-free) 3D screens sound like all the rage, but the narrow zones from which you can comfortably view their images have made them a dubious proposition. That's not stopping Toshiba Mobile Display, however, which recently came up with a novel idea for a self-adjusting display. By sticking a six-axis accelerometer in this 12.1-inch slate, the company can tilt the tablet's viewing angle as the tablet itself is tilted, letting viewers effectively look around 3D objects on screen, using software algorithms rather than the fancy lens-and-camera assembly that Microsoft's been prototyping. Toshiba figures it'll make a splash with e-tailers -- because who doesn't want to play with a prospective purchase in 3D space? -- but is mostly talking up the tech as a way to extend the limited 3D viewing angles of these sorts of displays. But enough jabber: see it for yourself after the break.

Speakal's Cool iPig blasts iPod tunes with extra badassitude

You have to go to great lengths these days to distinguish your iPod dock from the teeming horde, but that's exactly what Speakal did here. To state the obvious, it's a pig, wearing sunglasses, and filled with stereo components. The beast has four-watt stereo drivers for eyes, a down-firing 15 watt subwoofer in the belly, controls in the snout, and ports in the tail region. There's also an internal lithium ion battery good for up to eight untethered hours on a charge. We're not sure what would possess you to buy the hog, especially for its $150 asking price, but it could be just the item you've been looking for to bolster your eccentric reputation... or ward off particularly annoyed fowl.

Zombies, hearses and monster trucks mark Windows Phone 7 celebration

So what do you do when you want to launch a new smart phone operating system in a market crowded with fierce competitors who have at least two years’ head start on you?
You have a parade!

Or at least you do if you’re Microsoft.
Friday on the Microsoft campus in Redmond, scores of people, dancing zombies and at least one monster truck that said "Windows Phone Pride" filled the streets to celebrate the Windows Phone 7 operating system.
The zombies seemed too busy walking like zombies and doing the "Thriller" dance to consider that the battle for market share would be uphill — up a very steep hill.
(Msnbc.com is a joint venture between NBC Universal and a parade-throwing Microsoft. Our headquarters is on the Microsoft campus, which is why I was able to enjoy the celebration from our newsroom.)
For a moment I thought that the corporate pride-building parade was actually a funeral procession when I saw a hearse.
Then I realized that there were pallbearers behind it carrying an iPhone.

Consumer Reports says it still won't recommend iPhone 4

Consumer Reports says it still won't recommend the iPhone 4 — especially now that Apple said it will end its free "bumper" program for everyone Sept. 30.
"Putting the onus on any owners of a product to obtain a remedy to a design flaw is not acceptable to us," the magazine said on its electronics blog Monday. "We therefore continue not to recommend the iPhone 4, and to call on Apple to provide a permanent fix for the phone's reception issues."
Apple said Friday it is discontinuing the bumper program at the end of this month for all new iPhone 4 purchasers because the number of users having problems related to the phone's antenna and reception "is even smaller than we originally thought." However, "a small percentage of iPhone 4 users need a case, and we want to continue providing them a Bumper case for free," the company said on its website.
"For everyone else, we are discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after Sept. 30, 2010. We are also returning to our normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after Sept. 30. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case."
In July, Consumer Reports surprised many when it said would not recommend the iPhone 4 because of the antenna issue. At that time, it said Apple needed to come up with "a permanent — and free — fix for the antenna problem before we can recommend the iPhone 4."
The antenna on the phone, unlike those in the three previous models, is wrapped around the phone's casing. Some have described it as a design flaw because those who grip it in the lower left corner can cover part of the antenna, diminishing the phone's reception. Rubber bumpers, or phone cases, provide a barrier to that human interference.
Days later, Steve Jobs announced that Apple would offer free rubber bumpers — a retail value of $29 each — to anyone who bought an iPhone 4 in order to fix the problem.
At that time, Jobs said that the free bumper program would only last until Sept. 30.
But Consumer Reports is not mollified, calling the requirements for consumers who will still be able to get a free bumper more onerous.
"The offer that takes effect next month is less consumer-friendly in several respects," the magazine said. "First, if you are 'experiencing antenna issues' with your iPhone 4, Apple says, you'll need to call the company to request a case. And where the current program allows owners a choice of seven cases, including some from third-party manufacturers, the new program only offers Apple's own Bumper, a frame-like cover that runs around the edge of the phone."
Consumer Reports said the bumper works, and works well: It "successfully mitigates the iPhone 4's reception issue, which was a weak point in the phone's otherwise-stellar performance in our tests. And we agree with Apple that not all iPhone 4 owners will experience reception difficulties with the device."
But asking owners to find a solution to a product problem — instead of a company doing so — is unacceptable, the magazine said.

Boxee Box ditches NVIDIA's Tegra 2 for Intel CE4100, pre-orders start today at $199

The wait for the Boxee Box is nearly over -- pre-orders begin today -- but before you drop a stack of change on D-Link's half-sunk cube, know that there's no longer an NVIDIA Tegra 2 under that tiny hood. At the last minute, Boxee switched to the Intel Atom CE4100, the same up-to-1.2GHz Sodaville chip powering Google TV. That's not all, as manufacturer D-Link told us our good friend Avner Ronen may not be able to keep his promise -- though the company still expects the Box to hit the streets at under $200, we're now looking at a $229 suggested retail price. What could possibly have happened to make these drastic changes? We visited Boxee in person to get an explanation, and you'll find the surprisingly simple (yet NVIDIA-damning) answer right after the break.

Update: We just learned that Amazon will be selling it for $199, though the MSRP will remain $229.
At a rendezvous in San Francisco, Avner Ronen told us the decision to abandon Tegra 2 was about performance and nothing more: "The major problem we had with the Tegra 2 was support for high-profile HD playback," he said. "You can do high-profile VC-1 with Tegra 2, but not H.264." It was a problem of bitrate, he told us, and while NVIDIA's dual-core Tegra T20 was apparently not up to the task, the team had internally tested Intel's CE4100 decoding streams at up to 90 megabits per second. The newly revamped Boxee Box is now capable of 1080p H.264 playback at 60fps, and... well, that's actually about it. While you'd think that gutting a system might involve a few more tweaks, we were informed that otherwise the Boxee experience is exactly the same, and and you can see for yourself just how little has changed hardware-wise in our gallery above. There's still hardware-accelerated Flash 10.1 playback, the same speedy UI and codecs, the same QWERTY-packing RF remote and all the same ports -- though it does have a freshly updated tally of over 400 apps, plus that new HTML5-compliant WebKit browser.

UC Berkeley researchers craft ultra-sensitive artificial skin, robots dream of holding eggs

Researchers and engineers have been toiling on synthetic skins for years now, but most of 'em have run into one major problem: the fact that organic materials are poor semiconductors. In other words, older skins have required high levels of power to operate, and those using inorganic materials have traditionally been too fragile for use on prosthetics. Thanks to a team of researchers at UC Berkeley, though, we're looking at a new "pressure-sensitive electronic material from semiconductor nanowires." The new 'e-skin' is supposedly the first material made out of inorganic single crystalline semiconductors, and at least in theory, it could be widely used in at least two applications. First off, robots could use this skin to accurately determine how much force should be applied (or not applied, as the case may be) to hold a given object. Secondly, this skin could give touch back to those with artificial hands and limbs, though that would first require "significant advances in the integration of electronic sensors with the human nervous system. Dollars to donuts this gets tested on the gridiron when UCLA and / or Stanford comes to town.

Nokia's Anssi Vanjoki resigns, the search for a new smartphone chief begins

Holy moly, it's all gone topsy turvy over in Nokia's camp. After Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo was given his marching orders on Friday, this week it's the turn of Anssi Vanjoki -- who only recently became the company's Mobile Solutions leader -- to announce his departure. Anssi has handed in his requisite six-month notice along with the following statement:

"I felt the time has come to seek new opportunities in my life. At the same time, I am one hundred per cent committed to doing my best for Nokia until my very last working day. I am also really looking forward to this year's Nokia World and sharing news about exciting new devices and solutions."

It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to recognize that Anssi's sudden desire to explore new opportunities is at least in part motivated by Nokia's choice to install Stephen Elop as its future CEO at the expense of good old OPK. Still, you've got to think there could've been a better time to announce such heart-stopping news, maybe after your company's most pivotal Nokia World convention in recent memory?

[Thanks, Ted] Anssi Vanjoki resigns from Nokia
September 13, 2010


Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
September 13, 2010 at 9.30 (CET +1)

Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced today that Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and a member of Nokia Group Executive Board has given notice of resignation from Nokia. Vanjoki, who currently heads Nokia's Mobile Solutions unit, has six months notice period and he will continue in his current tasks for the time being.

"I felt the time has come to seek new opportunities in my life," Anssi Vanjoki says. "At the same time, I am one hundred per cent committed to doing my best for Nokia until my very last working day. I am also really looking forward to this year's Nokia World and sharing news about exciting new devices and solutions."

iPad headed to Target on October 3rd?

It's not quite the definitive proof that some boxes spotted in the wild would be, but a tipster has sent us a few pieces of a puzzle that seem to suggest that Apple could be expanding the iPad's retail presence into Target stores just in time for the holiday shopping season. That includes a list featuring a mysteriously unnamed product that's set to become available on October 3rd (in six different versions, no less), and a series of images from a Target PDA (like the one pictured above) that seemingly show that the item numbers match the iPad prices exactly, and that it will be located in the Digital Audio section -- that's apparently also how e-readers like the Kindle are classified, in addition to iPods. Smoking gun? Not exactly, but it's certainly enough to get us to keep our eye on this one.

Apple Cinema Display goes to 27 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio

Having reached a grand old age in the rapidly cycling tech world, Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display is today getting itself a new sibling. The new 27-inch display clocks in at a 2560 x 1440 resolution, sports a 16:9 aspect ratio, and does it all for the (not so) low price of $999. That might not sound like a steal, but Dell's similar U2711 (both offer IPS at the same resolution) actually retails for a hundie more at $1,099. For the price Apple includes a built-in iSight camera, a three port powered USB hub, and a universal MagSafe connector for charging up your MacBook. Like the 24-inch before it, Apple has really built this display to be the ultimate MacBook or MacBook Pro companion, since a single cable breaks out into the USB, Mini DisplayPort (with audio support), and MagSafe plug that are just about all your laptop requires when sitting down at a desk. PR is after the break, and the screen will start shipping in September.

AT&T claims it will be 'the premier carrier' for Windows Phone 7

Without question, AT&T's wireless growth these past few years has been largely based on iPhone -- and with apparently good reason, if you look at the numbers. As far as other platforms go, however, it's not been as rosy. Android's relation with the carrier, for example, is a story woven with years of hesitation, some questionable releases, and a rival that's fully embraced it to notable success (releases like the Captivate and Streak suggest a stronger future). So with all that in mind, what we're hearing from AT&T in the wake of Windows Phone 7 is decidedly more committal. Here's what a spokesperson told PC World this week: "We'll be the premier carrier for Windows Phone 7" (emphasis ours). Strong words, but we still haven't heard concrete plans from anyone, including Microsoft, on what's going on with the release. Whispers care of our friend Michael Gartenberg suggest AT&T has "signed up for 8 million" phones and our own eyes have espied some launch materials, but we'll just have to see. Your move, Ma Bell. Assuage our doubts, k?

P.S. It's also worth noting that, after the Kin debacle, Microsoft and Verizon aren't exactly BFF, meaning rival AT&T's "premier" claim isn't likely to be contested by the one carrier with more subscribers.

Apple Magic Trackpad first hands-on

So it's real, and... it's a trackpad. What seemed like it might have been pure rumor and some good Photoshopping just a short while ago has magically (ha ha!) transformed into reality. If you're wondering what the Magic Trackpad is like to use -- get ready for a shock. It feels just like using a slightly larger version of a MacBook or MacBook Pro pad. And we mean exactly, right down to the multitouch gestures and whole-pad click. Yes, it clicks. There's also a new gesture, if you're keeping track -- a three-finger move that lets you drag windows around (very helpful), though you give up the functionality of being to navigate stuff like iPhoto galleries with a swipe (it's an option you can toggle in preferences -- you have a choice). We're going to be doing some serious testing with the new peripheral, but for now, feast your eyes on the pics below.

Apple Mac Pro line overhauled with 12 processing cores, arriving in August for $4,999

So shall it be written, so shall it be done. The Mac Pro has at long last proven rumors of its impending refresh accurate, as Apple has just updated its most powerful hardware with even more grunt. As we'd heard previously, that means you can now get dual-CPU rigs that offer a full dozen cores to play with, courtesy of Intel's Xeon server-class chips, though in order to get in on that game you'll have to splash a cool $4,999 entry fee. The quad-core starting price is still $2,499, though the eight-core machines have jumped up to $3,499, with both variants getting mild speed bumps to 2.8GHz and 2.4GHz, respectively.

Perhaps the most welcome upgrade is on the graphical front, where the Radeon HD 5770 takes up the mantle of default GPU, with additional options for a pair of such cards or a step up to a 1GB HD 5870 alternative if you're keen on maxing out those frame rates. Memory isn't neglected either, with choices ranging all the way up to 32GB of RAM, 4TB of conventional HDD storage, or an array of four 512GB SSDs -- though you're probably better off not asking how much that last one will set you back. The comprehensive specs can be found in the full press release after the break.

Apple Battery Charger gets official: a battery charger, only you know, better (update: hands-on)

Apple's just slipped something into its iMac update press release that we didn't want to go unnoticed: a battery charger. Apple's AA battery-powered lineup now includes the wireless keyboard, the Magic Mouse (which seriously burns through the juice) and the Magic Trackpad, and for $29 you can score a dedicated charger for all that gear. The Apple Battery Charger comes with six long-lived NiMH rechargeable batteries which apparently have a lifetime of up to 10 years.

Update: We just had a chance to get a quick hands-on with the little guy, and well, it's a battery charger. Apple tells us the charger has the lowest vampire power draw of any charger on the market -- the idea is for users to keep two batteries in each of their peripherals and two in the charger, so they can quickly swap out as the cells run out. Interestingly, the batteries are some of the only Apple products in recent memory that don't have an Apple logo on them -- they're just plain silver with "Rechargeable" printed on them. The charger itself has slightly nicer charging contacts than the usual spring-and-flap arrangement, and it features the same removable flippy-prong AC plug as Apple's laptop and iPad power adapters, so you can theoretically swap it for a longer power cord if you like.

HP Android tablet coming later than you think, or not at all

Although nothing official has come from HP on this front, we got some pretty solid word back in April that the American giant was mulling an Android tablet. As it turns out, what with the WebOS acquisition that followed and HP's dogged commitment to Windows 7, that Googly project has apparently slipped out of the limelight in HP HQ. Word from All Things Digital is that there'll be nothing forthcoming this year (as was tentatively expected) and if an HP Android tablet is to materialize, it'll have to come in 2011. The company seems to be in the midst of reallocating resources to its higher priority projects, and who knows, should that rumored Hurricane tablet blow us all away, Android might never gets its chance to shine at all.

Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to once again embrace and extend

Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

A core part of Microsoft's strategy from days gone by was known as embrace and extend. With a reboot of their mobile platform due later this year, is it time for Microsoft to think about moving some of their services and applications to competitor's platforms? To some degree, it's already happening. Microsoft licenses the ActiveSync protocol which allows Android, iOS and other platforms to wirelessly sync with Exchange. It's developed Bing and Live Messenger apps for iOS and also done a deal to bring mobile Office apps to Nokia's platforms. One could argue that in some of these cases Microsoft has given competitors access to what could have been key differentiators for its own mobile efforts. I'm not sure I disagree with that analysis, but now that it's happening, I think Microsoft should think even more broadly about porting some applications and services. Here's what I'd like to see made available for other platforms.

Office Mobile: Sure, there are other solutions for viewing and editing Office documents on almost every platform, but none of them carry the Microsoft Office brand. A version of Office for mobile (including a touch-enabled version of OneNote) would be an instant best seller on every platform and a become the de facto standard for mobile office applications. A combination of free document viewers and a suite of applications at a reasonable cost would put Microsoft at the top of mobile productivity and at the same time help continue to drive Office sales for PCs and Macs.

Zune Pass: It's one of the best music subscription services around, but it only works on PCs and the few Zunes that have been sold in the market -- and yes, the even fewer Kins. A Zune client that supports streaming and offline downloads would be a great way for Windows users who for one reason or another haven't embraced Microsoft's mobile devices to use more of the company's services. Apple's great iPod success came with the addition of Windows support, and Microsoft can similarly position Zune as a choice for media consumption on non-Microsoft platforms -- mobile and desktop alike.

Porting applications and services can help Microsoft become the key provider for core functionality on other platforms and devices.

Xbox Live: It's another perfect app for mobile use and another reason for consumers to consider an Xbox purchase. While Microsoft likely prefers Xbox Live remain a premiere experience for Windows Phone 7 users, there's simply too many XBL members who don't use Windows or Windows Phone 7. It's silly to ignore them. Done properly, Xbox Live could become the standard for mobile gaming without Microsoft having to recreate the entire ecosystem, and provide a strong incentive for developers to create titles for the experience.

It's not likely that Microsoft (or any other vendor) will dominate the mobile platform space they way that Windows dominated the PC industry. While Windows Phone 7 may allow Microsoft to become a strong mobile platform provider, porting applications and services to other platforms can help Redmond become the key provider for core functionality across multiple platforms and devices. As non-PC devices become more important to consumers, this is a perfect opportunity for Microsoft to set the standard for core functionality on every platform and further drive the Microsoft brand into the consumer world. The alternative is to allow others to drive those standards -- and rather than embrace and extend, Microsoft's efforts could be engulfed and devoured.

AT&T handing out free 3G MicroCells to loyal customers?

While we've no clue how widespread AT&T's generosity is, or how you might get one, it appears that the company's "most valuable customers" are now receiving free range-boosting femtocells. Today, loyal reader Jason got a old-fashioned paper letter in the mail, offering his iPhone-wielding family a 3G MicroCell with no strings attached. Driving down to the local AT&T store, he got the product, but the dumbfounded reps offered no explanation why. Though his calls do frequently drop at home, Jason says he wasn't terribly vocal about the issue and only pays around $180 per month for his family plan -- the only thing that might possibly qualify him, in his opinion, is that his contract was set to expire. We've reached out to AT&T for more information; in the meanwhile, see Jason's letter after the break.

Tesla planting electric engines into two Toyota prototype bodies

Word on the street had it that Tesla's $50 million deal with Toyota wasn't formal back in late May, but evidently things have made positive progress since. According to a new (though admittedly brief) report over at CNN, Toyota is currently working with the electric automaker on a pair of prototype vehicles. As the story goes, Tesla will be delivering two prototypes to Toyota "by the end of the month," with the vehicles using "Tesla's electric motors and battery packs and the bodies of Toyota vehicles." Tesla Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel has been quoted as saying that the two outfits have "made a lot of progress in a short amount of time," and we couldn't be more excited to see what kind of results will come from this tie-up. We can't help but hope that those regenerative brakes do a bit more than regenerate, though. Sorry, we had to. Really.

Shocker! Apple approves apps for using LED on iPhone 4 as flashlight

Nah, your sarcasm detector isn't busted -- we genuinely are surprised that Apple has lifted the iron fist and allowed a piece of hardware on its handset to be used for something other than Jobs himself intended. It may seem trivial to those who haven't witnessed Apple block the most sensible of programs in the past, but allowing applications that enable end-user control of the LED camera flash is a pretty big deal. It's one of those "sad, but true" moments, you know? As of now, the affordable (£0.59) Flashlight - For iPhone 4 and even more affordable (zilch) LED Light for iPhone 4 can be downloaded directly from the App Store and used to activate the LED whenever you darn well please, and for reasons that we needn't mention, we'd suggest you go ahead and grab one... pronto.

Update: Another free option -- Power Light -- just splashed down into the App Store.

Update 2: Lookie there, another free option with LED-Flashlight! Woo!

125cc motorcycle + DIY fiberglass fairing = 214mpg, super cool looks

While the quest for alternate fuels goes on, so too other peoples' search for the ultimate in economy while running on good 'ol petrol. Allert Jacobs DIY creation reaches near the pinnacle of two-wheeled efficiency, almost doubling the stock Honda Innova 125i's 114mpg rating. He hand-crafted the fiberglass shell above, which slides forward to allow easy egress and looks rather close to the dustbin fairings post-WWII race bikes used to achieve incredible speeds -- before they were banned in 1958 due to crosswind instability. No word on what Jacobs' creation is like to ride in a stiff gale, but we must say his bike looks rather more badass than the stock model.

BMW's Pathfinder 'microNavigation' system promises to augment GPS

BMW has been working on augmenting GPS navigation for some time now, and it took another big step forward in recent weeks with the announcement of its Pathfinder "microNavigation" system. As the name suggests, that would supplement your basic navigation system with maps and directions for areas not covered by GPS -- a parking lot, for instance -- and it could be continually updated on an as-needed basis, with users able to download so-called microMaps for a specific area before they go on a trip. You'd also be able to easily jump from the in-car navigation to a navigation app on your phone to complete the final leg of your journey -- and, presumably, find your car when you're ready to leave. Of course, it is still just a prototype, but BMW does at least have a pretty good track record when it comes to actually implementing these sorts of things in its cars.

                                                  PRESS RELEASE

Pathfinder from BMW. Intelligent and networked microNavigation for destinations not yet covered in current systems or only with incomplete coverage.

Munich -- Just imagine that you are on your way to BMW Welt and you know that you have to get your tickets for the guided tour through the BMW Munich Plant at the Info Counter South. The following questions occur to you in quick succession: Where can I park? How do I get into the multi-storey car park and how can I find my way around in BMW Welt? Naturally, the navigation system can show you the way to BMW Welt. Unfortunately, more detailed information on complex destination venues like this is not available – yet. Specialists at BMW Group Research and Technology have taken up this challenge with the aim of giving BMW drivers even more confidence and convenience.

More detailed map display in complex destination areas.

The experts are unlocking completely new potential for navigation in the microNavigation research project. The researchers are using the BMW 3 Series as a prototype. A detailed large-scale map display allows complex enclosed destination areas to be visualised which are not covered by road maps in today's navigation systems or only have incomplete coverage. This extended navigation solution does not abandon drivers where conventional navigation leaves off. Even outside the vehicle, a mobile unit guides drivers to their desired destination and back to the vehicle. "The realistic visualisation of a building like a complex multi-storey car park by means of a micro-Navigation card in the Central Information Display of the research prototype gives the user a clear navigation and information advantage that goes significantly beyond the conventional scope of a road navigation solution," explains Carsten Isert, Project Manager for microNavigation at BMW Group Research and Technology.

Looking at it in detail, the system works like this: Drivers are able to download information about their destination in advance on their home PC. If there is a microMap for the destination area, the driver is offered this automatically and they can select their destination within the microMap. This destination is automatically transferred with the map data to the vehicle and augments the navigation available there. Naturally, sometime in the future it will also be possible to download microMaps at will while the driver is on the move. Researchers have also developed lane-specific positioning for the vehicle by networking camera information, GPS coordinates and map data. The driver is guided to the desired destination on a lane-specific route – for example a free parking space near the lift in the best position. Detailed maps in combination with precise car-park positioning provide support for drivers in finding their way around car parks and during the journey. After parking the vehicle, the data can be transferred to the driver's mobile device. This handheld then provides continuous navigation and helps drivers to navigate on foot in complex and unknown destination areas. "microNavigation gives drivers tailor-made navigation during the journey and at the destination and thereby significantly increases confidence and convenience," adds Robert Hein, Head of Navigation and Data Services of the Future at BMW Research and Technology.


Many years of experience in the development of navigation systems.

The advance of today's BMW navigation systems compared with retrofit solutions and dedicated solutions installed in vehicles by other manufacturers is ultimately derived from a long track record of experience. BMW was the first manufacturer in Europe to launch an integrated navigation system for a series vehicle in 1994. This formed one of the foundation stones for innovative systems to network vehicles with their surrounding environment. Today, these systems are grouped under the concept of BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW is consistently developing its navigation systems with the aim of maintaining its leadership position in this area. Development is focusing on innovative supplementary functions designed to enhance safety and convenience. BMW Research and Technology is also playing an important role with the microNavigation research project.


BMW Group Research and Technology
BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and has been responsible for research at the BMW Group since 2003. VehicleTechnology, CleanEnergy (hydrogen technology), EfficientDynamics (intelligent energy management/alternative drive systems), ConnectedDrive (driver assistance/active safety) and ITDrive (IT and communications technology) activities all come under its umbrella. Its legal independence as a GmbH (limited company) ensures creative freedom and unbeatable flexibility. Worldwide access to trends and technologies is provided by an established international network with bases in the USA (Palo Alto, CA and Clemson, SC) and Japan (Tokyo), plus Liaison Offices in France with Eurécom (Sophia Antipolis) and in Germany in the shape of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI GmbH) in Saarbrücken.

Liquid-cooled Asetek prototype redefines our all-in-one expectations

We've been moaning about middling AIO performance for a while now, and outside of Apple's spendy iMacs, not many have stepped up to the plate with equivalent grunt to what you might be able to splice together with a separate case and a bit of elbow grease. That won't stay true for long, however, if Asetek's prototype gets picked up by one of your favorite vendors. This liquid-cooled beastie -- which proudly proclaims it has the same profile as the iMac at 58mm in thickness -- is capable of powering and chilling both a 2.66GHz Core i7-920 and a GeForce GTX 280M. That's a total TDP output of over 200W, which is handled by a proprietary radiator design that's integrated into the stand and some pump-assisted action convecting the heat away from the chips. It both sounds and looks like a winner to us -- check it out after the break to see what you think.

Futurama critiques modern gadget and social media obsession using 1950s technology

Like gadgets? Ever stand in line for one or over-consume just to slake your obsession? Yeah, us too. Then prepare for a humorous yet brutal look at yourselves, and the impact of your lifestyle, in the newest Futurama episode that aired tonight on Comedy Central television. We suggest curling up into a protective fetal position before clicking through for the video scraps.

Futurama	Thursdays 10pm / 9c
Preview - e-Waste Delivery
www.comedycentral.com
Futurama New Episodes Futurama New Episodes Ugly Americans

Nexus One gets yet another Android 2.2 Froyo update, FRF91

Another day, another Froyo build. Now that Android 2.2 build FRF85 -- i.e. the big one that got pushed over-the-air to every Nexus One this week -- is out on the prowl, Google's taken it upon itself to release yet another update, FRF91. We've heard from a few tipsters that it's also going out OTA, but our devices have yet to be notified -- all the same, a direct link for the file has been found, so it's legit. Word on the street is it's just a security update, but we've yet to install it ourselves. Go on, live a little, download's just below.

Predator AG7750: New gaming solution from Acer

When it comes to gaming, it is clear that PC is the ultimate gaming platform. Its mostly because PC can be easily upgraded with the latest hardware and all that you need to enjoy the gaming to the fullest is money. Upgrades might not be cheap, but if you’re not the upgrade type you can simply purchase a whole new gaming solution.The latest gaming PC worth considering is the Acer Predator AG7750. We don’t know why is it called Predator but in my opinion it should be called monster because it comes with incredible hardware specs. Under the hood of Predator AG7750 there’s one of the most powerful processors on the market, Intel Core i7 930 2.8GHz that will handle all of your multimedia demands with ease. Of course, if you want to enjoy gaming to the fullest you’ll need powerful graphic card and Acer Predator AG7750 has what you need. Predator is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 that will run all of the latest games in full frame rate. If for some reason one graphic card is not enough for you there are two additional slots available as well. In addition, this gaming monster comes with 12GB of DDR 3 RAM which is more that you can really use, but we’re not complaining. As for the storage space Acer Predator comes with 1.5 TB storage that will be enough for all your games.

Latest Art Lebedev Optimus Popularis keyboard is pretty pricey

Art Lebedev has introduced their latest pricey computer gadget, the Optimus Popularis. Just like its predecessor, its got a wicked cool design which houses a screen on just about every key you’d be able to find. With pre-orders beginning to take place possibly by the end of this year or the start of the next, buyers willing to splash the cash can also expect to see a cool horizontal widescreen of widgets placed just below the function keys. This will surely make the new Optimus Popularis a keyboard worth a second look, not suprisingly therefore, the pricetag will be around the one grand USD mark.

iPhone 4 gets preliminary 'userland' jailbreak, real freedom still forthcoming

The most Twitter-vocal iPhone Dev Team member, Mr. MuscleNerd himself, has just posted a screenshot from a jailbroken iPhone 4. Before you get too excited, however, you should know that this is just a preliminary "userland" jailbreak, which means it uses Apple software to happen, and it's not of a low enough level to really be worth releasing, since it's easy for Apple to patch. Instead it's an important step toward a real, low-level jailbreak that can actually be released. We'd feign pins and needles if this community wasn't so gosh darned amazing at hacking these phones: we're sure that real jailbreak will be along shortly.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Sapphire makes multi-monitor 3D gaming a reality with a single video card

Multi-monitor gaming is hardly uncommon these days, but 3D gaming on the PC is, well, decidedly less common. Perhaps it will be the merging of the two immersive approaches that finally gets 3D going on the PC, and Sapphire is showing that it's possible. A single ATI-based Sapphire graphics card with Eyefinity support powered these three Zalman Trimon 3D displays, which use simple (and cheap) polarized glasses to make those boomers in Left4Dead really pop. No word on the overall cost of the system, but we'd hazard a guess it wouldn't be significantly higher than a triple-monitor setup woefully stuck in just two dimensions.

Yikerz Magnet Game

Want to give that brain of yours a run for its money? Why not consider the 2010 Mensa Select Mind Games Winner which comes in the form of the Yikerz Magnet Game. This is an extremely attractive game of strategy that requires the winner to place all their magnets, while an interchangeable game board paves the way for more challenges. At $19.99 a pop, this game of magnet mayhem will require you to set up the board in any configuration of you can think of, where you will then place your Yikerz pieces down on the board while trying to avoid attracting pieces which have already been played. The whole idea of the game would be to get rid of all your pieces. Should Yikerz snap together, you will need to remove those pieces into your stack. You can opt to go solo, or play in 1-on-1 and in teams, depending on your preference. Nice to know this comes in a travel pouch for you to have some Yikerz fun even when you’re on-the-go!

Icon Solo LED Pen Light

With the advent of technology being miniaturized by the day, it makes perfect sense that even everyday items like a simple pen is no longer going to remain just as that, case in point – the Icon Solo LED Pen Light from ThinkGeek. Retailing for $24.99, this unique device is a dual output LED pen light that boasts an integrated pocket clip which helps you keep it handy at all times. After all, you never quite know when the next brownout might happen, and should that occur, you can always press the tail switch to toggle between low and high beams that are rated at 16 lumens and 2 lumens, respectively. Not only that, it will even work when you’re soaking wet since it is sealed for water resistance to 1m for 30 minutes. A couple of included AAA batteries ought to give it around 75 hours total run-time.

AlcoHawk Slim Ultra

I believe that the AlcoHawk is named because it will “watch you like a hawk” to see if it is safe to get behind the wheel.
This personal breathalyzer is a battery operated product that can show the alcohol in the user’s bloodstream. The user simply presses a button and blow into a mouthpiece.
After a few seconds, the LCD screen will show the user’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) from a scale of 0 percent to 0.40 percent in about 20 seconds. Is it possible to even have a 0.40 percent without being dead? I’m not certain how you’ll get breath out of him then.
The AlcoHawk Slim Ultra is made from Q3 Innovations, and it claims to have an accuracy margin of .01 to .02 percent.
You can say that this could save a life, and I suppose it could. However, I believe that most drunk drivers get behind the wheel because they probably don’t think that they are too drunk to drive. I don’t know if the AlcoHawk will convince them not to get behind the wheel.
You should be able to get the AlcoHawk Slim Ultra for about $50, and it costs $20 per recalibration. You can also can get a disposable one known as the AlcoHawk One Test that costs about $10.

Infinity Pool in Singapore is Huge

What you are seeing here is one of those infinity pools.
What is an infinity pool? An infinity pool has an effect that the water of the pool can extend to the horizon. In reality, this water spills over the edge into a catchment, and then is pumped back to the pool again.
This particular one is located on the top of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. I don’t know if you can tell, but it is huge. There is a video after the jump so you can get an idea of how big. My Source has said that this pool is bigger in length than the Eiffel Tower laid down.
I don’t know about you, but I would be a little scared to swim in this pool. I mean, it looks like the water just ends at the roof! I mean, you would be swimming, and then “Ahhhh”!
There has got to be some sort of transparent screen or shield to protect the swimmers from that, right? Now I know how it felt back in the days of Columbus when they thought you could literally sail off the end of the earth.
I don’t think I’ll be swimming in this pool (or something like it) anytime soon, but I would sure like to.
:)

iPhone 4 vs. Galaxy S, part deux: HD video playback (video)

We just couldn't leave this face-off of superscreens alone, and went back for another bite at the cherry. Admittedly, we found out the Galaxy S had a browser-specific brightness setting that we hadn't maxed out before setting off our camera hounds, so we've gone and remedied earlier comparison shots with the gallery below, and just as a bonus, we've now also run a HD video clip on both phones. This was to see how the Hummingbird and A4 SOCs, considered close siblings, handled some taxing video work and also to again compare performance deep down on the pixel level. What we can tell you now is that both handsets chewed through the 1080p clip with ease and that both gave results we have no hesitation in describing as sublime. Click past the break for the up close and personal video comparison action.

Dell confirms talks with Google about Chrome OS

When Google listed which companies were diving head first into the Chrome OS pool, Dell was surprising spotted standing around without its floaties on. Of course, that didn't stop the company from installing the OS on one of its netbooks just for fun. Now, hot on the heels of a Dell-specific Chrome configuration, we have word from Amit Midha, Dell's President for Greater China and South Asia, that the two companies are in talks regarding future use of the blingy OS. Midha isn't indicating just what that future use might be, saying only that his company just wants to be "one of the leaders" with the technology. With Acer seemingly ready to announce hardware any day now, Red Rock's best had better get rolling.

The Stained Earth, Courtesy of BP

The beautiful and crystalline Blue Marble is now the Stained Blue Marble, created using NASA's most spectacular view of Earth and one of the scenarios for the spreading of BP's oil, as simulated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
While the NCAR says that their computer simulation shows one of the potential scenarios for the oilpocalypse spread—applying sea currents and typical weather on a neutral dye, not on actual oil—I couldn't resist overlaying it over the complete image of the Earth. Seeing what could be the extension of this catastrophe in relation to our entire home planet—only 132 days after the start of the deadly flood—gives the whole disaster a complete new dimension.

Kill Gadget Germs Dead With Violight's Snake-Oil UV Light Sanitizer

From the same company that makes toothbrush sanitizers comes the gadget sanitizer—seen here rinsing an iPhone with UV light to kill all the nasty germs living on it.
Sounds like one of those devices that no-one really needs, right? I mean, you could just use a sanitizing hand wipe or something—or even put up with the germs. They're not going to kill you, after all. There's a good chance it might ward off a cold or two though, so for that I'd give it a chance.
It works with more than iPhones, fitting most phones, MP3 players and even Bluetooth headsets, and will be on sale in October for $50 for all Howard Hughes-ites.

Google Should Give Bluetooth-Controlled Robots Away With Every Android Purchase

I think we're all in agreement that Google's Android mascot is as cute as a button, but believe me—you have never seen him flex his muscle quite like this before. Video of his technical smarts downstairs...
The hardware was made by Reo Matsumura, and Hideyuki Takei was behind the software which sends the commands to the robot from an Android phone over Bluetooth. Check out the video below, and if you fancy the Android 'bot so much that the desire to download hi-res images of it chowing down on a biscuit completely overpowers you, then you're in for a treat on Flickr here. [Karakuri via Recombu]

Belkin Conserve Valet

Most of the time to charge my cell I’ll just plug it into the charger and leave it all night.  It’s just the easiest way to do things, even if it’s not the most intelligent as far as energy use goes.  Those of you that charge a lot at night, but want to conserve energy should check out this Belkin gadget.  It’ll still allow for you to sleep while it’s charging, but it won’t drain power like many other chargers.

Most of us already have heard that most chargers will continue to suck power, whether or not your phone is plugged into the charger.  Well this Belkin Conserve Valet is a USB charging station that automatically shuts down once the gadgets using the valet are fully charged.  Plus it has the added benefit of helping you cut down on cords.
Although as of now this is in the pre-order stage of things.

Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock

You remember those lamps that require you to clap your hands to turn on or off? Looks like the technology has finally been applied to the alarm clock instead, in the form of the Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock. To tell the time, all you need to do is bring your hands together to turn on the red LED digital timer, and we suppose after a few moments, the time will disappear once again.

Perfect for those who love living out a discreet life. Powered by a couple of AAA batteries, you can choose from light or dark wood material to suit your surroundings. Needless to say, this is not something you would want to place in your bedroom simply because to tell the time in the middle of the night might just cause you to wake your spouse up with a loud clap. The Clap-On Cube Alarm Clock can be yours for $29.95.

iSnapMe helps you take pics of yourself

Anyone that’s attempted to take a picture of themselves knows how many gray hairs it’s capable of causing.  When you’re always trying to take pictures of you and  a friend when no one else is around it can be a little tricky and apparently it’s worse for those of you using an iPhone.  Of course I wouldn’t know, I swear I’m not bitter.  Well this quick little mirror trick makes it possible to take pictures without causing you nearly as much stress.

It just suctions onto the back of your iPhone, then using a mirror you’ll be able to keep track of how well you’re doing.  Now they do say it’ll still take a little practice to get used to the method, but once you’ve got it down you’ll be taking great pictures every single time.  You can watch a video through the manufacturer that gives you an idea on how it works.  To pick one up it’ll cost you $19.95.

XBox 360 Console

Thiner and more potent, the new XBox 360 console was designed to take full advantage of the new and “revolutionary” Kinect system (it was before known as the Project Natal). The console has just been introduced in the market during Microsoft’s keynote at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), which is the most important trade show for the video games industry in the world.

The new Microsoft console has a 250GB hard drive. It comes with a thinner case and quite reduced dimensions; anyway, the case is still conserving the typical curved design from the former XBox 360. Besides, it has built-in WiFi connectivity and five USB ports (two on the front panel and other three ports on the back); of course, those ports guarantee an easy connection with a wide variety of devices, controls, and gadgets.
The buttons (which remind us of those buttons from the PS3, at least vaguely) implement a system that, according to the gaming media that are covering the E3 these days, results in a more silent operation when it is compared with the former console; and certainly, that feature is a nice and very preferable thing.
Of course, this new console includes an AV port that is intended to be used as a connector for the Kinect system.
Kinect is the new and “revolutionary” way of playing games that was recently introduced by the Redmon company. In spite of the improvements, the launch price of the new console is $299 (in United States), which is exactly the same price for the former console.

Samsung Home Theater: HT-C6500 Gets the Job Done Without Breaking the Bank

To call Samsung’s HT-C6500 Home Theater System a bargain buy isn’t exactly accurate.  When you think Bargain, you think cut-rate, shoddy, perhaps a beat weak.  This system is none of those things.  Though it is true it won’t stand up to a higher-end system and won’t revolutionize the way you hear your media, the system pretty much out performs most others in the $600 price range.
The physical system is very elegant, small and stylish, not bulky or generic like some others I’ve seen.  It also comes with two HDMI ports which is one up on its competition.  The speakers range from six inches to one foot tall (the left and right speakers being the largest of the set.)  They produce well-rounded sound that is good enough without being too good.

But the real reason to buy this system isn’t the sound—it’s the connectivity.  In addition to the two physical HDMI ports, the Samsung box comes complete with built-in WiFi.  It’s a simple matter of going through a few configuration menus and you can easily run Samsung’s own Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, and Skype apps.  However, you can also connect to most DLNA devices and stream data from them.  Examples would be your Xbox 360 and your handy dandy smart phone.
Overall, the ease of use is a refreshing change from other home theaters and though it’s not a top of the line product, it also only costs $600.

LG Display and iriver enter joint venture to make e-book readers pretty, affordable

Well what do you know, turns out the LB4400 was a harbinger of things to come. LG Display and iriver just announced a $5M joint venture to manufacture e-book readers. The new China-based company, L&I Electronic Technology (Dongguan) Ltd, sees iriver doing the platform development and product design (thank gawd) while LG provides the EPD displays. It's interesting to note that the company will act as an OEM/ODM to anyone looking to slap their brand on an e-book reader... after iriver -- the company's first customer -- takes the pick of the litter.

PRESS RELEASE

Iriver – LG Display
Establish joint venture for e-book business

- Iriver and LG Display financed a total of 5 million dollars to establish a joint-venture company in Iriver's China Plant
- Operating an ODM and OEM system to manufacture e-book reader
- Develop and produce leading e-book readers in the global market by generating synergy in the technology and manufacturing aspects

Iriver and LG Display have agreed to establish a joint venture company, 'L&I Electronic Technology (Dongguan) Ltd.' in China to expand their e-book business.

Each Iriver and LG Display will finance 49% and 51% of the joint venture company, respectively, totaling up to 5 million dollars. The business will be founded on original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and original development manufacturing (ODM) systems to develop e-books and provide production services.

Iriver is responsible for product design, accumulated knowledge on e-book technology, including designs and platform development, as well as technical assistance within the joint-venture. And Iriver will be the first customer for the joint venture. LG Display, with its global sales network and world class production skills, will be in charge of providing a stable supply of e-book displays, such as electronic paper displays (EPD) to the joint venture.

Iriver expects to gain a stronger market presence in both the domestic and global e-book markets as it will gain a price competitive e-book reader supplier from the new relationship. The prospect for LG Display also seems bright. It will stand out from its competitors by securing a stable distribution line for its e-book displays, while also making its debut in the final product business.

Jae Woo Lee, CEO of Iriver, said, "The joint-venture is significant in that it lays the foundation for a more stable and competitive manufacturing line. If we succeed in generating a synergy between Iriver and LG Display, our joint-venture company will grow to become the market leader with unrivaled competitive power in e-book development and production business.

LG Display's Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile/OLED Business Unit Mr. Eddie Yeo said, "LG Display decided to establish a joint venture with iriver to supply customers with more competitive products as part of our upstream-downstream business transformation strategy. LG Display will utilize its advanced EPD technologies to achieve early commercial production of color and flexible EPD and reach the global No.1 position by 2012."