Apple notebooks could use hybrid HDDs

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 09:37:58 PM. © Ubergizmo

Apple notebooks could use hybrid HDDs It is rumored that Apple will be unveiling notebook computers sometime later this year that use flash memory as the storage medium of choice, and it remains to be seen whether this will be part of a hybrid hard drive that combines both a standard hard drive an NAND flash memory. Whatever the case is, end users will be the ones who benefit as flash memory results in a lesser load and boot up times in addition to conserving more power. Apple has not yet released any official comment on this development, so take this news with a grain of salt. It will be a matter of time before traditional hard drives go the way of the dodos, but that is still a long way off since flash memory is much more expensive in high capacities.

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HD Photo announced by Microsoft

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 09:29:02 PM. © Ubergizmo

HD Photo announced by Microsoft

Microsoft has announced a new file format for end-to-end digital photography today by introducing HD Photo. This new format is said to feature a higher image quality and greater data preservation to bring digital photography to a whole new level. HD Photo is capable of compression at double the efficiency of JPEG at one-half the file size with fewer damaging artifacts. Microsoft aims to standardize this technology, and if their push is successful, we will see a whole new slew of hardware being released once again to accomodate the new format. This means more dollars flowing out of consumers' pockets to keep up with the times.

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Kingston releases new DataTraveler Reader

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 09:22:41 PM. © Ubergizmo

Kingston releases new DataTraveler Reader

It is an idea so simple, I'm amazed that nobody thought of going through with it until Kingston released its new DataTraveler Reader which not only comes with the ability to read nine different flash memory card formats, it also boasts 4GB of onboard storage. This SDHC card-compatible reader is a must-have device for those who transfer large files on a regular basis, be it at work or at home. Only one question remains - is it ready to double up as a ReadyBoost drive in the Windows Vista environment, and is the read/write speed up to par? Pricing details are still unavailable.

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eader.html

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Sony CyberShot G1 finally wireless

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 09:17:31 PM. © Ubergizmo

Sony CyberShot G1 finally wireless

Sony is late to the WiFi party where digital cameras are concerned, but as the adage goes, "better late than never". This new CyberShot G1 is their latest wireless digital camera to hit the market, boasting a 6-megapixel Carl Zeiss lens, an extra large 3.5" LCD display, and a whooping 2GB of internal memory that can be used to store recorded VGA-quality videos and photos. Will there be a Memory Stick slot of any kind in there to complement the high capacity internal memory? If the answer is in the negative, it will definitely be a bummer after forking out approximately $600 for the G1 next month.

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tml

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Novint Falcon feels you

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 09:06:15 PM. © Ubergizmo

Novint Falcon feels you

Hardcore gamers often want the best experience in gaming possible, so it is no surprise that there are items such as the ForceWear Vest and Novint Falcon to increase the realism in games. The latter is a device which can represent texture and motion in a game - for example when you touch sand in the virtual world, the Falcon will mimic the sensation without missing a beat. It still cannot reproduce the exact temperature yet as technology has not advanced to such a level. Gaming with the Falcon will be difficult as you probably need two hands to man your virtual character already, so I forsee this device taking a more educational route at day care centers and kindergartens. You can pick up the Novint Falcon for $189 now, but if you wait until June the price will be $50 more.

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AT&T to churn out new smartphone

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 08:58:15 PM. © Ubergizmo

AT&T to churn out new smartphone AT&T will be making a return to the smartphone market, but it remains to be seen whether this renaissance will be a truimphant one. The SMT5600 of yore was considered by many to be one of the better smartphones ever released in the Americas, but time has certainly changed many things. Will this Windows Mobile 5.0-powered device be able to hold its own against other smartphones that have moved on to the Crossbow platform? The only hardware specification of which we know of is a 2 megapixel camera - everything else is wrapped tighter than King Tut's mummy lining.

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Crystal phone concept bewilders

post from Ubergizmo on 08 March 2007 08:50:20 PM. © Ubergizmo

There is one good point when it comes to concept products - it enables the designers to go wild with ideas, letting technology catch up at a much later date. Don't believe me? Take a look at Leonardo's early helicopter design for example. BloodRabbit was driving home one way when he was met with a bright light, giving him the vision for a credit card-sized cellphone that comes in a translucent case along with a pansy old school LCD display that you see here. How does the battery and other electronics fit inside? Well, probably some form of see-through semiconductor technology will have to be included by then. Too bad it can't fit in a camera which is a staple these days. Hopefully it is more durable than it looks.

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2007/03/crystal_phone_concept_bewilders.html

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Compose your own wake-up tunes

Having an MP3 song blare to wake you up isn't new anymore, but for the discerning composers among us, the Desktop Music Composer is definitely a must-have alarm clock to keep by the bedside. This unique timepiece comes with seven multi-colored plastic audio transmitting modules that correspond to a specific instrument or theme, of which among them include Cosmic, Strings, Bass, Percussion, Keyboards, and Soothing. Depending on where you place the audio modules on the unit itself, you can potentially create up to 1,159 different sound and lightscapes. It will probably take a lifetime to find a tune you really like though. Alternatively, the included audio input enables you to connect it to a music source where you can subsequently modify the pitch, tempo, reverb, and echo of the song being played. The Desktop Music Composer retails for $59.95.

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2007/03/compose_your_own_wakeup_tunes.html

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Personal Alarm Watch concept

Nikita Golovlev has designed a watch that could potentially save lives in a dire situation, as his Personal Alarm Watch is capable of detecting events such as fire alarms, subsequently alerting the wearer via an internal vibration motor and flashing lights. This concept product could either use an internal antenna to receive special signals from a triggered smoke detector, or a microphone within which can detect a sudden increase or pre-programmed danger sound before it goes about flashing madly like a disco in tandem with the vibration. Should it ever be mass produced, the Personal Alarm Watch will definitely be a boon to the hearing impaired. Oh yeah, it is also a good thing this watch tells the time, too.

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2007/03/personal_alarm_watch_concept.html

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Carry your favorite pics on the KeyFoto

Mustek has introduced the new KeyFoto Digital Picture Keychain at PMA '07 today, offering a great way to exhibit and carry up to 42 digital photos in your pocket. No longer do you need to whip out your wallet and show off your family's pictures - all you need to do is scroll through an entire album's worth on the keychain itself. This keychain uses a USB port for data transfer and comes with 4MB of internal memory for your photo storage needs. The internal battery is good for two hours' worth of viewing before requiring a recharge. The KeyFoto will automatically shut itself off after two minutes of being idle. You can pick up the Mustek KeyFoto for $29.99 from next month onwards.