Gary Teachout has put together an interesting robot that uses a Motorola 68HC11 as a brain and K’NEX for the structure. It has some smarts built into it, this includes a fight or flight reaction!
"ERC is a small computer, a few motors, some cardboard, and a bunch of K’NEX. For a long time it was a mobile robot, with differential drive, and I used it for many navigation experiments. It has an oscillating scan platform with two seven zone, convergent mode, infrared, range finders. Seven IR emitters mounted behind the upper lens (pocket magnifier), produce beams that converge with the field of view of a detector (behind the lower lens), at different distances from about nine inches away, to nine feet away. ERC divides this 360 degree view into 32 directions, and for each gets a distance of one to seven, or beyond range."
.:: Hitachi concept WOOO camcorder can stream HD video on TV wirelessly (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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Hitachi at CEDIA 2008 showcases a concept digital camcorder that is capable of streaming HD video to a TV display wirelessly. The prototype video camera captures video on its HDD in HD MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, and has an SDIO standard IEEE802.11g module to transmit live feed or captured video to TV via an access point.
Streaming recorded video is supported with Hitachi’s DLNA server capable display along with basic video playback controls. Live video, on the other hand, use camcorder’s IPTV server feature to deliver the signals. Fewer details are available at this time but you can tell the SD storage logo printed the camcorder.
.:: Nintendo DSi battery life drops up to 50% from DS Lite (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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Nintendo’s new DSi handheld, announced today, may be a bit more portable than its DS Lite predecessor - 12-percent thinner in fact - but if you’re expecting to use that portability to take it further afield for even more gaming then the estimated battery life ratings may be a disappointment. While the DS Lite could last for 15-19hrs on a single charge at minimum brightness, that figure drops to 9-14hrs in the DSi; at highest brightness you’ll get a mere 3-4hrs from the DSi, whereas the DS Lite would have entertained you for 5-8hrs.
At low brightness, the DSi will last 8-12hrs compared to the DS Lite’s 10-15hrs. At medium it will last 6-9hr - versus 7-11hrs from the older handheld - while at high that drops to 4-6hrs. The one improvement is charging time, with the DSi taking 2.5hrs to fully recharge while the DS Lite takes 3hrs.
It’s unclear whether the reduced battery life is a result of the new functionality, the bigger screens (probably a significant component) or the power pack itself being cut down to maintain the DSi’s slim physique. However Nintendo’s assertion that the handheld is the company’s “third platform” and will likely go on sale alongside the DS Lite becomes a little more clear: any hardcore mobile gamers who prioritize longevity and GBA backward compatibility over media features will be able to pick the DS Lite (which will probably see a price cut), while those who view gaming as just a single part of what they want their handheld to do will more likely be tempted by the DSi.
.:: Lamborghini Estoque four-door 170mph concept: in showrooms by 2011 (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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When Porsche do it, I can cope. Aston Martin I can deal with. But a four-door saloon from Lamborghini? That just sounds blasphemous. However crippling economic climates demand stranger things, and so feast your eyes on the Lamborghini Estoque concept: a four-door, five meter long, V8-powered monster of a vehicle, predicted to hit showrooms in 2011 with a price-tag around $130,000.
The concept may use a V8, but Lamborghini are being upfront about their aspiring eco credentials. The production model will likely be offered with the storming V10 from the Gallardo, but they’re also considering a choice of turbodiesel or possibly hybrid petrol electric engines so as to hit a target CO2 emissions figure of 300g/km. Not exactly a Prius, but then Lamborghini buyers will be expecting superlative performance along with their rear seats.
They’ll get it, too: 0-60mph in under 5s, with a top speed of 170mph. A dual-clutch sequential manual transmission, 22-inch wheels on the front and 23-inch on the back are also tipped to cross over from the concept to the production Estoque; it’s uncertain whether the same can be said for the low height, with the car being a mere 1.35m tall (though with enough room for a couple of golf bags in the boot, if you want to be really blasphemous).
Lamborghini hope to sell 2500-3000 of the Estoque every year, basically doubling their current total sales figures. A large percentage of these sales are expected to be in growth markets such as Russia and the far east.
.:: Sony VAIO JS1: All-in-One with optional Blu-ray & high-def audio editing (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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Sony’s VAIO JS series of all-in-one desktop PCs - which were announced last month - has been re-announced for Europe, together with some new spec details and photos. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 processor with 3GB of RAM, a 500GB hard-drive and WiFi b/g/n, the JS1’s crowning glory is a 20.1-inch 1680 x 1050 X-black display with an Intel GMA X4500HD video card doing the business behind the scenes.
There’s also some serious audio capabilities on offer, with Dolby virtual surround sound and Sony’s own Sound Reality chip that can play, record and edit SACD audio. SonicStage Mastering Studio software, preinstalled on the JS1, can upconvert standard CD audio to uncompressed Direct Stream Digital (DSD) format, and then remaster it into 5.1 surround sound.
Blu-ray is an option (although one not mentioned on the European release) and there’s an integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam. Price in Europe is as-yet unknown, but in the US the VAIO JS range will be priced from $999 (with a DVD-RW drive) to $1,449 (with a read-only Blu-ray drive) with availability this Fall.
Press Release:
VAIO JS1-Series
The VAIO JS1-Series all-in-one PC seems to offer buyers the impossible: it has a large, high-resolution screen, yet it takes up less desk space than most notebooks. It achieves this apparent contradiction by virtue of its sleek and stylish design. The compact keyboard can be slotted underneath the main unit when not in use, leaving only a modest footprint on the desk. Even when the keyboard is out, the JS1-Series takes up remarkably little room.
Despite its modest space requirements, the JS1’s main unit incorporates a generously sized 20.1-inch screen complete with multiple lamp technology for exceptional brightness. The display runs at 1680 x 1050 resolution, delivering a huge Windows workspace as well as an imposing widescreen presence when a movie is playing.
All this makes the VAIO JS1 an excellent choice for anyone wanting a rather special home PC. It looks good in almost any room, takes up surprisingly little space and offers an adventurous design a long way away from the standard desktop box. Internally there’s raw power for audio-visual applications thanks to the Intel Core™ 2 Duo processor, plus a performance-enhancing 3GB of memory and a roomy 500GB hard disk providing plenty of space for music, pictures and video.
While the large screen is ideal for photo editing, the JS1 also scores well when it comes to the audio side of things. Movie soundtracks are enhanced by Dolby Home Theatre® technology which creates an impressive virtual surround sound effect, and audiophiles can take advantage of the special features offered by Sony’s Sound Reality signal processor chip built into the system.
This can handle75 Super Audio CD (SA-CD), allowing the JS1 to record, edit and play music at SA-CD quality, and even upgrade older recordings to the new standard.
Sound Reality can up-convert conventional CD-quality music into uncompressed Direct Stream Digital (DSD) format. Using the pre-installed SonicStage Mastering Studio software, the DSD signal can be re-mastered into 5.1 Super Audio CD, revitalising the original.
As with the VAIO NS1-Series, JS1 comes with VAIO Movie Story and VAIO Music box for easy, largely automated slideshow and playlist creation. The software package also includes the popular and highly regarded Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 for powerful but easy to use photo editing tools plus Adobe Premiere® Elements 4 for video editing.
To round things off the VAIO JS1 has an integrated Motion Eye webcam, making it perfect for video chat or blogging. With its versatility, eye-catching design and big screen, the JS1-Series is the perfect blend of form and function.
- Graphics: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD
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Acer has teamed up with exotic car manufacturer Ferrari to bring you a limited edition LCD monitor known as F-22Bid- A natively 1680×1050, 22-inch widescreen LCD gaming display capable of 2ms Grey-To-Grey response time. The disclose specification of 20,000:1 contrast and brightness level of 300cd/m² suggested the manufacturer’s target is in gaming segment rather than professional uses. Likely another 22-inchTN panel monitor makes suitable for fast response gaming gig.
The look of the prominent rearing Ferrari stallion logo in glossy finish sure will turn a few heads, and probably you wallet too. With only 500 units available worldwide and each bears the accent of Italian finest, don’t expect the Taiwanese lets loose of this display in affordable price.
.:: Nokia 5310 XpressMusic first Comes With Music device: October 16th launch (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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Nokia have confirmed that, while the 5800 XpressMusic will be getting a Comes With Music version sometime in 2009, the first handset to support the unlimited music download service will be the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic, apparently the best selling music handset in the world. Comes With Music will be bundle75d with certain XpressMusic devices, offering one year of unlimited access to the entire Nokia Music Store catalogue. After that one year, the tracks do not expire or delete; users can continue to listen to them (though not transfer them to non-Comes With Music devices).
There are currently around two million tracks available through the Nokia Music Store, with EMI being the latest major label to sign up to the system. The remaining tracks are from Universal, Sony BMG and Warner, as well as numerous independent labels.
The Nokia 5310 XpressMusic Comes With Music edition is expected to cost £129.95 ($228) when it hits the UK on October 16th 2008; it’s available to pre-order at the Carphone Warehouse. Other Comes With Music handsets will include versions of the Nokia N95 8GB and today’s 5800.
.:: Full-sized Mech Exoskeleton: flame-shooting video demo (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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Mech-enthusiast Carlos Owens is in the process of building another full-sized working exoskeleton, currently 16-foot tall without the head and capable of shooting flames out of its hands. Eventually to be controlled with hydraulics salvaged from Carlos’ previous mech, Big Red (shown below), the chassis is seemingly complete but at the moment it’s immobile.
Video demo of the flame-shooting mech exoskeletons after the cut
“Think of a Mech as type of Personal Tank Armour. Rather than the Mech augmenting the pilots bodily movements or functions; The Mech will imitate the pilots motions but only as a method of control, not augmentation. A Mech will be able to serve the same purposes as firefighting vehicles, military armour, and construction vehicles but with more precise control and agility than a typical tracked or wheeled vehicle” Neogentronyx Mech description
Carlos’ eventual hope is to turn his one-man project into a full-scale mecha construction/research & development group. Of course, that requires plenty of funding so he’s looking for donations.
.:: Nintendo DSi not coming to US until ‘well into’ 2009 (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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If ever there was a reason to move to Japan (not that I’d take much persuading) it’s the news that the US might have to wait even longer than initially expected for the new Nintendo DSi. According to Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aimé, while the handheld will make it to Japan in around a month, US buyers will have to wait until “well into calendar year 2009″.
The reason for making American customers wait longer for their DSi fix is, ironically, because they’re too keen. Fils-Aimé claimed that strong sales of the DS Lite, which the DSi is expected to sit alongside, have prompted the delayed launch, so as to make the most of enthusiasm for the existing system.
Whether that enthusiasm will continue as would-be buyers discover that a new model is not only waiting in the wings but available elsewhere in the world remains to be seen. Gamers are now hoping that “well into 2009″ actually means a few months in compared to, say, a CES 2009 launch.
.:: Silicon Image’s InstaPort promises sub second HDMI switching (3-10-2008, 08:57)
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If you have multiple HDMI sources connected to a pre-pro, switcher or TV display, have you ever noticed the rather irritating lag time during switching? I do, I have a desktop display that take about 10 seconds then display a failed HDCP authentication message (it works nevertheless) on the screen every time I turn the TV on. On my Home Theater setup, I have five HDMI sources connected to a Preamp processor. The lag time varies from 3 to 5 seconds, better than the LCD display but could definitely improve with the InstaPort from Silicon Image.
With Silicon Image’s InstaPort technology, HDMI access time can be further accelerated and shaved the lag time down to less than a second! The company explains the InstaPort authenticate HDCP process instantaneously and simultaneously when the devices are connected, not when the input is selected.
The company also says InstaPort be featured in Samsung’s next generation TV displays and is currently under evaluation at nine of the top ten HDTV manufacturers for next year’s models.
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If you have multiple HDMI sources connected to a pre-pro, switcher or TV display, have you ever noticed the rather irritating lag time during switching? I do, I have a desktop display that take about 10 seconds then display a failed HDCP authentication message (it works nevertheless) on the screen every time I turn the TV on. On my Home Theater setup, I have five HDMI sources connected to a Preamp processor. The lag time varies from 3 to 5 seconds, better than the LCD display but could definitely improve with the InstaPort from Silicon Image. 
