IKEA Brings X-Ray Vision to its Catalogs

This isn’t the first time a company has tried incorporating technology into catalogs. Remember how Moosejaw released an app with their catalog that let shoppers (and the occasional pervert) see through the models’ clothing.

Now IKEA is doing the same thing, minus the sexy models, replaced with lots of hard-to-assemble home furnishings.

ikea xray catalog
As if there weren’t enough IKEA junkies already.

IKEA makes use of Augmented Reality to the fullest though, from allowing customers to see through cabinets and dresses to displaying additional furniture configurations to make the buying process easier.

Here’s a clip that shows off how it works:

You can download the IKEA catalog app here, and order the printed catalog here.

[via Pop Up City]


Ballmer: Windows 8 launch could be bigger than Windows 95

There’s no doubt that the last few months of 2012 are going to be pretty big for Microsoft thanks to the incoming launch of Windows 8, but now CEO Steve Ballmer says that the launch of the new OS could be bigger than most of us are expecting. Speaking in a recent interview with The Seattle Times, Ballmer elaborated on his recent comments that 2012 would be the most “epic” year in Microsoft’s history, saying that the launch of Windows 8 could eclipse that of Windows 95.


For those who don’t remember the launch of Windows 95 all too well (or weren’t even around, which is strange thought): it was big. Windows 95 was everywhere when it launched, and it did a lot to make Windows a household name – not easy for a computer operating system in the early-to-mid ’90s. Now Ballmer hopes that the launch of Windows 8 can top the historic launch of Windows 95. “You know, Windows 95 was certainly the biggest thing in the last 20 years until now,” he said. “I think Windows 8 certainly surpasses it. It’s a little hard to compare things like the founding (of the company) and the introduction of the first popular PC and the system that popularized it, but it’s at that scale.”

Indeed, we’re seeing Windows 8 make a lot of changes to the classic Windows formula, perhaps most importantly boasting a touch-friendly design. Can it top the obsession of Windows 95? That’s a pretty lofty goal for Microsoft, and it’s going to be hard to pull off. With so many manufacturers going all-in with Windows 8, however, and the fact that Windows 8 signals a departure from Windows installments of the past, it just might.

Ballmer also talked a little bit about the pricing for Surface in his interview with The Seattle Times, saying that the “sweet spot” for pricing will probably range from $300 to $700 or $800. That’s a pretty broad range, to be sure, and it suggests that Microsoft may not be all that interested in having Surface compete with less expensive 7-inch tablets like the Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD 7. We’re still waiting for solid pricing details though, so Ballmer’s estimate could change by the time Surface actually arrives. Stay tuned.


Ballmer: Windows 8 launch could be bigger than Windows 95 is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Asus Windows 8 Roadmap Leak: $600-$1300 for Windows 8 Tablets

Asus’ holiday roadmap was recently leaked to ZDnet, and we got our first insight to Windows 8 tablet pricing. They seem… a bit pricey. Asus is coming out with at least three Windows 8 tablets for the 2012 holidays. They’ve got the Vivo Tab RT, the low-end option with a 10.1” screen, that starts at $599. Adding a keyboard brings the total up to $798. There’s an 11.6” Vivo Tab starting at $800, which is interesting. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: ASUS will reportedly base their Windows 8 devices on Apple’s current iPad price, Asus Tablet 810 spotted at the FCC,

Do You Trust Electronic Voting? [Chatroom]

Casting your vote is more or less the most American thing you can do. It’s the central tenet of our system of government. So screwing with it is a big deal. But can’t it just get with the times already? Turns out… maybe not. More »

Leica’s Gorgeous New Rangefinder Cameras Are Impressive, Expensive

Leica cameras never get long in the tooth–the M1, which came out in 1959, still sells for thousands of dollars at auction. Still, we were waiting for the successor to the beautiful M9. Today, Leica unveiled two new lust-worthy cameras at Photokina.

In a move reminiscent of Apple’s iPad “3” announcement, the Leica M drops the numerical suffix and assumes its place as Leica’s flagship camera.  It’s packing a full-frame sensor (35.8mm x 23.9mm, the same size as 35mm film) that produces 24 megapixel images, an improvement over the M9’s 18 megapixel output. In addition, Leica’s improved the camera’s image processing and it gains the ability to film 1080p video at 30 fps. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Leica X2 Edition Paul Smith camera is limited at 1,500 units, Fujifilm’s XF1, A Retrotastic Powerful Little Point and Shoot,

The LIFX LED Lightbulb is controlled over WIFI via an iPhone

It seems every year we’re treated to promises that lightbulbs are going next-gen, complete with networking features that will help us automate our homes. Few of these products get past the concept stage, so Phil Bosua decided to use a Kickstarter to make the networked bulb a reality. Fully funded in less than one week, the LIFX Lightbulb is a multicolored LED lightbulb which can be both networked and controlled from your smartphone.

Networked lightbulbs offer potential ranging from automated setups to increased energy efficiency, but you’ll probably notice the remote control features first. The Kickstarter promises that you’ll be able to change the color and brightness from your phone, or even have the quality of light match the beat of the song you’re playing. And since it’s all packed into the bulb, all you have to do is simply change your existing bulbs, instead of installing a whole new system. We haven’t tried it out yet, but it seems pretty cool. If you pledge $65 right now, you’ll get a LIFX lightbulb when they come out later this year.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Hitachi G-Connect: A Wireless Storage + Router for Mobiles, Philips Fidelio SoundSphere docking speakers work with AirPlay,

Leica unveils V-Lux 4 superzoom, D-Lux 6 compact to mirror their Panasonic counterparts

Leica unveils VLux 4 superzoom, DLux 6 compact to mirror Panasonic counterparts

Leica has its more unique creations, but some of its more affordable cameras are usually upscale parallels to Panasonic models — and that’s undoubtedly true for the newly official (and previously leaked) V-Lux 4 and D-Lux 6, which respectively echo Panasonic’s FZ200 and LX7 shooters. We can’t object too much. That similarity gives the 12-megapixel V-Lux 4 superzoom (seen up top) a 25-600mm equivalent lens with a constant, wide f/2.8 aperture to snap bright images at long distances. The D-Lux 6, meanwhile, combines its large 1.7-inch, also 12-megapixel sensor with a 24-90mm, f/1.4-2.3 lens and that distinctive aperture control ring. What you’re really getting over the Panasonic equivalents is a subtler, all-black Leica color scheme and a copy of Adobe Lightroom 4 to manage the imminent flood of photos. Photographers who don’t mind knowing their luxury cameras’ true roots can swing by Leica dealers in November to buy either design; we don’t yet know prices, but it’s safe to assume that the V-Lux 4 and D-Lux 6 will carry premiums over their more pedestrian equivalents.

Continue reading Leica unveils V-Lux 4 superzoom, D-Lux 6 compact to mirror their Panasonic counterparts

Filed under:

Leica unveils V-Lux 4 superzoom, D-Lux 6 compact to mirror their Panasonic counterparts originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceLeica (V-Lux 4), (D-Lux 6)  | Email this | Comments

Lifeguarding Drones Will Protect Australians From Sharks

Beach season may be over in the United States, but in Australia (and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere) it’s just getting started. And in preparation for the oncoming hordes of beachgoers heading to Queensland, Australia, lifeguards are prepping remotely piloted drones to monitor the beaches.

Surf Life Saving Queensland has chosen Aerobot’s Ring Drone to patrol the beach, and drop buoys on those swimmers struggling to keep their heads above water. The drones will also have horns installed, to warn swimmers of dangers like sharks.

Maybe the inevitable Baywatch reboot will feature nerds with remote controls, instead of Pamela Anderson. I’d watch that! Video of the drone model, not fighting sharks in the full post (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Call of Duty Black Ops 2 MQ-27 Dragonfire drone passes the FCC, Drones can save lives, provide emergency relief provisions,

Where You Can Actually Get 4G LTE With the iPhone 5 [4G]

LTE is the best 4G, and the only one that should really be able to call itself “Four Gee.” (Even if none of the 4Gs are real 4G.) But where can you actually get it in America? The answer is… not many places—unless you’re on Verizon. More »

Fujifilm’s XF1, A Retrotastic Powerful Little Point and Shoot

Fujifilm has been mining inspiration from retro cameras lately, and their newest point and shoot is positively dripping with mid-century style. The XF1 is a tiny point-and-shoot with a 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor that clocks in at 12 megapixels. Possibly the most exciting aspect of this camera is its new 25-100mm f/1.8 – f/4.9 lens that should handle excellently in low light. At its widest angle, the camera should feel like it’s using a pancake lens.

Fujifilm packed a whole lot of other great specs in the tiny package, including a 3 inch LCD, 1080p video recording, and ISO going up to 12800. And in keeping with the retro feel, the camera has a full manual settings, including dials on the back and top. The XF1 comes covered in your choice of three leathers, and should be available for $500 next month.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: FinePix F600 EXR announced by Fujifilm, Leica’s Gorgeous New Rangefinder Cameras Are Impressive, Expensive,