Hasta La Gadget!

Toshiba have today announced the release of the industry’s first notebook PC which incorporates a terrestrial digital TV tuner capable of recording two programs simultaneously, and will go on sale from May 20th.

The notebook computer also comes with a one touch “eco” button which changes the running of the computer to optimum energy saving levels, cutting power consumption by 24% based on regular using. The product itself isn’t hugely game changing, but what was interesting was how Toshiba are marketing the new product in Japan.

The disaster in Japan has changed the way many companies approach how they advertise their products now. Toshiba with their new laptop are focusing on the ability for users to be able to watch digital terrestrial television broadcasts, even during power blackouts when normal televisions would not work. Concerns of consumers in Japan have certainly changed since the earthquake, and being able to watch developing news on the television in the event of a disaster may appeal to many who experienced the disaster firsthand.

The eco function will also be heavily promoted as consumers worry about the possibility of summer power shortages. Having already experienced blackouts shortly after the earthquake the threat of certain appliances being off limits during periods of the day is a prominent concern for many. Where before the disaster, brands advertising their eco credentials were tapping into growing environmental concerns, post quake, in Japan’s New Normal, it is targeting concerns of a different nature.

The number of appliances with built in batteries targeting this “post disaster market” will no doubt increase, as concerns rise about power shortages. With a variety of outlets available to the public which convey the electricity grid’s current consumption rate in real time, the threat of blackouts is particularly visible. Just last week with the recent warmer weather we saw the indicator rise to 85% capacity and it was only 11am. Knowing how hot and humid summers can be in Tokyo, the use of airconditioners is a must so energy consumption will rise dramatically as the thermometer does.

Sharp have already released a portable TV that can last up to 3-4 hours without mains power, and a new Tohsiba TV even comes with a “peak shift” button on the remote which switches from AC adapter to battery power. Being able to charge whilst watching during off peak times, then switch to battery power during peak electricity usage hours will help cut the electricity demand. Electric fans, refrigerators and other appliances could be next to offer back up, non mains power, and the demand for these products will no doubt spur innovation within Japan. With an interest in “Eco” products worldwide, this kind of technology could provide Japan with a unique opportunity to take the lead in energy saving products and innovate out of disaster.

Related Posts:

5 Power Saving Tips for Japan
Get Your #Denkimeter Game On.
Cute Girls Keep Us Informed

There’s little question that the last 50 years have represented the most innovative half-century in human history, and today marks the anniversary of the invention that started it all: the silicon-based integrated circuit. Robert Noyce received the landmark US patent on April 25, 1961, going on to found Intel Corporation with Gordon E. Moore (of Moore’s Law fame) in 1968. He wasn’t the first to invent the integrated circuit — the inventor of the pocket calculator Jack Kilby patented a similar technology on a germanium wafer for Texas Instruments a few months prior. Noyce’s silicon version stuck, however, and is responsible for Moore’s estimated $3.7 billion net worth, not to mention the success of the entire computing industry. Holding 16 other patents and credited as a mentor of Steve Jobs, Noyce was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1987, and continued to shape the computing industry until his death in 1990. If Moore’s Law continues to hold true, as we anticipate it will, we expect the next 50 years to be even more exciting than the last. Let’s meet back here in 2061.

Today marks 50th anniversary of first silicon integrated circuit patent (and the entire computing industry) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Calgary Herald  | Email this | Comments

We’ve seen a rather creepy array of robots programmed to mimic human emotions, but teaching a machine to feel regret? Now, that’s a new one. With funding from Google, a team of Tel Aviv University researchers is working on an algorithm to teach computers to learn from their experiences, thus reducing instances of “virtual regret.” According to the team’s lead, such an algorithm would allow servers and routing systems to more efficiently deal with internet traffic, by recognizing and documenting things like sudden spikes in traffic or increased attention to an online product. Basically, the more they learn from their past inadequacies, the more effectual the machines become. Google’s apparently interested in the potential impact on programs like AdSense and AdWords. Now, if they could just teach online advertisers a sense of shame… Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Google funds project to teach computers regret, sadly won’t lead to apologetic machines

Google funds project to teach computers regret, sadly won’t lead to apologetic machines originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Tel Aviv University  | Email this | Comments

Another dusty gem’s emerged from the vintage gold mine that is AT&T’s Tech Channel archive, and this one’s packed full of useful information and some classic Jetsons-style animation. The Thinking Machines pits man against computer to explain how the things reason, and it does so with a soundtrack that’s straight out of, well, 1968. Unsurprisingly, the film’s populated by giant, button-laden switchboards, early computer graphics, ladies sporting beehives, and gents rocking unfortunate facial hair, but if that doesn’t do it for you, it also offers genuine pearls like this: “Best of all, they never get bored. Like other machines, they can do the same monotonous chores all day long without complaining.” Someone should tell that to the disgruntled Roomba residing in our hall closet. Check out the full video in all its dated glory after the break.

Continue reading The Thinking Machines flashes back to 1968 for a lesson in computer logic, sideburns (video)

The Thinking Machines flashes back to 1968 for a lesson in computer logic, sideburns (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 03:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  AT&T Tech Channel  | Email this | Comments

In some ways, visiting cyberspace is kind of like entering a crowded subway car during the peak of flu season. You’re surrounded by all sorts of germs-in the form of trojans, spyware, viruses, rootkits, etc.-just looking for a vulnerable host to invade and feed on. Once you’re infected, these pests can wreak havoc on your system, swiping your personal information and passwords, annihilating your credit rating, and stealing your identity. To avoid a potentially virulent attack, you need to take precautions. More »