Sep 26
How Gesture Control Actually Works
Posted in: Today's Chili Gesture control sure is cool
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Apr 12
The Leap Motion hacks just keep coming. The motion-controlled gadget still hasn’t hit our shelves, but eager engineers are already hooking their developer kits up to all the electronics they own. More »
Nov 27
Netflix Android app updated with tweaks to the player UI, 4.2 compatibility
Posted in: Today's Chili 
Netflix just refreshed the front end of its Android app a few weeks ago, and is now tweaking the look and functions of the player itself again after previously making changes back in April. As seen above, version 2.1 brings a look that’s closer to the one we’ve seen on iOS since the spring, with large red buttons, a bigger volume slider, 10 second skip back and stills that change in the background as the user moves the scrub bar. The changelog also notes added support for Android 4.2 plus other unspecified playback and stability bug fixes, grab the newest edition at the source link to try it out for yourself.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile
Source: Google Play
Oct 18
Sprint Nextel takes control of Clearwire after increasing stake to 50.8 percent
Posted in: Today's Chili 
A securities filing has just revealed that Sprint Nextel has acquired 50.8 percent of Clearwire Corp giving it control of the firm. The deal comes after buying out Eagle River Holdings’ stake in the telco. This comes just days after Sprint was subject to a sale of its own, to Japanese operator Softbank. The news is the latest twist in the up and down relationship between the two firms, and hints at a more assertive LTE strategy — given that it now has more say over Clearwire’s spectrum. Although it remains unclear how this will affect deals with other operators. If you really want to get in to the nitty-gritty, head on down to the Securities and Exchange Commission doc in the source link below.
[Thanks, James K]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint
Sprint Nextel takes control of Clearwire after increasing stake to 50.8 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 26
Scientists investigating AI-based traffic control, so we can only blame the jams on ourselves
Posted in: Today's Chili 
Ever found yourself stuck at the lights convinced that whatever is controlling these things is just trying to test your patience, and that you could do a better job? Well, turns out you might — at least partly — be right. Researchers at the University of Southampton have just revealed that they are investigating the use of artificial intelligence-based traffic lights, with the hope that it could be used in next-generation road signals. The research uses video games and simulations to assess different traffic control systems, and apparently us humans do a pretty good job. The team at Southampton hope that they will be to emulate this human-like approach with new “machine learning” software. With cars already being tested out with WiFi, mobile connectivity and GPS on board for accident prevention, a system such as this could certainly have a lot of data to tap into. There’s no indication as to when we might see a real world trial, but at least we’re reminded, for once, that as a race we’re not quite able to be replaced by robotic overlords entirely.
Filed under: Science, Software, Alt
Scientists investigating AI-based traffic control, so we can only blame the jams on ourselves originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 21
Google might have already patented some nifty eye-tracking controls, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t considering other sensory input. A recently granted patent hints at a potential glove-based controller, with references to a pair of detectors that record “images” of an environment, and then determine gestures based on the calculated movement between them. The illustrations go on to show a hand drawing out the letter J, indicating it could be used for text input, while another suggests recognition of pinch-to-zoom style gestures. There’s no mention of its fancy glasses in the patent, but we’re thinking a glove to control the Nexus 7 might be a bit overkill.
Filed under: Peripherals
Google grabs glove-based input patent, could spell out gesture control originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 06:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 15
If you’re a Vita owner, then this week must feel like running through rain of joy, as new features and functionality keep coming. Well, why not splash in a puddle or two along the way, as we learn what treats the next firmware update for the handheld — version 1.80 — will bring. First up is the ability to use the console’s buttons on the home screen and within some applications — yeah really! In addition to that mind-bomb, you’ll also be able to fast-forward and rewind video, import playlists from the PS3 and iTunes (10.6.3 or later) as well as use the rear touchpad for scrolling and zooming in the browser. There’s a bunch of other minor tweaks, too, just skip down to the source for the breakdown or wait until “late August” for the download.
Filed under: Gaming
PS Vita firmware update adds button controls, iTunes playlists and more originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 14
Double Robotics gives your iPad wheels, brings telepresence to the masses (video)
Posted in: Today's Chili 
Walking iPads aside, usable telepresence remains one of geekdom’s purest goals. Being able to attend meetings, without the minor irritation of actually being there, has been a motivator for professionals and hobbyists alike. Double Robotics, on the other hand, feel that they’ve spotted an opportunity. By leveraging the computing power of the iPad, coupled with some smart design, it has created the “Double,” a self-balancing motorized iPad stand. You’ll need a pair of Apple slates to get going, one to peer into and use as a controller (via an app), another to project your face, and act as the seeing eye (via the front-facing camera). Best of all, this is much more affordable than many existing options, rolling in at $1,999 if you pre-order ($2,499 otherwise), shipping in December — iPads not included. Facetime on wheels? Why didn’t we think of that? Roll past the break for the video.
Continue reading Double Robotics gives your iPad wheels, brings telepresence to the masses (video)
Double Robotics gives your iPad wheels, brings telepresence to the masses (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jul 06
For the first time, scientists have managed to use fMRI scans of a human to control the movements of a robot body. The link between man and machine allowed the researchers to control a robot in France from a brain scanner in Israel. More »
Jun 28
Control4 delivers home automation Starter Kit for under $1,000 including installation, we go hands-on
Posted in: Today's Chili 
Replacing a house full of switches and dials with a single remote seems a desirable proposition, but less-than-intuitive setup processes and fees that run far into the thousands make a disconnected home the only option for some. Like other home automation system manufacturers, Control4 has a bounty of offerings that can run up pricing into that out-of-reach range, but if you’re looking to adjust audio and video in a single room, the new Starter Kit should get you going for just shy of a grand, including installation. That price includes a HC-250 Controller, which delivers IR control for up to eight components (via splitters connected to the four IR ports on the rear), serial control for up to two receivers or other systems and IP control for an unlimited number of devices. There’s also an SR-250 ZigBee remote in the box, which offers full control through a television interface (HDMI and component outputs can be found on the HC-250’s rear). You can also have full access through a variety of add-ons, including a $999 7-inch in-wall touchscreen with camera, a portable version for the same price, or any Android, iOS or Mac device — access licenses for smartphones, tablets and computers run $199 each, or $499 to cover the entire home.
The Starter Kit can enable control of a single room, which may be fine for some users — to add additional home theater setups you can bring on more HC-250s at $599 a pop. There’s also an option to add ZigBee lighting controls ($129 per switch), ZigBee door locks ($150 to $350) or a door intercom unit with camera ($799). All-in, outfitting a large home can be quite pricey, and the Starter Kit is designed to get folks in the door, rather than to deliver a complete solution. We tested the controller with a TV, audio system, a pair of lights on two zones, the door intercom and a deadbolt, and all performed seamlessly without an hiccups. We also took a look at the intuitive drag-and-drop PC-based interface, which owners can use to change macros and add media. Introducing new components to the rig will require a dealer service call (or remote access, if you’re just trying to loop in something like a NAS to serve up content). The Control4 Starter Kit is available through third-party dealers beginning today, including Magnolia Home Theater in select Best Buy stores (in that case, Geek Squad will handle the install). That sub-$1,000 figure factors in two hours of labor, and may climb a bit higher depending on dealer rates. Still, if you’re just looking to get your feet wet, this seems to be a solid solution. Thumb through the gallery below for a closer look at the components and interface.
Gallery: Control4 Starter Kit hands-on
Control4 delivers home automation Starter Kit for under $1,000 including installation, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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