Jan 18

5-in-1 multi-function MP3 player could use a plug from Billy Mays

Posted in: digital camera, DigitalCamera, mp3 player, Mp3Player, Today's Chili

In theory, we can’t really harsh on a diminutive little gizmo that can play back MP3s, record voice notes, capture live video, snap a few stills and double as a card reader in a pinch, but there’s just something about this thing that screams infomercial. As for specs, it’s got 2GB of built-in memory, a microSD expansion slot, USB 2.0 connectivity, a rechargeable Li-ion and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. Unfortunately, the thing’s selling for an almost astronomical $60 before shipping, which definitely pushes it into “won’t ever sell without Billy Mays’ endorsement” territory. Seriously, check the vid after the jump if you think you’re immune to coercion.

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5-in-1 multi-function MP3 player could use a plug from Billy Mays originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 08

Unified UI previews the future of Samsung hardware

Posted in: digital camera, DigitalCamera, feature, samsung, Today's Chili

If Samsung devices are your preferred flavor, get very familiar with the interface pictured above. Eased in amongst product announcements during today’s CES keynote is the news that all their devices — camcorders, HDTVs, digital cameras, PMPs and all — will be sharing this style going forward. Seeming to follow the example set by Sony’s XMB, and hopefully adding momentum to a trend others will continue, the idea is that users pick it up on one device, and can carry that experience to future purchases without a sharp learning curve. As much as we enjoy figuring out where the contrast setting is for the 20th time, early adopters have more than enough options to memorize. Of course, unified doesn’t mean static, and this interface should be plenty customizable. Word is that consumers’ first look at the new UI is via Samsung’s new digital camera lineup, but other details are few and far between.

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Unified UI previews the future of Samsung hardware originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 04

Researchers tapping into nanotechnology for sharper images

Posted in: digicam, digital camera, DigitalCamera, nanotechnology, research, Today's Chili

A team of scientists at the University of Glasgow just came into all sorts of cash, and they’ll be using it to advance imaging. If you’re looking for specifics (and we’re assuming you are), a £489,234 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council will be used to study a certain phenomenon called surface plasmon resonance, “which is an effect exhibited by certain metals when light waves fall onto their surfaces.” In short, the gurus behind the research are hoping to discover a method of “creating patterns or small nanostructures in the metal film on the CMOS, which should increase the sensitivity of the sensor and result in higher quality images.” The bad news? The project is expected to last until 2012, which is like, forever from now.

[Image courtesy of Photo]

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Researchers tapping into nanotechnology for sharper images originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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