Hasta La Gadget!

You can always count on Japan’s NHK to come up with new, exciting and innovative ways to bring us video coverage. The latest project? A wind- and solar-powered robot camera designed for situations such as natural disasters. Loaded with a 1,200 Ah battery, even if the elements don’t bless it with sun and air, it can keep filming for two to three days. The combination of wind turbine and solar panels obviously allow it to generate more power than either method on its own, with the turbine reportedly generating 1 kW at 11 m/s wind speeds. A special power-saving mode prevent it draining too fast when full functionality — such as the built-in wireless, cellular and satellite broadcasting systems aren’t needed. Currently the prototype is installed on a rooftop while battery and power-generation are fully tested, but it’s hoped that this could lead to further developments for disaster area broadcast equipment. Or — here’s hoping — power-cut-proof sports coverage.

Filed under: Cameras, HD, Alt

NHK developing hybrid renewable energy-powered video camera for use in disaster areas originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While Sony’s current lineup of HDTVs has so far topped out with the HX929/920 series that’s been kicking around since 2011, in Japan it has just unveiled a new top of the line model: the HX950. Often rumored in the last few months, it’s available in 65- or 55-inch varieties and features Sony’s now-trademark monolithic style as well as “Intelligent Peak LED” backlighting. Although Sony’s brand name for the tech doesn’t exactly reveal how it works, information leaks have suggested it is full array LED backlighting and not edge based, although we don’t know how many zones (individually controlled light sources) are in play. What we do know, however is that it claims to outperform the LED backlighting in the old 929 quite handily, although we’ll let our eyes be the judge of that.

It also includes MotionFlow XR960 (800 in the US) motion processing tech that can create 240fps from 60 frames and a glass panel mounted to the LCD itself with a special type of resin designed specifically to reduce glare. Finally, there’s also the usual add-ins like 3D and Sony Entertainment Network streaming video. We haven’t seen any European or US information for this model yet, although with IFA 2012 under way and CEDIA coming up that may change quickly. Currently pricing in Japan for the 65-inch is expected to be around 650,000 yen or $8,269 when it ships November 10th, but we should mention actual US prices are typically much lower than a direct conversion. Unofficially, one retailer is already listing the 55- and 65-inch models for sale in the US for $3,499 and $5,499, respectively, although we’d take that with a grain of salt until we know for sure.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

Sony unveils latest HX950 flagship HDTV in Japan with ‘Intelligent Peak LED’ backlighting originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The device you’re about to have a peek at goes by the name LG Optimus G and it’s about to bring on next-level hardware the likes of which you’ve never seen before. The LG Optimus G has been made official by LG this week, here showing its full specifications for one whole heck of a lot of smartphone glory. You’ll be working with the ultra-powerful 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064, 4G LTE connectivity, and LG’s futuristic application of their fully integrated touch technology that goes by the name of in-cell touch.

This technology called in-cell touch has also been tipped as being prepared for use in the iPhone 5 (or New iPhone, whatever you like), as it’s revealed some time next month (if the rumors are true, of course.) The CEO of LG let the world know last week that they were ready and willing to make their ability to create said technology in real hardware form public knowledge, and here with the LG Optimus G, it appears that the first implementation of the innovation has been revealed as well.

This device features a True HD (1280 x 768 pixel resolution) IPS+ LCD, a display which LG says is able to head right up to the edge of the 3mm bezel – fun stuff! On the back of the device you’ll find a massive 13 megapixel camera, on the front you’ve got a 1.3 megapixel camera, and inside you’ve got 2GB of RAM – that’s power! Paired with the quad-core Snapdragon processor inside, it appears that the Samsung Galaxy S III will have some benchmark competition.

The LG Optimus G will be appearing on NTT Docomo in Japan as the L-01E in October or November, while a more standard Korea release will be happening next week. This device will measure in at 8.45mm thin – considering that this is thin already, even without considering the 2,100 mAh battery inside – the LG crew may have a pretty awesome device on their hands. This smartphone will also be released with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich right out of the box.

[via Engadget]

LG Optimus G official with in-cell touch is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a cooking simulator that combines a conventional frying pan with modern technology. I know, right? Cooking isn’t hard at all! Or so my siblings tell me every time I complain that there’s nothing to eat. Don’t you just turn the fire on, put some stuff in and wait?

The simulator is practically a video game system. It utilizes a projected display and a force feedback system to help the user with his pseudo-cooking. It also simulates the weight and state changes of the ingredients. When the user moves the pan around, he’ll feel and see the virtual meat and vegetables move around, and eventually they’ll change color just like the edible thing.

I think it’s not too practical as it is, but I am looking forward to the researchers’ vision of augmented reality cooking.

[via DigInfo TV]

Using chopsticks can be a difficult skill to master up at first, but with practice you can pick up anything with these popular Asian eating utensils. And while picking up rice and sushi is definitely on the standard list of comestibles you might use chopsticks for, tiny cats are not usually on the menu.

But the guys at Brando have different ideas in their head with the wacky Konekodarake Cat Balance Game from Japan – which lets you practice picking up and balancing stuff with chopsticks by testing your skills on tiny kitties. Why? Because.

The set includes a miniature cat treehouse along with 10 tiny cats in various positions, and a box (complete with airholes) you can keep your chopstick kitties in. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.

If you’re ready to brush up on your chopstick work, head on over to Brando, where you can grab the Konekodarake Cat Balance Game for $24.90(USD). And no, you cannot use these to eat real cats.