Hasta La Gadget!

Continue reading M3 robots used to research human development, melt hearts (video)

M3 robots used to research human development, melt hearts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Plastic Pals  |  Japan Science and Technology Report  | Email this | Comments

Do Japanese gadget makers think we’re not superficial enough to appreciate specially repainted editions of their gear? Because we are, we totally are. Pentax is producing a mere 1,000 units of the above slice of DSLR beauty and predictably they all seem to be headed to the Japanese market. The Limited Silver variant of the K-7 adds a few enhancements, too, with a specially reinforced glass plate protecting the LCD and adding to the original’s robust weatherproofing, as well as updated firmware and photo processing software. The most intriguing addition is the inclusion of a “golden section ratio” focusing screen with curved guiding lines that are supposed to make image composition even easier. We’d say that’s just the sort of cosmetic enhancement you’d expect on a prettied up limited edition shooter, but that’d make our bitterness at not being able to buy one too obvious.

Pentax trots out gorgeous K-7 Limited Silver DSLR originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Pentax  | Email this | Comments

There’s probably nothing wrong with the existing incandescent setup that’s lighting your abode as we speak, but if you’ve been itching to do something — how do you say? — different, Lumiotec needs to have a word with you. The Japanese outfit is now selling OLED lighting development kits, which are perfect for DIYers looking for light-up tiles to create a nightclub in their basement. We’re pretty sure you could think of other things to do with the ¥84,000 ($934) kit, but isn’t a homegrown rave room good enough? Sheesh.

Lumiotec starts selling OLED lighting development kits, but not for a song originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink OLED-Info  |  Lumiotec  | Email this | Comments

It’s been a good run, XEL-1, but you knew this day would come. After wowing just about everyone with your 3mm thickness and stunning base back in late 2007, we suspect that most normal humans decided to pass right on by after the drooling process was complete. After all, it’s not like too many Earthlings have nearly $2,000 to drop on an 11-inch set. Since the display’s debut, few other OLED TVs have made it to the commercial market in any size, and there’s no question that cost is largely to blame. Today, Sony announced that it was pulling the plug on XEL-1 sales and production in Japan, citing “sluggish demand” as the cause. For now, the outfit will continue to hawk the miniaturized wonder in other nations, but we get the feeling that’s only to dry up remaining inventory. Oh, and if you’re one of those “collector” types, snapping one up right now might not be the worst idea.

[Thanks, Trevor]

Update: It’s worth pointing out that a Japanese report from AV Watch notes that the discontinuation is going down for another reason. Reportedly, Japan is forcing TV makers to integrate a “youth control filter” into their wares, presumably in an effort to shield those precious eyes from the evils of the content world. Sony’s obviously not interested in complying, but this could just be a great excuse to nix a product that’s already collecting too must dust on retail shelves.

Sony kills XEL-1 OLED TV production in Japan, cites ‘sluggish demand’ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Reuters  | Email this | Comments

Modern gadgetry (you know, as opposed to “ancient gadgetry,” such as the abacus and the hour glass) lives and dies by its batteries, so it’s no surprise that lots of time and effort is spent researching both wacky alternatives to the tried and true power cell, as well as ways to make existing cells better. Among the latter, Nikkei is reporting that Eamex in Osaka, Japan, has developed a lithium-ion battery that will last some twenty years of regular use — that’s 10,000 charges! The secret to the long-lasting lithium-ion? In current designs, the tin that’s used for the battery’s negative electrode weakens through continual charging and recharging. The new design, however, calls for tin-coated resin that stabilizes the electrode and prevents deterioration. Why didn’t we think of that? Look forward to seeing these exciting, new batteries debut in electric scooters sometime this year. [Warning: Source link requires subscription]

New lithium-ion battery could last 20 years, long after you’ve broken the devices they once powered originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  Nikkei  | Email this | Comments