Hasta La Gadget!

First it was the PlayStation 3, then it was the Google TV and now it appears Samsung Apps compatible HDTVs feature the new look of Netflix’s Watch Instantly interface. According to our reader Bruce, the new UI popped up after he upgraded the firmware on his UN46C6500 LCD HDTV and, like on the other platforms, it adds the ability to search through Netflix’s catalog right on the device — no adding DVDs to your queue though, that’s still PC or mobile only. Of course, after our experience with the PS3’s multiple UI madness we know how much Netflix likes to test multiple versions of its app at once, so we wouldn’t be surprised if everyone isn’t seeing this immediately, just keep an eye out if your app suddenly asks to be reactivated again and you should be in for the new version.

[Thanks, Bruce]

New Netflix Watch Instantly interface showing up on Samsung HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Yo, Apple, you know that Retina Display you’re so proud of? Old news. Hitachi Displays has just announced a 4.5-inch IPS LCD panel that fits 1280 x 720 pixels within its frame, accounting for an eye-watering 329dpi density. That’s higher than you can get on the iPhone 4, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Hitachi’s new goodness also promises an 1,100:1 contrast ratio and 500 nits of brightness coming from an LED backlight. This precious new slice of technology is predictably all geared to land in your future smartphone of choice and we’re told mass production is set to begin in October of this year. That basically means CES 2012 is going to be filthy with handsets offering full 720p resolution — we can’t wait.

Hitachi’s 4.5-inch IPS display has 1280 x 720 res, 1,100:1 contrast, plans for mass production in October originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MobileCrunch  |  Hitachi  | Email this | Comments

Compact fluorescent (or CFL) bulbs may currently be the dominant alternative to traditional incandescent light bulbs, but there’s still a strong contingent betting on LEDs as the true long term replacement. One of the major players in that camp is Cree, which recently teamed up with TESS and Dean Kamen’s FIRST organization to have kids distribute LED light bulbs like Girl Scout cookies (seriously), and is now showing off what is says is the “first no-compromise replacement for a 60-watt incandescent bulb.” That bulb is dimmable, and emits a “beautiful, warm, incandescent-like color of 2700 K,” while delivering more than 800 lumens and consuming less than 10 watts (meeting the Energy Star requirements for a 60-watt standard LED replacement bulb). Unfortunately, there’s one big catch — the bulb is still just a prototype, and Cree says it hasn’t yet decided how it will bring it to market, or how much it might cost. Head on past the break for a quick video demonstration.

Continue reading Cree shows off ‘no-compromise’ LED replacement for 60-watt incandescent bulbs

Cree shows off ‘no-compromise’ LED replacement for 60-watt incandescent bulbs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Cree  | Email this | Comments

One of the biggest problems with electric vehicles is that accessories — things like lighting and heating — can be a significant drain on the battery, which in turn shortens the range of the car. But there is one helpful solution, at least in terms of light: LEDs.

“Just like going from a 75 watt incandescent light bulb down to a 18 watt compact fluorescent has made a significant difference to reduce the nation’s energy consumption in the home, so too can LED lighting make a difference in automobiles, especially once alternators and generators in the cars are right-sized for higher efficiency,” auto bulb manufacturer Osram Sylvania’s David Hulick said.

In fact, by switching to LED headlights, electric vehicles can add around six miles to their range. This is because LEDs draw less than 25 percent of the energy that traditional incandescent bulbs do, making them a much more efficient option, especially for EV owners looking to extend their range.

Via Autoblog Green

Like a spindly steel insect, the Rima Light from Dreipuls stalks your desk and plants its legs amongst the detritus carelessly strewn thereon. Unlike an insect (unless it’s a giant, adjustable firefly), the Rima Light also offers ingeniously adjustable illumination.

The four legged structure suspends a semi-cylindrical “bulb” which runs the length of your desk. This bulb has four rings circling it, and these rings form the bounds of the lit part of the tube. Thus you can slide them to light up the whole length of the Rima, or you can have two any-sized sections. Thus you could avoid shining light onto the super-reflective screen of a MacBook, or just opt for small pools of light when working into the night – just enough to spotlight your glass of whisky and your ashtray, and no more.

The Rima has picked up a Red Dot design award, which pretty much always means that the product is both great-looking and works well (I have a Red Dot-winning food-processor from Kenwood and it kicks ass and takes names).

The aluminum and plastic lamp uses 65 LEDs and sucks 10-Watts of power (on a 220-Volt supply). It weighs in at a satisfyingly stable 750-grams and measures 800 x 410 x 130mm (that’s 31.5-inches long). It is also, criminally, not yet for sale.

Rima Light [Dreipuls via FastCode]

See Also:

• Ugly Duckling Lamp Makes Swan-Necked Lights from Junk
• Paranoia Inducing Security Lamp Brightens Homes, Cells
• T'Light Gadget-Charging Desk Lamp: Bad Name, Great Idea
• Rolling Lamp Looks Like QuickTime Logo
• DIY Book Lamp's Puns Don't Stop with the Name