Netbook Gizmo http://www.netbookgizmo.com Fresh and out of the box tech news. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:01:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty great http://www.netbookgizmo.com/the-state-of-household-robots-in-japan-looking-pretty-great.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/the-state-of-household-robots-in-japan-looking-pretty-great.html#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:01:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/the-state-of-household-robots-in-japan-looking-pretty-great.html 090210rgjapanesehomebots01 The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty great
This crazy looking little fellow is Toshiba’s ApriPoco robot, and we couldn’t want to meet him more — especially in his updated form. Designed as a home assistance bot, ApriPoco can learn to control electrical appliances using both IR and verbal commands. He’s got some fine company in Japan, too, where household robots are starting to take off. As you’ll see in the Japanese news report (which is embedded below), there are robots to help you do the dishes, move furniture, and even robotic wheelchairs to help you get around. Really, the only question that remains for us is… when do we move? Here’s to the future.

Continue reading The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty great

The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty great originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink post label VIA The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty greatTechnabob  |  post label source The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty greatPlastic Pals  | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/the-state-of-household-robots-in-japan-looking-pretty-great.html/feed Sharp’s 10.2-inch parallax barrier display makes us love our 3D glasses (video) http://www.netbookgizmo.com/sharps-102-inch-parallax-barrier-display-makes-us-love-our-3d-glasses-video.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/sharps-102-inch-parallax-barrier-display-makes-us-love-our-3d-glasses-video.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:54:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/sharps-102-inch-parallax-barrier-display-makes-us-love-our-3d-glasses-video.html
sharp parallax barrier 10.2 inch 3d edits engadget Sharps 10.2 inch parallax barrier display makes us love our 3D glasses (video)

Now that the Nintendo 3DS is announced using a parallax barrier display, we bet that many of you were hoping to see a 10-inch 3D tablet or laptop with a similar glasses-less display. Hell, we were… until we actually saw Sharp’s prototype 10.2-inch parallax barrier display here at IFA in Berlin. Unfortunately, the panel at this larger size suffers from some very serious vertical shadows (check the video) unless you’re right in the sweet spot and alligned with the barrier’s precision slits at a distance of about 20 inches. Even then, it’s very hard to maintain your position, and the 3D effect isn’t all that dazzling. Fortunately, this 3D (640 x 768) panel also functions in 2D (1280 x 728) mode. Guess a 3D tablet that requires glasses isn’t so crazy after all. Wait, yes it is.

Sharp’s 10.2-inch parallax barrier display makes us love our 3D glasses (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/sharps-102-inch-parallax-barrier-display-makes-us-love-our-3d-glasses-video.html/feed iOS 4.1 confirmed for September 8th on Apple’s UK website http://www.netbookgizmo.com/ios-41-confirmed-for-september-8th-on-apples-uk-website.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/ios-41-confirmed-for-september-8th-on-apples-uk-website.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:09:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/ios-41-confirmed-for-september-8th-on-apples-uk-website.html appleukspet2010eng iOS 4.1 confirmed for September 8th on Apples UK website

According to Apple’s UK website, iOS 4.1 will hit on Wednesday, September 8th. The US website still displays the non-commital “Coming Soon” message, so we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled. We’re going to go ahead and guess that all those shiny new iPods will come to retail that day too… but don’t hold us to that one. Like we said, it’s only a guess.

[Thanks, Luca]

iOS 4.1 confirmed for September 8th on Apple’s UK website originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  post label source iOS 4.1 confirmed for September 8th on Apples UK websiteApple UK  | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/ios-41-confirmed-for-september-8th-on-apples-uk-website.html/feed How would you change Motorola’s Droid X? http://www.netbookgizmo.com/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid-x.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid-x.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:39:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid-x.html droid x handhelf How would you change Motorolas Droid X?

Last week we gave the Apple loyalists in attendance a chance to rip and rag the iPhone 4, and this time around we’re doing the same for Motorola’s best frienemies. The Droid X is without question the largest Droid in the family today, and calling it a showstopper on Verizon would probably be understating things. Now that it’s been on the market a few months, we’re curious to know how you early adopters like (or dislike) it. Did the massive screen end up being too large for comfort? Anything you’d tweak software-wise? How’s the VZW service been? Might your world change if Android 2.2 ever hits in official fashion? Go on and let us know how you’d alter this behemoth down in comments below — but give it some real thought first, cool? Cool.

How would you change Motorola’s Droid X? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid-x.html/feed HP lists Photosmart eStation C510 printer with detachable e-reading touchscreen — is this the Zeus? http://www.netbookgizmo.com/hp-lists-photosmart-estation-c510-printer-with-detachable-e-reading-touchscreen-is-this-the-zeus.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/hp-lists-photosmart-estation-c510-printer-with-detachable-e-reading-touchscreen-is-this-the-zeus.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:40:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/hp-lists-photosmart-estation-c510-printer-with-detachable-e-reading-touchscreen-is-this-the-zeus.html hp estation c510 rm eng HP lists Photosmart eStation C510 printer with detachable e reading touchscreen is this the Zeus?

Now, we don’t have any confirmation that the two are one and the same, but we just caught wind of a very intriguing printer on HP’s website. The Photosmart eStation C510 is listed for $399.99 and, in addition to usual ink-plastering duties, has a detachable wireless 7-inch TouchSmart control panel for browsing content, printing (of course), and “brows[ing] the latest e-book bestsellers or old favorites.” It all sounds well and good, and if you ask us, it rings a very eerily similar chord as the eStation Zeen / Zeus from early August. If so, that’d make this touchscreen an Android 2.1 tablet with “significant” Nook integration for e-reading. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what’s under the hood, software-wise. What say ye, HP, how about throwing us a press release yonder?

[Thanks, Julian]

HP lists Photosmart eStation C510 printer with detachable e-reading touchscreen — is this the Zeus? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  post label source HP lists Photosmart eStation C510 printer with detachable e reading touchscreen is this the Zeus?HP  | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/hp-lists-photosmart-estation-c510-printer-with-detachable-e-reading-touchscreen-is-this-the-zeus.html/feed Fujitsu announces LifeBook T580 with four-finger multitouch http://www.netbookgizmo.com/fujitsu-announces-lifebook-t580-with-four-finger-multitouch.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/fujitsu-announces-lifebook-t580-with-four-finger-multitouch.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:00:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/fujitsu-announces-lifebook-t580-with-four-finger-multitouch.html lifebook t580 09 03 2010 Fujitsu announces LifeBook T580 with four finger multitouch
We haven’t spotted this one at IFA yet, but Fujitsu has taken advantage of the show to announce its new LifeBook T580, which it’s going so far as to call “slate-beating.” That apparently comes from the fact that it’s not only a convertible tablet PC, but one with four-finger multitouch. Unfortunately, that’s done on a 10.1-inch resistive touchscreen (complete with a stylus that can be tucked away), but the rest of the specs aren’t too shabby, and include up to a Core i5 processor, optional 3G and GPS, a promised eight hours of battery life, and plenty of business-minded security measures — all in a three-pound package. No word on pricing just yet, but you can expect this one to roll out in late November. Head on past the break for the complete press release, along with a quick demo of its multitouch capabilities.

Continue reading Fujitsu announces LifeBook T580 with four-finger multitouch

Fujitsu announces LifeBook T580 with four-finger multitouch originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  post label source Fujitsu announces LifeBook T580 with four finger multitouchFujitsu, Face2Fujitsu  | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/fujitsu-announces-lifebook-t580-with-four-finger-multitouch.html/feed Panasonic’s prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlin http://www.netbookgizmo.com/panasonics-prototype-micro-four-thirds-3d-lens-and-body-arrive-in-berlin.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/panasonics-prototype-micro-four-thirds-3d-lens-and-body-arrive-in-berlin.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:20:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/panasonics-prototype-micro-four-thirds-3d-lens-and-body-arrive-in-berlin.html
panasonic g series 3d lens samsung lumix 3d lens g series prototype hero engadget Panasonics prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlin

And here it is, Panasonic’s prototype G-series micro-four-thirds shooter with new interchangeable 3D lens. We caught the pair hanging out at IFA with nary a soul around to take notice. Too bad for them, good for you if you’ve made the jump to a panny MFT as the lens will ultimately be compatible with your Lumix G micro system… probably — unfortunately, Panasonic isn’t saying which cams will be eligible for the software update. From the sound of it, the whole kit will get official in just a few week at Photokina with a new G-series body playing host to the new 3D lens. Here in Berlin, however, we’ve got a G2 body with an updated 3D image processing system doing the dirty work. Nevertheless, it was fully functional and produced a reasonable 3D image with plenty of pop that was ready to view on a brand new Panasonic 3D television. Come on, a 3D televsion is nothing without 3D content. Sneaky Panasonic, sneaky.

Gallery: Panasonic’s prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlin

panasonic 3d prototype dsc4583 engadget thumbnail Panasonics prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlinpanasonic 3d prototype dsc4581 engadget thumbnail Panasonics prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlinpanasonic 3d prototype dsc4577 engadget thumbnail Panasonics prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlinpanasonic 3d prototype dsc4575 engadget thumbnail Panasonics prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlinpanasonic 3d prototype dsc4572 engadget thumbnail Panasonics prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlin

Panasonic’s prototype Micro Four Thirds 3D lens and body arrive in Berlin originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/panasonics-prototype-micro-four-thirds-3d-lens-and-body-arrive-in-berlin.html/feed Apple’s Ping gains a million users in first two days http://www.netbookgizmo.com/apples-ping-gains-a-million-users-in-first-two-days.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/apples-ping-gains-a-million-users-in-first-two-days.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:39:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/apples-ping-gains-a-million-users-in-first-two-days.html ipod liveblog 2010 0309 rm eng Apples Ping gains a million users in first two days

We’re still trying to figure out exactly what Apple’s new Ping social network is good for, but apparently quite a few people are curious about it: it’s already racked up a million users in its first two days. That’s just a third of the people who’ve downloaded iTunes 10, so we’re sure the numbers are will grow even faster as more people snag iTunes and the network effect starts to kick in — and things will get really crazy if Apple and Facebook ever work out their little tiff. Just remember: it’s a social network… for music.

Apple’s Ping gains a million users in first two days originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  post label source Apples Ping gains a million users in first two daysApple  | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/apples-ping-gains-a-million-users-in-first-two-days.html/feed Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions http://www.netbookgizmo.com/logitech-revue-and-google-tv-get-very-early-blurrycam-impressions.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/logitech-revue-and-google-tv-get-very-early-blurrycam-impressions.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:25:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/logitech-revue-and-google-tv-get-very-early-blurrycam-impressions.html revue blurry review rm eng Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions

Well, what do we have here? Looks like a Logitech beta user was kind enough to (potentially break his NDA and) show off his early grab: the Google TV-infused Revue. What follows is a series of blurred photos that’d make the FCC weep, but all the same, who are we to critique news? The little unassuming box has HDMI in and out ports, a couple of USB inputs, ethernet, and SPDIF. According to the handler, installation was a “12-step process includes asking the details of your Google account, your physical location, TV, cable box, amp, and more.” It works with any Harmony remote, an Android device (in this case, a Droid Incredible), or the packaged keyboard. That latter input we last heard was still in development, but it seems to be working fine right here: full QWERTY, a trackpad, all the necessary keys for GTV navigation. One more pic of the keyboard after the break, as well a video walkthrough.

[Thanks, Craig]

Continue reading Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions

Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  post label source Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressionsDigital Trends  | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/logitech-revue-and-google-tv-get-very-early-blurrycam-impressions.html/feed LG Optimus One and Optimus Chic eyes-on http://www.netbookgizmo.com/lg-optimus-one-and-optimus-chic-eyes-on.html http://www.netbookgizmo.com/lg-optimus-one-and-optimus-chic-eyes-on.html#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:28:00 +0000 http://www.netbookgizmo.com/lg-optimus-one-and-optimus-chic-eyes-on.html lg optimus one chic ifa 15 sm LG Optimus One and Optimus Chic eyes on

That “leaked” low-end LG Android device from a few days back? Turns out it was nothing more than the Optimus Chic, one of two Google-powered phones that the company announced back in early July. They’re still not ready to let us touch the damned things here at IFA — apparently on account of the fact that they’re not commercially available yet — but we got close enough to conclude that you definitely won’t be fooling anyone into thinking that you’ve dropped many hundreds of euros on your phone. You could argue that Huawei set the tone for IFA’s small-but-notable mobile presence this year with its introduction of the Ideos — in other words, cheap Android gear — and both of these LGs look primed to go head-to-head with the Ideos in that arena. Nokia had long been hoping to totally own the smartphone industry in emerging markets by driving S60 into the bargain basement — but with this latest round of Android releases coming dangerously close to the same price points, we could have an interesting battle on our hands.

LG Optimus One and Optimus Chic eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

]]> http://www.netbookgizmo.com/lg-optimus-one-and-optimus-chic-eyes-on.html/feed