If proof were needed that digital photography is hot business, Canon is seeing such demand for its digital SLR lenses that it has run out of capacity in its Japanese factories and will be starting production in Taiwan. Those of you worried that a move away from home could compromise quality: Don’t. Canon already makes lenses for film cameras in Taiwan, and these are necessarily of a higher quality (due to the larger image area of film over all but the highest end DSLRs). The first lines will be making Canon’s IS, or Image Stabilization, lenses. (Read the full post about ‘Canon Shifts Digital Lens Production to Taiwan’…)
Viking: Battle for Asgard has been on Geek.com’s radar since late last year during SEGA’s Winter Wonderland. At that time, we just got to watch and admire the game. Later, at SEGA’s Sweet Celebration, we got a chance to get some hands-on time with the title. But for as excited as we were for Viking to come out, it’s hard to believe how much better the game is than previews would seem to indicate. Read on to find out why you’ll want to join in on the Norse madness. Graphically, Viking: Battle for Asgard is quite impressive. It’s not just that you get to hack bad guys into little bits, decapitate them, amputate body parts, and otherwise cause them misery. (Read the full post about ‘Review: Viking: Battle for Asgard’…)
For those unknown, SlingMedia makes the SlingBox, a place-shifting video streaming box that allows you to stream video content wirelessly. Sling Media had been looking a way to get their coveted software on the iPhone since last April, and finally, they have to pulled it off. Apple’s topical release of the SDK allows developers to get the software onto the iPhone. So, TV fans will soon be watching their favourite shows live on Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch over an Internet connection. Furthermore, due to its exclusive Wi-Fi connection, the ipod touch could provide a better platform for Slingplayer. The latter shows interest in iphone chiefly because running the app over the EDGE network normally results in below optimal show. (Read the full post about ‘Sling Media Nods SlingPlayer’s Inclusion to iPhone’…)
The networked in-car GPS system, Dash Express, is finally available, dealing a blow to road safety everywhere. Central to the wonderful distractions of this open-source dashboard computer is the two-way internet connection, which allows the sat-nav part to offer live updates based on known traffic trouble spots and current traffic conditions. The WiFi and GPRS connections also mean you can send information (destination addresses and the like) direct to the Dash from any PC, and Yahoo’s Local Search gives drivers one less reason to stop and ask for directions. All it needs is YouTube so you can Rickroll your passengers. The Dash is $400, and monthly plans start at $10. (Read the full post about ‘Dash Express Navigates Its Way Into Shops’…)
Saleen – the American manufacturer of high performance sports cars and automotive parts – plan to have their very own car hit the roads in about two years. The car, the S5S Raptor, was introduced at the recent New York Auto Show. Designed to compete with high performance sports cars by Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Raptor delivers 650 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 630 pound feet of torque at 4400rpm. Capable of hitting 60mph in 3.2 seconds, the car has been designed to digest ethanol fuel, a little something for the environmentalists and advocates of oil independence around the world! The S5S Raptor can be equipped with a close ratio six speed manual or optional paddle shifting sequential gearbox that can send the car to the top speed of over 200mph. (Read the full post about ‘Saleen S5S Raptor’…)
Thor, the deer has been “geo-hacked” and undergone an interesting experiment, all in the name of science. Valery Hronusov, a developer of numerous geo-hacks, actually thought up the blog posting deer scenario. Using his tips and ideas, ‘Siberian’, a Google Earth Community member, figured out how to track a deer by attaching a cell phone (to send emails) and a GPS device (to track the movements) of Thor (the deer) throughout a suburban area in Pennsylvania. During Thor’s travels the GPS device sent back tracking coordinates every five minutes. The ingenious automated system used all free services, some tech gadgets, and a spreadsheet to publicize nearly every move Thor makes. (Read the full post about ‘Deer tracks own coordinates on Google Earth’…)
If you’re planning to hop onto the high definition bandwagon without breaking the bank, then the Vivitar DVR565HD makes for a good candidate. Capable of recording video at a native 720p resolution while directly encode it to H.264 does away with the need to do it manually on a computer later on, while allowing you to store more videos on limited storage space. Movies are stored on an SD memory card up to 4GB in capacity, while an HDMI output allows you to view your recorded videos in 1080i resolution on a HDTV directly. There is no word on pricing or a release date at press time, but so far black and silver colors are confirmed. (Read the full post about ‘Vivitar DVR565HD On A Budget’…)
Here are the official specifications where the upcoming LG Vu is concerned. There will be two variants - the CU920 will feature a mobile TV antenna, something the CU915 lacks. Otherwise, the following are its shared specifications. 3G connectivity 2 megapixel camera with autofocus 3″ WQVGA 262k color touch sreen 120MB of internal memory HTML web browser microSD memory card slot (up to 4GB) 1000mAh battery Dimensions: 4.25″ x 2.16″ x 0.51″ Weight: 3.16oz Word has it that LG and AT&T will officially unveil the Vu at CTIA next week. Tags: cellphone, video game, home cinema, audio (Read the full post about ‘LG Vu Specs Leaked’…)
The Motorola Z9 will be launching this April 1st apparently, with AT&T being the carrier. Word has it that TeleNav will be rebadged as AT&T Navigator, so one can reasonably expect the Z9 to feature an A-GPS solution since the handset itself doesn’t support GPS in the first place. There is no word on pricing at this point in time, but like the adage goes - good things come to those who wait. No matter what, it doesn’t look as though the Motorola Z9 will revive the company’s fortunes anytime soon. Tags: dvr, mobiles, equipment, game (Read the full post about ‘Motorola Z9 Launches in April’…)
Following approval of the Department of Justice, legal counsel of both Sirius and XM met with the FCC on Wednesday to discuss the merger proposal of the two companies. The merger proposal was given the nod by DOJ, and so XM and Sirius seem to wasting little time in getting the FCC’s approval. Based on record of filing at the FCC, the meeting was held last Wednesday before FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. Together with the legal counsel of Sirius and XM, others who were present during the meeting were Daniel Gonzales, Chairman of Martin’s Chief of Staff and Michelle Carey, Chairman Martin’s Senior Legal advisor. (Read the full post about ‘Sirius, XM counsel discusses pricing programs with FCC’…)
