by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 10th 2008 at 5:22PM It’s not the first time IBM has tossed around “world’s fastest” language when discussing its Power6 processors, but the company’s now found reason to boast again, with it recently announcing that it’s released some new supercomputers based on its new “world’s most powerful microprocessor.” Getting that distinction is IBM’s latest Power 575 “Hydro-Cluster” supercomputer which, thanks to some nifty in-rack water-cooling measures, is able to accommodate the company’s speedy new 5GHz Power6 processor. According to IBM, that processor should deliver “two-to-three times the performance per core of comparable HP or Sun processors,” while still requiring only about the same amount of energy as previous Power5 processors. (Read the full post about ‘IBM rolls out systems based on “fastest chip on Earth”’…)
Nikon’s adventure in the world of compact digital cameras has not ended yet with the introduction of two more models - the Coolpix S52 and the Coolpix S52c. Both of these cameras will feature Nikon’s stunning wave-surface camera body accompanied by advanced features designed to produce incredible pictures with ease. They also boast 9.0 effective megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, 38-114mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200, helping you take (supposedly) stunning photos without much hassle. (Read the full post about ‘Nikon Coolpix S52 range’…)
When I saw this on Tokyo Mango, the first thing that came to my mind was the ShePhone, a crazy concept phone design with at least a half dozen functions having nothing to do with communication. (Mia is credited with its design, which is another story.) Developed, and currently being tested, by NTT Communications, the “Mobile Fragrance Communication” service is not as futuristic as I first thought. As it turns out, the fragrance isn’t actually emitted by the cell phone itself; the service is a mobile version of an existing service which connects downloaded audiovisual content with fragrances that come out of a separate device. (Read the full post about ‘Receive a blast of fragrance via cell phone’…)
Energy-conserving light bulbs are becoming very cheap these days, and if you are a manufacturer, how do you differentiate yourself with such a commodity? By adding an ionizer that –they claim- will purify the air. First if all, people are still fighting over whether ionic air purifiers work. Even if it does, we don’t know if this light bulb does work as advertised. However, if the two previous “if” are true, then this might be a good idea… but that’s too much “if” for me, I’ll skip. Tags: video games, dvr, audio, computers (Read the full post about ‘Air Purifying, Low-Energy Light Bulbs’…)
An anonymous tipster sent us a copy of this video to show what the Sidekick LX is capable of. Whether or not this will ever see the catalog is unknown as I’m sure it would take some lawyers and licensing. But regardless it’s a great example of what the Sidekick LX actually is capable of in the gaming arena.
Tags: games, sat-nav, wireless, gaming
When it comes to digital cameras, it’s fair to say that everybody likes the idea of a powerful zoom! That’s why Nikon added a whopping 18x optical zoom (27-486mm equivalent) that could prove very useful in many situations (wildlife, crowds…). Of course, with such a zoom comes some form of image stabilization to compensate for your body’s motion. Also, we like the fact that you can shoot 30 consecutive images at 13 frames per second. The Nikon P80 is a 10.1 Megapixel camera. Tags: home cinema, tests, gadgets, CD (Read the full post about ‘Nikon P80 Camera with 18x Optical Zoom’…)
All four devices are being auctioned on eBay and the proceeds will go to the Children’s Cancer Foundation (in Singapore). Before bidding, you should know that HTC will only ship to an address in Singapore.
Highlights
Tags: computers, Ogg, AAC, cellphone
The crafty folks at TiVo have admitted they can predict the future…kind of. Using the company’s audience measurement tools, TiVo execs say they have accurately predicted the outcomes of the past four American Idol competitions. In essence, the company is looking at TiVo user’s fast-forwarding and rewinding habits. Those performers who are most frequently fast-forwarded though also happen to be the ones who receive the fewest votes. Conversely, performers who are rewound and re-watched get the highest votes. Not rocket science, but apparently it’s accurate enough. In case you’re interested in tonight’s outcome (or want to make a friendly wager), the company is predicting that Syesha Mercado will be getting the boot. (Read the full post about ‘TiVo Execs Hack American Idol Results’…)
Stardock Corporation, the world’s leading provider of desktop enhancement software, has launched two new versions of their award-winning product: Object Desktop 2008 and Object Destktop 2008 Ultimate. The Object Desktop program is designed to work in conjunction with Windows for full customization by and for the user. Like the previous versions of Object Desktop, the 2008 version allows users to take complete control of their Windows environment and experience. Object Desktop 2008 features some unique programs including: WindowBlinds: Allows Windows users to change the look and feel of the Windows interface by applying a new “skin”. (Read the full post about ‘Stardock Object Desktop 2008′…)
Remember how Dick Tracy used his watch as a communicator? Considering the last incarnation of Dick Tracy came out in 1990, I’m not surprised if you don’t. Let’s try this one: Remember when Michael Knight used his watch to talk to KITT? I’m sure anyone eighteen years of age or younger has no idea what I’m talking about. Well, here’s a wrist communicator that anyone from any generation can understand: the Van Der Led WM2 Watchphone. I have only three words to say about this: “Yeah, baby, yeah!” After all, science fiction writers have envisioned communication devices on our watches for years. Isn’t it about time that someone made it into reality by putting a cellular phone on a watch? (Read the full post about ‘Van Der Led WM2 Watchphone’…)
