14-May-07 22:34:00
Filed under: Robots
A new system of robotic navigation being developed at Purdue University enhances a bot's ability to get around unfamiliar environments by allowing it to "guess" what unknown areas look like. Unlike the traditional method of "simulataneous localization and mapping" (hilariously nicknamed SLAM), in which bots take detailed measurements of an area to generate maps, the guessbots divide an area into cells and make predictions about "frontier cells," or areas adjacent to cells which have already been mapped. Each frontier cell is then assigned a "confidence score" -- cells with low scores need further investigation, while those with high scores can be added to the map. Initial computer simulations of the system resulted in virtual guessbots needing to map less than 33% of a building to navigate successfully, and while real-life prototyping already underway doesn't seem to have gotten quite as good, it's produced higher-quality maps in shorter amounts of time ...
A new system of robotic navigation being developed at Purdue University enhances a bot's ability to get around unfamiliar environments by allowing it to "guess" what unknown areas look like. Unlike the traditional method of "simulataneous localization and mapping" (hilariously nicknamed SLAM), in which bots take detailed measurements of an area to generate maps, the guessbots divide an area into cells and make predictions about "frontier cells," or areas adjacent to cells which have already been mapped. Each frontier cell is then assigned a "confidence score" -- cells with low scores need further investigation, while those with high scores can be added to the map. Initial computer simulations of the system resulted in virtual guessbots needing to map less than 33% of a building to navigate successfully, and while real-life prototyping already underway doesn't seem to have gotten quite as good, it's produced higher-quality maps in shorter amounts of time ...
Source: Engadget
14-May-07 22:04:00
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment
Mac users using Nullriver's Connect360 software to stream content to their Xbox 360 got an unpleasant surprise after installing the most recent Dashboard update, which beefed-up their 360's capabilities but unceremoniously severed the link with their Macs. As is often the case with such things, however, the software's developers have been quick to respond, not only fixing the problem but throwing in a few updates for good measure. Most notably, Connnect360 now boasts support for H.264 and MPEG4 video streaming, and you'll also now be able to stream podcasts straight from iTunes. While the update is free for exisiting users, the software itself is not (setting you back $20) -- although until Microsoft decides adds some Mac support itself, it looks to be about your only option.
[Via Arrogantics, thanks Zizzy]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs ...
Mac users using Nullriver's Connect360 software to stream content to their Xbox 360 got an unpleasant surprise after installing the most recent Dashboard update, which beefed-up their 360's capabilities but unceremoniously severed the link with their Macs. As is often the case with such things, however, the software's developers have been quick to respond, not only fixing the problem but throwing in a few updates for good measure. Most notably, Connnect360 now boasts support for H.264 and MPEG4 video streaming, and you'll also now be able to stream podcasts straight from iTunes. While the update is free for exisiting users, the software itself is not (setting you back $20) -- although until Microsoft decides adds some Mac support itself, it looks to be about your only option.
[Via Arrogantics, thanks Zizzy]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs ...
Source: Engadget
14-May-07 21:34:00
Filed under: Laptops
Thanks to the FCC, we've already had a pretty good look at Getac's upcoming ruggedized convertible tablet PC, but it looks like the company isn't stopping there, today announcing the somewhat less-rugged P420 laptop. While it may not take quite as much of a beating, it will give you a bit more in the way of specs, including a 14.1-inch display, a 1.83 Ghz Core Duo T2400 processor (or a T7400 Core 2 Duo if the company's website is to be believed), a max 160GB hard drive, up to 4GB of RAM, and optional ATI Mobilty Radeon X1450 graphics if the standard integrated Intel fare isn't enough for you -- not to mention optional WWAN capabilities for those in need of a little 3G action. Earning the laptop its "rugged" status is its magnesium alloy case, sealed ports and connectors, shock-mounted hard drive, and various dust and water-proofing measures. Unfortunately, there's no word on what it'll cost or when it'll be available, although we're guessing Getac will be spil...
Thanks to the FCC, we've already had a pretty good look at Getac's upcoming ruggedized convertible tablet PC, but it looks like the company isn't stopping there, today announcing the somewhat less-rugged P420 laptop. While it may not take quite as much of a beating, it will give you a bit more in the way of specs, including a 14.1-inch display, a 1.83 Ghz Core Duo T2400 processor (or a T7400 Core 2 Duo if the company's website is to be believed), a max 160GB hard drive, up to 4GB of RAM, and optional ATI Mobilty Radeon X1450 graphics if the standard integrated Intel fare isn't enough for you -- not to mention optional WWAN capabilities for those in need of a little 3G action. Earning the laptop its "rugged" status is its magnesium alloy case, sealed ports and connectors, shock-mounted hard drive, and various dust and water-proofing measures. Unfortunately, there's no word on what it'll cost or when it'll be available, although we're guessing Getac will be spil...
Source: Engadget
14-May-07 21:04:00
Filed under: Displays, HDTV
Samsung believes that by 2010, 30% of all LCD televisions will include LED backlights instead of the conventional flourescent used in most sets now. What's different from the LED units we've seen before is that Samsung wants to use white LEDs, with single diodes custom-coated to produce the same backlight previously requiring combinations of red, green, and blue bulbs. Samsung recently invested in Intematix, which produces custom phosphor coatings for LED bulbs to create uniform color -- required in a television to faithfully reproduce colors. Until recently costs have been higher for LED backlight units, keeping them relegated to higher-end models. Samsung claims the single bulb process reduces costs by 40%, but time will tell whether white-only LEDs are truly better or cheaper than tri-color LEDs, or if they are just the next "Reveal lightbulb" marketing gimmick.
[Via I4U News]
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Samsung believes that by 2010, 30% of all LCD televisions will include LED backlights instead of the conventional flourescent used in most sets now. What's different from the LED units we've seen before is that Samsung wants to use white LEDs, with single diodes custom-coated to produce the same backlight previously requiring combinations of red, green, and blue bulbs. Samsung recently invested in Intematix, which produces custom phosphor coatings for LED bulbs to create uniform color -- required in a television to faithfully reproduce colors. Until recently costs have been higher for LED backlight units, keeping them relegated to higher-end models. Samsung claims the single bulb process reduces costs by 40%, but time will tell whether white-only LEDs are truly better or cheaper than tri-color LEDs, or if they are just the next "Reveal lightbulb" marketing gimmick.
[Via I4U News]
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Source: Engadget
14-May-07 20:34:00
Filed under: Laptops
Yeah, we've caught glimpses of the OLPC in action, but we've yet to see a group of school children get so hyped about receiving an educational tool like the 160 youngsters in Villa Cardal recently did. The relatively small Uruguayan town was thrown into a mild frenzy as a batch of shiny green and white OLPC XOs showed up to give the impressionable kiddos a taste of how learning should really be done. As promised, every child was gifted with their very own machine, and while we're not sure when the curriculum will be updated to account for them, we're giving the kids a slight edge on homework assignments for the time being. Needless to say, the experience is best described by photographs of the mayhem, so be sure to click on through for a few more select snaps, and hit the read link for the entire collection.
[Via Digg]Continue reading Uruguay youngsters receive batch of OLPC XOs
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Yeah, we've caught glimpses of the OLPC in action, but we've yet to see a group of school children get so hyped about receiving an educational tool like the 160 youngsters in Villa Cardal recently did. The relatively small Uruguayan town was thrown into a mild frenzy as a batch of shiny green and white OLPC XOs showed up to give the impressionable kiddos a taste of how learning should really be done. As promised, every child was gifted with their very own machine, and while we're not sure when the curriculum will be updated to account for them, we're giving the kids a slight edge on homework assignments for the time being. Needless to say, the experience is best described by photographs of the mayhem, so be sure to click on through for a few more select snaps, and hit the read link for the entire collection.
[Via Digg]Continue reading Uruguay youngsters receive batch of OLPC XOs
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Source: Engadget
14-May-07 19:34:00
Filed under: Laptops
We've seen MacBooks in many different states of distress during their brief existence -- burned, cracked, bulging, whining, and discolored, to name a few -- but a German member of MacUser has just posted pics of what may be the first unit that we've ever witnessed to actually begin melting from the exhaust heat. Apparently this unlucky movie buff was running down the AFI's Top 100 Movies of All Time, and had just gotten absorbed in the 2000 Wayans brother tour de force 'Scary Movie' when the hot air from those notorious vents started to warp and deform the LCD's plastic bezel. Thankfully all's well that ends well as Apple has agreed to replace our hero's notebook with one of the non-melty variety, though with MacBooks having been clocked at running north of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, this may not be the last Dalí-esque laptop we see. Check out another angle after the break...
[Via Gadget Lab]
Continue reading German MacBook melts during...
We've seen MacBooks in many different states of distress during their brief existence -- burned, cracked, bulging, whining, and discolored, to name a few -- but a German member of MacUser has just posted pics of what may be the first unit that we've ever witnessed to actually begin melting from the exhaust heat. Apparently this unlucky movie buff was running down the AFI's Top 100 Movies of All Time, and had just gotten absorbed in the 2000 Wayans brother tour de force 'Scary Movie' when the hot air from those notorious vents started to warp and deform the LCD's plastic bezel. Thankfully all's well that ends well as Apple has agreed to replace our hero's notebook with one of the non-melty variety, though with MacBooks having been clocked at running north of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, this may not be the last Dalí-esque laptop we see. Check out another angle after the break...
[Via Gadget Lab]
Continue reading German MacBook melts during...
Source: Engadget
14-May-07 18:34:00
Filed under: Robots
This won't mark the first occasion (nor the last) in which a NASA challenge ends without a winner, but just as noted before the competition began, it looks like the quarter-million dollars in prize money will indeed be rolled over to next year. NASA's Regolith Excavation Challenge beckoned teams to conjure up autonomous digger bots that could move a given amount of mock moon dirt into a cell within a half hour, and unfortunately for crews hailing from Pismo Beach, Berkley, Rolla, and Rancho Palos Verdes, everyone left with their heads a-hangin'. The excavator built by Technology Ranch was able to notch first place by relocating just over 143-pounds in 30 minutes, but fell quite short on picking up any award monies. So for those of you who weren't exactly ready to go mano-a-mano with these guys and gals this time around, next year you've all got $750,000 on the line. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
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This won't mark the first occasion (nor the last) in which a NASA challenge ends without a winner, but just as noted before the competition began, it looks like the quarter-million dollars in prize money will indeed be rolled over to next year. NASA's Regolith Excavation Challenge beckoned teams to conjure up autonomous digger bots that could move a given amount of mock moon dirt into a cell within a half hour, and unfortunately for crews hailing from Pismo Beach, Berkley, Rolla, and Rancho Palos Verdes, everyone left with their heads a-hangin'. The excavator built by Technology Ranch was able to notch first place by relocating just over 143-pounds in 30 minutes, but fell quite short on picking up any award monies. So for those of you who weren't exactly ready to go mano-a-mano with these guys and gals this time around, next year you've all got $750,000 on the line. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
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Source: Engadget
14-May-07 18:04:00
Filed under: Cellphones
Business 2.0 is reporting today that not just any iPhones have made their way onto eBay, but some "14 kart solid gold" 8GB units. Not entirely unplausible if it were a month from now, but whereas normally we'd just ignore, this one's a little too tantalizing. Yes, the seller has a 99% positive rating on eBay, but seller ratings are easily and often inflated and used to gain credibility before selling one larger, fraudulent items. If this is the real deal (and someone wants to plunk down ten grand to find out), we're prepared to eat our 14 kart solid gold words.
[Via Business 2.0]
Read - eBay auction 1
Read - eBay auction 2
Read - eBay auction
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Business 2.0 is reporting today that not just any iPhones have made their way onto eBay, but some "14 kart solid gold" 8GB units. Not entirely unplausible if it were a month from now, but whereas normally we'd just ignore, this one's a little too tantalizing. Yes, the seller has a 99% positive rating on eBay, but seller ratings are easily and often inflated and used to gain credibility before selling one larger, fraudulent items. If this is the real deal (and someone wants to plunk down ten grand to find out), we're prepared to eat our 14 kart solid gold words.
[Via Business 2.0]
Read - eBay auction 1
Read - eBay auction 2
Read - eBay auction
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: Engadget
14-May-07 17:46:00
Filed under: Desktops, Gaming
We've already seen it benchmarked, but those of you considering ATI's new top-end Radeon HD 2900 XT graphics card now have a number of full-on reviews to sink your teeth into, all of which seem to be roughly in line with each other. On the all important point of performance, ExtremeTech, HotHardware, and [H] Enthusiast each found that the card held its own against NVIDIA's GeForce 8800 GTS in the usual array of tests, although it fell well short of NVIDIA's pricier GeForce 8800 GTX, which ATI still has no answer to. All three also found many of the same things to complain about, most notably the card's noise and excessive power consumption, although ATI is promising a driver update to cut down on some of the racket. HotHardware also points out that the ATI card likely has more room to grow through driver updates than the NVIDIA, and speculates that a 65nm version of the card could arrive "sooner rather than later." Until then, however, all thre...
We've already seen it benchmarked, but those of you considering ATI's new top-end Radeon HD 2900 XT graphics card now have a number of full-on reviews to sink your teeth into, all of which seem to be roughly in line with each other. On the all important point of performance, ExtremeTech, HotHardware, and [H] Enthusiast each found that the card held its own against NVIDIA's GeForce 8800 GTS in the usual array of tests, although it fell well short of NVIDIA's pricier GeForce 8800 GTX, which ATI still has no answer to. All three also found many of the same things to complain about, most notably the card's noise and excessive power consumption, although ATI is promising a driver update to cut down on some of the racket. HotHardware also points out that the ATI card likely has more room to grow through driver updates than the NVIDIA, and speculates that a 65nm version of the card could arrive "sooner rather than later." Until then, however, all thre...
Source: Engadget
14-May-07 17:16:00
Filed under: Home Entertainment
It looks like Cisco is about to make its biggest push into the consumer market to date, with BusinessWeek reporting that the company is readying a "souped-up" set-top box that'll supposedly combine a number of different products into one. Of course, as BusinessWeek points out, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, especially given the company's recent acquisitions of Linksys, Scientific-Atlanta, and KiSS Technology. As you may be able to surmise by that confluence of companies, the new do-it-all box will apparently be networked like nobody's business (wireless, naturally), including the ability to pull content off the Internet and distribute it to other devices around the house. It'll reportedly include its own web browser as well. While Cisco's pulling all the strings, it apparently won't be slapping its own name on the boxes, selling them instead directly to consumers under the Linksys brand and offering 'em up to various cable companies. ...
It looks like Cisco is about to make its biggest push into the consumer market to date, with BusinessWeek reporting that the company is readying a "souped-up" set-top box that'll supposedly combine a number of different products into one. Of course, as BusinessWeek points out, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, especially given the company's recent acquisitions of Linksys, Scientific-Atlanta, and KiSS Technology. As you may be able to surmise by that confluence of companies, the new do-it-all box will apparently be networked like nobody's business (wireless, naturally), including the ability to pull content off the Internet and distribute it to other devices around the house. It'll reportedly include its own web browser as well. While Cisco's pulling all the strings, it apparently won't be slapping its own name on the boxes, selling them instead directly to consumers under the Linksys brand and offering 'em up to various cable companies. ...
Source: Engadget
