Archives for March 2010

Google Earth for Android Comparison

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Last week we reported that Google Earth was now available for Android 2.1 based phones such as the Google [GOOG] Nexus One.

To get a run down of how it performs on the Nexus One versus the Motorola DROID, AndroidHD have put together a side-by-side comparison. In some cases the Nexus One seems to win hands-down while in others it appears like the DROID and N-One are very similar in what they can handle as well as the speed of the data transfer to get the textures and imagery to the Google Earth application. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones

Google Street View Images Could be Updated every 6 Months – EU Demands

March 1, 2010 by 1 Comment

Google Street View has caused a bit of a stir from time to time as some users feel it’s a little intrusive having a camera capture pictures of your home. Generally though it seems like most people actually think it’s a cool service to use.

Google [GOOG] had plans to update the images every 12 months when the service launched although this could be reduced in the EU has it’s way. The 12 monthly updates would allow Google to capture changes in scenery and buildings that have occurred over the year. However, due to various privacy reasons the EU want it changing to the 6 months we mentioned which could lead to great expense for Google to effectively double it’s efforts to achieve the same work. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Tech News

Sony NV-U35 GPS for Bike Owners

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Sony have announced a new GPS unit designed for bike users. The device is called the Sony NV-U34 and is more rugged than a traditional satnav unit allowing it to be used in all weather conditions.

The unit is quite small measuring 112 x 17.8 x 79mm and weighs 176 grams. It has a 3.5 inch QVGA screen that is also touchscreen displaying 320 x 240 pixels. The software built in allows for both 2D and 3D navigation. A specifically designed handlebar mount is also available allowing it to be securely attached to a bike.

Storage wise it has 8GB of memory built in which can be increased by using Memory Stick Duo cards. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cool Gadgets

Don’t Use your Classic Sony PS3 Until Further Notice

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Yesterday a bug hit the PlayStation Network which has caused problems for the older classic (fatter) Sony PlayStation 3 units to not connect or have data loss.

The reason for the problems is due to a bug in the clock functionality that is used by the system. Errors include…

* The date of the PS3 system may be re-set to Jan 1, 2000.
* When the user tries to sign in to the PlayStation Network, the following
message appears on the screen; ‘An error has occurred. You have been
signed out of PlayStation Network (8001050F).
* When the user tries to launch a game, the following error message appears
on the screen and the trophy data may disappear; ‘Failed to install
trophies. Please exit your game.
* When the user tries to set the time and date of the system via the
Internet, the following message appears on the screen; ‘The current date
and time could not be obtained. (8001050F)
* Users are not able to play back certain rental video downloaded from the
PlayStation Store before the expiration date.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Tech News

ASUS Eee 1001PQ Intel Atom N450 Netbook

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

ASUS are launching a new Eee PC called the ASUS Eee 1001PQ that is aimed at children. The new netbook is an update from the MK90H that was “Disney-inspired” and is now upgraded to run an Intel Atom N450 CPU.

The new netbook is being launched at CeBIT this week and will come in a couple of different colour combinations which includes Yellow/Black and Black/Purple. As well as being colourful on the outside the inside palm rest is also coloured to match the outer casing.

On to the technical specs… [Read more…]

Filed Under: Laptops

Qualcomm 7×30 Smartphone Platform Increases 3D Performance

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

A couple of videos have surfaced showing off Qualcomm’s new smartphone platform 7×30.

The new platform uses the Snapdragon CPU and is designed as a system-on-chip that has capabilities of HD video at 720p as well as capabilities to utilise 3D.

YouTube also functions using Flash 10.1 without any hickups making it super smooth. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones

Wacom Cintiq 21UX Interactive Pen Display

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Wacom have created a new Interactive Pen Display called the Wacom Cintiq 21UX. The device utilises a 21 inch touchscreen LCD display that is designed to be colour accurate. The Cintiq can detect up to 2048 levels of pressure that start in the range from near zero allowing the user to easily draw on the surface and have it capture exactly what is needed.

On the rear of the device are touch strips that allow the user to control the digital canvas by fingertips if needed. Thumb controls and toggle switches are also found on the back allowing various functions to be quickly accessed when needed.

The Cintiq 21UX grip pen is the device that senses the 2048 pressure levels. As well as having the sensor technology built in the pen also has two customisable side switches that can be configured for various functions such as double-click or right click. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Computer Gadgets

LG Windows Phone 7 Series Handset Revealed

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Last week we mentioned that LG were readying the first Windows Phone 7 Series handset ready for launch sometime between September and November this year.

Engadget managed to take a look at the handset whilst filming the Engadget Show. A quick look at the picture above shows that it appears to have the right things in place to qualify as a Windows Phone 7 Series handset such as it having 3 hardware buttons below the screen and a large high-res screen that’s capacitive touch. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones

Mitsumi Chip to enhance LCD Pictures

March 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Mitsumi are creating a chip that aims to increase the quality of cheap LCD TV images. The chip is called the MRFX-0001 and is capable of boosting colour, white balance and sharpness of pictures.

Although it wont be backwards compatible in that you can buy the chip and fit it in your cheap LCD TV, it will be shipping to manufacturers who create cheaper TV’s that perhaps might have had poor image quality from the start… thus boosting the quality closer to that of a better TV.

The chip when installed in a TV emphasizes flesh colours as well as other common screen colours. It is also compatible with Full HD signals at a rate of up to 60 frames per second. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Displays

HTC HD2 as well as Other WM6.X Devices Won’t Get Windows Phone 7 Series

March 1, 2010 by 5 Comments

We’ve seen a number of rumours that the HTC HD2 will be getting an update to Windows Phone 7 Series. However, due to one simple technical requirement it closes off the rumour.

The hardware guidelines are quite specific in that phone manufactures need to have a specific processor (ie, the 1GHz Snapdragon from Qualcomm), a high-res screen, a 5 megapixel camera and a 3.5mm headphone jack… which the HTC HD2 already has. However, one of the “strict” requirements of the chassis 1 phones is that they also need to have three hard buttons below the screen. The HTC HD2 happens to have five which breaks the deal.

That’s the official line from Microsoft, at any rate. Natasha Kwan, General Manager for Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business in the Asia-Pacific region, told APC that the HD2 ‘doesn’t qualify because it doesn’t have the three buttons.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones