Previously:

• Siphon Coffee: Because Single Origin Brew Wasn't Elitist Enough ...
• The Other Monstrous "Clover," a $20k Coffee Brewing Vacuum Siphon ...
• Hand-Cranked Spong Coffee Mill - Boing Boing Gadgets

Previously:

• Mark on The Martha Stewart Show, May 18, 2009 - Boing Boing

Source: Gizmodo | 22 May 2009 | 9:29 pm

TDS and U.S. Cellular to Present at the Barclays Capital Worldwide Wireless and Wireline Conference

CHICAGO, May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 9:21 pm

McMaster’s Final Humiliation: Federal Smack Down (Restraining Order Below)

South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster gets served his final humiliation: a federal judge, U.S. District Judge Weston Houck, blocked him from prosecuting Craigslist management, at least until he’s made a final decision on the case. From the order: “Until the Court rules on the merits of craigslist’s claims, Defendants and their attorneys and staffs shall refrain from initiating or pursuing any prosecution against craigslist or its officers and employees in relation to content posted by third parties on craigslist’s website.”

The consent order granting the restraining order is embedded below.

McMaster started the war earlier this month by threatening criminal prosecution against Craigslist and Craigslist management for allowing pornographic images and ads for prostitution on the South Carolina Craigslist site. Craigslist took extraordinary steps to comply with McMaster’s demands, despite the fact that legal experts questioned if McMaster even had a case.

Craigslist stood firm and filed suit against McMaster in federal court. McMaster, now facing charges of his own, declared victory and ran away.

This final humiliation just makes it clear that no one on the planet with a shred of common sense seems to side with McMaster. The man is running for governor of South Carolina and is using Craigslist to make headlines. The evidence of his douchery is overwhelming:

• His office has never prosecuted a prostitution case in his seven years in office.
• McMaster ignored sites with far more prostitution listings to go after the higher profile Craigslist.
• The EFF says “Attorney General Henry McMaster has no case”
• Local South Carolina press ripped him apart.
• Techdirt calls McMaster a liar
• 80% of our readers would rather lose South Carolina than Craigslist
• South Carolina residents seem to agree.

I’d say we’re done here, although I still think Craigslist should permanently shut down the South Carolina site and ban South Carolina IP addresses just out of spite. But the good guys won one today, which is increasingly infrequent. Time to celebrate.

Update: In other South Carolina news, they found that missing 555 pound teenager. Sigh.

052209Order -

Crunch Network: CrunchBase the free database of technology companies, people, and investors

Source: TechCrunch | 22 May 2009 | 9:17 pm

CrunchBoard Jobs: Calling all Job Hunters

With the apparent ease in layoffs, things might be looking up. This week we saw quite a few new jobs on CrunchBoard as companies are still looking for some tech savvy employees. But then again, according to analyst Christa Quarles, we might all be in the wrong industry. For job hunters in Europe, check out our Europe CrunchBoard.

Don’t forget we’re looking for a few good hackers here at TechCrunch.

New jobs on CrunchBoard:

• Director, Online Communications/Webmaster
  Broadcast Music, Inc. - New York

• Lead Web Developer
  NationalBLS - San Francisco, CA

• Senior Server Software Architect
  Nuance Data - Mountain View, CA

• Associate Product Manager
  Knewton, Inc. - New York

• User Interface Engineer
  Gerson Lehrman Group - New York, NY

Crunch Network: MobileCrunch Mobile Gadgets and Applications, Delivered Daily.

Source: TechCrunch | 22 May 2009 | 9:15 pm

First Look At VMware's vSphere "Cloud OS"

snydeq writes "InfoWorld's Paul Venezia takes VMware's purported 'cloud OS,' vSphere 4, for a test drive. The bottom line: 'VMware vSphere 4.0 touches on almost every aspect of managing a virtual infrastructure, from ESX host provisioning to virtual network management to backup and recovery of virtual machines. Time will tell whether these features are as solid as they need to be in this release, but their presence is a substantial step forward for virtual environments.' Among the features Venezia finds particularly worthwhile is vSphere's Fault Tolerance: 'In a nutshell, this allows you to run the same VM in tandem across two hardware nodes, but with only one instance actually visible to the network. You can think of it as OS-agnostic clustering. Should a hardware failure take out the primary instance, the secondary instance will assume normal operations instantly, without requiring a VMotion.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: Slashdot | 22 May 2009 | 9:13 pm

Air Force Sees Little Risk Of Losing GPS Accuracy - InformationWeek

ABC News

Air Force Sees Little Risk Of Losing GPS Accuracy InformationWeek The issue arose earlier this month when the GAO, which is Congress' oversight operation, examined the GPS system. By W. David Gardner The US Air Force said there's little danger the GPS system it operates will fail, despite a report earlier this month ... Air Force waves off warnings about GPS accuracy The Associated Press Air Force: Risk of GPS failure is "very small" Yahoo! Tech Tom's Guide - Wired News - PC World - IGN all 620 news articles

Source: Google News - Sci/Tech | 22 May 2009 | 9:08 pm

Oddball Tech: Wear your tweets, living networks, Google is your savior, and recycled urine, yum!

Section: Communications, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle, Robots/AI, Transportation, Web, Web 2.0, Google

Nice tweets, sweetheart

Get your mind out of the gutter.  That says “tweets.”  When anything gets big, it hits a t-shirt.  Now, Twitter is no different.  Let’s take a look at these tees.  “I’m huge on Twitter” which might as well say “I have no real friends.”  “In space no one can hear you tweet,” but that’s not true if you’ve got some kind of communications system aboard your space station.  “The messaging system we didn’t know we needed until we had it”—that one rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?  And “140 is the new 420.”  I’d say something here, but I wouldn’t want to blow your mind.  [Source]

Moto says “Hello, Dave”

Motorola, you know that company that used to be relevant at one point, has decided that humans are the problem and decided to side with the machines.  Here’s their latest: their networks reorganize by themselves.  Every time a new cell site is installed, their software will reset so everything will work on its own.  Before, you’d need to reconfigure the network via a human team.  This allows the networks to grow without needing the same kind of manpower.  They call it the “Self-Organizing Network.”  But in all seriousness, this is kind of useful because it actually lets an increase in network coverage without the hassle.  [Source]

Google is your savior

Google, a small start up company with a funny name, says they could have predicted the swine flu.  I’m unaware of the “Google Prophecies” service—maybe it’s in the labs.  Larry “Don’t tell me what’s on the last” Page says that if Google was able to keep records for more than 6 months that they would have been able to predict lots of things like the swine flu.  It turns out that Page isn’t crazy.  Google did a demo recently that showed they could predict an outbreak before the government could since with their search records. 

Mr Page said the less data companies like Google were able to hold the “more likely we all are to die”.  - BBC*

There’s a t-shirt idea!  [Source]

Drink up!  Wait, I’m drinking what?

The big space news of the week is that astronauts were drinking water.  The water was previously urine that had been recycled to produce potable water.  I know what you’re thinking, “I saw that in ‘Waterworld,’ the underrated Kevin Costner masterpiece years ago!”  Yes you did. 

While many are disgusted at the concept of drinking recycled water, keep in mind that this is what water treatment plants do all the time.  There’s really no need to think about it.  Have faith in science.  (And yes, that is a joke.)  [Source]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 9:08 pm

Mysterious Disappearance Of Yosemite’s Giant Trees

Experts say climate change appears to be a major cause of the disappearance of the oldest and largest trees within California's world famous Yosemite National Park, BBC News reported.An analysis of data collected over 60 years by forest ecologists has raised cause for concern over the majestic trees.Some fear that even more large trees may be dying off elsewhere, considering the current decline is happening within one of most protected forests within the US.Data collected on tree growth within the park gathered from the 1930s onward was compiled by researchers James Lutz and Jerry Franklin of the University of Washington, Seattle, US and Jan van Wagtendonk of the Yosemite Field Station of the US Geological Survey, based in El Portal, California.They found that between the 1930s and 1990s the density of large diameter trees within all types of forest had fallen by 24 percent.Lutz explained that these large, old trees have lived centuries and experienced many dry and wet periods."So it is quite a surprise that recent conditions are such that these long-term survivors have been affected," he added.The large trees also play a distinct and important role within forest ecosystems, as their canopies help moderate the local forest environment and their understory creates a unique habitat for other plants and animals.The older trees tend to seed the surrounding area and are often able to withstand fires, short-term climatic changes and outbreaks of insect pests that can kill or weaken smaller trees.Lutz's team suggests, however, that these large specimens are no longer faring so well.The researchers collated all the data that existed on tree growth within the Yosemite National Park that included two comprehensive surveys: one conducted in the mid 1930s and another during the 1990s."Few studies like this exist elsewhere in the world because of a lack of good measurements from the early 20th Century," Lutz said of the report published in Forest Ecology and Management.Both surveys recorded data from 21 species of trees, in which the density of large diameter trees fell from 45 trees per square hectare to 34 trees, a decline of 24 percent in just over 60 years.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 9:05 pm

The most expensive coffee in the world is made from animal poop

Meet the Asian Palm Civet. Also known as a Toddy Cat, he is a feline-sized mammal native to Southeast Asia. Civets like to eat red coffee berries and beans. In the jungles in which they live, they find the sweetest, ripest ones and munch on them with their cute little faces. But they can't digest them, so the berries and beans come out as poop. One day, humans discovered that the enzymes in the civets' tummies break down the coffee's bitterness, leaving behind an extremely delicious pooped bean. They took the poop home, washed it lightly, roasted it, ground it, poured boiled water over it, and drank it. Tastes like caramel and chocolate! Thus spawned a small industry of poop-coffee-making.

Today, Kopi Luwak--civet coffee in Indonesian--sells for about $30 a cup in select coffee shops in Japan and the US. I have yet to try a cup, but if you've ever drank it I'd love to know whether you thought it was worth the extra bucks.

Source: Gizmodo | 22 May 2009 | 9:00 pm

Portford Solutions' DocuNECT Document Exporter Solution Recognized With 2008 EMC Partner Solution Award: Best New Offering for EMC Documentum ApplicationXtender

ONTARIO, Calif., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Portford Solutions, developer of the DocuNECT electronic document capture platform, today announced that DocuNECT Document Exporter has received the EMC Velocity Technology and ISV 2008 EMC Partner Solution Award: Best New Offering for EMC Documentum ApplicationXtender.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 8:57 pm

Updated: Japan's Largest Multi-Play Provider J:COM Selects Amdocs for Customer Management and Upgrades Billing Systems to Support Future Growth

New products from Amdocs CES 7.5 and billing systems expansion will enhance customer experience ST.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 8:51 pm

Cuban Government Faces Off Against Bloggers

A debate over social policy in Cuba is shaping up on the blogosphere. Cuban bloggers have been outspoken in their opposition to the government.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 8:50 pm

US To Spend Millions Restoring Legendary D-Day Landmark

The U.S.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 8:39 pm

Getting local farmers' crops to restaurants using the internet

Alexis Madrigal:

FarmsReach wants to make ordering from local, small farms as easy and reliable as ordering from Sysco. Farmers with smartphones would snap quick photos of their produce, then upload their products into their "virtual stalls." Restaurants could cruise through the vegetables online and pick what they wanted. It's a classic farmer's market with a high-tech twist.

Source: Boing Boing Gadgets | 22 May 2009 | 8:39 pm

Spirit stuck on Mars, Opportunity rolls on

Six years after landing on Mars, the rover Spirit is bogged down in Martian soil, researchers at Cornell University said, but Opportunity carries on. The vehicle (Spirit) seems to be in a unique combination of soft, sandy material and slopes that we haven't encountered yet, said Jim Bell, professor of astronomy and leader of the mission's Pancam color camera team.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 8:38 pm

Let's see if Mac users have a sense of humor

Click to see the full pic at Cult of Mac.

Source: Boing Boing Gadgets | 22 May 2009 | 8:35 pm

MPAA argues in RealDVD courtroom that copying DVDs is illegal under the DMCA

What’s another phrase for, “meh, who cares?” That’s what I’m thinking when I read that the MPAA tried to argue in court that making a personal copy of a DVD is illegal under the DMCA. Is it shocking to people that the MPAA would argue in favor of its own interests, possibly at the expense of the your ability to make rip a DVD? No. No it’s not.

This all “went down” at the Real DVD court hearing. Remember Real DVD? It is (was?) a piece of software that made copies of DVDs that would then only play within Real’s software; you couldn’t, say, burn a disc then play it on your stand-alone Sony or Samsung (or whatever) DVD or Blu-ray player. That wasn’t good enough for the MPAA, you’ll recall.

But back to the issue at hand—the MPAA hates each and every one of you.

Isn’t it strange that Real, a company so teased and mocked by the Internet community for years now (see: buffering jokes, etc.), is now in a position to argue for our rights as consumers to copy our legally purchased DVDs.

Photo: Flickr

Source: CrunchGear | 22 May 2009 | 8:30 pm

New Windows 7 logo revealed? Sweet flare!

There’s nothing to suggest this is the true and final Windows 7 logo, or even that the OS will have such a logo. But it is an official Microsoft graphic, and it’s going in a different direction from the rest of the bannery, rounded logos they’ve been pushing the last few years with XP and Vista. I’m actually not convinced it’s for real; the extreme lens flare on it suggests to me that it may actually be the logo for Voltron 7.

Actually, it’s from the Windows Lounge site, which directs MS employees to a Windows 7 Facebook group, so this is probably just a logo for that aspect of the OS. Also, if you spin it around, a 7 looks like an L. Lounge starts with L… or maybe this is the logo for Windows ‘Leven? You be the judge.

Of course, new or not, and official or not, it’s still a butt-ugly logo. They really should stick with what they’ve got: the established and widely-recognized 4-color Windows logo, and simple text proclaiming the new “version.” Don’t blow it, Microsoft.

Source: CrunchGear | 22 May 2009 | 8:30 pm

HOWTO "Stir + Scoop" w/Your French Press

A writer for CoffeeGeek went to Ritual Coffee in San Francisco's Mission District to get the dirt on techniques for the more adventurous French presser:

The "stir and scoop method" [is] where an additional 2 grams of coffee are added to the typical 7-gram dose of grounds (per "cup"). The grinds are agitated and the plunger is ignored until the very end; a saucer is used in its place throughout the steeping time, and two spoons are used to scoop off the grinds before the plunger is finally applied and pressed, and the brew is poured.

Users say it tastes better, makes it easier to plunge the press, and cuts down on errant grounds in your cup. That's been my experience. Here's a video demo. Stir and scoop portion begins at 03:40.

[photo by Karen Hamilton]

Source: Boing Boing Gadgets | 22 May 2009 | 8:25 pm

Gadget Lab Podcast #75: Palm Pre VS. Apple iPhone

In this week’s episode of the Gadget Lab podcast, the gang gossips about the upcoming battle between Palm and Apple. Palm’s iPhone rival, the Palm Pre, is hitting stores June 6 — just two days before Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, where many are expecting the next iPhone to be announced. We give our impressions of the Palm Pre and a rundown of some of the latest next-gen iPhone rumors.

We conclude the podcast with a rundown of a car most of us will never be able to drive: the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, a $209,000 convertible. James Bond would probably love this thing.

This week’s podcast features Danny Dumas, Priya Ganapati and Brian Chen, with audio engineering by Fernando Cardoso.

If the embedded player above doesn’t work, you can download the Gadget Lab podcast #75 MP3 file.

Use iTunes? Subscribe to the Gadget Lab Audio Podcast in iTunes. Do it now!

Like video? Aim your browser at the Gadget Lab Video Podcast — available on iTunes and right here on the Gadget Lab blog.

Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 22 May 2009 | 8:19 pm

Scientists Announce Top 10 New Species

State of Observed Species reports 18,516 species new to science in 2007The International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University and an international committee of taxonomists – scientists responsible for species exploration and classification – today announce the top 10 new species described in 2008.On the list are a pea-sized seahorse, caffeine-free coffee and bacteria that live in hairspray. The top 10 new species also include the very tiny (a snake just a slither longer than 4 inches or 104 millimeters), the very long (an insect from Malaysia with an overall length of 22.3 inches or 56.7 centimeters) the very old (a fossilized specimen of the oldest known live-bearing vertebrate) and the very twisted (a snail whose shell twists around four axes). Rounding out this year's list are a palm that flowers itself to death, a ghost slug from Wales and a deep blue damselfish.The taxonomists also are issuing an SOS – State of Observed Species – report card on human knowledge of Earth's species. In it, they report that 18,516 species new to science were discovered and described in 2007. The SOS report was compiled by ASU's International Institute for Species Exploration in partnership with the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, International Plant Names Index, Zoological Record published by Thomson Reuters, and the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.Photos and other information on the top 10 and the SOS report are online at species.asu.edu.Among this year's top 10 picks is a tiny seahorse – Hippocampus satomiae – with a standard length of 0.54 inches (13.8 millimeters) and an approximate height of 0.45 inches (11.5 millimeters). This pygmy species was found near Derawan Island off Kalimantan, Indonesia. The name – satomiae – is "in honor of Miss Satomi Onishi, the dive guide who collected the type specimens."From the plant kingdom is a gigantic new species and genus of palm – Tahina spectablilis – with fewer than 100 individuals found only in a small area of northwestern Madagascar. This plant flowers itself to death, producing a huge, spectacular terminal inflorescence with countless flowers. After fruiting, the palm dies and collapses. Soon after the original publication of the species description, seeds were disseminated throughout the palm grower community, to raise money for its conservation by the local villagers. It has since become a highly prized ornamental.Also on the top 10 list is caffeine-free coffee from Cameroon. Coffea charrieriana is the first record of a caffeine-free species from Central Africa. The plant is named for Professor André Charrier, "who managed coffee breeding research and collecting missions at IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) during the last 30 years of the 20th century."And, in the category of "spray on new species" is an extremophile bacteria that was discovered in hairspray by Japanese scientists. The species – Microbacterium hatanonis – was named in honor of Kazunori Hatano, "for his contribution to the understanding of the genus Microbacterium."Phobaeticus chani made the list as the world's longest insect with a body length of 14 inches (36.6 centimeters) and overall length of 22.3 inches (56.7 centimeters). The insect, which resembles a stick, was found in Borneo, Malaysia.The Barbados Threadsnake – Leptotyphlops carlae – measuring 4.1 inches (104 millimeters) is believed to be the world's smallest snake. It was discovered in St. Joseph Parish, Barbados.The ghost slug – Selenochlamys ysbryda – was a surprising find in the well-collected and densely populated area of Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales.A snail – Opisthostoma vermiculum – found in Malaysia, represents a unique morphological evolution, with a shell that twists around four axes. It is endemic to a unique limestone hill habitat in Malaysia.The other two species on the top 10 list are fish – one found in deep-reef habitat off the coast of Ngemelis Island, Palau, and the other a fossilized specimen of the oldest known live-bearing vertebrate.Chromis abyssus – a beautiful species of damselfish made it to the top 10 representing the first taxonomic act of 2008 and the first act registered in the newly launched taxonomic database Zoobank. As a result, in the first month following its original description, it was the most downloaded article in Zootaxa's history and was among the top 10 downloaded articles for 11 months in 2008. The discovery also highlights how little is known about deep-reef biodiversity.Also on the top 10 list is a fossilized specimen – Materpiscis attenboroughi – the oldent known vertebrate to be viviparous (live bearing). The specimen, an extremely rare find from Western Australia, shows a mother fish giving birth approximately 380 million years ago. The holotype specimen has been nicknamed "Josie" by the discoverer, John Long, in honor of his mother."The international committee of taxon experts who made the selection of the top 10 from the thousands of species described in calendar year 2008 is helping draw attention to biodiversity, the field of taxonomy, and the importance of natural history museums and botanical gardens in a fun-filled way," says Quentin Wheeler, an entomologist and director of the International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University."Charting the species of the world and their unique attributes are essential parts of understanding the history of life," says Wheeler. "It is in our own self-interest as we face the challenges of living on a rapidly changing planet."According to Wheeler, a new generation of tools are coming online that will vastly accelerate the rate at which we are able to discover and describe species."Most people do not realize just how incomplete our knowledge of Earth's species is or the steady rate at which taxonomists are exploring that diversity. We are surrounded by such an exuberance of species diversity that we too often take it for granted," says Wheeler, who also is ASU vice president, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and a professor in the School of Life Sciences.The annual top 10 new species announcement and issuance of the SOS report commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Carolus Linnaeus, who initiated the modern system of plant and animal names and classifications. The 300th anniversary of his birth on May 23 was celebrated worldwide in 2007. Last year marked the 250th anniversary of the beginning of animal naming.There are an estimated 1.8 million species that have been described since Linnaeus initiated the modern systems for naming plants and animals in the 18th century. Scientists estimate there are between 2 million and 100 million species on Earth, though most set the number closer to 10 million.The SOS report card summarizes the number of major pspecies.asu.edulant and animal species newly described for the most recent year of complete data. The majority of the 18,516 species described (named) in 2007 were invertebrate animals (75.6 percent), vascular plants (11.1 percent) and vertebrates (6.7 percent). This year's SOS report also includes data for prokaryotes (bacteria and Archaea) in addition to protists.The State of Observed Species report and list of top 10 new species issued annually by ASU's International Institute for Species Exploration is part of its public awareness campaign to shine attention on biodiversity and the field of taxonomy. Last year's list and report are online at species.asu.edu.An international committee of experts, chaired by Janine N. Caira of the University of Connecticut, selected the top 10 new species for this year's list. Nominations were invited through the species.asu.edu Web site and also generated by institute staff and committee members.The Caira committee had complete freedom in making its choices and developing its own criteria, from unique attributes or surprising facts about the species to peculiar names, Wheeler notes.---Image Caption: The smallest snake, Leptotyphlops carlae, from Barbados. Copyright S. Blair Hedges
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 8:09 pm

Gadgetell visits TechVi to talk about the next iPhone

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Web, Online Music/Video

So many rumors floating around about the latest iPhone.  Will it have an OLED screen?  32GB of space?  Will it make you dinner?  Randall Bennett had Kevin Tofel from jkOnTheRun.com and myself on his show, “TechVi,” to take on the latest rumors.  Which will be the next big phone: iPhone 3, Pre, or the BlackBerry Storm 2?  It was plenty of fun and definitely worth a watch.

Check out more episodes [TechVi.com]
[jkOnTheRun.com]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 8:06 pm

Rogers Communications to Participate at Barclays Telecom Conference

TORONTO, May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Rogers Communications Inc. will be participating in the Barclays Capital Worldwide Wireless and Wireline Conference being held in New York City on May 27 and 28, 2009.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 8:05 pm

Energizer attacks the darkness with new LED flashlight

LEDs are definitely the future of flashlights. Personally, I love the fact that they are super bright, durable, and depending on the flashlight, capable of temporarily blinding someone who is attacking you. I definitely like this new Energizer Hardcase Tactical light, it’s built to last and has some extremely cool features.

The new Hardcase Tactical is actually Energizer’s 2nd generation of this light, and the redesign has really made it a more practical device. They made the case a bit smaller, added a rotating head, and made the base a little larger and flatter so it can stand up on it’s own. One of the coolest features is that if you find yourself short on batteries - you can put just one in and the light will still work. Available soon for a suggested retail of $125, it’s a bit expensive but keep in mind you get a 70 lumens white LED, and green, red, blue, and IR LED’s as well. Admittedly these multiple functions aren’t needed by everyone, but they are fun to use.

[via Popular Mechanics]

Source: CrunchGear | 22 May 2009 | 8:03 pm

Waxy substance key to plant health

Manipulating a natural waxy substance found in plants allows for easier absorption of beneficial nutrients, a Purdue University scientist in Indiana said. Botanists have long believed the substance suberin acted as a barrier for the movement of water in plants.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 8:03 pm

Matrex Exhibits Named as Finalist in 2009 American Business Awards(SM)

7th Annual Stevie(R) Awards will be presented on June 22 in New York City
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 8:02 pm

Not all IMAX screens are created equal

Did you know that not all IMAX screens are the same size? I had no idea. It seems that in order to expand its market, the company has installed smaller screens in some theaters. Actor/comedian Aziz Ansari (Observe and Report) didn’t like that his local theater has what’s now dubbed LIEMAX by some.

Wired talked to the CEO of IMAX and found that it’s true, not all IMAX screens are the same size. Traditionally, an IMAX screen was around 72-feet, but the company compromised in order to install more systems in more markets. According to the CEO though, it’s not just the screen that makes an IMAX special.

These IMAX-lite theaters were apparently modified to further the IMAX experience. The projectors were upgraded, the audio systems enhanced, and the seats moved around so viewers would perceive a bigger screen. At least that’s what the CEO is saying.
View IMAX or LIEMAX? in a larger map

Still, I don’t know if I would pay the added cost to go see a movie in one of these theaters. If I’m going to see an IMAX movie, I want an effn gigantic screen. Use this Google Maps guide to see if your local IMAX is a LIEMAX.

Source: CrunchGear | 22 May 2009 | 8:00 pm

Brussels Palace of Justice Apparently Has Only Single Courtroom [Digital Daily]

What silliness.

Microsoft and the European Commission have canceled a face-to-face hearing in an antitrust case pending against the company over a scheduling dispute, of all things. Seems Microsoft is unhappy with the date of the hearing, which it says falls during a time when key senior regulators will be unable to attend. “The dates the Commission selected for our hearing, June 3-5, coincide with the most important worldwide intergovernmental competition law meeting, the International Competition Network meeting,” Dave Heiner, vice president and deputy general counsel at Microsoft, wrote in a blog post. “As a result, it appears that many of the most influential Commission and national competition officials with the greatest interest in our case will be in Zurich and so unable to attend our hearing in Brussels.”

Microsoft (MSFT) asked the EC to reschedule. It refused, claiming June 3-5 are the only dates that a suitable room is available in Brussels for a hearing. Which is, of course, ridiculous. But no more so than Microsoft’s argument that the hearing will suffer from the absence of European decision-makers, says Thomas Vinje, counsel for Opera, a complainant in the case. Because, in all likelihood, those folks wouldn’t have attended anyway. “Such people simply don’t attend such hearings, and Microsoft knows it,” Vinje told the Financial Times. “The undoubted truth must simply be that Microsoft is afraid of facing the questions and evidence it would face from the Commission and from those aligned against it.”

Source: All Things Digital | 22 May 2009 | 7:55 pm

Rumor Round-Up: Everything We’ve Heard About the Next iPhone

This month, the Apple rumor volcano erupted with purported details of the next-generation iPhone. Various blogs claim receiving tips from informed sources about features in the highly anticipated handset, such as a magnetometer (digital compass), a video camera and a speedier processor.

Here, we round up every rumor that’s appeared about Apple’s next iPhone, which many are betting will be announced June 8 at the Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco. We’re also accompanying each rumor with a percentage rating for its probability to be true, as well as our analysis.

When WWDC arrives, we’ll present a report card showing which publications were correct and which were wrong. And of course, we’ll grade ourselves on our predictions, too.

With that said, here’s everything we’ve heard about the next iPhone:

Speedier processor and more RAM
Source: Daring Fireball; Apple iPhone Apps; MacRumors; WeiPhone
Probability: 95%
This is pretty obvious: Any hardware upgrade typically receives a performance boost. Daring Fireball’s John Gruber has historically been one of the most accurate with Apple rumors, and his sources tell him the next iPhone will have a 600MHz processor (up from 400MHz). That would make the next iPhone 1.5 times as fast as the current one. Also, a recent job listing reveals that Apple is hiring a low-level iPhone programmer who is familiar with the ARMv7 Cortex mobile processor, which is much faster than the current iPhone’s ARMv6-based chip. As for memory, we’d expect Apple to increase RAM to complement the processor upgrade.

Magnetometer (digital compass)
Source: The Boy Genius Report; Daring Fireball; WeiPhone
Probability: 90%
A large amount of evidence indicates that the next iPhone will feature a magnetometer, a 3-axis compass that will greatly enhance its global positioning capabilities. Developers testing the iPhone 3.0 beta have found system files and screenshots referring to a magnetometer, which suggests the hardware feature will appear in the next iPhone.

Same industrial design as previous models
Source: WeiPhone; Daring Fireball
Probability: 90%
All the probable rumors suggest this will be an incremental upgrade, so we would not expect Apple to change much in the industrial design. That would mean the screen resolution should remain the same. Also, Apple would hesitate to change much about the overall form factor, as it would require iPhone application developers to dramatically change their apps just for the new phone.

Storage options increased: 16GB and 32GB
Source: Daring Fireball; Apple iPhone Apps
Probability: 80%
The current iPhones come in two models: 8GB and 16GB. Upping the storage to 16GB and 32GB is a small, incremental upgrade, which would allow Apple to maintain the price points for the handset.

$200 and $300 price points to be maintained
Source: Daring Fireball; Apple iPhone Apps
Probability: 75%
Apple’s iPhone 3G was a tremendous success, selling over 10 million units in 2008. Apple relies on hardware upgrades to boost sales numbers, and given the solid performance of the previous iPhone, the company has no strong incentive to reduce the handset’s costs.

Video-recording and editing capabilities
Source: Engadget; MacRumors; BusinessWeek
Probability: 70%
Some developers have published screen captures of a video interface discovered in iPhone 3.0 beta. A major complaint about the current iPhone is its inability to record video, so it would be surprising if Apple didn’t deliver this feature. We would give this rumor a higher rating if there were evidence of video-editing capabilities. Currently, we haven’t seen any.

Sleeker design
Source: Apple iPhone Apps
Probability: 60%
No solid evidence of this, but the traditional evolution of Apple products is they get slimmer and sleeker.

1.5 times the battery life of the current models
Probability: 60%
Source: Apple iPhone Apps
A major complaint about the iPhone 3G is its meager battery life. Therefore, Apple will most likely claim the next iPhone has improved battery life. We’ll have to test the next iPhone’s battery life to see if Apple’s claims are true.

OLED screen
Source: Apple iPhone Apps; Register Hardware
Probability: 20%
An obscure iPhone blog reported a rumor that the next iPhone will feature an OLED screen. However, this is unlikely as OLEDs are expensive and would likely drive the iPhone’s price points higher. Evidence of this feature is scant.

Glowing Apple logo on the back
Probability: 20%
Source: Apple iPhone Apps
Unnecessary. Rumor comes from an obscure blog with little cred.

Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device
Probability: 20%
Source: Apple iPhone Apps
No evidence of this. We’re not sure why Apple would choose to remove this band.

Rubber-tread backing
Probability: 15%
Source: Apple iPhone Apps
Unlikely, as it would be ugly, and Apple likes pretty things. Also, the rumor comes from the same obscure blog as the one above.

Built-in FM transmitter
Source: Apple iPhone Apps
Probability: 10%
We see no compelling reason for Apple to put this in the iPhone, as it is not a feature that users have been demanding, and it hasn’t appeared in other iPods.

What are your bets? Add your predictions in the comments below.

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 22 May 2009 | 7:53 pm

Muslim Clerics Allow Facebook In Indonesia, Except For Flirting

With the exploding popularity of Facebook, Muslim clerics in Indonesia decided on Friday that followers could use the networking site to connect with friends or for work, but not to gossip or flirt, The Associated Press reported.At least 700 clerics, or imams, decided on the rule during a two-day meeting in the world's most populous Muslim nation.Nabil Haroen, a spokesman for the organizers, said they agreed to draft up guidelines on surfing the Web after receiving complaints about Facebook and other sites, including concerns they encouraged illicit sex.He reported that the clerics ruled that Facebook is haram (or forbidden) if it is used for gossiping and spreading lies and that users also could not ask overtly intimate questions or in anyway encourage "vulgar behavior."However, they also acknowledged many upsides to social networking sites and other trendy, new forms of communication, from mobile phone text messaging to video conferencing.The imams' 300-word edict said it has become easier today for the young to connect, "erasing space and time constraints" and making it possible for couples to get to know - before they get married - if they really are well-suited.Debbie Frost, a Facebook spokeswoman, said the company has seen many people and organizations use Facebook to advance a positive agenda.Facebook is the top-ranked site in Indonesia, a secular nation of 235 million people in which 90 percent are Muslim.Facebook is even more popular there than search engines Yahoo and Google.The influential Ulema Council, which recently issued rulings against smoking and yoga, may endorse the clerics edict.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 7:45 pm

Move to online public notices looms over papers (AP)

AP - The tough economy means the growing suburb of Apex can't replace some computers and police vehicles. So the town's mayor is pleased to save $13,000 by posting public notices of rezoning requests and major land development plans on the town's Web site, rather than in the local newspaper.
Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 22 May 2009 | 7:43 pm

Will Carriers Save The Subscription Music Business? [Voices]

The news this week that Napster is relaunching with a $5-a-month subscription plan that includes 5 free MP3 downloads would appear to be a troubling development for RealNetworks’ (RNWK) rival Rhapsody service, which will set you back $13 a month for a streaming service that lacks the free MP3s. It is also no doubt irritating to Real that it comes from a company that is now a unit of Best Buy (BBY): in the past, the Best Buy digital music store was a re-branded version of Rhapsody, which came pre-loaded on non-Zune, non-iPod music players sold by the retailer.

Earlier this week, I chatted about the situation with Neil Smith, VP of business management for Rhapsody America. His spin on the Napster story is that what they’re really doing is going head-to-head with Apple’s (AAPL) iTunes store–that Napster is “all about the downloads.” He says Napster basically wants to use the new approach to get into the pre-paid music gift card market, using the free downloads as a driver to steal share from Apple. He thinks selling tracks is more their goal than “turning the tide toward subscription from purchase,” which is where Real is focused.

Read the rest of this post on the original site

Source: All Things Digital | 22 May 2009 | 7:41 pm

Europe's amphibians, reptiles vanishing

Pollution, climate change, invasive species and habitat destruction are killing Europe's native reptiles and amphibians, wildlife experts said. Fifty-nine percent of all European amphibians and 42 percent of reptiles are declining and face even greater risk than European mammals and birds, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature said. In all, 23 percent of Europe's amphibian species and 21 percent of its reptile species have been classified as threatened and added to the European Red List of endangered species, said the European Commission. Natural habitats across Europe are being squeezed by growing human populations, agricultural intensification, urban sprawl and pollution.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 7:39 pm

AMICAS Announces New MEDITECH Contracts

New contracts illustrate AMICAS' continued strength and added value in the MEDITECH customer base BOSTON, May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AMICAS, Inc.
Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 22 May 2009 | 7:38 pm

CrunchDeals: Sceptre 32-inch 1080p LCD for $449

Need a cheapish, smallish 1080p TV? Newegg just put this one, the Sceptre X32BV, for sale at $449. The TV usually goes for $999, so you’re saving quite a bit of money.

Now, I obviously can’t vouch for the picture quality, but 88 percent of the review on Newegg gave it a 4-out-of-5 or higher. And knowing how picky the Newegg folks are, I’d say that looks pretty good.

All of this reminds me of the first HDTV I bought. It was 2006, just a few weeks before the World Cup in Germany. I laid out nearly $1,100 for a 26-inch 720p/1080i Samsung LCD. I weep to think what $1,000 buys today, especially if you guy with a brand like Vizio or Westinghouse. Oh, well.

Source: CrunchGear | 22 May 2009 | 7:30 pm

Team Discovers Signs Of Rarest Known Deer Species In Philippines

An expedition team revealed that footprints and droppings from the Visayan spotted deer, one of the world's most elusive mammals, have been found deep in the Philippines jungle, BBC News reported.Considered one of the most vulnerable of all mammals, less than 300 of the deer are thought to remain on just two islands.The discovery, made by Craig Turner and James Sawyer, came about as the team explored the inner forests of the North Negros Natural Park (NNNP) on Negros Island in the Philippines, one of the most vulnerable forest ecosystems in the world, with only 16,500h of forest remaining in a park of more than 80,000h.Turner, an environmental consultant who for years helped organize conservation work on the fringes of one of the least explored of all tropical forests, said the team held an ambition to access the interior and undertake the first biological exploration of the forest.Turner, Sawyer and colleagues in the Philippines explored the area for five years before founding the Negros Interior Biodiversity Expedition.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 7:29 pm

FBI and other law enforcement agencies shut down networks due to unknown virus

Section: Computers, Security

On Thursday, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were forced to shut down their systems as a precaution against an unknown virus affecting their computers.  The shut down was a security measure to ensure that none of the data on the systems were compromised.  As an extra preventative measure, the U.S. Marshals disconnected their system access from the Justice Department computers.

Although no official word has been released on the nature of the virus, early reports are linking the problem to the Neeris worm. It is said that the agencies have hired Trend Micro with assistance in resolving the issue.  A spokesperson for Trend Micro let the press know that the U.S. Marshals were using an older version of anti-virus and malware software.

The FBI reported similar issues as the U.S. Marshals and shut down their Internet access and email.  It was indicated that other agencies were affected as well, but have yet to be named.  Currently, both departments are still working to secure their networks as quickly as possible.

Read: [Yahoo Tech]

Full Story » | Written by Heather Wood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 7:25 pm

Homeowner builds 20,000 gallon rain system

A Mount Serano, Calif., man says his 20,000-gallon rooftop rain-harvesting system prepares him for a number of emergencies, including earthquakes. What if there is an earthquake and what if the drought continues? Jerry Block said.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 7:20 pm

Senate Committee Denies Amendment Against Renewable Requirements

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted on Friday to oppose an amendment that would eliminate a provision requiring utility companies to use some form of renewable energy.The amendment was proposed by Republican Senator Jeff Sessions.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 7:17 pm

Disease Hunters Add Swine Flu Genome to Arsenal

Scientists have sequenced the genome of the swine flu that's probably infected 100,000 Americans. While it didn't contain any nasty surprises, officials with the Centers for Disease Control warn that the new flu could genetically reassemble and re-emerge later this year.

Source: Wired Top Stories | 22 May 2009 | 7:15 pm

Sony considering download rental services for PSP?

Let’s not jump the gun, but a survey released by TNS Interactive hints that Sony might be considering a subscription-based game download rental service. Proposed pricing for a month would be $20 with a yearly subscription of $50 or $13 for a week. It’s just a survey and basically means nothing at this point, but would you be down for renting PSP games?

via Kotaku

Source: CrunchGear | 22 May 2009 | 7:03 pm

Buying Guide: How to Choose an E-Book Reader

E-books are the ‘it’ gadget of the year. But picking an e-book reader is more difficult than choosing a brand of cereal or a bottle of shampoo. Every other week, a new reader is gussied up in the factories of Taiwan, ready to make its debut. At last count, we estimated at least 12 different e-book readers on the market or close to release.

How do you know which one is right for you?

All e-book readers promise to do one thing well: display text, especially for books. But there are a few more basic requirements: It must offer long battery life, be easy to carry, have a screen that doesn’t strain the eyes and can be easily read in all environments including bright sunlight. Fortunately, most e-book readers for sale today meet that basic criteria.

There are many devices to choose from, and there’s also a lot of homogeneity in looks, style and function. Almost all the e-book readers available are paperback-sized and sport a display sourced from E Ink, the Cambridge Massachusetts-based company.

So should you buy the $360 Amazon Kindle (after all, it’s the most widely known e-reader and is backed by the Amazon brand) or the $250 upstart Cool-er e-book reader launched just a week ago?

Read on for our guide on what you need to think about before buying an e-book reader, whether you want to read the latest book from the Twilight saga or Thank God It’s Monday, the current No. 2 bestseller on Amazon’s list.

Location: Whether you are in the lower 48 will determine how well the Amazon Kindle 2 and the upcoming Kindle DX will work for you. Both devices use Sprint’s EVDO network to offer wireless downloads of e-books and periodicals. But tough luck if you are in Alaska or the U.K.

International buyers might have a tough time getting their hands on the Kindle DX. Users have to trick Amazon into believing their billing address is associated with an address in the United States. Even if they get one, they’ll end up with a crippled device that allows only for transfer of e-books using USB.

In which case, it may be a better option to buy a cheaper device that only offers USB-based connectivity such as the Sony Reader, the Hanthe Foxit eSlick Reader or even the newly launched Cool-er. Some of the e-book readers are also country-specific. The BeBook is available largely in the Netherlands, the Fujitsu Flepia that promises a color screen will start shipping in a few weeks but only in Japan.

Access to content: This is probably the single most important factor to consider when you buy an e-book reader. Most e-book manufacturers have their own e-books store. And size matters here. The more publishers the manufacturers can ink deals with, the greater the chances that the book you want is available. 

That’s where Amazon’s Kindle scores. As the biggest online retailer of books, Amazon has been able to leverage that relationship for the Kindle and its e-book store is probably the largest, with more than 285,000 books, according to Amazon.

But Sony is fast catching up. It announced a partnership with Google to bring about half-million classic books to its digital book store. Sony Readers can get those books for free. Sony had about 100,000 titles in its e-book store at the end of 2008.

Other e-book readers such as the iRex iLiad or the Hanlin eReader don’t have that kind of muscle and though these e-book owners can buy books from other online book stores, it doesn’t offer a smooth, integrated experience. Think buying music through iTunes for the iPod vs. buying music on iTunes for the SanDisk music player.

Formats supported: Almost all the e-book readers support HTML, Txt, MP3 and JPG. The battle of formats in the world of e-books is largely between the proprietary format that Amazon uses called .azw, a flavor of Mobipocket, and the open source ePub. Amazon’s Kindle does not support ePub; almost all other e-book readers do.

Why should you care? Many of the largest publishers have books available in the ePub format, including Google’s classic books. Because ePub is an open source format, it allows book designers to create better-formatted titles than Amazon’s proprietary file format. Also, if you don’t like DRM on your books, you have a better chance of finding DRM-free books in the ePub format than the .azw format. There’s speculation that Amazon might open up the Kindle to support ePub. But till that happens, you have to make the decision: Which side of the fence do you want to be on?

Going beyond just books: What do you want to use your e-book reader for? If the answer is just books, e-book readers such as the Cool-er start at $250. But the Cool-er won’t do much beyond books because it does not support magazines and periodicals. Like to read blogs or newspapers on your e-book reader? You’ll have to get Kindle 2 for that because Amazon lets users publish blogs to the Kindle. Thanks to its wireless connection, the Kindle also offers basic web surfing. Even better, would you like to hack your machine and make it run some cool applications? You’re better off choosing a lesser known e-book reader that runs the Linux operating system

Price and brand: What’s your budget and how important is the brand for you? In this recessionary economy, everyone’s watching their dollars. And while the Kindle is attractive, at $360 it isn’t cheap. If you’d like to save a few bucks, the Bookeen Cybook is an alternative priced at $350. Or go for the Cool-er at just $250. There are cheaper alternatives to the Kindle, but hey, it isn’t a Kindle. Can you live with that?

See also:
Detailed e-book reader matrix wiki from Mobile Read.  The wiki offers a list of the most popular e-book models and how they compare in terms of price, formats supported, and features.

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 22 May 2009 | 6:59 pm

Buying Guide: What to Look for in an E-Book Reader

At last count, at least 12 different e-book readers were on the market or close to release. Check out our buying guide to see which one is right for you.

Source: Wired: Gadgets | 22 May 2009 | 6:59 pm

Buying Guide: What to Look for in an E-Book Reader

At last count, at least 12 different e-book readers were on the market or close to release. Check out our buying guide to see which one is right for you.

Source: Wired Top Stories | 22 May 2009 | 6:59 pm

Virus wipes out cancer cells

Human trials of a virus that kills cancer cells in mice without harming healthy cells is at least two years away, British researchers said. An adenovirus that causes chest infections was modified to deliver genetic therapy to liver tumors in mice without poisoning healthy tissue, said Leonard Seymour, a cancer researcher at the University of Oxford. The approach we developed is easy to use and flexible, Seymour said.
Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 22 May 2009 | 6:54 pm

Report: Faulty Communications Imperil President

The U.S. Secret Service is asking for $34 million to help upgrade its computers and communication systems. The agency says that without the money the president's life could be in danger.

Source: Wired Top Stories | 22 May 2009 | 6:48 pm

A New IPhone is Coming… Be Prepared! [Voices]

Source: All Things Digital | 22 May 2009 | 6:32 pm

Meerkats Don't Spoil Their Mind-Numbingly Cute Babies

After a few months, meerkats somehow manage to stop spoiling their adorable babies. Turns out the pups' voices change to something marginally less cute.

Source: Wired Top Stories | 22 May 2009 | 6:30 pm

Hulu to live-stream Dave Matthews concert (AFP)

AFP - Hulu.com is to provide a live stream of an upcoming concert by the Dave Matthews Band in a first for the online video website better known for showing full-length television shows and movies.

Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 22 May 2009 | 6:26 pm

Review: TeleNav for the G1

The GPS Navigation system has become a utility that is essential to travel, whether it be daily commute or cross country excursion. Once seen a luxury, this now-necessity has been a sweeping success all around the globe, allowing the world’s atlases right at your fingertip with near surgical precision in tracking and guidance. TeleNav, established veteran of the GPS marketplace, has really taken the time to make a fully functioning turn-by-turn system for the Android platform. Availability is currently limited to the G1, though we assume they’ll branch out to other devices as Android grows.

To fully appreciate this software, I felt I had to find myself outside of my familiar surroundings and truly get lost. So, off to the foothills of Northern California’s Sierra mountains I went. My almost-aimless journey led me few miles west of Auburn, California, known most notably for it’s rich gold-rush history. The town was perfect to put TeleNav’s power to the test, with desolate roads and winding paths, it would be easy for anyone with no familiarity to find themselves turned around out there. Being of the XY gene pool, I have no skill or courage to ask directions, so I powered up TeleNav’s software to get the ball rolling on my trek home.

TeleNav’s G1 software is pretty set to go right ‘out of the box’. It acquired my location with near-perfect accuracy and prompted my destination address. I decided, instead of typing out the address, I would put TeleNav’s voice search to the test. It asked me for the city and state first, after 2 attempts it correctly acquired the destination city I sought
after. Following the city/state combination, it prompted me to search for the exact address of my destination. It correctly recognized the address the first time up to bat, so kudos for clear and almost-robotic speech on my part, I suppose.

After TeleNav knew where I was and where I intended to go, it’s navigation user interface loaded. Very sleek and quite fluid, the screen gave a print out out of the basics: The street I was currently on, the street my next turn would be on, the direction and distance of my next turn, the total mileage of the trek, and the roughly-assumed travel time.

Without any issue, TeleNav guided me with a soft female voice around every turn and change of direction (Also offers español support for those who prefer Spanish). Having it search for traffic issues every few miles was also pretty neat, but seeing how it was 11PM, I didn’t expect much as far as backups or traffic jams. Before I arrived to my destination I made a quick detour to a local burger shack for a milkshake (all that driving builds a monster appetite). Back on to the road, TeleNav re-calibrated the millage, destination time and directions without me having to touch one button. After the 30 mile drive, I arrived at my destination with a very warm greeting from the robo-lady and her smooth demeanor. Not too shabby, I was pretty well impressed with the entire journey. It was the first time I had intentionally gotten lost, only to instill trust in to a mechanical device I had never used before. Having no issues on my return trip was a big plus.

The TeleNav software for the G1 surprised me, I wasn’t expecting this kind of quality for a GPS system on a mobile phone. I own a Garmin Nuvi, and it’s always pulled its weight as a standalone GPS device. Having this option of going mobile, however, is really sweet. But, as nothing in life is perfect, there are a few flaws. TeleNav doesn’t offer any hardware holster, which has become a standard feature with many standalone GPS devices. I was left just tossing my phone in a cup-holder, hoping it wasn’t in the mood to jump out. On top of that, if you don’t have a car charger, I wouldn’t dream of suggesting this product to you for any use beyond the shortest of trips. The G1 is synonymous with god-awful battery life and the GPS/3G just butchered my battery. The 20 minute trip knocked 30% perfect off of the freshly charged battery, which is impractical any way you look at it. This isn’t something I can get passed, but it isn’t really a flaw of TeleNav’s anyway (Ahem, HTC). Another issue that really irked me was the traffic report details feature… I LOVE this, but was sorely disappointed when I had to flip out the keyboard and press 0 to obtain any information. As it may be normal and justified on any other phone, I feel that could have been much less arbitrary, specifically to the design of the G1.

Overall, I was impressed with its functionality, TeleNav’s G1 GPS navigator has some big shoes to fill with the likes of the standalone systems out there, but they’ve done a great job growing in to them. The GPS voice was soothing, the speed and functionality was pretty mind-boggling (on 3G, at least. If you’re on EDGE, it’s a bit of a drag, but still completely usable), and the accuracy was damn impressive. Now if you’re looking to grab this software, it isn’t available in the Android Marketplace quite yet (The spokeswoman at TeleNav confirmed that it’s on the way) but is available directly through TeleNav’s site. The pricing is pretty heavy and is only available through subscription plans. The plans weigh in at $9.99 monthly, $99.00 annually, and $249.00 for a four-year block (The monthly plan offers a 1-month free trial before purchase). This may seem a bit high, but in the standards of GPS hardware, it isn’t the most expensive setup out there. I, as many would, wish the pricing was a bit lower… then again, I also wouldn’t mind finding bargain-bin Filet mignon, aged scotch, or DeLoreans (with in-tact and functional Flux Capacitor, of course.)

I wouldn’t recommend this application for public-transit commuters, but this is a great tool for business commuters and adventure seekers alike. The price is pretty well justified with the features, being an application for a mobile phone, it’s a keeper for me for sure. Now, in the opinions of many, this could be just a bit too much buck for the bang.

What we like:

• Awesome response time and pin-point accuracy
• Instant re-calibration for pit-stops, milkshakes, or human-error
• Soothing female HAL-like voice
• Solid voice-search functionality
• Weather-report feature
• Live traffic-incident reports on most major roads and highways

What we didn’t like:

• Telenav doesn’t offer a G1-friendly hardware holster
• Poor battery life with GPS/3G use
• Pricing plans only as subscriptions
• Traffic-incident details can only be viewed by pressing 0

The search function for businesses and places

The GPS travel user interface

The traffic and incident report features

The weather feature, GPS location by default but can be changed to any city or area

Crunch Network: CrunchBase the free database of technology companies, people, and investors

Source: MobileCrunch | 22 May 2009 | 6:15 pm

Computer virus strikes US Marshals, FBI affected (AP)

AP - Law enforcement computers were struck by a mystery computer virus Thursday, forcing the FBI and the U.S. Marshals to shut down part of their networks as a precaution.
Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 22 May 2009 | 6:03 pm

Swine Flu Genes Circulated for a Decade

Pigs may have hosted genes included in the new swine flu for a decade or more.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 5:30 pm

Who’s on Crack in Tech: 5.22.09

Section: Communications, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Web, Web Apps, Features, Originals, Columns, Who's On Crack

Welcome to this week’s review of the over-hyped, under-thought-out and over-exposed gadgets, PR moves, and industry gossip.  You’ve got the time today (nothing happens the day before Memorial Day anyway) so give a quick read through.  This week I am poking fun at Palm, GPS, Gmail and Apple’s App Store.  Join me for a chortle.

Palm builds a smartphone, wants to sell it to dumb customers.

When Palm announced June 6 to be the Palmiest day to launch a Pre, there was the asterisk about a $100 mail in rebate.  Companies that use mail in rebates are telling us we are idiots.  They are willing to send you a check 8 months later but only because the return rate of those rebates is horribly low.  Most of us forget or just don’t follow up on them. 

Then, Best Buy announced they are not doing the mail-in rebate, they’ll just give you the discount.  Our Natesh said it better:

In addition, Best Buy Mobile will be selling the Pre for $199 at over 1067 locations, and every customer has the opportunity to leave the store with a functioning Pre all set up for free.  According to Gizmodo, RadioShack is also waiving the rebate form and selling the Pre for $199.

Yesterday, I read each Best Buy will only be getting 3 or 4 phones (rumor).  If that is the case, why bother?  The cute Best Buy cashier, the creepy guy in fridges and the hip-hop dude from car stereos are all beating you in line.  “Oh, sorry you slept outside last night, we have one unit and it’s the display.”  Ouch.

G.P.S.: “Good Purchase, Suckers”

Just as we get all cozy with GPS in almost everything (I just bought a pair of socks with embedded GPS so I can always find the match), the Air Force says the system relies on some underfunded government program that is falling apart.  Our Sue Walsh reports:

A federal watchdog agency is warning Congress that the GPS system may begin to suffer failures and outages starting next year and blamed the Air Force’s mismanagement and and underinvestment for it.

With GPS, we’ve got drivers going straight into rivers, fields, and buildings.  What would the lemmings drive into without GPS?  Oh, the horror!

GMail goes bi, or tri and even more - lingual.

Rejoice GMail users!  Now in GMail labs, users can choose to have their incoming messages sent through a language translator.  Natesh tells us this is super handy for family and friends that refuse to speak to you in your native tongue:

How many times have you received an email from a relative in a different language and had to resort to translating online?  I’m sure most of us have encountered such a problem at one time or another.

You know in Nigeria they are jumping for joy as they can skip the step of translating “I am an exiled Prince and need your help” from Yoruba.  Long way to go for a spam email joke huh? 

App Store App-ocolypse

Seriously, the Mickey Mouse operation that is the App Store approval process needs to be rethought.  And that is an insult to Mickey.  Today, I learned of a classic book reader app called Eucalyptus and it’s struggle to get through the process.  It has been rejected for allowing access to a Kama Sutra book which is accessed by current apps already in the App Store.  Apple keeps saying no.

Someone needs to put a “the buck stops here” plaque on their desk and own up for this stuff.  Countless apps rejected for dubious reasons, inane apps accepted, and CIA-like silence; you’d think circus clowns are running the show over there (sorry for the slam circus clowns -stay crazy).  Is this how a slick company handles things now?

Advice to Windows Mobile folks: start running embarrassing ads now.  Imagine this:
Windows: “Hi, I am a Windows Mobile app bouncer”
Mac: “And I am an iPhone app bouncer”
Windows: “Top of the morning Excel App, my you are looking smart today”
Mac: “Hold it right there classic books, oh, sorry Baby Shaker, go right on in”

The gag goes on and on.

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 5:00 pm

The End of Newspapers, in Chart Form [MediaMemo]

I’m still not exactly sure why Google (GOOG) has become the chief suspect in the “Who Killed Newspapers” investigation playing out before our very eyes. Because it’s quite clear to me that the real baddie here is bespectacled, mild-mannered Craig Newmark, whose eponymous free service blew up the industry’s most profitable line of business: classified advertising.

Yes, there other players in the online classifieds business, and they cut into the monopoly that newspapers relied upon for decades, too. And some of them, like Monster (MNST) and Yahoo (YHOO), have even tried to ally themselves with newspapers. But all of them charged money for their services. And you can’t compete with free. Just ask the music industry.

Craigslist launched in San Francisco in 1996, but didn’t really start picking up steam until the end of the first Web bubble, which is exactly when the newspaper industry’s classified revenue peaked. See for yourself, via this chart from the Pew Internet & American Life Project (click to enlarge):

Source: All Things Digital | 22 May 2009 | 4:53 pm

E3 2009: Here’s why OnLive won’t be attending E3

FROM GAMERTELL - OnLive’s Chief Operating Officer explains why OnLive won’t be attending E3 2009. He see’s E3 as more of a retail oriented conference and OnLive is looking to move in a new direction without the help of retail.
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 4:46 pm

SLIDE SHOW: The Week's Top Stories

Browse through images from this week's Discovery News stories.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 4:40 pm

New Cancer Tests Could Go Over the Counter

New over-the-counter cancer tests could help patients spot disease sooner.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 4:40 pm

L’Oréal Unable to Do It eBay [Digital Daily]

Cosmetics giant L’Oréal is 0-5 in its legal cases against eBay over the counterfeit perfumes and face creams listed on the auction site. Today the High Court in London ruled that eBay was “not jointly liable” for trademark infringements committed by its users, though it could do more to prevent them.

“There is nothing in eBay’s systems and policies which favours or encourages the listing or sale of counterfeit goods,” the Court wrote. “On the contrary, eBay Europe take active steps to prevent or at least minimise such activities. The fact that eBay could take further steps does not affect this….The fact that it would be possible for eBay Europe to do more does not necessarily mean that it is legally obliged to do more, however.”

Another disappointment for L’Oréal, whose legal campaign against eBay (EBAY) has met with similar defeats in France and Belgium (cases in Germany and Spain are still pending). Though the cosmetics giant was able to take solace in the court’s suggestion that eBay could be a bit more proactive in its efforts to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods on its site.

Source: All Things Digital | 22 May 2009 | 4:30 pm

The Amazon Kindle You’ll Never See [MediaMemo]

I actually did get to fondle Amazon’s (AMZN) newest Kindle DX at its unveiling earlier this month. And I confirm that it really isn’t that big. But you can see where these guys are going with this.

This video isn’t available in iPhone-friendly format. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Source: All Things Digital | 22 May 2009 | 4:15 pm

Rumor: Speedier Next-Gen iPhone Is on Its Way

You’re probably already stuffed with iPhone rumors, but consider this dessert. Daring Fireball’s John Gruber has heard from “informed sources” that the next-generation iPhone will receive a significant processor upgrade, bumping the speed to 600MHz, which should make the new handset 1.5 times as fast as the current 400MHz iPhone CPU. He also claims receiving confirmation of rumors that the next iPhone will feature a magnetometer (digital compass) and a video camera.

One last morsel: MacTalk reports that Vodafone has declared the current 16GB iPhone has been labeled “End of Life,” meaning new iPhones are on their way.

When? Gruber predicts the announcement will be made at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, which kicks off June 8, and the phone will hit stores in July. That’s a reasonable assumption, because Apple announced the current iPhone 3G at 2008’s WWDC. Also, Apple will likely have to hold WWDC sessions devoted to the new iPhone’s API, and the company would of course have to announce the product first.

See Also:

• Next-Gen iPhone Will Contain a Compass
• Screenshot Hints at Video Recorder in iPhone 3.0
• Apple Hints at Video Conferencing for Future iPhones
• Easter Eggs Give Clues to Next-Gen iPhone
• Next-Gen iPhone Specs, Launch Date Revealed?
• Apple Bestows Cut-and-Paste, MMS on iPhone Users
• Job Listing Hints at More Powerful Processor in Future iPhones …
• What Apple Needs to Fix to Keep the iPhone Competitive
• Rumor: Next-Gen iPhone Will Be a Snoozer Upgrade

Photo: Erik Veland/Flickr

Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 22 May 2009 | 3:19 pm

Eee PC 1000HV: finally a netbook with something different

Section: Computers, Netbooks

Netbooks, while nice little computers, have become very boring.  The main difference between most of them is screen size, shell design, and the company logo on the lid.  Some may offer a choice between SSD and HDD or a 270 or 280 Intel Atom processor, but that’s about it.  There’s finally something a bit different from Asus in the special Eee PC 1000HV.

What’s so special about this 1000HV?  I has an actual mobile GPU built into it.  Rather than using Intel’s integrated graphics chip, this netbook uses an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450.  So maybe this one won’t choke when trying to show decent video.  The graphics card has 256 MB of video memory, so watching video will no longer take up too much of the standard 1GB of RAM in the netbook.

While this is all great, there’s is one slight issue: this is an Italian netbook.  It’s being sold on Computer Discount, and Italian online retailer.  Asus has not announced any plans to bring it stateside.  We can always hope.

The 1000HV seems almost like a stop gap measure.  Most of us are waiting for NVIDIA’s upcoming netbook platform, which should offer better video since it’s from NVIDIA.  There’s also the next generation of the Intel Atom, Vias, AMD’s offerings, and the upcoming ARM netbook platforms.  This seems to be a nice diversion until we get some more variety in the space.

Read [Electronista]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 3:11 pm

‘iPhone 32GB’ briefly appears on Austrian T-Mobile site

Something called the “iPhone 32GB” was spotted on T-Mobile Austria’s Web site; it has since been removed. This is huge news because… well, it’s probably not huge news, no.

For a while now we’ve been expecting a new iPhone to debut next month at Apple’s WWDC; the iPod touch has been available in 32GB for some time now; connecting the dots of the past few weeks, yeah, we’re looking at a new iPhone next month, but one that probably won’t be available till July.

Huge news would be Apple turning around and saying, “You know, this phone business is fun and all, but we’re done. There won’t be any more new iPhones ever again. Thanks for all your support, though!”

As for the silly speculation of what the name will be for the new iPhone, may I suggest the following:

Friend 1: Hey, did you get the new iPhone?

Friend 2: Yeah, it’s pretty neat I guess. It takes video now.

Friend 1: Oh, cool. Cool. Wanna get Wendys?

Friend 2: Absolutely.

See how Friend 1 called it “the new iPhone”? My guess is that’s what the vast majority of people will call it. No need to rack our brains trying to figure out what sequence of letters will appear on the packaging.

Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.

Source: MobileCrunch | 22 May 2009 | 3:00 pm

'The Sims' return with more personality quirks (AP)

AP - Maybe it's neat, childish, lucky, ambitious and insane — just depends on what traits gamers choose for their neighborhood of virtual playthings in "The Sims 3," Electronic Arts and Maxis' popular life-simulating game for the PC and Mac.

Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 22 May 2009 | 2:31 pm

Locate a Sprint store that will stock the Pre with this handy tip

Now that we know that the Pre will be in very short supply at Best Buy, you may want to try a Sprint store. But, in Sprint’s and Palm’s infinite wisdom, not every store will stock them right away. At least you can use the Store Locator tool on Sprint’s website to figure out which stores will stock the phone on June 6th.

Simply put in your info and look for the locations that list special store hours. That’s it, friends. Those stores will have the Palm Pre on June 6th. How many? Who knows. Probably 3.5 each.

Sprint via jkontherun

Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0

Source: MobileCrunch | 22 May 2009 | 2:20 pm

Tasmanian Devils Listed as Endangered

A contagious cancer has wiped out most wild Tasmanian devils.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 2:12 pm

Storms Keeps Shuttle in Space an Extra Day

Thunderstorms in Florida prevent shuttle Atlantis from attempting a landing on Friday.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 2:02 pm

Sweeteners Linger in Groundwater

Artificial sugars end up unchanged in surface waters, making them ideal markers.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 1:22 pm

Best Buy stores to only stock 4 Pres on launch day, better bring your sleeping bag

We knew that the initial stock of Palm Pres was going to be light, but only 4 per Best Buy store seems down right suicidal. The total amount of Palm Pres in Best Buy’s inventory will be 4,250, which works out to be 4 per store according to one source. Better go dig out the sleeping bag and lawn chair now if you were planning on getting a Pre on June 6th.

Whatever the case may be, Palm will certainly lose some sales if some folks can’t get their hands on the Pre during the first couple of days. Don’t forget that Apple’s got an event lined-up two days after the Pre’s launch where the next iPhone 3.0 will likely be announced. It’s not like Palm has that solid of a track record that people will not lose interest once they hear what Jobs & Co. have in store for the third generation iPhone.

Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies

Source: MobileCrunch | 22 May 2009 | 1:21 pm

World's Meanest Dog: The English Cocker Spaniel?

The doe-eyed cocker spaniel may be the world's most aggressive breed.
Source: Discovery News Top Stories : Discovery Channel | 22 May 2009 | 1:00 pm

Google changes its looks, Google docs out of beta?

Section: Web, Websites, Google

One of the thing about Google is that it is very consistent.  Going to Google.com hardly ever leads to confusion (unless there’s a Googlefail going on).  Google has actually made aesthetic changes to its pages. 

Revised logos are now part of Google properties like maps, news, and docs.  While it’s not a huge change, I’d say it’s an improvement.  There’s a clean style with a nice contrast of a thin font next to the now iconic Google logo.  Most importantly, they are very readable. 

Also notable, in the “Google docs” logo is an absence of the word “beta.”  As many of us know, Google products are perpetually in beta.  Is that by design or just an omission?  Maybe Google will finally admit that their products aren’t beta anymore.  Either way, it’s nice to see Google still moving forward even though they are a giant company. 

Read [Official Google Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 12:26 pm

Half-Hack Adapter Turns Broomstick into Light Stand

Something for the weekend, sir? I have just the thing, and it’s a curious cross between a homemade hack and a precision engineered, purchasable piece of kit.

The Kacey Pole Adapter (or MetalHead, as it has been dubbed by Stobist’s David Hobby) is a small aluminum spigot milled to have a female thread that will marry the thread of a standard broomstick or, better still, a telescopic painters’ pole. The other end of the spigot features a 5/8″ male stud (please, no snickering), which is the standard mount for photo lighting stands.

Why would you want it? Because it means you can pick up pretty much any cheap pole from a hardware store and turn it into a lighting stand. The painters pole version seen in the picture will let you elevate your lighting to a whole new level (excuse the pun — it’s Friday), taking your strobe far enough away to emulate a hard light source like the midday sun, or with the right softening, a rather flattering, wraparound, top-down light.

The MetalHead costs just $19, which is on a par with this kind of equipment. You can grab it from MPEX or pay a little more to get it from the manufacturer.

MetalHead Makes Your Home Depot Boom More Functional, Less Embarrassing [Strobist]

The LongArm and MetalHead - Taking Your Speedlite To New Heights [PixSylAted]

Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 22 May 2009 | 11:32 am

Gadgetell Review: TomTom Go 740 Live

Section: Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Reviews

Whats in the box:

• TomTom Go 740 Live
• Windshield Mount
• Desk dock for charging and computer connecting
• Car charger
• Adhesive Disk
• Documentation and CD-ROM

Features:

• 4.3-inch WQVGA touchscreen display
• Internal storage plus a microSD card slot for additional storage
• A “high-sensitivity” GPS receiver
• A built-in wireless GPRS receiver
• Bluetooth
• Built-in battery that offers up to 3 hours of power
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Weight of 7.9-ounces

Pricing:

The TomTom website lists the Go 740 Live price at $369.95, however it can be found much cheaper (currently $319.23) on Amazon.  Additionally, the TomTom 740 Live also comes with a 30-day map guarantee where if you purchase a device and then a newer set of maps is released within 30-days you will be able to update for free.

Setup:

Upon first turning on the unit, you are given the option to go through a basic setup which includes choosing your language, deciding if you want right-handed or left-handed operation, miles or kilometers, how the time should be displayed, setting the time, choosing a voice, choosing a day color scheme, choosing a night color scheme and finally setting your “Home” address.  After the setup is complete you are given a brief tour of the unit and what you can expect.

One note is that Voice Control feature is not available with most of the voice options.  In other words if you are a US English speaker like myself and want to use Voice Control then you are limited to one voice option—Susan.

Basically, the setup is quick and easy, the unit even ships with a dock that makes hooking it up to your computer for updates quick and easy.  Overall, the initial setup took around 15-20 minutes, which included hooking it up to a computer to check for updated maps.  Time to head out and get ready to go for a drive.

Setting the unit up in your car is pretty standard, you have a suction-cup mount and car power adapter. Nothing crazy or involved here, however the suction-cup mount has a twist to lock setup that appears to hold very nicely.  Of course, I was not going to go off-roading to test that theory.

Real world use:

To keep this simple, I would say that overall I liked the unit, however it was far from perfect and there were a few issues that would keep me from making a purchase.

Lets get the bad out of the way…

The biggest annoyances for me was in regards to the display.  First of all, the touchscreen can be described as difficult and I often had to take two or three attempts to select an option.  Furthermore, driving around in sunny Florida was not always nice to due glare on the display.

Otherwise the TomTom 740 Live does have some positive aspects as well.  To begin with, it has a lot of features.  That said, I wonder how many of them would be important or even used by an average consumer.  The unit has real-time traffic updates, the ability to find cheap gas, check the weather and even search Google.  They all sound really nice, however I only checked the weather, looked for gas prices and searched Google to see how they worked—which was good.  However once the initial fun was done they were never touched again.  Additionally, the traffic updates are not free, expect to pay an additional $9.95 a month after a three-month trial expires.

Another nice feature that is included was the Help Me! emergency menu.  This is one that I would hope never had to get used, but is nice to see available.  Thankfully I cannot comment on how well this worked, because I was safe while driving.  According to the feature list it allows you to “easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.”

Initially, (like I have been in the past) I was excited by the voice recognition.  Unfortunately after some use my excitement level dwindled.  The voice controls worked, and generally understood what I was saying, however it requires you to remember some pretty specific terms.  I would imagine that with longer use they would come a little more naturally, however in my shorter testing period I could not remember what I was expected to say.

Final thoughts:

I like fancy gadgets that do it all, but I often try to think of reviews based on how the average (non-geek) would use and enjoy the item.  In this case it seems the unit is overkill feature wise.  Most of the extra connected features often seemed easier to get using my iPhone or G1 than trying to reach up and mess with the GPS on the window mount.

I prefer a GPS for what it is—a GPS.  I do not really need the extra features, nor do I want to pay 10 bucks a month for them.  I would most likely opt for a lower priced GPS.

Does that mean the TomTom 740 Live is bad?  Not entirely.  I mentioned I had issues such as the difficulty with the touchscreen and the sun glare, but I would say this is a decent model.  To further add to that, the features all worked well, the connected items such as finding a gas price and searching Google were easy to use.  In other words, it does what it is expected to do and it does it well.

As far as a recommendation, that would have to be a yes and no.  Which answer would just depend on who was asking.  For the geek that loves gadgets and does not mind parting with the 10 bucks each month—yes.  For the regular Joe who wants to get directions and would rather spend their 10 bucks on overpriced coffee—no.

Product [TomTom Go 740 Live]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

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Source: Gadgetell | 22 May 2009 | 11:06 am

Panasonic Adapts Leica Lenses for Modern Digicams

Perhaps Leica has finally realized that its lenses are where the real action is. The M8 rangefinder might be a beautifully engineered tool, but it looks rather spartan next to other, much cheaper, digital cameras. And we don’t mean spartan in the good way, either — in the film days Leicas performed as well as any other 35mm camera as they all used the same film. Now, with low-light sensors, uncannily good autofocus and exposure meters that out-guess a human 99% of the time, the almost all-manual M looks like an expensive metal box.

The lenses, though, are magical. And now you can use them on the DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1, Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds “DSLR” with a pair of adapters which marry up the cameras to Leica’s R and M lenses. If you’re paying attention, you’ll realize that these lenses are manual focus, and that both the G1 and GH1 lack an optical viewfinder. On of the things that makes the M-series cameras so easy to focus is the split image rangefinder. With these cameras, though, you’ll need to rely on a magnified section in the  middle of the LCD screen to judge if you have things sharp. Good luck with that.

Panasonic has not yet announced a price for these Lumix adapters, but you can be pretty sure they’ll cost more than Voigtländer’s $200 offering which does the same thing for any Micro Four Thirds camera. You’ll also have to watch out for compatibility issues, as some lenses won’t work with these adapters.

Press release [DP Review]

Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 22 May 2009 | 10:51 am