Qualcomm Ebook Display Ups the Ante with Full Color and Video [Ebooks]

Qualcomm has developed a 5.7-inch (1,024x768) display for ebook readers that not only renders color and video; it does so with enough power efficiency to challenge a black and white, still-frame Kindle.
The 'mirasol' technology mimics iridescent butterfly wings by deploying charged, color-inducing membranes over a layer of mirror. It's a technology that, if integrated into Kindles today as-is, would increase battery life by an estimated 20%.
Instead, Qualcomm uses that extra power efficiency to drive color and higher refresh rates for smooth video. They contend that a Kindle with their more media-capable display could run about a day with its current battery.
The catch? The lead photo is a non-functional prototype (housing a functional, frozen-image display). Qualcomm is offering the tech to third party partners, and they expect you to see mirasol tech on the market by late 2010.
[Gizmodo via SlashGear]

ATI Radeon HD 5970: The World's Fastest Graphics Card [Graphics Cards]

The ATI Radeon HD 5970 slaughters the competition in pretty much every benchmark thrown at it. It's outrageously fast. We're talking five teraflops here, people. Teraflops.
MaximumPC put the 5970 to the test, and found that it lives up to its promise. The 2GB dual-GPU card is the first to support DirectX 11, and basically doubles its wholly respectable predecessor (the 5870) in specs, capable of delivering nearly 5 teraflops of raw processing power. It's a massive card, about a foot long, designed mostly for heat dissipation, at which aim it apparently succeeds. It's also got easy access to overclocking via AMD's OverDrive, and can drive up to three displays simultaneously with a maximum resolution of 7680x1600. So it's pretty much the greatest thing ever, and it's got a pricetag to match: $600 upon its undisclosed release.
[Gizmodo via MaximumPC]

I Never Thought Water Drops Looked Like This [SloMo]

I'm mindboggled, in fact, my whole mind is a bag of beans after watching this high speed video of water drops falling. It's unbelievable how high speed photography can change your perception of the world.
There's nothing special in this video. No special water or additives. It's just that the world gets absolutely crazy at 2,000 frames per second. Surface tension is surprisingly stong though.
[Gizmodo]

Two-Minute Video Makes a Lot of Sense of Google Wave [Google Wave]

If you're still struggling to understand how you might use Google Wave despite our in-depth first look, this quick video offers an excellent explanation of just one use case for how Wave can outshine email as a collaboration tool.

If you're one of the eager Wavers, whether you've got an invite or not, let's hear what you're looking forward to using Wave for in the comments.
[Lifehacker]

Madagascar Institute’s Jet-powered Merry-go-round

The sign next to Madagascar Institute’s jet-powered merry-go-round says, “Caution: this may kill you” and with both speed and flames involved, it looks like it just may.
[The Uber-Review via BBG]

Sony to unveil a 3D 240fps Broadcast Camera at CEATEC

CEATEC will kick on next week and Sony announced today their plan to unveil a 3D (Full HD ?!?!?) capable Camera capable to shoot video up to 240fps.

Anyway, we will see and learn more about this camera next week so stay tuned.

[Akihabaranews.com]

Sony A-Series Is the Thinnest Walkman Yet, Has OLED Screen [PMPs]

The pretty player has a 2.8-inch OLED screen (240x400), FM radio, TV-out, noise canceling, and is beautifully thin at 7.2mm. Oh, and it only weighs 2.2 ounces. But unlike the failed X-Series, the A has no touch screen or Wi-Fi.
Along with standard codec support, there's also new drag and drop feature that auto-transcodes video from your computer. And in Japan at least, the player comes with premium MDR-EX300SL earphones. Battery life is listed as 29 hours for music, and 9 hours for video.
No word on U.S. availability yet, but if the recent S and E series Walkmans are any gauge, the wait won't be long after it hits Japan on October 31. Pricing there will be: 16GB (Y24,000; $226), 32GB (Y30,000; $332), and (Y40,000; $443).
Enough to tempt you away from the more powerful $280 32GB Zune HD or $400 64GB iPod touch? I just don't know about those Mickey Mouse like controls myself... [Sony Japan (translated) via Akihabara News]

ODROID in the Wild, Demo’s HDMI Output [VIDEO]

Remember that Android-based entertainment device from a couple of weeks ago called the ODROID? It’s back today in the form of a demo video. The clip below shows how Android looks running through an HDMI cable out to a television. We get to see a little gameplay, the Transformers 2 trailer, and typical Android navigation running at high definition.

We have to admit it – playing games might be pretty fun with something like the ODROID. Hopefully we see more devices like this come to fruition and spur development for Android games.

JVC GZ-HM400 HD Camcorder: Like the Slo Mo Everio X, With Better Controls and Optics [Camcorders]

We thought about passing on a post about this new JVC camcorder since its specs don't indicate much of an upgrade from previous cams, but the 1080p, slowmo capable machine has better stabilization, manual controls and full bitrate AVCHD recording.
Those are mild upgrades, I'll give you that. At first glance, the camera sounds suspiciously like the Everio X, but I decided to post anyhow. The camera has 32GB of internal memory and an SD/SDHC slot. Slow motion is possible at 600fps, albeit at a ridiculous resolution of 640x72 (yes, seventy two) pixels. It shoots at 300fps at a slightly less filmstrip-like res but the 120fps mode at 480x270 pixels is anywhere close to acceptable.
The HM400 also has 9 and 5.3MP still modes without interpolation, and captures its 1080p video at the AVCHD format's maximum bitrate of 24mbps. Glass has been upgraded here to use two prisms for optical stabilization. And the camera has new manual controls that put the camera into aperture and shutter priority modes. It goes for $1000 to a buyer who hasn't been seduced by a Flip HD and still needs real zoom and picture quality. [JVC]

SanDisk ExtremePro CompactFlash Cards Are Extremely Fast and Extremely Expensive [Digital Cameras]

The best $50 I've spent in a month was on a roomier CompactFlash card for video-taking DSLRs, but it looks like I should've waited: SanDisk's new ExtremePro line push 90MB/second read/write speeds and comes in 16, 32 and 64GB sizes.
All that speed is expensive: The ExtremePro cards start at $300. If you want a card that's still damn quick but less pricey, SanDisk also has the new SanDisk extreme, which read/writes at 60MB/s and comes in 8, 16 and 32GB sizes, starting at a more manageable $130.

SANDISK EXTREME PRO COMPACTFLASH MEMORY CARD RAISES BAR FOR PROFESSIONAL GRADE PERFORMANCE, CAPACITY AND RELIABILITY
World's Fastest High-Capacity Memory Card Features SanDisk
Power Core Controller That Optimizes Card Endurance and
Boosts Read/Write Speed to up to 90MB/s
Milpitas, Calif., Sept. 14, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced a new line of SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® memory cards (http://tinyurl.com/mdjlmm), setting a new standard for fast, reliable, high-capacity memory cards designed for professional photographers. SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards feature a new SanDisk® Power Core Controller™, an advanced memory controller that enables lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 90MB/s1, doubling the performance from previous SanDisk high-end camera memory cards. The cards are shipping worldwide now with storage capacities ranging from 16 gigabytes (GB)2 to 64GB.
'The new SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash line is the direct result of SanDisk's passion, commitment, and break-through engineering innovation to provide best-in-class flash memory cards for professional photography,' said Eric Bone, vice president, retail product marketing, SanDisk. 'The SanDisk Power Core Controller delivers unmatched write speed and reliability, providing photographers with a spectacular combination of performance, capacity and peace of mind that images are safely stored.'
SanDisk develops its flash controllers and memory chips together, allowing the company to perfectly match and fine-tune the two technologies throughout the testing process, resulting in high-performance products with industry-leading endurance. The SanDisk Power Core Controller brings numerous benefits to the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards, including:
High-Performance: The SanDisk® Power Core™ Controller's dual-lane architecture and software algorithms double card performance, enabling the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards' read/write speeds of up to 90MB/s over a UDMA-6 bus.
Increased Reliability: The SanDisk Power Core Controller's firmware algorithms and 42-bit ECC engine maintain data integrity and extended card endurance through optimized wear leveling.
Simplified Design: To further increase overall card durability, the SanDisk Power Core Controller features an integrated design that requires fewer individual components on the card's printed circuit board.
Professional-Grade Memory:
Faster read and write speeds mean more opportunities to capture the winning shot and less time spent offloading gigabytes of photos afterwards. Large storage capacity enables photographers to capture RAW format images and high-definition video clips in a single session without running out of space.
This unique combination of speed and capacity makes the new line of cards well suited for professional usage models involving large amounts of data and tight deadlines. The SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards' 16 to 64GB capacity range offers the storage space needed to allow extended shooting sessions without having to reload.
'As a professional sports photographer, I rely on a speedy camera and high-performance SanDisk Extreme Pro cards to capture as many images as possible within a few seconds using continuous burst mode,' says Jeff Lewis, professional photographer and member of the SanDisk Extreme Team (http://tinyurl.com/kv7w6n). 'How fast you can download and edit images from the cards makes a big difference when it comes to getting sports images distributed. The first images out of the media room tend to be the ones that get picked up. Speed really counts for getting selected by the top photo editors.'
Renowned for their world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme cards guarantee operation at extended temperatures ranging from minus 13 F (minus 25 C) to 185 F (85 C). SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards feature RTV Silicone coating for added protection against moisture and humidity. The cards can withstand accidental drops of up to nine feet, and carry a lifetime limited warranty.3
SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards are fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports CompactFlash cards.4 The SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter is optimized to take advantage of the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card's up to 90MB/s read speed. The reader carries an MSRP of $49.99 and will be available in late October on SanDisk.com and at select retailers.
Pricing and Availability
SanDisk is also introducing new SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash cards (http://tinyurl.com/mdjlmm) at increased performance of previous SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards. The new SanDisk Extreme and SanDisk Extreme Pro cards represent the step beyond SanDisk Extreme III and SanDisk Extreme IV cards, respectively.
SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash cards will be available in capacities of 8GB to 32GB and MSRP ranging from about $130 to $375 in the US market, while SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards will be available in capacities of 16GB to 64GB and MSRP ranging from about $300 to $800 in the US market. Exact pricing for the cards will be set by retailers.
CompactFlash Card Line: SanDisk Extreme
Performance1: 60MB/s read/write speed (400x)
Available Capacity2: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
CompactFlash Card Line: SanDisk Extreme Pro
Performance: 90MB/s read/write speed (600x)
Available Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards, from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk's product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

[SanDisk]

Zune HD Promo Video Offers Quick Peek at Hardware's 3D Gaming Capabilities [Zune Hd]

As the Zune HD launch looms ever closer, a smorgasbord of purported launch videos have offered up what appears to be the best demonstration yet of the sleek, sexy portable's 3D gaming capabilities.
The 3D gaming example, Forza 3, debuts at about the 30 second mark in the video above. It's a fleeting glimpse, but it's solid evidence nevertheless.
For authenticity's sake, we tell you that Microsoft PR reportedly asked the leak's originator, Buy TV, to take the videos down, but not before brigands at sites like Neowin were able to upload them to YouTube, where they spread like a New York Times homepage virus.
Zune HD drops in two days. [Neowin, Buy TV via ars technica]

All the iPod news, right here, in table form

In case you missed 'em, here are all of our Apple cheat sheets for every announcement today. Each one details every important change Apple made from the previous generation of product, at a glance.
Among the top new features: The Nano getting a video camera, the Touch not getting a camera, and Steve Jobs donning a belt. Check out our cheat sheets below.

New iPod Nano Hands On [Apple]

Here's the new iPod Nano. The paint is less matte, more shiny. The corners seem less sharp (a previous complaint of mine). But physically, it's about the same. The differences are inside.
The camera hole is on the bottom left of the face, so you end up putting your fingers over the lens and mic a lot if you're right handed. Slightly annoying.
The video recording is a capable 640x480, and there are 16 or so video effects you can overlay in real time onto your video. There's no zooming or editing, so this is barebones, but for quick video that you can take when you need it, it's pretty decent.
Its pedometer functionality works as you'd expect. Same with the voice recorder—they're both straightforward, and the voice recorder is basically the same one you've seen on the iPhone.
The FM radio has the same problem that small devices have with radio in that you need to have your headphones in to get reception. Not a huge deal with the Nano, since you're going to always have your headphones in anyway. But we didn't get a chance to test FM reception since there were no headphones available.
All in all it feels exactly like the old Nano, except with new features—which is the point. So yeah, the polished/glossy finish looks very nice, and the new features like voiceover are useful if you're into that.

NASA's 2009 Cryosphere Video Is Really Cool, Literally [Data Visualization]

Did you know that there is something called 'cryosphere' on this little blue gem called Earth? I didn't. And I didn't know that seeing it animated from thousands of satellite high definition photographs could look so cool.

The cryosphere are the parts of the Earth's surface which are covered with water in solid form. It could be snow and ice in glaciers, permafrost, ice sheets, icebergs, and—I hope—glasses full of bourbon. Apparently, scientists are now discovering that the cryosphere plays a fundamental role in regulating Earth's temperature. But then again, we are still so clueless about how this whole Earth weather business works, that [NASA]

Creative Zen X-Fi 2 Trades Buttons for a Touchscreen, High Price for Low [PMPs]

It's a new model name, sure, and the distinctive button panel has been booted in favor of a touchscreen, but the most important part of the X-Fi update has nothing to do with hardware, and everything to do with dollars.
Aside from the slightly larger, ever-more-fingerable TFT screen, the X-Fi 2 supposedly adds improvements to sound quality, which are down to murky machinations inside Creative's X-Fi audio processing system, as well as TV-out, which is particularly useful considering the player's generous video codec support. The rest of the specs are more or less unchanged: There's an FM radio, built-in mic, a microSD expansion slot, and syncable calendar, task list, contacts and RSS reader apps. It actually looks like the player has lost a feature since v1 too, since the prior model's Wi-Fi access is nowhere to be found. Not that it ever did much, but still.

Anyway, price! It's pretty low, considering what you get: It's 230 for the 32GB model, $180 for the 16GB and $130 for the 8GB. The highest price point seems like a dig at the iPod Touch, and it could be a clever one: The two players offer completely different things, and if you want to do more than play music and videos, the iPod is the clear choice. On the other hand, if that's all you want to do, a 32GB touchscreen PMP makes a case, if not a particularly strong one. It's available for preorder now, and should ship within a few weeks. [Creative]