Archives for December 2005
Honey I shrunk the camera!
Damian Koh | Dec 13, 2005
A pair of recently patented technology from the University of Rochester could possibly enable imaging chips to draw a mere fraction of the energy used today, while at the same time, deliver better images. If that sounds good to you, here's something even better: Cameras the size of a shirt button running on a single battery for years may soon become a reality, according to the ingenious team at the institute.
While it may be a tad difficult to visualize a digital SLR shrunk to the size of a shirt button now, think miniature units for use in wireless security cameras. The duo, Mark Bocko, professor of electrical and computer engineering and Zeljko Ignjatovic, assistant professor also from the same discipline, have designed a prototype chip that can digitize an image at each individual pixel level. They are also concurrently working to incorporate a technology that will surpass the best current compression techniques.
According to Bocko, "these two technologies may work together or separately to greatly reduce the energy cost of capturing a digital image". In a further statement, Bocko also mentioned while one technology stretches current limitations, the other focus entirely on revolutionalizing the method digital images have been captured.
Read more about the technical bits.
Scratch Guard Coat
Juniper Foo | Dec 13, 2005
Now that you've bought that spanking new car, how do you protect your newborn from punks with no conscience when it comes to fresh paintwork? Behold Nissan's self-healing paint. Doing a Wolverine here, the Scratch Guard Coat is said to be the first of its kind to offer a highly elastic resin that allows the paint to reform itself over the scratch. The process takes up to seven days, depending on how nasty the gash is. Pouring some warm water over the affected area apparently speeds up repair in a matter of minutes. No more having to live with ugly scratches on your car. Now all we need is a skeleton of almost indestructible alloy, like adamantium perhaps?
Price: US$440 as an option on the X-Trail SUV
Availability: Japan initially, read press release here
Device: Car paint
Basic specs: Effective for about three years
Thinking of a handheld to put under the X'mas tree?
CNET Asia | Dec 12, 2005
Forget the cashmere sweaters and diamonds (well, maybe not the diamonds). Show your loved ones how much you care with these lavish and cutting-edge handhelds. From the top multimedia PDA-phone to the basic handheld, these devices are sure to knock their socks off.
Go to the handheld gift guideMore on Motorola's gold RAZR
Reuben Lee | Dec 12, 2005
If hot pink wasn’t shocking enough, take a look at these official pictures of the recently announced gold RAZR V3i. While no price has been confirmed yet for the limited-edition handset, the US mobile maker expects the phone to start shipping only in the first quarter of 2006, possibly in time for Valentine's, at Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana (D&G) outlets.
There's more to just the shiny gold finish that makes this V3i a collector's item. According to the press release, the phone will come with a personalized background with screensaver, a tailored sound for powering up and down, an exclusive polyphonic ringtone and a video clip illustrating 20 years of D&G brand history. As further exclusivity, each phone will be individually numbered. Preorders have already started in selected European countries since December 7. More information on its availability for Asia is expected to be released soon.
View more images of the gold V3iTapas plates
Juniper Foo | Dec 12, 2005
There's nothing like cool dining ware to grab you by the scruff of the neck and demand your attention. Like these Tapas Plates, inspired by the Spanish tapas tradition. Not that you can't find similar ones at less pricey figures, if you shop really hard. However, these delectably dishy plates are just perfectly sized to sit atop wine glasses. Now you can have your own tapas shindig and play Il Divo out loud. Yum.
Click for a larger picture
Via Fosfor.se
Price: Set of 4 Acacia Wood at US$19.99, set of Set of 4 Multi-Border Glass at US$24.95
Availability: See Sur La Table
Device: Tapas plates
Basic specs: 4-inch diameter, fits any wine glass 2 to 3 inches in diameter
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