Archives for January 2009
Better JPEG standard due in 2009
Stephen Shankland | Jan 30, 2009
JPEG XR, an image format created by Microsoft that promises a number of advantages over JPEG, has cleared a key standardization hurdle.
(Credit: Microsoft)
"The committee expects the JPEG XR International Standard to be published later this year," the group said.
JPEG XR offers a few advantages over JPEG, according to Microsoft. For one thing, as the XR "extended range" abbreviation suggests, it offers greater dynamic range--the span between the brightest brights and darkest darks in a photo.
JPEG uses 8-bit encoding that provides 256 gradations, but JPEG XR can use 16 bits or more for finer distinctions and more editing flexibility. Newer digital SLRs typically record 14 bits data, and the hobbyist practice of combining multiple shots into a single high-dynamic range image also benefits from more bit depth.
Read more »
BlackBerry Storm parts pricier than iPhone's
Marguerite Reardon | Jan 30, 2009
(Credit: James Martin/CBS Interactive)
Market research firm iSuppli has taken apart the BlackBerry Storm and discovered that the sum of its parts is worth more than those of Apple's iPhone 3G.
Components used to build new Research In Motion smart phone cost about US$203, according to iSuppli. Verizon Wireless, the exclusive carrier of the Storm, sells the device for US$199 after rebates and with a two-year service contract. Meanwhile, the total cost of components in Apple's 8GB iPhone 3G, which was introduced last summer, is US$174. AT&T, the iPhone's exclusive carrier, sells the 8GB device for US$199 with a two-year service contract.
These total device prices don't include the cost of software, licensing of patents, or distribution, but rather just the cost of the actual physical components. While the roughly US$29 difference may not seem like much, it certainly adds up after millions of phones are sold.
Read more »
New App Store section for premium games?
Marguerite Reardon | Jan 30, 2009
The new section will supposedly cater to games that sell for about US$20, according to the blog PocketGamer.biz, which first reported the rumor.
The new section will be restricted to only games of large publishers, rather than titles created by smaller gaming developers that are already offered through the main App Store, the site said.
PocketGamer believes that Apple will likely introduce the new section its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
The App Store currently offers more than 1,500 games, which is more than the combined titles offered for Sony's PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS, the two main competitors in the handheld gaming market. But some developers have complained that the open market place of the App Store and its Top 100 lists tend to reward cheaper but higher-volume applications.
That said, the Web site AppleInsider quoted Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPhone and iPod product marketing, as saying one of the benefits of the App Store is the low overhead required to become an influential player in the market. Developers don't need a publisher on the App Store to get their game out to the masses, which he said he considers a good thing.
Games are the most popular type of application in the App Store. And they make up almost 25 percent of all titles.
Via CNET News
Tiny turntable/speaker/mixer
John Chan | Jan 30, 2009
This portable speaker for your MP3 player does more than just amplify sound. The Turntable Speaker Mixer is shaped like a tiny turntable and, aside from blaring out your tunes, can be used to add preprogrammed sound effects to your music.
This novelty speaker comes with a built-in battery, USB cable and audio cable. It would make a great gift for an aspiring DJ so he can scratch records (albeit digitally) anytime, anywhere. We spotted the Turntable Speaker Mixer online at UrbanOutfitters for US$40.
Via notcot
Filed under:
Gadgets, Music & Play
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share
Tags: turntable speaker mixer, dj
Sony and SanDisk working on 2TB Memory Sticks
Damian Koh | Jan 30, 2009
The Memory Sticks don't have an official name yet and the two companies are temporarily calling them collectively as "Memory Stick format for Extended High Capacity". Format licensing is expected to begin this year. Once completed, we'll see storage capacities for these flash media (Memory Stick Pro DUO, Memory Stick Pro-HG, Memory Stick Micro and Memory Stick HG Micro) hit up to 2 terabytes with maximum data transfer rates of 20MB/s (on 4-bit parallel interface) and 60MB/s (on 8-bit parallel interface) for the HG card formats.
Sony is also announcing today the availability of 16GB Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards. These will be available in Asia Pacific starting next month and are bundled with a USB adapter, though there's also an option to purchase the flash card separately.
According to the Japanese outfit, the 16GB M2 card comes with a five-year warranty and can withstand temperatures from minus 25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius. The supplied adapter doesn't support the MagicGate content protection technology, though. We are still checking with Sony Ericsson to find out which phones are compatible with the new 16GB card and will update once we have the information.
Update: According to Sony Ericsson, only the C905 Cyber-shot has been tested to support the 16GB M2 memory card. The company added that most devices are designed to support up to 32GB flash media and it will be compiling a list of devices compatible with the new 2TB cards.
Crave is...
The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.
Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.
Crave for...
» Mobile Phones (2247)
» Digital Cameras (989)
» Notebooks (1245)
» PC & Peripherals (1312)
» Handhelds (586)
» Printers (83)
» Home AV (1149)
» Music & Play (897)
» Gadgets (1488)
» Future Tech (396)
» Green Tech (172)
» Lifestyle (158)
» Luxury (22)
» Home Appliances (58)
» Cars (100)
» Games and Gear (249)
» Software (96)
» Web (119)
Previously...
Hot Topics
What's Hot
apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video
Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
