Keeping warm and informed the USB way

During a recent trip to India, I learnt that the USB port has become indispensable to this traveling techie. As long as your device allows charging via USB, keeping warmed and informed is easily accomplished.

Here's why. On long train rides, one of the hardest parts thing to figure out is when to get off. It doesn't help that there are no announcements made at the various stations. So what I did was to use my iPhone as a GPS navigator to determine my location.

But here's the catch--the iPhone does not allow you to turn off the cell service and leave the GPS on to save power.
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OS X plays nice with Canon and Nikon raw standards

Apple released one of its routine Mac OS X updates to let its computers handle raw images from a handful of new Nikon and Canon SLRs as well as from Canon's newer high-end PowerShot G11 compact camera.

The update lets Mac OS X 10.6 as well as Apple's iPhoto and Aperture software handle the raw image files taken directly from the camera's sensors without in-camera processing. Raw photo formats offer more quality and flexibility at the cost of convenience and file size.
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3D Blu-ray standard outlined, includes PS3

The Blu-ray Disc Association released its finalized 3D specifications, outlining what to expect out of 3D Blu-ray in 2010. The specification includes full 1080p resolution, backward compatibility for both 3D Blu-ray players and the 3D Blu-ray Discs (meaning that both will play or be able to be played in 2D), and the use of a new MVC codec, an extension of the existing AVC. 3D playback will be "display agnostic", meaning that, according to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the format will be compatible across "any compatible 3D display". What exactly a "compatible 3D display" consists of is still a mystery, but a Blu-ray Disc Association representative said via a phone call that for the most part, you'll need a new TV set to make this technology work.

A few weeks ago, we reported on the PS3's full-fledged leap into 3D gaming by 2011. At the time, we were uncertain as to whether the console would also be a qualified 3D Blu-ray player, but the answer has been provided: Yes, it can. The PS3 is included in the specification announcement from the Blu-ray Disc Association, which means the PS3 is perfectly suited to become a 3D platform in every respect.
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What good is a Google phone to HTC?

This week, the world found out about Google's Android device, the Nexus One, after it distributed them internally to members of staff. The company has previously sold unlocked smartphones for developers to work on and it seems logical to view this as the third iteration after the Dev Phone 1 (HTC Dream) and Dev Phone 2 (HTC Magic).

But speculation suggesting that Google will be selling this as a consumer product is hitting hard and heavy. Some commentators are saying this would be a bad move as it may make manufacturers in the Open Handset Alliance consider Google a competitor rather than a partner.

Though the spotlight is currently on the search giant, let's take a moment to see HTC's point of view.
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Speculation: EVIL cameras for 2010

No, EVIL cameras don't mean that the shooters are nasty, but rather the acronym stands for Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens. Good examples are the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and the Olympus E-P2 Micro Four Thirds snappers. But we’ve heard rumors that other brands may soon follow with their own versions, with Samsung leading the way.

Last year, the Korean chaebol announced its plans for the NX system, which is similar to Micro Four Thirds format. While it's been very quiet this year, we've heard rumors that the firm will be announcing the hybrid camera in the first quarter of 2010.

Next up is Sony. The Japanese electronics giant had expressed interested in manufacturing Micro Four Thirds like shooters and rumor site SonyAlphaRumors claims we can expect the company to unveil its EVIL camera next March.

Then we have Fujifilm, which was the latest to join the Micro Four Thirds consortium.

Eager to see what 2010 holds for this format of shooters? Then check back regularly for more information.

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