Samsung introduces 128GB memory card

No, your eyes are fine, and no, it's not a typo on our part.

The current reigning king of flash memory pushes the envelope for NAND flash a little further with a 64Gb (gigabit) memory chip. Put 16 of them together and it amounts to 128GB (gigabyte) which is enough to put some hard drives to shame.

Samsung claims the mega memory card is capable of storing 32,000 MP3 files.

Built with a new manufacturing process that Samsung dubs the self-aligned double patterning technology (SaDPT), we are sure it's pretty heavy stuff, seeing that Samsung has applied for 30 patents in connection with the new 64Gb flash device.

But don't expect this drugged-up memory card before Christmas--Samsung is expecting production to commence only in 2009.

Via Dcviews

Fujitsu Siemens' ultra green LCD monitors

With the call to leave a lesser carbon footprint on this fragile earth of ours, it's great news to hear that Fujitsu Siemens (not a brand we'd typically associate with LCD monitors) has developed a prototype 22-inch LCD monitor. What's different is this incorporates solar panels which work with a capacitor and special relay to cut power usage when on standby.

In fact, it can reportedly operate in in zero consumption mode for five days on standby, and when active, like a miserly Scrooge, sips just 0.6-0.9W of electricity. It's exciting enough to keep a watch out for, and certainly doesn't hurt the pocket when one gets the utilities bill in the mail.

Word is the company's also looking to implement its green tech into TVs, with the PC monitors slated to be first out by Q2 of 2008.

Via Personal Computer World | Image not the actual prototype

Flameless Rechargeable USB Lighter

We're not advocating that you puff your lungs out with this, but it deserves a mention for being a device with such odd bedfellows. That is, it's a lighter that also doubles as a USB drive. Try naming another 2-in-1 if you can of unexpected hybrids. In case you're wondering how designer Nathan Gabriele is cramming a flash drive into a flammable lighter, well, he's tossed out the lighter fluid and flint. In place are resistance coils, similar to car lighters, to create heat. Better yet, the onboard rechargeable cell can be juiced up via USB. Now how's that for synergy. Too bad this is more smoke than fire as it's still just a concept that Gabriele's exhaled.

Via Yanko Design

Philips Dynamic Daylight Window

Given that most of us in the tropics have only two seasons--rain or shine--the Philips Dynamic Daylight Window opens a window (pun intended) to an innovative idea. It's almost like the Transitions eyewear folks had a Vulcan mind meld with Philips' Ambilight engineers. The result is a window that lets you control how much lighting you want to let through, with part of the adjustment creating an artificial window blind effect; the other adjusting the light itself so the sky can look a different color.

Besides practical applications for homes and hotels in sunny climes, helping people to adjust to jet lag, light therapy, and hey, the mood lighting it can create, who needs to draw the drapes after this for some "lights out" fun? The only catch we can think of: An equally dynamic power bill!

Via Coolest Gadgets | Catch Philips' ambient window video here

Sony gets sweet on Bio Batteries

Sony's biotech battery has a sweet tooth, figuratively speaking. It sups on glucose for energy, much like some of us, converting the sugar within beverages such as fruit juice and even Pocari Sweat into electricity. For a glimpse into the future of alternative power cells, check out the video of the Bio Batt seen powering a desk fan and speakers attached to a Walkman, after being juiced up on a sugar solution.

A four-cell array is reportedly capable of generating up to 50mW of power, enough for small devices at the moment.

The Bio Battery imitates real life by using enzymes to break down the glucose to generate electricity. Itself made out of a vegetable-based plastic, the worse that could happen to Sony's latest battery offering are… eeks, ants. A blessing given the rather unfortunate notebook battery recall of last year.

Via Japan Today | Photo credit: Sony

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