Monthly Archives: May 2010

3D HD recording coming to a Mobile Phone near you!

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3D Camera Module3D’s all the fuss around, screens and camera’s. Good news is that it’s coming to mobile devices too. SHARP has developed a 3D camera module which is capable of capturing video in 720p (HD).

Perhaps this could be a game changer in the way mobile videos are shot and viewed. Samples get ready by July and mass shipping starts all in 2010. For all those who don’t know how 3D technology works, check out this infographic. Let’s see which cellphone gets it first? Perhaps the iPhone? :P

For more techie bits, run down the press release.

Sharp Corporation has developed a 3D camera module for mobile devices capable of capturing high-definition (720p*2) 3D video images, an industry first. Sharp will start shipping samples in July. Mass production of these modules will begin within 2010.

3D images are composed of two views taken using two cameras that simultaneously capture separate images for the right and left eyes. Consequently, a 3D camera requires peripheral circuitry to apply image processing to the two images, for example, to adjust color or to correct positioning between the images from the two cameras. Manufacturers have thus been pursuing designs that reduce the size and weight of 3D cameras and seeking ways to shorten their development period.

The current 3D camera module developed by Sharp incorporates functions to process the image data output by the left and right cameras, including Color Synchronizing Processing to adjust color and brightness, Timing Synchronizing Processing to synchronize the timing of the video signals, and Optical Axis Control Processing to correct positioning. In addition, Fast Readout Technology rapidly transfers video data from the image sensor, enabling 3D images to be captured in high-resolution HD mode. Further, in developing this camera module, Sharp applied high-density mounting technology nurtured over long years of experience in camera module development to achieve a compact form. Embedding this camera module in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and smartphones will contribute to the development of a wide range of new, innovative communications tools.

In the future, Sharp will be opening up new 3D markets based on 3D display technologies, including small/medium-size and large-size 3D LCDs, as well as on 3D input device technologies such as 3D camera modules.

[Via Engadget and SHARP]

Verizon and Google to give birth to the iPad killer

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The trail of iPad Killer has just begun with RIM’s blackpad. If you were hoping for insanely great competitors to iPad, we’ve got Google and Verizon planning to do something with the newly inaugurated Tablet market.

Lowell McAdam, Verizon’s CEO showed that the company was enthusiastic about tablet market. It has to be, with all those credit cards being swiped for AT&T data plans which come compiled with the iPads.

Verizon’s relation with Google has been strengthened especially after the Motorola’s Droid launch which flaunted Google’s Android running on it along with Verizon as its carrier. Mr. McAdam, a spokesperson for Verizon said,

What do we think the next big wave of opportunities are? We’re working on tablets together, for example. We’re looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience.

For carriers, the main business is in the cell phone market, but looking at the rapid growth rate, it would be a mistake to leave the netbook and tablet behind. Apple sold about a million iPads in 28 days and more to come, which surely means $$ for Apple and lot many subscribers for AT&T.

The tablet details haven’t surfaced yet, but we are sure the tablet will run the the Android OS. Google did not speak anything except that anyone can use the company’s mobile software to create phones and other devices.

It’s a must on both, Verizon and Google’s part. Verizon must add on more subscribers and has to get into the tablet carrier market because if you see, AT&T apart from the iPad is also the official carrier for Amazon’s Kindle. Google Vs. Apple is already tornado-ing the markets. Google got into the phone market with Nexus one and android, Apple got into the advertising business with iAd. Google needs a tablet of it’s own to grab its age old hold on advertising.

Rest all’s well in the world of tablets for now with iPad stores going out of stock due to excess iPad demands.

[Via WSJ]

Can I take your order…… on my iPad?

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Shortly after the release of the Apple iPad people are already using it to accomplish tasks never imagined to be completed with an “oversized iPod”.  One prime example is this video of a restaurant owner/chef who’s has reinvented taking a dinner order.  He uses an iPad to completely key in his customers requests, down to their wine preference.

My guess is that it won’t be long before some national chains grab this by the coat tail and runs with it.  But hey, it is a green alternative to wasting countless paper tickets every day right?

Take a look for yourself.

Via [Techi]

Android 2.2 burns the rubber : Runs 450% faster than 2.1!

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Some lucky dogs over at Android Police have been spotted running the absolute newest build of Android, Froyo 2.2, on a Google Nexus One.  Aside from the appearance upgrades and overall bug fixes, 2.2 is about 4 1/2 times or 450% faster than its predecessor, 2.1 Eclair.

Although this update of the increasingly popular Android OS hasn’t been formally released or advertised, it’s future looks rather bright!  Expect some awesome new hardware to go along with the new speedy system sometime rather soon. If you forgot, Adobe is planning for a flash release on 2.2 too and looking at it’s performance right now on the speedometer, it seems Android is indeed going to rock it! Would this prove Steve Jobs 1000+ word essay wrong? Stay Tuned!

You can check out Android Police’s benchmarks here.

Know what would go great with the new Froyo 2.2? The newly announced Square App for Android.  Stay tuned for more on this!

Via [Gizmodo]

The iPod Revolution : All captured in one Graphic

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After 2001, there was an explosion. Music, Music and Music. From a 90 year old granny to a 7 year old timmy, all seen rotating their fingers on a little, smaller-than-10-cm-device. Even today, walk around you’ll find tons of people snapping, pinching and shaking little devices to mix up music and much more. That’s the iPod magic. Nah, wait.. It’s Steve Magic.

Since 2001, Apple has sold millions of iPods and billions of Apps. Want to know some more amazing facts?

The Ipod Revolution
Via: Online MBA

Mr. President, this time you are Tech-nically WRONG : You better get an iPad, dude!

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In a recent speech held at Hampton University this past weekend President Obama shed some light on his views regarding some of the newest gadgets recently released in the tech world.

One comment from the POTUS went a little something like this “With iPods and iPads and Xboxes and PlayStations — none of which I know how to work becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation,”.

It’s good to see opinions being formed about devices directly after admitting you haven’t a clue how to work on a single one.  True that in some cases these devices can be used as a distraction, but this is so with just about anything. To me a comment like this was prematurely blurted, not only offending a lot of people, but discouraging parents from buying their offspring something like an Apple iPad that can aid as a tool of empowerment and a means of emancipation.  Only time will tell if this is the case and if such devices will truly be used for educational purposes, but from my own experience the future looks bright.

As a student who is homeschooled through an online charter school, I can attest to the Apple iPad being a great help in conquering my daily workload.  Basic Apps that come preinstalled on the iPad such as Calendar, Notes and Mail serve as an electronic binder and planner that help me to keep up with assignments, take effective notes in class, and stay in constant contact with my teachers.  Aside from these, the ever expanding App Store offers a variety of productivity and educational Apps.  Three of my personal favorites include the iWork suite of apps, native to the Mac, designed for the iPad and called Pages, Keynote, and Numbers respectively.  These are essential if you plan on doing any word processing, creating spreadsheets or composing awesome presentations.

Overall, as with any device, the iPad can be tool of empowerment if the user wishes for it to be.  Since gaining office, Obama has been a huge advocate for making the Nation and White House more technologically advance, claiming it as a tool of advancement and a means to move towards the future, but his most recent tech related comment portrays just the opposite.  I have outlined ways the iPad can be used educationally, but don’t take my word for it.  Make your way to your local Apple Retail Store or Best Buy and try one out.  I’m sure they’ll let you in and President Obama too.

Stay tuned for more in depth reviews on educational apps and the Apple iPad as a continuation of this article!

What in the world, did Twitter break?

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So as most of you avid Tweeters probably already noticed, Twitter has had a small breakdown. As it turns out an exploit allowing any user to force another user to follow them was found on accident when trying to follow a personal favorite on the site. One user could simply type “accept Kimkardashian” and like magic she’d be in your followers tab, without ever asking her permission.

According to different reports the man immediately started forcing famous celebrities and such to follow him, blogging about it all the way. Well, word got out and lets just say the tech department over at Twitter had an interesting day.  As of now the hack is not working, so a round of applause to the team, and a “dang it” to those of you who were hoping to have Jessica Alba follow you.  All is well in the world of Twitter, at least I know you’ll be back to sleep soundly tonight.

[Via Gizmodo]

Say Hello : We have two new Authors!

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Hello Everyone!

We have some great news :) We’ve got two new authors at Etiole.com! That points out to -> More amazing blog posts! Let me introduce them to you without wasting any more time!

Trevor Greene

My name is Trevor Greene and I currently reside in Myrtle Beach, SC in the United States.  I am young freelance writer with a huge passion for technologyI enjoy writing and look forward to bringing you fresh, interesting articles first! Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Jasbir Singh

I am a civil engineer by profession , but analyzing social digital media is my hobby and I love to write. It all began when a friend of mine asked me to cover a conference for its blog. Since then , there was no looking back. In my free time I love to listen to Pink Floyd and The Beatles.

Facebook join likes of Foursquare, Twitter- Location sharing Feature expected.

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Next time when you log in to Facebook Mobile, you might get to share location. Yes, Facebook is following the lines of Twitter, that is to share location via the status updates (Remember Geotagging tweets?). The reports have been circulating for quite some time about the location features. These announcements were expected in the f8 conference, Facebook did announce some, but not the location feature.

The code has been spotted Facebook’s touch version for iPhone and iPod touch,  that reveals a coming “places” tab to accommodate location features. If you run around the code, you’ll find a clue in the Javascript code, and stand up and say “Places” is coming! Mcdonald’s has already started building a campaign around them.

The mobile version will be using the HTML5 location component to extract your location from your phone. Once done, you will be taken into a new Places area, which will have the list of venues around you to check-in. Yeah, the Foursquare way, isn’t it? The code also suggests, that Facebook will not only record the latitude and longitude, but also  your altitude, heading and speed. This will give Facebook a hell lot of your information, seriously.

The Places feature could be a major threat to it’s Facebook’s friend, Foursqaure which offers similar type of service. One thing is for sure, once Facebook enters the location sharing arena, user acquaintance with it’s new feature will be very alacritous since it beholds and army of 400+ Million Users. That means Location Sharing is here to stay and stay longer.

[Via TechCrunch]