Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
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Corsair just announced the latest in their line of USB drives, the Flash Voyager Mini. Smaller then a quarter, the mini is just the right size to lose when you really need them, and come sizes ranging from 4 to 32 GB. I actually like the Flash Voyager line, and these look interesting as well. The Mini features a retractable connector (instead of a cap that always gets lost) and is (at least physically) very small. They are available now from various retailers, with the 4GB version selling for around $20. The 16GB retails for around $50, and the 32GB doesn’t appear to be available yet. Check out Corsair’s website for more information .
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
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Sony announced a new clock radio today, the enticing named ICF-C717PJ, the latest in a long line of consumer electronics. The ICF-C717PJ has a few tricks up it’s proverbial sleeve however, including a thermometer and the ability to project the time on the wall or ceiling. The ICF-C717PJ can also show you the room temperature, and has five pre-programmed nature sounds to help you fall asleep faster. As far as waking up, the ICF-C717PJ gives you the choice of AM/FM, a buzzer, or music from your MP3 player. You can also chose to listen to nature sounds and wake to either the undersea world, waves, a mountain brook, or birdsong. If you’re looking for the ICF-C717PJ in the US, you’re going to be disappointed right now; it’s initially planned to only be available in Europe. Sony also has yet to name a price at this time. [via iPodnn ]
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Friday, March 19th, 2010
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The 5D mk II 2.0.3 firmware was supposed to be the end-all solution for the Canon super camera. But it wasn’t. It caused more issues not worth the enhanced movie mode it added. Canon of course of pulled the firmware from its site cause many 5D mk II owners to cry a little. Because, as everyone knows, Canon owners are notoriously emotional unlike the cool and collected Nikon crowd. But chin up 5D mk II owners, the proper firmware is now available. Canon In the Version 2.0.4 firmware, the following phenomena that occurred with the Version 2.0.3 firmware (which was to enhance the movie functions) have been corrected. There was a phenomenon in which the manual recording settings made in C1/C2/C3 were changed and sound could not be recorded if manual sound recording was used in the C1/C2/C3 settings and the camera was subsequently turned off (or if Auto Power Off was activated). This does not occur in modes other than C1/C2/C3. The Version 2.0.4 firmware includes the movie function enhancements listed in items 1 through 5 below, and also incorporates the correction listed in item 6. Adds or changes the following movie frame rates. NTSC: 1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed – actual 29.97 fps) 1920×1080 : 24 fps (added – actual 23.976 fps) 640×480 : 30 fps (changed – actual 29.97 fps) PAL: 1920×1080 : 25 fps (added – actual 25.0 fps) 1920×1080 : 24 fps (added – actual 23.976 fps) 640×480 : 25 fps (added – actual 25.0 fps) Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels). Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure. Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies. Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz. Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.) Caution: Firmware Version 2.0.4 is for cameras with firmware up to version 2.0.3. If the camera’s firmware is already version 2.0.4, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Movies captured using EOS 5D Mark II cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.0 to 1.2.4 can be played back on cameras updated with Firmware Version 2.0.4. However, if you try to play back movies captured with a camera with the new firmare on a camera with a previous firmare version, a message, Cannot play back image, appears on the camera’s LCD monitor. It is recommended that you use the latest Canon applications*1 to edit movies captured with EOS 5D Mark II cameras that have the latest firmare because some previous versions do not support movie-editing functions and the frame rates that are added or changed by the latest firmware. You can download the latest Canon applications from our Web site. *1 ZoomBrowser EX Version 6.5.0 or later (compatible operating systems : Windows XP/Vista/7) ImageBrowser Version 6.5.0 or later (compatible operating systems : Mac OS X v10.4/10.5/10.6) In addition to the enhancements to the movie function, the accompanying instruction manual has also been revised. Users are asked to download both the latest firmware and the latest instruction manual. You can proceed to download the instruction manual by clicking the [I Agree] button from the bottom of this page.
Posted by 010081
Tech
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
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Since we’re your go-to source for complaining about DRM (now on CNN !), I figure we should mention the latest development regarding EA’s Battlefield: Bad Company 2 . Dice, the game’s developer’s, have removed SecuROM DRM from both the retail version of the game as well as the digitally distributed one (i.e. Steam). Why a Steam game even needs SecuROM in the first place (it’s merely a disc check, so…) is a question I cannot answer. It’s probably like a contractual thing or something. This comes by way of the game’s latest patch, which went live for the retail version—the Steam version is still on the way. Other things of note? Not really, just the average bug-fixes and UI fine tuning. In other news, yes, Inter beat Chelsea ! That made my day, for real.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
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Self proclaimed glove hacker and electronics wiz Steve Hoefer just came out with his latest project, the Rock Paper Scissors glove. His project isn’t just random either, the glove actually learns how you play and will take advantage of your patterns in order to defeat you. Kind of creepy. Steve explains how to build your own, including the AI and all the wiring on his website . He even tells you where to order the parts from, the part numbers, and a complete wiring diagram. Definitely cool stuff. But don’t take my word for it, check out the video.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
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Matt: “I see we just got the latest computer monitors. Take that, South Korea.” Devin: “Zerg him, comrade” John: “Our glorious gold farming initiative is the pride of the world.” Dave: “What?? Doug left CrunchGear ?” Greg: “Our screens may not be bigger, but they are deeper. Take that, South Korea!” Scott:”I always get sniped on de_dust, too. Don’t let it get you down, brother.” via The Big Picture where there are 30 more just as funny pictures.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Hmm, Nascar… it’s a bit too Southern for my latte-drinking, North-eastern tendencies, but if Yamauchi deems it worthy of Gran Turismo ! So behold, the latest trailer of the game. Gran Turismo 5 is currently scheduled to come out in the year 2027 sometime this year.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Friday, March 5th, 2010
By a raise of hands, who thinks Mafia is the best game ever made? Everyone, good. Here’s the latest trailer showing the same gangster action with 2010 graphics. “These guys ain’t cops. Kill ‘em.”
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
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Well, TV manufacturers are definitely embracing 3D for the home. Obviously it’s going to require the networks to jump in too, as evidenced by Sony and CBS building the “Sony 3D Experience” in the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The showcase is designed to give consumers a chance to really understand how the 3D technology will work, and is going to feature the latest television and Blu-ray technology that Sony has to offer. People will walk through several demonstrations of exactly how 3D broadcasting is done, and get a taste of what they should expect from channels like ESPN 3D (that’s launching this summer), and the newest content from Sony, IMAX, and Discovery. They also plan on having different examples of the latest 3D glasses as well, showing off the latest from RealD. The “Experience” will be in the CBS Television City research facility inside the MGM Grand Hotel, and should be similar to the displays that the manufacturers had set up during CES2010 . [via CEPro ]
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
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Mamiya announced their latest large sensor DSLR today, the DM40. Coming in at a memory card crushing 40 megapixel, the DM40 can capture images at up to 60 frames per minute, make it the fastest large sensor DSLR on the market. And one of the most expensive. The DM40 is quite an impressive camera technically, but expect to pay for the privilege of shooting with it, as a sensor that large doesn’t come cheap. MSRP on this amazing piece of equipment is a jaw-dropping $21,990. For all the technical details, here’s the press release: Mamiya today announced the addition of the new Mamiya DM40 to its lineup of professional large-sensor DSLRs. Featuring a resolution of 40 megapixels with a peak capture rate of .8 seconds per frame and a sustained capture rate of 60 frames per minute, the Mamiya DM40 is the industry’s fastest large-sensor DSLR. The heart of the DM40 system is the new “DF” camera-core technology, developed by Mamiya, featuring two user-selectable shutter systems: leaf or focal plane. In demanding daylight situations, photographers can use predictable high speed flash synchronization to fill-in or overpower even the brightest ambient light on one of three new leaf-shuttered lenses designed by Schneider-Kreuznach and manufactured by Mamiya. The lenses – available in focal lengths of 55mm, 80mm, and 110mm – deliver an effective maximum flash sync speed of up to 1/1600th of a second. For more conventional situations, photographers can choose any one of 15 other world-class Mamiya optics, from 28mm to 300mm APO, designed for use with the cameras’ focal plane shutter system. Also newly announced, the Mamiya DM40 Digital Back will be available for those customers who wish to obtain the latest in high-speed and resolution digital capture for their existing Mamiya or large format camera. Supported cameras include: Mamiya 645AFD series, 645DF, Mamiya RZ series (via optional adapter), Mamiya RB series (via optional adapter), and 4