Vuzix Wrap 920AV Video Sunglasses

Vuzix Wrap 920AV Video Sunglasses

Author ColGlobe | 05.01.2009 | Category Technology, Video Games

Welcome to the age of science fiction. The Vuzix Wrap 920AV Video Sunglasses are identical to something you would expect to see only in the movies. Built to operate with any media device that provides audio and video output, these cool shades project a virtual screen. The screen is intended to mimic a 60 inch widescreen when viewed from 9 ft (3m) away. 

But these are actually sunglasses, as well. While you are watching 3D content on the Vuzix Wrap 920AV, you are still free to interact with your physical environment. This could be a major step in the direction of a true interactive virtual reality, and optional devices for these sunglasses offer the ability to view augmented reality, which is a blend of computerized video with your physical surroundings. Perhaps the best, but not most accurate, example would be the heads-up display, which offers additional information to expand visual cues.

The basic unit provides private video display, both Virtual and Augmented Reality modes, and noise cancelling earphones, all in a package that weighs only around 3 ounces. The battery life is sufficient for most uses, as well, with an estimated battery life of 6 hours.

Rochester, NY – January 5th, 2009 – Vuzix Corporation is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking addition to the video eyewear market: the Wrap 920AV. As the demand for mobile access to digital entertainment and information skyrockets, Vuzix has once again pushed the envelope. This portable big screen solution with Vuzix’ proprietary Quantum optics technology allows for a “see-thru” video experience in the form of a functional pair of sunglasses and is upgradeable with optional accessories.

The stylish Wrap 920AV functions with any media playing device with a video output and projects a virtual 60-inch screen, as viewed from 9-feet. The state-of-the-art lens technology also allows users for the first time to view 3D video content while seeing and interacting with the real world. This incredible blend of reality and computer generated content will transform the world of portable video while opening up the consumer to previously impossible “location aware” applications. An optional 6-Degree of Freedom tracking sensor and/or Stereo Camera Pair will enable users to upgrade their Wrap 920AV to experience virtual, augmented and mixed reality environments.

 

Atomic Scale Computing

Author JoeDigital | 05.01.2009 | Category Computers, Technology, Technology Viewpoint

Since the advent of the transistor in 1947, the power of computers has grown exponentially. Every year that goes by, the speed and power of computers has increased dramatically, causing many to wonder when the so called ‘doubling effect” will end. Until recently, many researchers had considered the wall within sight, but recent discoveries on the molecular level have changed all that.

Funded by the European Union, the CEMES Nanoscience and Picotechnology Group (GNS) has put together some of the brightest minds from 15 top academic and industrial research institutes, working on the problems of nano-computing and atomic scale computing. It will still be a few years before these machines are on the market, but the steps taken today will help guide near-future business ventures.

The goal is to create a logic gate, a single ON/OFF switch, in a molecule, and computing by comparing such set states at the molecular level. If successful, and early results indicate that the field is not only promising, but emerging, whole new levels of computing technology will open up, increasing the current speed and storage levels beyond anything currently imagined.

NES Emulator & PMP For Under $50

Author ColGlobe | 04.01.2009 | Category Consumer Electronics, Technology

The iPod has created an industry of PMP (Personal Music Player) makers, but most were just that- music players. Chinavasion has introduced a new PMP that plays audio and video files of many types, including MP3, WAV, WMA, 3GP, and AVI.

Not only are a wide range of file types supported, but you also get aviewing option. The built-in 2.4 inch (320×240) TFT LCD, or use the included AV cables and connect to an external monitor. And if this still isn’t enough, throw in the fact that this little gadget also doubles as an NES emulator, allowing you to play a large number of NES games.

Want more? How about if the company throws in a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera for still shots and 3GP videos, a miniSD card slot, and an FM radio tuner?

The only feature that has been mentioned yet is the outstanding pricetag of just under US$50, which makes this PMP perfect for any budget.

Cool Earth Solar’s Party Plan

Author JoeDigital | 16.12.2008 | Category Science, Technology, world news

It look’s like a giant party balloon but like many things in life, looks can be deceiving. The big shiny balloons aren’t for a party though the company has reason to celebrate.

The huge balloons set to go up near the national library of Livermore are the main component in Cool Earth Solar’s efforts to economize solar power. The objects described by Rob Lamkin Chief exectutive at Cool Earth Solar as “an inflated solar concentrator that’s made of thin-film plastic.” The basic theory being that concentrated sunlight produces more power than conventional sunlight.

The device which measures 8 feet in diameter comprises of one reflective and one clear side focuses sunlight 500 times its usual intensity onto a solar cell placed inside the balloon. This along with a tracking and cooling system is the heart of the entire operation. These balloons are then attached onto poles or on a grid.

The balloons which are made from same packing material used in Lays and Powerbar. This frugal approach towards materials used is helping the company achieve power generation on a very economical scale. With each balloon producing 1 Killowatt of power the company aims to deliver power at 1$ per watt.

Pentagon Bans Flash Drives

Author JoeDigital | 03.12.2008 | Category Technology

The Pentagon is catching up with the 21st Century -- slowly

After contemplating over security issues for so long, the Pentagon has yet again decided to do something about it and ban the use of USB flash drives or any removable or portable drive within the premises. This basically occurred with the confiscation of all flash drives within the area without any promise of possibility that they will be returned to their owners.

This is said to be a direct response to a reportedly major virus designed to specifically travel through mobile drives that are going on around the globe. As to the origin and complete nature of this feared virus, the Pentagon has yet to disclose the information to public.

Other tech institutions are taking note of the rise of virus types that prey on portable drives, one of which involve a 40 percent increase on malware. This might somewhat confirm the basis for the Pentagon’s recent sudden security measures.

Asus’ new toy: the Eee Top ET1602

Author ColGlobe | 28.11.2008 | Category Computers, Technology

The ASUS EEE Top

ASUS has just introduced its new netbook right in its base city of Taiwan. Presenting the ASUS Eee Top ET1602, this new netbook is said to be on the verge of possessing cutting edge technology that would compete with the likes of Mac by presenting itself as a more budget friendly version with all those neat specs at hand.

Eee Top can be considered versatile, since its specs look like as if it was meant for work and gaming, and all the other things that most users would want to do with their laptops. The touch screen feature lets you work with applications with ease on its 15. 6 inches and 1366 by 768 mega pixel resolution screen. And then there are the standardized 1.6 Hz Atom, 169 GB Hard drive and 1 GB RAM. It also has a built in 3.1 mega pixel webcam to compliment its 802.11n Wi-Fi and Gb Ethernet, as well as 3 USB ports. At $566 on the market, this product might be worth considering.

The Cute and Average LG X110

Author ColGlobe | 27.11.2008 | Category Computers, Technology

The Netbook X110

The LG X110 has got it going with its really snappy appearance. With a glossy casing around the sharp corners and squared base covered with its neat white apparel, this new netbook is quite the looker for anyone who wants to look slick while on business.

Right underneath the LG X110’s 2-2.5 hour battery is one of the netbook’s features – there is a slot for a mobile phone SIM to let users to access internet from their network operator, giving access virtually anytime and anywhere.

This netbook also has it made for those people who dream of a more comfortable keyboard. The full blown QWERTY type keyboard has a large return key for the benefit of typists who aren’t as accustomed to trimmed keyboards on most netbooks. Unfortunately, the keyboard must have taken up most of the space because of the relatively small touchpad, but most that opt for larger typing space might be able to live with it.

Despite its average specs, the LG X110 takes one step up for its comfort and appearance plus combo, and might be worth considering if you’re out on the market for one.

USB gets “super speed”

Author ColGlobe | 25.11.2008 | Category Technology, world news

USB 3.0 is finalized - finally

A new breed of USB is coming to town at the later part of this coming 2009, and it seems to have as much as 4.8 Gbs per second in data transfer power. Known as the “Super-speed”, the USB 3.0 is expected to function up to ten times much faster than its 2.0 predecessor which was known to be power efficient.

This new technology in portable and mobile drives was said to have the purpose of answering to the growing need of users to quickly transfer massive amounts of large files from computer to computer. So whether the user is a tech enthusiast or the average user who needs to transfer videos or music every now and then, the USB 3.0 will prove useful for the vast consuming public.

USB 3.0 is also said to still be compatible with 2.0 stuff as long as it deals with a Type A connector. But more importantly, the first thing that everyone should look out for is this gadgets promised speed.