Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
Engadget
US Judge rejects Hasbro / ASUS sales ban, Transformer Prime prevails
Mar 27th 2012, 18:39

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Coming up with original gadget names is tough work, and, after all, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery -- right? So it was no surprise when ASUS happened upon an alias that more than slightly resembled that of a popular fictional mutant semi -- you know, Transformer Optimus Prime. However shockingly, Hasbro wasn't a fan, opting to battle ASUS to the death in the U.S. court system. And, after countless weeks and many bank holidays, we finally have a victor. It appears that the leader of the Autobots will continue to share its name with the Taiwanese company's tablet -- that's what you get for leaving the fate of the world to mere human bureaucrats. Just don't be surprised when it comes time to name the world's next Superhero, Ms. Zenbook UX31.

US Judge rejects Hasbro / ASUS sales ban, Transformer Prime prevails originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect for Windows version 1.5 to be released in May
Mar 27th 2012, 18:21

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Seems like it was only yesterday that Microsoft took the wraps off version 1.0 of Kinect for Windows, putting the power of voice and gesture controls in the hands of the hoi polloi. Now, the gang in Redmond has said that version 1.5 will be coming in May, and will bring 10-joint skeletal tracking to let the sensor bar work while users are seated. The update also includes Kinect Studio, an app that allows devs to record, play and debug clips of users to fine tune their applications. Additionally, it brings language support for French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese, plus there's added support for regional dialects in those languages and English as well. Lastly, Microsoft is promising a whole slew of new countries around the globe will be getting Kinect for Windows in May and June, so to see if your homeland made the cut, check out the source below.

Kinect for Windows version 1.5 to be released in May originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video)
Mar 27th 2012, 18:01

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Feel like you aren't connecting with the people you video chat with? A team from Osaka University has developed a robotic hand that'll start a chat by gripping your paw with the warmth and firmness of a rugby player. Assembled from silicone and sponge, the researchers fitted a film heater to keep the electrical extremity at 37 degrees Celsius -- the theory being that if its warmer than your own hand, you're more predisposed toward it. Future plans for the mechanical metacarpus include adding a pressure sensor so it'll match your grip and welding it to a telepresence robot for executives to harass their colleagues with a constant stream of formal greetings. If you're wondering, the answer's yes; we do have footage of terrified exhibition guests giving it a go after the break.

Continue reading Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video)

Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and Toyota come together, right now, over batteries
Mar 27th 2012, 17:38

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Clue's in the headline, really. Car makers BMW and Toyota have finally gotten around to confirming that they're pairing up to research next generation lithium-ion batteries. The focus will be on building environmentally friendly technologies that'll boost the power of future EVs. The duo will also examine new ways of combining materials to build better cathodes, anodes and electrolytes. As part of the deal, Toyota will be buying diesel engines for its European subsidiary from its Teutonic new best friend from 2014.

Continue reading BMW and Toyota come together, right now, over batteries

BMW and Toyota come together, right now, over batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novatech Ultrabook range goes to nFinity, well, at least four
Mar 27th 2012, 17:12

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Novatech has just put its own spin on the Ultrabook theme, outing its new nFinity line of svelte, 14-inch, portables. The base model is driven by an i3 chip, 2GB of RAM, and 64GB of SSD storage, for a £430 (about $687) asking price. If you want a little more pep, however, there are naturally i5 and i7 options too (£580 / $926 and £699 / $1,117 respectively), both of which get a RAM upgrade to 4GB, and double the SSD at 128GB. There are a few things which might dampen your purchasing flame, such as the lack of USB3.0, and perhaps the plastic finish. But when you're fully booted in the (claimed) 15 seconds, and still going 7 hours later, maybe that won't seem so bad a trade-off. The range lands on the 30th of this month, so not long to wait, or click on past the break for the promo video.

Continue reading Novatech Ultrabook range goes to nFinity, well, at least four

Novatech Ultrabook range goes to nFinity, well, at least four originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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