| Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials Apr 3rd 2012, 12:23 If you thought your Sunbeam electric blanket or those Hello Kitty foot warmers were advanced pieces of kit, then you'd best divert your eyes from this story out of the UK. In an effort to eliminate the mess of power cables and extraneous batteries from a soldier's tech gear, one British company is currently experimenting with conductive fabrics as the basis for future military uniforms. The material is able to deliver power to any number of devices -- all from a single battery -- and also features a redundancy aspect, with the ability to reroute power should the fabric become torn or damaged. The company, known as Intelligent Textiles, recently received a £234,000 grant from the Ministry of Defense and hopes to begin field trials of its equipment next month. While these high tech uniforms may see a limited military issue by year's end, it's thought unlikely that the gear will become widespread until 2014 or beyond. Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  Stuff |  BBC | Email this | Comments | | Report: Google TV coming to Europe in September Apr 3rd 2012, 11:52  Sony is making some more definitive statements on its plans to bring Google TV across to Europe. According to financial paper, Les Échos, Sony France's marketing director said that two devices, a set-top box, priced at €200 ($266) and a Blu-ray player, selling for €300 ($399), will launch in France this September. The paper reports that it could launch across the UK, Spain and Germany at the same time. Sony's Stephane Labrousse added that remotes for the new devices would also include a dedicated Android Market Google Play button to access the Android progenitor's apps and media content. The Japanese manufacturer's own Music Unlimited service will also be baked inside. Phew. There's no word just yet on whether these are the older Intel-based models or the new, possibly cheaper, ARM range set to ship later this year. However, we expect to hear plenty more noise from Sony on its Smart TV intentions over the next few months.
Report: Google TV coming to Europe in September originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink GigaOM | Les Echos | Email this | Comments | | Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi joint venture Japan Display fires up operations Apr 3rd 2012, 11:28 The joint venture that is Japan Display agreed on its formalities back in November, and has now finally started operating. While Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi all have a 10 percent stake in the business, the main investment comes from the government-backed INCJ. The collaboration hopes to champion the middle- and small-sized display sector, and has around 6,200 employees, and ¥230 billion (about $2.8 billion) of capital to help it on its way. Now that the wheels are finally in motion, an announcement of its operational divisions, which include "Mobile Business" and "Automotive" hint at what we might expect from the business going forward. Assuming no one sells up that is. Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi joint venture Japan Display fires up operations originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Nikkei | Email this | Comments | | Garmin Approach S3 golf watch provides assistance for 27,000 courses (video) Apr 3rd 2012, 11:00 If you're looking for the latest dose of technology to compliment your time on the green, then take a gander at Garmin's Approach S3 golf watch. An upgrade from the Approach S1, this GPS-enabled gadget adds a touchscreen to the mix and now provides assistance for 27,000 courses across the globe. While it won't help with your swing, users will benefit from a wealth of location-based guidance such as layup distances, green overviews and precise yardages to the front, back and middle of the next green. The waterproof wristwatch offers eight hours of continuous battery life, and while its $350 retail price may deter some, it could be a wise investment should your game involve a friendly wager. Ready for more? Just hop the break for Garmin's promo video and the full PR. Continue reading Garmin Approach S3 golf watch provides assistance for 27,000 courses (video) Garmin Approach S3 golf watch provides assistance for 27,000 courses (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | |
