Gadgetstronics

Everybody loves a survey (especially me) as it is a great way not only to identify the underlying social changes within the growing world, but also a good chance to laugh at the astonishing number of people who can’t identify where Australia is on a map.  This is no exception, as a survey released by YouGov in conjunction with their sponsors AMD showed that 77% of Europeans asked are addicted to the Internet.

However, one thing that surveys like this have told me: beware of gross assumptions.  So I dug out a dictionary (yes, I thought that given the subject of this survey it would be too ironic if I used the Internet) and found the definition of an addict:

add’ict noun  One who has become dependant on something

The actual answer that 77% people who answered the questionnaire ticked was:  “”[The person in question] could not live without daily access to the Internet.“  I think that counts as addicted.

Intrigued, I looked up some other famous addictions as a comparison to this figure (using European figures to make it fair).  I found that 3-7% of people are addicted to alcohol, around 10% people are addicted to smoking, and less than 1% are addicted to chocolate.  Admittedly these are estimates, but it is still amazing to see how developed the Internet is in the context of its importance in people’s lives.  In fact, it would appear it is more important to people than transport or even hygiene, with only 54% of people saying that they could not live without a car, and 61% saying they could not live without a washing machine.

There were a few other interesting figures that also arose from this survey, namely ones regarding computer use.  Although less surprising, they still give a good indicator of how our computer use is changing, with 81% of people having uploaded photos, 66% downloaded music, 77% watched something on YouTube and 76% have been gaming online in the last year.  Also, 51% have downloaded movies, but only 43% have streamed: an indicator that people not only prefer the quality of downloaded content/streamed content, but also that it is easier to download illegally than stream.  Sad but true.

Obviously, we should take this survey with a pinch of salt.  We do not know who was asked, where it was asked or whether the questions were in any way leading.  If you asked 5,000 people (the sample sized used) ages 18-23 at a gaming convention then you would expect more people to answer positively: we just don’t know. 

So is it time for Intenet-aholics anonymous?  Unfortunately, yes.  People will soon struggle to do mundane tasks without a computer: social skills in situations over the phone for example.  But people will deny that they have problems, and obviously it is less easy to identify if they are detached from society and harder to combat as many peoples jobs revolve around the Internet.

I know that I would struggle big time without the Internet: I went to Canada for a month and spent a lot of the time looking for Internet cafes.  Scary.  Perhaps they could hold IAA (catchy, I know!) meetings in chat rooms, at least you are more likely to get people to come!

Source [MarketWatch]

Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed →

Supercomputers are great, in fact even the name is great: conjuring images of CPUs in red capes flying to the help of damsels in distress.  However, in the real world they are hundreds of cabinets stuffed full of computer stuff and do in fact look incredibly dull.  The opposite can be said of what they actually do as they push the boundaries of what is capable using solely 0s and 1s to solve complex calculations, help define new theorem, and play Crysis on full graphics.

Yet, as with everything in this world, it has become a competition to have the fastest computer and this has been going on since computers began; in fact, even Romans competed over abacus skills.  In June, the Roadrunner which was built by IBM, became the fastest computer ever achieving a sustained speed of 1.026 petaflops.  FLOPS actually stands for FLoating point Operations Per Second, so 1.026 petaflops is 1 026 000 000 000 000 floating point operations per second which, in every sense, is a lot.

However there could be a new leader on the Top 500 list which is compiled by computer experts and is to be updated this week in a supercomputing conference in Austin.  This is Cray’s Jaguar XT, which claims to have reached 1.64 petaflops, a massive increase on its probable predecessor and is set to gain this prestigious honor.  It runs Linux and has a massive 362TB of memory which is spread out over its 284 cabinets, each of which holding 192 quad-core AMD Opteron chips.

This is a result of a $100 million upgrade, and it now takes up 5,700 square feet and if you add the interconnecting wires together you get an astonishing 6 000 miles.  This is one big mean computing machine.This may seem pointless, but discoveries made in this highly advanced field often trickle down to home computers, meaning you can always expect quicker computers.  However is it really worth hundreds of millions of dollars?  Your guess is as good as mine.

Source [TheInquirer]

Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed →

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 10:40AM
Earlier this year, we were fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on perspective) enough to get our rumps on one of the famed ButtKickers. For those unaware, these devices are meant for installation underneath a seat or sofa in order to provide chair-rumbling effects to help you “feel” the film. Now, the Guitammer Company is making them even easier to install by cutting the wires, bringing low frequency audio transducers just inches from your derriere without any cords necessary. The above pictured kit will go on sale next Friday (yes, that’s Black Friday for you Americans) for under $300 on Amazon — are you really ready to rumble?

• Read
• Permalink
• Email this
• 56 Comments

Filed under: Home Entertainment

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 10:18AM
It took ‘em long enough, but Netgear has at long last decided to ship the two powerline adapters it announced way back at CES in January. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101; pictured above), which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based HDXB111 Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (which is obviously capable of transmitting HD footage) can both be snapped up in time for the holidays. Each set is designed for plug ‘n play action and for those who’d rather network their wares via installed cabling instead of running something new. Of course, performance is always the questionable aspect of these type devices, but those with faith (and a North American address) can finally lay down their $149.99 / $169.99 and get busy. The full release and a shot of the HDXB111 can be found after the break.

NETGEAR’s Award-Winning Powerline Adapters for HD and Multimedia Streaming Now Available

Innovative Powerline Devices Offer Consumers 200 Mbps Speeds with Broad Options in Technical Design

SAN JOSE, Calif. - November 17, 2008 - NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced the general availability of its latest powerline adapters for turning electrical power outlets into high-speed Internet and home network connections. Fast enough to stream high-definition video, the award-winning Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) and Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) provide reliable, high-speed network connections up to 200 Mbps to the home network and Internet over existing electrical wires to devices such as digital media receivers, set-top boxes, game consoles, personal computers, and networked attached storage.

NETGEAR offers a broad portfolio of networking products so consumers can choose the option that best meets their needs. NETGEAR’s powerline technology products distribute high-speed, high-performance, affordable broadband throughout the home, without the need to run any cabling between rooms. Both the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit, provide integrated Quality of Service (QoS), to enable hours of glitch-free connectivity for high-definition video streaming, online gaming and uninterrupted Voice over IP (VoIP) phone calls. The easy operation of both products is based on a plug-in design and push-button data encryption that provides privacy and security for a trouble-free set-up. In addition, the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit features built-in power sockets to save power outlet space.

“The increasing demand for consistent high-speed Internet connectivity throughout the entire home compels networking providers to engineer products that are not only fast and reliable, but also simple to install for the average consumer,” stated Chris Geiser, NETGEAR’s product line manager for Powerline devices. “Powerline’s ability to use existing wiring supports the distribution of high-quality broadband connection to all areas of the home, even wireless problem areas, enabling customers to enjoy bandwidth intensive applications such as online gaming, audio distribution and HD video streaming, in any room of the house.”

About the NETGEAR Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111)
By simply plugging one stylish UPA-certified Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter into an AC outlet near a modem, gateway, or router and another near any Ethernet-ready device, consumers can instantly enjoy speeds up to 200 Mbps and access to reliable HD streaming throughout the house. Furthermore, with outlet space limited in many homes, the kit is NETGEAR’s first Powerline networking device to offer innovative pass-through outlet capabilities by incorporating a built-in, noise-filtered AC plug.

As testament to its innovative design and engineering qualities, the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit won the prestigious Best of Innovations award in the home networking category of the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Program at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. In addition to its unique pass-through functionality, the subtle, natural shade of the Powerline kit is designed to blend into its environment and minimize the appearance of clutter.

NETGEAR’s plug-and-play Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) is now available in North America through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. It is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit, containing two Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapters, an Ethernet cable, an installation guide and a set-up CD, has an MSRP in the U.S. of $169.99. NETGEAR’s Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter (HDX101) and Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB101) are compatible with the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter kit (HDXB111).

Photos and other product information can be found on the NETGEAR web site at (http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/HDXB111.aspx).

About the NETGEAR Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101)
Based on the HomePlug AV standard and compatible with both wired and wireless routers and gateways, consumers can simply plug one Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter into their router and another into any Ethernet-ready device to turn any electrical power outlet into a high speed Internet and home network connection. Securing a Powerline AV network is made simple with the push of a button as the kit features a 128-bit AES data encryption to ensure privacy and security.

As evidence of its reliability and user-friendly characteristics, the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit was an Editor’s Choice in PC Magazine on October 21, 2008, awarded four out of five stars. Reviewer Mario Morejon wrote, “… the NETGEAR Powerline can’t be beat. This is a must-have product if you need a fast and secure network for your small business and can’t afford remodeling for the sake of obtaining faster network speed.”

NETGEAR’s Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) is now available worldwide through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. It is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, containing two Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters, an Ethernet cable, an installation guide and a set-up CD, has an MSRP in the U.S. of $149.99. NETGEAR’s Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101) is compatible with the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101), and can be purchased as a single unit.

Photos and other product information can be found on the NETGEAR web site at
(http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/XAVB101.aspx).

“With today’s ever-advancing technology, the production of innovative, fast, reliable, and easy-to-use networking solutions is key to providing consumers with the ability to connect to a wide-range of Ethernet-enabled applications, from personal computers to digital media adapters and gaming consoles,” said Michael Cai, director of digital media and gaming with Parks Associates, which specializes in research and analysis for digital living technologies. “High-speed Powerline devices are able to support this growing bandwidth demand while also transmitting high-quality broadband Internet to the wireless problem areas of the home.”

• Permalink
• Email this
• 44 Comments

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Networking

The image above may look like a meaningless block of jumbled up pixels to you, but it’s actually a multimedia science fiction novel.

The novel’s called Manga Man, and you’d access it by snapping a photo of the black-and-white block with your camera phone and a piece of software. Then, the software will direct your mobile browser to the novel.

Smartphone owners in Asia are more likely familiar with the technology being used, called Quick Response (QR) Codes. The squares are actually 2D barcodes containing URL information; many Asian companies are beginning to print QR codes on advertisements to direct smartphone users to product or company web sites. The tool is especially popular in Japan, where most phones ship with QR Code reading software pre-installed.

Manga Man, made by Alexander Besher, is a pretty interesting example: He wears a t-shirt with the QR Code linking to his book printed on it. Unfortunately, this marketing method has yet to take off in the United States, since not many smartphone owners use QR Code reading software. Until then, Besher is probably better off wearing this shirt and walking around Japan.   

Have an iphone? Why not reader Besher’s book? Download the free app NeoReader [iTunes], tap the "Scan" button and snap a photo of the code at the top of the page.

A mobile phone novel read via a T-shirt [NewScientist via BBG]

A new suite of free iPhone games turns the handset into a controller, potentially creating competition for Nintendo’s Wii.

Social Gaming Network’s iFun consists of four sports games — golf, baseball, basketball and bowling — that you’d play on your computer screen, taking advantage of the handset’s accelerometer to use it as a controller. Also cool is you can play with other iphone users over the internet.

It’s pretty straightforward: Connect your iPhone to 3G or the same Wi-Fi network as your computer (the latter is preferred), register for an account, download the app and start whacking away.

I gave iFun some testing, and given that the phone is communicating with the on-screen game over the web, there was some lag between my motions and those on screen; it’s definitely not as smooth as Wii. Long story short, there’s a lot of work to be done here, but this is a rather interesting development in iPhone gaming with a lot of potential.

Download Link [iTunes]

Remember the mods you used to inflict on your bike when you were a kid? Flags and streamers were fine, but best was the conversion of pushbike into motorcycle by the simple addition of a playing card and a clothes-peg. To a child’s ears the rat-a-tat of laminated linen against spokes was engine noise.

Sound from the Wind is another way to convert motion into music. The concept, from Korean designer Joseph Kim, consists two ceramic replacements for the handlebar grips which channel air through their internal tubes. The setup apparently sounds like a flute or ocarina, and you can alter the pitch with some switches on the handlebars. Volume is increased by riding faster.

What we really like, though, is not the sound but the look of these things. They remind us of airplane jet-engines, which are obviously an essential addition to any kid’s bike. In fact, the only problem is that they are ceramic, clearly too brittle to survive for long. Especially as you are will be so highly distracted by playing tunes from Zelda: Ocarina of Time that a crash is almost inevitable. Those brake levers don’t look too functional, either.

Sound from wind: musical bicycle [Uncovering. Thanks, Leander!]

FROM GAMERTELL - If you ever thought that playing a video game couldn’t destroy your marriage, think again.  This case doesn’t involve playing a game so much that the wife and kids are ruthlessly neglected, it’s about a man who cheated on his wife in Second Life…
MORE »

Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed →