Saturday, January 14, 2012

Altec Lansing Live 5000 WiFi Speaker System With Android And iOS Support Review

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Altec Lansing didn’t just want to focus on creating a wireless AirPlay speaker for OSK and iOS and decided to make a universal WiFi speaker that can be controlled from a number of devices with its new Live 5000 (MN5000) Wi-Fi All-In-One Speaker System, users can listen to and control all their favorite music from cloud content or home network in any room and the peakers have an excellent range across the board, even on the noisy showroom floor. It’s made out of brushed metal with plastic covering the sides. It features two three-inch speakers, two silk dome tweeters, and a four-inch sub with a passive radiator, which are all powered by a tri-amp system and its Gentile convex curve of the speaker was used for maximum audio clarity and prevents sound waves from canceling each other. All music is instantly accessed via a downloaded app for your iPhone, Android or desktop and sent to a queue for playback, allowing for users to stream an control content from their existing wireless network to any room in the house and the free app allows anyone in the household to control the system, no matter what device they have.

Altec Lansing Live 5000 WiFi Speaker



Audio innovator Altec Lansing released the LIVE 5000 (MN5000), a Wi-Fi all-in-one speaker that is poised to set the standard for audio versatility, allowing users to listen to and control cloud content and their own personal music libraries from a wide range of devices. This flexible unit is ideal for the user who wants to invite amazing audio into any room of the house, whether enjoying personal time in the kitchen or hosting a whole-house party. The first product in an exciting new music entertainment ecosystem, the LIVE 5000 connects to a consumer's existing home Wi-Fi network, is controllable from iOS, Android and Desktop applications and delivers music from the Internet's most popular content providers. Through multiple rooms and multiple controllers, users are treated to the amazing sound quality that is a hallmark of Altec Lansing. "Now more than ever, there are so many different ways to experience the music we love, and it doesn't matter if it's from the cloud, from our individual libraries or even from our friends' phones. Whether it's for personal listening or for a party, the LIVE 5000 is the device that brings your music mosaic and lifestyle together in complete harmony," said Brendon Stead, Co-President, Altec Lansing. The significance of the new LIVE 5000 Wi-Fi speaker lies within its versatility and its multi-room, multi-platform operation. Now, users of a myriad of handheld devices are able to stream and control content from their existing 802.11 b/g/n wireless network to any room in the house. Truly an audio solution for the whole home, users are able to stream different music to different rooms or the same music to multiple rooms by linking LIVE 5000 units. What's more, the free Android, iOS and Desktop LIVE Controller apps allow everyone in the family to hold a potential controller in their hands. LIVE 5000 users have access to a universe of music, transforming the home environment into a perfectly synchronized opera house or a multi-stage music festival.



The free Altec Lansing LIVE Controller app gives users the ability to browse local and online media sources, and to manage account data for online music sources. Adding a new collective component to any occasion, the LIVE 5000 lets multiple users manage a queue of music and decide what's playing now, what's playing next and add media to playlists from their control devices, while everyone can see the information about the play queue. And when friends and family join the system by downloading the app and connecting to your wireless network, the possibilities for sharing and discovering new music are boundless. Altec Lansing has a deep heritage in audio excellence, with 75 years of enriching lives with sound. The new LIVE 5000 has been engineered from quality components to provide the most punch in an attractive form factor. Behind the deep aluminum accents, the unique curvature of the unit goes beyond aesthetics with non-parallel walls that prevent the cross-cancellation of sound waves and produces more natural sound. The result of this distinctive design is amazing clarity with minimal loss throughout the entire tonal range. The structure of the unit is fortified thoroughly to prevent distortion and vibration, so music is reproduced with natural highs and thunderous lows. Intelligent digital signal processing promises lower bass response, widens the sound field and tames high frequencies. The internal components of the LIVE 5000 are a testament to Altec Lansing's high-end audio prowess. Driven by a tri-amp system, the two 3-inch mid-range drivers constructed of super strong Kevlar, deliver true vocals and mid-tones with minimal distortion. The neodymium soft-dome tweeters promise higher sensitivity without ear fatigue and a smaller footprint. The long-throw 4-inch subwoofer and passive radiator are specifically designed for punchy bass reproduction. The LIVE 5000 is voiced to produce the best frequency response, group delay and tone quality to faithfully reproduce any program material. The LIVE 5000 Wi-Fi speaker will be available in early summer 2012 at www.alteclansing.com and select retailers worldwide. MSRP is $499.95. The Altec Lansing LIVE Controller apps for iOS, Android and Desktop are available for free download from the Apple App Store, the Android Marketplace and Altec Lansing's website respectively.
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Gobandit Live World's First Built-in Wifi Action Camera Review

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Gobandit Live with WiFi offers thrill-seekers quicker sharing, speedier self-indulgence and the Gobandit Live brings an expanded set of features geared toward adrenaline junkies, which include a gyroscopic sensor, 1080p capture at 30fps, a 170-degree f/2.8 wide angle lens. With the gobandit built-in Wifi Link you can now review, reload, relive and instantly share all your greatest 1080p HD action recordings on your iPhone or iPad and to make the reloaded experience true, LIVE will sense your surroundings, record your position, latitude, longitude, acceleration and speed through the cutting-edge 170° degree wide-angle rotating optics, 3-Axis Gyro, 3D accelerometer, barometric altitude sensor and lighting-fast GPS receiver with no less than 5Hz refresh rate. Those who prefer the non-Wi-Fi version can pick one up for a Benjamin less, while the Gobandit Live action camera can be yours for $419 when it hits North America this coming March 1st.

Gobandit Live



Gobandit, a power player and innovative manufacturer of high definition action video devices announced a technical innovation at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, gobandit LIVE. The first action cam in the world to integrate wireless connectivity, gobandit LIVE allows adrenaline junkies to view, edit and share their videos with their smartphone instantly. With gobandit LIVE, athletes can now share their experiences on the fly. Like the first gobandit action cam, gobandit LIVE allows users to integrate performance data, such as speed, altitude and position to name a few, into their videos. Journalists and sports-minded people can explore these and other technical features of the innovative HD cam at CES, in booth 3419 in the North Hall. The brand new gobandit LIVE action cam produces more than just video clips – it records experiences as authentic and detailed as possible, and allows people to share them instantly on the gobandit community or on social networks such as Facebook and YouTube. gobandit LIVE's integrated GPS and acceleration sensors record with maximum accuracy the speed and altitude where a stunt was performed. A 170-degree wide-angle lens provides the perfect focus to record the experience. Full HD-resolution ensures the highest quality playback of experiences. For sharp, slow-motion action playback the frame rate can be enhanced up to 60 frames per second. The gobandit LIVE 3-axis gyro sensor accurately records the camera's position in space and, leveraging the integrated wireless connection, athletes can even incorporate their heartbeat into the video to capture every pulse-spiking second. Complementing LIVE is gobandit studio, the innovative app that allows users to individualize their videos by adding skins and performance data. Athletes can relive their performance and share it on social networks.

Gobandit Live

"Our new high-definition gobandit LIVE and studio has all of the technology needed to record, edit and share adrenalin-pumping experiences with your friends and online communities," said Aleks Ristic, CEO and co-founder, gobandit GmbH. "It's the perfect video solution for any thrill-packed adventure. Gobandit excels where others fall short. Every shot counts and with the gobandit LIVE and studio, you are armed and ready to share the action!" Also launched today is gobandit RACE. Like gobandit LIVE, RACE records GPS information in 170-degree, full HD-quality videos. Providing all of the capabilities or LIVE without wireless connectivity, gobandit RACE is for adventures who like to disconnect. Both Gobandit LIVE and RACE weigh less than one-third-of-a-pound (0.31 pounds), measure 4.1 by 2.4 by 1.3-inches (H x W x D) in size,( 105 x 62 x 34 mm) and are the perfect companion for extreme sports. With a wide variety of different mounting solutions available, gobandit cams can join almost every adventure. The gobandit LIVE and RACE are priced at US $419.00 and $319.00, respectively, and will be available for purchase from authorized gobandit retailers throughout the United States and Canada beginning March 1, 2012. For more information on the gobandit LIVE and RACE action cams, gobandit or its entire line of action accessories, please visit www.gobandit.com .

Gobandit Live tech spec

Features:
  • Customized Lens : The first custom engineered F2.8 lens for action cameras, capturing and delivering superior video in full 1080p high-definition quality.
  • 170° Wide View Angle : You know it takes a wide angle lens to capture beautiful action shots and natural features. The adjustable 170° angle we offer is the optimal angle for realistic action imagery, retaining more accurate depth of field and extraordinary action experience.
  • 3-Axis Gyro Sensor : The first camera that can sense and record your 3D motion such as flips, spins, etc. Analyze and map your moves with the 3-Axis Gyro sensor and finally experience the exhilaration your videos have been missing.
  • 3D Acceleration Sensor : What's your G-Force threshold? Can your friends do better? Let your friends experience and imagine the feel behind it.
  • Heart Rate : Capture adrenaline's affect on your heart rate. Define your fear factor
  • High Precision Altimeter : The combination of a GPS and pressure sensor lets you compare different descents and drops.
  • Video Resolution : Video resolution and field of view to suit your action! Personalize your action video, change the resolution and field of view from full HD to WVGA, or choose from as many as 15 other combinations.
  • Trail and Position : Where have you been? Track and share your trails and adventures with your friends, let them know about your new discoveries.
  • gobandit LINK : Connect your iPhone, view your video, and edit and share your clips instantly! Adjust your LIVE action cam settings, field of view, exposure, video resolution, frame rate and many other options – in real-time through the free smartphone application gobandit MOBILE.
  • Speed/Max Speed : Capture your speed with 5x more precision with 5-samples-per-second-accuracy. Detail and map your max speed in every corner of the track.
  • IPX7 Certified Waterproof : Featuring a small and robust, IPX7 certified body, waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, the LIVE action cam is built to last in almost every condition you'll encounter on your adventures!
  • Professional Low & Light Sensitivity : The LIVE action cam comes with a built-in professional low light sensitivity and high performance image sensor to capture video even in those conditions where light is very limited.
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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Lenovo Classmate+ Laptop And Lenovo Convertible Laptop Review

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Lenovo announced its second-generation Classmate+ laptops that are designed for use in classrooms and they come in both traditional clamshell and convertible laptop form factors based on the Intel Learning Series reference designs. The new models are smarter and more rugged with several improvements including greater spill resistance and extended battery life and the Classmate+ laptops first introduced early last year, are designed to withstand rough treatment from student use. New Lenovo laptops run on an Intel Atom N2600 processor with up to 2GB DDR3 memory and up to 320GB HDD or up to 32GB SSD storage. They also offer three USB ports, VGA, an optional HDMI port, and webcam and they will be available starting this month, however, they are limited to education and government customers only and also pricing is not listed and will vary depending on configuration options.







Lenovo announced its second generation Classmate+ laptops in both traditional clamshell and convertible laptop form factors based on the Intel Learning Series. These new laptops offer students, teachers and IT administrators more ruggedness with new durability features like greater spill resistance, affordability, battery life up to 10 hours and enhanced usability with Intel Learning Series software suite for using the e-reader, web camera and digital writing features. "The latest Classmate laptops equipped with Intel Atom processor technology up the level of computing power and performance for students without sacrificing long battery life" "As the world's #1 PC maker in education, we're committed to enhancing learning via our platform of PC solutions designed for students," said Michael Schmedlen, director, worldwide education, Lenovo. "By joining with Intel to create the new Lenovo Classmate+ Clamshell and Classmate+ Convertible laptops, we're demonstrating how mobile computing fits into any learning environment, no matter the location or budget." Designed to handle the rough treatment students on-the-go can inflict upon technology, the laptops are even more rugged than the previous Lenovo Classmate+ laptop. They feature a keyboard with enhanced water resistance, a tougher corner design, reinforced steel hinge and strengthened DC jack. They come with a 10.1-inch anti-glare screen with touch capability on the convertible as well as optional high-brightness or high-definition on both or a capacitive touch screen with a pen on the convertible.




The laptops are equipped with the tools students need to do basic work and learning - an Intel Atom N2600 processor, up to 2 GB DDR3 memory and up to 320 GB hard drive or up to 32 GB solid state drive storage. With a 6-cell battery, students can use the laptops all day - up to 10 hours. The laptops feature three USB ports, VGA and an optional HDMI port for transferring data and displaying standard and high definition video to a monitor or TV. They also come with a web camera in resolutions up to 2 megapixels. While the Classmate+ laptops come in a standard Grey color, customs colors are available with a minimum quantity order. "The latest Classmate laptops equipped with Intel Atom processor technology up the level of computing power and performance for students without sacrificing long battery life," said Dr. Wayne Grant, EMPG's Director of Research and Planning at Intel Corporation. "We are thrilled that Lenovo will be expanding their presence in our Intel Learning Series Alliance and that schools around the world can take advantage of this purpose-built technology for 1:1 e-learning." Additionally, the Lenovo Classmate+ Convertible has an exclusive rotating hinge strengthened and designed to last tens of thousands of cycles. It also has a built-in hardware button to make scrolling through ebooks simple and an optional Trusted Platform Module to protect data like passwords and digital certificates from external software attacks and physical theft. As part of the Intel Learning Series the Classmate PCs offer an enhanced student experience, increased ruggedness and up to 10 hours of battery life. Intel's Intel Learning Series thus far has had more than 6 million Intel-powered classmate PCs shipped globally since its launch in 2007. More than 500 members in 70 countries are developing applications, peripherals and services optimized for the Learning Series. The Lenovo Classmate+ laptop and Convertible laptop will be available starting in January to qualified education and government customers through Lenovo sales representatives and business partners. The price of the Lenovo Classmate+ laptop and Convertible laptop will vary in each market based on regional taxes, tariffs and configuration options.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Nuance Dragon Go! Free Voice-Powered Semantic Search App For Android Review

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There are a lot of bad Siri imitators in the Android Market, but at CES, Nuance Communications is launching an Android version of Dragon Go, its voice-powered semantic search app and Nuance developed the speech recognition and natural language technology that powers Siri and many other voice assistant services, but it also maintains its own consumer-facing applications under the Dragon banner. Asking Dragon Go for show times for a movie and it would take you to Fandango, where the nearest theaters and their movies schedules would be listed giving you the option to immediately by tickets and also like Siri, Dragon Go can access Wolfram Alpha to provide answers to scientific or technical questions. Dragon Go! is completely free and works on Android 2.1 through 2.3.7 using the native Android Media Player and according to the app description, support for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is on its way. The app is country limited and does not appear to work in Singapore and it seems that because the queries are often specific to a particular locale, international support may not be available yet.

Free Voice-Powered Semantic Search App For Android

Nuance Communications Inc. announced that its revolutionary Dragon Go! app is now available for Android on the Android Market. Dragon Go! gives consumers direct access to over 200 of the most trusted and reliable destinations for mobile content simply by using their voice – including AccuWeather, Ask.com, Bing, Dictionary.com, ESPN, Facebook, Fandango, Last.fm, LiveNation, Milo.com, OpenTable, Pandora internet radio, Rotten Tomatoes, Spotify, Twitter, Wikipedia, Wolfram|Alpha, Yelp, YouTube, Yahoo! and many others. Dragon Go! combines Nuance's Dragon voice recognition and natural language understanding with artificial intelligence technology to dramatically simplify the mobile content experience – start to finish. Dragon Go! not only hears what you say, but actually understands what you mean. It immediately returns the most relevant content front and center on the Dragon Carousel with additional relevant content from complementary providers. Further, Dragon Go!'s unique open design preserves the content partners' original look and feel. "Legacy search applications are fading in mobile. Consumers want immediate and direct access to content – not scrolling, hunting or pecking through search links or filtered content," said Michael Thompson, senior vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. "Dragon Go! gives people the freedom to speak freely, and magically get the content they want."


Dragon Go! features the largest direct-access content ecosystem in mobile today. Consumers can say virtually anything and immediately jump to relevant destinations. For example:

  • "What's the best Thai food near me," and instantly be taken to the Yelp tab for local reviews, or flip over to the Phone tab to quickly call to find out about any specials on the menu that evening.
  • "Reservations for two at Slanted Door in San Francisco," to be taken directly to OpenTable to book a table for dinner, or scroll over to the Maps tab to find out how to get there from where you are now.
  • "Show times for 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' to instantly get to Fandango see show times, buy tickets, read fan reviews and see trailers, and then scroll over to Twitter to see what other people are saying about the movie.
  • "Play 'Paradise' by Coldplay" to instantly play and listen the song downloaded on your Android device; on Spotify if you're mobile Premium user; or, on your Coldplay station on Pandora. Users can also pull up the video on the Media tab.
  • "What is the formula for sulfur dioxide?" to instantly compute the answer using Wolfram|Alpha's vast knowledge in thousands of subject areas.
  • "Who was the most popular celebrity of 2011?" and instantly get the answer from Ask.com.

"Dragon Go! has been incredibly successful since its launch on iOS in July, winning several awards and holding a 4.5 star rating among users. We're delivering fast, direct and open access to content for consumers – it's just a better way to experience the mobile web," said Vlad Sejnoha, chief technology officer, Nuance. "Dragon Go! eliminates the intermediate steps typically required to reach desired web or app destinations. It's only going to get better as we continue to expand partnerships and bring new features and more content tailored for Android consumers." Dragon Go! is available for free on the Android Market in the US in U.S. English.

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Monday, January 9, 2012

Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid Review

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Ford unveils Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, alongside gas and regular hybrid variants introduced to the world at the 2012 Detroit auto show. Efficiency for the mid-sized sedan ranges from 26MPG city and 37MPG highway in the gasoline burner all the way to 47MPG city and 44MPG highway for the lithium-ion toting hybrids and for the Fusion Energi plug-in, it'll rock an estimated 100MPGe -- 7MPGe better than the Volt and 13MPGe better than the Prius plug-in, despite being larger than either. It'll also roam electrically for 20 miles before firing up its engine. New to the lineup will be a plug-in hybrid model, the Energi. Like the C-Max Energi hatchback coming in 2013, this Fusion model gets a larger lithium-ion battery pack, a 3.3-kilowatt charger and just like the Focus Electric or C-MAX Energi, charging, heating and cooling can all be controlled remotely with MyFord Mobile. The sedan comes in front- and all-wheel drive versions and employs new MacPherson-front and multilink-rear suspensions and also as for curious Europeans in the crowd, Ford says much of the design carries over to next year's Mondeo.

Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid

Review Highlights:

  • New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford's commitment to give customers the power of choice
  • With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value
  • Customers can choose from Fusion's widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrain options including EcoBoost, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings and auto start-stop technology
  • Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets


Ford's all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience. Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars developed to satisfy customers everywhere looking for leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks. "Our vision for Fusion was clear deliver the very best of what 'One Ford' stands for," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. "We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground- breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result."


Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets. New Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers' choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, delivering on Ford's commitment to be the fuel-efficiency leader or among the leaders with each new model brought to market. Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear is the Fusion performance option. The Fusion Hybrid 2010 North American Car of the Year continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.


Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway. Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively. Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model. The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start-stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent. The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:
  • Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system "looks" down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position

  • Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system "looks" down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

  • Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals

  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver's blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic unseen by the driver is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford's award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver's mobile phone and interaction with the car's audio system. Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button. Both SYNC and MyFord Touch powered by SYNC help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. "The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize," said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. "Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice." Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy. These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:
  • Silhouette innovation: Fusion's sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk "three-box" designs synonymous with midsize sedans
  • Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet
  • Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter
  • Technical graphics: Fusion's functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability
  • New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin's airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns. Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware. "The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the customer," said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer. Key contributors to how the Fusion feels are the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

"This really is a driver's car," said John Jraiche, program manager. "Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations." Careful tuning by Ford's vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers. Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride. Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds. Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant's size, position and seatbelt usage. The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold. The most prominent example is Fusion's front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous and seemingly conflictive standards across regions. The car's front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests. Fusion will be produced at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.


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Saturday, January 7, 2012

OLPC XO 3.0 Tablet With Marvell ARM PXA618 SoC And Pixel Qi Display Review

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One Laptop Per Child's XO-3 tablet is ready to ship after years in the making and working units will be shown next week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The tablet named XO 3.0, is 8 inches with a resolution of 1024×768 and the actual screen type will vary depending on how it is configured upon purchase; a PixelQi display will run you ~$100 over the original starting price and standard LCD screen. The XO 3.0 has special charging circuitry so it can top up its battery using solar cells and hand cranks like its XO 1.75 sibling -- a particularly useful feature in places where electrical sockets are hard to come by. The XO 3.0 could come out the clear winner, but I’m not sure it’s fair to compare OLPC to other manufacturers.

OLPC XO 3.0 Tablet With Marvell ARM
Marvell, a worldwide leader in integrated silicon solutions and One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help every child in the world gain access to a modern education, demonstrated a fully functional version of the much-anticipated XO 3.0 – a low-cost, low-power, rugged tablet computer designed for classrooms around the globe at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show. "We're proud to introduce the XO 3.0 tablet, showcasing the design, durability and performance features that make it a natural successor for our current laptops, which have been distributed to more than 2.4 million children in 42 countries and in 25 languages," said Edward McNierney, Chief Technology Officer of One Laptop per Child. "The XO 3.0 builds on many of the technology breakthroughs we made with the XO 1.75, including the use of the Marvell ARMADA PXA618 processor, resulting in a significant decrease in power consumption-a critical issue for students in the developing world." "Marvell is committed to improving education and the human condition-around the world through innovative technology for Smartphones, tablets and a myriad of new cloud-delivered services. Partnering with One Laptop Per Child is one way we can deliver a revolution where it matters most-to benefit children in some of the poorest places on the planet," said Tom Hayes, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. and a member of the OLPC advisory board. "Marvell has been with One Laptop per Child from the start and we're doing whatever it takes to help the organization realize its mission of providing meaningful educational opportunities to the 500 million school-aged children around the world." Marvell and One Laptop per Child also announced today that the XO 1.75 laptop will begin shipping to customers in March 2012. Over 75,000 units of the XO 1.75 have already been ordered by OLPC projects in Uruguay and Nicaragua. The XO 1.75 uses the Marvell ARM-based ARMADA PXA618 SOC processor, which compared to the earlier XO 1.5, maintains performance while using only half the power. The XO 1.75 features a sunlight-readable screen and all the other features and design characteristics of the two previous versions of the XO laptop. The XO 3.0 tablet will also feature the Marvell ARMADA PXA618 SOC processor and Avastar Wi-Fi SOC. Other features include:
  • Unique charging circuitry; the XO 3.0 is the only tablet that can be charged directly by solar panels, hand cranks and other alternative power sources
  • Standard or Pixel Qi sunlight-readable display
  • Android and Linux operating system support


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Monday, January 2, 2012

LG Anticipated 55-inch OLED TV With Realistic colors, Brighter Picture Review

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LG Display had announced that it had successfully developed a 55-inch OLED HDTV and that LG 55-inch OLED TV will be demonstrated at the upcoming CES 2012, which starts in a bit more than a week from now. LG revealed more information about their 4-Color Pixel and Color Refiner technology and the company claims that the implementation of these two technology will bring consistent, accurate colors unlike other OLED TVs. LG's press release doesn't mention production plans or pricing and the frame is just 4mm thick with a narrow bezel and weight of 7.5kg.
LG Anticipated 55-inch OLED TV With Realistic colors



LG Electronics (LG) will present the future of TV technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas with the unveiling of the world's largest OLED TV with a display size of 55 inches. By incorporating the company's 4-Color Pixels and Color Refiner features with LG Display's advanced OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels, LG OLED TV generates the most natural colors of any TV set at a much lower price point than could have been achieved using the standard manufacturing process. "Working closely with LG Display, we have a product which not only delivers on all the advantages of OLED over LCD but at a significantly lower cost than what could be achieved using existing OLED manufacturing technologies," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "OLED is clearly the future of home TV entertainment and LG is very focused on making this exciting technology as easy as possible for consumers to embrace." What sets LG's TV picture apart from other OLED TVs is 4-Color Pixels and Color Refiner which work together to generate natural and accurate colors that are sharp and consistent. The 4-Color Pixels feature allows for more accurate color depiction by using a set of four colors (red, green blue and white) in comparison to the RGB setup used by other OLED TV manufacturers. Color Refiner ensures consistency in colors from a wider viewing angle via an LG algorithm which improves and refines hues and tones. This is in contrast to other OLED TVs which often exhibit drastic changes in hues from different viewing angles and abnormal color gamut. Boasting an infinite contrast ratio, LG's OLED TV exhibits vivid colors and the smallest details regardless of the overall luminance of the on-screen image. In turn, colors and details throughout an entire image are preserved with utmost clarity and sharpness, even when displaying scenes with dark lighting. Such color capabilities are technically impossible with LED and LCD display panels. And at 1,000 times faster than LED/LCD displays, LG's OLED TV shows crystal clear motion without any blurring or bleeding. And LG's OLED TV is as aesthetically pleasing as it is technologically sophisticated. LG's Slim and Narrow Bezel design gives the TV a sleek, minimal look and at only 4 mm thin and a mere 7.5 kg, LG's OLED TV practically blends into the wall.

LG Anticipated 55-inch OLED TV With Realistic colors

LG Anticipated 55-inch OLED TV With Realistic colors

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Saturday, December 31, 2011

SiriusXM Lynx Portable Android-Powered Radio, The First SiriusXM 2.0 Radio Review

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SiriusXM introduces the Lynx portable radio, the first SiriusXM 2.0 radio that offers new features and expanded channel lineup via satellite and internet, the new device features for satellite radio when docked with the optional Lynx LV1 Vehicle Kit or Lynx LH1 Home Kit. The Lynx is powered by a 1200mAh rechargeable battery and has a 3.5-inch 800 x 480 multi-touch display, microSD card slot for storing MP3 and AAC+ files and also Bluetooth connectivity. It's currently available online for $250 and will be hitting retail shops in the near future, still no word on that whereabouts of that shaker of salt.

SiriusXM Lynx Portable Android-Powered Radio



Sirius XM Radio introduced the SiriusXM Lynx Portable Radio, the first SiriusXM 2.0 radio that offers new features and receives an expanded channel lineup via satellite and Internet. Lynx is the most advanced radio ever from SiriusXM, able to receive the new expanded SiriusXM 2.0 channel lineup of commercial-free music, sports, and comedy that includes SiriusXM Latino, a new suite of Spanish-language programming. Lynx is built with a flexible architecture which allows for new features and capabilities to be added through software updates. "Lynx gives subscribers the expanded SiriusXM 2.0 content lineup and advanced features, enabling time shifting and storage of content, offering listeners more control over the programming they subscribe to," said Jim Meyer, President, Operations and Sales, SiriusXM. "Lynx will offer even more options to manage our exclusive and expertly curated content through future software updates." SiriusXM 2.0 is a major upgrade and evolution of SiriusXM's satellite and Internet delivered service that will ultimately span hardware, software, audio and data services.


Lynx gives subscribers more control over how they listen to SiriusXM satellite radio, allowing them to start a song from the beginning when tuning to a Favorite music channel or store broadcast content to listen to later. Subscribers can also restart their favorite content while connected to SiriusXM Internet Radio via Wi-Fi. Subscribers can control their listening experience easily using the large touch screen display. Lynx can stream SiriusXM content to Bluetooth stereo speakers, headphones, vehicle stereo systems or optional accessories for the home, vehicle or portable use. Lynx is based on the Android operating system and is fully updatable via a Wi-Fi connection. SiriusXM Lynx is available now at shop.siriusxm.com or crutchfield.com at an MSRP of $249.99. Lynx will be available soon at retail stores nationwide. Lynx offers key SiriusXM 2.0 features for satellite radio when docked with the optional Lynx LV1 Vehicle Kit or Lynx LH1 Home Kit, including:

  • Tune Start: Automatically starts the currently playing song from the beginning so listeners will hear the whole song when tuning to any of their satellite radio music channels saved as a Favorite channel.
  • Radio Replays: Subscribers can build a library of up to 200 hours of programming from their Favorite satellite radio channels which are automatically recorded to allow for playback anywhere.
  • Pause, Rewind and Replay: Listeners can replay up to 30 minutes of live SiriusXM content on the currently tuned channel, and also access replay content on 5 favorite preset channels currently displayed.
  • Featured Favorites: A dynamic set of presets that can be automatically added as favorite channels, allowing users to easily discover new and specialty programming.
  • Show Finder: An easy-to-use electronic programming guide offering a complete list of what's on over the next 7 days by channel, with the ability to set reminder alerts when favorite shows are being broadcast.


Lynx also offers SiriusXM 2.0 features for listening to SiriusXM Internet Radio via Wi-Fi networks at home, office or accessible hotspot, including:

  • Start Now allows subscribers to go back 5 hours to select and listen to previously broadcast programming.
  • View program information, album art and read artist bios.
  • Rewind to hear programming again or skip forward to hear what's playing next.
  • Pause live radio and pick up right where the listener left off
  • Access to Show Finder, the electronic programming guide.



The SiriusXM Lynx LV1 Vehicle Kit gives subscribers everything needed to listen to satellite radio in the vehicle. Drivers and passengers can browse and quickly tune channels with a convenient rotary control knob. An Aux-In Cable is included to facilitate audio connection in vehicles that have audio systems with an auxiliary input connection. The LV1 can also connect to Bluetooth Audio-enabled systems, or through the vehicles existing radio using SiriusXM's PowerConnect transmitter. The vehicle kit also charges Lynx while docked. The Lynx vehicle kit is available at an MSRP of $69.99. The SiriusXM Lynx LH1 Home Kit gives subscribers everything needed to listen to SiriusXM satellite radio or Internet radio in the home or office. Subscribers can connect to a home audio system with easy, do-it-yourself set up and stream SiriusXM from Lynx to the home kit with Bluetooth. The Lynx home kit is available at an MSRP of $69.99. Lynx receives the new array of channels, added to the already ground-breaking and award-winning SiriusXM programming lineup. The expanded channel selection includes new commercial-free music plus new sports and comedy channels including channels created with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ESPN SportsCenter and Upright Citizens Brigade, as well as Carlin's Corner featuring albums, concerts and comedy from the archives of the legendary George Carlin. SiriusXM Lynx also receives the full SiriusXM Latino channel lineup. SiriusXM Latino is the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup available to radio listeners, including exclusive commercial-free music channels and a wide variety of music genres, including tropical, salsa, merengue, Latin pop hits, Latin hip-hop, Latin rock classics and more. Listeners will also get 24/7 news and talk from RadioFormula Mexico, the leading radio broadcaster from Mexico; sexy, smart, refined and exclusive adult programming showcasing Latin talent on Playboy Radio en Espanol and Spanish-language coverage of world-class professional sports on multiple Deportes en Vivo channels. SiriusXM Latino will also include Cristina Radio from iconic talk show host Cristina Saralegui, and featuring lifestyle, health and family programming for Latinas. Cristina Radio, produced by National Latino Broadcasting, is launching in the coming months.


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Friday, December 30, 2011

LG 84-Inch Ultra Definition 4K TV Review

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LG Electronics is set to debut an 84-inch ultra definition 4K television at next month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the new TV set will be a 3-D TV as well and also LG is calling the new 4K display ultra definition or UD, to signal that this set can output a higher resolution image than current high-definition televisions. LG has of course packed in all of its latest Smart TV functions with access to premium content services and more than 1,200 apps and if using a regular remote control doesn't do it for you, LG's ergonomically designed Magic Remote will now recognize four types of command input: Voice Recognition, Wheel, Magic Gesture, and Point. Its Cinema 3D tech uses a Film Pattern Retarder (FPR) screen and passive glasses that result in lowered resolution, but with those extra pixels there's no question about whether viewers are still getting at least an HD picture and so far 4K at home is the domain of Sony and JVC's high-priced projectors.



LG Electronics (LG) will unveil the world's largest 3D Ultra Definition (UD) TV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. By combining LG's industry-leading 3D technology and Smart TV function with UD display technology, the 84-inch TV breaks new ground in immersive 3D home entertainment. "LG is pushing the limits of home entertainment innovation with this 3D UD TV," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "We are bringing together all our Smart TV and 3D knowledge in the 3D UD TV in order to demonstrate to the CES audience that LG is committed to being the world's leading brand for immersive home entertainment in 2012 and beyond." LG's 3D UD TV boasts superb picture quality with 8 million pixels, four times the resolution clarity (3840x2160) of existing Full HD TV panels. Combined with LG's Slim and Narrow Bezel Design, the 3D UD TV provides the most convincing 3D viewing experience currently available outside of a movie theater. What's more, 3D Depth Control allows users to customize their viewing experience by controlling the 3D effect while 3D Sound Zooming provides users with 3D sound that rivals the output of all but the best home theater systems. Via the superior display panel, users can access LG's Smart TV ecosystem, which comprises over 1,200 apps and gives users access to a growing range of premium content services such as the 3D Zone where viewers can select from a wealth of 3D movies. The imbedded 2D to 3D conversion engine expands the availability of 3D content to limitless levels. Users can easily browse and navigate the Smart TV ecosystem using LG's new, ergonomically-designed Magic Remote which now recognizes four different types of command input: Voice Recognition, Wheel, Magic Gesture and Point.

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