Intuitive and downright cute in its presentation, the Wii Fit makes working out in front of your TV a genuinely interactive and fun experience.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Garmin eTrex that survived a bomb blast
July 30, 2008 Ever wondered just how rugged Garmin's eTrex GPS actually is? Take a look at these photos of fully functioning eTrex that's been through a bomb blast of sufficient magnitude to completely write off a Humvee...
Tags: Garmin, GPS, Military
Related Articles: 
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Tags: Garmin, GPS, Military
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- Russia tests “Father of All Bombs”
- Try to get lost with a Garmin Rino GPS radio
- Smartphones become smarter with GPS Navigation and Bluetooth hands-free calling
- Garmin's waterproof nuvi 500 / 550 GPS for the explorer
- Volvo cleans-up in car portable satellite navigation
- Small Diameter Bomb quadruples the number of aircraft weapons
GTA IV: Pushing the boundaries of technology
GTA IV has made plenty of headlines in the past 24 hours, most in response to the violent nature of the game play. However, amid the howls of protest from various quarters and the squeals of delight from ecstatic gamers the world over, GTA IV is also quietly debuting an exciting new physics engine that allows game developers to create realistic motion within their games and promises to radically change the way games look and feel.
It’s called euphoria and was developed by a company called Natural Motion with teams working out of Oxford in the UK and San Francisco in the United States. Euphoria is itself based upon a process called Dynamic Motion Synthesis (DMS) using work originally done by researchers at Oxford University.
A far cry from simple "ragdoll" effects of years gone by, DMS dispenses with the need for either key-framed or motion captured animation recording and instead generates all movements intelligently and on the fly using its own instruction set and a virtual skeletal and muscular system. Game developers implement the euphoria system in parallel to their game physics engines and DMS is only called upon when required. No longer will developers need to spend precious time and resources painstakingly recreating the various animations required anytime an in game character falls over, gets shot or, for example, gets tackled — euphoria and DMS intelligently create all the required animations as the game dictates. Besides being a veritable boon for stressed game developers working to tight deadlines, it also provides gamers with more fluid and realistic game play than ever before and, what’s more, the animations will be different every time.
Take a look at the short video clip found here on the Natural Motion website to truly gain an insight into how euphoria works — it’s quite amazing. The way the characters react to obstacles is thoroughly believable and the illusion of weight almost tangible.
So next time you’re throwing someone off a roof in GTA IV, just take a moment to admire the technology behind those flailing limbs.
TelstraClear with their targeted marketing... even though we left!
TelstraClear with their targeted marketing... even though we left!
(Due to the heavy use of images, I recommend people on dial up to stop loading this page when all text appears)
We used to be with TelstraClear for dial up (with Clear Net, which is now Clearnet), but even after we left them, they still shove us with more marketing!
Here are the images, first of the letter enclosed with the flyer - and now with the power of CSS, you can hover over the "best" whatever parts to see what is says (as it's a flip top flyer):
- Terms and Conditions from the back of the flyer
(Click on the image parts to enlarge)
I wish that they could stop sending us more marketing!
We left them. That's it.
We don't want people chasing after us after we left!
At least those new TC ads ("Simple Solutions. Everyday.") are good... 
(Due to the heavy use of images, I recommend people on dial up to stop loading this page when all text appears)
We used to be with TelstraClear for dial up (with Clear Net, which is now Clearnet), but even after we left them, they still shove us with more marketing!
Here are the images, first of the letter enclosed with the flyer - and now with the power of CSS, you can hover over the "best" whatever parts to see what is says (as it's a flip top flyer):
- Terms and Conditions from the back of the flyer(Click on the image parts to enlarge)
I wish that they could stop sending us more marketing!
We left them. That's it.
We don't want people chasing after us after we left!
At least those new TC ads ("Simple Solutions. Everyday.") are good...
Intel's 2.33GHz Core 2 Quad Q8200 set for August release
Intel's 2.33GHz Core 2 Quad Q8200 set for August release
July 28, 2008 According to Fudzilla, Intel’s new quad core 2.33GHz CPU called the Core 2 Quad Q8200 is set for an August 31 release. The CPU has a 1,333MHz FSB, 4MB of cache memory and should be selling at a wholesale price of US$224, which means you’ll have to buy a few thousand or so of the chips if you want them at this price. ..
Tags: Core 2 Quad, Intel
Related Articles: 
July 28, 2008 According to Fudzilla, Intel’s new quad core 2.33GHz CPU called the Core 2 Quad Q8200 is set for an August 31 release. The CPU has a 1,333MHz FSB, 4MB of cache memory and should be selling at a wholesale price of US$224, which means you’ll have to buy a few thousand or so of the chips if you want them at this price. ..
Tags: Core 2 Quad, Intel
Related Articles:
- Intel release eco-friendly, high-performance 45nm processors
- New Intel processors deliver record performance and consume less power
- Intel's new Atom processor
- Intel First to Demonstrate Working 45nm Chips
- New high performance laptop line from 1 Beyond
- Kingston to debut DDR3 1500MHz HyperX memory modules at Computex
Editor's Choice, July 2008: Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd
Editor's Choice, July 2008: Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd
Perhaps the best value among current ultrazooms, the scrappy, nimble Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd is this month's Editor's Choice selection.
Perhaps the best value among current ultrazooms, the scrappy, nimble Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd is this month's Editor's Choice selection.
JET-PACK! Kiwi - Inventor launches personal levitation device.
(With Videos, Pictures and additional info links) Finally! it has happened, a functional "Jet-pack" that could actually be practical in the real - world! Ok, so its not actually a "jet" pack so to speak, some pundits have described it as a "mini-copter" But the short story is: Glenn Martin, the Kiwi inventor has created a personal Jet-pack - which as he says is not actually a jet "If you're very pedantic... this thing flies on a jet of air" and when he says it flies, he means it. it is a twin rotor powered by a 200-horsepower engine, the fuel? regular pump-petrol if the reports are to be believed. Just take a look at the thing. it is DAMN cool. 
it weighs in at around 115kg, so its not really portable unless your flying, and its not the lightest "Mini-copter" there are mini copters out there which weigh much less, however the pack created by Mr. Martin has a much smaller footprint than 12 foot-diameter rotors of the other minicopters! There are a lot of people who are saying this is "just-another-jetpack-story" and "nothing to see here, move along" because of the fact there are already other mini-copters in the market that do what Mr. Martin's 'copter can do. and this is kind of the case, there is the GEN H-4 personal helicopter, it weighs 70kg can carry up to 220kg total has a 40hp 2-stroke engine and costs $35,000 USD. genh-4 this website http://www.acecraftusa.com/photos/Assembly/assembly.html has information (relatively overview) about building your own. The issue I have with the GEN H-4 Personal helicopter is as follows, first you have the 2 sets of large counter rotating blades, that need to be trimmed correctly to prevent torque spin. (I have lots of indoor R/C helicopters that use counter rotating blades so I consider myself an expert (lols) on the problem with counter rotating blades). The Martin-Jetpack does not. it has two 1.7ft diameter cabon/kevlar composite turbines, You don't need a pilots licence to fly one! (at least you don't in the USA under FAA Part 103, Ultralight regulations- however the Martin jetpack site states that "The Martin Jetpack is a unique aircraft and all owners are required to pass the Martin Aircraft Company approved traing program before receipt of their Aircraft" Ok, so you can't actually purchase one via a shopping cart on their website yet, however those interested should contact Martin jetpack USA (contact and links at the end of this article) so there are many articles out on the web, many of which are down-playing the coolness factor of this product, (along with many which are just hyping it up with its a jetpack! jetpacks are cool! especially in the new zealand media where its "its a jetpack! made by a kiwi!! jetpacks made by kiwis are cool!) but the main gist of why many of the articles are downplaying this invention/device is the fact its using so much _PROVEN_ technology, but I don't think thats a negative thing at all, I think the fact it is using proven technologies is a positive and gives it a much better chance of getting into the mainstream! The cost? around the web I have seen a huge range of figures, which I would guess means that no firm cost has been annouced, so several news agencies have just decided to go for the nice round figure of "around 100,000 dollars" what is interesting is on the website they say in the FAQ: ��� How Much will it cost: ��� Martin Aircraft has built several prototypes so we have a good idea how much they cost to manufacture. Depending on production volume,� the initial cost will be about the same as a high-end motorcycle or car. As volume increases this will drop to be similar to a mid-range motorcycle or car. so in otherwords "We can build it for a pretty good price, say a few 10's of thousands, but our V.C. investors will look to see how much they can charge for it and then charge double if possible until they get their money back" But thats ok with me, lets face it, anything new and exciting starts off as the reserve of the rich and priviledged, and if it truly "takes off" (sorry couldn't help myself) over time becomes more affordable, and other companies start building competitors and eventually becomes more affordable in the mainstream, I don't think however this will be in the mainstream for everyone any time soon, however I could see it becoming part of the mainstream in regards to hobby type vehicles, such as a Jetski (or skidoo ) on the water, where it doesn't have a hugely practical purpose, but for hobbyists and just outright sheer delight and fun there will be a huge market. I'll be following this with great interest (and also doing more investigation into building my own personal helicopter now that I've unconvered some interesting stuff from that perspective!!) and to cap it off, heres a video of the martin jetpack in flight! more information: here 
Read More
it weighs in at around 115kg, so its not really portable unless your flying, and its not the lightest "Mini-copter" there are mini copters out there which weigh much less, however the pack created by Mr. Martin has a much smaller footprint than 12 foot-diameter rotors of the other minicopters! There are a lot of people who are saying this is "just-another-jetpack-story" and "nothing to see here, move along" because of the fact there are already other mini-copters in the market that do what Mr. Martin's 'copter can do. and this is kind of the case, there is the GEN H-4 personal helicopter, it weighs 70kg can carry up to 220kg total has a 40hp 2-stroke engine and costs $35,000 USD. genh-4 this website http://www.acecraftusa.com/photos/Assembly/assembly.html has information (relatively overview) about building your own. The issue I have with the GEN H-4 Personal helicopter is as follows, first you have the 2 sets of large counter rotating blades, that need to be trimmed correctly to prevent torque spin. (I have lots of indoor R/C helicopters that use counter rotating blades so I consider myself an expert (lols) on the problem with counter rotating blades). The Martin-Jetpack does not. it has two 1.7ft diameter cabon/kevlar composite turbines, You don't need a pilots licence to fly one! (at least you don't in the USA under FAA Part 103, Ultralight regulations- however the Martin jetpack site states that "The Martin Jetpack is a unique aircraft and all owners are required to pass the Martin Aircraft Company approved traing program before receipt of their Aircraft" Ok, so you can't actually purchase one via a shopping cart on their website yet, however those interested should contact Martin jetpack USA (contact and links at the end of this article) so there are many articles out on the web, many of which are down-playing the coolness factor of this product, (along with many which are just hyping it up with its a jetpack! jetpacks are cool! especially in the new zealand media where its "its a jetpack! made by a kiwi!! jetpacks made by kiwis are cool!) but the main gist of why many of the articles are downplaying this invention/device is the fact its using so much _PROVEN_ technology, but I don't think thats a negative thing at all, I think the fact it is using proven technologies is a positive and gives it a much better chance of getting into the mainstream! The cost? around the web I have seen a huge range of figures, which I would guess means that no firm cost has been annouced, so several news agencies have just decided to go for the nice round figure of "around 100,000 dollars" what is interesting is on the website they say in the FAQ: ��� How Much will it cost: ��� Martin Aircraft has built several prototypes so we have a good idea how much they cost to manufacture. Depending on production volume,� the initial cost will be about the same as a high-end motorcycle or car. As volume increases this will drop to be similar to a mid-range motorcycle or car. so in otherwords "We can build it for a pretty good price, say a few 10's of thousands, but our V.C. investors will look to see how much they can charge for it and then charge double if possible until they get their money back" But thats ok with me, lets face it, anything new and exciting starts off as the reserve of the rich and priviledged, and if it truly "takes off" (sorry couldn't help myself) over time becomes more affordable, and other companies start building competitors and eventually becomes more affordable in the mainstream, I don't think however this will be in the mainstream for everyone any time soon, however I could see it becoming part of the mainstream in regards to hobby type vehicles, such as a Jetski (or skidoo ) on the water, where it doesn't have a hugely practical purpose, but for hobbyists and just outright sheer delight and fun there will be a huge market. I'll be following this with great interest (and also doing more investigation into building my own personal helicopter now that I've unconvered some interesting stuff from that perspective!!) and to cap it off, heres a video of the martin jetpack in flight! more information: here
Sony BRAVIA KDL-46W3000 Television
Sony BRAVIA KDL-46W3000 Television
The Sony Bravia KDL46W3000 is one of the latest High Definition LCD TVs that Sony has released. The
The Sony Bravia KDL46W3000 is one of the latest High Definition LCD TVs that Sony has released. The
Sony KDL-32XBR6
Sony KDL-32XBR6
Depending on the source you read, Sony is among the top television sellers in the United States. Ever since the fabled Trinitron (introduced way back in 1968 if you can believe it), the company is practically synonymous with TV. After a few missteps several years ago as it let the flat-panel parade go by, Sony got its Mojo back and now has dozens of flat panel sets ranging from 11-inch OLEDs to a 70-inch LCD for a cool $30K. In between are more models than you can shake a remote at or possibly try to remember. However, if you’re looking for Sony’s best, think XBR Series—which is what we did when we wanted to test a compact HDTV that could neatly fit in a small apartment’s living room or bedroom. Sony usually puts its best video and sound processing in the XBR line-up and the KDL-32XBR6 has the Bravia 2 Engine, Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) and an alphabet soup’s worth of acronyms to create its 1080p (not 1080i or 720p) image. Sony typically asks for a gets a hefty dollar premium for its TVs. It was time to see if the extra cash was worth it.
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Vodafone new $1 for 10 MB casual mobile data rate: save with optimisation
Vodafone new $1 for 10 MB casual mobile data rate: save with optimisation
Vodafone New Zealand has started today to charge casual mobile data usage in a different way. If you don't have a data plan but use your mobile to browse the Internet then you will pay no more than $1 per day for up to 10 MB (ten megabytes) of traffic.
Traffic over this will be charged on a $1 per MB rate. Check all Vodafone mobile broadband plans here.
Vodafone makes a few different APNs available for mobile data connection. The "optimised experience" (i.e. compressed) APN is only automatically activated if you are in GPRS coverage.
If you want to always use the "optimised experience" then you might want to configure your device to use the "opt.vodafone.net.nz" APN.
More bang for your buck. 
Vodafone New Zealand has started today to charge casual mobile data usage in a different way. If you don't have a data plan but use your mobile to browse the Internet then you will pay no more than $1 per day for up to 10 MB (ten megabytes) of traffic.
Traffic over this will be charged on a $1 per MB rate. Check all Vodafone mobile broadband plans here.
Vodafone makes a few different APNs available for mobile data connection. The "optimised experience" (i.e. compressed) APN is only automatically activated if you are in GPRS coverage.
If you want to always use the "optimised experience" then you might want to configure your device to use the "opt.vodafone.net.nz" APN.
More bang for your buck.
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