30 Aug 10
The Edit - August 2010
A snapshot of all the things we've been talking about this month......
Samsung to offer ‘augmented reality’ tablet
With a raft of new iPad competitors set to flood the market (Google Slate, HP, Dell and Intel), Samsung have announced the release of their 7” touch-screen device that has Android 2.2 and an augmented reality functionality. Rumours are rife that Apple will launch the iPad 2 as soon as December 2010. It will also have a 7” screen, and a 6 megapixel camera.
Apple calls an unexpected media event
On Wednesday 1st September, the tech minnow is expected to announce a reinvigorated line of iPods with two cameras (yes, Pods not Phones). There is also speculation that they will reveal plans to revive the neglected AppleTV project. To date it’s been referred to as a hobby but with possible NBC and ABC deals, amongst others in the pipeline; the company could be set for a further surge in to the home entertainment sector.
Eye, eye…
A technology has been developed that enables gamers of the Nintendo Entertainment System to play "Super Mario Bros. 2" with eye movements. The system works, apparently because the human eye is polarized and creates its own electrical field, which can be synchronized with the electronics integrated into a video game.
Google taking on the telecoms
In just 24 hours of Google Voice launching, a whopping 1 million plus calls were made! Google Voice is an international voice/video calling service that is integrated into Gmail. It’s capable of transcribing voicemails straight into emails and SMS. Google are ready to take Skype head on as they bombard universities and airports with branded retro red telephone booths with free internet phone connections via an old school phone!
And finally a little challenge….
Speedy English fingers break sms record
No ‘Blackberry thumb’ for Melissa Thompson of Salford, England, as she smashes the Guinness World Record with a touch screen smartphone texting “The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.” in just 25.94 seconds!