Tech
More developments towards gadget consolidation
Jan 15th
A new Apple patent points towards using your iPod (and I think iPhone) as recording and playing device for TV media. Basically creating a great portable DVR. This falls nicely in line with my Gadget Consolidation thoughts. Just add streaming to the mix and we’re halfway there.
Apple Patent Shows iPods Capable Of Receiving and Recording Live TV (Gizmodo)
Nexus One launched
Jan 5th
Google launched it’s first Google branded phone today, the Nexus One. It looks like a great product and should be the start of the next generation of smart phones. One feature that I can see setting this phone apart from other smart phones is its voice feature (see video below). They’ve implemented this very nicely and it should be a valuable addition to making this and future smartphones a truly smart and multifunctional tool. As always, I’m looking forward to Apple’s answer at the end of the month (the iSlate?) and their next generation iPhone later this year.
More Nexus One Videos
Nexus One Official Site
Boeing 787 First Flight
Dec 15th
Today Boeing’s new plastic jet took to the air for the first time. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner lifted off from Everet, WA. and is currently conducting flight tests. There was talk about an IFE (de-icing problem) but that was sorted. You can find some great images of the 787 on Fence Check.
New Broadcom chip allows for more gadget consolidation
Dec 15th
More developments in line with my gadget consolidation thought. Broadcom is developing a chip that allows you to record in 1080p HD, and play it, from a phone. It will have HDMI connectivity so you can watch your recordings, or streaming HD on your dedicated screen.
Despite the boost in performance over its 720p-only predecessor, the BCM2763 actually consumes less power due to its 40 nanometer manufacturing process. Broadcom anticipates 20 to 50 percent less power draw overall and long lifetimes specific to 1080p video. It can record 4 to 6 hours of 1080p non-stop and play 8 to 10 hours directly from its own device screen; the number grows to 16 hours when outputting to an HDTV.
Broadcom chip gives phones 1080p recording, 3D (Electronista)
Solar plane makes maiden flight/hop
Dec 4th
The first solar powered plane has made it’s maiden flea hop on December 3, 2009. Solar Impulse plans to fly it around the world. It’s an unmanned plane, that will fly autonomously, powered by four engines, 10HP each. It has a wingspan three times it’s length. With a speed of only on average 75km/h it will take some time for it to cover the distance around the globe. It will gain altitude during the day, while descending at night, optimizing energy use and storage.
We’ve done it! It actually took off! With its immense wingspan and low speed it seemed to just hang in the air without moving for 30 seconds. But that was enough for it to fly 350 metres. The whole team held its breath while test pilot Markus Scherdel stabilised the Solar Impulse with a few tweaks of the ailerons before touching down smoothly. André watched the manoeuvre at the controls of a helicopter with a camera installed while I followed the plane on the runway with the test team.
Solar Impulse – Around The World in a Solar Airplane
Gadget Consolidation
Dec 1st
One gadget to take control of it all. Probably the size of a phone (iPhone or Google Phone), able to handle everything.
From communication (actual phone calls, emailing, sms, twitter) to information and media sharing (Social Networking, Web, News, Tickets, Music, Movies, Shows, Calendar, Navigation, Augmented Reality, Geo-suggestions, Games, Payments, Planning, Scheduling, Wiki). Showing you the way to your destination with GPS Nav, streaming your HD movies where you want when you want, connecting it (wireless) to your flat panel TV or projector, keeping track of your daily planning and scheduling, order your food in a restaurant, pay your bills, push sync with all your other devices, including the kitchen sink. All this wireless, no dock. I think the iPhone was the first step in this direction, the Google Phone will be the second. I think we need a couple more steps (real wireless broadband, faster cpu’s) before we’re there.
And here’s an app that falls in line with the above thought:
Twitter Co-Founder Begins Trial On SquareUp iPhone Credit Card Payment Service – apps – Gizmodo
Will the phone and firmware/OS manufacturers take over these core apps? Or will they let the app community develop them?