Archive for March 31st, 2011

Samsung and Visa join forces to enable NFC mobile payment at 2012 Olympics

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

From a gadgeteer's point of view, one of the best things about the Olympics is its tendency to bring in new technologies to the hosting city. Take the 2012 games, for example: not only are the London Underground stations getting WiFi hotspots, but news has it that Samsung and Visa are holding hands to deliver NFC mobile payment solutions to the city. In fact, more than 60,000 locations in London are already geared up with contactless payment systems, and right now Visa is negotiating with banks to get its contactless cards and mobile phones approved. For the latter, one such device will be Samsung's Olympic and Paralympic Games mobile handset that comes with a Visa-enabled SIM card, and it'll be made available to sponsored athletes as well as various retailers. Furthermore, this alliance will continue after the Olympics, and Visa is rolling out its mobile payment system in many other countries as we speak, so it shouldn't be long before we hear more Visa handset announcements.

Continue reading Samsung and Visa join forces to enable NFC mobile payment at 2012 Olympics

Samsung and Visa join forces to enable NFC mobile payment at 2012 Olympics originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zdenek Kalal’s object tracking algorithm learns on the fly, likely to make next 007 flick (video)

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

Microsoft's own OneVision Video Recognizer may be novel, but if the folks in Redmond are seriously looking to take things next-level, they should probably cast their gaze across the pond. Zdenek Kalal, a researcher at the University of Surrey, has just created what may be the most sophisticated vision system known to the civilian world. In essence, it takes the mundane task of tracking objects to an entirely new platform, enabling users to select an object on the fly and have the algorithm immediately start tracking something new. Within seconds, it's able to maintain a lock even if your object twists, turns, or leaves / returns. Furthermore, these "objects" could be used as air mice if you force it to track your digits, and if you teach it what your staff looks like, you'll have a fully automated security scanner that can recognize faces and grant / deny access based on its database of white-listed individuals. Frankly, we'd rather you see it for yourself than listen to us extolling its virtues -- vid's after the break, per usual.

Continue reading Zdenek Kalal's object tracking algorithm learns on the fly, likely to make next 007 flick (video)

Zdenek Kalal's object tracking algorithm learns on the fly, likely to make next 007 flick (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoDaddy CEO Shoots Elephant, Sparks Stampede Of Customers To Flee

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Consumer Interest

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Wrex Titanium Pocket Wrench Lets You Loosen Bolts On The Go [Tools]

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

If you fear landing in an emergency situation requiring you to loosen nuts and bolts on the go, consider the Wrex Titanium Pocket Wrench. More »


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Ask Engadget: best USB headset for Skype calls and on-the-go podcasting?

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from yours truly, who managed to destroy his Freetalk Everyman during a rough battle within a piece of carry-on luggage. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"I previously owned a Freetalk Everyman, also known as a low-end, $30 USB headset that was ultra handy for making Skype calls and even podcasting in a quiet room. It traveled well, but not well enough. Recently, one of the ear cups were demolished during a turbulent flight back from NYC, and now I need a replacement. I'm too rough on these things to spend more than $40 or $50, so outside of replacing it in kind, what are my options for a USB headset that travels easily? You'll be hearing a lot of me in the months to come, so don't lead me astray. My life, as it were, is in your ever-so-capable hands."
Ain't much more to say when the question's not coming from a third-party, so... have fun in comments!

Ask Engadget: best USB headset for Skype calls and on-the-go podcasting? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrate April Fools’ Day with These Harmless Geek Pranks [Video]

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

Being a geek in a world of "non-tech savvy" people can get annoying, but it has its advantages on April Fools' Day. Here are some of our favorite geeky pranks you can play on your unsuspecting coworkers and friends tomorrow. More »


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Why Can’t I Just Watch TV on the Goddamn Internet?! [Rant]

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

News Corp, Viacom and Discovery issued to formal complaints to Time Warner this week, demanding the cable provider remove any of the trio's channels (MTV, FX, Discovery, etc.) from their iPad app, which streams live television to cable subscribers while they're at home. Today, Time Warner caved and removed the channels. More »


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Sony offers sneak peek of new LA store - no fooling (video)

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology


You might see a bunch of fake news on the internet tomorrow, but considering what we've seen of Sony's new LA storefront, we're fairly certain this isn't a prank. That's right, Sony's launching a newly branded retail store in the City of Angels Friday, and from the look of things, it spared no expense. The 4,200-square foot space is the first to ditch the Sony Style moniker for the more simple Sony Store, and while the aesthetics are decidedly minimal, the experience is anything but. As you might expect, the shop offers demos of a slew of devices; it's packed full of everything from VAIOs to ray modelers to 3D Handycams, and it's also rocking a fully loaded home theater setup called "The Cube." Considering the outfit's been looking to up its retail cred, we'd say the new spot has the stuff to do the job, even if that bright white modular look does seem strangely familiar. If you're in the LA area, you can check out the new digs starting tomorrow -- if not, hit up the guided video tour above.

Continue reading Sony offers sneak peek of new LA store - no fooling (video)

Sony offers sneak peek of new LA store - no fooling (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Obama Shocks Audience by Revealing President of the United States Owns Computer [Video]

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

At a recent town hall on Latino education, President Obama was asked if he owns an iPad. Yup! What about a computer? Uhh. More »


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Apple Patents More Five-Finger Gestures and Chargers With Built-In Battery Packs [Apple]

Posted by Ry on Mar 31 2011 | Technology

The latest pair of Apple patents to make the rounds actually look like two that could be realistically implemented sooner than later: one for a charger with an integrated battery pack, and one for more five-finger gestures in OS X. More »


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