Best computer news

The Sony Bloggie HD camcorder with an swiveling USB 2.0 connector is getting a new accessory, a panorama lens add-on that can take 360 degree movies. It looks like a little siren, and requires the lens to be tilted straight up; the images will also only make sense once uploaded to the updated version of the software. The movies can be edited to zoom in on certain parts of the panorama or viewed ultra-wide screen. The bundled software should provide a number of different options for working with such a wide view. The 1080p H.264 video is recorded onto Memory Stick Duo media.

The Bloggie’s regular lens already swivels 270 degrees to ease video angles and let you view yourself if you are vlogging. The snap-on 360 lens should be available as an accessory, but is currently only available as a kit including the camera. The 360 kit only ups the price $20 over the camera-only package. It’s available now at SonyStyle for those interested.
Permanent Link

Yubikey is launching a new security key which using a pretty novel concept for added system and online security. The USB key has a single button that sends a time based key to a password input. This system hopes to be another factor for security and authentication. Time based, the same key will never be sent twice aka OTP (One Time Password). This should defeat even the most effective keystroke loggers. The Yubikey effectively generates a highly encrypted string that it transmits upon the touch of its single button. Given that the site or application you are using has been programmed to decrypt the key this should make for a very effective digital signature. Password management site Lastpass.com has already integrated it into their system so that you can add this addition layer of security there. It is also OpenID compatible.

Effectively driverless, the Yubikey is shaped like a flash drive but it emulates a keyboard as far as your PC or Mac is concerned. Pressing the sole button sends the encrypted data as a long keystroke of AES-128 encoded data. Combined with this simple approach and the fact that their code is open source all you really have to commit to is the hardware. This will lower the bar for any organization that was considering other systems like SecureID. Authentication servers are generally open source projects and freely down-loadable and they are also have an RFID enabled Yubikey for integrating or consolidating existing security standards. You can order the regular Yubikey for $25 and the RFID Yubikey for $35.
Permanent Link

Well there’s finally another over the top flashy gaming peripheral that you can obtain to add to your hardcore gaming rig, a neon USB Cable. The Desk FX illuminated cable from ION Audio will be distributed in all shades of the rainbow. So, even if you’ve already got a hot glowing red or icy blue system, you’ll be able to find a set of cables that matches your setup. While more likely a flashy add on for looks, lighted cables can come in very handy. Manipulating cables at night can be a nightmare, not only easy to see these cables would be very easy to tell apart if they are different colors. These cords would make manipulating mini-USB phone charger cables in the dark.

There’s no detail on price or if all the flavors of USB will be available. Mini, micro and alt flavors hopefully will be represented but just in case maybe you should start stocking up on converters. Expect to see them in a few months at online retailers or select stores.
Permanent Link

Getting HD signals from a cable / satellite set-top box to a PC isn’t quite as easy and affordable as one thinks before Hauppauge HD PVR. So, the success of the said USB video box that can effortlessly convert 1080i content from a component cable into H.264 encoded files now invites competition. The AVerTV USB HD PVR is AVerMedia’s answer to the Hauppauge, and both are pretty much the same thing on the technical side.

The AVerTV USB HD PVR has S-video, composite and one set of component video inputs, which is the closest you can get to HD quality with HDCP shielding HDMI video stream. The on-board H.264 encoder saves CPU processing time otherwise you would at least need a quad-core to transcode the HD stream in real-time. The AVerMedia also tries to differentiate itself from the pack with a HDMI output, which may prove to be useful in some scenarios. Just don’t expect native Windows 7′s Media Center support yet; that’s why AVerTV USB HD PR includes a copy of Arcsoft TotalMedia Theatre with scheduling features. AVerMedia plans to ship its HD PVR in March for $199.99 to undercut the Hauppauge a bit.
Permanent Link

It doesn’t take a visionary to know that USB 3.0 – having distributed peripherals with faster data access than hard drives of the recent era – is just around the corner and is shaping up to be a game changer. Since we will all likely find a good use for USB 3.0 very soon, whether to buy or not may be hinged on the inclusion of the interface. There’s also the option of ExpressCard USB 3.0 cards, but even those are a bit of a hassle compared to built-in hardware. For those of you smartly putting off a purchase waiting for USB 3.0 included in a laptop, here are your current options.

The HP Envy 15 and the Asus NX90 were making the rounds at CES, and both sport SuperSpeed USB ports. They are both standard-sized notebooks carrying some of the hottest new technologies. The Asus NX90 is a multimedia behemoth; the 18″ laptop is capable of 1080p display, and boasts the hot Core i7 processor. Along with e-SATA and HDMI output, USB 3.0 is packed inside this bad boy. There’s also dual touchpads for a variety of soon to be imagined uses. The Asus may cost a bit more than the standard laptop ~$2000, but the rest should be pretty nominal. More should be on the way soon if those don’t tickle your fancy. The Asus laptop and another from Fujitsu carry the USB-IF stamp of approval, more should follow soon.
Permanent Link

A little late for Christmas, OCZ drops a slick looking USB 3.0 external SSD drive with some impressive specs. Specifically designed for us eager early adopters, the slick look and unreal speeds will likely command a premium. Designed to siphon off our hard earned or inherited cash, the looks of this drive are meant to entice. USB 3.0 devices are starting to trickling out and this will likely only end up in the hands of the true fans.

Those who snatch these up will be treated to some SuperSpeed to the tune of 188MB/s read and 130MB/s write speeds, which put the other bus-powered USB 3.0 hard drive to shame. Those who work with and need shock-resistance and speed are already familiar with the OCZ brand as one of the top manufacturers of SSD drives around. No official date has been released for when you can expect to purchase one of the drives but we’re guessing Q2/Q3 based on what we’ve seen. The drives will be created in 60, 120 and 250 GB varieties and should retail for around $300 increasing sharply with size. Video demo after the jump.
Permanent Link

Let’s hope this doesn’t fall down a Steorn rabbit hole, but RCA has what could be an exciting addition to every portable device ever made. RCA’s Airnergy contains a cellphone class lithium battery, which it claims able to charge itself using Wi-Fi networking signals. Supposedly any Wi-Fi signal will charge the Airnergy’s internal battery eventually, the more signals the better. Once charged, the Airnergy can then be used to charge other USB electronics. The concept is similar to the Wildcharge and Powermat which use local induction to charge devices. RCA’s spokesman claims the charged battery of the Airnergy was able to charge a blackberry to about 70% capacity in a few hours.

One should be cautiously optimistic about this device as little detail has surfaced to define the amount of time it takes for the internal battery to be charged off Wi-Fi. Their hope is to quickly shrink the size of the components down to the point that they can be built into a battery itself. Users would just have to locate the Airnergy version of the battery for their cellphone / camera / MP3 player. RCA believes the cost will be almost negligible to include in current devices to the extent that those replacement batteries will be on par with simple aftermarket replacement batteries. They plan to sell the Airnergy for $40 to $50 in the near future. Custom batteries will come a few generations after that. This also smartly positions them for induction into the ranks of the Wireless Power Consortium (pun intended). Video demo after the jump.
Permanent Link

The Cinq, french for five, is an odd name for this 10″ USB monitor from from Sideline. Capable of 1024×600 16:9 output, the Cinq also has a SD card reader, and both LED-lit LCD display and the reader are serviced by the same USB cable providing power and data. Showing up at CES for the first time boasting larger screens and more pixels than previous competitors. It’s pretty light-weight and is intended to be used as a companion monitor for laptops. They have even design an attachable hinge that lets you permanently attach it to your laptop. The hinge can be affixed in almost any orientation with the included adhesive strips.

Also included is a little stand so that you can run it without making near permanent alterations to your computer. DisplayLink is providing the internals for the 10″ mini display, which is primarily targeted at both PC and Mac workaholics and gaming fanatics. The Cinq will be available in Q3 for $249, or $199 should you pre-order now from Sideline online store.
Permanent Link

Buffalo HDD Dualie is a perfect example of convergence that makes sense for all of us. It sports a two-slot dock so an iPhone slides in perfectly in the front seat while a 2.5″ portable drive fits snugly in the rear. Since iPhone interfaces with a Mac or PC exclusively over a USB 2.0 connection and the Buffalo mobile drive is obviously USB, this effectively reduces some cable clutter. There are even 2 additional USB ports in the back.

The HDD Dualie itself can only be bought with a Buffalo-branded 500GB portable drive, which interestingly comes with a FireWire 800 port. The reason for it being here, according to Buffalo, is to meet Apple Store requirement as every drive on the shelves must be equipped with both USB 2.0 and FireWire. Regardless, as Dualie only talks to a PC by USB, the faster FW800 interface isn’t going to be left to rot unless you pop out the drive, and connect it to a FW port instead. For $249.99, the combined storage and iPhone dock station is distinguished by a two-tone, brushed aluminum finish that should be as durable as it is scratch-resistant. Expect to only find it at a local Apple Store starting Jan. 12th.
Permanent Link

This seriously cyberpunk gaming mouse from Mad Catz is for hardcore gamers but may find another niche among ergo junkies. The Cyborg R.A.T. 7 & 9 both have 5600 dpi laser sensor for high definition tracking, which translates to very precise game movements. There’s a system for adding weight to the mouse which will give it the perfect heft or resistance that you prefer. They both have a number of programmable buttons for macros or extra tasks as well. Its ominous look is due to the flexibility that a fully customizable system that the mouse was built around.

Every surface of the Cyborg R.A.T. is adjustable either with thumb controls or an hex key. The length of the buttons from the palm rest, the height and slope of the mouse, the width of the thumb sled from the body all can be adjusted to your exact hand shape and preference. All this comes at a street price that is actually very reasonable for the gaming market. Pricing has been released at $129 and $99 for the wireless R.A.T. 9 and wired R.A.T. 7 respectively. Look for them in the coming Spring.
Permanent Link