Why Smart TV Failed to Satisfy the Consumer?

Samsung brags that their company at the forefront of issuing smart television. High definition television (HDTV) offers applications and access to Twitter and Facebook. Then Google took Sony to make a smart TV that can connect to the Internet and could be downloaded. Later, Apple is reportedly also interested and will soon release a smart TV as well.

However, research conducted by NPD Connected Intelligence reverse the company's claims. From the research, it turns out consumers ignore the "smart". They just want to watch television. Another popular access is online video services such as BBC's iPlayer.

The result: What smart TV owners are
actually doing is Watching more TV.  
(Picture  from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

"The Internet connection on the HDTV screen has so far failed to go beyond the boundaries of existing TV, by using slightly beyond the big screen video services," said John Buffone, director of NPD Connected Intelligence.

According to John, the results of this research be both good and bad news for TV manufacturers. On the positive side, still as glass screen TV at home to watch. Subscription TV services can enhance and expand the program. The bad news, TV manufacturers fail to create better TV, "The biggest problem is the confusion among the owners of the TV." It's a challenge because there are too many options and how to create a complex experience. They suggest manufacturers focus on new innovations in space and simplify the user experience.

Luke Peters, Editor of the T3 magazine, said the smart TV is too complicated. "It makes no sense, there is a social network such as Twitter. People will use the tablet in his hand, not on their TVs," he said. According to Peters, the smart TV manufacturers must offer intelligent content that can connect to tablets and other devices. *** [DAILY MAIL | KORAN TEMPO 4103]

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Eye Movements Tracking Device

Soon moves the cursor on the computer quite a glance of the eye. This digital device designed and made ​​by Tobii, could track eye movements. The device was named REX.

This digital device is designed specifically for the computer with Windows 8 operating system. While the owners of Mac computers with the iOS platform can only bite the fingers. Because, REX is not made for computers made ​​by Apple. Before exhibited at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2013 in Las Vegas, United States, which starts next week, Tobii continues to improve the performance of REX, which is connected to the computer via a USB port.

Rex, the eyes movement tracker device.

The size of the device is slightly larger than a pen and can be mounted on the bottom side of the screen. REX will work in conjunction with special software called Tobii Gaze. Tobii Gaze will allow REX to precisely determine where your eyes are looking on your computer screen. REX isn’t meant to completely replace the mouse or trackpad on a Windows 8 PC, but it will compliment the overall browsing experience.

Although the function of this device to track the eyes movements, REX can be used as a control mouse, keyboard, and touch the board. This tool detects each user's eye movements and translate them into the shape of the mouse pointer movement. According Tobbi, REX is designed for those who have motor problems, such as stroke patients.

Previously, Tobii has issued a similar device called PCEye, which is also intended for the Windows operating system. Unfortunately, PCEye less positive response from consumers.

Tobii's REX developer edition on the laptop. (Picture from: http://www.engadget.com/)

For the price, there has been no official statement, but Tobii plans to offer 5,000 units to consumers before the end of 2013; for developers, however, a special edition (seen above) should be available starting today for $995. To be sure, this device is classified as the future technology will enliven CES 2013, which was also followed by a variety of global digital vendors, such as HTC, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, and LG. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ENGADGET | TECHNOLOGY TELL | BUDI RIZA | KORAN TEMPO 4101]

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Look a Like Polaroid Camera plus Digital Tech.

If we kept uses a Polaroid camera it was unable to compete, but if thrown away was pity perhaps that's the right phrase to describe the fate of Polaroid cameras now, it may happen that the Polaroid camera is no longer in use due to the advent of digital cameras.

This Polaroid look-a-like packs modern digital guts. (Picture from: http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/)

Result of night shot camera test.  
(Picture from: http://estore.peek-ture.com/)

But by the hands of Carbon, Hong Kong based company, one of the series of Polaroid cameras are "reborn", albeit with a slightly different appearance. A camera called One Mini, this device is shaped like a Polaroid One Step SX-70. The difference is, this camera has adopted digital technology.

The camera is also capable of capturing images with a resolution of 5MP and can be paired with a PictBridge printer for the printing process.

Result of the camera shot test.  
(Picture from: http://estore.peek-ture.com/)

Mini One has a view finder and the power switch on the side of the camera. For strength, the camera relies on two AA batteries.

Digital images from camera-made Carbon can be stored on the camera internal memory. However, if you want to add storage capacity, users will also be possible to add it via MicroSD cards up to 32 GB. The transfer process can be done to make use of a computer USB cable.

As well, as quoted by the Daily Mail, this device will be priced at U.S. $125 (or approx Rp. 1.2 million) and available in 3 colors (white, black and pink). *** [CARBON | EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SRI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 06122012]

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Jumbo Screens With Mini-Resolution

SAMSUNG GALAXY GRAND

Samsung re-introduce newest smartphone, Galaxy Grand. Continuing the trend of a smartphone with a large screen, this product has 5 inches of screen size. Unfortunately, although the larger size of the screen than the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Grand-screen display quality is much missed by its predecessor.

Samsung Galaxy Grand.  
(Picture from: http://www.uzdaily.com/)

Galaxy S III has a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with 4.8-inch screen size, with densities reaching 306 pixels per inch (ppi). While the Galaxy Grand has a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, with a pixel density of 187 pixels per inch. The screen resolution is equivalent to the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, but the screen is only 3.8-inch smartphone. Therefore, the Galaxy Ace 2 has a greater pixel density, which is 246 ppi.

Physically, Galaxy Grand similar to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or the Galaxy SIII. The body rises, the thin bezel, and has a single button on the bottom. Although it looks like, this phone is one level below the Galaxy S III and Note 2. Because, Galaxy Grand still using a 1.2 giga hertz dual core processor. While the two of its predecessors were using quad core processors.

Samsung Galaxy Grand product specifications. (Picture from: http://www.uzdaily.com/)

The advantages of Galaxy Grand is the the latest Android operating system, the Jelly Bean. Samsung has also included some intuitive features in Galaxy Grand, among others Smart Alert, which let users know when you have missed calls or incoming SMS shortly after the phone is held. In addition, there are some other premium features, such as the Pop-up Video, which allows users to adjust video and use other applications simultaneously, and S Voice, which regulates phone through voice commands.

Galaxy Grand magnitude 2,100 mAh battery. But no mention of how long the battery life on stand-by and talk time. Galaxy Grand is available in two models, Dual SIM and single SIM. Only, it was not clear when the models available in the market as well as the sale price was not released. *** [SAMSUNG | UZDAILY | RATNANING ASIH | KORAN TEMPO 4092]

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Specifications:

• Operating system: Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).
• Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual core.
• Screen: 5 inch.
• Screen resolution: 480 x 800 pixels, 187-ppi.
• Internal Memory: 1GB.
• Storage capacity: 8 GB (micro-SD card slot).
• Camera: 8 MP (rear), 2 MP (front).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n.
• Dimensions: 143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm.
• Weight: 162 grams.
• Bateral: 2,100 mAh.
• Price: Not available.

One Bluetooth for Two Devices

For most people, especially those who give priority to aesthetic, the presence of cord wrapped around the computer accessory, such as keyboard, mouse, and speakers, felt very disturbing. The solution is to use a wireless device.

Logitech, the Swiss vendor that focuses on providing computer accessories, introduced two products for the wireless keyboard and mouse: Logitech Wireless Combo MK330 and MK270.

What is unique from both the tool requires only one Bluetooth receiver, so what is needed is a USB port to operate both simultaneously. The receiver can also be connected to six Logitech devices at once.

Logitech Wireless Combo MK270. (Picture from: http://rev-id.net/)

Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 comes with eight hot keys, which serves as a shortcut to access multimedia services, Internet, e-mail, and adjust the volume. Logitech also mentioned that this product is designed from waterproof material.

Logitech Wireless Combo MK330. (Picture from: http://rev-id.net/)

While the Logitech Wireless Combo MK330 comes with 11 hot keys are also made ​​of a waterproof material. The appliance is equipped with a receiver to save him from falling when taken away.

Logitech Unifying Receiver.  
(Picture from: http://rev-id.net/)

The Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 and Logitech Wireless Combo MK330 has been equipped with the advanced wireless connectivity namely Advanced 2.4 GHz technology. Sophistication of Logitech Unifying technology with just one Logitech Unifying Receiver only, can connect up to six other Logitech wireless devices at once - that is compatible.

You can add a keyboard, mouse switch, mix and match as you want without having to swap or add a receiver, and does not require any other additional USB port. Wireless Combo features a plug and play feature that will allow the consumer. Enough with the Unifying Receiver connects to a notebook or PC, Wireless Combo is ready to give you the ease and convenience of accompanying activities.

Logitech claims battery life of these products reached two years for the keyboard and one year for the mouse. Both of these devices are available at a price of U.S. $ 29.99 (or approximately Rp. 289 thousand) for the MK270, and U.S. $ 39.99 (or Rp. 385 thousand) for the MK330. *** [LOGITECH | REV-ID | RATNANING ASIH | KORAN TEMPO 4092]

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Google's Smart Watch

After Google made a smart eyeglasses project or Project Glass, Google will be expanded to other products, namely watch. Last week (November 29, 2012), Google has the right to patent of smart watch.

This futuristic watch are equipped with a processor, wireless transmitter, camera and flip-up screen that will display the information. Wireless transmitter allows watch that connect to your smartphone notifications display such as e-mails, updates, and others. This watch can also be connected to the Internet network.

Google's potential smart watch offers some cool possibilities. (Picture from: http://www.gizmag.com/)

From the looks of things, this watch would present notifications and other information transmitted from your smartphone right to your wrist. Let's be honest, a quick look at Kickstarter would let you find tons of watches that do this very thing. Google's potential watch stands out, however, because of the transparent screen that could "see" objects around you.

As reported Techhive, the camera will be used in the flip-up display to show what is "seen" this time. As Google's smart sunglasses, this watch also "alert" will be the location and the neighborhood. The combination of GPS and the camera will display the information augmented-reality on the flip-up screen.

According to the patent, you could then be given directions based on GPS coordinates and the buildings "seen" by the watch, while a Goggles-like implementation would be able to identify smaller items in the display. That would let the search giant throw ads or other data about the product your way, giving you the info you need to snap it up -- and likely not hurting Google's bottom line.

Not yet known whether this watch will be sold bundled with smart glasses or separately as different products. *** [GIZMAG | EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIF | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 06122012]
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The Screen Revoked, be a Tablet

SAMSUNG ATIV SMART PC

Soon laptop that we use every day will change drastically. Touch screen, folding screen, rotary screen, and even a screen that can be detached from the keyboard is likely to become a standard feature of the future. The difference between the laptop and the tablet is also becoming blurred.

All changes were certainly intended to optimize the performance of Microsoft's latest operating system Windows 8, the all-touch. Starting Acer, ASUS, Samsung, until Toshiba has launched the latest product in the category of convertibles and hybrids that.

Samsung ATIV Smart PC-Pro. (Picture from: http://www.samsung.com/)

Now there are some laptops that come in the category, including the HP Envy x2, Taichi and VivoTab ASUS, Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, Acer Iconia W510, Toshiba Satellite and U9251. One of the laptop screen that can be removed-or hybrid-is called Samsung ATIV Smart PC.

There are two types ATIV in the market, namely the category of general and professional categories. Screen size 11.6 inch alike, but different processors used. Intel Atom for the general class and the Intel Core i5 for the pro class.

Samsung ATIV Smart PC. (Picture from: http://www.amazon.com/)

Samsung tried to combine the two functions on the tablet with the keyboard, the mobile user needs and activities related to productivity, such as typing. Smart PC Ativ feels light and smooth when lifted. This is because the material is made of plastic fiber glass, both on the screen and the keyboard docking place.

Box-shaped keyboard design with a flat surface and slightly angled keys like the MacBook Air. At the back of the docking, there are two hooks to lock the screen when functioning as a laptop. Simply press the button on the top center of docking to activate this mechanism.

Among the hook, there is a power socket to charge the battery. Dislodged screen is more convenient to use because it is lighter than the convertible ultra-book, the screen and keyboard remain united so heavy.

ATIV-screen wide enough and capable of producing bright colors-it feels great when compared to the iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Note tablet. Of course there's a reason. According to Samsung's research, a wider screen feels comfortable when used for typing of long duration.

Samsung ATIV Smart PC is equipped with a digital pen. Just navigate on the screen can not be done using this pen. This occurs because the technology on the pen or stylus is not built up with Windows 8.

For photo and video features, which tend to blur the resulting image. To work around this, the resolution must be set up to 1,080 pixels for the image to look sharper. While the video features, although it has been set at a maximum resolution, the image produced is less sharp. Maybe because ATIV prioritize features images?

Features S Note, that previously only existed in the product tablet Galaxy Note 10.1 and phablet Galaxy Note n, now available for Windows users. This feature is quite capable to process and send text and images to social networks or to friends via e-mail. *** [BUDI RIZA | KORAN TEMPO 4069]

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Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Atom
• Processor graphics: Intel HD Graphics
• Operating system: MS-Windows 8
• Network: 3G
• Internal Memory: 2 GB
• Saving Capacity: 64 GB
• Screen resolution: 1,366 x 768 pixels
• Camera: 2 MP (front), 8 MP (rear)
• Port: USB 2.0, micro-RDM I, micro-SD
• Input: Digital pen
• Battery: 13.5 hours (9.4 hours to play the movie)
• Dimensions: 304 x 189.4 x 9.9 mm (without keyboard), 304 x 189.4 x 19.9 mm (with keyboard)
• Weight: 750 g (without keyboard), 1.48 kg (with keyboard)
• Price: Rp. 9.5 million or U.S. $990 (regular), Rp. 13.5 million or U.S. $1,400 (pro)

Changing Cell Phone into a Microscope

Researchers from the University of California use cell phone cameras to see loaloa worm, which attacks the joints and eyes, in Africa. With enhancements CellScope, a mobile phone turns into a microscope. Microscope-phone can result in enlargement 8-120 times more powerful than a standard microscope.

Cellscope is essentially a radically miniaturized set of regular microscope lenses. (Picture from: http://www.psmag.com/)

With CellScope, all kinds of mobile phones that have a camera could be turned into a microscope. "This phone allows the search of worms in the blood of patients," said Dan Fletcher, cell mechanics researchers from the University of California at Berkeley, United States on the university website. "Worm photos used to make the treatment recommendation."

Schematic of the CellScope set up for fluorescent imaging. For bright field imaging, the two filters and LED are removed. (Picture from: http://www.berkeley.edu/)

Loaloa infection attacked most of the West Africa population, especially Cameroon. At least 10 million people have been infected with the disease worldwide. Photos are displayed on the university website shows the ability CellScope. From blood samples containing 30 thousand worms per milliliter, CellScope can show black strings is none other causes worm infection. In addition to recording images, CellScope can record video. Users can also submit a photo or video to the experts via the Internet. Researchers are preparing mobile applications that simplify the whole process.

Cellscope images of microfilariae from 30,000 mf/ml sample, blood lysed with H2O. Note visibility of microfilariae in lower left blow-up. Clumping of microfilariae in right blow-up image. (Picture from: http://cellscope.berkeley.edu/)

Researchers currently have no-plans to sell this CellScope. But the equipment is prepared to replace the microscope for inspection purposes at home or in the classroom experiments. Before being used to analyze loaloa infection, CellScope used to examine children's ear infections. Parents stay attached their extra equipment in front of the camera phone, and then photographing the inside of the ear. Photos of the inner ear that is then sent via electronic mail to the family doctor for a diagnosis. If there is an infection, a doctor can prescribe.

In late 2012 and early 2013, researchers will conduct a second test related to the ability CellScope. If the capacity is increased, the equipment will be released to help the loaloa infection eradication program in 2013. *** [CELLSCOPE | ANTON WILLIAM | KORAN TEMPO 4059]

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When the Giants Fought in Cyberspace

Apparently the desire to dominate and outperform rivals, can not be separated from human life. Just look at every day disputes between people to bring down each other, compete and win market influences.

It also occurs in the IT industry today, it is marked by numerous disputes between players in this industry. But the fight advanced products, most notably signaled that the battle here has been extremely fierce.

An example is the segment of the tablet computer, battle between gadget giant "Apple" with virtual world rulers "Google" through their flagship gadget product.

Look at the mighty Apple through the iPad gadget increasingly undeniable in the tablet computers segment. Even has a strong generic brand coloring market so other vendors are always trying to adopt features.

However, Google as the virtual world rulers can not remain silent. When Apple released the iPad Mini, they launched Google Nexus 7. Although it is not worth it in terms of price, where in Indonesian market the iPad Mini sold by Rp. 5 million (or U.S. $520) and Nexus 7 at Rp 2.8 million (or U.S. $292), these two major brands with superior products is feasible compared. Here the comparison are,

Design and Displays

Terms of size, they were not much different in all aspects. On display Nexus 7 which has a size of 7 inches, while the iPad Mini is slightly larger with 7.9 inches. However, during operation, the difference is not so visible and felt by the user.

Google seriously by holding vendor ASUS, they make a Nexus tablet 7 feels pretty from the side view with the materials used are also good. Attached menu button was functional, proper installation, as well as easy to use.

While the design of the iPad Mini is a viable highlighted feels good in the hand. Also, the ratio remained 4:3 screen so all of the iPad aplikasl previous series, can perfectly run on the new version.

Accessories

In the days of "narcissistic" as it is now, for some reason Google Nexus 7 did not even put a camera in the back of the tablet body. There are only a camera on the front. We also must accept tablets without external memory slot. Overview of weird, but it can be covered with the existence of an internal memory of 32 GB. Multimedia features installed complete with Google Play Music comes equalizer and the ability to play all video formats.

Instead, the iPad Mini has a 5 MP rear camera and 1.2 MP front camera plus HD quality video recording. But the drawbacks lies in the lack of flash and external memory. For other multimedia menu is presented on the iPad Mini is not much different from the Nexus 7.

Internet

On this side of the seed they are, in fact there are many many similarities, as they can only be run through WiFi access (not the usual SIM card). With a dual-core 1 GHz processor and 512 Mb of RAM in the iPad Mini, was smooth and easy internet access.

Then there are applications Siri, a sort of Google Search Search menu, which now feels better than previous content. Menu favorites like Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, iBooks, App Store, is also not behind present to satisfy users. 

Nexus 7 not to be outdone by the presence of their latest Android system, Jelly Bean, which is supported by a 1.3 GHz processor and 1 Ghz RAM. Therefore, advanced features like Google Assistant, Say It Offline, Google Now, and others feel well when used.

It is becoming more and more sophisticated gadgets that comes from the IT industry. It is up to the users of these gadgets, will take pride in and was helped by its presence. From here may be taken as a reference by this creative industry players continue to produce sophisticated gadgets. *** [MUHAMMAD SUFYAN | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 29112012]

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Blackberry 10 Will Release in Early 2013

After a long silence finally Research In Motion (RIM) has finally revealed the release date of the BlackBerry 10 gadget and operating system on January 30, 2013. On that occasion, RIM plans to hold several launch events worldwide.

There are two models of the BlackBerry 10 gadget to be introduced, a full touch screen model and others with a physical keyboard. In addition, RIM will also explain the full details of the features of BlackBerry 10. "Thanks to a strong partnership with global mobile operators and ecosystem of application developers, we believe customers will get the best experience with BlackBerry 10," RIM CEO Thorsten Heins said in a statement on Monday (12/11).

RIM CEO Thorsten Heins said BlackBerry 10 is still on pace to be released early next year. (Picture from: http://money.cnn.com/)

BlackBerry 10 gadget.
(Picture from: http://www.slashgear.com/)

Since last October 2012, the test run BlackBerry 10 gadget by 50 mobile operators in several countries, including Indonesia. This operating system first announced by RIM in late 2011 under the name BBX. Because there was another company has been using the name BBX and RIM lost in a trademark dispute, the operating system was renamed becoming BlackBerry 10.

RIM originally promised to be released BlackBerry 10 in late 2012, but RIM postponed until early 2013. These delays make room for the Android and iPhone dominate the market.

Screenshot of BlackBerry 10 OS.
(Picture from: http://crackberry.com/)

In the meantime, the Canadian company is still pinning its hopes on BlackBerry 10 to boost sales getting worse because many users are switching to the iPhone and Android. However, the BlackBerry is still used by the loyal customers of the business and government that promotes communication security.

BlackBerry 10 will bring RIM's mobile software and phones into closer competition with Apple and Google. The company has said BlackBerry 10 would run on a smaller number of devices with must-have smartphone features, including a much-improved camera, a modern Web browser and social networking integration. The software will allow customers to access e-mail with one swipe from any app, and it will automatically shift between personal and corporate modes that allow users to securely switch between them. Note, smartphones running the BlackBerry operating system OS 7 or lower can not be upgraded to BlackBerry 10. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TRIBUN JABAR 18112012]

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