Full FeedComputer software can judge physical attractiveness
Some may say that Artificial Intelligence has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, but perhaps a very practical use for this has been discovered by a group of Tel Aviv University students. They have combined pinpointing software with physiological research. Amit Kagian, the program’s developer explained, “Coordinates are used for calculating geometric features and asymmetry”.
To put it simply, the software gauges the distance and symmetry as well as texture and tone of the face. While Artificial Intelligence will perhaps never match human intuition, this could be useful for picking models, as well as facial-recognition software.
Read [ZDNet]
RelatedGreen-House intro’s 8x optical zoom kit for mobile phones
Say you like taking photos, but don’t like carrying a large camera with you. Then the age of cameras built into cell-phones may have sounded promising to you, but if, like me, you have a cell with a less than stellar zoom. Perhaps you may be experiencing some disappointment, but worry no longer, as long as you don’t mind lugging some extras around.
Green-House has released a kit for such photography-aficionados, which contains the super-lens with up to an 8x zoom, universal handset clamp and tripod. The asking price is around $88, but remember it will improve your zoom, not necessarily your picture quality.
Product [Green-House] Via [phonemag]
RelatedEpson unveils the Endeavor NA801; Power meets portability
Epson has released a new notebook that is scheduled for a release in late April. The Epson Endeavor NA801 runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor and offers up a Geforce 8600M GT with 256 of VRAM in terms of graphics power. It also features a 13.3-inch display, HDMI output, Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0. Its also nice to see that power doesn’t have to weigh a ton, the NA801 weighs in at just over 4-pounds.
The Japanese Epson website confirms that the NA801 will retail for around $1000 when it is released, sadly this will be available only in Japan.
Via [Akihabara News]
RelatedUK planning to allow calls on aircraft
Ofcom, the UK Office of Communications has confirmed plans that they aim to allow cellular communications on board UK aircraft. The plans will have to first go through the Civil Aviation Authority, and then the scheme may ‘take off’ in planes around Europe. Unfortunately, plans haven’t been confirmed for those of you the other side of the Atlantic.
The calling will work by using an onboard base station, a unit which connects to a satellite and will be turned on above 3,000 feet, as to avoid interference with ground networks. The service will be charged at the users standard network rate, which should mean business and personal users can enjoy increased productivity on flights. For the others that want some peace and quiet: unlucky.
Read [Ofcom]
RelatedStyle meets substance: the Mpio V10 PMP
A fantastic new portable media player has emerged today from Mpio which combines up to 8GB built in memory with a sleek, 15.4mm (0.6-inches) thick, 3.81-ounce shell. The V10 is running Windows CE 5.0 and can support an array of video formats such as H.264, DivX, MPEG and VOB. Of course this isn’t all the V10 has to offer, it comes with MP3 playback, an FM radio, e-book reader, photo viewer and it even has an electronic dictionary.
3G mobile service to be tested in China
China Mobile Communications Corp, the largest network provider in China are ready to begin testing of their 3G network using the TD-SCDMA standard. The test which is set to begin next week will include some 20,000 phones and 5,000 data cards that will be issued throughout Bejing and seven other cities. While there has not been any indication on how long the testing phase will last, China has previously stated that they hoped to have an active 3G network in place before the beginning of the Beijing Olympics, which begins in August.
Beijing has been trying to get the new infrastructure in place since 2001, but the network being as large as it is, needs a mammoth overhaul. Once the government allows the licenses, it will pick carriers to provide the country. The sheer size of China means it is an enormous and significant market, and the change could prove lucrative for a country with some 520 million subscribers.
Read [Wired News]
RelatedUnder 18; Google doesn’t want you
Google, trusty search engine and email provider for many actually has a clause within its fine print which states that those under 18 are not permitted to use the site, or any of its features. The Google conglomerate covers Google’s search, Gmail, YouTube, news and images.
The Terms of Service state that:
“You may not use ... Google’s products, software, services and web sites ... and may not accept the Terms if ... you are not of legal age to form a binding contract with Google.”
Of course to those within the USA, the legal age to form a binding contract is 18, meaning anyone under the age of 18 is currently violating Google’s terms, which judging from a huge number of YouTube videos, that number is going to be high.
Dell Inspiron 1525 to feature Blu-ray for only $879
Dell’s new Inspiron 1525 laptop combines a Blu-ray combo drive with affordability at an asking price of $879. The 1.82GHz Core 2 Duo processor is plenty powerful enough, and features a 15.4-inch display with a 720p resolution and HDMI out. It also comes standard with 1GB of RAM and a 80GB hard drive.
With such a low asking price, some features have to be sacrificed, for example if you want to bump the Blu-ray player up to a burner, be prepared to fork out another $200. All things considered, its a very good price for a Blu-ray capable laptop.
Read [Business Wire]
RelatedEn-Twyn prototypes networking power sockets
London based company En-Twyn have shown at CeBIT a great new networking device to make sure problems like poor Wi-Fi signal and wire clutter are kept to a minimum.
The idea is simple. You share the broadband connection of one room, and users can pick it up from other rooms. The socket fits on to any regular front, and the 4 LEDs indicate power and internet activity. It allows up to 64 users to take up the circuit, but in my opinion, if you’ve got a house that big, Ethernet is the least of your worries.
The En-Compass is at the stage where it was shown during at CeBIT, but I really hope it will catch on and become available worldwide.
Via [Digital Lifestyles]
Related
Panasonic’s Atom-based UMPC scheduled for fall availability
The latest UMPC release coming from CeBIT is the Panasonic Toughbook. Little details have been released about this Atom-based device, however we do know that it features a 5.6-inch touch screen, a QWERTY keyboard and will be running Windows Vista. The Panasonic Toughbook is not your typical UMPC, but instead has a hardedned case that is water, dust and shock resistant. It is also aimed more at the professional market as opposed to the general consumer. The Toughbook is expected to be released during the Autumn of 2008.
Via [PC Watch Japan]
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