Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VT nears completion of HokieSpeed, world's 96th most powerful supercomputer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/vt-nears-completion-of-hokiespeed-worlds-96th-most-powerful-su/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/vt-nears-completion-of-hokiespeed-worlds-96th-most-powerful-su/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/vt-nears-completion-of-hokiespeed-worlds-96th-most-powerful-su/#comments If basking in the presence of a powerful supercomputer is on your list of "must-haves" when selecting a proper university, then you may wish to fire off an admissions application to the Hokies at Virginia Tech. The school's HokieSpeed system is now in its final stages of testing, which combines 209 separate computers, each powered by dual six-core Xeon E5645 CPUs and two NVIDIA M2050 / C2050 448-core GPUs, with a single-precision peak processing capability of 455 teraflops. To put things in perspective, HokieSpeed is now the 96th most powerful computer in the world, and yet it was built for merely $1.4 million in loose change -- the majority of which came from a National Science Foundation grant. As a further claim to fame, HokieSpeed is the 11th most energy-efficient supercomputer in the world. Coming soon, the system will drive a 14-foot wide by four-foot tall visualization wall, which is to consist of eight 46-inch Samsung 3D televisions humming in unison. After all, with virtually limitless potential, these scientists will need a fitting backdrop for all those Skyrim sessions. The full PR follows the break, complete with commentary from the system's mastermind, Professor Wu Feng.

Continue reading VT nears completion of HokieSpeed, world's 96th most powerful supercomputer

VT nears completion of HokieSpeed, world's 96th most powerful supercomputer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daccC2050cpuE5645gpuHokieSpeedintelM2050National Science FoundationNationalScienceFoundationnvidiaresearchsamsungsupercomputersupercomputinguniversityVirginia TechVirginiaTechvtWu FengWuFengxeonFri, 23 Dec 2011 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche ACC InnoDrive handles all the pedals, takes the lead out of your foot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/porsche-acc-innodrive-handles-all-the-pedals-takes-the-lead-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/porsche-acc-innodrive-handles-all-the-pedals-takes-the-lead-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/porsche-acc-innodrive-handles-all-the-pedals-takes-the-lead-out/#comments Porsche ACC InnoDrive handles the pedals itself, takes the lead out of your foot When we took a deeper look into the technology that makes a Porsche a Porsche, we experienced neck-snapping acceleration and yawn-inducing traction control, but never did we get the feeling that the car was actually driving itself. That could change soon, Autoblog catching the keys to a Porsche Panamera S test mule outfitted with something called ACC InnoDrive. ACC stands for Adaptive Cruise Control, while InnoDrive stands for (wait for it) Innovative Drive. It's basically cruise control with a brain, having a fully mapped-out route and knowing not only the severity of upcoming turns but also elevation changes and posted speed limits. In other words: it figures out how fast it should be going and even stops when it should, letting you go the entire distance without having to apply loafer to pedal -- assuming no intersections. Porsche isn't saying when we might see this technology coming to a dearly expensive options package near you, but assures us its cars never completely drive themselves: "We will not touch the steering, trust us. That hands-on aspect is key to the Porsche experience."

Porsche ACC InnoDrive handles all the pedals, takes the lead out of your foot originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accadaptive cruise controlAdaptiveCruiseControlcarscruise controlCruiseControlinnodriveporscheself-driving carSelf-drivingCarWed, 29 Jun 2011 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NC State discovery finds optimal connections 10,000 times more quickly, ResNet admins do a double take]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/nc-state-discovery-finds-optimal-connections-10-000-times-more-q/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/nc-state-discovery-finds-optimal-connections-10-000-times-more-q/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/nc-state-discovery-finds-optimal-connections-10-000-times-more-q/#comments Ever wondered how just one message in an average Chatroulette session finds its way to whatever destination fate may deem suitable? Sure you have. As it stands, every single pulse from your Ethernet socket starts its initial journey by hunting for an optimal connection path; in some cases, that involves routing through massive ring networks crossing over untold miles of fiber optic cabling. Using traditional techniques, nailing down an optimal solution for a ring can take eons (or days, whichever you prefer), but there's a new methodology coming out of NC State's den that could enable the same type of scenario to reach its natural conclusion 10,000 times faster. Dr. George Rouskas, a computer science professor and proud Wolfpacker, has just published a new paper describing the scheme, with the focal point being a "mathematical model that identifies the exact optimal routes and wavelengths for ring network designers." More technobabble surrounding the discovery can be found in the source link below, but unfortunately, there's no telling how long it'll take your impending click to be addressed using conventional means. Here's to the future, eh?

NC State discovery finds optimal connections 10,000 times more quickly, ResNet admins do a double take originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accdiscoveryfiberFiber OpticFiberOpticGeorge RouskasGeorgeRouskasinternetnc statenc state universityNcStateNcStateUniversitynetworknetworkingnorth carolinanorth carolina stateNorthCarolinaNorthCarolinaStateresearchring networkRingNetworkuniversityWed, 29 Jun 2011 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[NC State gurus find 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, look to improve drug-delivery vehicles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/nc-state-gurus-find-goldilocks-of-dna-self-assembly-look-to-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/nc-state-gurus-find-goldilocks-of-dna-self-assembly-look-to-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/nc-state-gurus-find-goldilocks-of-dna-self-assembly-look-to-i/#comments We're guessing that most Wolfpackers in the greater Raleigh area are in full-on tailgate mode right now, but aside from laying a beating on the Seminoles this evening, NC State faithful are also trumpeting a new DNA discovery that could one day make it easy to get vital drugs to hard-to-reach places within you. Researchers from the university have purportedly discovered the 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, which holds promise for technologies ranging from drug delivery to molecular sensors. The concept, known as DNA-assisted self-assembly, has been vastly improved by using "computer simulations of DNA strands to identify the optimal length of a DNA strand for self-assembly." You see, perfection occurs when strands aren't long enough to intertwine with each other, yet not short enough to simply fold over on each other. We know, it's a lot to wrap your brain around with half a hot dog shoved in your mouth, but hit the video after the break for a... shall we say, more visual explanation.

Continue reading NC State gurus find 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, look to improve drug-delivery vehicles

NC State gurus find 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, look to improve drug-delivery vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accbiomedicalDNAdrug deliveryDrugDeliverydrugshealthmedicalmedicineNC StateNcStateresearchscienceuniversityvideoThu, 28 Oct 2010 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Georgia Tech gurus create deceptive robots, send army of Decepticons to UGA campus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/georgia-tech-gurus-create-deceptive-robots-send-army-of-decepti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/georgia-tech-gurus-create-deceptive-robots-send-army-of-decepti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/georgia-tech-gurus-create-deceptive-robots-send-army-of-decepti/#comments A score from now, when the entire world is burning and you're fighting to remember just how rosy things were before the robots took over, you can thank a crew of brilliant researchers at Georgia Tech for your inevitable demise. Sad, but true. A new report from the institution has shown that Ronald Arkin, a Regents professor in the Georgia Tech School of Interactive Computing, has been heading up experiments that have introduced the art of deception to mechanical beings. Yeah, lying. On the surface, it seems that this bloke's intentions are good -- he'd like for deception robots (or Decepticons, if you will) to be used in military / search and rescue operations. According to him, robots on the battlefield with the power of deception "will be able to successfully hide and mislead the enemy to keep themselves and valuable information safe." They'll also be able to mislead your offspring and convince them to rise up and overtake your domicile, slowly but surely ensuring the eventually destruction of the human race. But those are just minor details, you know?

Georgia Tech gurus create deceptive robots, send army of Decepticons to UGA campus originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accautonomousdeceiptdeceptionethicalethicsgeorgia techGeorgiaTechlielyingmoodresearchrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseskynetterminatoruniversityFri, 10 Sep 2010 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Virginia Tech's HokieSpeed supercomputer to rely on CPU and GPU synergies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/virginia-techs-hokiespeed-supercomputer-to-rely-on-cpu-and-gpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/virginia-techs-hokiespeed-supercomputer-to-rely-on-cpu-and-gpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/virginia-techs-hokiespeed-supercomputer-to-rely-on-cpu-and-gpu/#commentsVirginia Tech's no stranger to housing supercomputers -- those folks strung together 324 Mac Pros back in 2008 just for kicks, giggles and "research" -- but their latest computing monolith is quite the shift from the ordinary. A cool $2 million is floating over to Blacksburg in order to create HokieSpeed, a "versatile new supercomputing instrument" that'll soon be primed and ready to handle not just one or two tasks, but a variety of disciplines. Wu Feng, associate professor of computer science at the university, calls this magnificent monster a "new heterogeneous supercomputing instrument based on a combination of central processing units (CPUs) and graphical processing units (GPUs)," with expected performance to be orders of magnitude higher than their previous claim to fame, System X. One of its first assignments? To give end users the ability "to perform in-situ visualization for rapid visual information synthesis and analysis," and during the late hours, hosts a campus-wide Quake deathmatch. Just kidding on that last bit... maybe.

Virginia Tech's HokieSpeed supercomputer to rely on CPU and GPU synergies originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acccpugpuHokieSpeedresearchsupercomputersupercomputingSystem XSystemXuniversityVirginia TechVirginiaTechvtSat, 07 Aug 2010 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ACC, Big 12 upgrade to HD instant replay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/acc-big-12-upgrade-to-hd-instant-replay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/acc-big-12-upgrade-to-hd-instant-replay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/acc-big-12-upgrade-to-hd-instant-replay/#commentsWe're still not sure which school in the conference is ready to challenge for a BCS bowl again, but the ACC is following the other bigs by upgrading its instant replay systems to high definition. Just like the Pac-10, Big Ten and MAC it's using DVSport equipment, while the Big 12 announced earlier this month its universities would follow the SEC and go with XOS Digital's technology to give referees a clearer second look at the action. We'll be keeping an eye out to see who gets the better calls this season and in the future -- or at least until one or more of the conferences no longer exists.

ACC, Big 12 upgrade to HD instant replay originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accbig 12Big12college footballCollegeFootballconferencedv sportDvSportfootballhdhd instant replayHdInstantReplayinstant replayInstantReplayrefereexos digitalXosDigitalTue, 25 May 2010 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[NC State's refreshable Braille display could revolutionize reading for the blind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/01/nc-states-refreshable-braille-display-could-revolutionize-readi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/01/nc-states-refreshable-braille-display-could-revolutionize-readi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/01/nc-states-refreshable-braille-display-could-revolutionize-readi/#comments While many in Raleigh are wondering whatever happened to the glory days of 1983, Dr. Neil Di Spigna and company are doing far more productive things at NC State. It's no secret that the holy grail of Braille is a tactile display that could change on a whim in order to give blind viewers a way to experience richer content (and lots more of it) when reading, but not until today have we been reasonably confident that such a goal was attainable. Gurus at the university have just concocted a "hydraulic and latching mechanism" concept, vital to the creation of the full-page, refreshable Braille display system. As you may expect, the wonder of this solution is the display's ability to erect dots at the precise points, retract them, and re-erect another set when the reader scrolls through a document or presses a "link" on a website. We're told that the researchers have already presented their findings, and if all goes well, they'll have a fully functioning prototype "within a year." Here's hoping a suitable replacement to Lee Fowler is also unearthed during the same window.

NC State's refreshable Braille display could revolutionize reading for the blind originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accblindBrailledisplayElectroactive PolymerElectroactivePolymereyeeyesightncnc stateNcStatenorth carolinaNorth Carolina State UniversityNorthCarolinaNorthCarolinaStateUniversitypolymerrefreshable tactile displayRefreshableTactileDisplaysciencescreensighttactiletactile displaysTactileDisplaysThu, 01 Apr 2010 04:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Digitally Assisted Billiards makes everyone a pool shark]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/digitally-assisted-billiards-makes-everyone-a-pool-shark/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/digitally-assisted-billiards-makes-everyone-a-pool-shark/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/11/digitally-assisted-billiards-makes-everyone-a-pool-shark/#comments
There's cheating, and then there's out-thinking the room. Georgia Tech's own Justin Needham and Matthew Straub are clearly headed for great things, as their Digitally Assisted Billiards is reason enough to give these guys a degree in our eyes. Using an array of low-end kit -- just an eBox 2300 embedded computer, Logitech webcam, 4- x 3-foot mirror, a VGA projector, pool table and a few extenders -- the two were able to concoct a system for visually displaying the expected trajectory of all possible shots based on the location of the balls still on the slate. For a much better idea of what we're hinting at, check the demonstration video after the break.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading Digitally Assisted Billiards makes everyone a pool shark

Filed under: ,

Digitally Assisted Billiards makes everyone a pool shark originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accbilliardsgeorgia techGeorgiaTechpoolsportsportsuniversityvideoThu, 11 Dec 2008 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Shock-absorbing carbon springs to protect falling gizmos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/14/shock-absorbing-carbon-springs-to-protect-falling-gizmos/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/14/shock-absorbing-carbon-springs-to-protect-falling-gizmos/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/14/shock-absorbing-carbon-springs-to-protect-falling-gizmos/#commentsThe Tigers down at Clemson University are doing more than deciding whether an all-purple uniform really sends a sense of fear to the opponent, as they're also crafting shock-absorbing carbon springs which could theoretically protect gadgets when they crash to the ground. In working with researchers at UC San Diego, the crew has determined that layers of tiny coiled carbon nanotubes can act as "extremely resilient shock absorbers." The team envisions their discovery finding its way into body armor, car bumpers, bushings and even in shoe soles, but we're hoping that cellphones and PMPs get lined with this stuff to protect from those butter-finger moments.

[Via Physorg]

Filed under:

Shock-absorbing carbon springs to protect falling gizmos originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acccarbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubesclemsoncoiled carbon nanotubesCoiledCarbonNanotubesimpactnanotechnologynanotubenanotubesprotectionresearchshock-absorbingspringuniversityThu, 14 Aug 2008 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-10, Big Ten and Big East to cut down the nets in HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/pac-10-big-ten-and-big-east-to-cut-down-the-nets-in-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/pac-10-big-ten-and-big-east-to-cut-down-the-nets-in-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/pac-10-big-ten-and-big-east-to-cut-down-the-nets-in-hd/#commentsBig Ten, Pac 10, Big East NCAA tournaments in HD
Oh yeah, more good news for college hoops fans. Fans of Pac-10, Big Ten and Big East NCAA men's basketball will not take a backseat to the ACC, and will be treated to their conference tournaments in HD as well. The Big East tournament will be covered by ESPN HD. The Big Ten series gets help from, The Big Ten Network (naturally), ESPN2 and ESPN. And the tournament for this year's critic-favorite, the Pac 10, will be on Comcast SportsNet (with the championship on CBS). Check the schedule listings below and start lining up your multi-tuner setup plan!

Continue reading Pac-10, Big Ten and Big East to cut down the nets in HD

Filed under: , ,

Pac-10, Big Ten and Big East to cut down the nets in HD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACCbasketballBig EastBig TenCBSComcastESPNespn hdESPN2espnhdhdNCAAPac 10sportsSportsNettournamentMon, 03 Mar 2008 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[ACC brings its HD A-game to the tournament]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/26/acc-brings-its-hd-a-game-to-the-tournament/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/26/acc-brings-its-hd-a-game-to-the-tournament/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/26/acc-brings-its-hd-a-game-to-the-tournament/#commentsACC Conference tournament in HDPundits may be calling men's basketball in the ACC "weaker" this year than in the past, but the conference will be bringing the HD to you strong during its tournament. Between Raycom, ESPN and ESPN2, all the conference tournament games will be available in HD. This is a great way to start off the season that is March Madness, so consult the listing of local Raycom affiliates and the ACC Tournament schedule after the break and start planning your "sick" days early, folks!

Continue reading ACC brings its HD A-game to the tournament

Filed under:

ACC brings its HD A-game to the tournament originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACCbasketballESPNESPN2hdRaycomsportstournamentTue, 26 Feb 2008 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke University: home to world's largest 802.11n wireless network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/duke-university-home-to-worlds-largest-802-11n-wireless-networ/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/duke-university-home-to-worlds-largest-802-11n-wireless-networ/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/duke-university-home-to-worlds-largest-802-11n-wireless-networ/#comments
We know, most of you Blue Devil fans are still reeling from that recent loss to Wake Forest, but if it's any consolation, at least your campus is about to become home to the "world's largest" 802.11n wireless network. Last we heard, The Ohio State University held the crown for Earth's biggest WLAN with 1,700 access points lit, but according to Cisco, Duke's campus will soon house 2,500 Aironet 1250 Series APs. The installation will leave more than six million square feet of central North Carolina blanketed in WiFi, and will supposedly be the "largest planned 802.11n wireless network in the world by any organization to date." Watch out, Dukies -- we hear those folks in Chapel Hill have a thing for swiping unsecured signals.

Filed under: ,

Duke University: home to world's largest 802.11n wireless network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11naccciscodukeDuke UniversityDukeUniversityinternetuniversitywifiwirelesswlanworld recordWorldRecordTue, 19 Feb 2008 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Raycom serving up select ACC men's basketball games in HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/raycom-serving-up-select-acc-mens-basketball-games-in-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/raycom-serving-up-select-acc-mens-basketball-games-in-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/raycom-serving-up-select-acc-mens-basketball-games-in-hd/#commentsFor fans of the Atlantic Coast Conference, catching the ACC Tournament last year in high-definition was a treat. Thankfully, Raycom Sports will be blessing fans with more of the same this year, but it seems we won't have to wait until March to indulge. According to a sponsorship opportunity found on the company's website, four regular season matchups will be broadcast in HD along with every second of the 2008 ACC Tourney in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kicking things off on January 31st will be the Wolfpack from NC State taking on Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium, while the Blue Devils head down to Chapel Hill on February 6th to tangle with the Tar Heels. On February 9th, NC State will meet up with Maryland and on February 12th, UNC will head to Virginia to play the Cavaliers. For a complete listing of regions where these games can be seen, check out the read link below.

[Thanks, WallyB]

Filed under: , , ,

Raycom serving up select ACC men's basketball games in HD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accbasketballcablehdhd sportsHdSportsotaraycomsportsportsThu, 10 Jan 2008 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Fraunhofer says HD-ACC will make CDs "obsolete"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/fraunhofer-says-hd-acc-will-make-cds-obsolete/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/fraunhofer-says-hd-acc-will-make-cds-obsolete/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/fraunhofer-says-hd-acc-will-make-cds-obsolete/#commentsThose Fraunhofer folks are nothing if not prolific, and it now looks like they're getting a little boastful as well, as evidenced by some comments reps from the group made at CES this week. As MacWorld reports, Fraunhofer IIS is not only saying that its new HD-ACC codec is "better than CD," but that it "makes CDs obsolete." That is apparently due to the codec's lossless compression of 24-bit music content, as opposed to the 16-bit, 44.1 kHz quality now found on CDs. What's more, the HD-AAC encoding process embeds a so-called "core layer" on any device that supports plain old AACs, although you'll obviously need a player with an HD-AAC decoder in order to take advantage of the fully lossless signal. Of course, some formats have a tendency to take off more quickly than others, so we'll just have to wait and see how HD-ACC plays out in the grander scheme of things.

Filed under:

Fraunhofer says HD-ACC will make CDs "obsolete" originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accfraunhoferfraunhofer iisFraunhoferIishd-accportable audioportableaudioTue, 08 Jan 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[NC State researchers working up longevous capacitors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/21/nc-state-researchers-working-up-longevous-capacitors/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/21/nc-state-researchers-working-up-longevous-capacitors/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/21/nc-state-researchers-working-up-longevous-capacitors/#comments
If being able to recharge your future collection of batteries "a thousand times more" than your existing stockpile sounds enticing, a team of NC State physicists now have your attention. Thanks to their research on the electromechanical properties of the commonly used polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), they have discovered that when combined with CTFE (that's yet another polymer), it may allow capacitors to store "up to seven times more energy than those currently in use." According to Vivek Ranjan, the process moves atoms within the material "in order to make the polymer rearrange with the least voltage," and this storage booster could even be used to allow electric cars of the future to sport the "same acceleration capability as a gas-powered sports car." Sounds like more than a few manufacturers are desperate for something like this, eh?

[Image courtesy of Biopact]

Filed under:

NC State researchers working up longevous capacitors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 01:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accalternative energyAlternativeEnergybatteriesbatteryCapacitorselectricityenergync stateNcStatepowerresearchuniversitywolfpackSat, 21 Jul 2007 01:51:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhones bogging down Duke University's WiFi network?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/17/iphones-bogging-down-duke-universitys-wifi-network/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/17/iphones-bogging-down-duke-universitys-wifi-network/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/17/iphones-bogging-down-duke-universitys-wifi-network/#commentsWhile the Blue Devils may have their basketball program running like a well-oiled machine, apparently its wireless LAN structure is in dire need of an upgrade. Reportedly, so many Dukies have snatched up iPhones and began using the campus WiFi network to surf on the go that the hordes of requests have been "temporarily knocking out anywhere from a dozen to 30 wireless access points at a time." Cisco, the university's main WLAN provider, has been called in to find out exactly why the overload has brought the network to its proverbial knees, and we'd say they better resolve the problem pronto -- after all, this issue could be magnified immensely with the commencement of the fall semester.

[Via Fox News]

Filed under: , , , , , ,

iPhones bogging down Duke University's WiFi network? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accappleatandtattbroadbanddukeedgegsminternetiphoneiphone osiphoneosmobilemobile internetMobileInternetnetworknetwork problemNetworkProblemoutageuniversitywifiTue, 17 Jul 2007 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The sights and sounds of RoboCup 2007]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-robocup-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-robocup-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-robocup-2007/#comments
While you've already gotten a taste of the prep work involved at RoboCup 2007, we know a more multimedia-packed perspective of the gala is more likely to quench your appetite for roboto-a-roboto action. From mechanical canines bending it like Beckham to Wiimote-controlled AIBOs, Atlanta is the place to be if you're looking for all things robotic. Best of all, the gurus inside have translated their circuitry and programming skills over to the camera, and a well-stocked Flickr pool and YouTube library are already beginning to form. So go on, give the links below a gander, and be sure to check back as the week unfolds to catch even more of the madness at this year's RoboCup.

Read - Northern Bites Blog
Read - RoboCup 2007 Flickr pool
Read - RoboCup 2007 YouTube library

Filed under:

The sights and sounds of RoboCup 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acccompetitiongeorgia techGeorgiaTechgthands-onpicspicturesrobocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007snapshotsnapshotsvideoWed, 04 Jul 2007 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup 2007: let the games begin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/robocup-2007-let-the-games-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/robocup-2007-let-the-games-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/robocup-2007-let-the-games-begin/#comments
While we weren't able to get a first-hand glimpse of the mayhem that is RoboCup this time around, a camera-wielding Georgia Tech graduate student was able to do the honors for us all, and snagged quite a bit of impressive footage from the expo. Many of the shots were snapped during yesterday's practice rounds as competitors prepped their gear for battle (which began yesterday), and we must say that the oh-so-athletic Junior Soccer League robots are worth the price of admission alone. Still, even if witnessing robotic contention in person isn't enough to drag you to Atlanta, be sure to click through to get a glimpse of homegrown robotic innovation at its finest.

Continue reading RoboCup 2007: let the games begin

Filed under:

RoboCup 2007: let the games begin originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accatlantacompetitiongeorgiageorgia techGeorgiaTechgthands-onpicspicturepicturesrobocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007snapshotsvideoWed, 04 Jul 2007 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Virginia Tech football helmets monitor hits wirelessly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/virginia-tech-football-helmets-monitor-hits-wirelessly/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/virginia-tech-football-helmets-monitor-hits-wirelessly/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/virginia-tech-football-helmets-monitor-hits-wirelessly/#commentsWhile the Virginia Tech Hokies tend to rely more on dazzling special teams teams play than sheer defensive prowess, the players take a lickin' regardless. In a presumed extension of Beamer Ball, the sparkly helmets donned by the football squad will sport internal accelerometers and wireless transmitters that beam (ahem) information about the seriousness of each blow to a Sybase database in order to tell if and when a certain player has had enough. The primary objective is to prevent any long-term injuries and detect concussions before individuals can even realize they're hurt, and an interesting byproduct of the system has shown what types of thwacks are typically sustained at different positions. The HITS (head impact telemetry system) technology could reportedly be used in places like the battlefield as well, or moreover, rigorous rounds of Wii Boxing -- but we're sure WVU's Punchstat system is already on top of that.

[Photo courtesy of VT]

Filed under: ,

Virginia Tech football helmets monitor hits wirelessly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accaccelerometersbraincollegefootballhead impact telemetry systemHeadImpactTelemetrySystemHITShokiesinjuriesinjurymonitoringOsteopathysensorsensorsSimbexsportsSybasetelemetryuniversityvirginiavirginia techVirginiaTechFri, 13 Apr 2007 02:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Georgia Tech researchers develop environmentally-powered nanogenerators]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/11/georgia-tech-researchers-develop-environmentally-powered-nanogen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/11/georgia-tech-researchers-develop-environmentally-powered-nanogen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/11/georgia-tech-researchers-develop-environmentally-powered-nanogen/#commentsWhile the school of the Ramblin' Wreck may be best known for its barrage of engineering graduates, the university has been on quite the medical trip of late, as researchers have reportedly developed a nanometer-scale generator after already cranking out nanowires that monitor your blood pressure. The aptly-named nanogenerators can produce "continuous direct-current electricity by harvesting mechanical energy from such environmental sources as ultrasonic waves, mechanical vibration or blood flow," which translates into easy energy for implanted and worn medical gadgetry of the future. Interestingly, the project was funded by the likes of the National Science Foundation and our pals at DARPA, and while this invention may not quite match up with wireless charging (hey, we're scared of hospitals), the concept is novel nonetheless. So if you were hoping that dreams of implanted analysis of your vitals would suddenly cease, things aren't looking up for you.

[Via MedGadget]

Filed under:

Georgia Tech researchers develop environmentally-powered nanogenerators originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 01:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelectricityenergygeneratorgeorgia techGeorgiaTechgreengthealthinventionmedicalnanogeneratornanotechnologynanowirespowerresearchuniversityWed, 11 Apr 2007 01:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey sez LED lit parking garages seem safer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/survey-sez-led-lit-parking-garages-seem-safer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/survey-sez-led-lit-parking-garages-seem-safer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/survey-sez-led-lit-parking-garages-seem-safer/#comments
We had a sneaking suspicion that there was an ulterior motive behind Raleigh getting lit up as the "world's first LED city," and aside from savings tons of dough on energy bills over the next decade or so, it seems to make motorists feel a good bit safer, too. According to a before and after survey conducted by Mindwave Research, the number of respondents who "perceived the garage as very safe increased by 76-percent after the LED fixtures were installed." Admittedly, the newfangled lighting certainly added a new level of brightness to the situation, and the number of individuals who gave the garage an overall rating of "excellent" increased by 100-percent in response. The (unnecessarily lengthy) survey also added a few more minor figures to further prove that LED lighting is simply superior to the other stuff , but we're not yet sure if Cree will successfully use this ammunition to grab even more contracts to freshen up the city lights.

Filed under:

Survey sez LED lit parking garages seem safer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acccreeelectrcityenergygaragegaragesledled cityled lightingLedCityLedLightinglightinglitncnc stateNcStatenorth carolinaNorthCarolinaparking garageParkingGaragepowerraleighsafersafetysurveywolfpackFri, 30 Mar 2007 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft developing virtual headphone algorithm]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/26/microsoft-developing-virtual-headphone-algorithm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/26/microsoft-developing-virtual-headphone-algorithm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/26/microsoft-developing-virtual-headphone-algorithm/#commentsConsidering that Vista isn't exactly getting perfectly positive praise, it looks like Microsoft is looking into other ways to bring cashflow to Redmond. While we already know the firm is diving head first into the VoIP handset market, it looks like it'll also be involved with a new virtual headphone. In an effort to allow VoIP / computer-based communications to be handled without tethering yourself to your PC and also allow you to hear ambient conversations around the office, researchers at Microsoft have "developed an algorithm that adjusts the timing of sound waves emitted from each speaker in an array, creating a focused beam of sound that acts as virtual headphones." Essentially, the speakers would create a "sweet spot" so that computer users could hear the audio perfectly, while individuals just inches away from the sound zone wouldn't hear much more than a peep. Furthermore, the focused wave technology could even bleed over into the tracking realm, which could actually allow the tones to follow one around as they move. Ideally, the creators want to conjure up a beamforming system that is easy to configure and relatively inexpensive, but we're hearing (ahem) that it'll be at least three years before these aural luxuries break into the corporate sphere.

Filed under:

Microsoft developing virtual headphone algorithm originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 07:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accalgorithmaudioauralcansclemsonheadphonesmicrosoftmusicportable audioportableaudioredmondsoundspeakerspeakerstechfestvirtual headphonesVirtualHeadphonesMon, 26 Mar 2007 07:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke researchers envision mind-controlled weaponry]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/duke-researchers-envision-mind-controlled-weaponry/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/duke-researchers-envision-mind-controlled-weaponry/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/duke-researchers-envision-mind-controlled-weaponry/#commentsThe Blue Devils certainly haven't fared well on the hardwood of late, but a group of engineering minds at Duke University are thinking up ways to get even. While we can't actually confirm the motives, a recent patent filing spells out details of a device that can "use the brain's thoughts to control an array of mechanical and electrical devices, up to and including weapons." Thought-controlled interfaces have long since been available, but these researchers are suggesting that everything from household items like televisions and ovens to "weapons systems" could be used to not only "improve one's quality of life," but could actually produce thoughts that litearlly kill. Interestingly, the verbiage even mentions that the recently-ratified UWB technology could be used to beam commands from your devious brain, and although it's not surprising to find that DARPA has a hand in funding department, we're still not any closer to finding out when our military will switch from triggers to impulses.

[Via Wired]

Filed under: ,

Duke researchers envision mind-controlled weaponry originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accblue devilsBlueDevilsbrain-controlledbrain-controllingdarpadefensedukeinterfaceMind-Controlledpatentpatentedpatentsresearchthought-controlledthought-controllingultra-widebanduniversityuwbweaponweaponsTue, 20 Mar 2007 20:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Mivx officially unveils MX-760HD HD WiFi media streamer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/29/mivx-officially-unveils-mx-760hd-hd-wifi-media-streamer/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/29/mivx-officially-unveils-mx-760hd-hd-wifi-media-streamer/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/29/mivx-officially-unveils-mx-760hd-hd-wifi-media-streamer/#comments
Mvix has certainly found its way to your living room before, and we've heard the rumblings of its latest HD streaming / storage device coming to fruition, but just before the holiday rush the firm is officially releasing the MX-760HD Wireless HD Media Center. This feature-laden box supports wireless media (HD thankfully included) streaming over 802.11g with full WEP support, and comes packed with an optional 200 to 750GB hard drive to store files remotely. Sporting a 7.4- x 7.6- x 2.3-inch enclosure, the Linux-based box plays nice with Windows systems and outputs in NTSC / PAL, and even includes an external LCD to give you quick updates on what's going where. Aside from WiFi, it also features Ethernet connectivity and USB ports, and Mvix even includes a remote to control the action from afar. On the rear, you'll find outputs for DVI, component, composite, stereo, and optical / coaxial digital audio to play back any of your DivX, MPEG 1/2/4, WMV, ASF, DAT, DVD, IFO, VOB, ISO, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, PCM, AC3, DTS, BMP, JPEG, and PNG files -- and that's just the tip of the iceberg. So if you're scouting a svelte HD streamer with internal storage to boot, the MX-760HD can be pre-ordered now (sans an internal HDD) for $329.

[Thanks, Chris and Rich]

Filed under: ,

Mivx officially unveils MX-760HD HD WiFi media streamer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11gaccdivxhd streamerhd streamingHdStreamerHdStreaminghdtvlinuxmediamedia streamerMediaStreamermivxMX-760HDoggwifiWed, 29 Nov 2006 12:33:00 EST