End User

NVISION 2008: The EndUser Recap

NVISION 08, Nvidia's first "great big visual computing show" incorporated their massive GeForceLAN, PartnerForce conference, and a show floor packed full of exhibits in one event. This caffeine-fueled, 3-D accelerated, and even star studded 3 day event took place in San Jose, California early last week.

The show officially started with the opening keynote by NVIDIA's CEO Jen-Hsun Huang. Those expecting recaps to the company's economic performance, and new product launches were met with well, a different format. This wasn't a Steve Jobs Apple keynote. Nvidia's CEO spent the majority of the time talking about the way the GPU's parallel process is beginning to change the way we tackle problems in science, industry, and of course gaming technology. Various guests joined Mr. Huang on stage, including Taehoon Kim, developer of the game "Nurien," Jeff Han from Perspective Pixel, and Tricia Helfer from "Battlestar Galactica"/"Burn Notice."

Arguably, one of the most impressive demos during the keynote was Jeff Han's demonstration of Perspective Pixel's intuitive interface-free multi-touch display. The huge multi-touch display relied on gestures to call up command menus and other common to advanced tasks. The demo included a photo viewer/editor, where he moved photos by touch around the workspace as if they were physical photos on a desktop. With a flick of a finger they would move around the virtual desk and zooming in and out of each photo was accomplished by the now familiar gesture of pinching two fingers together. There was also a Google Earth-like map that he tilted and flew over with similar gestures. Han was named one of "Time Magazine's 2008 100 Most Influential People in The World," no small feat as his innovation was in part what makes the iPhone so intuitive.

Tricia Helfer then joined Huang on stage to discuss how visual computing has impacted working as an actress in Hollywood today, and her hit series, Battlestar Galactica. They showed a few clips of the show where she had to interact with computer generated characters. She elaborated on the challenges of working with actors that weren't physically there. Another example she gave was the complex procedure of acting in scenes with "multiples" of herself, where visualizing events in one's mind, and hitting precise cues were key. She definitely lent a more lighthearted and entertaining feel to the keynote, yet provided a very intelligent look into the process of acting with visual computing technologies. She did mention some upcoming projects and hinted at the possibility of a BSG movie.

The rest of NVISION closely echoed the ideas mapped out in the keynote. The graphics industry has been about "faster" and "prettier" for far too long. NVIDIA seems confident in how they are tackling increases in graphics rendering speed and new API features in each generation of their GPUs. With CUDA (NVIDIA's C programming language), they see the GPU becoming more than what we traditionally think of it as. NVIDIA is also tackling the issues of power consumption, and heat in their GPUs. The general idea they are pursuing is to vastly improve "hybrid" technology. To be able to make a GPU consume incredibly low amounts of power when it is engaged in less demanding tasks or when it is idle. Though beyond that, NVIDIA's strategy for power and heat reduction in their GPUs is still unclear, however it is definitely on their radar of issues to solve.

Some cool new programs that were shown at the show were "Badaboom," a CUDA enabled media converter. While early previews have been lukewarm, at the moment it is being tweaked and re-tooled for even more performance and quality. Even with the beta though, evidence of dramatically faster media conversion is apparent with GPU parallel processing. Converting a video for your PC to a device like the iPhone takes a fraction of the time a traditional CPU would need. An impressive portion of this demo was that you could toggle GPU utilization on and off on the fly and see the performance benefit right before your eyes. The difference in transcoding speed was night and day. It definitely makes transferring videos to your iPod a much quicker task. While the program was available to many sites for preview purposes, it is not available to the public yet. The speed is there, but they are working on making the video quality surpass expectations for the public release version.

CoolIris (formerly PicLens) was another program that was on display. The program makes browsing images on the web a richer and more robust experience when using a site like Google image search. With it's tight integration with Firefox, CoolIris is a fun program that all GeForce owners can enjoy now for free. It utilizes GPU acceleration to render images quicker, smooth browsing, and zooming in and out. The program promises to offer more than just a visually stunning browsing experience for images, it intends to extend itself to videos, media sharing, and shopping (on Amazon no less!).

Microsoft's Live Labs also showed off their new "Photosynth" web application. It has been making rounds around the blogosphere in the recent weeks and people have already been trying it out. With this tool you can re create a 3-D space from a series of photos taken in a common space. It identifies key pixels in each photo and creates a 3-D cloud map. Then aligning the photos according to the map, you are able to navigate your photos as a 3-D environment. The demo was very impressive and again it is something you can try for yourself right now. However at the moment, it requires you to take a set of photos from scratch, you can't yet create a "synth" from an existing set of photos you may have taken say, last year. Some may say that a lot of the programs on display at NVISION were not new, but honestly, these programs are still very fresh. The fact that you can try them now yourself and utilize your GPU's performance with them is something NVIDIA wanted to really get across to everyone. The install base for NVIDIA PhysX, 3-D Stereoscopic technology, and CUDA accelerated programs is huge considering how many of us are already using GeForce 8 series or higher video cards.

Oh and of course the closing keynote featured Adam Savage & Jamie Hyneman, the Mythbusters, explaining the difference between CPU computing and GPU computing in a way only the Mysthbusters can:

--Ken H.

New Microsoft Technology?

In the past few days, you may have noticed increased speculation in the blogosphere about Microsoft’s new ads featuring the "Say Goodbye to Laser" tagline. It’s believed by many that these ads refer to a mouse with new tracking technology launching on September 9. Designed to work on multiple surfaces, this mouse is rumored to go where no laser or optical mouse has gone before. While we can’t confirm or deny this mouse’s existence, we can encourage you to check back on September 9 to see what new products Microsoft has launched.

-- Lisa M.

Go Ahead, Touch It: Archos Launches Updated Devices

Archos has revamped its line of highly flexible portable media players with the new Archos 5 and Archos 7 Internet Media Tablets (IMTs). Like the previous 605 and 705 models, the new IMTs are equipped with Wi-Fi capability and large touchscreens. Archos has added a faster processor, expanded storage space, and updated the on-board Internet suite to create a device that begins to rival the functionality of a modern laptop. The 5 series comes in 60, 120, and 250 GB sizes and has a 4.8-inch screen; the 7 series gives you the choice of a 160 or 320 GB drive and sports a huge 7-inch display. Both are capable of 800 x 480 resolution, which is more than twice the resolution of iPod touch and iPhone screens. This makes for crisp video playback, and those who use the IMT to browse the web will find that they don't have to constantly zoom in and out to view pages. Also, unlike the Safari browser on Apple's devices, Archos' integrated web browser fully supports Flash 9.  These units aren't the lightest players on the market, though--they weigh in anywhere from 8.8 to 23 ounces, depending on screen size and capacity.

Archos also has updated its line of peripherals to go along with the new 5 and 7 series. The DVR Station hooks directly into HDTVs to record programs for later playback on Archos devices, or right on the HDTV itself. Owners also can use the DVR Station to browse the Internet on their television with the included remote control, which features a miniature keyboard and control pad. Additionally, the DVR Station can stream media from home computers to the television via Wi-Fi.

The tiny DVR Snap-On connects directly to the Archos player and has a composite video input and a stereo audio input, which allows the Archos IMT to function as a portable audio and video recorder. The Mini Dock provides S-Video, composite, and stereo outputs for the IMT, as well as a USB host connection that can transfer files directly from flash drives and digital cameras. The Battery Dock has the same functionality as the Mini Dock, but also packs an external battery for extended playback time. Archos has even created a miniature Helmet Cam that can record video directly to the player, although you'd have to be pretty brave (or well off) to skate half-pipe with a 7-inch screen strapped to your body.  You can check out all of the new Archos offerings here, or click here to browse their previous models.

-- Jon D.

Bose Intros the New SoundDock Series II

Bose announced on Thursday that it will be releasing the new SoundDock Series II in early September for $299. Along with being able to charge and play most every iPod released in the last four years, the redesigned model will add support for the Apple iPhone.  It also features an auxiliary input that is suitable for non-Apple MP3 players and other audio sources.  Bose has shielded the Series II speakers and wiring from the infuriating warble and buzz of mobile phone interference--which is great news for those of us who've constructed aluminum Fortresses of Solitude for our iPhones. Its updated gloss black design borrows more from the SoundDock Portable than the original SoundDock, whose retail price will drop to $229.

--Jon D.

Photos Come Flying In

The future of digital photo frames has arrived with the Picwing wireless frame. While there's nothing new or innovative about building a digital photo frame with WiFi capabilities, there is something undeniably cool about the Picwing concept.

The frame runs on Linux technology enabling perhaps a greater degree of flexibility in terms of add-ons, etc. Moreover, most frames are purely hardware driven, with little-to-no thought put into the software. Picwing changes that. Furthermore, Picwing uses Flash to display media, which is good in that it allows for higher quality slideshows, and in general, is a better visual experience.

What I like about this frame, is that it sends photos from your photo album (set up on the Picwing site) directly to your digital photo frame or any other frame you have set up. For example, I have family who live far away. I'd love to get them a frame like this, and be able to send them pictures almost instantaneously.

On top of the WiFi capability and superior built-in software, the frame itself is encased in a rather fetching wooden border. Now, this may seem inconsequential, but the fact is, many digital frames on the market today, are, shall we say, aesthetically challenged? The Picwing, may not be a work of art, but it does the trick. - JB Storey

Finding the Best MP3 Player for You

Until 2001--when Apple launched its first iPod--taking your music with you was somewhat limited. Remember those bulky CD wallets? Or mix tapes, anyone? Sure, the music was portable, but taking the bulk of your collection on the road meant shoeboxes of cassettes and CDs. Alas, the advent of iPods and MP3 players has created the ability to take thousands of songs with you wherever you go on a device that fits in your pocket. That's the good news. On the other hand, hundreds of MP3 players are on the market, and finding the ideal player for your needs can be overwhelming.

Last week, Amazon.com launched the MP3 & Media Players Knowledge Center, an educational resource that answers your most pressing questions about these must-have gadgets. Questions that are answered include what is an MP3? Do MP3 players show videos? What kinds of features do MP3 players have? How do you add music to an MP3 player? What about videos? Which MP3 player is best for working out?

The Knowledge Center also features Tips of the Week (how to extend your battery life, for example), Discussion & Forums, a glossary of related terms (everything from "auxiliary input" to "Zune"), explanations of players' ecosystems (the Zune Social, for instance), and much more.

So, before you make your next player purchase, check out the Knowledge Center to help determine which one is best for you.

--Andi

 

Wherefore Art Thou, KVM?: Hands-on with IoGear and Belkin's Entry-Level KVM Switches

I've recently been looking for a used Mac to play around developing iPhone apps on. In preparation of finding one and integrating it into my current home setup, I recently went out looking for a basic, inexpensive KVM switch. Little did I know what a headache I was in for.

If you're not familiar with KVM switches, they're devices that allow you to connect a single monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers to several different desktop or laptop computers. By using a manual switch on the device, or a remote, or a hotkey on the keyboard, you can switch back and forth between two or more computers that are powered on.

At the moment there are only two major players in the sub-$70 KVM switch game, in the sense that most big-box retailers only carry one or both of these two: the IoGear Miniview and the Belkin Flip. Each comes in various flavors, such as PS/2 ports vs. USB, but they're essentially the same device in each case. In this case, I tested an example of each using my home PC and several different laptops in various configurations. The operating systems involved were Windows XP Pro, XP Home Media Center Edition, and Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04.

I first went with the IoGear MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio. The IoGear switches computers by use of tapping the Scroll Lock key twice. I hooked it up and for about five minutes it worked wonderfully. Then, after the second switch back and forth, one computer locked up and required a hard reboot. After that, every time I tried to switch back and forth, the IoGear would arbitrarily change my monitor's refresh rate, usually to something outside of its range--meaning I effectively couldn't switch to the other computer.

Checking the sparse support section of IoGear's web site yielded no helpful information. After about two hours of checking websites and switching cables around to try to find a magically working configuration, I gave up and returned it.

My second attempt was the Belkin Flip USB KVM Switch with RF Remote. I liked the idea of having a little wireless remote that I can just tap to switch between machines. Hooking it up was a cinch, but once I powered everything on I was faced with a key problem: the remote didn't work. Tapping the remote produced a light signalling the switch, but my screen stayed where it was.

Checking Belkin's support site yielded no fix for the remote, chalking it up to interference from a nearby device. Okay, fair enough--except that my RF Harmony 1000 remote works just fine (and turning it off and removing it from the room didn't help). a separate software download that allowed you to make the switch via either a selection of hotkeys or an icon in the systray that would allow you to flip the audio, video, or both. (Though the fact that this software wasn't bundled with the device makes me feel like it was a "patch" created when multiple people complained about the wired and wireless remotes both not working.) This works so far, though it needs to be installed separately on each machine connected to the switch.

In both cases, the products' support forums and reviews are filled with unhappy customers with switches that work erratically or not at all. I'm not sure why an inexpensive, working KVM switch seems to be so difficult to come by. My Flip is working fine so far using the additional software, but the remote is a lost cause. The true test will be when I replace one of these Windows machines with a Mac--I can't say I'm optimistic about the prospect.

(NOTE: In both cases, Linux support was spotty at best, which was fine as the devices didn't explicitly claim to support Linux...but using two XP machines yielded identical results for both switches.)

It's true that there isn't a huge percentage of the home computer userbase that needs a KVM switch, but that doesn't mean that those who do shouldn't be able to find a simple, inexpensive switch that works out of the box, and these two entry-level switches just don't cut it. There are a number of people who have used each of these switches who claim no problems whatsoever, but if you're in the market for a sub-$70 KVM, all I can say is be sure to keep your receipt handy.

--Aric A.

Thanks to All Who Entered the End User Custom PC Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered our End User Custom Gaming PC giveaway.  We've selected a winner and have sent notification, and we'll announce the winner here in a few days.

In the meantime, if you're raring for more custom PC goodness, check out Amazon.com's PC Components store, or if you just want to watch the fun, check out Maximum PC's Dream Machine 2008.

Thanks again to all who entered, and keep watching this space for more cool gadgets contests, giveaways, and prizes.

--Aric A.

Bites from the Apple: All You Can Eat

The autonomous breakaway Apple region of the gadgetosphere was up in arms this week over an anonymous email sent to several rumor sites (including Mac Daily News) that foretold of a new iTunes subscription service to be unveiled this fall. According to this scoop, the service would cost $130 a year, would provide subscription access to about 50 percent of the iTunes store, and would give you the option of buying and keeping (which, I assume, would allow you to burn to CD) rather than just renting. But wait, there's more slightly confusing details... if you have a MobileMe account, the subscription goes down to $99 a year (or bundled with MobileMe for $179), which points to a potential "expanded MobileMe service that would let you access 'the cloud' (Apple calls it iDisk) from your iPhone or iPod Touch," according to CNet's One More Thing.

For years, Steve Jobs has had nothing but contempt for subscription services, believing that iTunes users want to own their music outright. But could this be yet another moment where Jobs sees the market ripe for an Apple incursion and puts aside his past mockery? On one side, none of the major subscription-based models such as eMusic or Rhapsody have been doing gangbusters, but CNet's Digital Noise blog notes that the rumored $130 a year price tag would definitely undercut the competition while providing a familiar distribution point in the iTunes software. Additionally, Wired's Listening Post reminds us that Jobs has "(admitted) that the average iPod user has purchased only 22 songs from the iTunes music store. The ability of connected players such as the iPhone and iPod Touch to download new songs over the air may have convinced the Apple CEO that subscriptions could be the best way to get people to consume -- and pay for -- more music."

Several blogs like the Silicon Alley Insider who say this isn't happening, based on what they're hearing from sources. But would you be willing to fork over another $130 for an all-you-can-eat subscription? Personally, I'd probably shy away from it. I've tried a few of the services out there, and I just didn't utilize them as much as I thought I would. And, more often then not, I returned to the music that I actually bought because that was the stuff that mattered most to me. Anyhoo, let us know what you think in the comments while we take a swing through the Apple-y goodness that was this last week.

• AppleInsider reports that retailers are running out of current stocks of iPods, which points to something new on the horizon. But will that horizon be rainbow colored?

• Much has been made this week about the announcement of OpenClip, an open-source community project that would foster the Holy Grail feature that iPhone users have been clamoring for: copy and paste. This functionality would actually be implemented by applications taking advantage of a loophole within the iPhone OS in order to shuffle data from one app to another--thusly, it wouldn't be a global feature, and definitely one that wouldn't be found in Apple's apps (see more at IntoMobile and One More Thing). However, Gizmodo and John Gruber at Daring Fireball throw water on OpenClip's viability, noting that this loophole is getting closed in the next version (2.1) of the iPhone OS.

• What to do with that ExpressCard slot in you MacBook Pro? My pal Jeff Carlson has some suggestions for you in the latest issue of Macworld, including additional storage, connection to multiple monitors.

• When the iPhone 3G was unveiled just last month, there were lines of crazed buyers at Apple and AT&T stores everywhere on opening day. It seems that the iPhone craze isn't that great in Poland, where the territory's cellular operator has had to hire actors to stand in line to simulate the frenzy (via CNet's Crave).

• Last week we celebrated the iMac's 10th anniversary and noted how the iconographic computer had inspired gadget design for many years. Well, now the iPhone is doing the same, as we've seen from many iPhone-wanna-be-killers like the Samsung Instinct and LG Dare and now for your home's cordless phone. Wired brings us the details on the OpenFrame phone, which features a very familiar touchscreen landscape that also gets ported over to satellite handsets. But more than just telecommunications, the developer (OpenPeak) says the device can also be used as a digital picture frame and to listen to Internet radio.

  

• The Register is reporting that China may be banning access to Apple's iTunes Store, most likely due to the fact that it's been promoting a Tibet-themed album, which includes artists such as Sting, Ben Harper and Moby. (Frankly, Sting has been banned in my house since his Mercury Falling album.)

• Here's a very cool application that hasn't quite made it into official application-dom (either via iTunes or the jailbroken black market): David O'Reilly's iHologram, which takes the cat character from his Please Say Something web animation series and creates a 3D illusion of it walking on the iPhone screen (hat tip to my colleague, Aric). Check out the video demonstration:

  
  iHologram - iPhone application from David OReilly on Vimeo.

--Agen G.N. Schmitz

Review: Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Taken with the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro

DSLR lenses are specialized tools -- they can open up new opportunities that point-and-shoot cameras can't, but they also have some limitations. Usually the first way a new user discovers this is when they try and take very close macro shots that had worked great on their point-and-shoots, and finding out that the fancy new camera can't focus anywhere near as close.

The good news is that there are a slew of specialized macro lenses for every model of DSLR. The bad news, of course, is that they cost more money. But the good news is that pretty much every macro I've ever heard of is exceedingly sharp, even from brands like Vivitar that don't always inspire confidence. So what would it mean if a company released a lens so sharp that even users of all these other tack-sharp macros were surprised? And what if it were one of the cheapest lenses in its class?

At first glance, that's exactly what Sigma seems to have accomplished with the 70mm f/2.8. Review after review have noted how sharp it is, even wide-open, from corner to corner. It sounded too tempting to resist, so I picked one up for myself. Here's what you need to know about this lens: