Nintendo, NTT DoCoMo testing DS-powered speech translator

Nintendo and NTT DoCoMo are reportedly teaming up in order to create a voice-to-text system that’ll help hearing-impaired children study. Using a modified DSi , speech is converted into text which is then archived in the cloud — accessible afterward as a learning aid. That way, a teacher can have their words instantly typed up for reading by the students, who can also play interactive games to help them get along. Trials of the system are being held in Tottori and Okinawa Prefectures, with the overall aim of letting them use it as a universal translator outside the classroom. We’re worried we’d be too tempted to swap out Tactical Assault during maths class. Nintendo, NTT DoCoMo testing DS-powered speech translator originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EDT.

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Nintendo, NTT DoCoMo testing DS-powered speech translator

Visualized: futuristic AMELIA aircraft (theoretically) soars through NASA wind tunnel

It’s the Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics, and it’s the brainchild of many, many intelligent beings planted at California Polytechnic State University. The aircraft has been in design courtesy of a grant from NASA , touting engines above the wings and the ability to achieve shockingly short takeoffs and landings. And did we mention it looks sexier than a freshly-washed 787 ? Yeah. Continue reading Visualized: futuristic AMELIA aircraft (theoretically) soars through NASA wind tunnel Visualized: futuristic AMELIA aircraft (theoretically) soars through NASA wind tunnel originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

Ask Engadget: Best HD LED Pico Projector for a small room?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is from Ellio, who fancies switching up his home entertainment kit with a HD LED projector. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com . “I’m looking to buy a small HD LED projector to use at home for movies and games etc. I’d prefer it to be small to avoid having another large black box cluttering up the place and LED because of the decent lifetime compared to traditional projectors. I’d be happy with a 720p resolution device, but a lot of pico projectors are under 30 lumens, is this level sufficient for a decent size-display in a dim room? Thanks a bunch!” So, what’s it gonna be dear friends? If you don’t know the drill: it’s a jump to your left, a step to your right, put your hands on your hips and leave a comment below.

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Ask Engadget: Best HD LED Pico Projector for a small room?

Sprint Galaxy Nexus registration page gets served up by Google

Good news is here for folks on Sprint who’ve been anxiously waiting for a first taste of LTE connectivity and Ice Cream Sandwich. Google’s official Galaxy Nexus website has quietly gone live with a registration section for anyone on the Now Network who wants to be notified when the device goes up for sale. If you’ll recall, the pre-release version of Sprint’s GNex that we spent time with at CES notably retained access to Google Wallet, and was apparently free of any crapware (unlike Verizon’s variant ). Aside from that — and a Sprint logo — it’s essentially the same 32GB device you’ve come to know in the US. There’s still no word on pricing just yet, but if you’ve got to be among the first to know, hit up the source link below. Sprint Galaxy Nexus registration page gets served up by Google originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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Sprint Galaxy Nexus registration page gets served up by Google

Hawaii’s proposed online tracking law comes under fire from ISPs, civil libertarians

There may be some trouble brewing in paradise, thanks to a seemingly draconian law currently under consideration in Hawaii’s state legislature. If passed, H.B. 2288 would require all ISPs within the state to track and store information on their customers, including details on every website they visit, as well as their own names and addresses. The measure, introduced on Friday, also calls for this information to be recorded on each customer’s digital file and stored for a full two years. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that the bill includes virtually no restrictions on how ISPs can use (read: “sell”) this information, nor does it specify whether law enforcement authorities would need a court order to obtain a user’s dossier from an ISP . And, because it applies to any firm that “provides access to the Internet,” the law could conceivably be expanded to include not just service providers, but internet cafes, hotels or other businesses. Democratic Representative John Mizuno is the lead sponsor of the bill, though his support already seems to be waning.

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Hawaii’s proposed online tracking law comes under fire from ISPs, civil libertarians

Google Music now lets you download your entire library

Computer meltdown? No backup? Well, at least your tunes are safe. Google Music just gained a new feature that lets you to download your entire library including purchased songs. A simple click in the Music Manager is all it takes to restore your entire collection — or just your purchased music — from the cloud . In addition, the web interface now allows you to select and copy multiple tracks to your device of choice. While there are no limitations when using the Music Manager, purchased items are restricted to two downloads each via the web interface

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Google Music now lets you download your entire library

Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line. If you’ve watched HD video footage captured by a DSLR , you’ve probably wondered why, despite the fact that you own the exact same model, your clips lack the fluid feel of a professional production. One culprit may be the lack of a steady support system to maintain balance as you shoot, like the rather complex Steadicam . That’s just part of the equation, however. What you’re also missing is the precision handling of an external follow focus . As its simplistic name implies, the 50-Dollar Follow Focus is a cheap and effective solution. Made of CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, the 50-Dollar Follow Focus includes two belts and two pulleys to accommodate a variety of lenses, and with the exception of your DSLR and a pair of support rails, everything you need to get started ships in the box

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Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus

Cortexa’s ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost

Your home is the next frontier for gadgeteers across the world and Cortexa’s leading the way by releasing a new kit that’ll turn your house into Proteus IV in a matter of minutes. The EZ Home Automation Ready Controller can manage lighting, security cameras and thermostats from the comfort of its Flash-based (aww) web-interface or iOS app. It’s also retailing an EZ-Wave Starter package with ten dimmers, thermostat, energy monitor, controller and two lamp modules for quick fitting. You’ll also be able to save on energy bills, cutting your power down when you’re out and about or by setting custom actions for those lightbulb-left-on-moments. Cortexa’s building a HTML5 interface as well as support for Hal and Lutron -based systems, which are due to arrive in “a few weeks.” The starter kit will set you back $1,800, while remote access costs $50 a year (or $5 a month). After the break we’ve got PR for everyone who wants to really freak out the kid you paid to come house-sit when you’re on vacation. [Thanks, Jesse] Continue reading Cortexa’s ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost Cortexa’s ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds .

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Cortexa’s ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost

Lumia 900 hits Carphone Warehouse, possibly coming to the UK in June

We bet some of you over in the UK were just a wee bit little jealous when it was revealed that we here in the good ol’ U-S-of-A would be getting first dibs on the Lumia 900 (a little payback for keeping the 800 all to yourselves). Well, lucky for you, we’re not so greedy and you’ll get your own shot at Nokia’s latest and greatest… eventually. Carphone Warehouse has the dual-camera sporting Mango phone listed as “coming soon” with an expected launch date of June 2012. These plans are clearly still unofficial at the moment, but you can sign up for more info from the outlet as it becomes available. The biggest question, though, is whether or not the Lumia 900 will ship with LTE on board. The product page makes no mention of 4G and, with compatible networks still in trial stages at best, we wouldn’t get our hopes up. Still, even without “blazingly fast” downloads, the front-facing cam, RGB matrix screen and beefy battery present plenty of reason for excitement.

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Lumia 900 hits Carphone Warehouse, possibly coming to the UK in June

Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government

The Chevy Volt isn’t prone to catching fire after all, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . The all-electric car came under scrutiny last year after one caught fire following a side-impact crash test. GM offered a buyback program for Volt owners concerned their cars might suddenly immolate, then the company made “enhancements” to the Volt’s battery coolant system. That set things right, as far as the NHTSA is concerned: it says “no discernable defect trend exists” in the Volt, and that GM’s revisions “reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts.” Chevy dropped the Volt’s price by $1,000 for 2012, too. So what do you think? Is a $39,000 starting price and less of a chance of burning to death enough to make you go electric? Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:03:00 EDT

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Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government

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