Kinect-like technology turns any surface into a touchscreen

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Technology projects a touchscreen onto your hand, clothes, a wall, or any surface, so you can operate your phone without removing it from your pocket.

Imagine a world where any surface could potentially become a touchscreen for your phone: your hands, clothes, a wall or table. That's the vision behind a new Kinect-like technology called OmniTouch, a wearable system that projects any multi-touch interface onto everyday surfaces, reports New Scientist.

Perhaps the most convenient aspect of the technology is how it can be operated on the go, requiring no special calibration for each new surface it is used on. The system adapts easily to surfaces of most textures in 3D space, so it works even when the surface is not flat, such as with your hand, or perhaps a tree trunk.

The technology, which is primarily composed of a shoulder-mounted depth camera and a Pico-projector, was developed by researchers at Microsoft and is a vast improvement over previous prototypes that could only work on skin. A user study of the technology showed that dragging performance and touch accuracy approached the sensitivity of conventional touchscreens.

The device also allows for user flexibility far beyond the capability of your phone or tablet. For instance, users can choose the position and size of the projected interface, meaning that they can adjust the size of the screen to better suite their needs and eyesight. OmniTouch is also itself capable of intelligently choosing the best display setting, so the user doesn't have to readjust with each new surface.

The only inconvenient aspect of the prototype is the bulkiness of the camera and projector, which are mounted on a user's shoulder like a large parrot. The good news, though, is that future prototypes are expected to be much smaller, closer to the size of a matchbox.

You can view an in depth demo video of the technology here:

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Sony Xperia Z tablet review

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Sony Xperia Tablet Z review

Τhe Sony Xperia Tablet Z is the world's thinnest 10-inch tablet, but can it become the best Android tablet and even rival the mighty iPad 4?

The brand's first effort - the Sony Tablet S - hardly set the world on fire and since its lacklustre launch in 2011 a broader selection of tablets has emerged. The next-gen Sony Xperia Tablet S was also a rather average device, but can the new version turn the tables?Only Google is genuinely contesting the Apple iPad 4 with its mighty Samsung-built Nexus 10, but the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is gunning for a fight. It's got a big job on its hands - read on to discover whether it's up to the task.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Size and build

Superlatives rarely last long in tech, but toppling the svelte dimensions of the Sony Xperia Tablet Z - the world's thinnest tablet - will take some doing. The thinness is evident the second you pick it up and at just 6.9mm it makes the iPad 4 feel overweight. At 500g it's a whopping 150g lighter than the iPad, a difference you notice immediately.

When some companies shave off weight it can make the device feel cheap - yep, we're looking at you, Samsung - but that's not the case with the Tablet Z. The compact size means there's no disconcerting creaking, and while it's evidently made of plastic it still feels premium.

There is a slight unnerving flex, but that's due to the size-zero body, which is so thin you can almost wrap your hand around it and hold it like an e-reader. It's head and shoulders above the Tablet S, Sony's last 10-inch Android outing, and it's by far its best effort so far.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Features

As a 10-inch tablet there's a lack of standout features here, and compared with some notable new tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and Asus FonePad, there's a refreshing lack of gimmicks. In fact, other than its size there's precious little to boast about.

There's no input pen, no telephony capabilities, but there is a trick up the Xperia Z's sleeve: it's waterproof. Like its smartphone sibling the Sony Xperia Z, the Tablet Z can survive in liquid for up to 30 mins, and its covered ports means it's dust resistant too.

Elsewhere there's dual cameras, 8.1MP on the rear, which also records in 1080p and 2.2MP on the front for video calling. Both cameras are standard affairs, with particularly noisy pictures when used in artificial light.

The iPad's FaceTime camera offers better value for chatting, and while it's loaded with effects such as panoramic shooting, burst mode and HDR, we still believe tablet photography is an offense punishable by public humiliation.

Connectivity is good too, with microSD support meaning you can add extra storage up to 64GB. Unfortunately this is necessary, as the maximum internal storage is a paltry 16GB. Unlike the latest crop of Windows tablets there's no USB port and under the waterproof catches that dot the Tablet Z's sharp lines, there's just a microUSB which doubles for charging.

There's also an LTE version available and NFC built in.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Screen

In a world dominated by the Retina panel of the Apple iPad 4 and the super resolution offered by the Nexus 10, a meagre 1,920 x 1,200 panel does little to pique our interest. Sony's made much of its screens on both Xperia Z devices, but the truth is that results are mixed.

Firstly, the visuals are noticeably smooth with cool-looking colours and eye-searing brightness when cranked up to maximum. However, despite the 224ppi there's a noticeable lack of sharpness, which is particularly evident when looking at web pages.

Whites look dull, making it harder to read text and there's a paleness to the whole panel, whether you're movie watching or web surfing. Unlike the Nexus 10, visuals don't 'pop' and it's not the device for movie lovers. On that note, the built-in speakers proved to be well below par, which is disappointing for a company like Sony, which produces great audio products.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Performance

The processor is a Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz, which you'll find used frequently in mid-range tablets. The timing is awkward for Sony because on the horizon are the blisteringly fast Tegra 4 and Snapdragon 600/800 chips, while its shiny new tablet delivers pretty mediocre performance.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Battery

Not having the blistering performance of the latest processors helps the Sony Xperia Z to achieve a solid 8 hours of movie playback. The test involves streaming an HD movie in the YouTube app on full brightness, so the combination of pixel pushing and data drawing make this a healthy score. In standby mode it rarely slipped more than a few per cent over night.

It's a great result, when you consider than the extreme size and weight means there's little room for adding larger batteries, such as Apple on the iPad 4. Rocking a Retina display means there has to be a pay-off, if you want your iPad to last on a long haul flight or weekend trip away - and the Sony Xperia Tablet Z certainly has this in the locker.

The score of 4353 in SunSpider processor speed tests was devastated by the iPad 4's 769 (lower's better by the way) and the Nexus 10 (1507). While this shouldn't make a difference in general navigation, the difference is evident in web page rendering, app loading time and could manifest itself as games become more advanced.

Sony's previous tablet felt sluggish to use but there's no hint of the jerkiness or juddering here. The Sony skin - which isn't as good as stock Android or Samsung's increasingly well developed TouchWiz - didn't miss a beat as we swiped between its screens and widgets.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z: Verdict

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is a decent return for a company that's struggled with mobile over the last few years. It's certainly the best Sony tablet ever made, and the insanely thin lines and lightweight build will appeal to Android-hunters looking for a device that turns heads.
While the Xperia Z is up there with the Nexus 10, Google's slate just takes first place for us. Despite being substantially heavier and thicker, the vastly superior screen and lightning-quick performance tip the scales in its favor.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z releases date: May 2013

Sony Xperia Tablet Zprice: £399

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iphone 6 Just as smart looking as the iPhone 5, but 20% slimmer.

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iPhone 6 concept shows thinner handset with touch-sensitive home button and 12MP camera

iPhone renders are a dime a dozen, but for once we have been graced with a concept for Apple’s next flagship phone that seems very much a possibility.

Created by Arthur Reis, a budding designer who aspires to join the ranks of Jony Ive and Shin Nishibori someday, 3D renderings of the iPhone 6 imagine a handset that looks largely identical to iPhone 5 (think: anodised aluminium casing with chamfered edges), but an impressive 20 per cent slimmer at just 6.1mm thick.

The handset also features a 12-megapixel camera with an ‘iSight Pro’ sensor boasting an f/1.8 aperture and a ‘Magic TrackPad’ that replaces the physical home button with a touch-sensitive equivalent.

As far as we’re concerned, this is one of the best iPhone concepts we’ve seen, principally because it doesn’t go crazy on novel or unrealistic features as most concepts do.

Apple is always trying to make its handsets slimmer, so a more slender iPhone is within the realms of possibility. And with Samsung upping the ante with a 13-megapixel camera on the freshly launched Galaxy S4, we can certainly expect the iPhone 6 to match its competition in the imaging stakes.

The iPhone 6 is hotly tipped to land this summer, possibly sometime in July. Although there’s still a chance that Apple might stick to an autumn release cycle for new iPhone launches.

What do you think of Reis’s iPhone 6 concept? Let us know in the comments section below.

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High-tech House Design

What Will Smart Technology Do Next, Especially to your own home?

The new innovations for home building are beginning to look more like something out of a science fiction novel than anything we could ever think of. America’s homes are getting smarter. There are now apps that can be set to your smartphone, or device, more energy efficient and packs state of the art technology which has your thermostats thinking well before you have to. If you are building a new home, you may want to give all the new innovations a look before deciding on your products. Being able to command your home, while away from home, is an amazing upgrade that is well worth the cost.

Modern House with apps

Not only are you able to control the functions and security of your home while you are away, your home is now working for you. Being able to set the parameters of your home, or having it think the way that you would, new products are making it easy to set your home exactly the way that you want to make it most comfortable with no effort on your part. Sensing when changes need to be made, when it will be vacant, or when you are on your way, your home can have itself ready and waiting just the way that you like it.

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modern bedroom design

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Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black) review

Classic Stereo Audio with Network Functionality

Onkyo's hi-fi revolution gathers pace with the TX-8050. This finely sculpted stereo receiver delivers two channels of audio precision to entertainment spaces where you don't need advanced video processing or multichannel audio. Gold plated, analog A/V inputs that ensure outstanding performance are augmented by digital audio inputs, Universal Port for Onkyo peripherals and a front USB input for direct digital connection of iPod®/iPhone®. The receiver's network capability, meanwhile, lets you stream internet radio or play audio from a PC or network audio storage device. Behind the smart aluminum façade lies a massive transformer and large capacitors that provide clean amplification power, which includes Onkyo's exclusive WRAT, and helps push performance well beyond the norm.

Onkyo network A/V receivers give you access to more internet radio stations than any other brand...period.

Streaming your choice of internet radio through your TX-8050 receiver gives you unsurpassed sound quality and access to a virtually infinite selection of world class music. Enjoy your own personal concert from anywhere in the world... right in your own living room.

All Onkyo network receivers are also compatible with Microsoft’s Windows® 7 platform, which includes the DLNA 1.5-specified “Play To” media-streaming feature so you can easily stream music store on PCs connected to your home network. This internet connectivity has the added benefit of making firmware updates simpler than ever.

Onkyo's Remote Apps: Seamless, Intuitive Control

The Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and the Onkyo Remote App for Android both provide an intuitive way to operate Onkyo network A/V receivers. At your fingertips, you have the ability to control input sources, adjust settings, and enjoy your content more seamlessly than ever. The app for Android even allows you to stream music directly from your Android device. The two Remote Apps are available separately as free downloads.

· Control your Onkyo Receiver via iPod touch/iPhone or Android Phone over Wireless Network

· Wirelessly Stream Your Music Stored on Portable Device (Android Only)

· General Remote-Control Operations

· Control Volume with the Accelerometer (iPod touch/iPhone Only)

· Control Multi-Zone Audio (Android Only)

· Selec Input Source, Network Source, and Radio Station

· Adjust Tone Control and Listening Modes

· Audio and Video Information Displayed

Take Your Stereo Wireless

Onkyo's UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor removes unwanted cables. This small, optional unit is worth way more than its tiny price. Connect the UWF-1 to the USB port on any compatible 2011 Onkyo network receiver, and bring your music through your wireless router into your Onkyo system. Now internet radio and audio files stored on your PC can be played back with the superior fidelity of your main Onkyo system — with no cable clutter. A sensible and inexpensive solution.

Made for iPod/iPhone

Simply connect your iPod/iPhone via Front-Panel USB Port of the TX-NR8050 and play audio files stored on your iPod/iPhone or a USB flash drive. As the audio signals are transported in digital form, rather than analog, there is much less chance for signal degradation. The TX-8050 also incorporates Onkyo's exclusiveAdvanced Music Optimizer to compensate for lost bit information and improve the quality of compressed audio signals. End result: your music sounds cleaner and more faithful to the original.

Send Stereo to the Next Room: Zone 2

Zone 2 pre-outs on the TX-8050 allow you to send a stereo audio signal to a second room equipped with an amplifier and a pair of speakers. You can either enjoy the same source in both rooms, or play a different source in Zone 2.

Spin Those Records

Phono Input- We know there are those who have retained a love for vinyl. And we respect this most noble of devotions. Therefore, we still make the Phono Input that allows you to use your record player to spin those albums and hear them with pristine Onkyo sound quality.

Because, after all, it's all about Sound.

Specification

Number of Channels	2
Power	80W/Ch (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD)
Network Capable	Yes
Made for iPod/iPhone (Direct USB input)	Front
Multiroom	Zone 2 Pre-outs
Subwoofer Pre-out	Yes
Phono Input	Yes
Composite Video I/O	4 in / 2 out
Digital Audio Input	2 Optical & 2 Coaxial
Analog Audio I/O	6 in / 2 out
AM/FM Presets	40

Product Description

Onkyo's Hi-Fi revolution gathers pace with the TX-8050. This finely sculpted stereo receiver delivers two channels of audio precision to entertainment spaces where you don't need advanced video processing or multichannel audio. Analog A/V inputs on the TX-8050 are augmented by digital optical and coaxial audio inputs, a Universal Port for Onkyo peripherals, and a front-side USB input for direct digital connection of iPod /iPhone . The receiver's network capability, meanwhile, lets you stream internet radio or play audio from a PC or network audio storage device. Behind the smart aluminum façade lies a massive transformer and large capacitors that provide clean amplification power and help push performance well beyond the norm.

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Perfect for bringing together all your audio sources, the Meridian Audio Core 200 offers outstanding preamplifier quality, coupled with powerful Meridian Resolution Enhancement technologies such as an Apodising filter and upsampling for the very best sound quality. A stereo width control optimises the stereo stage, freeing the sound from the loudspeakers, making it even bigger and more natural.

The Audio Core 200 connects easily to almost any audio source; it even includes PC audio replay via USB. And there’s a Meridian SpeakerLink input for single-wire connection to a Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System. Fully compatible with Meridian’s i80 Dock for iPod®, the Audio Core 200 lets you play your iPod/iPhone® via Meridian DSP loudspeakers while it charges, and control what you hear via the front panel or remote.

The Audio Core 200’s intelligent front-panel controls feature smart buttons for intuitive operation, and an auto-dimming OLED display that’s always at the right brightness for maximum readability.

Connecting to Meridian DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers via SpeakerLink – a simple, single wire – the Audio Core 200 gives direct access to powerful DSP features that enable you to get the best sound in any environment. It's perfectly complemented by Meridian's compact, powerful DSP3200 Digital Active Loudspeakers.

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The Power of Home Entertainment Performance The VSX-1022-K

Product Description

Style: VSX-1022-K

The Power of Home Entertainment Performance

The Pioneer VSX-1022-K AV receiver is powerful and well connected. View larger

Elegance overshadowed only by technological excellence, the Pioneer VSX-1022-K delivers stellar home theater performance. With 560 watts of clear audio reproduction, the VSX-1022-K gives you connectivity options for your latest high-definition home theater components, and digital 1080p video from any source.

Enjoy the ultimate in plug-and-play integration with your home theater. View larger

A rear panel Ethernet port allows full integration into your home network. View larger

As Connected to Mobile Devices as You Are

The VSX-1022-K is ready to bring you entertainment from new sources such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, select Android devices and thumb drives. It is also another reflection of how Pioneer was a leader in embracing the Apple lifestyle. Specifically designed to be compatible with iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices, your receiver comes with a front panel USB port and USB/video cable to access all your music, videos, streaming content, and photos without buying a separate dock. And new for 2012, the USB port has been upgraded to handle uncompressed 192Khz/24-bit FLAC and WAV music files for true audiophile-level performance.

Plus, since your iPhone, iPod and iPad charge automatically when connected, it's the ultimate plug-and-play integration with your home theater. Enjoy music with iTunes album art, share videos and movies, downloaded TV shows from iTunes, photos, web content from YouTube and much more. Got a call? Your iPhone mutes when you receive it. When it comes to control, use the Apple device directly or push a single button on the VSX-1022-K's front panel to switch control to the included preset remote and intuitive on-screen menu.

AirPlay

With AirPlay, stream music from iTunes to the VSX-1022-K and play it through your home theater system without docks or cables. Simply connect the receiver to your home network via Ethernet, and it instantly becomes the hub for playback of your iTunes music from your connected Apple device or networked computer.

You can stream your music straight from your PC or Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to the VSX-1022-K at the touch of a button. Listen to your favorite song in your car using your iPhone, leave your car mid song and walk into your home. Using the AirPlay App on your iPhone, select the VSX-1022-K. When you do, it'll power up automatically and continue your favorite song right where you left off.

You can even view song title, artist, track time as well as album art on an HDMI connected TV. With AirPlay, just because your iTunes music is on your computer doesn't mean it has to stay there.

Connect to Your PC Music Files or Internet Radio

The VSX-1022-K's networking ability opens up an entirely new world of possibilities. A rear panel Ethernet port allows full integration into your home network, with Windows 7 and DLNA 1.5 certification, a whole new level of entertainment options are at your fingertips. Stream your MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, or even FLAC music files from your PC, laptop or smartphone to your home theater system.

With vTuner, the VSX-1022-K lets you enjoy thousands of internet radio stations from around the world. You can also access your Pandora Radio music service complete with on-screen album art and song information.

Plus, download Pioneer's exclusive Air Jam application for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices which allows up to four Apple devices to be paired via Bluetooth. Choose songs from your device to add to the group playlist to playback on the VSX-1022-K. Like a song your friend added? Select it and buy it from iTunes, or watch the music video on YouTube.

Unleash your Smartphone's Music with Bluetooth

The VSX-1022-K is fully ready for wireless Bluetooth audio from virtually any A2DP profile Bluetooth device. With the Pioneer AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately), you can untether yourself from cables and inputs. Plus you'll enjoy enriched quality with Sound Retriever AIR technology, created specifically to enhance Bluetooth audio.

Ultimate Sound Control

With 7 channel power, the audio experience has never been clearer or more realistically reproduced. The VSX-1022-K supports formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to give your Blu-ray Disc soundtracks unsurpassed audio quality. Pioneer also includes all of the Dolby and DTS surround formats, including the newest Dolby Pro Logic IIz height channel.

The VSX-1022-K also features Pioneer's exclusive Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC). Using measurements from every speaker's connection, noting size and distance from the listening point as well as sound levels and timbre, it gives you a calibrated and customized multi-channel listening experience.

Filling in areas where minute details were left out during the compression process, even compressed audio like WMA, MP3 and AAC is enhanced with another Pioneer exclusive, Advanced Sound Retriever.

Featuring 6 HDMI inputs for connectivity options for all your high-definition sources. View larger

Versatile Speaker Configuration

With 7 channels of amplification, and 9 channels of speaker connection, the VSX-1022-K lets you decide the speaker set-up you want. Go with a conventional 7.1 surround sound system with surround back speakers, or try a front height experience. Or go with a 7.1 system in the living room and assign optional amplification to a set of B speakers in another room for dedicated music listening.

Ready for Tomorrow with the Latest HDMI Technology

All of Pioneer's newest receivers support the latest HDMI specifications. So not only do you get the most out of your existing movies and music, with the VSX-1022-K you're prepared for the new generation of 3D video content. With 6 HDMI inputs, you've got plenty of connectivity options for the growing number of high-definition sources available. All Pioneer receivers also offer advanced HDMI conveniences like Audio Return Channel and HDMI Standby Through.

Spectacular 1080p High-definition Video

With Anchor Bay video processing, the VSX-1022-K converts analog video sources to HDMI for one-wire high definition convenience. For lower resolution video, advanced video processing lets you upscale your picture to digital 1080p to best match the native resolution of your HDTV. With the VSX-1022-K's superior video processing, you know the picture will be stunning, regardless of the source.

Pioneer ControlApp

Control your VSX-1022-K with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch device or Android Smartphone from your home network with Pioneer's exclusive ControlApp. Amaze friends and family as you take full control of your home theater sound in a whole new way.

All This and Looks Too

First impressions are everything. That's why, as the heart of your home theater system, the VSX-1022-K's modern, compelling lines and stunning new brushed finish reflect a solid, state-of-the-art receiver that's high quality and easy to use.
Pioneer VSX-1022-K 560W 7-Channel A/V Receiver, Network Ready, Pandora, iPod/iPhone, Black

If you’re going to throw another smartphone into the saturated market, you had better come with something different and that’s why I like this concept Samsung B&O phone. Inspired by Bang & Olufsen , it’s a mix between the current Samsung Galaxy lineup with B&O’s traditional slant on masculine industrial engineering. I think the final form works. It’s thin and sleek, yet manages to slightly deviate from the “me too” crowd. Love the dock which transforms it into a banging B&O speaker. One can hope.

HiTech and Life

Kinect-like technology turns any surface into a touchscreen