Watching video on your cellphone is about to get a little easier thanks to the folks at Sharp. They've just developed an uber-cellphone display that packs a 2,000:1 contrast ratio (the highest available on a mobile) and an 8ms response time (which is 3x faster than what's out now).
The new QVGA screens would also get wider 176-degree viewing angles, making it a little easier to show off that video you recorded on your cell. The screens are expected to roll out this fall, and as you can see from the pic, make a pretty noticeable difference. – Louis Ramirez
Sharp to Launch Advanced LCDs for Mobile Devices [Reuters]
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In an effort to make people more aware of how much juice they guzzle at home, the government has said every UK household will be able to get a free energy monitor that will tell them how much electricity is being used at any given time.
The new proposal is part of the forthcoming Energy White Paper. Household make up a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, something the government plans to cut drastically in the coming decades.
I know my appliances and tech guzzles a lot but since I’ve been turning things off [only recently, I admit], and not leaving them in standby, I have noticed a reduction in my bills and I tend to glow greenly in a smug, eco-friendly way.
I’d like to think smart meters would help reduce energy waste but most people couldn’t give a toss. Sad but true.-Martin Lynch
technology energy gadgets environment
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Armchair rockers take note: the next version of Guitar Hero will arrive on all the main consoles.
RedOctane has just confirmed that Guitar Hero III will arrive for the Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 and PS2 this autumn.
Its arrival on the Xbox 360 and PS2 was never in doubt but the new PS3 and Wii additions are welcome, indeed. Some believed that the Wii edition – if it existed – would utilise the Wiimote in some way but, it doesn’t. While the Wiimote is good for hitting relatives in the face and smashing TVs, you will still need a the guitar attachment.
The Wii version will, however – like Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 – offer downloadable tracks and goes one better, with online play. The track list is not published yet but the company is planning to add ditties from Metallica, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin.-Martin Lynch
wii console games ps3
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So black and silver weren’t enough for you, eh? OK, Nokia thinks that you must be one of those people who need the glint of a better precious metal before you’ll part with your cash, which is why it’s announced a limited run of its already pricey Nokia 8800 Sirocco clad in 18-carat gold.
And all it wants from you is around £680 before tax. This is what the marketing blurb says [prepare to be PR’d]:
“Created with a dedication to perfection, the crafting of each Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold draws from techniques mastered over hundreds of years by watchmakers and jewelers. Combining its heritage of highly desired communication devices with organic designs inspired by surfaces found in nature, the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold pays artful attention to the smallest details and selection of materials. A stunning achievement of craftsmanship, fine white gold accents enhance the 18-carat gold plating while the sapphire-coated, scratch-resistant glass display helps to ensure that the beauty of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold endures.”
Are there actually people who’s spending juices respond to this nonsense? Obviously, I guess. At least 1,000 of them.-Martin Lynch
phone mobile phonenokia gold geek
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
