Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sceptre 40 Series LCD HDTV just in time for Earth Hour

Sceptre 40 Series LCD HDTV just in time for Earth Hour:
Are you going to turn off all your lights during Earth Hour this weekend? Will you do your part in helping keep our earth green? If so, then you might want to check out different methods of cutting down on your energy expenditure, and that might even include an overhaul of the existing consumer electronic items in your living room. Sceptre is one brand name that has long been associated with budget friendly TV sets that offer a careful balance of technology and performance without breaking the bank, and they are at it yet again with the 40 Series LCD HDTV.
Touted by Sceptre to be the “ultimate eco-friendly TV” for those who are on the lookout for outstanding image quality, long term energy savings and environmental friendliness. With the latest 40 Series LCD HDTV, it will deliver 38.5″ of viewing goodness in the form of the X409BV-FHD, where the manufacturing process followed strict guidelines that are specially aimed at maximizing materials while decreasing environmental waste. Apart from that, it also boasts of an extremely energy efficient design that is compliant with Energy Star 5.3, which ends up in significant reductions in energy consumption with an estimated yearly energy cost of only $14. I am not quite sure of the $14 figure – just how many minutes of TV do you watch on it each day then?
All right, so we have established the claimed fact that the 40 Series LCD HDTV from Sceptre will be green in nature. But apart from that, what else does it bring to the table? For starters, there is Auto Dynamic Contrast Enhancement which reveals low-light details even in dim locations, a fair number of HDMI ports to hook up to the latest entertainment devices, an LCD backlight life that has been rated at over 50,000 hours, among others. If you are interested in picking up one of these puppies, I am pleased to say that the asking price of just $399.99 goes to show Sceptre’s commitment in keeping prices low for the current cash strapped generation.
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[ Sceptre 40 Series LCD HDTV just in time for Earth Hour copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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HeatSync 1200 ultra slim case has iPhone docking station

HeatSync 1200 ultra slim case has iPhone docking station:
A-Tech Fabrication has rolled out the HeatSync 1200 ultra slim case, where the main selling point of this puppy would be the option to throw in an iPhone docking station, now how about that? Most of the time, one would have thought that iPhone docks tend to come in the form of an alarm clock or a speaker system, but a working computer chassis? This is definitely something different to consider, and as a mark of respect to make sure the US’ economy continues to be stimulated from within, the HeatSync 1200 ultra slim case is proud to be 100% made in the USA. It boasts a passively cooled design, so you can be sure that without the presence of any fans within, it is going to run whisper quiet.
The mSATA SSD has been integrated into the motherboard itself, while large aluminum fins ensure the optimization of natural convection cooling. There is also an integrated voltage regulator heat conductor that accompanies a fanless external AC power adapter. You can choose from either black or a silver anodized finish. Sounds like a dream, no? It is going to take some time before such a device takes off in a big way, I reckon, how about you?
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[ HeatSync 1200 ultra slim case has iPhone docking station copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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Zombies, Run! – and Don’t Look Back!

Zombies, Run! – and Don’t Look Back!:

We don’t often write about apps. Its only when a particular app enhances your exercise routine, tells a compelling story and involves brain hungry zombies that the story begs to be told. While in search of an engaging exercise app, I came across Zombies, Run! and we haven’t stopped talking about zombies ever since.
Zombies, Run! is a fitness application and its not your ordinary post apocalypse kill-the-zombies game. In Zombies, Run! The undead are on the prowl, and out to get YOU. The story begins as you bring in supplies to a safe zone in a zombie infested area, a helicopter crash leaves you stranded outside the compound, but in radio contact with the base, they warn you of the zombies approaching, you can hear them groaning, and yes, you want to run like hell. So lace up your sneakers and get moving! GPS lets you keep track of distance traveled, and a timer lets you know how fast you’re going.
As you run, the story continues and you are entertained and engaged for your entire run. If brain hungry zombies chasing you is not motivation enough, as you run you are also completing missions and picking up supplies along the way. These supplies help you enhance the compound and complete your missions.
The game can be used with GPS, but for treadmill runs you can opt to use your accelerometer instead. The company has kept good on their promises to add additional missions and seem to be constantly improving on an already fun and entertaining fitness concept.
I decided to test the application at night, and that did add to the scare factor. I have always said that I hated to exercise and that the only time you would find me running is if someone was chasing me with a knife… well add to that – flesh eating zombies, they seem to work pretty well too. The app is a bit pricey at $7.99 but it is an exercise prograand a roleplaying game and a story, so I can’t complain check out zombiesrungame.com for more information.
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[ Zombies, Run! – and Don’t Look Back! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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Take photos with your fingers thanks to the Ubi-Camera

Take photos with your fingers thanks to the Ubi-Camera:
You remember when you were a little kid, and there was no such thing as digital cameras back then? Most of the time, when our parents wanted to snap photos of their exuberant and energy filled children running around, a stern shout is required to make sure we all stop in our tracks, tuck in our shirts, straighten out ourselves and pose in front of the camera. Dad would then use his hands to “frame” a particular shot, by making an L-shape with his thumb and pointing finger on both hands, merging them into a rectangle, followed by clicking on the shutter button.
Who would have thought that such a physical act would finally end up in the 21st century as a gesture that might just kick start the way we shoot photos? These days, digital cameras are all the rage, and even smaller kids do have a DSLR that they can call their own. Well, the Ubi-Camera might just change or rather, revolutionize the way things are run – allowing you to capture photos that have been composed simply by framing them using your hands. This is a prototype miniature camera that is being developed by a research group at the Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences, which we will read about later after the jump.
According to the folks behind the Ubi-Camera, “When you draw a picture or take a photo, you sometimes form a rectangle with your hands to decide the composition. With this camera, you can take a photo using the exact same motion. You attach this device to your index finger, and form a rectangle with your finger like this. You take the photo by using the rectangle as the viewfinder, like this. When you push hard with your thumb, the shutter is pressed.”
The camera itself comes with a range sensor, while the framing is determined by the distance between the camera and the photographer’s face. Using the current system that is still in development, the lens will feature a fixed focal length, while all zooming is done digitally on a PC. This particular method of photography renders viewfinders and displays as unnecessary. Basically, even using a miniature camera, you are able to snap photos intuitively while peering over the actual scene.
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[ Take photos with your fingers thanks to the Ubi-Camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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Angry Birds Action Game

Angry Birds Action Game:
The Angry Birds franchise has certainly flown far and wide, with their latest adventures seeing our feathered friends ending up in space. Well, you might want to have non-digital Angry Birds action right in the comfort of your living room with the £24.99 Angry Birds Action Game, but of course, this means resetting any level would require some time compared to just tapping the “Replay” button on your smartphone’s display. It does not matter whether you want to play this indoors or outdoors, the Angry Birds Action Game is a brilliant kit that allows manages to transfer all the brilliance of the game itself into the physical world for the whole family to enjoy.
Just lay out the scoring mat, set up the rickety wooden platform with a carefully placed green pig on top, and you are good to go. Remember that in all the excitement, different parts can go missing, especially since you are required to pelt birds in the direction of the green pig to knock it off its perch. Points are scored depending on where he lands on the mat, leaving it a whole lot to random chance with some skill required.












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[ Angry Birds Action Game copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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X-Gaming USB Joystick

X-Gaming USB Joystick:
So you think that you are one of the best gamers in the family, always having a rivalry with that little brother of yours? Perhaps it is time to set the record straight in a digital duel, and while you do so, just make sure you have the right kind of equipment to go along with your effort. Enter the $99.99 X-Gaming USB Joystick that hails from the old school of thought. Measuring a generous 11″ from side to side, it is made out of eight pounds of industrial-grade materials to make sure that even during the most frenzied moments while gaming, it will not just fly off the table or crack under pressure. All you need to do is plug it into any available USB port and you are good to go.
Each purchase will come with half a dozen full versions of authentic Midway Arcade Games for the PC – Joust, Robotron 2084, Smash TV, Gauntlet, Rampage and Defender to get you started right out of the box. Just like how Gandalf mentioned to Theoden, “Your fingers would remember their old strength better… if they grasped your sword.” Substitute sword for the X-Gaming USB Joystick in this case, and you have a better idea.












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[ X-Gaming USB Joystick copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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NZXT Phantom 410 Special Edition

NZXT Phantom 410 Special Edition:
When it comes to owning PC cases, most hardcore gamers who build their systems from scratch prefer nothing better than making sure the particular make and model that they purchase off the rack has the right kind of specifications to fit in the most updated video cards as well as Solid State Disks. If you happen to fall under that category or would like to bring home some hardcore gaming goodness in the form of a computer case, then I am quite sure you would not be able to be too far off the mark with the NZXT Phantom 410 Special Edition.
This particular PC case will be new color editions of the award-winning Phantom 410, where it will now feature even a sleek shade of Gunmetal Black. To put it in a nutshell, the voice of the majority is heard here, where NZXT actually polled the active Facebook community as to the kind of color combinations which were in highest demand by gamers and enthusiasts, and the top picks were selected in order to turn them into reality. Apart from Gunmetal Black, we are looking at Black with Orange Trim, Black with White Trim, and White with Blue Trim to whet your appetite.
The NZXT Phantom 410 Special Edition will continue from where the legendary Phantom 410 left off, offering even more value for each of your hard earned dollar spent. You will be able to find effective airflow management here, thanks to the ability to hold up to 7 fans – where a couple of 120mm and a single 140mm LED fan has already been thrown into the mix. There is also support for 240mm dual radiator water cooling solution, in addition to an integrated 30W fan controller that allows you to customize your system for silence or performance.
When it comes to performing additional hardware installation and upgrades, those are a cinch thanks to innovative right mounted HDD rails, where a removable HDD cage makes it a snap to stash in extended video cards, in addition to screwless 5.25” and HDD trays that are capable of securing a 2.5” SSD. Apart from that, there will also be USB 3.0 support in addition to an acrylic window which enables gamers to admire the power of their rig. Available later this month (there are just three more days to the month, in case you were wondering), the Phantom 410 will retail for $99.99 a pop.
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[ NZXT Phantom 410 Special Edition copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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Bandai outs their own robot dog

Bandai outs their own robot dog:
Getting a dog is more often than not a dream of many a kid, but as parents find out after a while, only the most disciplined of children are able to ensure that the pooch in their possession remains under the right kind of care and responsibility, while majority of the other kids tend to leave the furkid in the care of parents, but maximizing the playtime potential instead. Bandai figured out that there might be a way to get your little one more involved in taking care of the dog – that is, by introducing a robot dog instead.
This particular robot dog will need a smartphone to function as its head and brain, and some might even say that it closely resembles Aibo’s general behavior pattern. The iPhone app will definitely be free of charge (in Japan, at least), where some of the other antics it is capable of include walking, dancing, singing, snapping photos and recording videos – and even better news is, it will not be able to chew on any shoes or slippers, too. No idea on whether it will arrive anywhere else outside of Japan or not though.
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[ Bandai outs their own robot dog copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]



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Response to blog Web Accessibility Initiative

Response to blog Web Accessibility Initiative:
This is a response to the blog Web Accessibility Initiative by Nathan Crause. Contrary to the title, the article attempts to disclaim the need for web accessibility, particularly for visual impairments. I submitted a comment but it wasn't posted. So here it is:

A 3.8% population with visual impairment is not minor at all. If your company has 1 million potential customers, you are ignoring 38,000 chances to make money! And if they're already customers, be prepared to receive up to 38,000 complaints.
Keep in mind that accessibility also benefits people who have mobile, hearing, and cognitive impairments. They are potential customers, too, and they themselves add up to much more than 3.8% of the U.S. population. The 2009 stats from DisabilityStatistics.org say about 2% of the U.S. population is visually impaired, while total percentage of people who are disabled is around 12%.
Java Applets...seriously?
Content of SVG can be made accessible. And even the accessibility of HTML5 canvas is being worked out.
In addition, Flash can be made accessible. Adobe has made huge improvements here, although not on the Mac. The problem is that developers have the tools to make web sites/apps accessible, but just hardly ever do it.
JavaScript libraries are usually not an issue either. For example, YUI3 and jQuery UI incorporates ARIA which help screen reader users with the interaction.
Still don't believe me? Check out the W3C's Developing a Web Accessibility Business Case for Your Organization.
If you current with web technologies, an accessible website doesn't have to be "crippling". The bar is now set much higher with modern coding practices available such as progressive enhancement, ARIA, and managing focus. A good example of an accessible web application is Yahoo! email.
The real issue here is ignorance. Ignorance in business, empathy, and proper development technologies and practices. I do agree with you [the author, Nathan] on one point, though; accessibility is a touchy subject.



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RavenDB Sharding – Blind sharding

RavenDB Sharding – Blind sharding:
From the get go, RavenDB was designed with sharding in mind. We had a sharding client inside RavenDB when we shipped, and it made for some really cool demos.
It also wasn’t really popular, we didn’t implement some things for sharding. We always intended to, but we had other things to do and no one was asking for it much.
That was strange. I decided that we needed to do two major things.

  • First, to make sure that the experience for writing in a sharded environment was as close as we could get to the one you get with a non sharded environment.

  • Second, we had to make it simple to use sharding.


Before our changes, in order to use sharding you had to do the following:

  • Setup multiple RavenDB server.

  • Create a list of those servers urls.

  • Implement IShardStrategy, which exposes


    • IShardAccesStrategy – determine how we call to the servers.

    • IShardSelectionStrategy – determine how we select which server a new instance will go to, and what server an existing instance belongs on.

    • IShardResolutionStrategy – determine which servers we should query when we are querying for data (allow to optimize which servers we are actually hitting for particular queries)



All in all, you would need to write a minimum of 3 classes, and have to write some sharding code that can be… somewhat tricky.
Oh, it works, and it is a great design. It is also complex, and it makes it harder to use sharding.
Instead, we now have the following scenario:
image
As you can see, here we have three different servers, each running in a different port. Let us see what we need to do to get us working with this from the client code:
image
First, we need to define the servers (and their names), then we create a shard strategy and use that to create a sharded document store. Once that is done, we are home free, and can do pretty much whatever we want:

string asianId, middleEasternId, americanId;

using (var session = documentStore.OpenSession())
{
    var asian = new Company { Name = "Company 1", Region = "Asia" };
    session.Store(asian);
    var middleEastern = new Company { Name = "Company 2", Region = "Middle-East" };
    session.Store(middleEastern);
    var american = new Company { Name = "Company 3", Region = "America" };
    session.Store(american);

    asianId = asian.Id;
    americanId = american.Id;
    middleEasternId = middleEastern.Id;

    session.Store(new Invoice { CompanyId = american.Id, Amount = 3 });
    session.Store(new Invoice { CompanyId = asian.Id, Amount = 5 });
    session.Store(new Invoice { CompanyId = middleEastern.Id, Amount = 12 });
    session.SaveChanges();

}

using (var session = documentStore.OpenSession())
{
    session.Query<Company>()
        .Where(x => x.Region == "America")
        .ToList();

    session.Load<Company>(middleEasternId);

    session.Query<Invoice>()
        .Where(x => x.CompanyId == asianId)
        .ToList();
}




What you see here is the code that saves both companies and invoices, and does this over multiple servers. Let us see the log output for this code:
image
You can see a few interesting things here:

  • The first four requests are to manage the document ids (hilos). By default, we use the first server as the one that will store all the hilo information.

  • Next (request #5) we are saving two documents, note that the shard id is now part of the document id.

  • Request 6 and 7 here are actually queries, we returned 1 results for the first query, and none for the second.


Let us look at another shard now:
image
This is much shorter, since we don’t have the hilo requests. The first request is there to store two documents, and then we see two queries, both of which return no results.
And the last shard:
image
Here we again don’t see the hilo requests (since they are all on the first server). We do see putting of the two docs, and request #2 is a query that returns no results.
Request #3 is interesting, because we did not see that anywhere else. Since we did a load by id, and since by default we store the shard id in the document id, we were able to optimize this operation and go directly to the relevant shard, bypassing the need to query anything other server.
The last request is a query, for which we have a result.
So what did we have so far?
We were able to easily configure RavenDB to use 3 ways sharding in a few lines of code. It automatically distributed writes and reads for us, and when it could, it optimized the data access so it would only access the relevant shards. Writes are distributed on a round robin basis, so it is pretty fair. And reads are optimized on whatever we can figure out a minimal number of shards to query. For example, when we do a load by id, we can figure out what the shard id is, and query that server directly, rather than all of them.
Pretty cool, if you ask me.
Now, you might have noticed that I called this post Blind Sharding. The reason this is called this name is that this is pretty much the lowest rung in the sharding ladder. It is good, it split your data and it tries to optimize things, but it isn’t the best solution. I’ll discuss a better solution in my next post.
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