Archive for the 'Gizmo Reviews' Category
Yamaha Tenori-On new concept digital musical instrument launched
Yamaha launched its new concept digital musical instrument “Tenori-On” at a press conference in Japan on April 25, 2008. Tenori-On is completely unlike any existing musical instrument. Users operate the Tenori-On’s LED buttons to play phrases and tempos. An array of LEDs on the instrument draws attention at first sight. On both rear and front sides of the Tenori-On, 256 LEDs (16 columns x 16 rows) are laid out. For example the LEDs on the front side, which faces the user, are buttons that can be pressed to play music and compose songs. The LEDs on the rear side display the same pattern as those on the front side, so viewers in the audience can enjoy the variation of sound and light when the Tenori-On is used for a stage performance.
Basically, instance is allotted horizontally, while tone is allotted vertically (in Score mode). In that mode, the Tenori-On displays a vertical line that runs from left to right at a undoubtful speed. When holding down a button, the LED at the pressed position turns on, and the sound is produced at that tone when the vertical line reaches that position. Toshio Iwai the media artist who created the concept and cooperated in its development said that the Tenori-On was inspired by manual paper tape music boxes.
Users choose the sound, note, octave and loop frequency using the operate keys on the left side, while specifying the layer, tempo, transposition (change in key) and block using the operate keys on the right side. Songs created in that way can be recorded and stored in SD memory cards. Sale of Tenori-On is available at present from Yamaha’s official site for approximately ¥121,000 (US$1,158). Shipments will start May 12, 2008.
Sony to double production capacity of Bravia LCD TVs in Europe
Sony plans to double the annual production capacity of Bravia LCD TVs in Slovakia, up from two million sets in fiscal year 2007 to four million sets by the end of December 2008. The Slovak factory is set to become Sony’s largest producer of LCD TVs worldwide. Sony built Nitra Technology Centre in Nitra, 40km east of Trnava and relocated its production operate, in order to meet rapidly increasing demand for LCD TVs in Europe. Nitra Technology Centre started production of Bravia LCD TVs in August 2007, along with Sony’s TV manufacturing facility in Barcelona, Spain. Nitra Technology Centre will produce all main Bravia LCD TV line-ups from high-end to standard, including the latest Bravia E4000 series with its rare ‘picture frame’ design, which is initially targeted at the European market.
Sony is positioning Nitra Technology Centre as the main hub for Sony’s pan-European TV business covering engineering, production to distribution across Europe.In accordance with that expansion plan, the number of employees is additionally planned to increase about 50% from 2,300 to 3,500 by the end of December 2008.
Smith Ampere a pioneering pure electric vehicle in its class
The recently launched Smith Ampere by Smith Electric Vehicles is a pioneering pure electric vehicle aimed at the light van sector. Ampere, which utilizes the Ford Transit Connect chassis is designed and developed by Tanfield in collaboration with Ford. Ampere is a pioneering pure electric vehicle in its class. It is aimed at urban operators using large fleets of light vans, in sectors such as postal and courier, utilities and telecommunications. It has a gross vehicle weight of 2,340kg, with payload capacity of up to 800kg.
Ampere has a range in excess of 100 miles on one battery charge and a top speed of up to 70mph. It is powered by a 50 kilowatt electric motor and an Iron Phosphate lithium-ion battery pack. that is a new drive train and battery and was developed specifically for Ampere.
Gold Mickey Mouse statue to promote the Blu-ray DVD release of National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets in Japan
Walt Disney Studio Home Entertainment and jeweler Ginza Tanaka have made that gold Mickey Mouse statue as part of a campaign to promote the Blu-ray DVD release of “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets.” The 12-cm-tall, 1-kg statue, which is valued at 3.23 million yen ($31 095) will be displayed in Tanaka’s Ginza store through April 29, and next tour Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sendai.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.
Kyocera KD210GH-2P polycrystalline photovoltaic high-efficiency module
Kyocera will be presenting its latest product, the KD210GH-2P polycrystalline photovoltaic high-efficiency module at Intersolar 2008 in Munich. Kyocera is taking Intersolar 2008 as an opportunity to introduce an additional module from the new KD series in the design of the KD210GH-2P. After exhibiting the predecessor module, the KD205GH-2P, barely a few weeks ago, Kyocera can already claim an additional 5 watts to the rated output of the new product. Under standard analysis conditions, the KD210GH-2P achieves 210 watts. The KD210GH-2P is suitable for both private residential houses as well as for industrial and large-scale plants.
Many series-connected modules can be easily wired together using pre-assembled solar cables and multi-contact plugs. The new KD module series from Kyocera replaces the previous KC series and is characterized by a greater capability output and a high level of reliability. All KD modules from Kyocera comply with the new standards of IEC 61215 ed.2 and IEC 61730.
KODAK ESP 5 All-in-One Printer
The new KODAK ESP 5 All-in-One Printer features a small, sleek design with print, scan and copy capabilities. It has a large 3” color LCD display along with memory card and USB slots to allow consumers to view, edit and print with or without a computer. The KODAK ESP 5 uses Kodak’s high-quality pigmented inks that come in a simple two-cartridge setup – a full black cartridge and a five-ink color cartridge.
The newest device in Kodak’s consumer inkjet printer portfolio offers the latest in design and performance, providing a high-quality, easy-to-use printing system at a significant value. It leverages Kodak’s premium, low-cost ink that allow consumers to print more photos and documents for their money. KODAK ESP 5 All-in-One Printer is available for approximately $169.99 U.S.
Sandero Nokia comes equipped with Nokia’s complete mobility solution
The special edition Sandero Nokia (only 1,000 units) will be the first Renault model produced in Brazil to come equipped with Nokia’s complete mobility solution, including device, services & software and original accessories. The package includes the flagship multimedia computer, the Nokia N95, with an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS), pre-loaded Nokia Maps service, Bluetooth connection and a wide range of media solutions as well as music player, large screen and high-end camera. It additionally brings the Nokia LD-3W GPS module and is integrated with the Nokia CK-20W, an automobile accessories kit. Some of the key features of the Sandero Nokia include an audio streaming operate that enables the driver to listen to music stored on his Nokia N95 through Sandero Nokia’s speakers via a wireless connection; access to maps of the main cities in Brazil that are already included in the memory; and a Bluetooth System for telephone calls which allows drivers to utilize a microphone inserted into the upper part of Sandero Nokia’s windshield and to listen to calls through the vehicle’s audio system.
Sandero Nokia is the first compact vehicle in the Brazilian market to come factory-equipped with GPS. Created from the most inclusive version of Sandero’s family of automobiles, Privilège 1.6 16V Hi-Flex, the special series Sandero Nokia has a suggested retail price including shipping of EUR 17,650. Only 1,000 units will be manufactured.
