New Light Bulbs Offer Benefits

Scientists at the Wake Forest University have created a new light bulb that is as efficient LED bulbs without any of the drawbacks. These new light bulbs are called field-induced polymer electroluminescent bulbs (FIPEL). FIPELs  produce light when current is passed through plastic layers that are nano-meters thin. The lights are also flexible, allowing them to be manufactured in any shape. And because they are made of plastic, they wont shatter.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/3/3721292/fipel-light-technology

Maps in iOS 6. Yes, it's bad!

A demented bridge? A Time Warp? Nope! Just the new Maps application in iOS 6! In case you haven't heard, Apple ditched Google's Map application for one of their own. With the new maps app, users have been complaining of mismatched pins, horrible location services, underwater roads, and inaccurate navigation! Looks like some users may be sticking with iOS 5, or using maps.google.com!

Hand vs. Liquid Nitrogen

Although this isn't like my other tech posts, I really though this was cool! A scientist dunks his hand into lquid nitrogen and survives? Learn about the Leidenfrost effect in this cool chemistry video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjsMV1MglA4&feature=relmfu

The Good Stuff from Apple's Event

In this post, I will simply talk about some of the more interesting things that were revealed on the September 12th event.

The A6 Processor

The A6 CPU

One of the interesting things about the new iPhone is the upgraded CPU. This Dual-Core CPU has an updated graphics processor and better CPU performance than the A5 it replaces. Its main competitor is the Snapdragon S4 from Qualcomm. The S4 is an impressive CPU found in the Galaxy S3, one of the main competitors to the iPhone on the Android side.

The Lighting Connector

Although I still hate Apple (Use USB micro already!) the Lighting connector is still a step in the right direction. It is reversible as well as being smaller than the horrible 30 pin connector. Glad that beast is finally gone!

The New iPod Touch

The new iPod Touch has finally come to earth! After a 2 year lull, Apple manages to come back with a new design. And a faster A5 processor! Only if the iPod could have the A6 :( But it sure is an improvement from the A4!

Apple's EarPod Overview

Out of the many products released at the Apple event a few days ago, the Apple EarPods were the most interesting. These unorthodox headphones consist of a smooth glossy plastic design with a variety of ports for sound output. This can be seen in the design shown below.

Apple touts that the extra ports improve sound movement and allow better reproductions of lower frequencies. Surprisingly, you must purchase an iPhone 5 or New iPod to receive these headphone with the device. The iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 still come with the standard earbuds, not the EarPods.

Nexus 7 ROMs have been released on XDA!

Despite not being released, the Nexus 7 already has a modified stock ROM available on XDA. The new ROM promises root access, increased speed, and other tweaks such as a new clean look and behind the scenes speed increases. For more info and a download link, check out this XDA page:


http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1745904

Google Nexus 7

An amazing Android Tablet that runs Android 4.1 Jellybean for $199! Oh yes!


https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_7_8gb

Apple Wants to Ban Galaxy S III

Apple is once again trying to play the role of Biggest Buzzkill Ever. The company has apparently filed a motion — adding to its current Galaxy Nexus motion, which is set for a hearing tomorrow — that’s aimed at keeping Galaxy S III units from reaching U.S. shores. If successful, the five major carriers promising Samsung’s latest will have a lot of unhappy customers.

According to The Verge, Apple is arguing that the S III is “similar enough to the Galaxy Nexus to be bundled in the same motion.” Apparently, the iPhone-maker is claiming the S III infringes two of the four patents currently aimed at the Nexus: universal search and smart links. Apple has yet to decide if it’ll pursue the S III for the other two patents, which are slide to unlock and keyboard suggestions.

Samsung responded to Apple’s filing by saying that “adding a new product to this motion would significantly change the analysis of all four preliminary injunction factors.” The Korean company said in order to adequately analyze the evidence brought against its Galaxy S III, Apple should enter a separate motion. Either way, the company will definitely want to squash the issue in a timely fashion, otherwise we might see what happened to HTC all over again.

[TechnoBuffalo]