Morpheed » Gadget http://morpheed.com News you can use. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:21:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 en Zappos hires robots to take over inventory floor http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321927098/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321927098/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:33:00 +0000 Darren Murph http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/zappos-hires-robots-to-take-over-inventory-floor/ Filed under:


Just think -- Zappos has been shipping out shoes .9284 minutes after you order them for years with mere humans running the show. Now, your new kicks will likely be at your doorstep moments after you think of ordering them. Said e-tailer has just completed implementation of Kiva Systems' Mobile Fulfillment System, which will see "a fleet of Kiva's mobile robotic drive units and inventory storage pods" hit the company's Shepherdsville, Kentucky facility. The move is being made to keep its distribution system in tip-top shape even with the addition of new products outside of just footwear, and unless some of those mechs grow a mind of their own, we'd say things should pan out just fine.

[Via CNET]
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Just think -- Zappos has been shipping out shoes .9284 minutes after you order them for years with mere humans running the show. Now, your new kicks will likely be at your doorstep moments after you think of ordering them. Said e-tailer has just completed implementation of Kiva Systems' Mobile Fulfillment System, which will see "a fleet of Kiva's mobile robotic drive units and inventory storage pods" hit the company's Shepherdsville, Kentucky facility. The move is being made to keep its distribution system in tip-top shape even with the addition of new products outside of just footwear, and unless some of those mechs grow a mind of their own, we'd say things should pan out just fine.

[Via CNET]
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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321927098/feed/ Bill Gates Day wrap-up http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321882885/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321882885/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:27:00 +0000 Ryan Block http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/bill-gates-day-wrap-up/ Filed under:


You didn't really think we'd make it through his retirement without running the sexiest of all Bill photos, did you? We have to wonder what he'll feel like tomorrow morning, though -- we hear the headache on a 33 year software hangover is absolutely vicious.

Anyhow, just because the man's left the building doesn't mean you can't take home a few of his fine products. Hit the contests below, they close up Sunday night.

Feel the love
The Bill Gates Engadgethology
Bill Gates: top ten greatest hits (and misses) - the Microsoft years
Engadget's farewell card to Bill G
Bill Gates wipes away tears at Microsoft farewell
How would you change Microsoft if you were Bill Gates?
Celebrate Bill Gates Day with us here at Engadget

Contests
The Bill Day giveaway (part 1) - Toshiba Gigabeat T400
The Bill Day giveaway (part 2) - Office Ultimate 2007
The Bill Day giveaway (part 3) - Zune 80GB (black)
The Bill Day giveaway (part 4) - Windows Vista Ultimate

Read - Coverage of Bill's farewell town hall event
Read - Clip from Bill's little speech to employees
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You didn't really think we'd make it through his retirement without running the sexiest of all Bill photos, did you? We have to wonder what he'll feel like tomorrow morning, though -- we hear the headache on a 33 year software hangover is absolutely vicious.

Anyhow, just because the man's left the building doesn't mean you can't take home a few of his fine products. Hit the contests below, they close up Sunday night.

Feel the love
The Bill Gates Engadgethology
Bill Gates: top ten greatest hits (and misses) - the Microsoft years
Engadget's farewell card to Bill G
Bill Gates wipes away tears at Microsoft farewell
How would you change Microsoft if you were Bill Gates?
Celebrate Bill Gates Day with us here at Engadget

Contests
The Bill Day giveaway (part 1) - Toshiba Gigabeat T400
The Bill Day giveaway (part 2) - Office Ultimate 2007
The Bill Day giveaway (part 3) - Zune 80GB (black)
The Bill Day giveaway (part 4) - Windows Vista Ultimate

Read - Coverage of Bill's farewell town hall event
Read - Clip from Bill's little speech to employees
Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321882885/feed/ Princeton to start publishing Kindle-edition textbooks http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321822355/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321822355/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:18:00 +0000 Nilay Patel http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/princeton-to-start-publishing-kindle-edition-textbooks/ Filed under:

Amazon's Kindle ebook reader has been doing pretty well as a consumer device, but we've always thought it had amazing potential as a textbook reader -- especially coupled iTunes-style with Amazon's online distribution system. Apparently Princeton University (Jeff Bezos's alma mater) agrees with us, because it's just announced plans to publish Kindle version of its textbooks this fall, joining Yale, Oxford, and Berkeley in supporting the device. It's not clear how many books are due to be published on the device or how content like photographs and full-color diagrams will be handled (what's a bio book without red mitochondria? They're the "powerhouse" of the cell!), but we're certain students will gladly make the tradeoff to reduce their backpack loads just a little bit.
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Amazon's Kindle ebook reader has been doing pretty well as a consumer device, but we've always thought it had amazing potential as a textbook reader -- especially coupled iTunes-style with Amazon's online distribution system. Apparently Princeton University (Jeff Bezos's alma mater) agrees with us, because it's just announced plans to publish Kindle version of its textbooks this fall, joining Yale, Oxford, and Berkeley in supporting the device. It's not clear how many books are due to be published on the device or how content like photographs and full-color diagrams will be handled (what's a bio book without red mitochondria? They're the "powerhouse" of the cell!), but we're certain students will gladly make the tradeoff to reduce their backpack loads just a little bit.
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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321822355/feed/ Switched On: Livescribe’s hot recording artist seeks mass appeal (Part 1) http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321786027/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321786027/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:39:00 +0000 Ross Rubin http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/switched-on-livescribes-hot-recording-artist-seeks-mass-appeal/ Filed under:

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment


If the pen truly is mightier than the sword, Livescribe's Pulse smartpen ($149 with 1GB of flash memory, $199 with 2GB) may be able to take out a tank at 50 meters. Arguably the most technologically advanced writing instrument not intended for killing a Bond villain, the Pulse includes an infrared camera (for recording text), dual microphones, a speaker, a headphone jack, and an OLED display that can even play back short "movies" (animations synced with sound). And it manages to pack it all in a pen size that, while still a bit thick, is relatively comfortable and thinner than its closest technological ancestor, the now-discontinued Logitech io2.

Using its noise-canceling microphones and ink recognition system, the Pulse can be used to either take written notes that are uploaded to the PC, or record audio. But its greatest advance for note-taking over previous smartpen systems such as the io2 is the ability to synchronize written notes with audio. Simply put the pen into "Paper Replay" mode and tap on some text to hear what was being said as you scribbled. The result is the next best thing to real-time transcription. It can be used to check what may be an unclear or hastily scribbled note, focus on commentary while the pen captures the content, or create or copy a diagram while it is explained via audio.

But first, whatever is being written will have to be done so on paper designed explicitly for the pen. Like previous products that use Anoto technology, the Pulse needs smart "dot paper" to make transcription work. Without a doubt, this requirement will be a deal-killer for many, and limit the Pulse's everyday utility for some time to come. In contrast, simpler products such as the IOGear Mobile Digital Scribe uses ultrasound to track a pen's position and can be used on any paper (and the pens in such systems are smaller as well). To make dot paper more readily accessible, though, Livescribe will offer a template that should allow many customers to print their own dot paper at home. And dot paper enables the Pulse to pull off some pretty slick feats. Read on.

Continue reading Switched On: Livescribe's hot recording artist seeks mass appeal (Part 1)

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Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment


If the pen truly is mightier than the sword, Livescribe's Pulse smartpen ($149 with 1GB of flash memory, $199 with 2GB) may be able to take out a tank at 50 meters. Arguably the most technologically advanced writing instrument not intended for killing a Bond villain, the Pulse includes an infrared camera (for recording text), dual microphones, a speaker, a headphone jack, and an OLED display that can even play back short "movies" (animations synced with sound). And it manages to pack it all in a pen size that, while still a bit thick, is relatively comfortable and thinner than its closest technological ancestor, the now-discontinued Logitech io2.

Using its noise-canceling microphones and ink recognition system, the Pulse can be used to either take written notes that are uploaded to the PC, or record audio. But its greatest advance for note-taking over previous smartpen systems such as the io2 is the ability to synchronize written notes with audio. Simply put the pen into "Paper Replay" mode and tap on some text to hear what was being said as you scribbled. The result is the next best thing to real-time transcription. It can be used to check what may be an unclear or hastily scribbled note, focus on commentary while the pen captures the content, or create or copy a diagram while it is explained via audio.

But first, whatever is being written will have to be done so on paper designed explicitly for the pen. Like previous products that use Anoto technology, the Pulse needs smart "dot paper" to make transcription work. Without a doubt, this requirement will be a deal-killer for many, and limit the Pulse's everyday utility for some time to come. In contrast, simpler products such as the IOGear Mobile Digital Scribe uses ultrasound to track a pen's position and can be used on any paper (and the pens in such systems are smaller as well). To make dot paper more readily accessible, though, Livescribe will offer a template that should allow many customers to print their own dot paper at home. And dot paper enables the Pulse to pull off some pretty slick feats. Read on.

Continue reading Switched On: Livescribe's hot recording artist seeks mass appeal (Part 1)

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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321786027/feed/ Robotic Copycat Arm promises to taunt you with ease http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321749768/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321749768/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:22:00 +0000 Donald Melanson http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/robotic-copycat-arm-promises-to-taunt-you-with-ease/ Filed under:

While mind-control interfaces are all well and good, sometimes a simpler solution makes a bit more sense, and that's where this so-called Copycat Arm comes in. Developed by a group of researchers at the University of Tsukub, it makes use of a high-speed camera to monitor a person's movements, which are apparently instantly (and creepily) mimicked by the robot arm.Eventually, the researchers say the same system could be used as a computer interface, which they say could eliminate the need for a mouse and keyboard. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a video of the arm in action, but those heading to SIGGRAPH 2008 will apparently be able to check it out first hand.
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While mind-control interfaces are all well and good, sometimes a simpler solution makes a bit more sense, and that's where this so-called Copycat Arm comes in. Developed by a group of researchers at the University of Tsukub, it makes use of a high-speed camera to monitor a person's movements, which are apparently instantly (and creepily) mimicked by the robot arm.Eventually, the researchers say the same system could be used as a computer interface, which they say could eliminate the need for a mouse and keyboard. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a video of the arm in action, but those heading to SIGGRAPH 2008 will apparently be able to check it out first hand.
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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321749768/feed/ AT&T moves HQ to Dallas from San Antonio http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321712523/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321712523/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:54:00 +0000 Nilay Patel http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/atandt-moves-hq-to-dallas-from-san-antonio/ Filed under:

What's that, you didn't know AT&T was based in Texas? Yeah, ever since all those mergers (re-)created AT&T, its HQ has been in the former SBC offices in San Antonio, which is why certain services tend to roll out there first. It looks like the Alamo City isn't quite big enough for Ma Bell, though -- it's just announced that it's moving its corporate headquarters to Dallas in order to be closer to the airport. Yes, the airport. Dallas-Fort Worth Internation is country's third-largest airport, and AT&T wants travel to and from HQ to be more convenient and cost-effective. AT&T also has about 1,300 different suppliers and vendors in the Dallas area who employ some 45,000 people, so moving closer to them seems like a no-brainer. The company's Telecom Operations unit is staying put, however, so only about 700 of the 6,000 workers currently in San Antonio will be schlepping across the state. The transition should be completed within the year -- here's hoping some of those cost savings make their way down to us.
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What's that, you didn't know AT&T was based in Texas? Yeah, ever since all those mergers (re-)created AT&T, its HQ has been in the former SBC offices in San Antonio, which is why certain services tend to roll out there first. It looks like the Alamo City isn't quite big enough for Ma Bell, though -- it's just announced that it's moving its corporate headquarters to Dallas in order to be closer to the airport. Yes, the airport. Dallas-Fort Worth Internation is country's third-largest airport, and AT&T wants travel to and from HQ to be more convenient and cost-effective. AT&T also has about 1,300 different suppliers and vendors in the Dallas area who employ some 45,000 people, so moving closer to them seems like a no-brainer. The company's Telecom Operations unit is staying put, however, so only about 700 of the 6,000 workers currently in San Antonio will be schlepping across the state. The transition should be completed within the year -- here's hoping some of those cost savings make their way down to us.
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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321712523/feed/ O2 showcases pedal-powered cellphone charger http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321712524/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321712524/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:52:00 +0000 Darren Murph http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/o2-showcases-pedal-powered-cellphone-charger/ Filed under:


Motorola so had this down pat last year, but we suppose O2 is just showcasing its pedal-powered charging system now that such devices are all the rage. Just days after we had a look at two unorthodox chargers from Orange, along comes rival O2 with a bicycle-related alternative. Reportedly, the eco-friendly device will be demonstrated at the O2 Wireless Festival in London's Hyde Park, but unfortunately, each of the demo bikes will be stationary. Still no word on whether O2 has a mind to take this thing commercial, but for cyclists the world over, here's to hoping it does.

[Thanks, Adam]
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Motorola so had this down pat last year, but we suppose O2 is just showcasing its pedal-powered charging system now that such devices are all the rage. Just days after we had a look at two unorthodox chargers from Orange, along comes rival O2 with a bicycle-related alternative. Reportedly, the eco-friendly device will be demonstrated at the O2 Wireless Festival in London's Hyde Park, but unfortunately, each of the demo bikes will be stationary. Still no word on whether O2 has a mind to take this thing commercial, but for cyclists the world over, here's to hoping it does.

[Thanks, Adam]
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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321712524/feed/ Bill Gates You Have a Retirement E-Card from Gizmodo [Bill Gates Retirement Party] http://gizmodo.com/5020426/bill-gates-you-have-a-retirement-e+card-from-gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/5020426/bill-gates-you-have-a-retirement-e+card-from-gizmodo#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Christopher Mascari http://gizmodo.com/5020426/bill-gates-you-have-a-retirement-e+card-from-gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/5020426/bill-gates-you-have-a-retirement-e+card-from-gizmodo/feed/ Engadget’s farewell card to Bill G http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321687103/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321687103/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:54:00 +0000 Engadget staff http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/engadgets-farewell-card-to-bill-g/ Filed under:


Well, Bill, it's just about quittin' time out here on the left coast, so with your final day at Microsoft drawing to a close, we wanted to present you with a little farewell card. It's not much, but we hope you like it.

Bill,
I can't believe you're already taking off! They even going to let your pension fully vest? Just kidding, I think heard somewhere that you're worth a lot of money or something. Thanks for the Xbox 360 and for always being so damn friendly -- promise I'll try my best to think only of Allchin whenever I bluescreen. Come visit soon and KIT, okay?
Yours Truly, Ryan

Continue reading Engadget's farewell card to Bill G

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Well, Bill, it's just about quittin' time out here on the left coast, so with your final day at Microsoft drawing to a close, we wanted to present you with a little farewell card. It's not much, but we hope you like it.

Bill,
I can't believe you're already taking off! They even going to let your pension fully vest? Just kidding, I think heard somewhere that you're worth a lot of money or something. Thanks for the Xbox 360 and for always being so damn friendly -- promise I'll try my best to think only of Allchin whenever I bluescreen. Come visit soon and KIT, okay?
Yours Truly, Ryan

Continue reading Engadget's farewell card to Bill G

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]]> http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321687103/feed/ Medion’s Atom-powered Akoya Mini laptop now on sale http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321687104/ http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/321687104/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:49:00 +0000 Darren Murph http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/medions-atom-powered-akoya-mini-laptop-now-on-sale/ Filed under:


Here's a peculiar one. Medion's Akoya Mini -- you know, just one of the legions of low-cost laptops you've barely heard of -- is finally on sale after being showcased at Computex. But it's not the mere fact of being on sale that's intriguing; for whatever reason, Medion has decided to offer the unit up in Austria's Hofer, which is the foreign equivalent of America's Aldi. So you know, while you're browsing around picking up a few bits of produce and a 20-pack of Fun Dip, why not snag a 10-inch netbook for €399 ($628) to round things out?

[Thanks, hondosan]
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Here's a peculiar one. Medion's Akoya Mini -- you know, just one of the legions of low-cost laptops you've barely heard of -- is finally on sale after being showcased at Computex. But it's not the mere fact of being on sale that's intriguing; for whatever reason, Medion has decided to offer the unit up in Austria's Hofer, which is the foreign equivalent of America's Aldi. So you know, while you're browsing around picking up a few bits of produce and a 20-pack of Fun Dip, why not snag a 10-inch netbook for €399 ($628) to round things out?

[Thanks, hondosan]
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