A report recently came out that says parents and teachers are not communicating. Parents blame their busy schedules for not being able to meet with teachers.The report also said that parents know more about their bank accounts then they do about their kid’s report card.

The reason for this is simple. The information about your bank account is readily available online and via text messaging. Parents are now demanding the same level of service for monitoring their child’s progress in school. Teachers could text or email updates to parents once a month or have a site they can post updates too.

I’m sure students find the idea of an RSS feed of their quiz results just thrilling!

When I first heard about AC Schnitzer’s new LCD-equipped gear shifter, I thought, wow, this would be useful as the LCD takes the guessing out of what gear the transmission is in. Then I realized, most people that drive a manual don’t think about what they’re doing. They just know what gear they’re in and what gear they’re planning to shift into. Are there really people out there driving and thinking, “My god what gear am I in!”

This makes me think the new gear shifter is just eye candy and nothing more. AC Schnitzer is planning to install the new shifter in its BMWs and MINIs, which are already loaded with eye candy so it makes sense. There is no word on when we will see these appear in new cars or a price tag.

Today ImmerVision, the supposed expert in 360 Panoramic Imaging Technology, released a press release to simply toot its own horn. The only announcement found in the document was the fact that surveillance companies are using its technology. Duh!

Companies are adding the IMV1-1/3 lens to existing security setups to add complete situational awareness. You can go to ImmerVisions website to see a video of it in action. It’s like a live version of Google’s street view.

MONTREAL–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ImmerVision, the expert in 360° Panoramic Imaging Technology and inventor of the IMV1-1/3 panomorph lens, reports that a growing number of small and large organizations are adding ImmerVision’s 360-degree optics to complement their existing video surveillance installations. These companies already use numerous fixed and PTZ cameras to capture quality images of individuals entering their premises, however, they still can’t relate events and people in one single coherent view.

Today, the IMV1-1/3 lens added to existing CCTV analog or IP cameras, coupled with ImmerVision Enables DVR/NVR’s provide the quickest and most efficient way to add complete situational awareness to video surveillance systems.

Panomorph optics provides consistent 360-degree viewing, live or playback, of an entire area — critical in the banking, gaming, retailing, petroleum, public transit, manufacturing and government sectors. “Video surveillance ‘blindness’ is dangerous and costly”, said Yves Messier, ImmerVision Vice-President Video Surveillance Applications. “End-users are demanding to ‘see everything, anywhere, at anytime’ in order to detect perimeter intrusions and threatening behaviours, manage traffic and crowds, to track interactions between individuals and to be able to rapidly reconstruct the sequence of events in the case of an incident”.

Security experts and end-users can find superior 360° performance and compatibility within a growing number of ImmerVision Enables’ DVR/NVR/VMS from manufacturers such as Aimetis, Chubb, Cieffe (A March Network Company), Petards, Salient Systems, Sentry 360, Silicor, Stanley, and Verex. ImmerVision prides itself on the quality and reliability of its Panomorph lenses and continuously tests new cameras from a number of leading manufacturers. Some of the qualified cameras that meet the IMV1-1/3 requirements are available from Axis, Bosch, IQinvision, Panasonic and Pelco.

About ImmerVision
ImmerVision’s revolutionary Panomorph technology is the recipient of the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Award for North American Technology Innovation of the Year. Under the leadership of Pascale Nini, President and CEO, ImmerVision has a mission to “invent and bring panoramic technologies to the world.” ImmerVision develops Panomorph optics and software algorithms to enable panoramic functionalities for any video device application used for security, video conferencing, consumer electronics, automotive, medical, aerospace and defence. To date, ImmerVision has established six (6) worldwide patents for its visionary panomorph optics technology and software. ImmerVision is based in Montreal, Canada. For more details www.immervision.com

Most venders use the Japanese tech association Jeita’s method, which is the average of power depletion when idle and playing a movie file. This seems pretty far from every day uses. Sony is going to switch to the Jeita “A” standard that only uses the movie file results. I still don’t know how accurate this will be, but it should be better than the other method.

“SanDisk periodically has conversations with multiple parties, including Samsung, regarding a variety of potential business opportunities. We evaluate all of these opportunities, but maintain a policy of not commenting on market rumors or speculation.”

So the big rumor SanDisk is talking about is the one where Samsung buys them, and royally screws over Toshiba. If this happens Samsung will be the top dog in flash memory (they’re already close). They will also have their hands on the many patents owned by SanDisk. If this rumor is true this could reshape the flash memory market.

One of the drawbacks of technology is with each new piece of gear, you get a new charger. After awhile you find every outlet in your house is filled with chargers and adapters. I don’t know about you, but this drives me crazy. When I want to charge something I have to remember where I put the damn charger, and then find a place to plug it in.

Lucky for me, Make Magazine found someone that made a DIY charging station. This could be the answer to my problems, one place for all my charging needs.

After reading (really I just looked at the pictures) the how-to it looks simple to make. You get a box, put a power adapter in it, then cover the adapter up with a board, drill some holes, attach chargers, and you done. That’s simple enough… right?

Everyone loves a good looking point-and-shoot camera, so that’s why Olympus is releasing two new cameras to the FE-Series. The new cameras pack a lot of power in a slim metal body.

Each of them feature 8.0 megapixels, image stabilization, face detection, help guilds, backlit LCD, and a rechargeable battery. On top of all that you will also be able to perches the cameras in red, blue, pink, black and silver.

Here are some features:

FE-360:
• Stylish slim (0.7 inch) metal body
• 3x Optical Zoom

FE-370:
• Dual Image Stabilization
• TruePic™ III Image Processor
• Intelligent Auto Mode
• 5x Optical Zoom
• 2.7-inch high resolution LCD
• Smile Shot
• Expression Edit – turn frowns upside down

If you want to know more about these cameras and there features, check out the full press release after the jump. Both of these cameras will be available this month for 149.99 (FE-360) and 199.99 (FE-370).

New Olympus FE-Series Cameras are Smarter, Slimmer, and Easier to Use than Ever Before

Dynamic Duo Simplify Digital Photography with Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Perfect Shot Preview and In-Camera Help Guides

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 25, 2008 – Olympus introduces two sleek and stylish FE-Series point-and-shoot digital cameras that combine easy operation and smart performance to capture brilliant images at the push of a button. While small in size, the new FE-360 and FE-370 are full of impressive imaging technologies packed into colorful slim metal bodies ideal for people on the move.

Raising the bar for entry-level digital cameras, both models feature 8.0 megapixels of resolution; Image Stabilization for virtually blur-free images; Face Detection for crisp portraits; Perfect Shot Preview to see various shot options before the shutter is pressed; In-Camera Help Guides that make print manuals obsolete; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing in bright light.

Each camera is available in red, blue, pink, black and silver and offers a unique set of features so consumers can choose the FE that best meets their needs:

FE-360:
• Stylish and affordable, this super-slim (0.7 inch) metal body fits easily into a shirt pocket or clutch for a night on the town; and
• Its 3x Optical Zoom is matched with 20 custom shooting modes for virtually every scenario.

FE-370:
• Leading these impressive specs, Dual Image Stabilization virtually eliminates blur from shaking hands or moving subjects and joins with the TruePic™ III Image Processor to produce crystal clear images;
• A new Intelligent Auto Mode selects the appropriate shooting mode automatically based on where the camera is aimed, and optimizes the settings accordingly;
• Its powerful 5x Optical Zoom captures action at a distance that is displayed on a big and bright 2.7-inch high resolution LCD; and
• Smile Shot automatically triggers the shutter only when a subject smiles, and Expression Edit can even turn frowns upside down.

Image Stabilization for Virtually Blur-Free Photos
Digital Image Stabilization, offered on the FE-360, freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject. Dual Image Stabilization adds mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization to Digital Image Stabilization to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images even if the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. By combining the two technologies, FE-370 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation.

New Intelligent Auto Mode
Tired of changing the settings on your camera every time you’re shooting something different? Included in the FE-370, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

Face Detection
Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subject is moving, the camera continuously tracks your subject’s face without having to press the shutter button. The FE-370 can detect up to 16 individual faces in one shot.

Perfect Shot Preview
Both cameras offer Perfect Shot Preview mode, which enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring they are capturing the exact image desired. It is a great way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Pre-Set Shooting Modes Featuring Smile Shot
Both new FE-Series cameras offer numerous pre-set shooting modes, such as Sports, Fireworks and Night Scene with Portrait. The cameras also offer VGA & AVI-quality video and sound, which enable users to shoot and share movies on the big screen or on the Web. The FE-370 features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject’s face to detect a smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents hoping to capture hard-to-predict baby smiles. The FE-360 offers 20 shooting modes (including three for underwater shooting with the camera’s optional housing), and the FE-370 offers 18 shooting modes.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The FE-370 camera offers Red-Eye Fix, Exposure Fix and in-camera editing features such as resizing and cropping that enable photographers to edit images after the photo has been captured.

Expression Edit
Photographers sometimes struggle with making subjects say “cheese.” Now they can really turn a frown upside down when their subjects refuse to smile for the birdie. This fun feature on the FE-370 uses Face Detection technology to edit a subject’s facial expression after the image is captured. Four different expressions can be previewed in a multi-frame window on the LCD, and users can select their favorite expression at the touch of a button.

Easy Operation and Help Guides
The new FE-Series cameras feature an enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. The FE-370 offers Program Auto Mode. Located on the cameras’ mode dial, this option enables consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance. A tutorial “shooting guide” educates users on tips for achieving specific effects, such as “shooting into backlight,” perfect for bright situations such as a day at the beach, and “adjusting image quality” for uploading images to auction sites. The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various situations and environments, but also sets the camera for optimum results with the touch of a button.

TruePic™ III Image Processor
The FE-370 features Olympus’ exclusive TruePic III image processor, which was developed for the demanding performance of professional Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. The FE-360 and FE-370 will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Availability
The FE-360 and FE-370 will be available in August 2008. The FE-360 includes the LI-42B Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter. The FE-370 includes a new LI-60B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter.

U.S. Pricing
FE-360 Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
FE-370 Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)

Psystar is suing Apple under the Sherman Antitrust Act saying that the EULA is a form of illicit tying and restrains trade.

Psystar’s attorneys are calling Apple’s allegations of Psystar’s copyright infringement “misinformed and mischaracterized.” Psystar argues that its OpenComputer product is shipped with a fully licensed, unmodified copy of Mac OS X, and that the company has simply “leveraged open source-licensed code including Apple’s OS” to enable a PC to run the Mac operating system.

Good luck getting it to stick, boys. Don Quixote might start taking pointers from you.

Apple will have 30 days to respond to this new development. Pedraza feels his company is doing nothing wrong and they’re only offering an alternative to Apples high-priced hardware. I don’t think Pedraza understands that the hardware is where Apple makes most of its money. So they’re not going to give up that part of the business without a long, drawn-out fight.

This is probably going to end up being a test of who has the most stamina (money). Since Apple has the most to lose, I can’t see them letting this one go to long. I smell a fat settlement in Psystar’s future.

Everyone loves a good Wii Fit hack. This guy hooked up his Wii Fit to Google’s street view so he could walk around town. It’s kind of neat idea, but I really don’t know how fun it is to march in place. I rather just sit in my chair and click a mouse.

via Makezine Blog

When doing activities with your iPod, sometimes it’s hard to find a good place to put it. Your pockets are no good since it can fall out if the activity involves running or jumping. Another option is an arm strap, which I find uncomfortable and distracting.

Well, now there’s a new option called the iStik. It’s a plastic enclosure that has four magnets on the back. It works just like those magnetic name badges. With the enclosure on your iPod Nano (2nd or 3rd generation), you will be able to stick it anywhere on your clothes.

The only thing that worries me about this is the magnet part. I know when I used to wear a name badge, it would fall off sometimes. I guess if this magnet is stronger that might not happen. If it does fail, they should change the name to iSuk.

If you’re interested, you can buy this bad boy at iStik for $24.95 for 2nd Generation and $26.95 for 3rd Generation.

PRO Features:
- A whopping 2 year warranty
- Menu lock option so you’re not tempted to mess with it while driving (this should be on all TomTom devices)
- Heavy duty sleeve for those of you suffering from dropsy
- Free map update in the first 12 months
- Accesses to a PRO only customer service line
- PIN lock to protect your information when other people use it

Some of these new “features” seem like items that all TomTom units should come with standard. Why the different treatment TomTom? Are us Joe-Lunchbox types not good ‘nough?

Anyway, the only difference between the two is the 8000 has premium features like IQ Routes, Voice Address Input, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. I’d advise you to get the cheap one and then complain until you get the good service.

via Navigadget

The guys from Tom’s Hardware have a lot of time and solid-state drives on their hands. They compiled a list of 14 SSDs and compared them. In the end, they feel (just like I do), that SSD isn’t really the best choice right now. The technology is still too new and expensive, so the benefits do not justify the cost — yet.

If you’re dying to know and really don’t want to read the whole thing, let me save you some time. All of them are pretty evenly matched. The only difference is that some of them are faster at reading/writing and others are more energy efficient — but never by that much.

The only one Tom’s Hardware thought was really worthwhile was Samsung’s 64 GB SSD SATA-2 drive, which was the complete package at a reasonable cost. I hope the 128GB ones perform as well.

If someone was anticipating an amazingly updated PSP, the PSP-3001 isn’t it. The supposed updates of GPS, 802.11n, Bluetooth, and a mic were nowhere to be found in the PSP-3001 FCC report.

So after all the hype, it certainly seems the new PSP-3001 is just a simple hardware refresh. Perhaps meant to keep hackers on their toes and challenge them to crack the new hardware. At least we now know there is an update coming sometime soon and I smell an official announcement right around the corner. (or is my neighbor cooking bacon again)

Since everyone was screaming about the situation online, WD has announced a new version. Pretty much all they had to do was move the PCB. Why didn’t they do that the first time?

Frustrated VelociRaptor fans will be happy to hear that the new drives are out now.

Update: WD tells us that the new version was planned when they released the original and that the unusual placement of the SATA/power connectors was not a design flaw. Thanks for letting us know, WD, but whether you call it a design flaw or not it’s still a weird place to put the things and there’s no mention of an upcoming revision in the press release. Personally, I’d be happy to make do with either one; my aging system hard drive could do with an upgrade and I could care less if it’s ports are in the usual spots. What really matters is the performance and VelociRaptors are top of the HDD dogpile right now.

To solve this problem some teachers or IT peeps may consider Oncore’s 6-Bay Battery Charger for Apple notebooks the solution.It’ll charge 3 batteries simultaneously and keep up to six charged and ready for action. Not only will it work with the new Macbooks, it will also work for older iBooks.

Guess that “dog ate my battery” excuse won’t work any more. Curses!

This always seems to happen to me: I go to a party and find that the host has horrible taste in music. It’s usually hair bands form the 80’s or something like that. Since I am not afraid to voice my opinion, I tell them that no one likes this music. After the rest of the guests back me up, they usually tell me to put on whatever I want.

This is where the problem starts. I have no way to get my music from my mp3 player to their outdated stereo. Luckily, this same situation must have happened to the guys at Griffin since they came out with a solution, called iTrip Universal.

The iTrip Universal can work with any audio source (not just an iPod) that uses a 1/8” jack. On top of that it has a rechargeable battery built-in, which charges via USB port. It can also save three programmable presents, which is handy if you’re using it in your car.

If the iTrip Universal works as well as Griffin’s other FM Transmitters, you should have no problem saving a party from bad hair metal.

If you’ve been kicking around the idea of doing a DIY project, this might be a good one to start with. All you do is turn an old pair of glasses into Terminator glasses. It’s basically just installing two red LEDs onto the frames. You don’t even have to use a soldering gun.

I know this project is kind of dorky, but it’s easy. Plus, what else are you going to do with all those cheap sunglasses you have clogging up your glove compartment?

Check out how to do it here.

Out of terrorist teapots!

If you’re angry at that joke, don’t be mad at me. Instead, direct your anger towards the maker the teapot. On the other hand, if you enjoyed it I expect a high-five the next time I see you.

Some features of the teapot are:
- The menacing teapot should scare most tea drinkers away. Sometimes you just don’t want to share.
- The mask is removable, just in case you do happen to be in a sharing mood.
- Suitable for ages 14+. Any younger and they will just think the teapot is a bank robber.

After you spent all that money on a new MacBook Air, you are probably paranoid about it getting damaged. In fact, you’re so paranoid that a normal laptop case will not suffice — you will also want it wrapped in a sleeve.

Since you are not alone in your paranoia, many companies offer products like the ZeroShock III MacBook Air Sleeve ($27.95 USD). This particular sleeve is composed of high-resistance polyurethane foam and features a low-profile design. Not only that, it’s designed to fit nicely in a separate bag or backpack, so you’re doubly protected.

Now you can safely walk form your house to the coffee shop without a worry. Well… unless you’re using your iPhone without a case. Then you will be paranoid that you’re going to drop that and scuff it up.

Everyone knows the Blue-ray release of “The Dark Knight” is going to be a must have this Christmas. This could be a lot of people Warner could download content to and promote upcoming projects. I don’t think anyone could pass up this kind of marketing opportunity.