Contrasting contrasts: The Kindle on the right is the new global-wireless model.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)When the Kindle 2 was first released, we reported on the small controversy over how dark the text and images appeared on the screen compared to the original Kindle. Held side by side, the original appeared to have better contrast and the text appeared slightly darker--and slightly easier to read.
Well, when we reviewed the new AT&T-powered version of the Kindle 2, which Amazon calls "Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)," we noticed that the text appeared darker on this model than on the older Sprint-powered Kindle 2. It's not a huge difference but it's definitely noticeable (see photo above).
While that's a good thing, we're not sure when Amazon made the transition to the slightly improved screen. It very well could have showed up on later revs of the Sprint-powered Kindle or it may have appeared with the introduction of the international AT&T-powered version. Alas, repeated e-mails to an Amazon PR spokesperson have gone unanswered, so we haven't been able to get official word from the company on what it did--or didn't do--to the screen.
When the initial controversy flared up, some Kindle owners wondered whether a firmware upgrade would remedy the contrast issue. We still don't know the answer to that, but we're hoping Amazon will clarify the contrast question for us (if it does, we'll update this post), especially with Barnes & Noble's Nook shipping within the month.
In the meantime, you can read our full review of the AT&T-powered Kindle and if you happen to have compared this model with the Sprint-powered Kindle and noticed a difference between the black levels, please post a comment.
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(Credit:
BornRich)
We used to joke that Japan was hurtling toward a human-free society, but now we're starting to worry that it's true. The island nation, already concerned about its rapidly declining population (of humans), has recently debuted bots that can clean buildings, plow snow, detect smoke and even police grounds while others escort hospital patients and take their temperatures.
But now robots are entering the ultimate inner sanctum: the kitchen. BornRich says a team of more than 40 Japanese researchers spent four years creating a domestic bot that can, among other things, wash dishes. (Maybe it's not such a bad trend after all.)
They're not yet cooking seven-course meals, but these machines can pour tea apparently without spilling, which is more than we can say of ourselves. But if they start preparing sushi, we're heading for the bunker.
One of the very few families I know that actually had a TV in their fridge was the Bluths. (OK, I don't really know them. But thanks to Fox, I got to see inside their model home every week for three seasons, so it totally feels that way.)
(Credit:
Samsung)
I don't recall any of them actually watching their fantastic TV fridge, but that's probably because, like actual humans, comically dysfunctional television characters don't fancy standing around their kitchen for their viewing pleasure. (Though the Bluths might make an exception for a vintage Cornballer infomercial.)
Here's where Samsung comes in: its new Wireless ICE Pad fridge, which debuted right before CES, has a built-in 10.4-inch LCD screen, but this one can be removed to become, essentially, a tablet PC. Running Windows CE, it can receive a TV and AM/FM signal up to 200 feet away from the fridge. It also acts as a calendar and message center, and though those functions are more productive and practical, they're not nearly as fun.
Cell phones and MP3 players aren't the only things that can be gussied up. Yes, even the lowly washing machine can become a swan with the right wardrobe. Well, sort of.
Samsung is apparently taking a Vegas approach to domestic appliances with this red washing machine (or is it magenta?) by Korean designer Andre Kim. By the looks of this photo, he and Samsung apparently think the stainless-steel Viking-range look is out. (If this is the alternative, we beg to differ.)
But we're no experts. If Swarovski can do a fridge, why not do your laundry in style too? OK, never mind.
(Photo: Akihabara News)
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