Laser Christmas Tree

Rumor:Canon might announce 450D or 5D Successor on Jan. 24 '08

Source from Photography Bay消息來源指出，Robert Westin, Canon瑞典公司的副總，無意中透露Canon將在PMA 2008前發表的產品聲明。

在Kamerabild.se (一個瑞典網站)有篇文章提到Westin回顧Canon在2007年的表現並發表對來年的看法 。

關鍵來了：

1. Canon將會在明年一月24日，也就是PMA展的一周前，公開發表重要產品。

所以，明年一月底會公開的產品若不是接續400D的450D，那就會是接續5D的5D MK2

2. Canon在2008年將會推出比07年更多款的攝影產品。

3.由於Canon已在07年末已經推出了幾項較重要的產品，例如PowerShot G9, EOS 1Ds Mark III 和 EOS 40D。若Canon在08年仍會推出更多的相機產品，那麼在這幾個產品級距之間會有其他的產品推出嗎？這 點就頗值得玩味。

--------------------------------
2008/01/24
果真Canon出400D的後繼機種了！

Canon EOS 450D 官網連結




12.2-百萬畫素(CMOS)的 EOS Rebel XSi(450D)

特點：

• Live View LCD view-finding(可用LCD取景對焦)
• 3" LCD 螢幕(230,000 像素)
• Digic III 處理器
• 只吃SD/SDHC卡(bye bye, dear CF)
• 14bit處理器
• 3.5 fps連拍(JPEG連拍53張，RAW連拍6張)
• 9點對焦系統，中央點支援F2.8十字測光
• ISO100 to 1600
• 電池(LP-E5）可拍約500張！
• 機身只要美金799元！Kit組899美金(EF-S 18-55 IS lens)
• 自動光線最佳化(Auto lighting Optimizer)
• 只有475g重

嗯，Live View 下放到低階機了，接著就看Nikon如何接招了，D80或D40x的後繼機種是否會加入Live View的行列呢？真是令人期待。

不過我最不喜歡Canon低階機的一點就是沒有機上右側的黑白液晶螢幕，這個螢幕可以快速的檢視相機的設定狀態，低階機將機背的LCD螢幕當做資訊顯示使用時，不但浪費電而且不方便，還要特別做個光感應器，讓臉部靠近觀景窗時可以自動切斷螢幕供電。

不過撇開這點不談，450D還是依台值得初學者購買的好機器，要從C家入DSLR錢坑的愛好者，就別考慮400D現貨了，等四月上市的450D吧(XD或是開始搜尋別人開始拋售的400D，撿便宜啊啊啊 )

DCView這篇有更詳細的介紹

Canon 'Beefs Up' the New Rebel With Optically Image Stabilized Lens Kit and 'Pro' Features


LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 - Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras - the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an "entry level" digital SLR - have now redefined the gateway prowess and "pro-ness" of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line's new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit - or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag.


"This new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them," states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.


Luxury Feel and Function
At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi's large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera's menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.


The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.


Improved Image Quality
At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.


Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.


The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces.


DIGIC III Image Processor
If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon's DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera's efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.


Enhanced Live View
Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View, the EOS Rebel XSi camera adds a new "Live Mode" contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.


Improved Autofocus and Framing Rate
The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera's subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that's effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera's ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second sports action at just the right moment.


EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the "clean now" function.


The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.


Back to the Basics
In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera is equipped with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4% spot metering (another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much more. The new camera is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as EX-series Speedlites, an optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder accessories.


A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which accommodated CF type memory cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards including those with capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no increase in size or weight.


In the Box
Expected to ship in April 2008 the Canon Rebel XSi camera is available in body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera will also be available in a lens kit version which includes everything in the body-only kit plus the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The two versions carry estimated retail prices of $799.99 and $899.99, respectively.


EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens
First introduced in August of 2007, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is Canon's answer to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens and is included as the standard lens in the Rebel XSi kit configuration. The lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the significant advantage of Canon's true optical, lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-55.6 IS zoom lens sells separately for $199.99*, but when customers purchase the lens kit version of the Rebel XSi the difference in price is only $100* from the price of the body-only kit. Canon is offering the lens kit at this discount so that more customers can enjoy the benefit of a lens based image stabilizer system.


The higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera body sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the photographer can see the optical image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady in the viewfinder or on the screen through the Rebel XSi Live View function, better framing and composition is possible allowing the photographer to concentrate on the best shot more comfortably.


EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
Like the standard kit lens, the optional EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers users of Canon EOS Digital SLRs with APS-C type CMOS sensors an affordable, lightweight, high-performance lens with tremendous range and flexibility. Given the 1.6x conversion factor inherent in the APS-C sized sensor, the high zoom ratio of this EF-S 55-250mm lens actually achieves the equivalent focal length of 88-400mm (in 35mm format).


Canon's true optical, lens shift image stabilizer offers users an equivalent shutter speed that is approximately 4 settings faster, making hand-held lower light or long zoom photos easier to capture without blurring. What's more, the lens can automatically distinguish between normal shooting and panning shots and select the optimum Image Stabilizer mode for each.


In stores now, both the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom lenses are manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS Rebel XSi , EOS 40D and every other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including earlier Digital Rebel cameras and the EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, and EOS 30D models. Though standard in the EOS Rebel XSi kit, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is also available as a stand alone purchase and carries an estimated retail price of $199.99. The optional EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens is available at an estimated retail price of $299.99.

Batman The Dark Knight Theatrical Trailer

Disappearing Car Door

Interesting idea, but I'm curious about safety issue when car crashed.

Phidget Reader for Front Door Security

Here Comes Another Bubble - The Richter Scales

Buy one Flickr Gift, get 3 months free for yourself

已經有Flickr帳號的，趕快把握難得機會，買一年送三個月等於是降價促銷
因為，誰說我不能買禮物送自己的？Flickr只會問你，你確定要把禮物送給自己嗎？
是的話，你就只花了24.95美金，得到了15個月的Pro帳號使用期，依此類推。

Elle MacPherson Intimates - The Interactive Storefront

Tracking fingers with the Wii Remote

Check out how to do that trick via his project link:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/

Foldable Displays (tracked with the Wiimote)

Warm up your love forever! Heart Shaped Semi

Oh!! I love this warmbag in heart shape.
It's fun to watch the core spreading gradually.

It's called HOTPAD and made by TEN COMFORT CORP.(金健實業有限公司) in Taiwan
Strangly, the company had no website for their product promotion.....
I thought it's a niche market and they don't need any website promoting their products to the public.

Here is their telephone no if u desire to order lots of these hotpads.
886-2-29220202

And during winter season, some of people might want to buy a pocket warmers. But most of pocket warmers are disposable type. I think this heart shaped one is good because it's a semi-permanent use eco type.

Or u can buy it via Yahoo kimo bid
Wish all of u a warm winter. ~^_^~

HTC Touch Cruise

圖片來源：Gizmodo


對於HTC的手機外型，大概都可以列入不予置評的分類，因為商務手機大概就是這副德性，不過就規格面來看，Touch Cruise的確很讚，三百萬畫素的相機+自動對焦，內建Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/A-GPS，支援3G HSDPA。唯一不行的，可能只有OS吧(笑)

• 四頻 GSM (850/900/1800/1900 Mhz)
• Triband UMTS (850/1900/2100)
• HSDPA and HSUPA connectivity
• 400 Mhz MSM7200 Qualcomm CPU
• 128 RAM and 256 ROM
• 2.8″ 320×240 px QVGA display
• 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
• 0.3 mpx front camera for video calls
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Built-in A-GPS
• micro-SD/micro SDHC memory card slot

Japanese anti-rapemugging dress transforms into vending machine disguise

Design by Aya Tsukioka

It's an interesting skirt which be able to masquerade as a vending machine.
But I'm wondering who will have time to use it when it's in a emergency situation.
Though it's really interesting(just like a Zinja)





圖片來源：
Gizmodo CrzyDefen

wiiwiiwiiwii - Claudio Midolo Edgar Castellanos Pedro Mari Natan Sinigaglia

wiiwiiwiiwii - Claudio Midolo Edgar Castellanos Pedro Mari Natan Sinigaglia
主要還是透過Max/Msp來達成訊號與圖像的轉換輸出

WiiWiiWiiWii Flickr Set

levelHead: A 3D Spatial Memory Game

website of this artist
Project page

Nokia S60 Touch UI

A Five Year Old Asks About Social Security

Futurama - Benders Big Score - DVD-Trailer

PSP新舊版讀取速度大車拼：新版比較快

看來舊版psp的跌價速度會更快了，旁有ndsl夾擊，後有新版psp排隊等著取代，有意出清手上舊版的要趁早啊！

gadget網站的幽默感

engadget網站有了中文版後，我就比較少看engadget英文版了，而且是連中文版也放棄閱讀，原因無他，我轉向gizmodo的懷抱去了。其實這兩個站報導的東西重複性非常高，除非真的不願意漏掉任何小道消息，不然看完其中一個的當日update後，另一個站就不用去了。

但這並不是我想寫這篇的重點，我想講的是gizmodo或是engadget在文章中的幽默感，是許多國內網站或雜誌所不及的。而且先不管版權問題，gizmodo或engadget每次都能找到非常棒的圖片來填充只有文字的小道消息。而且以gizmodo為例，還會加上一段搭的天衣無縫的雙關話或對白。以最近這個iphone的小道消息(只要蘋果透果定期的韌體升級便能將iphone重新鎖回來)，gizmodo搭配的圖便令我噴飯不已


或是下面這幾張(搭配英文標題和圖片)

How Do I Unlock My iPhone? (Wait for the Package Installer)


iPhone Free Software Unlock Confirmed (Death Star Explodes)


Nepal Airlines Sacrifices Goats to Fix Plane—and It Works


iPhone Unlocked (AGAIN!) With Paid Software Fix


How To: Install Apps on Your iPhone for Total Dummies


AT&T Confirms End of Detailed Billing for iPhone, Other Unholy Cells

圖片來源：gizmodo網站

而engadget也是具有相當棒的文字幽默，每次看標題或內容都能令人開懷
若要說情緒感染力，我想這類型的gadget blog確實很能吸引人不斷地按reload，並迫切期待新文章的出現

和這邊許多大站的報導式文章比起來，我更喜歡這類幽默且切中要害的圖片與標題

另外，公開徵求一下，有人看得懂TFSU是什麼的縮寫嗎？

update:
根據Urban Dictionary的解釋，典故來自於一句Yoda說過的話
"Stupid your argument is. TFSU you should." - Yoda
TFSU means "The Fxxk Shut Up"

Tenori-on

It's an interesting visual instrument from Yamaha

SIGGRAPH 2007 Video on Youtube

Siggraph 2007已經結束很久了，該放出來的影片或資訊也都被報導的差不多了。我稍微看了一下youtube上關於siggraph 2007的影片，並把我感興趣的集合放在這邊

artfuture :: SIGGRAPH 2007 :: GlowBots


SIGGRAPH 2007 Minority report screen


Paula Dawson hologram at SIGGRAPH 2007


3rd spore demonstration at SIGGRAPH 07


SIGGRAPH 2007 Emerging-Technologies - SCP.Camera


e ink


Paula Dawson's Holographic print at SIGGRAPH 2007


Goo Map Virtual Tours

Google surprise me again by Google Earth V4.2 with Stars!!

Oh my god, after conquered the earth, Google invade deep into unknow galaxy.
Look up carefully, you will find your own star!

我只能說，以這麼容易操作的瀏覽方式飽覽天際群星，附加資訊又是如此豐富，Google又再次用新版的Google Earth帶給我們無限探索的天文饗宴。

附註：Google Earth 4.2版也更新了飛行模擬器復活節彩蛋版本，增加了F-16戰鬥機，只要同時按下Alt+Ctrl+A，就會出現飛行模擬器選單畫面
詳細操作情形請見飛行模擬鍵盤控制

CNN:God's Warriors

CNN將於本週三四五播映God's Warriors

比起眾多毫無營養的電視節目，聽得懂或聽不懂英文的，都可以看看認真製作的專題節目應有的水準

SONY 新款遙控器

SONY在日本地區於8月下旬將發售3款新的紅外線遙控器，分別是薄型以便利餐桌上使用的「RM-PZ1FD」，以及復古造型的「RM-PZ1SD」，還有曲線造型的「RM-PZ1D」，售價都是2468日幣。

RM-PZ1FD


　RM-PZ1FD主要是針對在餐桌上的使用，因此在面板上有著容易閱讀與操作的大型按鈕。並且擁有JIS II等級的生活防水性能。在顏色方面，預計將推出銀(S)、白(W)、紅(R)等3色。


遙控器的紅外線發射裝置，共裝載3顆可廣角發射的LED。並預先內建包括SONY、Panasonic、Toshiba等15家公司的電視遙控預設組合。電源方面採用兩顆4號電池。外形尺寸為96×127×17mm(橫(側)×縱×厚度)，含電池的總重量約148g。


　RM-PZ1SD在設計上的特色是採用復古造型與簡化按鈕。顏色共有銀(S)與白(W)2色。電源方面採用兩顆3號電池。外形尺寸為141×51×25mm(橫(側)×縱×厚度)，含電池的總重量約103g。


　RM-PZ1D則是將曲線應用在外型設計上。顏色共有銀(S)/黑(B)/白(W)等3色。電源方面採用兩顆3號電池。外形尺寸為149×63×30mm(橫(側)×縱×厚度)，含電池的總重量約128g。

□製品情報(RM-PZ1FD)
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/avacc/avacc/acc/index.cfm?PD=28647&KM=RM-PZ1FD
□製品情報(RM-PZ1SD)
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/avacc/avacc/acc/index.cfm?PD=28645&KM=RM-PZ1SD
□製品情報(RM-PZ1D)
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/avacc/avacc/acc/index.cfm?PD=28643&KM=RM-PZ1D

辛浦森家庭相關產品：荷馬大頭收音機

衝著荷馬的兩顆眼睛是調整音量和頻率的份上，這樣的授權產品會讓我想買來擺著....

若是能夠再開啟關閉或調整頻率時能加些招牌對話就更棒了

Kuso:World's Most Revolutionary Digital Art Tool Unveiled

說真的，我超愛看這類惡搞的趣味偽影片，就像驚聲尖笑或史詩大帝國，總是提醒我們原始物件的經典狀態與重製模仿惡搞的趣味

北京加速器 BEIJING ACCELERATOR

Concept, hardware and images: Marnix de Nijs
Image manipulation: Reinier van Brummelen (Stereo Matrix), NL
Sound: Boris Debackere, Antwerp, BE
Software: Brecht Debackere, Antwerp, BE

馬尼克斯‧德‧奈斯
北京加速器
2006
375 x 375 x 220公分
機械零件、電腦、投影機、電器、感應器、螢幕、競賽椅、鋼構
作品提供：藝術家
作品概念、硬體及影像製作：馬尼克斯‧德‧奈斯
影像製作：Reinier van Brummelen (Matrix立體聲)
聲音：Boris Debackere
軟體：Brecht Debackere

wmmna去年六月的報導






V2_特區 動態媒體─行動，互動
2007/8/11 ~ 2007/10/7
V2_特區 動態媒體─行動，互動

YouTube - Nienke Hij

YouTube - Nienke Hij

Marcelino and Bartolomeo

Marcelino and Bartolomeo

VIDEO: Hitman - Trailer

VIDEO: Hitman - Trailer

ReacTable: ReacTable Synth Makes Touchy-Feely Music for your Eyes - Gizmodo

ReacTable: ReacTable Synth Makes Touchy-Feely Music for your Eyes - Gizmodo

Xbox 360 Input Machine Has Gamer Playing Halo 2 With Wiimote

Xbox 360 Input Machine (XIM) enables any PC input device to be used on the Xbox 360.


Video: Playing Halo 2 (Xbox 360) with a Wiimote

新款imac大拆解

圖片與消息來源：KODAWARISM

喔喔，動用到吸盤來拆面板前的玻璃


終於把玻璃拆了啊


把iMac的前面扒光了


下一步，拆面板囉！


面板下方的內部機板與配置



主機板！正面與背面


主機板拆光光！


輔助硬碟與光碟機散熱的風扇


輔助散熱片的風扇


LCD面板！採用LG PHILIPS LM201WE3

天哪，max 9, maya 8.5都還沒摸熟，maya 2008就要出了

Autodesk在Siggraph上公佈了最新版本的Maya 2008和 3ds Max 2008

Maya 2008 將為電影、電視、遊戲開發和工業設計提供更高的效率(藉由改良後更具效率的workflow與tools)。將會更適合遊戲開發商研發各種平台的遊戲內容。

新版本將提供多邊形模型(Polygon model)，並對多處理器的使用環境進行最佳化以增進使用效能。舉例來說，一個兩萬面的模型，執行多邊形簡化(Poly Reduce)時，2008版比舊版快了30倍，執行poly smooth時則快了4倍。在10k的vertices上使用nCloth 快取時效能增為原來的3倍。在兩萬面的mesh上執行mental ray translation比以往快了20倍。

另外還有大量的新工具例如HLSL(在 Maya的 viewport中使用DirectX HLSL shaders )和硬體支援API(讓開發商能更快速的研發console遊戲)、改良了Skinning與Rigging的toolsets(新增非破壞性”non-destructive”的skin編修能力)、加速mental ray 材質烘培(texture baking)的效能。

3ds Max 2008將會提供更多的3D場景、新的場景瀏覽器與新的Render模式。

Maya 2008英文版將於9月份發售，計有PC、Linux、Mac OSX平台的32與64 bit版本(Power PC平台只有32 bit版)。升級版價格從899美元的"Complete"版起跳，最貴的則是1249美元的"Ultimate"版。
而全新版的價格則是從1999美元到6999美元不等。

3ds Max 2008將在10月份發售，升級價795美元，完整版3495美元

MAYA簡體中文網站已經有新增功能介紹，轉貼如下：

主要功能和改進

新的和改進的建模工具與工作流程
Maya 2008 引入了重要的性能改進和許多的新功能，顯著提高了建模工作流程的效率。例如，Maya 網格平滑工作流程就得到了重大改進：你現在可以在編輯網格骨架的同時預覽平滑的網格—性能出眾，特別是在多處理器工作站上。其他深受使用者歡迎的工作流程改進包括沿曲線定位物體、替換場景內的物體以及把引用轉換為物體的功能。

此外，新的 Slide Edge 功能—以及 Booleans、Bevel、Bridge、Reduce 和其他工具的重大改進—能讓你更有效率地進行建模。Maya 2008 還提供了兩種新的選擇管理功能：X-Ray 選擇亮顯和“pick walk”邊迴圈功能

更快、更精確的視窗/硬體渲染
現在，由於 Maya 硬體渲染引擎支援分層紋理、多組 UV、負片燈光和物體空間法向量貼圖，因而使得向真正的“所見即所得”互動式預覽又接近了幾步。當在互動式視口中使用高品質渲染器時，這不僅可以提高預覽保真度，還允許使用 Maya 硬體渲染器把更廣泛的特效渲染到最終輸出。此外，加速的繪圖和選擇性能與使用者介面元素的更高效更新一起，可以促進層級編輯，加速總體工作流程。

支持 DirectX HLSL 材質
Maya 2008 能讓你高效地製作和顯示用於新一代遊戲控制台的尖端效果。特別是，對 DirectX® HLSL 材質的本地支援（以及現有的 CgFX 支援）能讓你視窗中處理素材，並能像在目標控制台上一樣觀看它們。

無損皮膚編輯
動畫師和動畫技術總監通常發現有必要在他們搭建的角色上進行反覆運算工作。Maya 2008 現在改進了反覆運算蒙皮工作流程，使你能夠修改綁定角色的骨骼，而不必在修改後重新綁定，因而避免了在骨骼綁定後進行任何工作。這個過程是通過在綁定骨骼上插入、移動、刪除、連接和斷開關節的新工具以及對多種綁定姿勢的支持實現的。

API 改進
遊戲開發人員現在可以使用新的硬體材質 API，更輕鬆地為 Maya 編寫高性能的硬體著色外掛程式。這個 API 包含對 OpenGL 和 DirectX 材質的本地支持、內置材質參數支援，並能直接訪問 Maya 渲染緩存。另外，新的約束 API 能讓外掛程式開發人員從基本 Maya 約束節點和命令結構編寫他們自己的動畫約束節點和命令。這使得更容易編寫自訂約束，並讓它們以與內置約束相似的方式與 Maya 其他部分進行交互。

mental ray 3.6 內核
Maya 2008 使用最新的 mental ray 3.6 內核，此版本可在轉換多邊形網格和引用以進行渲染時顯著提高性能，並提高 IPR（互動式寫實渲染）啟動性能。此外，以前僅在 Maya 硬體渲染器中支援的粒子類型現在可以在 mental ray 中進行渲染，因而消除了組合多個渲染器輸出的需要。

JOHNNIE WALKER: Human

DOWNLOAD: Human. .
[Format: Quicktime - Size: 18 MB - Running Time: 1 min.]

MAKING OF: making of . [M4V]
[Format: MPEG-4 - Size: 21 MB - Running Time: 4 min.]

WATCH (ALT.): Human.
[Format: Quicktime]

LINK: Visita The Android.

見微知著

上圖是Dell NB所使用的變壓器，採用細線的2頭插孔(一般NB多為全球安規三孔粗線)。

或許是產品看多了，對於規格的比較我早已提不起興趣(畢竟大家就是那幾個主流套裝換來換去)
但是對於周邊或產品細節，我卻有著異於常人的標準。

舉例來說，NB的擴充槽(以前的PCMCIA，現在的Express Card)若是用Dummy Card而不是防塵門，那麼這家廠商就會被我列入拒絕往來戶，不會推薦任何人購買這種產品。因為我很難相信為了省一些生產成本而犧牲使用者使用便利性的廠商，在產品品質上能夠有什麼堅持。但是很不幸的，這種小地方已經慢慢成為所有NB廠商的標準做法。上次我有這種驚訝的發現，是在國內雙A牌的高價跑車行銷品牌NB上(雙A就是兩家都一樣)，賣到七八萬塊的NB，照樣用Dummy Card。最近一次讓我徹底失望的，就是日本S牌所有系列的NB，也難逃Dummy Card的命運。我想，既然妳們這麼不願意做個防塵門，就乾脆把擴充卡槽拿掉算了，反正我猜想廠商一開始的如意算盤也是大多數的消費者不會去用，所以不可能覺得不方便。那乾脆不要有不是更省成本？

目前似乎還留著防塵門的，好像只有Thinkpad、Toshiba(僅剩一款有)、Fujitsu(這品牌我沒有很確定，但市占率不高，所以也無所謂)。

但另外一個我很介意的，則是電源變壓器的問題，我猜想廠商的想法，大多是變壓器一個能有多少錢？我用大量採購壓低成本都來不及了，還談什麼設計？消費者也不會因為變壓器設計得好而有什麼感激(真的嗎？看看Apple的變壓器吧)。電源線則是變壓器連接到插座的那條線，一般來說，主流的變壓器都是一條粗粗的三孔電源線(粗細大概會跟你電腦主機的電源線有拼)。但是在台灣最有趣的是，並不是所有的插座都是按照三孔安規的作法，也就是你經常會碰到只有兩個孔的插座，這時候除非你有三轉二的醜陋橘色轉接頭(大多數是橘色的，當然也有黑或灰的，但要說好看的轉接頭應該是沒有)，不然你就要另覓他孔或硬把第三頭的接地端扭斷。這是一個多麼愚蠢的狀況？當大多數的NB都只提供一到三年保固，而且使用者大多不出國的情況下，另行提供一條兩孔的110V專用電源線是會要命嗎？除了惱人的粗勇電源線以外，變壓器還有收線的問題，基本上我沒看過台灣廠商有替使用者思考過任何具有設計感的解決方案(送個收納包讓你丟進去那種不算設計)。唯二在PC NB上有做設計的，大概也只有Thinkpad(有附捆線魔鬼氈，變壓器以前有幾款是比較容易捲線的)，和Dell(如上圖)。

我想，要不就是我這些顧慮一點意義都沒有，要不就是沒有消費者會向廠商抱怨這種事情，也就是說，有可能我的想法根本就是垃圾，因為大多數的台灣消費者根本就不在乎，所以台灣廠商當然不把這看成一回事。

但這就奇怪了，回頭看看Apple的，看看Thinkpad的，看看Dell的。那它們都是潘仔沒事自己找事情做嗎？
而更有趣的是HP，身為數二數一的大廠，對於這類小地方也是一樣無所謂，反正其他品牌一樣都是這樣搞。

所以我最後的結論是，我的想法果然是錯的，因為使用者根本就不在乎這種事情
若是使用者真的在乎，可能情況早就有所好轉，但來在NB的商業世界中，規格、外型、價格勝過一切。
使用性？那是什麼東西啊？能吃嗎？先拿銷售數字來證明再來談吧

au design project:actface, sorato, HITOKA

所有文字轉自

2007年7月21日在原宿的K-Studio設計館中，KDDI展示了au design project設計的最新三款著重用戶介面設計的概念手機模型，包括：
1.擁有三個特大螢幕的actface手機
2.閃耀著光輝的香皂形狀的sorato手機
3.可以“住進去人”的ヒトカ(HITOKA)手機

TEAM LAB設計的actface是一款擁有三個特大螢幕的手機。除了平常的主螢幕，還包括鍵盤和機蓋總共三個螢幕，帶給用戶全新感性體驗。

actface共有兩種型態。
“Rhythm”是通過捕捉用戶操作手機的韻律而生成水墨畫動態影像。
“PLAY”則會結合用戶數據和用戶介面，在上下螢幕上產程滿屏的街道場景，並會有行人在街道上走動。

而畫面採用2D的像素畫表現，讓人聯想到電子遊戲機的遊戲畫面。解說員說：“如果電量不足的話，街道行人行走也會變得遲鈍。”
根據用戶的用法不同，actface手機顯示的街道情形也會隨之產生變化，例如與同事聯繫時街道將變成商務街。 一段時間手機後街道將變得很冷清，這些都是即時演算的用戶介面。

sorato：手機裏的藍色天空
閃耀著光輝的香皂形狀手機“sorato”是由美術指導森本千繪設計的概念手機。
人們使用手機時總是習慣低著頭，這樣不是看不到天空了……出於這種考慮的森本先生把天空融合到了手機畫面裏。這款概念手機能在機身上映射出天空變化的狀態，十分絢麗。
整個機身表面為觸摸屏設計，郵件和音樂播放器等用戶介面都浮在表面上，待機時會呈現天空各種各樣的流動變化，據悉還將設計成能按每天的天氣變化而進行相應的顯示的影像。
如果是淩晨時分，手機會跟著映射出初升的太陽，到了下雨天機身也會呈現出下雨的情形。

ヒトカ（HITOKA）：可“住人”的手機
這是森本先生設計的另一個型號“ヒトカ”（HITOKA）。整個超薄卡片型機身版面幾乎完整地設計成一個螢幕。
手機裏面的人可由不同的人自己登記進去，使用拍照功能時可以扮演攝影師，播放音樂時可在螢幕裏即時跳動，這樣的用戶介面設計令用戶倍感親切。

EverLED

覺得家裡的日光燈管雖然省電但是不環保嗎？來試試看這個LED日光燈吧

相容於現有的日光燈座，使用壽命：十年(一般日光燈管約為5-7年)，耗能較傳統日光燈管節省20%。

唯一缺點：價錢，目前一根賣150美金(大概是70倍一般日光燈管的價錢)

節能.....我想要等到價錢到達臨界點才會有人考慮吧(用相對壽命與耗能來換算)