Electronics

GE Global Research has announced a new type of radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor that by-passes the need for on-board batteries by drawing power wirelessly from a hand-held reading device. The significance of the design is that it facilitates the manufacture of much smaller sensors at low cost, opening up a new range of potential applications from measuring the freshness of packaged food goods to more effective detection of biological threats.  Read More

Cords and wires are the bane of any technophile’s existence. They are a pain to set up and inevitably form an unruly tangle that's just plain messy. The introduction of HDMI went a long way to reducing the unsightly clutter running from behind the lounge room AV set up by combining high definition sound and video in one convenient cable. But now connectivity solutions company Gefen has gone one step further with their Wireless for HDMI Extender, which comprises a local sender unit which is paired to a receiver unit at a remote location.  Read More

Garmin has combined elements of marine GPS navigation with a touchscreen user interface derived from the nüvi line of automotive units for its latest multi-functional offering - the GPSMAP 600 series. The GPSMAP 640 and GPSMAP 620 (which is designed for markets outside the US) both feature a ruggedized, waterproof 5.2” WVGA touchscreen display and come preloaded with both street maps and marine charts.  Read More

Zoombak has added Microsoft Virtual Earth online mapping to its Assisted-GPS Locator range, enabling street-level and aerial views in addition to standard map navigation. The new functionality of is available to existing customers without any upgrade to hardware or service agreements.  Read More

Dutch-based BeBook has launched its portable eReader in the UK, offering compatibility with over 20 eBook formats and a large choice of online stores from which to buy eBooks. The eReader incorporates Vizplex technology and precise one-handed navigation to help users enjoy their library of best sellers, cult classics or the latest magazines.  Read More

Smart cards that combine RFID contactless transaction capability with USB connectivity will be trialed by French public transportation company SNCF according to a report from RFID Journal. As well as working with existing RFID transaction infrastructure, Neowave's Weneo smart cards enable users to purchase tickets from a PC at home using the USB connection... and it's also a handy 4GB portable data storage device.  Read More

Sony is releasing the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX this October, in 4GB and 8GB capacity. The memory card has a reading speed of 20MB/s and a writing speed of 15MB/s - and when used with the supplied USB adaptor, it transfers data one third faster than the Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2).  Read More

New cards in the SanDisk Extreme III SDHC line have set a transfer speed record of 30 megabytes per second – 50% faster than the company's 20MB/s cards. The SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHCcards will hit shelves in September, for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$64.99 for the 4GB model, $109.99 for the 8GB model, and $179.99 for the 16GB model.  Read More

One of the world's biggest consumer electronics fests gets underway in Berlin this Friday and IFA organizers promise an even bigger event this year - 122,000 square meters of display space and 1,245 exhibitors including 807 from 63 countries abroad (almost twice the number of countries represented last year) and more gear on display including for the first time, domestic home appliances. Gizmag will again be there to bring you the best of the show - stay tuned in coming days.  Read More