Asustek has officially confirmed that the upcoming ASUS Padfone will be powered by the Google Android 2.4/4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS when the device is released sometime late this year. Alex Sun, chief of Asustek’s personal mobile devices department, explained that the Android Ice Cream Sandwich is the operating system of choice for the upcoming ASUS Padfone because the operating system promises better integration across different platforms. The Android Ice Cream Sandwich is set for release in the fourth quarter and is hoped to patch the fragmentation caused by different releases of Android for smartphones and tablets. In case you didn’t know, the ASUS Padfone is the only device coming to market that has a hidden compartment to dock the phone where it will power the tablet. The gadget features a 10.1-inch display for the tablet, a 4.3-inch touchscreen display for the smartphone, and a 5.0-megapixel digital camera. [Netbook News]
ASUS has officially unveiled the Padfone at Computex 2011. It is actually a tablet that comes equipped with an integrated smartphone docking station. The gadget is powered by the Google Android OS, a 10.1-inch display and a 5.0-megapixel camera. The Padfone also utilizes the smartphone’s 3G capability to make an Internet connection. ASUS claims that the dual interface enhances a user’s experience of both devices by harnessing the respective strengths of both form factors. Stay tuned for more updates. Read more
Casio today rolled out a couple of new projectors that come equipped with a Laser and LED hybrid light source. Dubbed as the XJ-H1650 and H1600, both projectors achieve high brightness without the use of a high-pressure mercury lamp, by projecting three colors through a DLP chip: red emitted by a high-lumen red LED, green converted from blue laser light with a phosphor, and blue emitted by a high-lumen blue LED. The Casio XJ-H1650 and H1600 deliver 3,500 ANSI Lumens and have a lifespan of 20,000 hours, reducing maintenance and cutting operating costs. [dcviews]
The Miele Hybrid Vacuum Cleaner comes equipped with a special engine that operates on two power sources: an AC power or a battery. The vacuum features a 1,800W cleaner with a 9 levels of air cleaning, and a built-in attachment caddy around the hose base. It has a lightweight Li-Ion battery that can power the vacuum for 20 minutes. The battery will fully recharge in only 3 hours. If you are interested, you can purchase the Miele Hybrid Vacuum Cleaner for €770 or around $1,056. [Product Page]
The next generation of CinemaView displays will be equipped with Mini DisplayPort connectors alongside a TV add-on. The new models will be larger than its predecessors and will start with the 24-inch model. The new screen now features four USB ports, 2ms of response time and 1,000:1 contrast ratio. The price still remains at $499 each, but its launch has been moved back two months to October 2009.
Meanwhile, the new CinemaView 47 is a hybrid TV/PC display that comes with similar resolutions as that of a dedicated computer display, although it relies on Mini DisplayPort for input. The screen provides four USB 2.0 ports, 4ms response time and 4,000:1 contrast ratio. The CinemaView 47 will be launched in January 2010 for $1,499. [Electronista]
Panasonic has rolled out the world’s first dual deck VHS Blu-ray player called the DMP-BD70V. The device features multi-format playback allowing the user to play VHS, CD, DVD and 1080p high definition Blu-ray Discs. Not only that, all video formats will be given a 1080p up-conversion as well. The system also comes with a built-in SD memory card slot and USB 2.0 port, making it easy for you to view and share both digital still images and videos. Available starting in April for a retail price of $399.95. [Ubergizmo]
When it comes to the word hybrid it’s usually cars that come to mind, but this time it’s a kickass new netbook from MSI. Why it’s a hybrid is because it can operate both conventional HDD and the more modern SSD simultaneously. The U115 Hybrid functions primarily on the SSD for speed, stability and shock-proof, while the HDD can be utilized to stash your gigabytes of videos. More details after the jump. [PCLaunches via Laptop Notebook News] Read more
Ronn Motors from Texas have developed this hybrid supercar, the Scorpion. The car is claimed to be the “first commercial vehicle with a system built-in that produces hydrogen on demand.” During normal operation, hydrogen would be mixed with petrol for improved gas mileage. Without the hydrogen injection system, the Scorpion reaches 27 mpg; with it, it tops out at 40 mpg. For an eco-car capable of 200 mph that goes 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Not only that, the car looks, well, stunning as well. No word yet on availability. [BusinessWire]
Toto has introduced the Neorest AH type, an environmentally friendly tankless toilet. By incorporating the advanced Hybrid Ecology System and Washlet feature, Toto has actualized a truly clean and comfortable toilet. The Toto Hybrid Ecology System is the world’s first bowl-cleaning system that draws on two sources of water: a tank inside the toilet and the outside water supply. A feature built into the toilet seat that uses warm water and gentle warm-air drying to wash and dry the user’s bottom after use. The seat is heated for extra comfort. Toto will showcase the Neorest AH type environmentally friendly tankless toilet during the Japanese Design 2008 Innovation to be held in Milano from April16-20 2008. [TOTO]
Volvo has announced that Swedish refuse collection firms Renova and Ragn-Sells will begin regular daily testing of two of the company’s hybrid refuse trucks ahead of a market launch in 2009. Using a 7 liter diesel engine and an electric motor that utilizes regenerative braking, the trucks are capable of delivery fuel (and therefore emissions) savings of 20 percent. The trucks utilize their electric motor for acceleration from 0 – 20 km/h with the diesel engine automatically switching off when the vehicle is at rest, saving energy and reducing noise. The further energy saved by regenerative braking is coupled in one of the vehicles with an extra battery pack that drives the refuse compactor. This additional system is charged via the mains electrical system when the truck is parked overnight and has the potential to deliver increase carbon dioxide emissions reduction to as much as 30 percent according to Volvo. [Volvo]
