Fnac today launched its electronic reading light, the Kobo by FNAC. The distribution will be made within 81 Fnac stores in France and on the website of the brand.
This e-book reader brings many innovations from the Fnac Reader, the old reading lamp from the brand that has not been very successful. Fnac has decided to rely on the Canadian manufacturer Kobo (5 million ebooks sold worldwide), which is one of the biggest competitors of Amazon and its Kindle, which is a real commercial success.
Kobo, has just been bought by the Japanese Rakuten, the owner of PriceMinister. The offer by Kobo Fnac, landed, strong library of nearly 2.5 million e-books, newspapers and magazines pay, and a million of free content. All available on PC, Mac, iOS, Android and BlackBerry.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Contact lenses to see how Terminator
We had already built a contact lens can act as display screen, but this is the first time a prototype powered by radio waves actually worked on the cornea of a rabbit. This display is currently low ... a pixel.
Will we see a day of real-time information displayed in our field of vision to the way the T-800 Terminator? Most likely if we believe a recent publication of an article showing the latest progress made by researchers around Babak Parviz, who had already begun to build a contact lens for virtual environments in 2008.
At the time, the device could not work done on the cornea of rabbits that had served as a test because no source of energy not supplied. It was, in fact, to study their tolerance to contact lens polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic bottles) on which an electric circuit, with several LED display was mounted
Today, researchers have succeeded, as they were planning to develop a contact lens similar but powered by radio waves picked up by a satellite circling the lens on its edges.
The vision of the T-800 Terminator in the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day. © zirizibizi-YouTube
There is currently only one pixel consists of a blue LED combined with Fresnel microlenses. Indeed, without these devices, the focal length of the eye being what it is, a display made up of pixels would be perceived as mere blur by the wearer of the lens.
GPS or glucose on the screen of the contact lens
If tests with rabbits were again positive, the plastic of the contact lens does not allow the eye to breathe, which is necessary to prevent damage to the cornea in the long run. It also remains to build a screen with a large number of pixels and to test in humans.
By the time Honda presents the latest progress of IBM and its chip Asimo synaptic, one wonders if the world of Terminator technology is not at hand. What is certain is that these lenses could have many applications, not just military.
In addition to project directly the path to a pedestrian in a lost city, they could directly prevent a patient from an anomaly in the composition of his blood or malfunction of an organ from biosensors embedded in his body .
Will we see a day of real-time information displayed in our field of vision to the way the T-800 Terminator? Most likely if we believe a recent publication of an article showing the latest progress made by researchers around Babak Parviz, who had already begun to build a contact lens for virtual environments in 2008.
At the time, the device could not work done on the cornea of rabbits that had served as a test because no source of energy not supplied. It was, in fact, to study their tolerance to contact lens polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic bottles) on which an electric circuit, with several LED display was mounted
Today, researchers have succeeded, as they were planning to develop a contact lens similar but powered by radio waves picked up by a satellite circling the lens on its edges.
The vision of the T-800 Terminator in the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day. © zirizibizi-YouTube
There is currently only one pixel consists of a blue LED combined with Fresnel microlenses. Indeed, without these devices, the focal length of the eye being what it is, a display made up of pixels would be perceived as mere blur by the wearer of the lens.
GPS or glucose on the screen of the contact lens
If tests with rabbits were again positive, the plastic of the contact lens does not allow the eye to breathe, which is necessary to prevent damage to the cornea in the long run. It also remains to build a screen with a large number of pixels and to test in humans.
By the time Honda presents the latest progress of IBM and its chip Asimo synaptic, one wonders if the world of Terminator technology is not at hand. What is certain is that these lenses could have many applications, not just military.
In addition to project directly the path to a pedestrian in a lost city, they could directly prevent a patient from an anomaly in the composition of his blood or malfunction of an organ from biosensors embedded in his body .
The reader by Kobo Fnac is available!
The Reader by Kobo Fnac is available from Monday. A one month holiday season, Fnac intends strike a blow on the electronic book market.
The new model of reading light Fnac is available on Monday 28 November. The Kobo by Fnac, designed with input from Canadian manufacturer Kobo, however, will cost 129.90 euros or 30 euros more than the Amazon Kindle, ebook reader reference on the market. However members at Fnac, receive 30 euro discount (in vouchers), which put the two rival reading lights at the same rate.
This new drive offers technical features as: a 6-inch screen anti-glare, a range of 30 days, micro-USB port and Micro SD card slot. The reader will be available in four colors: black, silver, blue, lilac.
The drive weighs 185g and uses ink technology to an ELECTRONICS - contrast levels. 200 000 French titles are available in epub now (thanks to Wi-Fi). Kobo would sell "five million map lights in over 100 countries." While Fnac sells about 50 million pounds per year.
The combination of the two manufacturers could make this product the leader in digital book in South America or Europe.
The new model of reading light Fnac is available on Monday 28 November. The Kobo by Fnac, designed with input from Canadian manufacturer Kobo, however, will cost 129.90 euros or 30 euros more than the Amazon Kindle, ebook reader reference on the market. However members at Fnac, receive 30 euro discount (in vouchers), which put the two rival reading lights at the same rate.
This new drive offers technical features as: a 6-inch screen anti-glare, a range of 30 days, micro-USB port and Micro SD card slot. The reader will be available in four colors: black, silver, blue, lilac.
The drive weighs 185g and uses ink technology to an ELECTRONICS - contrast levels. 200 000 French titles are available in epub now (thanks to Wi-Fi). Kobo would sell "five million map lights in over 100 countries." While Fnac sells about 50 million pounds per year.
The combination of the two manufacturers could make this product the leader in digital book in South America or Europe.
iPhone 5, the delivery of 4-inch screens have already begun
While for months, we tend from all sides that the iPhone 5, due on next June, will have a large touch screen 4-inch mark, finally breaking with the traditional 3.5-inch screen found on all generations of iPhone until the iPhone 4S, now that things are finally starting to take shape.
We learn, indeed, this week after the site Macotakara, its production was entrusted to the manufacturers Sony and Hitachi and its delivery has, moreover, already started. A choice of intermediate size that marks a good compromise between the large touch screen of 4.3 and 4.5 inches, which certainly provide a unique reading comfort but affects the handling of the apparatus and some of the traditional screen 3.5 now become small to deal with what the competition currently offers Android.
Note that Sony, Hitachi and Toshiba have recently signed a partnership whose purpose is to work in synergy in order to become the leading provider of screen in the world. This should allow Apple to break away once and for all Samsung remains to this day, its largest trading partner but also his greatest rival.
Toyota GT Coupe 86 finally revealed
The series "Toyota FT-86 concept" holds us in suspense for two years. At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the production model finally revealed its attractive features and its final surname: GT 86.Tokyo 2009, Toyota introduced a concept called small coupe FT-86. Those who have never recovered from the death of the Celica or Supra regained hope. Because since 2006, the Japanese giant did not count any sport model in its European range, with the exception of confidential Yaris TS. An absence that was surprising how the largest manufacturer in the world could he be out of a market segment as iconic?
Upon his appointment in 2009, Akio Toyoda, the new boss of the Japanese giant, decided to change gear. The first speech of this race car driver said they will reintroduce the "driving pleasure" in the values of the brand. The GT 86 is the first concrete result of this orientation. Designed with Subaru, this little coupe draws propulsion in the heritage of Toyota and is remembered fondly the little coupe AE86 Levin for 80 years, known for his lively rear.Toyota GT 86 (Tokyo 2011)Image © Toyota
Aesthetically, the GT 86 has very little to do with the concept of 2009. Fortunately, it remains true to its architecture. It is still a compact coupe (4.24 m) and particularly picked up (1.29 m high). Yet it has four seats with its wheelbase of 2.57 m.
The first pictures of the interior have nothing to generate enthusiasm. Certainly, the Japanese designers have all the trouble to innovate in this area. The atmosphere is certainly athletic, but the instrument panel, headed by aerators rather coarse, not shown, nor originality, nor elegance.
As announced at the presentation of the concept, the engine is a Subaru boxer home, features a direct injection system and indirect Toyota D-4S similar to the V10 Lexus LFA. It uses indirect injection at low speed to generate a turbulence effect in the cylinders to improve combustion. This 4-cylinder "square" of 1998 cm3 using the same stroke and same bore: 86 mm. It should also find this value in the origin of the name "GT 86".Toyota GT 86 (Tokyo 2011)Image © Toyota
With its high compression ratio (12.5: 1) that block air takes a typically Japanese philosophy: it will take the whip to get the best. The maximum torque of 205 Nm is indeed obtained 6600 rev / min and the maximum power of 200 hp attained only at 7000 rev / min.
This radical approach is reflected in the definition of transmission and suspension. The GT 86 is available with a six-speed manual or automatic automatically associated with a limited slip differential. The suspension adopt a scheme McPherson front double wishbone and rear. Finally, the weight distribution of 53/47 coupled with an exceptionally low center of gravity should clearly favor a balanced handling.
In the end, sporty drivers can not but welcome feature of this new coupe. Good news never comes alone, the GT 86 will soon arrive in Europe: its commercialization is planned for next summer.
Upon his appointment in 2009, Akio Toyoda, the new boss of the Japanese giant, decided to change gear. The first speech of this race car driver said they will reintroduce the "driving pleasure" in the values of the brand. The GT 86 is the first concrete result of this orientation. Designed with Subaru, this little coupe draws propulsion in the heritage of Toyota and is remembered fondly the little coupe AE86 Levin for 80 years, known for his lively rear.Toyota GT 86 (Tokyo 2011)Image © Toyota
Aesthetically, the GT 86 has very little to do with the concept of 2009. Fortunately, it remains true to its architecture. It is still a compact coupe (4.24 m) and particularly picked up (1.29 m high). Yet it has four seats with its wheelbase of 2.57 m.
The first pictures of the interior have nothing to generate enthusiasm. Certainly, the Japanese designers have all the trouble to innovate in this area. The atmosphere is certainly athletic, but the instrument panel, headed by aerators rather coarse, not shown, nor originality, nor elegance.
As announced at the presentation of the concept, the engine is a Subaru boxer home, features a direct injection system and indirect Toyota D-4S similar to the V10 Lexus LFA. It uses indirect injection at low speed to generate a turbulence effect in the cylinders to improve combustion. This 4-cylinder "square" of 1998 cm3 using the same stroke and same bore: 86 mm. It should also find this value in the origin of the name "GT 86".Toyota GT 86 (Tokyo 2011)Image © Toyota
With its high compression ratio (12.5: 1) that block air takes a typically Japanese philosophy: it will take the whip to get the best. The maximum torque of 205 Nm is indeed obtained 6600 rev / min and the maximum power of 200 hp attained only at 7000 rev / min.
This radical approach is reflected in the definition of transmission and suspension. The GT 86 is available with a six-speed manual or automatic automatically associated with a limited slip differential. The suspension adopt a scheme McPherson front double wishbone and rear. Finally, the weight distribution of 53/47 coupled with an exceptionally low center of gravity should clearly favor a balanced handling.
In the end, sporty drivers can not but welcome feature of this new coupe. Good news never comes alone, the GT 86 will soon arrive in Europe: its commercialization is planned for next summer.
Siblings Kindle, Amazon's pride
Without giving figures, Amazon says Kindle sales were well above those achieved in 2010.
As is the tradition across the Atlantic, the Black Friday, Friday after Thanksgiving, is the day for bargains, and Americans are not wrong. Amazon announced that it was Black Friday "the best of all time." Kinlde sales were four times higher than those achieved in 2010.
Kindle the Fire - not available in France - the distributor output to less than 200 euros to counter the iPad 2 Apple would receive a warm welcome. Again, the firm does not disclose figures, but simply to restore the position of the Fire in the top of sales: the tablet is at the top since its launch nearly two months ago.
Arriving there is little in the French market with a Kindle (4) adapted and posted to 99 euros, although Amazon has itself in the market with this affordable model hexagonal connected to a well-stocked Kindle Store (1 million of securities 45 000 in French).
In front, the competition is organized. Sony revises its prices down, Fnac advance its new reading light Kobo (already available), when Virgin launches Cybook Odyssey in partnership with the French Bookeen. The market takes shape, slowly but surely.
As is the tradition across the Atlantic, the Black Friday, Friday after Thanksgiving, is the day for bargains, and Americans are not wrong. Amazon announced that it was Black Friday "the best of all time." Kinlde sales were four times higher than those achieved in 2010.
Kindle the Fire - not available in France - the distributor output to less than 200 euros to counter the iPad 2 Apple would receive a warm welcome. Again, the firm does not disclose figures, but simply to restore the position of the Fire in the top of sales: the tablet is at the top since its launch nearly two months ago.
Arriving there is little in the French market with a Kindle (4) adapted and posted to 99 euros, although Amazon has itself in the market with this affordable model hexagonal connected to a well-stocked Kindle Store (1 million of securities 45 000 in French).
In front, the competition is organized. Sony revises its prices down, Fnac advance its new reading light Kobo (already available), when Virgin launches Cybook Odyssey in partnership with the French Bookeen. The market takes shape, slowly but surely.
Free Mobile sub-auction rates continue
To what extent does Free cut prices in the mobile market? Some analysts go to great lengths in their assessments while many questions remain.The British news agency interviewed nine analysts to raise their assessment and determine a range of prices first mobile marketing offers that are shaking the French landscape of telecommunications.
"Consensus" found: prices ranged from 10 to 27 euros per month.
These analysts believe that Free Mobile would be able to offer an average of the words "40% cheaper than the most aggressive proposals of its major competitors."
Reuters evoking even a potential offer to 5.90 euros per month for two hours to call ... What disrupt competitors.
For his part, Les Echos favors the track at 10 euros, while The Tribune keeps assume a commercial assault at 15 euros.
There is still much uncertainty with Free Mobile. Would that the start date ... It evokes more and more start before Christmas. But the Iliad is very discreet about this great first.
Xavier Niel evoking just "a clear price, easy to remember," while maintaining its commitment to "split the bill by two."
Recently, Le Figaro reported on the arrangements put in place. Xavier Niel had assured from obtaining the fourth degree in December 2009: it will be a true "industrial project".
On the front of network coverage, Free Mobile fulfill or exceed the conditions set by ARCEP for his start early next year (27% of the population).
Knowing that a 3G roaming agreement between Orange and Free Mobile was signed as a supplement.
Iliad and the group has planned a telecom network equipment enabling it to switch to 4G easier.
Free Mobile would have a number "one thousand employees, including 800 dedicated technical support." Sales teams are "in the starting blocks."
While the physical network of shops Free is expanding a bit (three by the end of the year: Rouen, Troyes, Angers).
Expected ten additional relays in 2012.
On the front of the range of mobile products and services, it is questionable how Free Mobile will integrate Skype into its formulas, how FemtoCell ("3G amplifier at home") will be included with the Free Freebox Revolution and how, which is the origin of the triple play, in negotiating the turn of the quadruple play ("Internet - TV - telephone - mobile").
"Consensus" found: prices ranged from 10 to 27 euros per month.
These analysts believe that Free Mobile would be able to offer an average of the words "40% cheaper than the most aggressive proposals of its major competitors."
Reuters evoking even a potential offer to 5.90 euros per month for two hours to call ... What disrupt competitors.
For his part, Les Echos favors the track at 10 euros, while The Tribune keeps assume a commercial assault at 15 euros.
There is still much uncertainty with Free Mobile. Would that the start date ... It evokes more and more start before Christmas. But the Iliad is very discreet about this great first.
Xavier Niel evoking just "a clear price, easy to remember," while maintaining its commitment to "split the bill by two."
Recently, Le Figaro reported on the arrangements put in place. Xavier Niel had assured from obtaining the fourth degree in December 2009: it will be a true "industrial project".
On the front of network coverage, Free Mobile fulfill or exceed the conditions set by ARCEP for his start early next year (27% of the population).
Knowing that a 3G roaming agreement between Orange and Free Mobile was signed as a supplement.
Iliad and the group has planned a telecom network equipment enabling it to switch to 4G easier.
Free Mobile would have a number "one thousand employees, including 800 dedicated technical support." Sales teams are "in the starting blocks."
While the physical network of shops Free is expanding a bit (three by the end of the year: Rouen, Troyes, Angers).
Expected ten additional relays in 2012.
On the front of the range of mobile products and services, it is questionable how Free Mobile will integrate Skype into its formulas, how FemtoCell ("3G amplifier at home") will be included with the Free Freebox Revolution and how, which is the origin of the triple play, in negotiating the turn of the quadruple play ("Internet - TV - telephone - mobile").
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