New Gadget 2011

MG Siegler of TechCrunch has reported that Google+ is experiencing a slump in traffic just barely less than a month since it was launched, saying that the social networking site should find a way to keep its users engaged. This comes after reports that Google�s third attempt at the social networking turf (after Buzz and Wave) reached its 10 millionth user in a very short amount of time.
Citing previously released reports, Siegler says that U.S.-based traffic over at Google+ last week decreased by three percent compared to previous week. It is interesting to note that Google+ is still technically in limited beta, but the downward trend in traffic may continue.
Siegler wrote: �Google+ started off with a bang � a big one. Part of it was the new car smell, but a bigger part was that expectations were so low for what Google would come up with in the social space (their own doing). When Google exceeded those expectations, people were genuinely surprised. And that also spurred usage. There was a sense of excitement: Could this really be the next big social network? But now things are calming down. The new car smell is wearing off. And it�s time for reality.�
As a Google+ user myself, I observed that a lot of my friends who finally got in the site remain inactive. As one friend noted, it feels lonely out there and I agree. While Facebook thrives on what is being shared, the culture over at Google+ evolves around who you are sharing it with.  If nothing is shared your way, too bad.  And most of the time, everything shared over there is either about Google or Google+ itself, such as nifty ways to organize your circles or features and extensions that you would never know unless it is shared to you.
And although several popular personalities have joined Google+ such as Tom Anderson (yes, �the� Tom of Myspace), Paris Hilton, and even the president of Argentina, there is much ado over how to keep users glued. And Google needs to do it quick before it suffers the fate of Myspace and, gulp, Friendster.
Source : celebritycombo.com

Travelers tend to have a dilemma: Whether to bring along their DSLR cameras, heavy zoom lenses and all, or their lighter, point-and-shoot digital cameras that would sacrifice image quality and versatility.
Olympus comes up with a solution in the form of a powerful 14-megapixel camera packed with a 24-864mm, f/2.9-5.7 optical zoom lens. The result is the Olympus SP-810UZ, a point-and-shoot camera with 36x ultrazoom. It also comes with 720p HD video, 3D image capture, and a 3-inch LCD screen. Other features include AF Tracking that locks focus on fast-movie subjects, dual-image stabilization, enhanced ISO sensitivity, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and TruePic III+ image processor for tack-sharp photos that are free from blur commonly seen in HD videos.
The camera also comes with HDMI control, up to ten �magic� filters, a �pet detection mode� that automatically snaps a photo whenever an animal looks straight to the camera, compatibility with optional Eye-Fi SD card, and WiFi connectivity.
The Olympus SP-810UZ will be available beginning September 2011 with an estimated cost of $330.
Source : celebritycombo.com

InterDigital, a company that holds a bunch of patents about wireless technology, has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission againstNokia, Huawei, and ZTE, accusing the cell phone makers of infringing seven of its patents. The complainant claims that the three companies utilized various WCDMA and CDMA2000 technologies for their phones, broadband dongles, and tablets.
News about the complaint has caused InterDigital shares to rise by about three percent. There was also speculation about the prospect of Google buying out InterDigital�s patents.
Representative of Huawei said he has not seen the InterDigital complaint, but was confident that his company can defend itself �vigorously� when it comes to the integrity of its licensing and cross licensing practices. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Nokia said the company was aware of the lawsuit and would �take whatever steps needed to protect its rights.�
The ITC has 30 days to start an investigation. If the decision goes in favor of InterDigital, the three companies need to fight the good fight or just settle for a huge bounty, like what Samsung did to InterDigital.
With the way things are going, the descendants of Alexander Graham Bell should perhaps sue all mobile companies for infringing the telephone patent. It�s THAT crazy.
Source : celebritycombo.com

To some laptop or notebook users, it seems that the units built-in speakers do not always provide the ideal sound quality that they want. For the most part, laptop speakers may not be able to provide the robust sound due to their small size. In order to compensate for this substantial lack of sound power, this unique Laptop Speaker Bar may just help fill in what�s needed.
The Laptop Speaker Bar is a handy bar-shaped speaker that can easily be clipped on top of most laptops and even netbooks. It attaches to your laptop via USB and provides some room filling 360 degree sound, with much better quality than just using your laptop�s built-in speakers. This portable speaker also comes with a travel storage case to make it more convenient to bring along while traveling. The Laptop Speaker Bar is available at ThinkGeek for US$60.
Source : celebritycombo.com

Ever wonder why electrics cars are more expensive than gas-guzzling vehicles? Part of the reason is the use of rare earth elements needed to power the motor. Only one country holds the monopoly of these rare substances: China, which currently produces an astonishing 97 percent of all rare earths used globally.
Such dependence on rare earth elements need to stop, and this is what a Japanese professor wants to achieve with his invention. Professor Nobukazu Hoshi of Tokyo University of Science has developed an electric car that does not need any kind of rare earth elements. The prototype is a remodel of the 1999 Mazda Roadster and is powered by a 400V/ 9.5kWh hybrid car motor. It also has five modules of lithium battery, each weighing 20 kilograms, and a so-called �switched reluctance motor� that boosts an output of 50kW.
Although the prototype is impressive on its own, Mr. Hoshi says there is still room for improvement, especially in boosting the car�s torque and energy efficiency, as well as reducing the noise and vibration.
It is also interesting to note that Toyota is also working on a rare earths-free engine for its electric cars.
Source : celebritycombo.com