Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

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DOROTHY HODGKIN: Nobel-winning chemist’s inspiring career is ready for its (molecular) close-up with Google Doodle

 

 

 

Watch this video on YouTube.

 

According to Michael Cavna with the Washington Post, see–>http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/05/12/dorothy-hodgkin-nobel-winning-chemists-inspiring-career-is-ready-for-its-molecular-close-up-with-google-doodle/

IF YOU were studying the scientific structure and makeup of a world-class chemist — what elements and environments are optimal, and in what alchemy of nature and nurture — you could learn a lot considering the life and pioneering career of Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin.

Begin with stimulating far-off locations for a British daughter of scientists, such as Dorothy’s birth in Cairo in 1910, and her early years spent elsewhere in Africa and the Middle East, where her educator father worked in antiquities and then archaeology, and her mother studied both early weaving and botany. Her visits to the Sudan (and a girlhood introduction there to crystals), and later to excavation sites near Jerusalem, would feed this sense of scientific wonder.

Introduce our budding scientist, too, to chemicals, and allow her — as an adolescent of the 1920s, to join her school’s nearly all-boys chemistry groups, where our test case develops a love of biochemistry alongside archaeology — keen twin interests by the time she heads off to Oxford. (Bonus twist: By your sweet-16 birthday, you’re gifted with a book — authored by a Nobel-winning physicist — that illuminates X-ray crystallography for you.)

Then throw a pinch of fate into the academic test tube, as a chance meeting on a train between a doctor — the same man who gave you study chemicals in the Sudan at age 10 — and a professor leads to our young scientist transferring to Cambridge, and developing an interest in metals.

By the ’30s, our perfectly nurtured and mentored scientist is teaching at women’s colleges (amid marriage to a historian) and, as a researcher, deepening her understanding of X-ray crystallography and the three-dimensional structures of protein molecules.

Then cue her crossing paths with Ernst Chain, who was working on penicillin trials. By 1946, our well-honed, intellectually fearless scientist has confirmed the complex structure of penicillin, leading to advances in semisynthetic production. A decade later, she doggedly discovers the structure of vitamin B12. And in 1969, she cracks the structural puzzle that is insulin.

That is the fascinating and much-decorated life of Dorothy Hodgkin, who would also co-found an international union of crystallographers; pursue global causes for peace; and remain the only British woman to receive a science Nobel Prize (1964).

Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin died in 1994 as both inspiration and legend. Today, Google celebrates the 104th anniversary of her birth with a molecular Google Doodle.

Here’s to the life and legacy of the well-nurtured, voraciously curious scientist.

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MICROLAB ANNOUNCES ULTIMATE HD AUDIO GIFT FOR FATHER’S DAY MAN CAVES – FC60BT

MICROLAB ANNOUNCES ULTIMATE HD AUDIO GIFT FOR FATHER’S DAY MAN CAVES – FC60BT WIRELESS BLUETOOTH/NFC 2.1 SUBWOOFER SPEAKER SYSTEM –         Microlab Patented HC2D Technology (High Clarity Close Distance) for Crystal Clear Music –         Powerful Integrated Subwoofer with 2 See-Through Enclosure-less Stereo Satellite Speakers for no Harmonic Distortions or Vibrations –         360 Degree Remote with Bluetooth/NFC Settings – Easy Set-up   FC60BT Photo2Microlab is a CES Innovations Award Winner April 10, 2014, ShenZhen, China – Microlab www.microlab.com, a leading audio manufacturer of portable and Hi-Fi speaker systems for the digital home and office and a CES 2012 Innovations Award Winner, announced today the FC60BT HD audio wireless Bluetooth/NFC 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System, featuring Microlab’s patented HC2D Technology, a powerful subwoofer, and 2 advanced stereo satellite SQ speakers without enclosures for crystal clear sound without harmonic distortions or vibrations that often happen when speakers are enclosed.    HC2D Technology for Supreme Immersive Sound & Modern White Lycosa Mirrored Acrylic Styling  The perfect Father’s Day gift for the ultimate fully immersive “man cave” audio listening experience, the FC60BT brings audio perfection to dad with Microlab’s innovative patented HC2D (High Clarity Close Distance) technology that provides an impeccable 105 Watt crystal clear output, with EQ parameter for automatically balanced sound, a 360 degree remote control that works from any angle in the room, modern white acrylic styling, and quick and easy set-up.   360 Degree Remote for Access from Any Angle in the Room — Lying on the Couch, at a Desk, or Anywhere Else The FC60BT features a modern design which fits into any environment, with sexy clear see-through speakers and a luxurious Lycosa mirrored white acrylic subwoofer with a matching powerful whitecircular remote.  The system connects to Bluetooth, NFC, and optical devices, including smartphones, tablets, HDTVs, CD, DVD, and Blu-ray players, and PCs and Laptops through its convenient 360 degree RF remote control that works from any angle in the room, so dad can access the system while relaxing on the couch, at his pool table, desk, bar or from anywhere else in his man cave, office or studio.  The remote quickly controls on/off, input choice (Bluetooth, NFC, or optical), volume and bass level, pause/stop, and track selection.  FC60BT Features:

  • 2.1 subwoofer system with 2 see-through stereo satellite speakers.
  • Patented HC2D Technology (High Clarity Close Distance) for crystal clear sound with full resolution range when listening at close or from a far distance.
  • Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology connects to smartphones and tablets.
  • NFC (Near Field Communication) function quickly connects to Android, Windows and Blackberry devices without pairing — just tap the device on the remote control’s NFC logo for instant music.
  • Powerful integrated 8-inch bass subwoofer with built-in amplifier.
  • 2 stereo enclosure-less satellite SQ speakers for no harmonic distortions or vibrations.
  • Digital signal processor for clear HD audio sound.
  • Connects to most media players with included stereo 3.5mm jack.
  • 360 degree RF remote control for Bluetooth, NFC, track, input, volume, and bass controls that works from any angle in the room.
  • 1-inch tweeter and 5-inch midrange set up in tandem for perfectly clear sound.
  • EQ parameter for automatically balanced sound.
  • Quick and easy plug n’ play set up in a few minutes.
  • Amplifier output: 105 Watt RMS.
  • Tweeter:  6 Ohm, Midrange:  8 Ohm.

Availability & Pricing  Priced at $449 SRP, the Microlab FC60BT will be available in May distributed in the U.S. by Ma Labs.  For information, contact:  email microlab@microlab.com.cn,website: www.microlab.com.  The FC60BT includes subwoofer, two satellite speakers, remote control, 3.5mm stereo – 2RCA cable, optical S/PDIF cable, and user manual.  For more information, see www.microlab.com.  About Microlab  Since its founding in 1998, Microlab has specialized in designing, manufacturing and marketing a full range of speaker products, from battery-powered portable speakers to high-fidelity home audio systems.  Microlab prides itself in providing high quality sound at affordable prices.  This is accomplished by their continued focus on acoustic research, with an R & D team experienced in driver and electronics design and an industrial design team skilled at creating trendy, yet functional designs. Microlab’s 320,000 square foot (100,000 square meters) production facility is state-of-the-art, capable of producing over 4 million units a year.  To ensure quality and performance of their products, Microlab makes all critical parts (drivers, plastic parts, etc.) in house.  Microlab has over 1,500 employees and is based in Shenzhen, China, a city of 15 million people, a 30 minute train ride from Hong Kong.  The company has established an extensive sales network in China and around the world.  It has distributors in around 50 countries and generates over $60 Million in revenue each year.  Microlab has become the top brand in multimedia speakers in many markets, a testimony to the quality and performance of their products.

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Audio-Technica Is Now Shipping Its ATR7000 Series Consumer Wireless Mic Systems and ATR3350iS Lavalier Mic With Smartphone Capability

Audio-Technica Is Now Shipping Its ATR7000 Series Consumer Wireless Mic Systems and ATR3350iS Lavalier Mic With Smartphone Capability


STOW, OH, May 6, 2014 – Audio-Technica is now shipping its ATR7000 Series VHF Wireless Microphone Systems and ATR3350iS Lavalier Microphone with smartphone capability. Designed for consumer use, the ATR7200 handheld wireless, ATR7100/L lavalier, ATR7100/H headworn and ATR7100/G guitar/instrument systems offer long-range wireless performance with ease of use, clear sound quality and outstanding value. The ATR3350iS lavalier mic combines clear, intelligible voice reproduction with smartphone compatibility.

“Our new ATR7000 Series systems and ATR3350iS are ideal for consumer and ‘prosumer’ users, whether they’re a singer who wants the freedom of movement of wireless, a corporate presenter, a dance instructor or anyone seeking a high-value, high-performance mic solution,” said Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica Consumer Marketing Manager.

Audio-Technica’s ATR7000 Series systems are designed for easy setup and use and deliver wireless operation of up to 200 feet. The microphones all feature rugged unidirectional dynamic elements to pick up voices with clarity while rejecting outside noise. The ATR7200 handheld mic has a built-in transmitter, while the ATR7100/L lavalier and ATR7100/H headworn mics include a compact body-pack transmitter with an external volume control. The ATR7100/G guitar model’s transmitter plugs into a guitar’s output jack and can be worn on a belt or a strap. The systems operate on one of three available frequency options for interference-free performance.

The ATR3350iS features a dual-mono 1/8-inch output plug that connects to a video camera, DSLR or handheld audio recorder’s stereo 1/8-inch input, to record audio on both the left and right channels. Its high-quality, newscaster-style miniature omnidirectional mic element provides full coverage of the wearer’s voice and delivers clear, natural sound quality.

The ATR3350iS is supplied with an adapter that enables use with smartphones, including iPhone® and Android phones. The ATR3350iS comes with a tie clip, LR44 battery and foam windscreen.

Suggested retail prices for the Audio-Technica ATR7000 Series wireless microphone systems are as follows: ATR7200 handheld US$109.95; ATR7100/G guitar US$109.95; ATR7100/L lavalier US$119.95; ATR7100/H headworn US$129.95. The ATR3350iS omnidirectional condenser lavalier mic is available at US$29.95 suggested retail.

 
ATR7200 with Handheld Mic
 ATR7100H/Headworn ATR7100/L Lavalier
 ATR3350iS Lavalier Mic


…ends 352 words

Click here for ATR7000 Series and ATR3350iS product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.

 
Also see more here:
– Audio-Technica Promotional Video: “Always Listening to the Music That Moves Us”
– Additional News Releases
 


Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence, Audio-Technica is renowned worldwide for a broad range of consumer and professional audio products, including high-performance headphones, microphones, wireless systems, turntables and phono cartridges. Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica designs and manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for major concert tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, theaters, house-of-worship venues, and consumer applications. Learn more atwww.audio-technica.com.

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IK Multimedia ships iRing, the first motion controller for iPad

IK Multimedia ships iRing, the first motion controller
for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch music apps and more

IK Multimedia pioneers affordable motion-tracking technology
to control music apps using iOS devices with simple hand gestures


May 8, 2014 – IK Multimedia, the innovator in mobile music-creation apps and accessories for iPad and iPhone, is proud to announce that iRing™, the first motion controller for music apps and more, is now available from music and electronics retailers worldwide.

First presented at CES 2014, iRing is an affordable, wearable technology system that gives users a new level of gestural control over their favorite music apps, in real-time, using hand positioning for unprecedented music expression.

The iRing system consists of two double-sided “rings” to wear comfortably on the fingers along with a series of apps that are able to detect the iRings’ accurate positions in space using the device’s camera. Through the recognition of the dot patterns printed on the rings, the device’s camera picks up the movement and translates it into MIDI information. Users can then interact with music apps by simply moving their hands in front of their device through the precise reading of the ring position, which is converted into music commands or MIDI control messages to operate various app parameters without touching the device.


iRing includes two identical double-sided ring controllers plus two free apps for various music applications designed for everyone from music lovers to knowledgeable DJs and musicians: iRing Music Maker and iRing FX/Controller.

iRing Music Maker is a free app that gives music lovers and DJs a fun new way to create music and grooves using hand gestures, no matter what their skill level. iRing Music Maker utilizes music “loops” that always sound good together and can be remixed in virtually limitless combinations by simply waving the hands with the iRing controllers in front of the device’s camera. Users can change beats, control rhythmic elements, play synth parts and control effects providing hours and hours of quality musical entertainment. Plus, iRing Music Maker also includes lead and bass synths with respective pattern players that can be independently operated for hours of error-free musical improvisation. Creating music has never been so much fun!

iRing FX/Controller is the app for skilled musicians and DJs that is both a real-time audio effects processor and a MIDI controller with fully assignable parameters. It can be used as a touch-less outboard audio effects processor, or can be fully configured to send multiple simultaneous MIDI parameters; such as control changes, notes or any other MIDI messages.

As an effects processor, iRing FX/Controller uses the analog or digital input of the device for processing external audio sources. FX/Controller can also be used with Audiobus and Inter-App Audio compatible apps to process the audio stream from music apps running on the device to add stunning and brilliant audio effects. The iRings can control up to six effects parameters at a time. iRing FX/Controller operates two simultaneous effects, selectable from up to 16 powerful and creative effects, including: Delay, Stutter, Phazer, Flanger, Compression, Fuzzy, Reverb, AutoWah, Crush, Twist Up & Down, Brake, Spin and Tail. 

As a MIDI controller, iRing FX/Controller can transmit MIDI messages to other Virtual MIDI compatible apps running on the device or to external devices using compatible MIDI interfaces (like IK’s iRig MIDI). iRing FX/Controller can send out the complete set of MIDI messages (control change, notes, program change, pitch wheel, aftertouch, MIDI system real-time, and MMC, MIDI Machine Control) with up to 3 assignable parameters corresponding to the X, Y and Z axis positions for each of the 2 detectable rings for a new level of touch-less control. Additionally, MIDI messages can also be sent to a computer application via Wi-Fi (using MIDI network). Users can configure the app to control effects, filters, notes, patches and more for creative and dynamic “never before seen” performances.

iRing computer vision technology is also directly incorporated into the entire line of IK Multimedia DJ apps like Groovemaker® and DJ Rig™ and will soon be included into other popular IK apps such as AmpliTube®, SampleTank®, VocaLive™ and more so that DJs, guitarists, vocalists, bass players, producers, keyboardists and engineers will have a new level of control to deliver powerful and unique performances.

For third-party developers who want to incorporate and implement iRing technology directly into their apps, IK is offering a free SDK (software development kit) and licensing program which makes it easy to take advantage of this new breakthrough technology. iRing can also be easily utilized beyond music for a wide variety of applications including gaming, health & fitness, utilities and more. Developers can take advantage of the technology and improve the functionality of their apps by contacting IK via the link provided on the iRing product page.

iRing features

  • Advanced motion-tracking technology provides remote control of iOS apps using hand positions and gestures
  • Includes two identical, double-sided reversible rings allowing for numerous control combinations and control of up to 6 effects’ parameters simultaneously with two hands
  • iRings are unique looking, light, comfortable and provide a universal fit
  • Free Apps are available on the App Store: iRing Music Maker app, which gives the ability to make music using hand gestures with no previous musical knowledge, and also the iRing FX/Controller app, which lets musicians and DJs create custom MIDI control setups, plus add and control audio effects, using compatible apps or external devices
  • iRing computer vision technology can be licensed and incorporated into other third-party apps including gaming, health & fitness, utilities and more


Pricing & Availability

iRing controllers cost only $24.99/€19.99 (excluding taxes), are available in three colors (white, green and grey) and are now shipping from music and electronics retailers worldwide and from the IK Multimedia online store.

iRing FX/Controller and iRing Music Maker apps are available as free downloads from the App StoreSM.







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5 Movies We Can’t Wait to See in May 2014 according to Sodasandpopcorn.com

5 Movies We Can’t Wait to See in May 2014 according to Sodasandpopcorn.com
[Sodas&Popcorn List] 5 Movies We Can’t Wait to See in May 2014 (via http://www.sodasandpopcorn.com)

May is always an awesome month, typically months preceding May don’t usually go so hard (no pun intended) but 2014 has been good to us. With the release of The Amazing Spiderman 2 the summer movie going season has finally and officially arrived and…

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The History Of Data Storage : From Punch Cards To Holographic Disks [Infographic]

The History Of Data Storage : From Punch Cards To Holographic Disks [Infographic]
The History Of Data Storage : From Punch Cards To Holographic Disks [Infographic] (via http://www.factsnfakes.in)

The inception of data storage started from Punch Cards.Believe it or not, these Punch Cards are known to exist in 1700′s. Since then technology developed step by step, and by the time Facebook became popular (i think that’s 2006) “Cloud” technology…

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2014 Personal Technology Study Ranks Wearable Devices, Cloud Technology and Streaming Media as Top Consumer Trends of the Year

2014 Personal Technology Study Ranks Wearable Devices, Cloud Technology and Streaming Media as Top Consumer Trends of the Year
2014 Personal Technology Study Ranks Wearable Devices, Cloud Technology and Streaming Media as Top Consumer Trends of the Year (via PR Newswire)

Study reveals top ranked devices, mobile app habits, and data/device security measures SEATTLE, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — A new study of American online consumers found that while the majority of consumers are not willing to part with their mobile…

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How Comcast Is Trying To Turn The Internet Into The Old, Broken Phone System

How Comcast Is Trying To Turn The Internet Into The Old, Broken Phone System
How Comcast Is Trying To Turn The Internet Into The Old, Broken Phone System (via Techdirt)

Each day, the open internet/net neutrality battle gets a bit more interesting. We just covered Tim Lee’s excellent look at how Comcast and other big telcos were effectively using interconnection disputes to get the same result as violating net neutrality…

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