Traktor Kontrol S2 digital DJ system shaves a few inches and bones off its big brother

Native Instruments Announces TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
DJ System
New "2+1" DJ system based on TRAKTOR PRO 2 provides the professional qualities of KONTROL S4 in a compact two-deck format

Berlin, August 25th, 2011 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S2, a versatile integrated DJ performance system that was designed to set a new professional standard in the two-deck category. Based on a compact version of the market-leading KONTROL S4 hardware, the KONTROL S2 provides a "2+1" setup with sample decks as well as comprehensive mixing and effect features, all based on the included full-featured TRAKTOR PRO 2 software.

To offer DJs a more portable alternative to the professional 4-deck TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 system, the KONTROL S2 is centered around a new compact controller hardware. It provides the same patent-pending high-resolution jog wheels, combined with ergonomic controls for cueing, looping and effects. The integrated 24bit/96 kHz sound card with its dual stereo outputs is based on the award-winning technology of the TRAKTOR audio interface range, and provides the same acclaimed sound quality with its supreme clarity and especially high output volume.

The two full-featured playback decks of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 are complemented by the versatile Sample Decks of the latest TRAKTOR PRO 2 software, which can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix. This effectively equips the KONTROL S2 system with a third channel that opens up a wide range of additional creative performance techniques beyond the typical two-deck paradigm in its product category.

TRAKTOR KONTROL 2 benefits from the same seamless bi-directional software-hardware integration as the KONTROL S4, featuring convenient plug&play configuration, dynamically backlit control elements and the high-resolution NHL protocol, for maximum efficiency both during the setup and the actual DJ performance.

Pricing and availability
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $669 / 599 EUR.

Further product information and press material
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is available at www.native-instruments.com/s2
A digital press kit including picture material is available at www.native-instruments.com/press.info

View the original article here

Sony's Digital Link Sound System brings all-in-one iOS integration to your dashboard

Sony's New Digital Link Sound System Integrates Factory Car Head Units with Sound Staging Technology

The product is an all-in-one package solution for iPod touch?/iPhone? integration into original car audio systems

San Diego, August 24, 2011 – Sony announced Digital Link Sound System, a new product that easily installs and enhances the audio quality of factory head units. Digital Link Sound System will be available in two models, XDP-PK1000, an all-in-one package to optimize sound staging, and the XDP-MU110 model, a condensed version which integrates with existing or other subwoofers and amplifiers.

"It is becoming increasingly common for original in-dash radios to be integrated with other features like navigation and climate controls, and more and more, customers want to keep the original looks of their car stereos, while improving sound quality," said Mike Kahn, director of the Audio Product Division at Sony Electronics. "Digital Link Sound System is a convenient solution, allowing music lovers to listen to their favorite songs on their iPhone or iPod touch with a high-quality, powerful 3 Dimensional sound and increased functionality of their factory audio system."

XDP-PK1000 Digital Link Sound System

The XDP-PK1000 Digital Link Sound System is a total audio system comprised of five pieces: Cradle for iPhone, card remote, Digital Sound Processor Master Unit, 12 inch box subwoofer, and Class D Mono Block Amplifier. The internal DSP processing creates a balanced front stage and improves sound quality on a pre-installed original car audio system. It enhances iPod Touch or iPhone playback by digitally connecting and fully processing in the digital domain for optimized sound performance. It also enables adjustment of time alignment, equalization and crossover points to deliver an improved audio experience. The processor is customizable, utilizing three multi-position switches to adjust DSP parameters for 18 types of vehicles.

Bass response is increased with the 300 watt Class D amp and sealed 12 inch subwoofer enclosure. The Class D amp is highly efficient, converting about 90% of incoming power into output to the speakers. Sony's original technology, Dynamic Distortion Suppressor, suppresses distortion that occurs at higher playback levels for clear bass reproduction. The subwoofer utilizes Sony's Dimpled Woofer Cone, which makes the unit lightweight but tough, while producing higher output power.

Using the adjustable dash mounted cradle, you can control playback of internally stored audio content or listen to audio from internet audio apps on an iPod touch or iPhone. The included wireless remote lets drivers control the basic functions of the system.

XDP-MU110 Digital Link Sound System

For music lovers who already have an amplifier and subwoofer or want to install a different audio system, the XDP-MU110 system is an ideal solution. This model comes with three pieces: Cradle for iPhone, Digital Sound Processor Master Unit and card remote. Buyers of this model still get the enhanced sound quality from the DSP processing and increased functionality from the mounted cradle and wireless remote control while having the flexibility and freedom to combine with the amplifier and subwoofer of their choice. The XDP-MU110 model offers a simple and easy set-up and navigation support by illumination color (cradle) and beep sound. Whether using the internal 45W x 4 high power amplifier for speakers or the 2 Volt Front, Rear and Sub RCA pre-amp outputs to feed an external amplifier, drivers can dial in the output for optimum sound.

Pricing and Availability

The XDP-PK1000 model, available in September 2011, will be available for about $799 at authorized car dealerships nationwide, Best Buy and Sony stores and online at http://store.sony.com.

The XDP-MU11, available November 2011, will be available for about $399 at authorized retailers nationwide, Sony stores and online at http://store.sony.com.

For further details and pre-orders, please visit http://sony.com/caraudio.

For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news.

View the original article here

Ford partners with Toyota to share technology, create new hybrid system for trucks and SUVs

Ford, Toyota to Collaborate on Developing New Hybrid System for Light Trucks, SUVs;
Future Telematics Standards

· Ford and Toyota are collaborating as equal partners to accelerate consumer availability of aXYZnew advanced hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs

· New co-developed hybrid system ready for use later this decade on Ford and ToyotaXYZrear-wheel-drive light trucks and SUVs, delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing
customers the capability they want and need

· Ford and Toyota also will collaborate on development of next-generation standards for in-carXYZtelematics and Internet-based services

Dearborn, Mich., Aug. 22, 2011 – Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world's two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.

Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems. The two now have committed to collaborate as equal partners on a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. This new hybrid powertrain will bring the full hybrid experience of greater fuel efficiency to a new group of truck and SUV customers without compromising the capability they require in their vehicles. Ford and Toyota believe that their collaboration will allow them to bring these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than either company could have accomplished alone.

"This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well."

Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, said: "In 1997, we launched the first-generation Prius, the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid. Since then, we have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles. We expect to create exciting technologies that benefit society with Ford – and we can do so through the experience the two companies have in hybrid technology."

The two companies also agreed to work together on enablers to complement each company's existing telematics platform standards, helping bring more Internet-based services and useful information to consumers globally.

Under the MOU agreement, the two companies will bring the best of their independently developed hybrid powertrain technology and knowledge to a new co-developed hybrid system, which will be used in rear-wheel-drive light trucks arriving later this decade. Specifically, Ford and Toyota will: Jointly develop as equal partners a new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and component technology for light trucks and SUVs.

Independently integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles separately For years, both Ford and Toyota have been working independently on similar new rear-wheel-drive hybrid systems aimed at delivering higher fuel economy in light trucks and SUVs. When the two companies began discussing this potential collaboration, they discovered how quickly they were able to find common ground.

"By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability."

Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: "Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations."

This rear-wheel-drive hybrid system will be based on an all-new architecture to deliver the capability truck and SUV customers demand while providing greater fuel economy. While the rear-wheel-drive hybrid system will share significant common technology and components, Ford and Toyota will individually integrate the system into their own vehicles. Each company also will determine the calibration and performance dynamics characteristics of their respective light pickups and SUVs.

In addition, as telematics plays an increasingly more important role in the in-car experience, both companies have agreed to collaborate on standards and technologies needed to enable a safer, more secure and more convenient in-car experience for next-generation telematics systems. The telematics collaboration relates only to standards and technologies, and each company will continue to separately develop their own in-vehicle products and features.

"Ford has made tremendous progress in the area of telematics," Kuzak said. "We have unique and very good solutions today with SYNC and MyFordTouch. Working together on in-vehicle standards can only enhance our customers' experience with their vehicles."

Uchiyamada added: "Toyota has also invested heavily in telematics in various countries around the world, with services like the G-BOOK and G-Link. In the U.S., we have just introduced the accessible, easy-to-use Entune. By sharing our know-how and experience, we would like to offer even better telematics services in the future."

View the original article here

Netduino and WP7 used to remotely control sprinkler system, show off Microsoft's DIY credentials

By Terrence O'Brien posted Aug 22nd 2011 1:34PM Arduino, Android and the iPhone usually get all the DIY love, but Mike Linnen, he has taken the road less traveled by -- turning to Windows Phone 7, Azure and a Netduino Plus to get his home hacking on. The .NET-powered microcontroller is the heart of Linnen's new sprinkler system which can be scheduled to turn on and off automatically or manually triggered remotely from his WP7 handset. The system also monitors weather forecasts and, if the chance of rain is above 39-percent, any sprinkler activity for the day is canceled to avoid over watering the grass and plants. It's all pretty neat, and there's some DOS command line action thrown in for good measure. Check out the lengthy demo video after the break, and hit up the source for more detail and the necessary code to set up your own.

View the original article here