Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has
certainly become an environmental concern in recent years, but
researchers from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental,
Safety and Energy Technology are now experimenting with a process that
uses CO2 to process plastic products in an environmentally-friendly
fashion. They have discovered that by compressing the gas, it can be
used to impregnate plastic objects with dyes, antibacterial compounds,
or other substances. Traditionally, toxic solvents have been used for
coloring plastic items. Read More
Visitors to last year’s World Expo in Shanghai
might have noticed that the outer walls of the Italian pavilion were
kind of... unusual. Although they felt solid, and looked like concrete
when viewed from an angle, light was able to pass through them. How was
it possible? They were made from what the Italcementi Group refers to as
“transparent cement,” and has trademarked as i.light. It’s definitely a
unique substance, as it blurs the line between wall and window. Read More
Italian design is renowned for being both bold
and daring, with an eye for quality too. The Teti Extreme Loudspeakers
from Book of Music are no exception. Named after the Greek sea nymph
Thetis, mother of Achilles, the twisted towers stand some 4.75 feet
(1.45 meters) high and sport a couple of high end Scan-Speak drivers.
The structure is made up of identical modules rotating about a vertical
axis, and is said to be the result of much tweaking and refinement to
ensure that the drivers maintain a balanced phase relationship. Read More
Japan's CyberStep has announced its expansion
into the music business, with the development of the KDJ-ONE portable
digital audio workstation (DAW). The device brings a synthesizer,
sequencer, and multitrack audio editing into one unit, which sees user
interaction via a touchscreen, a keypad, arrow pad and jog control. The
mobile DAW is powered by an Atom processor, has included SSD storage and
microSD expansion, and benefits from USB and Wireless LAN connectivity.
Read More
Best known for discovering security flaws in
online systems, Dan Kaminsky has recently announced the development and
release of a smartphone app to help with color blindness. DanKam takes
the colors that cause viewing problems and applies filters to make them
visible. The system is currently optimized for the most common form of
color vision deficiency, although users are encouraged to customize and
tweak the augmented reality app to try and find settings that work best
for them. Read More
PrimeSense, the company behind Kinect's
3D sensor, is teaming up with Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS to bring us
what might be the next big motion-control entertainment system for
consumers. The WAVI Xtion (pronounced "WAVI action") utilizes a pair
WAVI boxes to stream media from PC to TV and an Xtion sensor near your
TV set to to bring gesture control into the mix. Read More
Tiny Swiftpoint mouse designed for use on laptops
By Paul Ridden
January 4, 2011
Laptop users who work on the move usually find
themselves having to use the trackpad more than they'd like. It's useful
in tight spaces but it's not half as comfortable or useful as a real
mouse. The Swiftmouse is said to provide all of the functionality and
ease of use associated with a standard mouse, combined with the comfort
of a stylus or pen, in a format that lends itself to being used in
situations where space is limited. The wireless micro-mouse also
benefits from magnetic docking and charging and some rapid scroll
wizardry. Read More
Since its launch in 2007, Bombardier Recreational Products’ (BRP) Can-Am Spyder roadster
has carved a unique place for itself with its distinctive
Y-architecture – two wheels in the front and one in the back – which
gives the vehicle the open-air exhilaration of a motorbike combined with
the stability of a four-wheeled vehicle. We were duly impressed by our
first test ride on the three-wheeler
back in 2008, but now a new take on the Spyder is on the horizon. As
part of the Canadian government’s efforts to boost that country’s
automotive research and development, a project is underway to develop a
hybrid version which aims to equal the performance of the current Rotax
998cc V-Twin powered model. Read More
This one-size-fits-all packaging concept delivers
an efficient way to send an item by reducing bulk and cost while
keeping your goods safe from bumps and scrapes in transit. The clever
Universal Packaging System (UPACKS) system – not be confused with UPS
(United Parcel Service) – from designer Patrick Sung uses perforated
sheets made from recyclable corrugated cardboard that can snugly pack
almost any shaped item, whilst reducing the need to pad-out empty
spaces. Read More
We first came across SmartFish Technologies’ ergonomic Engage Keyboard at CES 2010 when it was known as the ErgoMotion keyboard.
Ahead of CES 2011, where the keyboard will has been named a 2011 Best
of Innovations Honoree, the company has now announced its release to the
buying public. Read More
Blue Microphones has arrived at CES 2011
with two new additions to its high quality recording range. The
company's latest desktop microphone, the Yeti Pro, is the first USB unit
to combine 24 bit/192 kHz recording resolution with analog XLR output,
while the US$69 Mikey external microphone for Flip – which includes a mic input jack – will likely be welcome news for fans of the popular pocket camcorder. Read More
Lenovo shows IdeaPad U1 Hybrid tablet/laptop at CES
By Ben Coxworth
January 5, 2011
Can’t decide between a laptop and a tablet? According to the folks at Lenovo,
you soon won’t have to. On the eve of CES 2011 at a press event in Las
Vegas, company reps were on hand to present the updated and
ready-for-sale IdeaPad U1 Hybrid, which combines a Windows-running
laptop with an Android 2.2-running LePad tablet. In laptop mode, the
LePad serves as the screen for the laptop. If you want to do some tablet
computing, however, you just pull the LePad off and use it on its own.
We reported on a previous incarnation of the system a year ago, but this time we got the chance to see it up close and personal. Read More
Orange Amps has announced that its OPC computer-in-an-amp will be used in a world record attempt at this year's CES
in Las Vegas. Guitarist Tiago Della Vega will attempt to break his own
speed and accuracy record on Friday January 7. The company has also
taken the opportunity to release final specs and pricing for its
soon-to-be-released new baby. Read More
Amphibious Dobbertin HydroCar goes under the hammer
By Darren Quick
January 4, 2011
If you’re looking for a car that doesn’t mind
getting its feet wet then you might want to head over to eBay before
January 13 where this one-of-a-kind amphibious
vehicle is up for sale. The Dobbertin HydroCar was designed and built
by Rick Dobbertin and changes shape at the flip of a switch,
transforming from land mode to water mode in a matter of seconds.
Although Dobbertin says his HydroCar is fully functional, it hasn’t been
fully tested, so he recommends the vehicle as more of a collector car
rather than a daily driver. Read More
Griffin Technology and Crayola have joined forces to launch "an entirely new digital play experience" in the form of the Crayola ColorStudio HD. Announced at CES this week, the system brings together a custom-built Crayola iMarker digital stylus with an iPad
application that gives a high-tech edge to coloring by allowing kids to
interact with the animated pages featuring music and special effects.
Read More
Street musicians or solo performers who want to
add a virtual backing band but don't relish the prospect of sacrificing
the feel of the music to overly digitized loopers or sequencers may be
interested in the Kicktronic system from Flotechnic. If you stomp your
foot rhythmically while playing, then you might as well put it to more
efficient use by tapping the system's foot sensor to bring in a bass
drum, snare drum, crash cymbal and bass. Read More
With the NAIAS 2011 in Detroit less than a week away various automakers are looking to get in first with numerous pre-show announcements
continuing to trickle in. Ford has decided to beat them all to the
punch by taking the unusual step of unveiling its new all-electric Focus
at CES 2011, rather than the seemingly more appropriate NAIAS only days later. Read More
If there’s one thing that’s bound to be prominent at CES 2011, it’s tablet devices. ASUS
is getting the ball rolling with four new tablets – each of which
offers something different for users. The 7-inch Eee Pad MeMO is
designed for taking handwritten notes with its included stylus, the
10.1-inch Eee Pad Transformer offers the capabilities of a fully-fledged
notebook thanks to an optional docking station, while the Eee Slate
EP121 is a 12.1-inch tablet powered by an Intel Core i5 dual-core
processor. However, it is the 10.1-inch Eee Pad Slider that really
stands out with the inclusion of a unique full QWERTY sliding keyboard
design. Read More
A.N.T. Aid Necessities Transporter concept vehicle
By Grant Banks
January 4, 2011
A multi-purpose vehicle capable of delivering
emergency housing and supplies to disaster areas then rapidly returning
to base ready for another mission – that is the concept behind the Aid
Necessities Transporter (A.N.T.). The idea takes inspiration from it's
namesake in the insect world – creating more than just a unique concept
vehicle but an entirely new aid distribution system. The A.N.T has been
designed to traverse rough terrain that would be impossible for
conventional trucks to navigate, delivering supply pods and temporary
shelter to disaster stricken communities. The vehicle then transforms
itself into a low-profile form for a swift return to headquarters. Read More
Lexar has announced an industry-first 128GB,
Class 10 Professional Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) card.
Aimed at professional photographers and videographers shooting in 1080p,
the cards are rated at 133x, which translates to a minimum guaranteed
transfer speed of 20MB per second. Read More
Netgear has announced its 3DHD Wireless Home
Theater Networking Kit, a set of high-performance 802.11n wireless
adapters designed to transmit HD and 3D HD video throughout your home.
The 3DHD kit, which received a CES 2011
Innovations Award, delivers multiple jitter-free 1080p high-definition
video streams without additional wiring or cabling. Each 3DHD adapter
can be connected to a home theater device with a network port, and
features four transmitters and four receivers for 4x4 MIMO connectivity.
Read More
Ted Cardenas, Director of Product Planning for Pioneer Electronics
, likes smartphones. Much as he likes, them, however, he feels that
they’re too small and require too much attention for use while driving.
That’s why, today at CES in Las Vegas, he unveiled his company’s new
in-dash navigation systems. Pioneer has partnered with Aha Internet
Radio to bring online social media services such as Facebook and Twitter
to the system, which actually reads drivers their text messages,
traffic updates and other text-based information aloud as they’re
driving – along with playing a swag of online radio stations via
Pandora. Cardenas also presented the Smart Cradle, an earlier-previewed
dash-mounted iPhone holder that enhances GPS-enabled apps. Read More
Even though cameras have moved from film to
digital, their form factor has remained largely unchanged with the
familiar configuration of a lens at the front and viewfinder – or now
display screen – on the back. At CES 2011, Casio has unveiled a new
camera form factor with its TRYX design that shifts the lens and display
screen to a side-by-side set up that can be rotated and turned to suit a
variety of shooting styles. Read More
Motorola and Verizon today came out with what is sure to be one of many new tablet computers that we're going to see at CES 2011.
Billed as the world's first Honeycomb (Android 3.0) tablet, the specs
of the XOOM look impressive with a dual core 2GHz processor (Nvidia
Tegra 2) and a 10.1 inch HD display. The 3G/Wi-Fi enabled XOOM boasts
two cameras: a front-facing 2 megapixel camera for use during video
chat, as well as a rear-facing 5 megapixel camera capable of shooting
720p video. Read More
You still have to do your own laundry and
cooking, but LG promises its new THINQ technology will make it easier
and more economical to manage your home appliances. LG is showing off
its latest smart refrigerators, stoves, and washers at CES 2011
and the appliances are loaded with energy-saving, diagnostic, and
customization features. You will even to be able to monitor and control
your appliances using your smartphone or tablet. Read More
Researchers have made a two-fold breakthrough in
advancing renewable energies with the development of a light sensitive
dye which transfers electrons more efficiently than conventional
technologies. The new dyes stand to be used in solar electricity
generation and in creating hydrogen fuel, which in the past has proven
expensive and energy hungry. Read More
Twenty new processors, new chipsets and new
wireless solutions - including new Core i7, i5 and i3 processors, Intel 6
Series Chipsets, and Intel Centrino WiFi and WiMAX adapters - were
introduced by Intel at CES
today. The company brings a host of new features to the combined
processor and powerful high definition graphics architecture, including
super fast video conversion functionality and the ability to beam
content to HDTVs via a new version of Intel WiDi. Collaborations with HD
movie providers will also result in user being able to watch previously
unavailable content on a PC screen. Read More
We've all seen the photos – the absolute
devastation at the end of a festival after the revelers have gone home. A
number of organizations are turning this waste into green industry
including Vanessa Harden and friends at Do The Green Thing who have
designed a biodegradable tent that will decompose post-party and
replenish the soil in the process. Read More
Although Joby has found yet another use for its bendy support technology with the Yogi iPad stand, our eyes were drawn to the company's other release at this year's CES.
If you're a fan of origami then you are simply going to love the
seriously clever Ori, and even if you just don't get the fine art of
paper folding we still think you'll be impressed. As well as spending
some of its life as a protective cover, this smart-looking metallic
stand can also transform into different structures to provide a variety
of viewing possibilities. Read More
Gizmag is no stranger to USB storage innovations from LaCie so we took the opportunity to have a closer look at the company's FastKey drive on display at CES.
The combination of USB 3.0 and SSD technology in a palm-sized form
factor is claimed to result in a drive that can transfer small files up
to 100 times faster than a hard disk drive connected via Hi-Speed USB.
Read More
Sony has unveiled its five new compact digital cameras at CES 2011.
The new Cyber-shot models include the world’s first still compact
digital camera to offer full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video recording – the
Cyber-shot TX100V – and feature 3D still imaging and 3D sweep panoramic
imaging, 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensors, 10fps burst shooting and dual
recording capabilities that allow you to take still shots and video at
the same time. Read More
NEC's dual-screen LT-W Cloud Communicator Tablet
By Paul Ridden
January 6, 2011
NEC has chosen CES
to detail its new dual screen Cloud Communicator Tablet. The Android
device is designed to be held like a book and each screen can contain
independent applications running at the same time. It's powered by an
ARM Cortex A8 processor, an onboard camera to the rear and has a
threesome of wireless connectivity options. Read More
A few weeks back we took a look at the best tech going around for the mobile business traveler
.... now it's time to take a break. Whether your idea of relaxation
involves spending your weekends kicking around a campfire, trotting down
a wilderness trail or taking on sporting challenge, technology is here
to help enhance your leisure time. Here's our pick of some of the best
gear to take with you on your adventures. Read More
ZOTAC has announced two new additions to its existing ZBOX Blu-ray range
of small form factor, energy-efficient computers. The ZBOX Blu-ray AD03
and AD03 Plus models are described by the company as a potent casual
gaming platform and feature high definition graphics and audio,
Dual-Core processing power, DDR3 memory, USB 3 and Wireless-N
networking. Read More
Will letting consumers make their own 3D movies be enough to establish 3D TV in the mainstream? Sony
is hoping so with the release of its newest Handycam models. Amongst a
slew of new additions to its Handycam line of camcorders unveiled by
Sony at CES 2011 were a couple of notable standouts. The HDR-TD10 3D
camcorder features “Double full HD” recording, plus a 3D LCD touch panel
display that lets you view your 3D movies in camera without 3D glasses.
On the 2D side, Sony offers three Handycams with video projectors
capable of producing a 60-inch (152 cm) diagonal image. Read More
While touchscreen tablets such as the iPad
have proven themselves to be extremely popular gaming devices, games
that require a directional input suffer from the difficult to use and
easy to lose track of onscreen touch control pads. The JOYSTICK-IT iPad
Arcade Stick is a simple accessory that solves this problem by sticking
over the top of the onscreen control pad to provide a physical joystick
when needed. Read More
Speed demon: Motorola unveils Droid Bionic 4G smartphone
By Loz Blain
January 5, 2011
It's all about speed, speed, speed for Motorola
in 2011. The new Droid Bionic, unveiled at CES, will be Motorola's new
smartphone flagship, with fast dual-core processing and blistering
download speeds over Verizon's LTE 4G network, billed as the fastest in
America. And speed aside, the new big Daddy Droid packs quite a spec
sheet. Read More
While the portable form factor of tablet
computers makes them ideal for use on the go, as many tablet users have
no doubt discovered, they’re also great for doing a spot of web surfing
or catching up on friends’ Facebook or Twitter posts while in front of
the TV. At CES 2011 Panasonic
has announced its entry into the tablet computing space with the VIERA
tablet – a device it calls a “tablet-type terminal” specifically
designed for just that purpose. Read More
Canon has announced its smallest-ever
professional grade handicam. The XA10 weighs a paltry 820g (1.8lbs)
fully loaded, and shoots 1080p HD video in H.264 and the more
edit-friendly AVCHD format. Canon is pitching it somewhere between the
prosumer market and as a ultra-portable rig for outdoor, action sports,
live news and tight-spot shooting at the pro level. But at an estimated
retail of US$1999, it's well within reach of the hobbyist that just
wants to shoot high-quality home movies. Read More
Sony makes things personal with 3D headset prototype
By Darren Quick
January 7, 2011
One of the more interesting – and futuristic looking – 3D pieces of tech on show at CES 2011 is Sony’s
prototype personal 3D headset. Looking like something out of Tron or an
early iteration of Geordi LaForge’s visor from Star Trek:TNG, the 3D
headset overcomes the problem of crosstalk experienced on 3D TVs with
active shutter glasses by incorporating two OLED displays – one for each
eye – offering 1280 x 720 pixels each. Read More
GoPro to release housing for 3D action videography
January 7, 2011
GoPro is getting into 3D with its 1080p HD HERO
actioncam range, but it's taking a slightly different approach. Instead
of jamming two lenses and two sensors into one unit, the company has
opted to build a special casing that joins two of the existing 2D
cameras at the hip. The 3D HERO Expansion kit will be compatible with
all 1080p HD HERO cameras and is expected to hit shelves in February at a
cost of US$100. Read More
While mobile devices have attracted a large part
of the casual gaming market, PC games still offer a depth and adaptable
user interface that is impossible to match on mobile phones, tablets, or
even consoles. With that in mind, gaming-oriented peripherals
manufacturer Razer has unveiled a concept device at CES 2011. Called the Razer Switchblade, it looks to bring PC desktop gaming to a portable form factor. Read More
Since music apps like Korg's iMS-20 have proven
beyond doubt that iOS devices can play a serious part in music creation,
the real issue has been how to integrate these apps into your existing
studio setup and workflow. iConnectMIDI is the long-awaited answer. Read More
First announced by Apple
in October 2010, the Mac App Store is now open for business. Available
as an update through a Mac’s built-in software update or as a download
from Apple’s website, it brings the same App Store functionality already
familiar to owners of iOS devices to Mac laptops and desktop computers.
However, instead of going through iTunes, the update to OS X 10.6.6
places a standalone App Store app in the dock alongside the Finder. Read More
Sony has announced three new models in its Bloggie HD pocket-camcorder range. Backing up from the launch of Bloggie Touch
last year, the company has boosted its compact platform for 2011 with
the addition of 3D technology and dual screen capabilities. Read More
Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
aren’t exactly devices that lack in the peripheral department, but this
is perhaps the biggest and most expensive. On show at CES 2011, the
AcuTouch 9500 massage chair from Human Touch works in conjunction with
the HT-Connect app to deliver a completely personalized massage via
instructions sent over Bluetooth from iOS devices. Read More
Otterbox has a well earned reputation for producing high-quality protective cases
for mobile gear and its latest range for iPhone 4 and BlackBerry Curve –
the Reflex Series – has just been announced at CES. The new design is
made up of a single layer of polycarbonate and TPE rubber which
surrounds your smartphone with an air cushion "crumplezone" so that in
the event of a bump, the case recoils and springs back again. Read More
Toshiba has been showing off a preview model of
its as-yet-unnamed next generation Android Tablet computer at this
year's CES
and we strolled over for a closer look. The Tegra 2-powered, high
resolution, multi-touch device features both a front and rear cameras,
technology which gives standard def video a color, contrast and
sharpness boost, and Wireless-N connectivity. There's also user access
to the onboard Li-ion battery for any necessary swapouts and changeable
outer covers for some welcome personalization. Read More
0 comments:
Post a Comment