New and Emerging Technology News part 221 ~ NEW GEN TECH LIFE : new generation technology news

Wednesday 19 March 2014

New and Emerging Technology News part 221

The ivee Sleek is is a smart, voice activated gadget that brings Siri-like personal assist...
More and more household devices and appliances are becoming interconnected by the internet and wireless technology. The traditional solution for controlling this growing "Internet of Things" has been a smartphone or computer, but Los Angeles-based ivee believes it should be even simpler. It bills its Sleek as a Wi-Fi voice activated assistant for your home. With the Sleek, you're always connected, with or without a phone or computer at your side.  Read More
Samsung unveiled a bold new hybrid tablet, dubbed the Ativ Q
Microsoft's bold, mobile-centric vision for Windows 8 hasn't exactly been universally embraced. But now we might be getting a whiff of the kind of future the company was planning for. Enter the Samsung Ativ Q, a convertible x86 tablet with a thin build and an extremely high-resolution screen. Is this the future, or just another car that flies and floats?  Read More
2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
A year ago, Aston Martin revived the Vanquish nameplate. Now it's sliced the roof off the coupe to bring the "thrill of open top motoring to the super GT class." If the Vanquish is "the best Aston ever," as Aston Martin calls it, it follows that the 2014 Vanquish Volante is the best Aston convertible.  Read More
If you're phone isn't NFC-enabled or doesn't run the app, the Xpress series printers all s...
Having a smartphone in your pocket is like carrying a mobile office around, saving time and energy by having everything you need in one pocket-friendly device. Where printing is concerned, however, it can be fiddly and annoying to get your photos, documents and emails transferred to paper for sharing or storage. Samsung has announced a new range of wireless color laser printers that feature near field communication (NFC) technology to allow smartphone users to print off what they need just by tapping an Xpress C410W series printer.  Read More
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University of Architecture st... Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University School of Architecture students and installed in the grounds of Jowonio School, Syracuse, New York. It was built in order to provide Jowonio's pupils – almost one third of whom have special needs – a safe and tranquil environment to interact with nature.  Read More
NRG's Power2Serve One of the pressing needs in the event of a large-scale disaster or emergency is power. With Power2Serve, energy provider NRG is addressing this need head on in the form of 68 feet (21 m) of truck and trailer equipped with 40 kW of electrical generation and a Wi-Fi pavilion which people can use to communicate and keep abreast of events.  Read More
A new study suggests novice runners should think twice before forking out for supportive r...
Novice runners wearing ordinary, non-supportive running shoes are at no greater risk of injury, even if they pronate or supinate (that is, their feet roll inward or outward as they run) according to new research out of Aarhus University in Denmark. The researchers think that novice runners should instead think about their weight, training regime and old injuries as the predominate risks of injury.  Read More
TwingTec's Twing (or tethered wing) prototype
Poised halfway between the complexity of Makani and the simplicity of SkySails, the TwingTec TwingKite (or simply Twing, short for tethered wing) uses an advanced lightweight construction to generate energy from the wind. It has been awarded 10,000 Swiss Francs by the Venture Kick start-up funding program.  Read More
Harvard Microrobotics Lab's HAMR is an insect-sized robot capable of high speed legged loc...
Though there's much work to be done before miniature robots move exactly like insects, Harvard Microrobotics Lab is making strides with its latest prototypes. It recently demonstrated the Harvard Ambulatory MicroRobot (HAMR), a 4.4 cm quadruped that scurries around at up to 8.4 body lengths per second.  Read More
Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the 11-inch MacBook Air and the 4th-gene...
Today's PC market is one of blurred lines and murky definitions. But, fortunately for us, it's also a world filled with great products. Want a computer that's both portable and powerful? You can snag a lightweight and razor-thin laptop, or you can pick up an ultra-portable and handheld tablet. Both have their pros and cons – and a lot of overlap. Let's see if we can find out just how much, as we compare the specs (and other features) of the 2013 MacBook Air to the iPad.  Read More

The Paper Bale Theater is a 135-seat circular theater concept that can be employed for tem...
Paris-based architectural and scenography firm Studio Andrew Todd has produced a proposal for a novel theater made primarily of recycled paper. Paper Bale Theater can be constructed and dismantled relatively easily and cheaply, and will feature everything necessary to stage a play or show.  Read More
Tokyoflash is known for its puzzle-like displays, and that tradition continues with this l...
There are plenty of pocket-sized breathalyzers on the market, but those can be awkward to keep on you at all times. If you want a gadget with some style that can also tell how blotto you are while out on the town, Tokyoflash has you covered. The Japanese watch-maker's new Kisai Intoxicated wristwatch has a built-in breathalyzer so you can always check if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is low enough to legally drive.  Read More
UT.LAB Light Wings are made from an unconventional material called Tyvek paper
Shoe manufacturers have employed all kinds of tactics to cut weight, making shoes that are lighter, quicker and smoother for training, sports and everyday living. Try as they might, there are only so many ounces to be lost when building a piece of gear from foam, rubber and leather. That's why Unbelievable Test Laboratory (UT.LAB) looks to an unconventional material called Tyvek paper in building its barely there Light Wing shoes.  Read More
The keypad and backup key area for the Deadbolt
Can a lock be more than just a device designed to let you in and out of your home and prevent others from doing the same? Well technically speaking, no it can't, but it most certainly can do a lot more than just open and close with a key. Schlage's Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt is an example of this. While at its core it is an apparatus designed to keep intruders out of your house while letting you in, the touchscreen and internet connected features go a long way towards making it more useful. How does it actually work in everyday life? Keep reading to find out.  Read More
The Kepler spacecraft could still hunt planets using gravity miscrolensing ( Image: NASA)
Last month, NASA declared its Kepler mission to hunt exoplanets at an end when one of the space telescope’s reaction wheels failed. Unable to keep itself pointed in the right direction, it could no longer carry on its hunt for planets beyond the Solar System. That seemed like the end of things, but Keith Horne of the University of St Andrews and Andrew Gould of Ohio State University disagree. They claim that Kepler could still hunt for exoplanets using gravity microlensing to detect how stars with planets distort space.  Read More
The Scrooser is an electric scooter that amplifies leg kicks delivered to the ground by it...
When you hear the term “electric scooter,” you probably picture something that’s essentially just a little electric motorcycle – you twist the throttle, and it goes. The Scrooser, however, is considerably closer in spirit to a child’s non-powered scooter. You stand up on it and kick at the ground with one leg to move it along, its motor amplifying the power of your kick ... oh yeah, and it’s also got cool fat tires.  Read More
Microsoft has reversed course on the Xbox One's restrictive DRM and always online policies
In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the gaming community, Microsoft has reversed course on the ill-advised digital rights management (DRM) and always online policies of its forthcoming Xbox One game console. Microsoft, which had up until earlier this week defended its restrictive policies, suffered what many considered to be an embarrassing defeat at the hands of rival Sony PlayStation at the Electronic Entertainment Expo earlier this month. Today Don Mattrick, President of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, announced an about-face that will have consumers breathing a sigh of relief.  Read More
The Elektro E6 will be designed to seat up to six passengers
Gizmag caught up with William Mannarn and Scott Andrew from EADCO GmbH at the Paris Air Show, and learned that the company recently joined forces with PC Aero to start development of the latter's new twin prop, 6-passenger electric airplane concept called the Elektro E6. EADCO is now busying itself designing the frame for the potentially groundbreaking craft, while PC Aero takes care of the electrical systems.  Read More
Emopulse has hit Indiegogo to take pre-orders for its Smile SmartWatch
Many of the communication devices that attempt to make the jump from our hands to our wrists tend to follow the same form factor as mechanical watches (think Pebble or the much-rumored Apple iWatch, for example). The Smile SmartWatch from Emopulse is quite a different proposition. If the company manages to transform its working prototype into an actual commercial product, the Smile will be a smartphone, entertainment and gaming hub, social network and news feed, personal assistant, digital watch, and a stunning piece of wrist bling all rolled into one futuristic device.  Read More
The Car-to-X system will warn drivers of hazards and obstacles
Vehicle-to-vehicle communications are a fundamental pillar of autonomous, self-driving cars. Once vehicles can exchange data with each other and the greater driving infrastructure, they'll be able to "see" and adapt to driving obstacles more completely, preventing accidents and delivering more efficient driving. Mercedes plans to be the first automaker to bring a Car-to-X vehicle-to-vehicle communications system to market.  Read More

Tesla ran two Model S's through the swap system in under 3.09
As part of Tesla's ongoing efforts to keep on Model S drivers on the road and away from the plug socket, the company has demonstrated a battery swapping service that takes a mere tick over 90 seconds – and is hands-free to boot.  Read More
At US$354, RAPIRO is a fraction the cost of other hobby robot kits
Have you been reading Gizmag's robot articles and ever thought you'd like to get your hands dirty with a robot of your own? Well, there's a Kickstarter for that. Shota Ishiwatari has just launched RAPIRO, his custom designed Raspberry Pi Robot. The robot is easy to assemble, and comes with RGB LEDs, 12 servos, and an Arduino-compatible servo control board. And the best part is it will only set you back £229 (US$354).  Read More
LOT-EK's proposal calls for the use of 1,620 recycled shipping containers as a building ma...
New York-based architectural company LOT-EK has unveiled its proposal for the Taiwan Taichung City Cultural Center. The concept comprises a public library and fine arts museum, both of which feature sustainable tech in the form of solar panels, water recycling, and green roofs. The project is to be constructed using 1,620 recycled shipping containers as a primary building material.  Read More
The Rover electric scooter from Works Electric
Kick scooters like those from Razor can make first/last mile journeys a bit more fun, but they can also be hard work. If you've got a bit of time on your hands, and some technical know-how, you could funk it up a bit with an electric drive and chunky tires for both street and off-road action. For those who prefer to buy an e-scooter that's ready to roll without needing to hit the toolbox, news from Portland may well ignite a spark of interest. Having set out on a quest to build the world's greatest compact electric vehicle, the folks at Works Electric say they've succeeded with the Rover.  Read More
Mia-Electric is to launch a version of its electric microbus in the UK in the coming weeks
Mia-Electric has announced that its French-made microbus will launch in the UK this summer. It appears that the version of that will initially ship to the UK will be a single-seater with an optional second seat. However, Autocar reports that models with three and four seats could follow.  Read More
Vehicle sensors and cameras scan for pedestrians and vehicles, then trigger braking and st...
Volvo Car Group, known for building safe cars, has been busy expanding its autonomous portfolio. Last year Volvo finished its multi-vehicle “Safe Road Train” (SARTRE) program in Europe with reasonable success. Next week Volvo will again bolster its autonomous program with its self-parking concept car.  Read More
The 50th Paris Air Show provided a feast for the eyes of aero-enthusiasts
The 50th edition of the Paris Air Show kicked off with a bang on Monday, but rather than the rumbling of huge jet engines the din came courtesy of thunderstorms and torrential rain. Thankfully the dark skies cleared quickly and despite more bursts of wet weather throughout the week, there has been plenty of blue sky to provide a backdrop for the daily aerial displays. Here's a our look at the highlights from Le Bourget airfield, both on the ground and in the air.  Read More
The Pege model of Vinylize glasses, made from old records bonded with cellulose acetate Vinyl isn't dead! Or so hipsters and audiophiles the world over will tell you. They're entitled to their opinion but I, like most of the world, now prefer my music stored in digital form. Unfortunately, this means lots of vinyl records are heading for landfill, which isn't good for any of us. So why not upcycle old vinyl records into something that's still useful? Something like glasses.  Read More
The 1.3 gigapixel panorama made of over 800 individual images (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSS...
On Wednesday, NASA unveiled a rather large postcard sent back from Mars by the Curiosity rover. It’s in the form a panoramic image packing more than one billion pixels that was stitched together from 896 images. NASA sees the gigapixel image as a way for “armchair explorers” to take a close-up look at the Red Planet by means of an interactive webpage.  Read More
The self-transforming robot toy revealed by Takara Tomy at Tokyo Toy Show 2013
Remember that awesome transforming robot built by the one-man wonder Kenji Ishida? Well, apparently Takara Tomy took notice of it after videos of the robot went viral last year and is developing its own mass-market version under the official Transformers banner. They showed the automatically transforming toy alongside a robotic lion from its Zoids line, both controlled with an iPhone, at Tokyo Toy Show 2013.  Read More
 
The Yamaha RMax helicopter used in the UC Davis tests
Researchers at University of California are testing UAV crop dusting on the Oakville Experimental Vineyard at the UC Oakville Station using a Yamaha RMax remote-controlled helicopter. The purpose is to study the adaptation of Japanese UAV crop dusting techniques for US agriculture, but not all the hurdles they face are technological.  Read More
Monolith Software's stunning new role-playing game is coming exclusively to the Wii U in 2...
Nintendo raised eyebrows when it bowed out of holding a traditional live press conference in favor of a pre-taped video at E3 this year. This was doubly shocking because of the importance of this particular E3, where its competitors in the home console market would be pulling out all the stops to showcase their new hardware and games. Nintendo's latest console, the Wii U, stumbled out of the gate and has been under-performing in virtually all regions. If ever there was a time to make a splash, this was it.  Read More
The Lytro camera has been given a wireless boost with a new firmware update The Lytro camera has gained wireless capabilities and a new friend in the iPhone, thanks to a functionality-adding firmware update. Its new-found Wi-Fi capability means the light field camera can work with an equally new iPhone app, which allows users to share and view refocusing pictures while on the go.  Read More
The Samsung Galaxy NX is the world's first interchangeable lens camera to run on Android
The recently announced Samsung Galaxy NX is the world's first interchangeable lens mirrorless camera to run on Android. Unlike previous Android-powered shooters, the NX boasts some serious photographic credentials, including a 20.3-megapixel APS-C format sensor and a hybrid autofocus system. It also features 3G/4G LTE and Wi-Fi technology for instant sharing.  Read More
The Airbus A350 XWB made a visit to the 2013 Paris Air Show during its third test flight
There was a surprise appearance at the Paris Air Show on Friday as the first prototype Airbus A350 XWB airliner did a flypast of the crowds at Le Bourget Airport. The flypast was part of what was the aircraft’s third time in the air and was a last minute bonus appearance due to it performing much better than expected on its previous two test flights.  Read More
The QUQUQ packs sleeping, cooking, cleaning and storage into a large chest
Similar to the Swiss Roombox and Yatoo, the QUQUQ is a European-designed camping box that transforms a regular passenger vehicle into a fully equipped camper for two. Within just one minute, you can be sleeping, cooking or just hanging out in your QUQUQ camper van.  Read More
Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the Samsung Ativ Q and Microsoft Surface...
Say what you will about Microsoft, but you can't accuse the company of not having a plan. Windows 8 is a loud-and-clear statement about the future of the PC: it's touch-oriented, it's mobile, and it's convergent. The jury is still out on whether customers will wholeheartedly buy into that vision, but several recent devices at least give us more tangible examples of what that kind of future looks like. Let's compare two of the prime examples: Samsung's upcoming Ativ Q and Microsoft's own Surface Pro.  Read More
A dog playing with the iFetch device
Playing fetch with your dog is surely one of life's high points. After a short while though, it can all get a bit tiring and just a tad boring. Your bouncing bundle of fun, on the other hand, would happily keep the game going for hours. Fortunately, technology is here to help. The iFetch from the Hamill family shoots out a ball for your dog to fetch, and when fido drops it in the opening at the top, it's fired back out again.  Read More
Nissan's ZEOD RC electric racer will make its racing debut at Le Mans 2014
Le Mans in France, home to one of the world’s most prestigious 24-hour races, was Nissan’s site of choice to unveil its prototype electric speed racer. Touted as the fastest electric race car in the world, the oddly named ZEOD RC is being charged up and made ready to make its racing debut at the famous track in 2014.  Read More
There are 20 body colors to choose from and six grip colors, with buyers being able to sel...
When it comes to outlandish color schemes for digital SLR cameras, Pentax surely takes the crown. With the launch of its K-50 mid-range DSLR, Japan's photography giant is putting the choice of camera body color firmly in the hands of its customers. There are 20 body colors to choose from and six grip colors, with buyers being able to select from up to 120 combinations. The new 16 megapixel camera includes a broad sensitivity range, an 11 point tracking autofocus system, and an optical viewfinder with 100 percent field of view. It's joined by the similar, but cheaper, K-500 entry-level DSLR.  Read More
The Yamaha RMax helicopter used in the UC Davis tests
Researchers at University of California are testing UAV crop dusting on the Oakville Experimental Vineyard at the UC Oakville Station using a Yamaha RMax remote-controlled helicopter. The purpose is to study the adaptation of Japanese UAV crop dusting techniques for US agriculture, but not all the hurdles they face are technological.  Read More
Monolith Software's stunning new role-playing game is coming exclusively to the Wii U in 2...
Nintendo raised eyebrows when it bowed out of holding a traditional live press conference in favor of a pre-taped video at E3 this year. This was doubly shocking because of the importance of this particular E3, where its competitors in the home console market would be pulling out all the stops to showcase their new hardware and games. Nintendo's latest console, the Wii U, stumbled out of the gate and has been under-performing in virtually all regions. If ever there was a time to make a splash, this was it.  Read More
The Lytro camera has been given a wireless boost with a new firmware update The Lytro camera has gained wireless capabilities and a new friend in the iPhone, thanks to a functionality-adding firmware update. Its new-found Wi-Fi capability means the light field camera can work with an equally new iPhone app, which allows users to share and view refocusing pictures while on the go.  Read More
The Samsung Galaxy NX is the world's first interchangeable lens camera to run on Android
The recently announced Samsung Galaxy NX is the world's first interchangeable lens mirrorless camera to run on Android. Unlike previous Android-powered shooters, the NX boasts some serious photographic credentials, including a 20.3-megapixel APS-C format sensor and a hybrid autofocus system. It also features 3G/4G LTE and Wi-Fi technology for instant sharing.  Read More
The Airbus A350 XWB made a visit to the 2013 Paris Air Show during its third test flight
There was a surprise appearance at the Paris Air Show on Friday as the first prototype Airbus A350 XWB airliner did a flypast of the crowds at Le Bourget Airport. The flypast was part of what was the aircraft’s third time in the air and was a last minute bonus appearance due to it performing much better than expected on its previous two test flights.  Read More
The QUQUQ packs sleeping, cooking, cleaning and storage into a large chest
Similar to the Swiss Roombox and Yatoo, the QUQUQ is a European-designed camping box that transforms a regular passenger vehicle into a fully equipped camper for two. Within just one minute, you can be sleeping, cooking or just hanging out in your QUQUQ camper van.  Read More
Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the Samsung Ativ Q and Microsoft Surface...
Say what you will about Microsoft, but you can't accuse the company of not having a plan. Windows 8 is a loud-and-clear statement about the future of the PC: it's touch-oriented, it's mobile, and it's convergent. The jury is still out on whether customers will wholeheartedly buy into that vision, but several recent devices at least give us more tangible examples of what that kind of future looks like. Let's compare two of the prime examples: Samsung's upcoming Ativ Q and Microsoft's own Surface Pro.  Read More
A dog playing with the iFetch device
Playing fetch with your dog is surely one of life's high points. After a short while though, it can all get a bit tiring and just a tad boring. Your bouncing bundle of fun, on the other hand, would happily keep the game going for hours. Fortunately, technology is here to help. The iFetch from the Hamill family shoots out a ball for your dog to fetch, and when fido drops it in the opening at the top, it's fired back out again.  Read More
Nissan's ZEOD RC electric racer will make its racing debut at Le Mans 2014
Le Mans in France, home to one of the world’s most prestigious 24-hour races, was Nissan’s site of choice to unveil its prototype electric speed racer. Touted as the fastest electric race car in the world, the oddly named ZEOD RC is being charged up and made ready to make its racing debut at the famous track in 2014.  Read More
There are 20 body colors to choose from and six grip colors, with buyers being able to sel...
When it comes to outlandish color schemes for digital SLR cameras, Pentax surely takes the crown. With the launch of its K-50 mid-range DSLR, Japan's photography giant is putting the choice of camera body color firmly in the hands of its customers. There are 20 body colors to choose from and six grip colors, with buyers being able to select from up to 120 combinations. The new 16 megapixel camera includes a broad sensitivity range, an 11 point tracking autofocus system, and an optical viewfinder with 100 percent field of view. It's joined by the similar, but cheaper, K-500 entry-level DSLR.  Read More

 
Gizmag interviews Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki (Image: Shutterstock)
It wasn't long ago that asteroid mining was only found in the pages of science fiction. Now, with increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of space, companies are springing up to turn asteroids from things that Bruce Willis blows up, into raw materials for future travellers and colonists. One such firm is Planetary Resources, which is currently winding up a KickStarter campaign aimed at raising public awareness about asteroid mining by offering the public access to a space telescope. Gizmag visits the company’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters and talks to the President and Chief Engineer, Chris Lewicki.  Read More
GiraffPlus is an assisted living system for the elderly GiraffPlus is an EU-funded project that uses telepresence technology to monitor the elderly in their own homes. The system has already been tested in a demo apartment in Örebro, Sweden. Now GiraffPlus is being taken further afield to be tested in real homes in Sweden, Italy and Spain.  Read More
Is HTC prepping a new Windows Phone that takes some design cues from the One (pictured)? It's no secret that HTC hit some hard times recently. But the company responded about as well as it could, with the critically-acclaimed HTC One. Don't forget, though, that HTC has more than a passing interest in Windows Phone, as evidenced by recent phones like the 8X, 8S, and Titan. If a recent leak holds any water, then HTC has yet another Windows Phone up its sleeve, and it just might look a lot like the One.  Read More
Lenovo's Miix multi-mode Windows 8 tablet
Lenovo has pulled back the curtain on a new Windows 8 hybrid called the Miix. Described as a multi-mode device, when docked with an optional folio case with included AccuType keyboard, the 10.1-inch tablet can be used like an Ultrabook. It's driven by a Clover Trail Atom processor, and promises up to 10 hours of continuous use between charges from the 6800 mAh Li-Pol battery. Not bad at all for something that's being priced at around US$500.  Read More
The Vortex jersey's air channels create a cooling effect
Cyclists who don't dig the idea of fitting a spray bottle next to the brake levers, gear shifters, shock adjusters and other handlebar hardware on their bikes may have a simpler alternative for keeping cool. The new Vortex bicycle jersey includes an integrated airflow system that serves as a sort of air conditioning on the road or trail.  Read More
Parrot's new Flight Recorder for AR.Drone 2.0
Parrot has announced a new peripheral for its AR.Drone 2.0, a black box-style Flight Recorder with 4 GB of Flash storage to record GPS and flight data, as well as locally save about 2 hours of HD footage recorded on the drone's onboard camera. Parrot has also announced a new Director Mode for its piloting app which allows easy editing of recorded footage, as well as an improved battery which increases the drone's flight time by a claimed 50 percent.  Read More
Gizmag goes hands-on with IK Multimedia's iRig HD and AmpliTube
IK Multimedia recently released its latest iRig audio interface, the iRig HD, in addition to giving its popular iOS amp-modeling software AmpliTube a facelift. Gizmag investigates whether the two products can offer musicians a portable platform for band practice, playing shows, or recording songs.  Read More
Splinter Works' Vessel is an unusual bathtub constructed from a carbon fiber weave
If you asked people to name the most relaxing pieces of furniture they can think of, you'd probably have quite a few mentioning hammocks and bathtubs. So you might think that combining the two into one item should yield an exceptionally relaxing experience. That's just what UK-based design group Splinter Works is aiming for with its latest piece. Called the Vessel, it is a sleek-looking bathtub that is suspended in the air like a hammock.  Read More
The Match Cooking Prep System  aims to provide practical tools that assist in enabling som...
Syracuse University graduate Amanda Savitzky’s thesis project, known as “The Match Cooking Prep System for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), has not only been a successful personal journey for her family, but has also seen her awarded the top prize in the 2013 Metropolis Next Generation Competition. Her Match Cooking Prep System is designed to provide practical tools that assist in enabling someone with ASD to learn how to cook.  Read More
A twenty four-stage roughing pump developed at the University of Michigan (Photo: Universi...
Three DARPA-funded research teams have completed a foundational study of chip-scale vacuum pumps by inventing three very different approaches to removing air from a sample chamber with a volume of one cubic millimeter, which is about one-tenth the volume of a grain of rice. These new technologies will enable many micro-scale devices which require a vacuum or a controlled flow of gas, such as Lab-on-a-Chip sensors, radio frequency MEMS switches and microscopic vacuum tubes.  Read More
Gizmag interviews Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki (Image: Shutterstock)
It wasn't long ago that asteroid mining was only found in the pages of science fiction. Now, with increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of space, companies are springing up to turn asteroids from things that Bruce Willis blows up, into raw materials for future travellers and colonists. One such firm is Planetary Resources, which is currently winding up a KickStarter campaign aimed at raising public awareness about asteroid mining by offering the public access to a space telescope. Gizmag visits the company’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters and talks to the President and Chief Engineer, Chris Lewicki.  Read More
GiraffPlus is an assisted living system for the elderly GiraffPlus is an EU-funded project that uses telepresence technology to monitor the elderly in their own homes. The system has already been tested in a demo apartment in Örebro, Sweden. Now GiraffPlus is being taken further afield to be tested in real homes in Sweden, Italy and Spain.  Read More
Is HTC prepping a new Windows Phone that takes some design cues from the One (pictured)? It's no secret that HTC hit some hard times recently. But the company responded about as well as it could, with the critically-acclaimed HTC One. Don't forget, though, that HTC has more than a passing interest in Windows Phone, as evidenced by recent phones like the 8X, 8S, and Titan. If a recent leak holds any water, then HTC has yet another Windows Phone up its sleeve, and it just might look a lot like the One.  Read More
Lenovo's Miix multi-mode Windows 8 tablet
Lenovo has pulled back the curtain on a new Windows 8 hybrid called the Miix. Described as a multi-mode device, when docked with an optional folio case with included AccuType keyboard, the 10.1-inch tablet can be used like an Ultrabook. It's driven by a Clover Trail Atom processor, and promises up to 10 hours of continuous use between charges from the 6800 mAh Li-Pol battery. Not bad at all for something that's being priced at around US$500.  Read More
The Vortex jersey's air channels create a cooling effect
Cyclists who don't dig the idea of fitting a spray bottle next to the brake levers, gear shifters, shock adjusters and other handlebar hardware on their bikes may have a simpler alternative for keeping cool. The new Vortex bicycle jersey includes an integrated airflow system that serves as a sort of air conditioning on the road or trail.  Read More
Parrot's new Flight Recorder for AR.Drone 2.0
Parrot has announced a new peripheral for its AR.Drone 2.0, a black box-style Flight Recorder with 4 GB of Flash storage to record GPS and flight data, as well as locally save about 2 hours of HD footage recorded on the drone's onboard camera. Parrot has also announced a new Director Mode for its piloting app which allows easy editing of recorded footage, as well as an improved battery which increases the drone's flight time by a claimed 50 percent.  Read More
Gizmag goes hands-on with IK Multimedia's iRig HD and AmpliTube
IK Multimedia recently released its latest iRig audio interface, the iRig HD, in addition to giving its popular iOS amp-modeling software AmpliTube a facelift. Gizmag investigates whether the two products can offer musicians a portable platform for band practice, playing shows, or recording songs.  Read More
Splinter Works' Vessel is an unusual bathtub constructed from a carbon fiber weave
If you asked people to name the most relaxing pieces of furniture they can think of, you'd probably have quite a few mentioning hammocks and bathtubs. So you might think that combining the two into one item should yield an exceptionally relaxing experience. That's just what UK-based design group Splinter Works is aiming for with its latest piece. Called the Vessel, it is a sleek-looking bathtub that is suspended in the air like a hammock.  Read More
The Match Cooking Prep System  aims to provide practical tools that assist in enabling som...
Syracuse University graduate Amanda Savitzky’s thesis project, known as “The Match Cooking Prep System for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), has not only been a successful personal journey for her family, but has also seen her awarded the top prize in the 2013 Metropolis Next Generation Competition. Her Match Cooking Prep System is designed to provide practical tools that assist in enabling someone with ASD to learn how to cook.  Read More
A twenty four-stage roughing pump developed at the University of Michigan (Photo: Universi...
Three DARPA-funded research teams have completed a foundational study of chip-scale vacuum pumps by inventing three very different approaches to removing air from a sample chamber with a volume of one cubic millimeter, which is about one-tenth the volume of a grain of rice. These new technologies will enable many micro-scale devices which require a vacuum or a controlled flow of gas, such as Lab-on-a-Chip sensors, radio frequency MEMS switches and microscopic vacuum tubes.  Read More
Gizmag interviews Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki (Image: Shutterstock)
It wasn't long ago that asteroid mining was only found in the pages of science fiction. Now, with increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of space, companies are springing up to turn asteroids from things that Bruce Willis blows up, into raw materials for future travellers and colonists. One such firm is Planetary Resources, which is currently winding up a KickStarter campaign aimed at raising public awareness about asteroid mining by offering the public access to a space telescope. Gizmag visits the company’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters and talks to the President and Chief Engineer, Chris Lewicki.  Read More
GiraffPlus is an assisted living system for the elderly GiraffPlus is an EU-funded project that uses telepresence technology to monitor the elderly in their own homes. The system has already been tested in a demo apartment in Örebro, Sweden. Now GiraffPlus is being taken further afield to be tested in real homes in Sweden, Italy and Spain.  Read More
Is HTC prepping a new Windows Phone that takes some design cues from the One (pictured)? It's no secret that HTC hit some hard times recently. But the company responded about as well as it could, with the critically-acclaimed HTC One. Don't forget, though, that HTC has more than a passing interest in Windows Phone, as evidenced by recent phones like the 8X, 8S, and Titan. If a recent leak holds any water, then HTC has yet another Windows Phone up its sleeve, and it just might look a lot like the One.  Read More
Lenovo's Miix multi-mode Windows 8 tablet
Lenovo has pulled back the curtain on a new Windows 8 hybrid called the Miix. Described as a multi-mode device, when docked with an optional folio case with included AccuType keyboard, the 10.1-inch tablet can be used like an Ultrabook. It's driven by a Clover Trail Atom processor, and promises up to 10 hours of continuous use between charges from the 6800 mAh Li-Pol battery. Not bad at all for something that's being priced at around US$500.  Read More
The Vortex jersey's air channels create a cooling effect
Cyclists who don't dig the idea of fitting a spray bottle next to the brake levers, gear shifters, shock adjusters and other handlebar hardware on their bikes may have a simpler alternative for keeping cool. The new Vortex bicycle jersey includes an integrated airflow system that serves as a sort of air conditioning on the road or trail.  Read More
Parrot's new Flight Recorder for AR.Drone 2.0
Parrot has announced a new peripheral for its AR.Drone 2.0, a black box-style Flight Recorder with 4 GB of Flash storage to record GPS and flight data, as well as locally save about 2 hours of HD footage recorded on the drone's onboard camera. Parrot has also announced a new Director Mode for its piloting app which allows easy editing of recorded footage, as well as an improved battery which increases the drone's flight time by a claimed 50 percent.  Read More
Gizmag goes hands-on with IK Multimedia's iRig HD and AmpliTube
IK Multimedia recently released its latest iRig audio interface, the iRig HD, in addition to giving its popular iOS amp-modeling software AmpliTube a facelift. Gizmag investigates whether the two products can offer musicians a portable platform for band practice, playing shows, or recording songs.  Read More
Splinter Works' Vessel is an unusual bathtub constructed from a carbon fiber weave
If you asked people to name the most relaxing pieces of furniture they can think of, you'd probably have quite a few mentioning hammocks and bathtubs. So you might think that combining the two into one item should yield an exceptionally relaxing experience. That's just what UK-based design group Splinter Works is aiming for with its latest piece. Called the Vessel, it is a sleek-looking bathtub that is suspended in the air like a hammock.  Read More
The Match Cooking Prep System  aims to provide practical tools that assist in enabling som...
Syracuse University graduate Amanda Savitzky’s thesis project, known as “The Match Cooking Prep System for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), has not only been a successful personal journey for her family, but has also seen her awarded the top prize in the 2013 Metropolis Next Generation Competition. Her Match Cooking Prep System is designed to provide practical tools that assist in enabling someone with ASD to learn how to cook.  Read More
A twenty four-stage roughing pump developed at the University of Michigan (Photo: Universi...
Three DARPA-funded research teams have completed a foundational study of chip-scale vacuum pumps by inventing three very different approaches to removing air from a sample chamber with a volume of one cubic millimeter, which is about one-tenth the volume of a grain of rice. These new technologies will enable many micro-scale devices which require a vacuum or a controlled flow of gas, such as Lab-on-a-Chip sensors, radio frequency MEMS switches and microscopic vacuum tubes.  Read More
Gizmag interviews Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki (Image: Shutterstock)
It wasn't long ago that asteroid mining was only found in the pages of science fiction. Now, with increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of space, companies are springing up to turn asteroids from things that Bruce Willis blows up, into raw materials for future travellers and colonists. One such firm is Planetary Resources, which is currently winding up a KickStarter campaign aimed at raising public awareness about asteroid mining by offering the public access to a space telescope. Gizmag visits the company’s Bellevue, Washington headquarters and talks to the President and Chief Engineer, Chris Lewicki.  Read More
GiraffPlus is an assisted living system for the elderly GiraffPlus is an EU-funded project that uses telepresence technology to monitor the elderly in their own homes. The system has already been tested in a demo apartment in Örebro, Sweden. Now GiraffPlus is being taken further afield to be tested in real homes in Sweden, Italy and Spain.  Read More
Is HTC prepping a new Windows Phone that takes some design cues from the One (pictured)? It's no secret that HTC hit some hard times recently. But the company responded about as well as it could, with the critically-acclaimed HTC One. Don't forget, though, that HTC has more than a passing interest in Windows Phone, as evidenced by recent phones like the 8X, 8S, and Titan. If a recent leak holds any water, then HTC has yet another Windows Phone up its sleeve, and it just might look a lot like the One.  Read More
Lenovo's Miix multi-mode Windows 8 tablet
Lenovo has pulled back the curtain on a new Windows 8 hybrid called the Miix. Described as a multi-mode device, when docked with an optional folio case with included AccuType keyboard, the 10.1-inch tablet can be used like an Ultrabook. It's driven by a Clover Trail Atom processor, and promises up to 10 hours of continuous use between charges from the 6800 mAh Li-Pol battery. Not bad at all for something that's being priced at around US$500.  Read More
The Vortex jersey's air channels create a cooling effect
Cyclists who don't dig the idea of fitting a spray bottle next to the brake levers, gear shifters, shock adjusters and other handlebar hardware on their bikes may have a simpler alternative for keeping cool. The new Vortex bicycle jersey includes an integrated airflow system that serves as a sort of air conditioning on the road or trail.  Read More
Parrot's new Flight Recorder for AR.Drone 2.0
Parrot has announced a new peripheral for its AR.Drone 2.0, a black box-style Flight Recorder with 4 GB of Flash storage to record GPS and flight data, as well as locally save about 2 hours of HD footage recorded on the drone's onboard camera. Parrot has also announced a new Director Mode for its piloting app which allows easy editing of recorded footage, as well as an improved battery which increases the drone's flight time by a claimed 50 percent.  Read More
Gizmag goes hands-on with IK Multimedia's iRig HD and AmpliTube
IK Multimedia recently released its latest iRig audio interface, the iRig HD, in addition to giving its popular iOS amp-modeling software AmpliTube a facelift. Gizmag investigates whether the two products can offer musicians a portable platform for band practice, playing shows, or recording songs.  Read More
Splinter Works' Vessel is an unusual bathtub constructed from a carbon fiber weave
If you asked people to name the most relaxing pieces of furniture they can think of, you'd probably have quite a few mentioning hammocks and bathtubs. So you might think that combining the two into one item should yield an exceptionally relaxing experience. That's just what UK-based design group Splinter Works is aiming for with its latest piece. Called the Vessel, it is a sleek-looking bathtub that is suspended in the air like a hammock.  Read More
The Match Cooking Prep System  aims to provide practical tools that assist in enabling som...
Syracuse University graduate Amanda Savitzky’s thesis project, known as “The Match Cooking Prep System for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), has not only been a successful personal journey for her family, but has also seen her awarded the top prize in the 2013 Metropolis Next Generation Competition. Her Match Cooking Prep System is designed to provide practical tools that assist in enabling someone with ASD to learn how to cook.  Read More
A twenty four-stage roughing pump developed at the University of Michigan (Photo: Universi...
Three DARPA-funded research teams have completed a foundational study of chip-scale vacuum pumps by inventing three very different approaches to removing air from a sample chamber with a volume of one cubic millimeter, which is about one-tenth the volume of a grain of rice. These new technologies will enable many micro-scale devices which require a vacuum or a controlled flow of gas, such as Lab-on-a-Chip sensors, radio frequency MEMS switches and microscopic vacuum tubes.  Read More




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