We’ve seen some weird and wacky PC designs in our
time, but few are as surreal as the Minitopz range from US firm Artopz
Technology. The fusion of art and computing is entirely a subjective
one, so we won’t cast too many opinions on the actual design, but what
is intriguing here is that the Minitopz range has chosen the humble desk
lamp as the subject of its hybrid. Read More
In the past few years, several companies have
started selling tiny, rugged, inexpensive “action” video cameras
designed to be mounted on wild-n-crazy vantage points such as mountain
bike helmets, hang-gliders or even model rockets (yes, it’s been done).
Up until recently, however, a common complaint about these cameras was
that their lenses weren’t wide enough to capture all the action. That
problem was squarely addressed with the autumn 2008 release of a new
camera, the GoPro HERO Wide. Now, GoPro has gone one better by
introducing a High-Definition version of that same model. Read More
This British biomass power station concept is one
of the many projects being proposed around the globe as the search for renewable energy
sources continues. The visually stunning Teesside plant will be covered
with greenery, provide fuel for over 50,000 homes and be powered by
palm kernel shells. Read More
Japan's Ameba Pigg blogging platform poised for Facebook launch
By Rick Martin
December 27, 2009
In the English speaking world, the free blogging
platforms that stand out from the crowd are Google's Blogger and
Wordpress.com. While those services are also popular in Japan, a
particularly strong homegrown contender is Ameba.jp., which is now
looking to tap into a global audience by launching as a Facebook app.
More than just a blog platform, Ameba is unique in the way it has
socialized blogs via a virtual online community - Ameba Pigg. Yes, it's
an odd name... But it is Japan after all. Read More
Valuable paintings that are shipped or loaned to
museums or other destinations around the world will soon have unusual
traveling companions for their long journeys – sensors that can detect
the buildup of pollutants within their specially-designed shipping
crates. Occasionally, adhesives and other chemicals within the crates
can breakdown and the fumes can damage the works of art. But the new
sensors, developed by scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for
Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg, Germany, will detect these dangerous
substances and help avoid the treasures being damaged. Read More
The AsphaltFighter Stormbringer - 280 bhp production motorcycle
By Gizmag Team
December 23, 2009
German company Asphaltfighters' latest creation
has the most outrageous set of raw numbers we’ve seen for a production
motorcycle. The 999cc Stormbringer has 220hp and an extra 60 ponies kick
in over 180kmh for a 280bhp total. It’ll run "more than 198mph", hits
62mph in 2.9 seconds, 124mph in 6.5 seconds, and 186mph in 13.9 seconds.
It comes standard with a HELD riding suit and kevlar/carbon X-Lite
helmet, and the riding position and suspension are all tailored for the
purchaser. The machine has the full array of cutting edge technology
such 10 stage traction control, heads up display, rear-view camera,
programmable speed limiter and, considering what it offers, a remarkably
reasonable price tag of EUR 57,500 (USD86,000). Read More
For some elderly citizens the simple act of
shopping can prove daunting and an assistant or carer may be required to
help out. Aiming to help increasingly (if sometimes reluctantly)
tech-savvy seniors, is Robovie II - a robotic assistant that takes a
pre-transmitted shopping list and follows the customer around the store,
carrying their goods while communicating and even offering suggestions.
Read More
ASUS subsidiary AGAiT Technology is the latest to
have a bash at realizing the dream of robots performing domestic tasks
with the EC01 E-Cleaner robotic vacuum cleaner. As well as offering
similar cleaning functionality to that of its rivals, the EC01 also
benefits from a sanitizing UV lamp which disinfects as the unit vacuums.
Read More
Simulators have long been used to teach new
skills that would otherwise involve great expense and/or great risk -
like learning to fly a new aeroplane. Now Ferrari has built its own F1
simulator so it can develop its Formula One cars and train its drivers
to use new technology and to race on new tracks without breaking F1
rules limiting testing in the real world. The simulator uses ten linked
computers, 60 GB of RAM, five giant 3D video screens, a 3500 watt Dolby
sound system, and weighs more than 200 tonnes. Even the 130 kW
electrical power supply for the machine is a beast. Read More
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