New and Emerging Technology News part 255 ~ NEW GEN TECH LIFE : new generation technology news

Monday, 31 March 2014

New and Emerging Technology News part 255

thingCHARGER allows users to charge devices without having wires all over the place
Almost everyone has multiple devices that require charging. A new product called thingCHARGER aims to make the process a little easier and neater, as it goes right over an existing outlet, and docks various devices on top for easy charging.  Read More
The Sandwichbike ships in Europe from December 1 Since the unveiling of the first Sandwichbike prototype in 2006, it's been a long road to commercial production for its Dutch designer Basten Leijh. The wood-framed bike is due to officially launch in Amsterdam on Sunday, and will be available for shipping thereafter.  Read More
The around-the-neck design of the new LG Tone Ultra Bluetooth headphones LG has stuck with the unique design of its original LG Tone Bluetooth headphones with its latest model, the LG Tone Ultra. Like its predecessor, the new model features an around-the-neck design but adds ambient noise reduction (ANC) technology to cut down on background noise when taking calls or listening to music.  Read More
The Model S in the California sun outside Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters (Photo: Angus Mac...
Having been available for just over a year now, Tesla’s Model S has received its fair share of acclaim, and its fair share of criticism. So what’s it like to drive this 416 hp all-electric, and how does it compare to other premium sedans? Gizmag went to Palo Alto to find out first hand.  Read More
One of the robotic creations possible with MOSS modular robot construction system
Colorado-based Modular Robotics has taken its Cubelets robotic building blocks to the next level with MOSS, a modular robot construction system that requires no coding or wiring skills on the part of the user. The kits are made up of various modules that communicate with each other via a single button contact and can be snapped together using magnets.  Read More
A newly developed nanoparticle may signal the end of injections for treatment of some comm...
Most of us would swallow a pill before being poked by a needle, yet sufferers of chronic illnesses are regularly required to administer their medicine intravenously. A team of researchers from MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) has developed a new type of nanoparticle that could afford patients the choice – potentially making uncomfortable injections a thing of the past in the treatment of a range of chronic diseases.  Read More
An F/A-18 research jet simulated various flight conditions to evaluate the new SLS flight ...
Earlier this month, NASA carried out tests on a new flight system for the Space Launch System (SLS), the heavy lifting rocket that will send the manned Orion spacecraft into deep space. What was unusual about this is that instead of using a rocket for the tests, the space agency used an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet as a stand in as a way to carry out more tests at lower costs.  Read More
The Visus Watch from Mykonos Design features a stationary hand capable of accurately telli... Analog watches with just one hand aren't unheard of, but they are still far from the norm. The problem with this novel approach is that accuracy tends to take a back seat. The Visus Watch from Mykonos Design aims to change this.  Read More
The RainCars project's lab setup
Rain gauges are generally pretty accurate at measuring the amount of precipitation that has fallen at their location, but they can't be everywhere. This means that average rainfall figures for a region could be inaccurate, if considerably more or less rain has been falling in unmonitored areas. Cars, however, are just about everywhere that there are roads. With that in mind, researchers from Germany's University of Hanover are looking at using them to tell us how much water is coming from the sky.  Read More
The FC Deco Deck utilizes an anion exchange fuel cell
Japan's oldest automaker, Daihatsu, raised some eyebrows a couple of years ago when it unveiled its FC ShoCase vehicle. Along with being funny-looking, it was powered by a prototype fuel cell (first announced in 2007) that was said to overcome some of the key limitations of traditional hydrogen fuel cells. At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, a new FC concept vehicle has been presented – the FC Deco Deck mini-truck.  Read More

Sony's SmartWig in its guise as an aid to navigation (Image: USPTO Patent Application Publ...
Sony may be looking to take the relatively new field of wearable electronics in a slightly unexpected direction if a patent filed by the company is any indication. The patent isn't for a competing version of Google Glasses, nor on a watch so smart that it could join Mensa, but on the SmartWig. Scratching your head yet? Before you pull the rug out from under this concept, some of the possible applications are more useful than one might expect from a hi-tech hairpiece.  Read More
Circuit Scribe uses silver ink to draw circuits A new company called Electroninks is seeking to make DIY electronics child’s play ... literally. Circuit Scribe is a roller-ball pen filled with conductive silver ink that enables the creation of circuits by simply drawing them.  Read More
Gizmag compares some of the best high-end DSLRs on the market
Even entry-level DSLRs are now capable of producing very good quality images. But the high-end market, where cameras cost thousands of dollars, is about much more than that. These cameras are designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the ultimate in autofocus speed and manual controls, along with image and build quality. In this guide Gizmag compares our pick of the best high-end DSLRs currently on the market.  Read More
As a one-atom thick topological insulator, stanene could conduct electricity at full effic...
A team of theoretical physicists from the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University is predicting that stanene, a single layer of tin atoms laid out in a two-dimensional structure, could conduct electricity with one hundred percent efficiency at room temperature. If the findings are confirmed they could pave the way for building computer chips that are faster, consume less power, and won't heat up nearly as much.  Read More
The Subaru Levorg is intended to combine practicality and sports car handling
Subaru has given the world a look at where its Legacy car line is going with the world premiere of its new Levorg concept car at the 2013 Tokyo Motor. The concept, which stands for “Legacy,” "Revolution,” and “Touring,” is designed to combine practicality and sports car handling in a Sport tourer concept which is expected to hit the Japanese market next year.  Read More
The Morgaw Trian mountain bike saddle – models for road bikes are also planned for product...
Butt pain is a big complaint amongst cyclists, although many of them will tell you that getting a cushier seat isn't the solution. The theory goes that the extra padding will get pressed up into the rider's nether regions, ultimately just adding more pressure. Suspension seatposts are one alternative, although European cyclists Martin Moravcik and Slawek Gawlik have created what they claim is another, that's lighter and simpler – the Morgaw shock-absorbing saddle.  Read More
The Lucid Stead is based in Joshua Tree, San Bernadino County, California (Photo: Steve Ki... What lives in the desert, changes color throughout the day, and is powered by sustainable energy? That would be the chameleon-like Lucid Stead, by artist Phillip K Smith III: an Arduino-equipped, solar-powered shack in Joshua Tree, San Bernadino County, California.  Read More
Razer has released the Kraken Forged Edition premium headphones Gaming hardware company Razer has announced the launch of its new premium headphones, the Kraken Forged Edition. Optimized for music and gaming, and designed for comfort and portability, the top-of-the-range closed earcup cans feature custom-tuned, bass-heavy drivers in brushed metal housing, and swappable audio cables.  Read More
The Ride:HUD display (lower right) as seen through a motorcycle helmet
Head-up displays, or HUDs, are claimed to make driving much safer and easier – instead of looking away from the road and shifting their focus to the dashboard console, drivers just need to glance at an unobtrusive display projected onto their view of the road. NUVIZ now wants to bring HUD technology to motorcyclists, in the form of its Ride:HUD helmet system.  Read More
Acer has announced its first touchscreen Chromebook, the C720P
Acer has followed last month's release of its C720 Chromebook with the launch of its first touchscreen variant. In addition to supporting up to 10 simultaneous touch points, the C720P is claimed to boot up from cold in just 7 seconds, has twice the built-in storage of its slightly older cousin and comes with 100 GB of Google Drive storage for two years.  Read More
 
The new system puts the weight of vehicles to use
Over the years, various researchers have developed systems in which the weight transferred through cars' wheels onto the road – or through pedestrians' feet onto the sidewalk – is used to generate electricity. These systems utilize piezoelectric materials, which convert mechanical stress into an electrical current. Such materials may be effective, but they're also too expensive for use in many parts of the world. That's why Mexican entrepreneur Héctor Ricardo Macías Hernández created his own rather ingenious alternative.  Read More
Shimizu's Luna Ring proposes an  an array of solar cells around the moon's equator to harv...
A Japanese firm has come up with the idea of constructing an array of solar cells around the Moon's equator to harvest solar energy and beam it back to Earth. The Shimizu Corporation proposes creating a "Luna Ring" using materials derived from lunar soil along its 11,000-km (6,800-mile) equator. The plan involves starting with an array that's a few kilometers wide and eventually increasing that to around 400 km (250 miles).  Read More
According to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the drones will deliver packages to customers within 3...
As early as 2015, your Amazon purchases could be dropped at your door within 30 minutes courtesy of unmanned aerial drones. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos revealed plans for the delivery service dubbed Prime Air (an extension of Amazon Prime which guarantees two-day shipping) in a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday night.  Read More
Portuguese designer Susana Soares has created a series of glass diagnostic tools which inc... Portuguese designer Susana Soares has created a series of glass diagnostic tools which use trained honey bees to detect if a patient has cancer. The "Bees" project draws inspiration from research indicating that "sniffer bees" can be trained to detect specific odors such as explosives, or in Soares' case, cancer.  Read More
SAIC Motor has taken out the 2013 LA Auto Show Design Challenge with its Mobiliant concept
The 2013 LA Auto Show Design Challenge has been won by SAIC Motor Corp. The Chinese automaker’s “Mobiliant” concept saw off competition from eight other contenders who where challenged to create forward-looking designs under the theme "Biomimicry & Mobility 2025 – Nature's Answer to Human Challenges."  Read More
An artist's concept of Kepler (Image: NASA)
Last August, it looked as if the NASA's Kepler space telescope was as good as scrap due to the failure of its attitude control system. Now the space agency proposes what it calls the K2 mission concept, which will give the unmanned probe "second light" by using the Sun to regain attitude control and allow Kepler to resume its search for extrasolar planets.  Read More
The UVA+B Sunfriend features LED lights that indicate when users have had a healthy dose o...
Most of us are aware of the dangers surrounding the amount of time we spend in the sun. Although we rely on exposure to sunlight to provide us with vitamin D, a lack of protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin cancer. It can be a fine line between a healthy dose of sun and retreating indoors to coat ourselves in Aloe vera. The UVA+B Sunfriend aims to promote a healthy amount of sun exposure by alerting users when it is time to make for the shade.  Read More
Artist's impression of MOM (Image: Nesnad/Wikipedia)
After a month spent jockeying about in Earth Orbit, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is finally on its way to the Red Planet. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the unmanned spacecraft fired its main engine on Sunday at 12:49 AM (IST) and completed the firing 22 minutes and 8.89 seconds later, completing the Mars orbit insertion that will see it arrive in orbit around Mars in September of next year.  Read More
A scanning electron micrograph of the nanostructure of the cathode of a Berkeley Li/S cell...
Batteries. We buy them at the store, use them up, and throw them away without much thought. In reality, however, batteries are remarkably complex electrochemical devices that are continually evolving. The latest example of this comes from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where researchers have invented an advanced lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell that offers a unique combination of energy storage, power, recharge speed, and survivability.  Read More
Gramovox's Bluetooth Gramophone blends the old with the new   Chicago-based company Gramovox has merged the old with the new in its Bluetooth Gramophone. The fusion of vintage audio device and modern technology takes the form of a 3:4 scale replica of the R3 Magnavox horn speaker and packs a Bluetooth 3.0 module to allow wireless connection of mobile devices.  Read More
The new system puts the weight of vehicles to use
Over the years, various researchers have developed systems in which the weight transferred through cars' wheels onto the road – or through pedestrians' feet onto the sidewalk – is used to generate electricity. These systems utilize piezoelectric materials, which convert mechanical stress into an electrical current. Such materials may be effective, but they're also too expensive for use in many parts of the world. That's why Mexican entrepreneur Héctor Ricardo Macías Hernández created his own rather ingenious alternative.  Read More
Shimizu's Luna Ring proposes an  an array of solar cells around the moon's equator to harv...
A Japanese firm has come up with the idea of constructing an array of solar cells around the Moon's equator to harvest solar energy and beam it back to Earth. The Shimizu Corporation proposes creating a "Luna Ring" using materials derived from lunar soil along its 11,000-km (6,800-mile) equator. The plan involves starting with an array that's a few kilometers wide and eventually increasing that to around 400 km (250 miles).  Read More
According to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the drones will deliver packages to customers within 3...
As early as 2015, your Amazon purchases could be dropped at your door within 30 minutes courtesy of unmanned aerial drones. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos revealed plans for the delivery service dubbed Prime Air (an extension of Amazon Prime which guarantees two-day shipping) in a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday night.  Read More
Portuguese designer Susana Soares has created a series of glass diagnostic tools which inc... Portuguese designer Susana Soares has created a series of glass diagnostic tools which use trained honey bees to detect if a patient has cancer. The "Bees" project draws inspiration from research indicating that "sniffer bees" can be trained to detect specific odors such as explosives, or in Soares' case, cancer.  Read More
SAIC Motor has taken out the 2013 LA Auto Show Design Challenge with its Mobiliant concept
The 2013 LA Auto Show Design Challenge has been won by SAIC Motor Corp. The Chinese automaker’s “Mobiliant” concept saw off competition from eight other contenders who where challenged to create forward-looking designs under the theme "Biomimicry & Mobility 2025 – Nature's Answer to Human Challenges."  Read More
An artist's concept of Kepler (Image: NASA)
Last August, it looked as if the NASA's Kepler space telescope was as good as scrap due to the failure of its attitude control system. Now the space agency proposes what it calls the K2 mission concept, which will give the unmanned probe "second light" by using the Sun to regain attitude control and allow Kepler to resume its search for extrasolar planets.  Read More
The UVA+B Sunfriend features LED lights that indicate when users have had a healthy dose o...
Most of us are aware of the dangers surrounding the amount of time we spend in the sun. Although we rely on exposure to sunlight to provide us with vitamin D, a lack of protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin cancer. It can be a fine line between a healthy dose of sun and retreating indoors to coat ourselves in Aloe vera. The UVA+B Sunfriend aims to promote a healthy amount of sun exposure by alerting users when it is time to make for the shade.  Read More
Artist's impression of MOM (Image: Nesnad/Wikipedia)
After a month spent jockeying about in Earth Orbit, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is finally on its way to the Red Planet. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the unmanned spacecraft fired its main engine on Sunday at 12:49 AM (IST) and completed the firing 22 minutes and 8.89 seconds later, completing the Mars orbit insertion that will see it arrive in orbit around Mars in September of next year.  Read More
A scanning electron micrograph of the nanostructure of the cathode of a Berkeley Li/S cell...
Batteries. We buy them at the store, use them up, and throw them away without much thought. In reality, however, batteries are remarkably complex electrochemical devices that are continually evolving. The latest example of this comes from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where researchers have invented an advanced lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell that offers a unique combination of energy storage, power, recharge speed, and survivability.  Read More
Gramovox's Bluetooth Gramophone blends the old with the new   Chicago-based company Gramovox has merged the old with the new in its Bluetooth Gramophone. The fusion of vintage audio device and modern technology takes the form of a 3:4 scale replica of the R3 Magnavox horn speaker and packs a Bluetooth 3.0 module to allow wireless connection of mobile devices.  Read More
The new system puts the weight of vehicles to use
Over the years, various researchers have developed systems in which the weight transferred through cars' wheels onto the road – or through pedestrians' feet onto the sidewalk – is used to generate electricity. These systems utilize piezoelectric materials, which convert mechanical stress into an electrical current. Such materials may be effective, but they're also too expensive for use in many parts of the world. That's why Mexican entrepreneur Héctor Ricardo Macías Hernández created his own rather ingenious alternative.  Read More
Shimizu's Luna Ring proposes an  an array of solar cells around the moon's equator to harv...
A Japanese firm has come up with the idea of constructing an array of solar cells around the Moon's equator to harvest solar energy and beam it back to Earth. The Shimizu Corporation proposes creating a "Luna Ring" using materials derived from lunar soil along its 11,000-km (6,800-mile) equator. The plan involves starting with an array that's a few kilometers wide and eventually increasing that to around 400 km (250 miles).  Read More
According to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the drones will deliver packages to customers within 3...
As early as 2015, your Amazon purchases could be dropped at your door within 30 minutes courtesy of unmanned aerial drones. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos revealed plans for the delivery service dubbed Prime Air (an extension of Amazon Prime which guarantees two-day shipping) in a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday night.  Read More
Portuguese designer Susana Soares has created a series of glass diagnostic tools which inc... Portuguese designer Susana Soares has created a series of glass diagnostic tools which use trained honey bees to detect if a patient has cancer. The "Bees" project draws inspiration from research indicating that "sniffer bees" can be trained to detect specific odors such as explosives, or in Soares' case, cancer.  Read More
SAIC Motor has taken out the 2013 LA Auto Show Design Challenge with its Mobiliant concept
The 2013 LA Auto Show Design Challenge has been won by SAIC Motor Corp. The Chinese automaker’s “Mobiliant” concept saw off competition from eight other contenders who where challenged to create forward-looking designs under the theme "Biomimicry & Mobility 2025 – Nature's Answer to Human Challenges."  Read More
An artist's concept of Kepler (Image: NASA)
Last August, it looked as if the NASA's Kepler space telescope was as good as scrap due to the failure of its attitude control system. Now the space agency proposes what it calls the K2 mission concept, which will give the unmanned probe "second light" by using the Sun to regain attitude control and allow Kepler to resume its search for extrasolar planets.  Read More
The UVA+B Sunfriend features LED lights that indicate when users have had a healthy dose o...
Most of us are aware of the dangers surrounding the amount of time we spend in the sun. Although we rely on exposure to sunlight to provide us with vitamin D, a lack of protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin cancer. It can be a fine line between a healthy dose of sun and retreating indoors to coat ourselves in Aloe vera. The UVA+B Sunfriend aims to promote a healthy amount of sun exposure by alerting users when it is time to make for the shade.  Read More
Artist's impression of MOM (Image: Nesnad/Wikipedia)
After a month spent jockeying about in Earth Orbit, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is finally on its way to the Red Planet. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the unmanned spacecraft fired its main engine on Sunday at 12:49 AM (IST) and completed the firing 22 minutes and 8.89 seconds later, completing the Mars orbit insertion that will see it arrive in orbit around Mars in September of next year.  Read More
A scanning electron micrograph of the nanostructure of the cathode of a Berkeley Li/S cell...
Batteries. We buy them at the store, use them up, and throw them away without much thought. In reality, however, batteries are remarkably complex electrochemical devices that are continually evolving. The latest example of this comes from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where researchers have invented an advanced lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cell that offers a unique combination of energy storage, power, recharge speed, and survivability.  Read More
Gramovox's Bluetooth Gramophone blends the old with the new   Chicago-based company Gramovox has merged the old with the new in its Bluetooth Gramophone. The fusion of vintage audio device and modern technology takes the form of a 3:4 scale replica of the R3 Magnavox horn speaker and packs a Bluetooth 3.0 module to allow wireless connection of mobile devices.  Read More



The Boz design is driven by four electric motors mounted at the wheels
The Boz is not a car, and you won't be able to buy it. According to new start-up Zoox, the Boz is the transportation paradigm that comes after the car. It's but a fanciful idea from an unknown start-up for now, but the company believes it can finish its thought by 2021.  Read More
The metal 3D printer built by a team from Michigan Technological University for under $1,5...
With 3D printers dropping below the US$200 mark, the home 3D printing revolution appears to be getting into full swing, which is great ... if you want to make things out of plastic. Unfortunately, the price of commercial metal 3D printers means the ability to print metal objects has remained out of reach of most people. That could be set to change with a team from Michigan Technical University building a 3D metal printer for under $1,500.  Read More
The FotoPro Master Kit comprised of a protective case for the iPhone 5 with tripod and fla... Chinese Photographic Accessory Designer FotoPro is best known for its range of tripods, but is diversifying with some equally innovative products released at Photo Fair Thailand. The pick of the bunch is a lightweight accessory pack designed to turn the iPhone 5 into a photographic kit.  Read More
The If Convertible transforms from an ultrabook, to a tablet, to a smartphone
After a series of legal wrangles derailed the 2003 release of the Xentex Flip-Pad, a dual-screen laptop with independently-pivoting screens, former Xentex founder and CEO Jeff Batio has climbed back on the horse and is preparing to launch an updated version. The If Convertible is a mobile device that flips and folds to transform from a dual-screen ultrabook to a tablet, with one screen also detaching to serve as a smartphone.  Read More
The V60 Polestar and the S60 go on sale next year
Volvo’s S60 and its V60 variant don’t exactly have a reputation for being exciting, but that hasn't prevented the Swedish carmaker from trying to infuse a bit of dash into the line. The company handed the compact executive and the estate wagon over to its Polestar Racing division and the results were unveiled last Thursday at the world première of the S60 and V60 Polestar. This limited edition is not only based on the Volvo S/V60, but also the C30 and S60 concept cars, and the Australian S60 Polestar, and are part of an extended Polestar production model range.  Read More
The Q1 will join Audi'd Q series from 2016 Audi has announced the Q1 compact SUV will join its Q series in 2016. The Q1 will slot in below the Q3 as Audi's entry-level SUV and is part of the company's efforts to up its model line-up from 49 to more than 60 models by 2020.  Read More
Both phones come with a sturdy plastic back
In the world of Android flagship phones, there's plenty of competition and even more opinions about which phone(s) are best, but it's undeniable that two of the phones that generated the most hype and attention in 2013 were Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Google's Nexus 5 (another was from Motorola – also read my hands-on comparison of the Moto X and the Nexus 5). The GS4 hit the market in Q2, while the Nexus 5 arrived just about a month ago. There's been a Galaxy S4 in my house since the summer and I borrowed a Nexus 5 from Google for almost a full month, so at this point I've a strong enough handle on the strengths and weaknesses of each to help those of you still trying to decide between one or the other.  Read More
The Minim House (Photo: Paul Burk Photography)
The tiny house movement continues to build momentum, and the latest small home to catch our eye with a clever space-maximizing design is the Minim House. The trailer-based mobile micro-home is capable of operating on or off grid, and boasts some comforts often associated with a larger home.  Read More
A Denimite wallet, with a band made from a recycled bicycle inner tube
As evidenced by our friend carbon fiber, composite materials get a big boost in strength when fibers are part of the recipe. Examples include composites made with plastic, wood pulp, and flax fibers. Husband-and-wife design team Jen Carlson and Josh Shear have taken this concept to a funky new level, by using shredded old blue jeans to create a denim fiber composite known as Denimite.  Read More
Gizmag reviews the Theta panoramic camera from Ricoh
Starting out as a rather chunky hammerhead concept shown at CES 2013, the Theta panoramic camera has since been slimmed down, streamlined and released. Stunning 360 degree views can be instantly captured at the push of a button, the device can be remotely operated via smartphone, and images uploaded to an online photo album and shared on social media. Gizmag has spent the last few weeks generating lots of immersive bubble panoramas with the Theta, and the novelty has yet to wear off. But is the camera worth its rather high price tag?  Read More

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes its public debut aboard the Nave Cavour
With its sharp, angular lines and arrow-shaped front end, the Lamborghini Veneno has always had a slightly military feel about it. So we probably shouldn't be too surprised that the Italian automaker chose the flight deck of the Italian naval aircraft carrier Nave Cavour for the public debut of the limited edition Roadster version this week in Abu Dhabi.  Read More
The 'Flying House' will be used to test a new solar thermal heating system as part of the ...
Researchers at the University of Stuttgart are preparing to test a solar heating system capable of long term storage as part of "Solspaces," a three-year project that kicked off in March 2012. The heating concept uses a solar thermal system in conjunction with a sorption tank for storing heat from solar collectors throughout the warmer months that can then be released when the mercury drops.  Read More
Gizmag compares the latest flagship game consoles of the 2013 shopping season
If you're looking to snag a new game console this holiday season – whether for yourself, a child, or a child at heart – you have more choices than ever. How do you decide among some of the biggest and best consoles you can buy today? Join Gizmag, as we break down the features and specs of the flagship gaming consoles of the 2013 shopping season.  Read More
The Hammerhead navigation system is one of the unique items that caught our eye this year ...
You like bikes? Yep, so do we. And while we certainly pay attention to the big announcements from the Shimanos and Campagnolos of the world, oftentimes it's the quirkier, more creative inventions from smaller manufacturers that really catch our interest. Keeping that in mind, here's a quick look at 10 of the products that we covered over the past 12 months, that most made us realize how much room for innovation is still left in the world of cycling.  Read More
A test subject, wired up to the brain control interface
We've recently seen rehabilitative systems in which stroke victims use their thoughts either to move animated images of their paralyzed limbs, or to activate robotic devices that guide their limbs through the desired movements. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, however, have just announced an alternative approach. Their device acts as an intermediary between the brain and a non-responsive hand, receiving signals from the one and transmitting them to the other.  Read More
The Drive Me project will see self-driving Volvos on the streets of the Swedish city of Go... Volvo is definitely one of the leaders in the world of self-driving cars, having recently developed systems that allow vehicles to park themselves, avoid the formation of traffic jams, and travel safely together in "road trains." Now, the Swedish automaker has announced that it's going to be taking part in a project that will see 100 autonomous Volvos traveling the streets of Gothenburg within four years.  Read More
MOLO is designed to keep food moist in the microwave
There's an old trick to make microwaved food taste better: put some water in with it. This helps keep the food moist, but it's not necessarily the most elegant solution. The MOLO Moisture Lock Microwave Cover aims to take this old trick and streamline it, with a cover that integrates the water right into the top, preventing splatters while keeping food moist, all with the goal of making it taste better.  Read More
Illustration of the Yu Tu lunar rover being offloaded from the Chang'e-3 lander (Image: Be...
China's lunar probe Chang'e-3 was placed into an Earth-Moon transfer orbit on Monday by a Long March 3B launch vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. It has on board a lunar landing module, containing the Yu Tu (Jade Rabbit) lunar rover. If all continues to go well, on December 14 Chang'e-3 will land in Sinus Iridum on the Moon's northern hemisphere. It will be the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on the Moon in 37 years.  Read More
The Copenhagen Wheel turns any bike electric
Back in 2009, MIT's SENSEable City team unveiled its Copenhagen Wheel prototype. In a nutshell, it's a self-contained electrically-powered rear bicycle wheel that can be installed on any regular bike, instantly turning it into an e-bike. Today, it was announced that a commercial version of the Copenhagen Wheel is now available to consumers.  Read More
Philips recently partnered with Desso, a high-quality carpeting producer, to create a new ...
After developing some innovative ways to add LEDs to wallpaper, and even the backside of televisions, it looks like Philips is setting its sights on lighting the floor beneath our feet as well. The company recently partnered with Desso, a high-quality carpeting producer, to create a new type of carpet embedded with LEDs that can turn any floor space into a customizable lighting array.  Read More

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