Cyclogyro Prop Aircraft
Cyclogyro’s fly by rotating wings as though they were the paddles on an ancient steamers. The idea is old, but no prototype has ever flown, untill now. Very bizarre.
New technology turns your body into a swipe card
NTT is launching a card which when you’re wearing it makes you communicate data by touching stuff. It uses technology to turn the surface of the human body itself into a means of data transmission. As data travels through the user’s clothing, handbag or shoes, anyone carrying a special card can unlock the door simply Read more about New technology turns your body into a swipe card[…]
More Brain Controllers II
Back in May 2007 I had a look at brain controllers, one of which was promising to launch in October 2007. They are now accepting developers to use and program for their unit, but still not on the commercial market. This is about the Epoc from Emotiv Systems though. The picture of the brain controller Read more about More Brain Controllers II[…]
Anything China can do…
In a copy cat of the Chinese around a year ago, the US Navy has managed to shoot down a satellite at 130 miles altitude using a kinetic kill vehicle (ie a rocket with no explosive), hitting it in the fuel tank. Of course China has not only proven that they can shoot them down, Read more about Anything China can do…[…]
doubleTwist
This package has been getting a load of hype mainly for 2 reasons: 1) dvdjon made it (the inventor of decss) and 2) it rips itunes songs and lets you put it on other devices because the doubletwist desktop basically exchanges files between devices so that you don’t have to worry about the codecs, bitrates, Read more about doubleTwist[…]
Combat pilots may get Viagra
They allready give them speed, but now Viagra? The active ingredient in the drugs was found to make climbers perform better in an environment with less oxygen, which causes fatigue and dizziness.
UnixUtils
Get the unix gnu bash tools in your windows – no cygwin layer, just the tools. |Awesomeness!
OpenID – might actually happen
OpenID is the open source single sign on system for websites: ie. sites using OpenID will all allow you to log in using one username / password combination. It’s something the Porn industry has been chasing for years, but is very very difficult indeed to achieve due to payment / trust issues – who gets Read more about OpenID – might actually happen[…]
‘unhealthy’ habits cost less
This is the second time I’ve seen one of these calculations, and they’ve always made sense to me: according to the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and Environment, which found that while “a person of normal weight costs on average £210,000 over their lifetime”, a smoker clocks up just £165,000 and the obese run Read more about ‘unhealthy’ habits cost less[…]
FBI Prepares Vast Database Of Biometrics
Not just fingerprint data from the guilty, not just DNA from anyone entering the USA (I guess they’re guilty of that), but now more biometrics for more people! Irises, face shapes, scars, whatever the FB can think up they’ll be storing. And everybody will be in it. And everyone (well, OK, not everyone, but huge Read more about FBI Prepares Vast Database Of Biometrics[…]
Visual Satellite Observer’s Home Page
These guys are a bit like train spotters. Except they spot satellites. And calculate their trajectory. And find out what they are. And there is no such thing as a spy train.
$20,000 racing simulator is more expensive than a real car
If you’re really, really into driving video games, you know that using a regular controller or a keyboard is for chumps. It’s a driving game, so clearly you need a steering wheel. But while most people are satisfied with just a wheel, some people need more. A lot more. Enter the VirtualGT Racing Simulator. This Read more about $20,000 racing simulator is more expensive than a real car[…]
CES Weird: Gaming vest makes you feel the pain when you get shot
The woman in this photo is freaking out because she’s wearing the 3rd Space FPS vest by TN games. The technology was supposedly developed for doctors to work via the Internet, but it didn’t fly. In a nutshell, it’s a vest that lets you feel the force of getting shot. The vest has an air Read more about CES Weird: Gaming vest makes you feel the pain when you get shot[…]
Mazda Furai concept designed for racers, not Batman
No, this isn’t the new Batmobile from The Dark Knight; it’s a super-slick concept car from Mazda dubbed the Furai. It’s got a “Cougar C65 chassis and a three-rotor rotary engine capable of 450 hp,” which means it’s fast. Really fast. Of course, since it’s a concept, you’ll probably never get to drive one. And Read more about Mazda Furai concept designed for racers, not Batman[…]
Hummer HX is this year’s ‘green’ Hummer concept, for PR purposes only
GM showcased a “green” Hummer run by algae at last year’s Los Angeles Auto show: it was really just a concept by someone with neat Photoshop skills. This year at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, GM introduced a physical version of an “environmentally friendly” Hummer concept car, the HX. The HX has some elements of Read more about Hummer HX is this year’s ‘green’ Hummer concept, for PR purposes only[…]
Space station may launch 5300mph paper airplane
Here’s a sure sign that the International Space Station is a solution looking for a problem: The space platform might be launching a Space Shuttle-shaped paper airplane that will glide back to earth at 5300 miles per hour. The Japan Origami Airplane Association was tapped by researchers at the University of Tokyo to fold up Read more about Space station may launch 5300mph paper airplane[…]
Launch over everything with Anti-Gravity Boots
With a pair of Anti-Gravity Boots worn over your shoes, you’ll feel taller, have more of a spring in your step, and will probably have a higher chance of getting horribly injured just by simply walking around. The Boots utilize a heavy-duty rubber T-spring that you can swap out if anything happens to it, and Read more about Launch over everything with Anti-Gravity Boots[…]
Bagless Philips vacuum gives Dyson a run for its money
Dyson vacuums may seem like the best of the best for the bagless vacuums, but Philips is ready to jump into the ring with a canister vacuum that is more powerful and cheaper than anything Dyson has to offer. Philips’ Marathon FC9208/01 is a canister vacuum that includes a 2000W motor capable of 350W of Read more about Bagless Philips vacuum gives Dyson a run for its money[…]
Plasma-based propulsion is just one of OSU’s crazy projects for DARPA
The big brains at DARPA are at it again, this time teaming up with Oklahoma State University to develop unmanned aerial vehicles that will be small enough to fit into a soldier’s pocket. The heart of the project is the experimental propulsion system that has no moving parts and utilizes plasma thrusters. The need for Read more about Plasma-based propulsion is just one of OSU’s crazy projects for DARPA[…]
Skull speakers will not make you seem dangerous
f your desk is located inside a pirate ship, these “Goth Style Speakers,” shaped like skulls with knives through them, are sure to look just perfect with all of your other decorations. If you live in a normal-looking house or apartment, well, these will look ridiculous. I mean come on, I can understand being super Read more about Skull speakers will not make you seem dangerous[…]
HBO testing Broadband On Demand service
HBO is testing a new Broadband On Demand service on Time Warner Cable in Wisconsin right now, allowing current HBO subscribers to download any of its movies or shows whenever they want. It includes pretty slick features like season passes that start downloading new episodes of selected show 5 minutes after they air. There are Read more about HBO testing Broadband On Demand service[…]
Is your yard ready for LawnBott: The Next Generation?
LawnBott has been upgraded. When we covered the previous incarnation of the lawnmower robot, we weren’t sure the concept would fly — but we were wrong and congratulations are in order. KA Home Robotics announced a new model, the LawnBott LB3200, which adds Bluetooth tech to its mowing arsenal, letting you program and control it Read more about Is your yard ready for LawnBott: The Next Generation?[…]
Day-for-Night solar dress turns on more than just light bulbs
The Day-for-Night solar dress is made up of 448 white circuit boards that can be swapped out for all kinds of goodies — kinda like Batman’s utility belt, but a hell of a lot sexier. The tiles can be solar cells, photocells, RGB LEDs or even jumper connectors, and the whole thing is tied together Read more about Day-for-Night solar dress turns on more than just light bulbs[…]
Lenard Audio, because real men need real speakers, mate
f the Australian Tourist Board wants to dispel the Crocodile Dundee bigger is better, Texas with a funny accent image many of us have of their country, they’d better slap an export ban on Lenard Audio speakers pronto. I also hope the buildings north of Sydney are earthquake proof, because Lenard’s new Opal speakers are Read more about Lenard Audio, because real men need real speakers, mate[…]
Ever fancy a pork chop sorbet? You need a Pacojet
Have you ever been in a snobby restaurant where when it comes to dessert time, the offerings include some highly unlikely frozen concoction like camembert sorbet? If so, chances are the dessert chef got a Pacojet for Christmas. This device is to blenders what a flame thrower is to kitchen matches, taking slicing and dicing Read more about Ever fancy a pork chop sorbet? You need a Pacojet[…]