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Latest Gear Live Videos
DVR Pen Does More Than Write
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Science, Wireless / WiFi,
For spies on the go, the DVR Pen has a wireless, low-power digital recorder and a microphone stuffed into an 0.55 x 5.7-inch pen. You can record 320 x 240p at 30 fps on flash memory or microSD and transfer data to PDA or PC via Bluetooth. The pen features 5 different motion detection sensitivity levels for low light targets and can send an alarm when movement occurs. And yes, it even writes. Still a prototype, Pacific Defence foresees a target date next March.
Read More 
| gizmag
Gallery: DVR Pen Does More Than Write
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QRIO Sparks Interest in Toddlers
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Editorial, Misc. Tech, Science,
Researchers claim that adults can only hold an interest in a robot for about 10 hours but a new study proves this is not the case with children. The 2 foot tall QRIO (pronounced “curio”) was developed at the University of California with a crude sense of touch. When unleashed on a roomfull of toddlers between the ages of 18 to 24 months, he would turn his head, giggle, and even dance if they interacted with him. They became so used to his presence that he hung around about five months. The researchers noticed that the kids would touch his face first, then other parts of his body, just as they would with another child.
During another phase of testing, QRIO only danced when the tots touched him. Needless to say they quickly lost interest. When he again responded, the toddlers began to interact once more, but when his batteries went out, some of them cried. We wonder what long-lasting effect QRIO will have on these same children now that they have lost their new playmate.
Read More | Live Science
Gallery: QRIO Sparks Interest in Toddlers
U.N. Teams With Google for MDG
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Google, Internet, Science,
The U.N. has gotten together with Google and Cisco Systems to launch a site this week that they say will let us know of the planet’s poverty fighting efforts. The Millenium Development Goals site gives statistics on health, education, malnutrition and women’s equality. Google Earth maps will show by satellite where the areas are established.
The U.N. is hoping that by 2015 the MGD Monitor will aid in accomplishing such goals as beginning to reverse HIV/AIDS, cutting child mortality by 2/3, and reducing people without safe drinking water by half. While we applaud the plan, we hope any money spent creating the MDG is justified by not spending it on the project itself.
Read More | Googland
Gallery: U.N. Teams With Google for MDG
Latest DARPA Urban Challenge is Successful
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation,
This past weekend, the Defense Department’s Urban Challenge 2007 took place in the desert between LA and Las Vegas. Driverless, the computer-run vehicles had to maneuver around neighborhood streets and obstacles at a deserted AF base. Although “Junior,” Stanford’s 2006 Volkswagen Passat station wagon diesel, crossed the finish line first, the grand prize went to the Tartan Racing team, based on safety as well as speed. Stanford was second, followed by team Victor Tango. This time, 6 of the 11 finalists crossed the finish line. We can see why the military would be interested in this technology, especially when you consider its shock value application. Check out a video we shot of the Carnegie-Mellon team qualifying for the DARPA event.
Read More | USA Today
Gallery: Latest DARPA Urban Challenge is Successful
Wayfinder is Mini-Weather Station
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
We have found a rather unique device for those long road trips. The Wayfinder Z7500 has a digital compass with graphic heading indicator, an atomic clock with time and date, an altimeter, and barometer. It will also forecast the weather for the next 12 to 24 hours. With a backlit screen for night time viewing, the device mounts to your windshield by suction cup, and runs on an included lithium battery. The Wayfinder is available for $89.95.
Read More | Sky Mall
Gallery: Wayfinder is Mini-Weather Station
For those of you who are never sure when to take your umbrella with you, the Ambient Forecasting Umbrella receives a daily report from Accuweather for about 150 U.S. locations. It also has blue LEDs that will flash if rain or snow is on the way. At a size of 41 1/2 x 58-inch diameter, the push-button opening umbrella also has network signal and low battery indicators, and runs on a single C battery (not included.) We think that for the $99.99 price, we would just as soon only have the handle, because if a huge thunderstorm is on the way, you definitely do not want to be under metal.
Read More | ThinkGeek
Gallery: Umbrella Issues Daily Report
Instructables Offers Last Minute Electronic Ideas
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Science,
Instructable’s annual DIY contest is going on now, and it may give you some last minute ideas for Halloween ghoulies, gadgets, and costumes. We especially liked this low-cost Lightning Globe, created by member NK5. You will need a bulb that is gas-filled, a black painted aluminum screen to attract electricity, a high voltage power source such as an old monitor, and a black plastic pot. NK5 claims that the entire project will cost about $5.00 but cautions that you had better know what you are doing to avoid frying yourself during the construction process. Check out the video for more details.
Read More | Instructables
Gallery: Instructables Offers Last Minute Electronic Ideas
Original Star Wars Lightsaber Hits Space
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Movies, Science, Transportation,
Who says that astronauts are all work and no play? Luke Skywalker’s actual lightsaber from “Return of the Jedi” was bundled up and taken on the latest trip to the Discovery. Before being packed away in its flight kit and stowed away in an area in the space shuttle, it was personally given a sendoff from George Lucas, Chewbacca, and some Jedi Knights. Ever since Gus Grissom carried a few dimes on his spaceflight in 1961, many items have been taken along for the ride. Although astronauts are not allowed to bring anything personal for profit, sometimes memorabilia will find its way to sites such as CollectSPACE. We prefer to think they they brought the weapon along just in case they need the Force to be with them.
Read More | USA Today
Gallery: Original Star Wars Lightsaber Hits Space
We don’t really like to look at the down side of things, but we wanted to commiserate a bit with Armadillo Aerospace. In an attempt to win a prize of $350,000.00 in NASA’s X Prize Cup, their lunar lander module caught fire when launched in new Mexico. Fortunately, there were no injuries. This was their fourth attempt at the Level 1 challenge, in which a rocket must ascend 50 meters, move to another pad 100 meters away and stay there for 90 seconds. Total trip time must be within 150 minutes.
There is a total of $2 million up for grabs in the contest with its Level 2 which is designed to promote more capable space exploration vehicles, but Armadillo says they are done for the year. Here’s hoping they get back to the drawing board successfully.
Read More | MSNBC
Gallery: Armadillo Fails Lift Off
Security Bots Double as Domestics
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Science,
In an effort to make a few extra holiday bucks, Mobile Robots has decided that its surveillance bots can do double duty. Jeeves will greet your friends at the door with “Welcome to our home” and a tray of drinks, but we are assuming that you have to open the door yourself. Brewskibot is capable of carrying 2 6-packs in its fridge and can patrol your home or office in its spare time. Agent 007 will also serve as security with its built-in camera but can scare your buds by yelling, “Police, freeze!”
The real point that they are making here is that you can make your robot a part of the family, rather than just a service object. Now if they could just offer them cheaply enough for us to bring one home. The bots will set you back $30,995.00, $31,995.00, and $34,995.00 respectively.
Read More | Mobile Robots
