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NEOSSat Tracks Asteroids and Satellites
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Transportation,
Canadian scientists have been hard at work building the planet’s first space telescope that will detect both satellites and asteroids with continuous tracking. The NEOSSat (Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite) cost $12 million to build, is only 15cm and weighs 65kg. It will be launched off other spacecraft and should improve surveillance of space objects as well as evil doers checking us out by satellite. Look for the the NEOSSat, which is funded by the Defence Research Development Canada (DRDC) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA,) to take off in 2010.
Read More 
| NEOSSat
Gallery: NEOSSat Tracks Asteroids and Satellites
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There you are, tooling around in your kayak and you drop your keys. Aren’t you lucky that you have your own water buoy? When the gadget hits water it inflates its enclosed balloon and your keys return to the surface. There is also an LED light that blinks for up to 24 hours for night time losses. Because the water buoy can hold up to 1kg, your can attach other necessities that tend to slip out of your pockets. Get your own for € 30,00 (~$47.00.)
Read More | b 100 it (Italian)
Gallery: water buoy Saves Gadgets in Water
Scientists Believe Mars May Sustain Veggies
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Science, Transportation,
Now that the Phoenix Lander has found possible evidence of ice, scientists are even more optimistic now that they have taken soil samples that shows a high alkaline level. Sam Kounaves, lead investigator for the wet chemistry laboratory, claims “It is the type of soil you would probably have in your back yard, you know, alkaline. You might be able to grow asparagus in it really well ... it is very exciting.”
The soil also showed traces of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, among other elements. We are not so sure it is all that exciting. How many people do you know that want to grow asparagus?
Read More | Couriermail
Gallery: Scientists Believe Mars May Sustain Veggies
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is testing a fake speed bump to see if drivers will slow down. The optical illusion looks like a 3-D pyramid when seen from a distance. The first experiment in Phoenix seemed to work until drivers realized that there were no barriers. This time the NHTSA will run a larger test in a Philadelphia residential area, hoping that they will reduce pedestrian accidents. The markers only cost $60.00 to $80.00 apiece as opposed to real speed bumps which can run $1,000.00 to $1,500.00. At least they are acting reasonably about the devices that they realize will probably have only the same effect as flashing lights.
Read More | CNN
Gallery: NHTSA Tests Illusional Speed Bumps
Fuji Subaru Plug-in Stella
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Editorial, Transportation,
Those of us that live around the Motor City hear reports almost every day of American car companies losing workers and factories. Sad to say that they are being replaced by such energy efficient vehicles as the Toyota Prius Hybrid. Now Fuji is celebrating their successful Subaru Plug-in Stella, a combination of the EV system in the R1 and the mini-car. The prototype electric vehicle is set to go into development and test marketing. This is not the first time Fuji has gone green. They also released a horizontally-opposed diesel engine in Europe this past March.
Read More | Far East Giizmos
Gallery: Fuji Subaru Plug-in Stella
Topia HUVO Electric Vehicle
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation,
Smaller than the Smart Car, but probably more dangerous in high traffic areas, is Topia’s HUVO, a prototype single-seated electric vehicle. Weighing only about 330 lbs., the vehicle has a body frame of high-tensile steel plate, doors and back of aluminum alloy, a roof of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic,) and a windshield of polycarbonate. The interior and wheel covers are made with ABS resin. We are thinking that you had better get lots of insurance with the HUVO, as running into a tree or a stiff wind would probably total the mini-car.
Read More | Tech-On
Gallery: Topia HUVO Electric Vehicle
ZRad Flexii Car FM Music Transmitter
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
The ZRad Flexii Car FM Music Transmitter utilizes Bluetooth technology to speak to others via cell phone through a built-in DSP mic. It also displays music files that have been downloaded to SD card or flash drive and will pause the tunes when calls come in or go out. Connect it via its 12V cigarette lighter power jack. The hands-free kit remembers the music, tracks, and frequency of what you play, is compatible with most MP3 players and the iPhone, comes with a remote, and is available for $59.99.
(Thanks, Maggie)
Read More | vavolo
Gallery: ZRad Flexii Car FM Music Transmitter
uconnect to Provide WiFi in Cars
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, GPS, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
It won’t be long before you can get WiFi in your car or truck. The “uconnect” system will be available in most 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep automobiles. The wireless technology is a dealer-installed extra and operates over cell phone lines. Users will be able to utilize laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players with an onboard control, even when moving. It also features GPS, a 30GB hard drive, and an option for satellite TV and radio. While there is a monthly fee involved, there is not yet a specific amount announced.
Read More | MSNBC
Gallery: uconnect to Provide WiFi in Cars
In a kind of belated April Fool’s joke, a vending machine was constructed in Japan that holds a full-size Smart Car. Located in the Smart Vendor in Shibuya station, you get to choose between a Coupe and Cabrio and deposit your $20,000.00 in the slot. While we realize this probably an incredible effective marketing ploy, we were thinking that we might go for the real thing since it wouldn’t involve smarmy automobile salespeople looking for commission.
Read More | C Scout
Gallery: Smart Car Vending Machine
Mio Knight Rider GPS System
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: GPS, Home Entertainment, Transportation,
If you can’t afford the real KITT, Mio has developed the Knight Rider GPS unit with voice prompts from the original man behind the car, William Daniels. (You thought we were going to say Hasselhoff, didn’t you?) The LCD displays red LEDs, similar to the car’s front lighting. Among other comments, after powering up it will ask, “Hello Michael. Where do you want to go today?”
Too much fun, especially if your name is Michael. The Knight Rider is expected to carry a $270.00 price. Contact Mio for further details.
Read More | autoblog
Gallery: Mio Knight Rider GPS System
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