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Posts Tagged ‘Tech’

Powerbreather: a Darth Vader Snorkel (video) | GadgetReview

June 24th, 2012 David No comments

pib pinterest Powerbreather: a Darth Vader Snorkel (video) | GadgetReviewPowerbreather Powerbreather: a Darth Vader Snorkel (video) | GadgetReview

the snorkel to a large degree hasn’t change much since the products invention.  Sure, there are now versions that include an apparatus to help clear the tube of water, but to a large degree the function and the form has remained the same.  And hence why we can’t over look the Powerbreather Snorkel.

at first blush, it resembles a contraption that would be found in a Star Wars movie, or some forward thinking scifi flick.  But it’s actually a very simple design that allows swimmers to inhale and exhale without the fear of water entering their lungs at anytime, at least according to the company.  This is accomplished using a set of of what is presumably a proprietary placed valve system.  Needless to say, this is contrary to traditional snorkels.  That being said, the Powerbreather adheres to the head using an elastic design and ensures that even when you dip below the water’s surface it stays on the head and doesn’t shift around.

So why would you get one of these?  Apparently, rotating the neck during swimming can cause injury and also inhibits the swimmers ability to reach their max potential.  The Powerbreather is said to resolve this quandary.  It’s also ideal for kids or people who are learning how to swim.

via Powerbreather: a Darth Vader Snorkel (video) | GadgetReview.

Bluetooth 4.0

June 18th, 2012 Dan No comments

By Mike Elgan

wireless technologies have been transforming domestic life since the availability of home radios in the 1920s. Since then every new kind of wireless technology and every new application has brought more transformative changes to the home. 

Television, for example, used to receive its signal wirelessly, which enabled its fast adoption in the 1950s. As the use of cable TV spread, transforming a wireless signal into a nonwireless one, wireless remote controls added another convenience.

Cordless phones changed when and where you could make and receive calls. Wireless garage door openers and other special-purpose wireless devices subtly improved people’s lives in small ways. You probably have a Wi-Fi network in your home, which you use to connect computers, laptops, phones and possibly your TV to the Internet.

You probably also use another wireless technology called Bluetooth. If you have a wireless headset with your cell phone, or a wireless keyboard or mouse with your computer, you’re using Bluetooth.

Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are geeky technologies working invisibly and behind the scenes to subtly and profoundly change homes all over the world. They’ve eliminated cables, reducing clutter. And they’ve freed you to place consumer electronics devices anywhere.

Now a brand-new technology is about to really change things again.

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why the new, improved Bluetooth will change your house. The fourth generation of Bluetooth technology is revolutionary. It’s not just a little better than the Bluetooth you’re currently using. It’s massively better. 

Today most chatter about Bluetooth 4.0 is about advanced gadgets, such as the highly anticipated Pebble E-Paper Watch (shown). The device will use Bluetooth 4.0 to let you control your phone, as well as household appliances and media devices like your TV, from your wrist.

Bluetooth 4.0 is also called Bluetooth Smart Ready, and one of the best things about it is that it uses much less power.

If you use a wireless mouse or keyboard, you know that the batteries have to be changed or recharged every few weeks or, at most, every few months. Bluetooth 4.0 would enable them to never have to do anything with the batteries. These devices would be charged when you open the box and remain charged for more years than you would want to use them.

This is great news, and not just for lazy wireless keyboard users. I’ll tell you why in a minute.

Where Bluetooth 4.0 comes from. Bluetooth 4.0 isn’t something you buy at the store. At some point, one by one, a gazillion gadgets will add or upgrade to the new technology. The most aggressive company to build Bluetooth 4.0 into its products is Apple. This is surprising, because Apple often lags behind other companies in the introduction of new standards and new technologies. 

The iPhone 4S was the first phone ever to support Bluetooth 4.0. The current iPad (shown in use above) is the first tablet to support it. In fact, every major Apple product, including desktops and laptops, shipped in the past year comes with Bluetooth 4.0 support.

By the end of the year, we can expect every major Bluetooth device, from phones to tablets to peripheral devices, to support the new Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

And that’s just the beginning.

What happens when everything is connected. The reason Bluetooth 4.0 will completely change everything in the home is that it will accomplish the following feats: 

1. It will replace proprietary technologies. A wide range of household gadgets, from TV remote controls to room temperature thermostats to doorbells, use nonstandard tech to communicate wirelessly. New capabilities in Bluetooth 4.0 will mean all these gadgets can just use the new standard. When that happens, you’ll be able to easily connect to, monitor and control things with your phone and tablet. Current tablet products, such as Control4’s 7-Inch Portable Touch Screen (shown) use Wi-Fi or proprietary wireless technologies. Because of those technologies, the use of tablets for controlling things is rare. Bluetooth will make home tablet remote controls and control panels commonplace.

2. It will enable more things to be wireless. Bluetooth 4.0 will make it cheap and easy for companies to add wireless connectivity to random things: lamps, washing machines, refrigerators, coffee makers, air conditioners, ovens and much more. You’ll be able to control and monitor things from your phone or over the Internet that you previously had to control by touching the object.

3. It will let you automate things. Once an appliance or piece of functional furniture can be controlled through Bluetooth 4.0, it can be easily automated. You just need the software to control it. Your smart phone and tablet are based on an “app” economy, so you can expect literally thousands of home-control apps to come on the market over the next few years.

4. It will help appliances talk to one another. With all your stuff connected via Bluetooth 4.0, the appliances in your house can talk to other appliances without your involvement. The thermostat can turn on the air conditioner. An incoming phone call can pause your TV show. The alarm clock by your bed can turn on the coffee machine. The cell phone in your pocket can turn on the lights in and around your house as you pull into the driveway.

Futurists have been making bold predictions about the coming age of the “smart home” for decades. All these visions involve wireless technology for connecting devices to the Internet, to user control devices and to each other.

Bluetooth 4.0 is that technology. And now it’s here.

 

via Manage lights, refrigerators and more through your phone or tablet when the latest wireless technology rolls into all your home devices.

How To Feel Drunk Instantly (For An Instant)

May 19th, 2012 David No comments

A new mouth spray allows you to feel buzzed within seconds after use … and that’s about how long the effects last.

By Zack Zeigler

getdrunksuperfast How To Feel Drunk Instantly (For An Instant)

Scientists have put less important things like cancer research on hold to come up with a product that allows you to feel drunk without having to experience any of the fun of getting drunk. The good news: fewer hangovers. The bad news: the intoxicated feeling only lasts a few seconds.

A squirt of the new mouth spray WA|AH Quantum Sensations contains .0075ml of alcohol, and causes the brain to feel boozed up before wearing off completely moments later. You’ll even allegedly have no problems passing a breathalyzer after use (that’s because it’d take 1,000 sprays to equal the alcohol content of one drink).

The invention is amazing news for designated drivers who are forced to hang around annoying drunk people at a cocktail or key party. As for the rest of us? We’d try a spray or two if someone else had it, but we’d probably never buy it. The $26 Chapstick-sized mouth spray is currently available in Europe; no word yet when or if it’ll be available in America. {Source}

Warehouse Robots

February 18th, 2012 David No comments


If you’ve worked in a warehouse before (like I have), you will appreciate having at least a forklift to do the work for you but even better than that would be having these warehouse robots from Kiva Systems.

One thing missing though that I’d like added to this terrific warehouse robot system is ability to use it with higher racks to take advantage of high ceiling walls of a warehouse. Otherwise, you might actually lose space while implementing a more efficient warehouse system. – Unless they create a New Leveled Flooring system Parallel to the Racks.

Categories: Cool, Tech Tags: , ,

Gyro Helicopter with Built in Missle Laucher

February 12th, 2012 David No comments

pib pinterest Gyro Helicopter with Built in Missle Laucherwtt35094 Gyro Helicopter with Built in Missle Laucherpib pinterest Gyro Helicopter with Built in Missle Laucherwtt35094 1 Gyro Helicopter with Built in Missle Laucher

If you are looking for the coolest RC helicopter around you need to take a look at the GYRO Metal Arrow Missile Hawk 3.5CH Electric RTF RC Helicopter! This awesome RC helicopter will strike fear in any other pilot as they see the 10 missile launchers ready to fire at any moment in their direction! This RC helicopter features a coaxial rotor and a built in Gyroscope for precise movement and increased stability whether flying or hovering. This RC helicopter has a heavy duty, super tough plastic body and a sturdy metal frame so you don’t have worry about breaking anything when you land this bad boy little bit too rough. It can go forward, backward, up, down, left, right, hover and move side to side. This product is suitable for ages of 8 and up and is ready to run, there is not assemble necessary. All you need to do is charge the battery with the included wall charger and get 4 AA batteries for the transmitter and you are on your way! So what are you waiting for? Rule the sky with the all new GYRO Metal Arrow Missile Hawk 3.5CH Electric RTF RC Helicopter today!

Features:

  • Electric Powered
  • 3.5 Channel Radio Control
  • Heavy Duty Metal Body Design
  • Coaxial Rotors
  • LED Lights
  • Built In Missile launcher
  • 30 Missiles Included
  • Light Weight Plastic Body
  • Detailed Paint Job
  • 30-day SonicElectronix.com Warranty
  • Ready To Fly

Includes:

  • GYRO Metal Arrow Missile Hawk 3.5CH Electric RTF RC Helicopter
  • Radio Transmitter
  • 30 Missiles
  • Wall Charger
  • Spare Main Rotor Blades
  • Spare Rear Rotor
  • I-MH 3.7V Battery For Helicopter
  • Instruction Manual

Specifications:

  • Length: 17-1/2 Inches
  • Wing Span: 13-1/2 Inches
  • Height: 8 Inches

Battery Requirements:

  • Ni-MH 3.7V Battery Pack For Helicopter (Included)
  • 4 AA Batteries For Transmitter (Not Included)

Categories: Cool, Menu, Tech Tags: , , , , , , ,

SpyNet Laser Trip Wire

January 6th, 2012 David No comments

Spynet Laser Wire Trip SpyNet Laser Trip Wire

Keeping the dog out of the garbage can or your cat from going through your underwear generally calls for a lock and key scenario.  But that’s hardly a geeky answer and won’t condition Rex to think twice before he digs through bacon grease and chicken bones.

Enter the SpyNet Laser Trip Wire.  Yup, the same tech we grew up watching in movies – Catherine Zeta Jones comes to mind – is now ready for your kitchen, living room, heck even your cubicle.

The system includes a transmitter that beams a laser to a receiver unit, as well as 2 mirror units to expand its reach around corners and through door ways.  If someone, or something crosses its path an audible alert will be sounded, notifying you that there is an intruder in your midst.  You’ll need 6 AAA batteries to power this setup, but they should last up to 5-10 hours with continuous use, at least that’s our best guess based on our laser experience.

ThinkGeek sells it for $34.99.

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adidas adiVERSE Virtual Shoe Wall

January 5th, 2012 David No comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZohuBqoM4c

A typical shoe store probably has just a few hundred pairs of shoes on display, which seriously limits consumer choices.  the adiVERSE shoe wall displays up to 4000 shoes, allowing customers to scroll, zoom and rotate as if they’re holding the real thing.

Okay, so nothing beats holding the physical object.  But if anything is gonna come close in terms of a compelling “online experience” it has to be adidas’ adiVERSE shoe wall.  In addition to being able to look at the shoes from any angle, you can narrow your choice by selecting gender and then modify the shoes according to your color choice.   The Intel Core i7 powered adiVERSE wall can also facilitate the skeptic, by letting consumers read objective reviews and tweets from around the web, good or bad, at least according to adidas.

Selecting new shoes is as easy as using an iPad.  Just place your finger on the screen, swipe and the shoes rotate.  Once you’ve found a shoe of your liking you can proceed to checkout by entering your initials.  Following that an adidas store employee will approach you with a tablet where upon you can complete your purchase or send the desired shoes to the cash desk.

The adiVERSE shoe wall is currently being used in adidas’ flagship store in London, England on Oxford Street.

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Elemment Palazzo

November 24th, 2011 David No comments

elemment palazzo Elemment Palazzo

Whoa. Is it the weirdest-looking motorcoach we’ve ever seen? Yup. But it’s also the most luxurious. The Elemment Palazzo ($TBA) is the ultimate in wheel-based travel, offering a well appointed, tastefully designed interior that mixes clean, modern lines with classic flourishes, a fully automatic liftable flybridge lounge that pops out of the roof, a couch area that transforms into a bar at the push of a button, a programmed central control for one-stop settings updates, remote video access in case you need to go outside, and an automatic gangway. Basically, if you’ve got the money, and you’ve just gotta travel via roadway, you need to be travelling in this. [via]

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Gerber Steady

August 31st, 2011 David No comments

gerber steady Gerber Steady

Oh hell yes. We’ve seen multi-tools with a multitude of different components, but there’s one in the new Gerber Steady ($65; Spring 2012) that’s going to have us carrying it everywhere we can: a tripod. That’s right, among the 12 total components you can find in the Steady are fold out legs and a standard tripod screw, making it the perfect companion for photographers on the go. [Thanks Uncrate]

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Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit

August 28th, 2011 David No comments

electric paper airplane Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit

If only we’d had this in middle school. the Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit ($20) is exactly what it sounds like — a motor-driven propeller for your dead tree creation that can extend flight time up to 90 seconds, clips easily onto the nose of your plane, is made from carbon fiber so as to not weigh things down, and recharges in 20 seconds off the included, three AAA-powered charging box, getting you back up and flying in as little time as possible. [Thanks Uncrate]

pixel Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit
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