Technical Pro

Evolution of the SUBWING, told by the inventor, Simon Sivertsen

It all started in the beginning of the summer of 2011, back then I was 18 years old. My brother, father and I were going to attempt a circumnavigation around the globe. We had bought a sailboat in Turkey and started our journey from there.

When sailing through the Greek islands, I was astounded by the clarity of the water, it almost felt like flying when diving, just missing the speed and thrill. The first ideas of an underwater wing, towed behind a boat, started emerging deep in the right hemisphere of my brain.

A piece of driftwood was perfectly suited for a first simple test of the concept. A waterski rope was attached to the plank and pulled by our small RIB. The idea worked and I was able to control the up/downward moment without too much effort. But it was far from perfect and felt somewhat static, like a 2D videogame, it was missing a third dimension.

After sailing for some weeks we arrived in Italy, and a new idea had evolved on paper. A simple, but clever solution which involved two separate fins (or wings which we like call it) connected together with a twistable joint. We went to the local supermarket and hardware store and bought two chopping boards, some gardening hose connector links and some fiberglass. After a lot of mess and with limited access to proper tools, the very first SUBWING was created at sea.

After discovering the incredible dynamic handling one could achieve underwater with this contraption, it was no doubt this was a great idea which possibly could evolve into a whole new watersport if made available for the public.

The dream of navigating the globe was set on hold and we sailed home to Norway.

Since then, many prototypes have been developed, and a lot of testing has been done. Not even the cold winter of Norway could stop us from jumping in the sea to perform essential testing. Even if it meant we had to wrap our head with duct tape, to prevent icy water entering the wetsuit.

Spend your weekend honing your intraoffice battle tactics with the Air Strike Catapult ($15). Arriving with its own set of six spiky foam balls, it can fling its projectiles up to 40 feet, or more than far enough to hit the annoying guy five cubicles down. Source:Air Strike Catapult

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.

kids these days.  All of them tote around cell phones, if not smartphones and probably spend their free time tapping a screen if not just watching one. So the chances of getting them outside this winter, you know, when the temperature drops to a bone chilling 20 degrees, is slim at best.  Unless of course you bribe them with one of these: the Crossbow snow Launcher.

This bad boy can propel snow balls up to 60 feet.  However, unlike a smartphone, there is some manual labor involved.  By that we mean kids will have to generate their own ammo by collecting and compacting snow into the included snow ball maker – ya it includes one of those too.  Next, and much like a bow and arrow, it’s as simple as dumping a snowball into the front, drawing back the bands and pulling the trigger.  Before you know it, your kid will be the king of the igloo with children lining up, eager to give up their lunch money with the hopes of avoiding an ice ball to the dome.

Sharper Image is tossing in a vinyl target for those who have a penchant for head shots.  They sell it for $39.99.

Read More

http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/10/snowball-crossbow.html

Sphero the Robotic ball

If your own two aren’t providing enough entertainment, the wild and crazy Robotic Ball could curb your ball playing jones. Controlled by your smart phone, this product is what the name suggests, a ball that does what you want it to. Unlike the others that are extremely fragile, this one will stand up to all-day play.

Whether you’re planning on a repeat viewing of Dark of the Moon or you’re headed in to see the robotic mayhem for the first time, stay true to your inner child by wearing a Transformers 3D Helmet ($10) into the theater. Available in Optimus Prime or Bumblebee models, they contain the same RealD lenses you’ll receive at the theater, letting you look either less dorky or more dorky (depending on your level of robo-love) while you enjoy the 3D action.

the GoCar, which is essentially a partially enclosed bike and sidecar, might be the least stylish vehicle on our list, and that includes a certain duck-inspired amphibious craft still to come. It seats two, maxes out at 35 mph and, the company warns, has trouble climbing steep hills. It’s a smart idea, though, with more stability than a rented scooter, and an integrated GPS system that guides you along a scenic route and automatically kicks in with commentary as you reach specific sights. But since this tour is self-driven, the all-day, $150 rental lets you linger and detour at will, or ditch the preset route entirely. Shorter trips cost $50 for one hour or $100 for three hours.

Looking for the gift of the season for your five year old? Why look beyond luxury brand Ferrari, especially if they offer you a model that your kid can actually drive by himself? The car giants have come out with a Ferrari FXX Racers pedal Go-Kart inspired by the car itself. The Go-Kart comes with 43cm wide Super Slick X-treme tyres, two rear disk brakes; 7 gears and an electronic system to monitor speed and lap times. Limited to only 29 cars the vehicle come fitted with comfortable sports seat and a soft eco-leather steering wheel. The car comes priced at $2260, exclusive of VAT and shipping costs and is suitable for kids aged 5 and above.