Posts Tagged tech news
Flyfire Swarming Display: Top Secret MIT Project?
Posted by admin in Future Concepts on February 17th, 2010
I’ve always thought about how cool it would be if bees could swarm into shapes, like they do on cartoons. Think of that one school of fish in Finding Nemo. With the bees example, I would imagine it would be a cross between the nano-swarm in Michael Crichton’s Prey or the smoky monster from Lost.
Apparently, some people are working to create a swarming display over at MIT’s SENSEable City Laboratory. This program, dubbed Flyfire, uses a lot of micro helicopters with multicolored and controllable LEDs. As they come together, they can form a 3-D display.
Normally, this is the point where I explain that there is a video of this product after the jump, but the video from my source went offline shortly after they posted about FlyFire. Is this technology meant to be some sort of top-secret project that somehow got leaked? You might want to check my Source to see if the video has re-posted.
If it hasn’t, I can see why. All these tiny micro copters working together could do some serious damage in nano-swarm form. However, this doesn’t sound like something that is designed to be weapon, but something to make a display.
Man, can you imagine these micro copters en masse to produce an object that is, for lack of a better word, a flying statue? This could easily replace those balloons at Macys.
Of course, you would need a truckload of this microcopters, plus some program to make them work in sync. But who cares about the problems? It’s a nifty concept, isn’t it?
Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Flyfire Swarming Display: Top Secret MIT Project? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Read the original:
Flyfire Swarming Display: Top Secret MIT Project?
The Ring Wall is world’s largest touchscreen
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets on December 12th, 2009
I’m going to be visiting Vegas in a little while for CES, and I heard that the Vegas Hard Rock Cafe has a huge touchscreen that I just have to see (and touch, of course).
That particular touchscreen is 18 feet x 4 feet, but the Ring Wall in Nurburg, Germany is 45 meters long and two meters high. It has 15 high definition projectors for up to 34.5 million pixels worth of display. Nice!
So, what can we put on this Ring Wall touchscreen? How about anything we want! Just think, I could probably fit all the icons for every iPhone app! I’ve included a video of the Ring Wall after the jump so you can see it for yourself.
Believe it or not, atop the giant screen is an even larger LED wall that is 400 square meters in its size. That’s pretty cool, too. I’m just not certain why Sensory Minds decided to call their colossus of a touchscreen the Ring Wall. After all, it wasn’t like they shaped their touchscreen into a ring. In fact, is it even possible to have a curved touchscreen?
If so, then I could easily see a circular touchscreen display all around me, where I could control the world. Well, I could control my world, at least.
ring°wall from SENSORY-MINDS on Vimeo.
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ The Ring Wall is world’s largest touchscreen copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
See the original post:
The Ring Wall is world’s largest touchscreen
Flip Video to debut WiFi Capable Pocket Camcorders
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets, iPod Gadgets on November 19th, 2009
The next version of the Flip Mino Pocket Camcorder will have wireless capability …
When Apple announced video capability in the iPod Nano and a video camcorder in the iPhone 3Gs, Cisco saw a dramatic increase in YouTube video uploads. And as such, they saw the handwriting on the wall. Sure, The Flip has the edge with HD, but to have an all in one solution with the iPhone has forced Cisco, the new owners of Flip Video, to get working on a response. And to that end, they’ve announced that the next model of the phenominally successful Flip Video Pocket Camcorders will come with built in WiFi. But that’s not all.
In addition to being able to transfer video wirelessly, new Flip models will also have double the onboard memory (although they should just bite the bullet and put in an SD card already) a larger screen which will slide up to reveal control buttons, and have the capability to not only upload to YouTube, but also direct Facebook uploads via the wireless connection.
The first model to get the WiFi overhaul will probably be the MinoHD line and rumor has it we’ll see an actual mockup of it at CES this January.
You know, I rather like a feature war between Cisco and Apple brewing. It only means that the consumer will be the ultimate winners. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a new iPhone with HD capability …
Hat Tip – Mashable
Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Flip Video to debut WiFi Capable Pocket Camcorders copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
View post:
Flip Video to debut WiFi Capable Pocket Camcorders
Next-generation Flip MinoHD now available
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets on October 14th, 2009
The new generation of the Flip MinoHD camcorder is now available, where it will come in a brand new design that boasts up to two hours of recording time alongside a generous high resolution display coupled with the latest version of the FlipShare software that enables consumers to upload videos directly to their Facebook account without having to use a computer as a ‘middleman’. It comes with 8GB of internal memory and can record in resolutions of up to 1,280 x 720, accompanied by a wide-range, omni-directional microphone, a built-in speaker with software volume control, HDMI output, 2x digital zoom, all crammed into a brushed metal chassis. You will be able to bring home the Flip MinoHD for $229.
Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Next-generation Flip MinoHD now available copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Read the original:
Next-generation Flip MinoHD now available
Study Shows most people can’t tell the difference with HD
Posted by admin in Audio Gadgets on October 14th, 2009
Study shows that HDTV quality can be subject to a placebo effect.
According to a recent study, most TV viewers can’t really tell when they’re watching hi-def video and when they aren’t. It further goes on to conclude that so long as they’re expecting HD, they think they’re watching HD.
The study took two groups of 30 people and showed them the same video clips on the same CRT television. One group knew it was standard definition TV, the other was told it was HD and that notion was backed up by the room being decorated with posters advertising HD TV, high quality cables coming out the back of the TV, and flyers detailing the benefits of the high definition signal they were about to experience.
In the end, it was the imagination of the viewers that filled in the missing pixels, leaving researchers to conclude that most people have no idea what the difference is between standard and high definition television.
To further support the lackluster differences, are the sales figures for Blu-ray which seem to be flat as viewers concluded that their standard definition DVDs appear to be “good enough” for enjoying their favorite movies and TV shows. So what’s fueling the HDTV land grab? Uncle Sam, no doubt, as the US government was wanting to transition to digital television in order to free up analog frequencies to sell to wireless communication companies.
More on the study can be found in the September issue of New Scientist Magazine.
Hat Tip – Gizmodo
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Study Shows most people can’t tell the difference with HD copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Originally posted here:
Study Shows most people can’t tell the difference with HD
Holograms get responsive
Posted by admin in Future Concepts on September 25th, 2009
Hologram technology takes the next responsive step …
Ask any scientist working today, and they’ll tell you that Star Trek has had an amazing impact on their work. From scientists in Holland who have managed to transport photons of light across the room, to NASA rocket engineers working on the first steps to Warp drive. There’s even an Israeli group who have developed “shields” to protect tanks from incoming missiles. What could be next, you ask? How about Holograms.
Holograms are nothing new, sure. But now, Reuters reports that a group of Japanese scientists who have managed to great a hologram that responds to human touch. It’s an amazing breakthrough that not only allows for interactions for games, video conferencing and the like, but also design applications which could take technology to a whole new level.
The scientists use a combination of ultrasonic waves and Wii Controllers to write a software program which tracks movements and allows holograms to respond to touch.
How, we won’t have professional Moriarty attempting to take over the Enterprise any time soon. But this capability will certainly bring CAD applications – like those featured when Tony Stark built his suit in Ironman – to the next level.
Hat Tip – Switched
Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Holograms get responsive copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Here is the original:
Holograms get responsive
Honda U3-X: Another one-wheeled Segway, this time its omnidirectional
Posted by admin in Future Concepts on September 25th, 2009
Once again, another new perfectly balanced riding vehicle such as the PUMA and eniCycle has caught my attention. I don’t know what it is about these things, I feel like I’m eight-years old looking at pictures of sports cars and longing for the day when I can drive.
Yes, I want to ride those things really bad, and Honda has fulfilled my dreams with the U3-X. There is a wonderful video of it that you can see after the jump, just don’t ask me why there is no sound.
The U3-X has the ability to fold up compactly into a boogie board that is shaped like a figure eight. It is quite light at 22 pounds, and Honda used technology learned from Asimo to make it work.
For example, it uses balance control technology, which means the rider uses leaning to control speed and direction. It has the Honda Omni Traction drive system, which means it can go backwards, forwards, as well as sideways.
Not only that, but its downright sexy too. Well, this is one of those devices that I will probably never ride, but will always want to. At this present time, it is just a concept for now. Even the video looks like it was made entirely out of CG, including the rider.
Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Honda U3-X: Another one-wheeled Segway, this time its omnidirectional copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
More:
Honda U3-X: Another one-wheeled Segway, this time its omnidirectional
Braille Printer helps to label everyday life
Posted by admin in Future Concepts on September 24th, 2009
Costing half that of current Braille printers, the 6dot Braille Printer has promise.
When going into the cupboard to get a can of peas, or a jar of peanut butter, it’s a relatively simple affair to look at the label and grab what you need. But if your blind, suddenly finding what you need in the cupboard is darn near impossible, if not disastrous. But thanks to engineering students at the University of Toronto, MIT and Stanford, getting what you need to cook is as easy as feeling for the Braille label you put on it.
The 6Dot Braille Label maker was created in consortium and promises to cost less than half of conventional Braille label makers. Using just six keys, one for each of the dots of a Braille character, users can input up to 16 characters into the printer’s memory including contractions. Then, it’s sa simple matter to “print” these raised characters onto a roll of tape which can then be affixed to just about anything.
The 6Dot runs on two AA batteries and the print quality is high making it easy to read the raised bumps on the tape. The 6Dot is not only ideal for identifying every day objects, but also to teach blind children how to read and write in Braille.
Hat Tip – Crave
Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Braille Printer helps to label everyday life copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Read more:
Braille Printer helps to label everyday life
Chinese Man Makes his own Helicopter
Posted by admin in DIY Gadgets on August 7th, 2009
I realize that normally we devote our articles to products you can actually buy, but the story behind this man’s helicopter is flat-out amazing and inspirational to us all.
Wu Zhongyuan is a 20 year old farmer who, ever since he was a child, dreamed of not needing to climb mountains anymore. It would appear that he found his remedy by creating his own flying machine. Wu used principles that he learned in middle-school physics and other relevant knowledge by surfing the Internet on a mobile phone to create this helicopter.
The blades are made from Elm tree wood, and a motorcycle engine provides the power. The frame is reinforced with steel pipes, and he claims that his single-seat copter can fly up to 2,600 feet! Believe it or not, he assembled this DIY helicopter for just $1,600.
This is one of those stories that I really hope is not made up. After all, who hasn’t had a dream and desired that it take flight? Mr. Zhongyuan doesn’t sound like he had a major corporate sponsor, just vision and ingenuity.
Sadly, the Chinese government won’t let Wu fly. I’m pretty certain that the FAA probably wouldn’t let an American inventor fly their own helicopter either, but the fact that someone could do so much with so little just inspires me, really. Kind of makes you wonder what you are doing with your life, doesn’t it?
Conference Calendar - The global conference and expo finder.
[ Chinese Man Makes his own Helicopter copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Read the original here:
Chinese Man Makes his own Helicopter
Touchable Holography? Almost.
Posted by admin in Future Concepts on August 6th, 2009
It’s cool enough to have holograms, but what if you could actually touch them? This was a project that some researchers at the University of Tokyo took on, and have achieved some interesting results.
You can watch a video of what they have done after the jump, but here is a quick summary. First, they used two Wiimotes (yes, Wiimotes) to track a holographic object in realtime and space. So when that hand that you see in the picture tries to dribble that tiny ball, it responds like a real superball would.
Ultrasounds are then given so the hand can actually “feel” the impact. Experiements have shown that the ultrasounds can disrupt things from a distance, and if focused properly, they can create a sense of touch. At the end of the video is that hand underneath some raindrops, and it can apparently “feel” them.
This is definitely one of those “this could change everything” technologies, but it is still in its fetal stage. In other words, don’t be dreaming about having your own holodeck from Star Trek TNG anytime soon. By the way, I believe that technology used energy and matter conversion.
Man, I am such a geek sometimes. I’ll prove it yet again by saying that this technology reminds me of a short-lived show called Automan. It was about a guy who created a holographic man who others could actually feel. He even had an Autocar and Autoplane which were also tangible holograms.
Yeah, we are a long way holograms that we can feel. I suppose if they had this touch holograms in Star Wars, then Luke Skywalker could have felt Princess Leia saying “help me Obi-Wan Kenobi”.
Oh, that is so wrong.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Touchable Holography? Almost. copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
See the original post:
Touchable Holography? Almost.