Tokyo, Japan has long been a place with a massive population and a small amount of land. So as you can imagine they’re always inventing new ways to store their worldly positions without displacing their living space.
The multistory computerized bike parking garage is just one of those things you have to see to believe. The bike slips into the mini freight elevator’s clutches and using an attached electronic tag it drops below the earth’s surface and stores it until the user returns. To retrieve the bike they simply need to swipe a card and the computer will look up its location and retrieve the bicycle. Cost for storage is about $20/month.
This video is apparently from 2007 so I feel a bit remiss posting in now, but hey, here goes. NTT DoCoMo, the Japanese telecom had plans to introduce a phone that could help middle aged businessmen and young women lose weight. It included a pedometer and software to keep you on track. But that’s not even the cool stuff. Muck like the KissMe breath analyzer, this phone also features a sensor that can tell you how bad your breath is. So thinking about it more, I’d say the phone is all about getting you some tail – stay in shape and have good breath – yeah, definitely about getting you a date.
The Microsoft Surface is super old news at this point, but that hasn’t stopped Sony from teaming up with a company called Atracsys to build their own version of a multitouch table. Unlike Microsoft’s version, though, Sony’s uses some sort of camera that can be used for not only measuring hand placement but can see faces as well.
Hit the video above. You’ll notice that their seems to be some lag time on the touchscreen.
It’s amazing what some people will do to further what can be done with Air Guitar. With the several air guitar apps for the iPhone and the wearable guitar shirt, I’m beginning to miss the original version.
In this video, some foreign gentlemen demonstrate how their new air guitar peripheral works and what it sounds like. It looks like they’ve got the speed down pretty good but the sound is like last call at some Hooka Bar. Do you think this idea has some traction?
There’s home made kit and then there’s HOME MADE KIT. The ‘Secret Knock Detecting Lock’ is a complete slam dunk. Built from an adrino board, pvc piping and a set of suction cups, the device attaches to the door and when it detects a preprogrammed knock (based on rhythm – it can be faster or slower) it activates its motor and physically turns the deadbolt. A set of LED lights indicate when a knock is detected and flashes from red to green when the correct secret key has been entered. To program the little doodad you simply press a red button and then knock out the key – I suggest doing this on a bathroom door away from eaves dropping ear. Make this and I’d totally buy it. Check the video below. …Continue reading: Secret Knock Door Lock Does Exactly As It Sounds (video)
I totally saw this one coming. AT&T has sued Verizon over their some what hilarious ‘there’s a map for that’ commercial – it parodies Apple’s ‘there’s an app for that’ ads. Video below.
The commercial displays two US maps comparing Verizon’s robust 3G coverage versus AT&Ts spotty 3G coverage. AT&T says it’s misleading because the map Verizon used doesn’t show AT&Ts 2G coverage and could lead consumers into thinking that they don’t provide service in the majority of the US. Additionally, the maps aren’t a comparable representation since Verizon’s map depicts all of Verizon’s service area while AT&T’s just shows the areas in which they’ve implemented 3G – kind of the same thing, but you know what I’m saying.
At the end of the day the suit will probably result in Verizon pulling the commercials or updating them to include a more comprehensive map of AT&Ts coverage area.
Personally, I think Verizon showed their hand with these commercials but in my recent experience they’re not far off from the general consensus. Many a people I’ve spoken to say they ‘hate their iPhone’ when they mean to say they hate AT&T for their spotty coverage. But, hey, that’s what happens when you align your cellular service so closely with a handset. Will AT&T be the iPhone’s downfall?
For all you 7up gulping, extreme hardcore junkies out there you might want to take note of Tachyon’s latest helmet cam, the XC Micro. They’re laying claim to the ‘industry’s smallest helmet camera’ that boasts waterproof housing (up to 34′), a shockproof design, wide field of vision (90 degrees) and the ability to capture up to 4 hours of video on 2 AAA batteries. Storage comes by way of a microSD card slot that accepts up to a 32GB card and video resolution maxes out at 640×480 at 30fps. Until the end of November they’re offering the XC Micro at a special price of $100, which includes a universal mount and fastening strap.
Bad ass speed skateboarding video after the ‘leap’
It’s always pretty interesting to see other things besides the Wii get controlled via Wiimote. Some have hooked it to Airsoft guns or what have you, but today I’ve dug up a little something interesting.
Thanks to the Casmobot lawn mower, developed by scientists at the University of Southern Denmark, you can now use your Wiimote to tackle lawn chores.
The mower is synced to the Wiimote with Bluetooth, and allows you to not only steer the device, but also engage the cutting action (just tilt the Wiimote forward) or set the device on autopilot where it makes passes inside a previously established zone.
The grass cutting equivalent of a Roomba is a sweet enough idea, but tying it to your Wiimote? Now that’s just entertaining! Plus, for all the kids in the audience, next time mom and dad get all bent out of shape about your gaming time, just tell them you’re getting in practice for lawn mowing season. …Continue reading: Casmobot Lawnmower Controlled With A Wiimote (video)
November 2nd, 2009 11:04 PM | by Christen da Costa
Oh celebrities, they can be so squirrelly sometimes when it comes to the snooping and intrusive paparazzi. That’s why you gotta have your DSLR available at a moments notice. The SpiderPro system incorporates a quick release system that attaches to any belt or their optional Spider Belt for heavier loads, using the camera’s built-in hardware. The Spider Pin and Plate attaches the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera and slips in and out of the clipping system, which can be locked for occasional access or unlocked for unfettered access. Since it’s a bit difficult to explain I recommend watching their video.
How do you impress all the folks that have seen their fair share of Microsoft Surface tables? Simple, you build your own version that is about twice the size and displays the visual representation of the EM Spectrum. The Ideum MT-50 touchscreen table is available in an 86-inch and 100-inch sizes and is currently on display at the Space Chase Gallery at the Adventure Science Center.
