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Latest Gear Live Videos
Tony Assists Russian Travelers
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation,
Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to lug that heavy luggage around when you fly? Russia has come up with a robotic suitcase that follows its owner when he/she puts a sensor in its pocket. Light detectors, infrared sensors, ultrasound and a gyroscope help the bot, whom they named Tony, to move around objects and keep from falling off stairways and ledges. Set to come out in 2009, the robot will be available for 49000 RUB (~$1960.00.) With all the fuss at airports these days when you try to take your shampoo along, what chance would Tony have of getting past an inspection? Our guess would be slim to none.
Read More 
| Russia ic
Gallery: Tony Assists Russian Travelers
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New Device Stops Car in its Tracks
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Transportation,
If you saw the movie “2 Fast 2 Furious,” you will probably recognize the electromagnetic system that can stop vehicles. Researchers at Eureka Aerospace are creating a device that is about 7 x 3 feet and weighs 200 lbs. Attached to a car or aircraft carrier, it sends out pulsing microwave radiation to disable the microprocessors that keep the car engine going. Chief Exec James Tatoian says that the system may be available for security purposes within 18 months. That gives us less than two years to beat out those speed traps or buy a car made before 1972, which was when electronic control modules were first placed in them.
Read More | ABC
Gallery: New Device Stops Car in its Tracks
The Mercedes designed ultra-compact Smart (Swatch Mercedes Art) Car is about to hit the States. Designed in the 90’s, it has been in 36 countries for about 10 years and gets around 40 mpg. The car was designed for mostly localized driving, definitely not for salespeople continuously on the road. The Smart Car comes with a price starting at about $11,600.00. The delay comes, according to Mercedes market specialist Jessica Gamarra, because they didn’t feel the U.S. was ready for the minute automobile. We beg to differ. We fondly remember a Honda 600 Coupe that we had in the 70’s that had only 2 cylinders and got over 40 mpg highway.
Read More | CNN
Gallery: Smart Car to Invade the U.S
Zune Announces Changes, New Accessories
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Home Entertainment, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
Beginning November 13, Zune users will be prompted for a one-click update of its software. It will include new features such as Wireless Sync and new styles for its Marketplace and Social page for music, photos and video sharing. They also have a new crop of accessories, such as a car pack, gear bag, premium earphones, and a Home A/V Pack. With a $99.99 price tag, it includes a dock and wireless remote, so that you can integrate it with your home entertainment or stereo system.
Read More | Zune
Gallery: Zune Announces Changes, New Accessories
Zen Transmitter Unveiled
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation,
With all the Apple hype, we seldom get to see accessories for Creative’s products. QDOS has designed an FM Transmitter for Zen V and Zen V Plus MP3 players. Find an available frequency, then hear your fave artists via your player through your car radio. The transmitter features a swivel holder, an LCD, and large keys to tune into your music. Plug it in to your cigarette lighter for a recharge. The device will soon be obtainable online for £39.99 (~$83.00.)
Read More | Pocket-lint
Gallery: Zen Transmitter Unveiled
Make Your Car Wifi Source
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
WAAV’s AirBox CM3 can turn your car into a mobile WiFi unit. The broadband cellular router plugs into your car lighter by Ethernet or wirelessly and will keep the connection up to speeds of 100 mph or up to 300 feet when you are parked. Its 3G digital cell phone network seeks out EV-DO, which is comparable to cable Internet or DSL connection. If that fails, it will find an available 2G network. Available for $499.99, you still have to pay for a data plan but at least you won’t have to seek out the nearest Starbucks when a communicative mood strikes you.
Read More | WAAV
Gallery: Make Your Car Wifi Source
Latest DARPA Urban Challenge is Successful
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation,
This past weekend, the Defense Department’s Urban Challenge 2007 took place in the desert between LA and Las Vegas. Driverless, the computer-run vehicles had to maneuver around neighborhood streets and obstacles at a deserted AF base. Although “Junior,” Stanford’s 2006 Volkswagen Passat station wagon diesel, crossed the finish line first, the grand prize went to the Tartan Racing team, based on safety as well as speed. Stanford was second, followed by team Victor Tango. This time, 6 of the 11 finalists crossed the finish line. We can see why the military would be interested in this technology, especially when you consider its shock value application. Check out a video we shot of the Carnegie-Mellon team qualifying for the DARPA event.
Read More | USA Today
Gallery: Latest DARPA Urban Challenge is Successful
Wayfinder is Mini-Weather Station
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
We have found a rather unique device for those long road trips. The Wayfinder Z7500 has a digital compass with graphic heading indicator, an atomic clock with time and date, an altimeter, and barometer. It will also forecast the weather for the next 12 to 24 hours. With a backlit screen for night time viewing, the device mounts to your windshield by suction cup, and runs on an included lithium battery. The Wayfinder is available for $89.95.
Read More | Sky Mall
Gallery: Wayfinder is Mini-Weather Station
Original Star Wars Lightsaber Hits Space
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Movies, Science, Transportation,
Who says that astronauts are all work and no play? Luke Skywalker’s actual lightsaber from “Return of the Jedi” was bundled up and taken on the latest trip to the Discovery. Before being packed away in its flight kit and stowed away in an area in the space shuttle, it was personally given a sendoff from George Lucas, Chewbacca, and some Jedi Knights. Ever since Gus Grissom carried a few dimes on his spaceflight in 1961, many items have been taken along for the ride. Although astronauts are not allowed to bring anything personal for profit, sometimes memorabilia will find its way to sites such as CollectSPACE. We prefer to think they they brought the weapon along just in case they need the Force to be with them.
Read More | USA Today
Gallery: Original Star Wars Lightsaber Hits Space
Vero Allows Solar Recharging
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
The Vero ENB-100 allows for hands-free, Bluetooth communication within 30 feet of your cell phone. The solar powered car kit has voice recognition and will call by one word, even if your phone has dropped under the passenger seat. Three LEDs let you know the status of a call, and battery and solar recharging. It also features noise reduction, echo cancellation, an omni-directional mic, simplistic buttons, and promises up to 15 hours of talk time or 600 hours of standby, depending on the weather that day. At a size of 91.3 × 50.5 × 13.3 mm and a weight of 60 g, it comes with with a car charger, cradle, and mounting accessories. We think this would be a great addition to any dashboard, unless you happen to be in one of those dark-glassed, paparazzi-proof limos. It comes with a price tag of £51.06 (~$105.00.)
Read More | In Car Gear
