IBM, Fujifilm developing 8 terabyte magnetic tape cartridges

Reviving old solutuions with new technology!

IBM, Fujifilm developing 8 terabyte magnetic tape cartridges: "Filed under: Storage If you thought that magnetic tape cartridges were headed the way of Zip disks and five-and-a-quarter-inch floppies into the storage medium graveyard, think again, because IBM and Fujifilm are currently working together to make the venerable technology capable of storing a Blu-ray-humbling eight terabytes-per-cartridge. Using barium ferrite crystal film from Fuji and read/write technology from IBM, the two companies are reporting success in creating storage densities of up to 6.67 billion-bits/square-inch, which is something like fifteen times the capacility of current backup tape. Unfortunately there is no word yet if the cartridges, which should be available in about five years, will be able to fit in your old 8-track player for rocking millions and millions of MP3s. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Hybrid hard drives will debut at WinHEC

Flashdrives will replace common harddrives one day? Well, one indicator is here: The new systems becomes integrated with the leading system at the moment. reminds me of combining steam boats and sailships "several years" ago!

Hybrid hard drives will debut at WinHEC: "Samsung will be demonstrating a prototype of the first hybrid hard drive next week at WinHEC. Hybrid hard drives use flash memory to enable boot and resume operations to execute twice as fast, and save on battery life at the same time. Hybrid hard drives eliminate the need for the disk to spin continuously, which would contribute to a longer usable life as well as less risk of data loss from dropping or jarring. This is due to the NAND flash memory acting as a cache. Either a 128MB or 256MB cache would act as the first step in storing data. The hard disk would only need to spin to save data when this cache is filled, roughly once every 10 to 20 minutes. The cache could also assist in allowing a PC to boot quicker. Windows Vista will take full advantage of the hybrid hard drive and I expect we’ll see these drives appear in a lot of Vista-capable mobile computers after Vista ships. (via BetaNews) -jk "

The Infernoptix Digital Pyrotechnic Matrix

Spectacular "3D-Display"!!!

The Infernoptix Digital Pyrotechnic Matrix: "Filed under: Displays Us display-worshipping types are about to get a fire baptism by Infernoptix, makers of the Digital Pyrotechnic Matrix. The diametric opposite of the Bitfall, this display-by-fire uses a pretty low res roughly QQQQQQVGA 12 x 7 'pixel' array to scroll text, track cursor movement, play animations, or even spout off according to percussive key input. We're not sure what Infernoptix is going to ask for one of their custom built Matrices, but ever since that incident with an acetylene torch in '88, we've been dying to get our hands on some professionally made gear that'll spit fire to our wills and not melt our faces like so many a Yngwie solo.[Via information aesthetics] Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

SanDisk wants you to say iDon't to iPod

Not that I am against ipods, but I think this is funny:

SanDisk wants you to say iDon't to iPod: "Filed under: Portable Audio In a viral marketing move that's sure to draw the fire of Apple fanboys enthusiasts (probably right here in the comments, if history is any indication), SanDisk has posted a website called 'iDon't' that encourages people to flee the closed iPod universe (the 'iTatorship,' they call it) -- and to pick up a SanDisk Sansa e200 while they're at it. While we certainly won't go into the pros and cons of each company's products here (mainly for fear of getting flamed), we must say that the iDon't site features little compelling content other than a few cheesy wallpaper downloads and some links to anti-iPod sites, and mostly comes across as sour grapes from the runner-up in an industry being dominated by a single player. Still, other manufacturers need to do something in order to gain market share, and R&D is, like, really expensive, so if you can convince a couple of kids to sport t-shirts and buddy icons featuring your propaganda, who knows, maybe a few consumers will bite.[Via iLounge forums]"

Fieldvertising

Transition to the supersystem ;)

Fieldvertising: " Brand Infection: Here’s one for Switzerland’s airline group Swiss Air, created by Artfield (website in german), a company shaping agricultural land into art but also advertising. Using fields between 50.000 and 100.000 square meters the company can create characters of up to 100meters length while only using natural colors and elements. Pretty crazy but hey, this works perfectly next to airports where people already see the advertising from far up. Fieldvertising [Brand Infection]"

Das Keyboard II with blank keys reviewed

Extraction, Trimming, Ideality... A blank keyboard?

Das Keyboard II with blank keys reviewed: "Filed under: Peripherals Those of us who type for a living are perhaps more attuned to keyboard minutiae than the average computer user, so any 'board that promises to improve our WPM without resorting to a frustrating realignment of the keys naturally piques our interest. The Das Keyboard II includes several 'enhancements' that may or may not improve your typing speed by up to 100%, most noticeably the keys themselves, which, while arranged in the traditional QWERTY-configuration, are completely blank. Supposedly the lack of even a single symbol keeps the user from 'cheating' and looking down at his/her hands, but Extreme Tech instead found themselves habitually mistyping and wasting time referring to character maps. Ultimately, since the letter-less keyboard only improved the seasoned typists' speed by about 10%, it's the other features of the Das II that may entice consumers, including high-end,'clicky' keys rated to 50 million keystrokes which are differently-weighted to compensate for variable finger strength. Overall, ET gives the blank 'board a"

The Combimouse

Local quality, taking out, universality... :D

The Combimouse: "Filed under: Desktops, Peripherals We were about to write this off as a harmless gimmick, and a great gift to slow down a couple FPS rivals of ours, but after staring mesmerized at the sheer craziness of it all, we're starting to think these Combimouse peeps are on to something. Their concept is quite simple: reduce the repetitive and arduous task of moving your hand from keyboard to mouse and back again a few thousand times a day. They accomplish that by splitting the keyboard and making the right half into a full fledged mouse. Your merely switch up your grip and the mouse function automatically springs into action. You might look a bit dorky in the act, and it surely won't work for everybody, but it seems to us that a spreadsheet pusher could quickly get used to the setup and learn to rock it. The creators of the Combimouse have recently completed their final prototype and are on the lookout for a manufacturer. We'll keep you posted. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

The Wheel turns your bike into a moped

Nice idea :-)

The Wheel turns your bike into a moped: "Filed under: Transportation Bicycles have always been a great way to get around, but the whole pedaling thing really takes away a lot of the appeal for some people -- we're sure countless dusty bikes with flat tires are hanging in garages nationwide. Well a company called RevoPower wants to put that huge fleet of two-wheeled vehicles back on the road with an innovative new product that easily converts most mountain or hybrid bikes into 20MPH mopeds. The Wheel, as it's known, manages to pack a gasoline- and oil-powered 23cc, two-stroke internal combustion engine into the space between a standard wheel's spokes, giving it a clear advantage over other modification kits which require tinkering with the existing drivetrain. Once the old wheel has been swapped out for the new Wheel, all you need to do is attach the throttle control to your handlebars and slide the fuel container into your water bottle cage (hope you don't get thirsty on your ride), and you're ready to hit the streets at an environmentally-friendly 200+ MPG. A video of The Wheel (and "

One Time Password DisplayCard heightens transaction security

Clever idea:

One Time Password DisplayCard heightens transaction security: "Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets While we were a bit skeptical when Chase sent us one of their questionably-secure RFID-equipped 'Blink' cards last year, we're gonna be all over a new technology from several companies that actually gives credit cards a heigtened level of security by generating a one-time passcode for each transaction, viewable on an embedded e-ink display. The OTP DisplayCard, as it's being called, was developed by InCard Technologies in conjunction with security firm nCryptone using technology from SiPix Imaging and SmartDisplayer, and is being targeted at financial institutions or at other companies as a replacement for the password-generating key fobs used to enable VPN access to their intranets. While the added security feature would come into play for both online and in-person transactions, it will probably be most useful for Internet purchases, making your credit card info almost worthless to identity thieves who can't get their hands on the card itself. Oh, and to answer the inevitable question: no, these cards w"

3D displays coming to Windows Mobile 5?

Transition to a higher dimension:

3D displays coming to Windows Mobile 5?: "No funky glasses required. That's the premise behind the 3D prototype mobile display built by DDD Group. DDD, which stands for Dynamic Digital Depth, build the prototype based on the HTC Faraday running Windows Mobile 5 on a TI OMAP850 chipset. With the appropriate screen, DDD can display 3D images at 15 frames per second by generating two discrete images: one for each eye that the brain perceives as a three-dimensional image. I can hardly wait to see 'Bubble Breaker' in 3-D on a Windows Mobile device. Seriously, this could have some very practical uses in the medical and engineering industries just to name a few. -kct "

3D displays coming to Windows Mobile 5?

Transition to a higher dimension:

3D displays coming to Windows Mobile 5?: "No funky glasses required. That's the premise behind the 3D prototype mobile display built by DDD Group. DDD, which stands for Dynamic Digital Depth, build the prototype based on the HTC Faraday running Windows Mobile 5 on a TI OMAP850 chipset. With the appropriate screen, DDD can display 3D images at 15 frames per second by generating two discrete images: one for each eye that the brain perceives as a three-dimensional image. I can hardly wait to see 'Bubble Breaker' in 3-D on a Windows Mobile device. Seriously, this could have some very practical uses in the medical and engineering industries just to name a few. -kct "

South Korea outfitting elderly, disabled with bioshirts

Intelligent shirts. Good idea for healthcare!

South Korea outfitting elderly, disabled with bioshirts: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wearables, Wireless Proving that there's more to working in South Korea's Ministry of Information and Communication than just building insect-like robot soldiers for surveillance and killing, the department has initiated a pilot program which was designed to prevent, and not cause, people's deaths. Specifically, the agency is outfitting 100 elderly and disabled folks in Daegu City with so-called bioshirts, which as we've seen before, monitor a patient's vital signs and wirelessly signal for help if anything is awry. Called the 'U-Healthcare Service,' the $1.4 million program is initially targeting senior citizens who live alone, as well as patients with chronic ailments, and also provides options for running self-diagnostics, enabling remote monitoring, and even rudimentary medical consultations. [Via Smart Mobs, image courtesy of Sensatex] Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Aerogrow

Standard-Solution: Use "nothing" (or better: air):

Aerogrow: "Treehugger: Here's a little something for burgeoning urban gardeners and those without green thumbs alike. We featured AeroGrow's aeroponics system back in the day, before it was available for sale; we're happy to say that it has finally arrived. With it comes your ability to grow vegetables, greens, herbs and the like in your kitchen (or just about anywhere indoors) by suspending plant roots in the air, rather than soil or water. The suspended plants derive their nutrients from the air; with the help of the 'smart' lighting and nutrient-cycling that comes with the garden, the company claims accelerated growth and increased yields over hydroponics and traditional outdoor gardening. Skeptical? They even guarantee a harvest after 28 days. AeroGrow also offers seed kits to go with the garden, including things like chili peppers, gourmet herbs, cherry tomatoes and strawberries; the garden goes for $149.95 and the seed kits are $19.95, available through their website and selected retailers like Sur La Table. Indoor Gardening with AeroGarden Aeroponics [Treehugger]"

Aerogrow

Standard-Solution: Use "nothing" (or better: air):

Aerogrow: "Treehugger: Here's a little something for burgeoning urban gardeners and those without green thumbs alike. We featured AeroGrow's aeroponics system back in the day, before it was available for sale; we're happy to say that it has finally arrived. With it comes your ability to grow vegetables, greens, herbs and the like in your kitchen (or just about anywhere indoors) by suspending plant roots in the air, rather than soil or water. The suspended plants derive their nutrients from the air; with the help of the 'smart' lighting and nutrient-cycling that comes with the garden, the company claims accelerated growth and increased yields over hydroponics and traditional outdoor gardening. Skeptical? They even guarantee a harvest after 28 days. AeroGrow also offers seed kits to go with the garden, including things like chili peppers, gourmet herbs, cherry tomatoes and strawberries; the garden goes for $149.95 and the seed kits are $19.95, available through their website and selected retailers like Sur La Table. Indoor Gardening with AeroGarden Aeroponics [Treehugger]"

Trend: Consumer Generated Campaigns

Use ressources: Companies use users to advertise via blogs, podcasts, videocasts and other communication channels. Why not?

Trend: Consumer Generated Campaigns: "Consumer Generated Campaigns capitalize on the trend of consumers creating video content and now also advertising. Trend Description Throughout the past months we’ve reported on the trend of consumers creating content such as blogs, podcasts and sharing their self made video files on video portals such as You Tube and Google Video (see Viewer Generated Content) [...]"

Philips patent app would force you to watch commercials, both live and recorded

Ouch. Not allowed to change channel during tv-ads?

Philips patent app would force you to watch commercials, both live and recorded: "Filed under: Home Entertainment In a move that would surely delight advertisers but enrage consumers, Philips is trying to patent a method for flagging digital TV content to not only prevent viewers from changing the channel during commercials in live broadcasts, but to actually lock out fast-forwarding capabilities during ads in recorded programs as well. Even worse, the patent specifically applies to the already widely-deployed Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) middleware system standard, meaning that many Europeans' current TVs would be susceptible to these Orwellian controls. Since the US version of this platform, OCAP, is largely based on the MHP architecture, it's not a stretch to imagine such flagging being applied to American sets as well. Although we're certain that a workaround would be developed if Philips' evil plan ever actually materializes, just the thought of our DVRs going impotent is enough to fill us with fear and trepidation.Update 1: Reader Paul B, who also happened to chair the group that wrote the MHP "

Miller to introduce self-cooling beer cans next year

Ideality at work. Self cooling or self heating, no surprise :)

Miller to introduce self-cooling beer cans next year: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets We're always keen on technology that improves our beer consumption experience, whether it be coasters and pitchers that signal for help when you need a refill, or mugs that let you share a drink with distant friends. Obviously, then, we were understandably excited to learn that Miller will be the first domestic brewer to utilize Tempra's self-cooling cans for dropping your drink's temperature a minimum of 30º F on command. Self-cooling, and self-heating, technology have been around for awhile, but save for the homemade Peltier Beer personal beverage cooler, this is the first method we've seen to cool down your suds long after the ice in your cooler has melted. Tempra's I.C. Can works by drawing heat out of the beverage with a natural desiccant (drying agent), through a water gel coated evaporator, and into an insulated heat-sink container, once an internal vacuum-seal has been broken. Miller's self-cooled offerings should begin showing up in finer distributors nationwide starting sometime next year, and as you"

Miller to introduce self-cooling beer cans next year

Ideality at work. Self cooling or self heating, no surprise :)

Miller to introduce self-cooling beer cans next year: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets We're always keen on technology that improves our beer consumption experience, whether it be coasters and pitchers that signal for help when you need a refill, or mugs that let you share a drink with distant friends. Obviously, then, we were understandably excited to learn that Miller will be the first domestic brewer to utilize Tempra's self-cooling cans for dropping your drink's temperature a minimum of 30º F on command. Self-cooling, and self-heating, technology have been around for awhile, but save for the homemade Peltier Beer personal beverage cooler, this is the first method we've seen to cool down your suds long after the ice in your cooler has melted. Tempra's I.C. Can works by drawing heat out of the beverage with a natural desiccant (drying agent), through a water gel coated evaporator, and into an insulated heat-sink container, once an internal vacuum-seal has been broken. Miller's self-cooled offerings should begin showing up in finer distributors nationwide starting sometime next year, and as you"

Sony files patent for adjustable bathtub

Interesting to see which company files patents in which areas. But besides of that: An adjustable bathtube also represents the dymization trend.

Sony files patent for adjustable bathtub: "Filed under: Household Sony seems to have decided that the traditional one-size-fits-all bathtub is ripe for a rethink, so the company has filed a patent application for a tub that can be reshaped based on an owner's needs. Basically, it works like the detention-level trash compactor; press a button and the walls of the tub close in or slide out, resulting in a wide and shallow tub, or a narrow and deep one. We knew Sony was scrapping some lines of business, and exploring others that might show more potential, but we had no idea they were going in this direction. Maybe Sir Howard just likes to take a good soak, and wants to make sure he can do so in a brand-loyal manner. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Thought-based biometrics system underway?

Yes, the next way to communicate with technology by "thoughts". No SciFi anymore!

Thought-based biometrics system underway?: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wearables Seems kind of old school if your brain interface doesn't provide extra-sensory enhancement or integration to robotic limbs, but researchers at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada are working on a system for thought-based biometrics by scanning and interpreting each individual's unique brain-wave signatures that occur when they think of a certain thought or can identify patterns uniquely -- kind of like that Peter Pan pixie dust thing, except in this case you get granted access to your box. For a variety of reasons the system isn't without its doubts and detractors, and will probably continue to have them so long as you have to wear an EEG cap on your scalp to get a reading -- though according to UCLA professor and BCI expert Jacques Vidal, rocking that headgear's the least of this system's problems. But if you expect us to shrug off any system that lets us interface with our gear via mind-link, you're sorely mistaken. So keep at it Carleton U, let's see some thought scanners. Read Permalink Email t"

Kodak patent for age-detecting camera system

Use negative side effects to draw benefit from it:

Kodak patent for age-detecting camera system: "Filed under: Digital Cameras Even despite all those face lifts, tummy tucks, fake tans, dye-jobs, and botox injections, Kodak may soon be able to accurately gauge one's age when it comes snapshot time. They apparently filed a patent in 2004 for a system which, as the above images culled from their patent filing so plainly suggest, determines the age of a photographer's subject by putting that red-eye effect to good use and metering the size and distance between those two red dots the rest of us can't seem to reliably get rid of in our photos. Apparently pupil dilation reflex time increases with age (like most other reflexes), you'll be able to find out for sure whether Grandma really is as young as she says. Though frankly we're not really sure we want to know.[Via New Scientist] Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Turn your optical mouse into a handheld scanner

Some kind of "use of ressources". Maybe needs some finetuning?

Turn your optical mouse into a handheld scanner: " Sure, it's no Docupen scanner, but that little optical mouse you might have with you could work in a pinch. You'll need some software to make this happen and you won't be wowed by the quality, but this is an interesting approach to re-usability of peripherals to add value. This project isn't really for the faint of heart, but if you've got some free time and a spare mouse in the house, this could be fun. (via Gizmowatch) -kct "

Give Ordinary Products a New Life

Open your eyes, there is always a way to make things better. Just think about Ideality or Value=Function/Cost:

Give Ordinary Products a New Life: "Entrepreneur.com: A stapler that staples up to 60 pages with even the lightest touch of a pinkie finger, a transparent tea tin lid that keeps out damaging UV light, a diaper bag that's runway-ready--they all point to one trend: In even the most seemingly ordinary product categories, there's room for extraordinary design innovation. 'I looked at the stapler market and [saw that] there hadn't been any functional changes in over 100 years,' says Todd Moses, founder of Newtown, Pennsylvania, office products company Accentra Inc. Moses' core product, the PaperPro, packs the power of a staple gun into an otherwise traditional, nonelectric, sleek-looking line of staplers. 'When my wife and I became parents, we entered a parallel universe of really bad brands,' says Steve, co-founder of Fleurville, a maker of high-end diaper totes. 'People having babies now are very different from what [new parents] used to be. But typically, there's an assumption that the kid is buying the products.' In other words, cartoon characters and fuzzy bunnies"

Movie Smells

Adding additional fields like smell...

Movie Smells: "TrendHunter: Movies will now be a treat for the eyes, ears… and nose. A Japanese cinema screening Colin Farrell’s latest film, The New World, will enhance the film by filling the theatre with a variety of fragrances. The smells will waft from machines located at the back of the theatre. For example, floral smells will accompany love scenes. (Woo-hoo! What a turn-on.) This is only the beginning. Other cinemas will soon be able to download programs to control scents for other films. The company producing the theatre machines actually launched a home version last year. Costing approximately US$900, the machine provides aromatherapy for work or relaxation. The machine must be topped up with various liquids to produce the scents. Smell-o-vision in Japanese Cinemas [TrendHunter]"

Japanese researchers invent completely transparent material

Changing optical parameters: Complete transparency.

Japanese researchers invent completely transparent material: "Filed under: Digital Cameras, Misc. Gadgets, Networking In a breakthrough that could benefit fields as diverse as networking, photography, astronomy, and peeping, science-types at Japan's Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have unveiled their prototype of a glass-like material that they claim to be 100% transparent. Unlike normal glass, which reflects some of the incoming light, the new so-called metamaterial --composed of a grid of gold or silver nanocoils embedded in a prism-shaped, glass-like material -- uses its unique structural properties to achieve a negative refractive index, or complete transparency. Although currently just a one-off proof-of-concept (pictured, under an electron microscope), mass-produced versions of the new material could improve fiber optic communications, contribute to better telescopes and cameras, or lead to the development of completely new optical equipment. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Self Steady Bike

Again the Ideality Self-Concept!

Self Steady Bike: "Engadet: Besides learning to use the toilet properly, the ability to ride a bicycle is one of the most important early-childhood accomplishments, but unfortunately, the current use of training wheels for practice does little to prepare kids for life on two wheels. Well a start-up using technology developed at Dartmouth College is aiming to eliminate the rolling crutches that are training wheels, and replace them with a gyroscopic flywheel that attaches to the front wheel and helps a bike steady itself whenever the rider loses his/her balance by using natural physical properties to turn the handlebars towards the direction of an impending fall. Soon be able to buy a model with this technology built-in instead of retrofitting one you already own. GyroBike flywheel helps bicycles self-steady [Engadet]"

Trend: Interactive Kiosks

No surprise: More interaction!

Trend: Interactive Kiosks: "Kiosks are becoming ever more interactive catering to a variety of services and gadgets. Trend Description The possibilities are infinite. Bank machines do not just offer cash anymore, but a huge variety of financial services. A whole array of services such as downloads of computer games, music, and information is just around the corner. Nowadays, [...]"

Self Made Tent

Ideality at work: A tent that erects itself!

Self Made Tent: " Yanko Design: Who has never dreamt of a tent that could erect itself without any help? – Just throw 2Seconds into the air and it will open up on its own before even reaching the ground. It is the spring hoops that enable this. The idea was to pre-assemble the different elements (room, double roof, hoops) to simplify the hiker's life as much as possible. The tent features coated double roof with waterproof seams for excellent water resistance, anti-condensation breathing room and extra-strong polyester fabric. The tent can accommodate two people and it can be folded in just 15 seconds. Self Made Tent [Yanko Design]"

Japan to roll out age-verifying cigarette machines

A good idea!

Japan to roll out age-verifying cigarette machines: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets In a move that's sure to annoy tobacco-lovers nationwide, especially underage ones, Japan has announced that the country's 620,000 cigarette vending machines will be replaced in 2008 with models that require an RFID-embedded age-verification card to release their delicious-but-deadly wares. This won't have much of an impact for those who buy their smokes by the carton or over-the-counter, but if a tobacco jones hits you while you're jammin' at the karaoke bar, you'd better be sporting your 'smoker's card' (which, conveniently, can also be used to pay for your habit) . We're not really sure how effective this system is going to be, though, as it probably won't be all that difficult for kids to buy one of these exclusive cards from some shady non-smoking adult. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Programmable Liquid Container lets you customize your cola

Again, customization! Increasing the degree of adaptability to the user :-) Nice idea, nice gadget.

Programmable Liquid Container lets you customize your cola: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Household We used to think it was pretty sweet that we had two flavor options in each package of Nerds candy, so the idea of a customizable soda with an almost infinite combination of fragrances, flavors, and colors has us understandably excited. Massachusetts-based IPIFINI (the bold is part of the branding) has exceeded our wildest dreams with their Programmable Liquid Container, which contains small, flavor additive-filled (or paint-filled, for the home improvement set) 'buttons' around the periphery of the plastic container. Consumers press the appropriate buttons to create different flavors from a common base, such as cherry vanilla cola or raspberry tangerine lemonade, or get even wilder with aroma and food coloring options. IPIFINI claims to already be licensing the technology around various industries, so don't be surprised to see sodas and coffees (and probably some alcopops too) in the near future that let you choose your level of buzz.[Via The Raw Feed] Read Permalink Email this "

Enfucell's SoftBattery gets thin and flexible

Flexible batteries. Dynamization!!!!

Enfucell's SoftBattery gets thin and flexible: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets Flexible paper batteries are by no means the newest (or even the most exciting) take on energy storage in the last few years, but we're seeing more stabs at it these days, like Enfucell's or Power Paper's flexible batteries. Besides the usual thin n' flexible selling angle, Enfucell's batteries, while still in development, are apparently anticipated to be particularly cheap and environmentally friendly due to a more off-the-shelf materials and manufacturing process of metals in a paper and laminate sandwich. Sure, it may not produce a huge amount of juice, but when you're talking about very low-energy applications like e-ink, cheap, flexible batteries could be power the digital newspapers of tomorrow before being thrown away with the day's rubbish. And don't even get us started on Power Paper's PowerCosmetics line of products, which use these batteries to rejuvinate wrinkling, sagging skin. What's going to happen to Botox and latte, Tuesdays, hm? Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Cellphones-free Paint

Now this is interesting: Think of specially painted restaurants instead of "no cellphones"-signs!

Cellphones-free Paint: "Gizmodo: NaturalNano has used nanotechnology to develop a type of paint that stops cellphone signals. It’s done by blending particles of copper that are inserted into nanotubes, and then mixing and suspending these tiny particles into a can of paint. NaturalNano’s idea is to completely block cellphone signals with this paint, and then provide a radio filtering device that will allow wireless signals to pass through only when they’re appropriate. Using this system, a theater owner could allow cellphone signals before the show or during an intermission, but completely block them during the movie. At the same time, that theater owner could still allow emergency radio communications to get through. While jamming of cellphone signals has been ruled illegal by the FCC, it’s not a crime to passively prevent signals from passing through, which is exactly what NaturalNano’s paint does. NaturalNano Develops Cellphone-Blocking Paint [Gizmodo]"

Samsung brings SilverCare sterilizing washer to US

Increasing the effectiveness of washing machines: Kill bacteria! Nice :-)

Samsung brings SilverCare sterilizing washer to US: "Filed under: Household If you've been waiting for a chance to use the power of silver to sterilize your laundry in cold water (and we know you have), Samsung has your number. The company will be bringing its SilverCare washer to the US this month, at a price of about $1,399. The washer uses silver ions to sterilize laundry, and Samsung claims that it kills 99.9% of bacteria on clothing. Once this catches on, we suspect Samsung will spring an even more upscale version on us, which will use gold or platinum to wipe out the other 0.1% of bacteria, and impart a metallic sheen to our clothes in the process. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Hit Parking

We were waiting for this a long time: To enhance a system, solutions on the level of the supersystem are sometimes the key!

Hit Parking: "PSFK: As much as 80 percent of traffic on some city streets is estimated to come from motorists driving in search of a parking spot. Mercury news reports on a futuristic system where - the navigation screen in your car's dashboard will display the nearest available street or garage parking. When you find an open space at a meter, you punch in the meter's ID number into your cell phone, a pavement mounted sensor will detect when you leave, and your credit card will be charged for exactly the number of minutes your car was parked. You can also use the same system to reserve a parking spot. Some pieces of this vision from experts are already operational. Smart Idea To Hit Parking [PSFK]"

Vein-reading keyboard raises the security bar

Interesting! If the PC senses you are in danger or in a bad mood, it won't let you "work" :-)

Vein-reading keyboard raises the security bar: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals Now that we've learned not to rely on Microsoft's Fingerprint Reader for our valuable ones and zeros, we're turning towards finger and palm vein reading as the next evolution in data security. This is not the Psychic Hotline type of palm reading that you might be envisioning, but rather refers to devices that use infrared light to scan and algorithms to encode the unique vein pattern on each person's palm or fingers. You can already access your laptop, your bank account, your car, and even your local library with vein identification systems, so it seems natural that your desktop should also get the same level of hardened security- and now it has, in the form of what Akihabara News dubs 'the vampire keyboard.' Eschewing a numberpad for the vein scanner, this particular keyboard is of the finger scanning variety, so you only lose a digit instead of the whole hand when the bad guys wanna get at your infoswag goodies. Doubt we'll see this over here, so for now it seems we're stil"

Sharp DC2J1DZ115 - world's smallest WiFi module

Again, if you think about costs of new technology first, remember that even five years ago things like this won't have been possible (also price-wise). Don't let costs come in the way of good ideas ;-)

Sharp DC2J1DZ115 - world's smallest WiFi module: "Filed under: Wireless Is there a reason for Sharp to boast that its DC2J1DZ115 is the world's smallest WiFi module? After all, unlike the world's smallest MP3 player, this isn't a product consumers can actually buy. However, smaller WiFi modules mean smaller, cheaper (we hope), lower-power WiFi devices, so as far as we're concerned, the smaller the better. Now let's get these modules into cameras, phones, PDAs and DAPs ASAP! Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Thanko Silent Mouse kills the click

This might go under "removing harmful side effects" - eliminating the mouse-click. But what about feedback?

Thanko Silent Mouse kills the click: "Filed under: Peripherals Of all the noisy, annoying devices in our office, our mouse has got to be fairly close to the bottom of the list, with an annoyance factor well below that of the fax machine, printer, coffee maker, and, of course, the dude in the next cube who insists on sharing every phone conversation with the world. While he drums on his desk. And snaps his gum. And plays loud Flash games on his PC. But the mouse? How much noise does it really make? Well, it makes enough that Japan's Thanko has decided to come out with a completely silent one, so that when you point and click, you actually point and _________. The price of silence: about ¥2,500 ($21). We suppose if you're really sensitive to ambient noise, it could come in handy. Otherwise, we really don't see the point. However, if Thanko has some ideas about the dude next door, we're ready to listen. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Seiko Spectrum e-ink watch on eBay

Interesting application of "e-ink". Any reflection of the dynamization trend?

Seiko Spectrum e-ink watch on eBay: "Filed under: Wearables If you want to be one of the first to wrap one of Seiko's Spectrum e-ink watches around your wrist, now's your chance. If you're willing to pay a pretty penny for it, that is. Seiko, which originally put a price of about $2,000 on the watch, has now decided to offer it up on eBay as part of a charity auction for British charity Help a London Child. The auction is expected to start on March 19th and run through March 25th. Seiko is only making 500 of these, so if you want one, get ready to start bidding. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Bacteria-based fuel cells for tiny robots

And again new technologies for creating energy sources.

Bacteria-based fuel cells for tiny robots: "Filed under: Robots Unless you're looking at some sort of cyborg solution, one of the biggest problem with tiny spy robots and other such entities is a reliable source of power. Some researchers at Rice University and the University of Southern California are looking to solve that with a new kind of fuel cell based on electron spitting bacteria. Apparently the bacteria can eat at about any material -- the target is waste water -- and spit electrons which the researchers hope to harvest and use to power the tiny bots. Luckily the Department of Defense is behind this to the tune of $4.4 million, so hopefully after they manage to churn out all the espionage needed for the decade, we might get some spillover to consumer devices. Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Redbox DVD

Fast food movies fromm fast food rental machines in fast food restaurants: Adding more "functionality" to the ideality equation.

Redbox DVD: "KIOSK: In late May McDonald's unveiled plans to bring a taste of Hollywood to Denver by offering new release DVD movie rentals for just one dollar per night, plus tax. McDonald's, long recognized for successfully bringing together the elements of food, lifestyle, and entertainment, is installing fully automated Redbox DVD rental machines in over 100 restaurants throughout Denver, giving customers another great reason to visit The Golden Arches. At the same time, the company is experimenting with quick service ordering (QSO) kiosks at locations around the globe. In short, this quick service restaurant leader has gone kiosk crazy. In Denver, customers can visit the Redbox DVD machines at participating McDonald's and rent the newest DVD movies releases for just $1.00 per night, plus tax - with no membership forms and no late fees - and return the same movies at any participating McDonald's Denver location. The latest new DVD releases are added to the Redbox DVD rental machines every Tuesday. McDonald's is the first quick service restaurant to offer new DVD movie rentals to consumers, extending its leg"

Cali gangs get GPS anklets

Science Fiction gets close... Collars with GPS-Devices.

Cali gangs get GPS anklets: "Filed under: GPS, Wearables GPS people-tracking devices used to track kids, those under house arrest, and known sex offenders alike will have a new assignment these days: parolee gang members, ese. Three San Bernardino 'high risk' felons who've served their time for society will be getting outfitted with the anklets as a part of a test trial, which will be studied by UCI and monitored at all times by local law enforcement for tampering and movement into 'unauthorized' zones (like, say, known gang territory, or a Streisand concert). Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments "

Auto Dust Pan

Evolution of floor-sweeping: A stationary vacuum cleaner enhances the traditional broom :-)

Auto Dust Pan: "Shiny Shiny: Huzzah!, another household appliance that stops people from having to bend over (why yes, I am the laziest housekeeper in the world, thanks for noticing). The SweepEZE Vacuuming Dust Pan replaces the standard dust pan by lying in wait to 'sense' dirt rather than lying in your broom closet waiting not to be found when you need it. When dust and other bits interrupt the SweepEZE's sensor beam, it activates and automatically vacuums the mess away, allegedly freeing us all of the dreaded 'dust pan line.' I daresay if it had to face my floors in their current state, it's sensor beam would short out, and it would, perhaps, weep. Automatic Dust Pan [Shiny Shiny]"

Caffeine SpazzStick

Adding more benefits and funcionality: A lipstick with caffeine!

Caffeine SpazzStick: "DailyCandy: Caffeine, as many a sanctimonious health freak has informed us, is a drug. One you can be very, very addicted to. To which we reply: So call us Pete Doherty and pass the biscotti. Still, the late-night runs to your dealer for double espressos have gotten a little out of hand. What you need instead is SpazzStick, the lip balm formulated with copious amounts of caffeine. Invented by an Alaskan police officer in need of a wake-up aid (polar bear-on-polar bear crime is apparently way down), the balm contains skin-softening ingredients that heal your lips in even the coldest weather and comes in tasty flavors like vanilla toffee and cool mint. The large quantities of caffeine, meanwhile, are absorbed quickly and effortlessly through your lips. So you can cop a fix any time you need it. Contact High [DailyCandy]"

Wrigley's First New Product In Nearly A Century

Taking small steps: Two flavours in one mint... (increasing dynamicity/degrees of freedom in small steps, huh?)

Wrigley's First New Product In Nearly A Century: "BRANDWEEK: Known throughout the ad world for its iconic “Doublemint Twins” ads, the Doublemint brand today debuted its first new product in nearly a century, along with an ad campaign that satirizes its own brand. Wrigley’s Doublemint Twins mints feature two flavors in one mint. Offered in both Wintercreme and Mintcreme flavors, Doublemint Twins mints packaging comes with the familiar blue and green Doublemint arrows and come in a convenient, flip-top pack. Suggested retail price is 69 cents for 37 mints. “Consumers told us that they were looking for an innovative and exciting way to enjoy the Doublemint brand that they grew up with,' stated Paul Chibe, senior marketing director for Wrigley. Doublemint Rolls Out New Offering, New Ads [BRANDWEEK]"

Methanol fuel cells could power robot limbs

New energy sources. Interesting!

Methanol fuel cells could power robot limbs: "Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Robots Researchers have successfully created artificial muscles powered by methanol rather than batteries, opening the door to the possibility of fuel-cell powered artificial limbs that could be used both as prosthetics and in robots. Among the techniques being used is a system that relies on a combination of methanol, hydrogen and oxygen gases that warm wires, causing them to contract. By regulating the flow of fuel, the expanding and contracting wire could be used to control the movement of an artificial limb. And the source of the fuel could come from some surprising places, according to one nanotechnologist: 'One day you could find yourself sitting in a bar next to a humanoid robot, who is taking a shot of vodka to give himself the energy to go to work,' said Ray Baughman, of the University of Texas at Dallas. If that's the case, we assume it won't be long until we see robots panhandling on street corners, chugging 40s in parking lots and building homemade stills out of their own spare parts,"

Emotional Seats

Reminds me of the Principle "Segmentation"...

Emotional Seats: " BornRich: Want more furniture like the mood light furniture that changes colors as per your mood, then I bet you will be completely mesmerized with the Animi Causa’s “Feel Seating System” which can change its form according to the emotional state of the body! The Feel gathers all positions in one object. The shape of the stunning seating system is inspired by a molecular structure. The feel seating system is made of 120 soft balls covered with elastic fabric. The molecular structure allows the chair to create multiple positions that you can’t even think off! Feel Seating System [BornRich]"