Citizen Japan has unveiled a new LCD technology — called “memory liquid crystal” — that retains the image even when turned off. Basically, its inorganic membrane and angled orientation keep the crystals frozen without needing power. Practical applications would include watches and mobile phone displays.
9. EyeMove PC
The EyeMove PC combines the functionality of a digital projector and computer into one circular-shaped device. Simply hang it on your wall or place it flat on a desk and project games, movies, or applications. No word yet on on if this concept will go into production.
With the wireless controller you can forget the old mouse, your keyboard, joystick, you have it all in one with a touch screen wireless controller
8. Scarpar - The All-Terrain Motorized Board
The Scarpar is a futuristic board that “apparently gives you the best of snowboarding, surfing, skating and motocross”. It’s slated for a 2007 release. Pricing has not yet been announced. Video clip after the jump.
7. 3D Video Game
Combining interactive art and gaming, xBlocks delivers a unique experience to say the least. It’s currently on display at Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, Italy. Video after the jump.
Using standard game controllers, two opposing players must help their characters navigate in and around a three dimensional maze. The real challenge comes, not from traditional game mechanics but rather from moving with your character as he sprints around corners and jumps between the installation’s two play surfaces
6. Transparent Toaster
This innovative “Transparent Toaster” concept uses special heating glass to warm a single slice of bread. Unfortunately, the glass does not reach a high enough temperature — at this time — to actually toast the bread. No word yet on if this concept will go into production.
5. Origami DVD Player
This Origami DVD Player concept uses a fully-flexible display technology (e-paper) to ensure maximum portability. When not in use, the screen folds up neatly back into the case. From the image, it looks to sport integrated speakers as well. No word yet on if this concept will go into production.
As a product, it would target the business traveler who wants a convenient way to watch DVD movies.
4. Self Cooling Beer Can
Tempra Technology and Crown Holdings have partnered to develop the world’s first self cooling beer can. It looks like a normal 500ml can, but features an integrated self-cooling device that reduces the “contents by a minimum of 30° Fahrenheit (16.7° C) in just three minutes.”
“When activated, the all natural desiccant contained within a vacuum draws the heat from the beverage through the evaporator into an insulated heat-sink container.”
3. VirtuSphere
The VirtuSphere takes gaming to a whole new level, allowing users to walk inside a virtual space “while being totally immersed” — through the head-mounted display system. Built-in sensors detect movement and transmit that information to a linked computer. A special platform inside the sphere allows it to rotate in any direction as the user walks. Two video clips after the jump.
The VirtuSphere is currently the only technology in the world, which permits the user to move about in virtual space through the most natural movement of all – by walking.
2. Heliodisplay M2i
IO2Technology has just released a new version of their Heliodisplay multimedia projector called “M2i”, it features a larger 30-inch diagonal (76cm) display area (4:3 aspect), 1600-2200 lumens brightness, 1024 x 768 SXGA resolution, and ‘virtual touchscreen’ controls. Video after the jump.
The interactive M2i allows desktop navigation in a PC environment such that floating images or video can be manipulated supporting a ‘virtual’ touchscreen enabling cursor control.
1. “On Target” Video Game Urinal
Set back into each urinal is a pressure-sensitive display, which activates an interactive game when used. This game includes sounds and images, bringing entertainment value to where you’d least expect. It will most likely will be installed in airports and schools “with the functional purpose of improving hygiene”.
The projection of the project into a museum space was conceived of as a critical-ironic measure, questioning the concept of art, but extending it at the same time.
An email today received by Michael Arrington of TechCrunch has confirmed that the Google acquisition of YouTube has finally closed at a price of $1.6 billion. A quick phone call to a VC confirmed that the close and price.
YouTube had informal talks with a number of companies about acquisition in the $1.5 - $2 billion range but only Google was able to wrangle YouTube off the market.
I guess we're heading for an exciting Winter season of GooTubing!
This guy has a great analysis video on the whole LonelyGirl15 fiasco. I know that it's already come out that she was a fake but it's amazing how dead on this guy was about the signs that she was a fraud. Amazing!
Text messaging has become so pervasive -- some say invasive -- that the NCAA is considering rule proposals that would either abolish or limit it, according to the INDIANAPOLIS STAR.
NCAA rules regulate phone calls and the type of material that can be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service; for instance, overnight mail is prohibited. But coaches are allowed to send unlimited text messages and e-mails to recruits after they've started their junior year of high school.
The NCAA is considering two proposals. One, from the Ivy League, would eliminate text messaging altogether. The other, from an NCAA subcommittee on recruiting, would limit text messaging from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekend.
Neither could become a rule until April 2007.
Jim Haney, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said the NABC won't take a position until after it surveys all of its members. But an NABC committee on recruiting has gathered opinions on the issue.
Assistant coaches, who do the heavy lifting in recruiting, generally like text messaging.
"They say, 'This is the way kids communicate today,' " Haney said.
Since I spend most of my time each day in a data center hosting a plethora of important resources I have come up with a few ways in my mind of how you could secure your data center to keep from being a sucker if something disastrous should happen!
Build on the right spot. Be sure the building is some distance from headquarters (20 miles is typical) and at least 100 feet from the main road. Bad neighbors: airports, chemical facilities, power plants. Bad news: I find that anything in hurricane territory sucks. And get rid of the "data center" sign for real.
No windows. Think warehouse, not office building. If you must have windows, limit them to the break room or administrative area, and use bomb-resistant laminated glass. Ok, bomb-resistant is pretty hardcore but we're talking security here!
Think about your walls. Foot-thick concrete is a cheap and effective barrier against the elements and explosive devices. For extra security, use walls lined with Kevlar. That's the stuff in bullet proof vests for those of you living under a rock.
Use landscaping for protection. Trees, boulders and gulleys can hide the building from passing cars, obscure security devices (like fences), and also help keep vehicles from getting too close. Oh, and they look nice too.
Keep a 100-foot buffer zone around the site. Where landscaping does not protect the building from vehicles, use crash-proof barriers instead. Bollard planters are less conspicuous and more attractive than other devices.
Use retractable crash barriers at vehicle entry points. Control access to the parking lot and loading dock with a staffed guard station that operates the retractable bollards. Use a raised gate and a green light as visual cues that the bollards are down and the driver can go forward. In situations when extra security is needed, have the barriers left up by default, and lowered only when someone has permission to pass through.
Plan for bomb detection. For data centers that are especially sensitive or likely targets, have guards use mirrors to check underneath vehicles for explosives, or provide portable bomb-sniffing devices. You can respond to a raised threat by increasing the number of vehicles you check—perhaps by checking employee vehicles as well as visitors and delivery trucks.
Limit entry points. Control access to the building by establishing one main entrance, plus a back one for the loading dock. This keeps costs down too.
Make fire doors exit only. For exits required by fire codes, install doors that don't have handles on the outside. When any of these doors is opened, a loud alarm should sound and trigger a response from the security command center.
Use plenty of cameras. Surveillance cameras should be installed around the perimeter of the building, at all entrances and exits, and at every access point throughout the building. A combination of motion-detection devices, low-light cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras and standard fixed cameras is ideal. Footage should be digitally recorded and stored offsite.
Protect the building's machinery. Keep the mechanical area of the building, which houses environmental systems and uninterruptible power supplies, strictly off limits. If generators are outside, use concrete walls to secure the area. For both areas, make sure all contractors and repair crews are accompanied by an employee at all times.
Plan for secure air handling. Make sure the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems can be set to recirculate air rather than drawing in air from the outside. This could help protect people and equipment if there were some kind of biological or chemical attack or heavy smoke spreading from a nearby fire. For added security, put devices in place to monitor the air for chemical, biological or radiological contaminant.
Ensure nothing can hide in the walls and ceilings. In secure areas of the data center, make sure internal walls run from the slab ceiling all the way to subflooring where wiring is typically housed. Also make sure drop-down ceilings don't provide hidden access points.
Use two-factor authentication. Biometric identification is becoming standard for access to sensitive areas of data centers, with hand geometry or fingerprint scanners usually considered less invasive than retinal scanning. In other areas, you may be able to get away with less-expensive access cards.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY!
Prohibit food in the computer rooms. Provide a common area where people can eat without getting food on computer equipment.
Rockstar Games has confirmed that its controversial video game “Bully” will hit the shelves in October.
Critics are concerned about the game’s theme of violence in school; the central rols is 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins, who roams around a boarding school defending himself with baseball bats and marbles from school bullies.
One school board in Florida asked retailers not to sell the game to minors, and required schools to warn parents about the potentially damaging effects that violent video game-playing poses.
Criticism of the game has been circulating for months despite the fact that game has not been released or properly previewed.
“Finally ‘Bully’ can speak for itself”, said Rockstar spokesman Rodney Walker.
“People can look at the game and see what it is and what it’s not.”
"Sprint Nextel’s Chief Operating Officer Len Lauer announced this morning in an investors meeting that Sprint Nextel will be the second US carrier to offer the Motorola Q smartphone, starting in the fourth quarter of 2006. Sprint Nextel will also be offering Motorola's SLVR phone. Pricing and exact dates have yet to be released. If Verizon Wireless indeed has a 6 month exclusive to provide the Motorola Q, then Sprint could technically launch the Motorola Q on December 1, 2006. Stay tuned to Qusers.com for the latest updates on the Sprint Motorola Q release."
This is some of the most awesome news that I've heard in a while. I have lots of friends who own Q's and they say it's one of the most worthwhile Windows OS phones out there. And it's sooooooooo sexy!! Can't wait.
Over the years blog spam has been horrendous for me because of I guess my looks and blog personality. Anyways, I found this really useful video on how to use Akismet to keep nasty spammers away from your comments. It DOES cost money but not much and it's worth it believe me! So if you've ever had problems with comment spam then check out Akismet and get rid of it today!
Text messaging has become so pervasive -- some say invasive -- that the NCAA is considering rule proposals that would either abolish or limit it, according to the INDIANAPOLIS STAR.
Read full article
View Comments (0)