Lumalive LED Textile To Herald New Era Of Advertorial Annoyance August 28, 2006
By David Ponce
It’s sad to think that what could be a promising new technology is shaping up to be yet another way to spam us some more. Philips’ Research Lumalive technology is a new type of textile that incorporates
flexible arrays of colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fully integrated into the fabric - without compromising the softness or flexibility of the cloth. These light emitting textiles make it possible to create materials that can carry dynamic messages, graphics or multicolored surfaces.
Unfortunately, the people seemingly most interested in making use of this new technology are advertising companies looking for new, “high-impact” media.
And it seems we’ll soon find out if Philips’ Research’s Lumalive will be ushering a new wave of tacky, wearable eyesores, as the fabric is now ready for production and the company is looking for production partners.
[Lumalive] VIA [FreshTechnology]
John Hopkins U. Students Develop Low Cost Handheld Braille Writer
By David Ponce
It’s not easy being blind. Especially when you’re trying to, say, send a letter. Typical Braille typewriters are pretty expensive, though of course, there’ also computers. But both of these are a lot more expensive than the $10 prototype handheld Braille writer device developed by a team of undergraduate students from John Hopkins University. As you can see from the picture, the device consists of a handheld puncher and a plastic guide. The writer depresses the appropriate combination of buttons and the related pins extend to create an indentation on the paper when pressed against it. Because the buttons are close together, one finger can depress more than one, thus making it unnecessary for you to have six-fingered hands.
The students estimate that if it were to be mass produced, the unit could easily retail for as little as $10.
[Low Cost Handheld Braille Writer]
Volkner Mobile RV With Garage
By Andrew Liszewski
If buying an RV of this caliber is well within your financial means then odds are you don’t want to be hauling some low-price, tow-friendly family sedan for taking day trips while on your vacation.
That’s why German RV maker Volkner Mobile is showing off their latest innovation at the International Caravan Fair in Dusseldorf. The motorcoach is the first of its kind to include an actual garage (in a manner of speaking) situated between the front and rear axles. The RV can accomodate lower style cars up to five meters in length like a BMW Z4 or a Mercedes-Benz SLK. Just pull your ride onto the slideout platform and it will automatically be pulled into the RV’s belly. Just make sure to get out of the car first.
There is currently no pricing info on the RV at this time but odds are it falls into the ‘if you have to ask…’ category.
[Volkner Mobile RV With Garage (in German)] VIA [Autoblog]
Wind-Up Robot Pencil Sharpener
By Andrew Liszewski
While this pencil sharpener doesn’t really improve on the design or function of sharpeners in general it does provide a fun pay-off to the whole process.
The turning motion of sharpening a pencil is used to wind-up a clockwork mechanism causing this classic sci-fi themed robot to wander around your desk for a few seconds. And if you find yourself completely out of pencils the robot also comes with a winding key to keep it going.
Get your own Wind-up Robot pencil sharpener at Hawkin’s Bazar for £3.50.
[Wind-Up Robot Pencil Sharpener @ Hawkin’s Bazar]
Treo 750wx Hi-Res photos appear August 26, 2006
Well that didnt take long but apparently we were floated a link showing us new hi-res photos of the new Treo 750wx. I haven\’t ever heard of this website before so it seems like it is just a placeholder for the pictures either way we will tease you with one but go check them out.
Click here to advertise on thousands of blogs including mineASUS Introduces R2H Ultra-Mobile PC for the N…
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. a leading provider of high-performance notebook computers, yesterday unveiled the latest R2H Ultra-Mobile PC. With built-in high-resolution webcam, incorporated global positioning system (GPS) and biometric fingerprint authentication, the 7-inch ultra compact R2H is designed to fulfill the increasing need for an all-in-one mobile device that enables professionals to stay connected, productive and secured on the go.
Click here to advertise on thousands of blogs including mineToshiba Model 1089 or Zune? August 25, 2006
What we are referencing is some new FCC documents showing want looks identical to Zune but is going under the name Toshiba Model 1089. Either way this unit will have 802.11 and apparently will let you see what your pals are playing.
Click here to advertise on thousands of blogs including mineSprint releases EVDO Rev A Card
Looks like the crew at EVDO forums is stating the new Sprint EVDO Rev A card is available now and is shipping. The EVDO Rev A card is backwards compatible with the existing EVDO Rev 0 network and you will NOT get faster speeds. However, when Sprint starts implementing the EVDO Rev A Network, your card will be ready for faster speeds (no need to buy a new card).
Click here to advertise on thousands of blogs including mine“Giant Knife Version 1.0″ From Wenger
By David Ponce
One day, the good folk at Wenger (makers of the Swiss Army Knife) got together and got drunk. In their drunken stupor, somone’s joke magically turned into a good idea: “Hey, wouldn’t it be funny if we made a new knife with ALL the tools we’ve ever put on a knife??”
Well, yeah, it’s funny, and it looks like what you see on that picture. It’s called “Giant Knife Version 1.0″, and includes 85 tools. It weighs 2 pounds, 11 ounces and measures 8.75 inches. Some of the tools include a cigar cutter, a bicycle chain rivet setter and a golf divot repair tool. Oh, and tweezers and a toothpick.
Now, don’t expect to find this baby at any retail store. You have to call the company at 800-431-2996 to order your own knife. And expect your credit card to be dinged a cool $1,200.
[Outdoorlife Article] VIA [Every darn gadget blog]
KVH To Release TracVision A7, In-Car DirecTV System
By David Ponce
It’s not the first satellite dish for the car we’ve come across. The TracVision A7, from KVH is however the latest to hit the market, and happens to give you access to up to 185 DirecTV channels. Whether you’re in the deep woods, camping, or tearing down the highway at 100 mph a reasonable speed, the device will keep your loved ones glued to the TV set. Just like at home.
And if you get tired of the fine DirecTV programming, you also have access to local stations. The unit itself is five inches high, thus keeping a relatively low profile.
There’s no word on price, though it is available now at retailers nationwide. Previous models (like the A5) have sold in the four digits, with the first digit being a 3. Chances are, this isn’t far off.
[KVH TracVision A7 Press Release]
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