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Sunday, August 5, 2012

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NEV deal to buy Saab delayed

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 02:36 PM PDT

NEV deal to buy Saab delayed


NEV deal to buy Saab delayed
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Saab Remember a month and a half ago when we told you that Saab will "soldier on?" Well, we should have written "stand at attention." According to SaabsUnited, the deal for National Electric Vehicle Sweden to buy the remaining Saab assets didn't close on schedule. In fact, it's been delayed by "a month, perhaps more." NEVS also seems to have indicated that it's not going to be answering any more questions about the deal until it's completed. NEVS is supposedly planning on building electric cars based on the design that would have been the next-generation 9-3. The company itself is a partnership between a Chinese energy company and a Japanese investment group.NEV deal to buy Saab delayed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Switched On: Shedding Dead Skins

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 02:36 PM PDT

Switched On: Shedding Dead Skins


Switched On: Shedding Dead Skins
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. Apple and Nokia don't seem to have much in common these days apart from participating in the global smartphone market. While the former may not have the broadest product line, it's riding high in the PC, tablet and TV accessory market, whereas the latter is fighting to make a comeback in the handset market it once dominated. But while their rationales might be different, both companies are providing more value to their users by focusing on differentiation via software and services rather than trying to make over user interfaces.Continue reading Switched On: Shedding Dead SkinsFiled under: Cellphones, SoftwareSwitched On: Shedding Dead Skins originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

eBay Now to offer same-day shipping from local stores, launching iOS beta in San...

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 02:05 PM PDT

eBay Now to offer same-day shipping from local stores, launching iOS beta in San Francisco


eBay Now to offer same-day shipping from local stores, launching iOS beta in San Francisco
Need something today, but can't bother yourself with a trip to the store? Apparently, there's going to be an app for that -- at least in San Francisco. Local eBay users have started receiving beta invites for eBay Now, an iOS app that will allow shoppers to pick up items from local stores without leaving the house. eBay is offering beta users $15 off of their first order and free same-day delivery for their first three. Orders will come with a $5 delivery charge once the freebies are used up, forcing users to weigh the value of their time against the frustrations of local parking. The service is only available in San Francisco at the moment, but feel free to hit up the source link below to toss your name in the Beta raffle bucket anyway.Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, InterneteBay Now to offer same-day shipping from local stores, launching iOS beta in San Francisco originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 16:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Techcrunch | eBay | Email this | Comments

Army seeking proposals for casualty-carrying UAVs

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 11:44 AM PDT

Army seeking proposals for casualty-carrying UAVs


Army seeking proposals for casualty-carrying UAVs
Combat is a grizzly business, and despite the best efforts of medical evacuation crews, it's not always feasible to send rescue teams into the fray. The US Army is seeking to address this with "autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)" (read: drones) for dropping off medical supplies and picking up injured troops. In its latest request for research and development proposals, the Army calls not for new tools, but for the repurposing of current aircraft to do the job. Preferred candidates in the already unmanned class include the A160 Hummingbird and the K-MAX, while one of the suggestions for remote-control modification is the infamous Black Hawk. Makes the AR.Drone seem a little wimpy, doesn't it?Filed under: Robots, TransportationArmy seeking proposals for casualty-carrying UAVs originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Wired | US Army | Email this | Comments

Ford, GE and University of Michigan team on sensor to track EV battery life, kee...

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 10:32 AM PDT

Ford, GE and University of Michigan team on sensor to track EV battery life, keep us on the road


Ford, GE and University of Michigan team on sensor to track EV battery life, keep us on the road
Believe it or not, EV battery life is still something of a Pandora's Box, even for automakers: they can tell you the battery pack's current and voltage, but not how it's really performing under pressure. Ford, GE and the University of Michigan are uniting to unlock that mystery through a new ARPA-E project. In its role, GE is developing a minuscule sensor array that will track the nuances of battery cells that existing technology misses; it will promptly hand the baton to researchers at the University of Michigan, who plan to both prove that GE's data is on the mark as well as develop tricks for predicting behavior. Ford handles the last mile, almost literally: it's planning to fit the GE sensor technology to one of its cars and test in a more realistic environment. Before you fantasize about knowing the lifespan of your Focus Electric's battery down to the minute, however, the new alliance is stressing that it's only just getting started -- there's another three years and $3.1 million to go before the project wraps up. If all goes according to plan, though, we'll have electric cars and plug-in hybrids that can not only tell when they've seen better days but can eke out extra miles through smarter battery designs.Continue reading Ford, GE and University of Michigan team on sensor to track EV battery life, keep us on the roadFiled under: TransportationFord, GE and University of Michigan team on sensor to track EV battery life, keep us on the road originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

5 Tips for the final walk through

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 08:40 AM PDT

5 Tips for the final walk through


5 Tips for the final walk through
You've gotten your inspections done, your loan is being finalized and an escrow closing date has been set. Great. But you're not quite finished yet. Your next step is a final walk-through, arranged through your real estate agent, at least a week before closing.

Google updates PageSpeed Service so you don't waste precious seconds waiting for...

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 08:40 AM PDT

Google updates PageSpeed Service so you don't waste precious seconds waiting for pages to load


Google updates PageSpeed Service so you don't waste precious seconds waiting for pages to load
Last year, Google launched its PageSpeed Service, aiming to improve our experience across the web while reportedly deferring its own financial interests. The concept was sound -- similar services like Akamai work to accelerate web browsing by caching pages in much the same way -- but there's always room for improvement. The latest PageSpeed beta uses some straightforward techniques to improve performance even further, using a new rewriter called "Cache and Prioritize Visible Content." Using this new tool, your browser will load content that appears "above the fold" before fetching text and photos that would be initially hidden on the page, while also prioritizing other content ahead of Javascript, which often isn't needed as quickly as more basic elements. Finally, for pages that contain HTML that isn't cacheable, such as when personalized info is returned, standard portions of the site are cached and displayed immediately, while other content loads normally. The new tool isn't a perfect fit for every webpage, but we'll take a boost wherever we can get it.Filed under: InternetGoogle updates PageSpeed Service so you don't waste precious seconds waiting for pages to load originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | PageSpeed, Google Developers Blog | Email this | Comments

Robopsy is a low-cost, disposable patient-mounted medical robot

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 08:40 AM PDT

Robopsy is a low-cost, disposable patient-mounted medical robot


Robopsy is a low-cost, disposable patient-mounted medical robot
In a less gelatin-centric demo, the Harvard-based team behind the Robotically Steerable Probe showed of some Robopsy devices during our visit to the school, rings that can help medical imaging technology like CT, ultrasound and MR physically pinpoint precise locations on patients. The devices, which can hold up to ten needles, are lightweight, mounting directly on patients via adhesives or straps. The medical robots are made largely of inexpensive injection molded plastic parts, making them disposable after they've been used on a patient, popping the motors and other control electronics onto another device. In all, the team says Robopsy rings are "orders of magnitude" cheaper and lighter than other medical robotic devices. Check out a video of the one of the Robopsy devices running after the break.Gallery: Robopsy is a low-cost, disposable patient-mounted medical robotContinue reading Robopsy is a low-cost, disposable patient-mounted medical robotFiled under: RobotsRobopsy is a low-cost, disposable patient-mounted medical robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Robopsy | Email this | Comments

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 30-foot 'Buckyball', Olympic stadium Lego replica and...

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 07:06 AM PDT

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 30-foot 'Buckyball', Olympic stadium Lego replica and the 'Mantabot'


Inhabitat's Week in Green: 30-foot 'Buckyball', Olympic stadium Lego replica and the 'Mantabot'
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. Building a robot that can stand and walk on two legs like a human is challenging enough -- but what about a robot that swims like a human? A team from Tokyo University of Technology has created the Swumanoid, a swimming robot that's based on the physique of a human swimmer and can swim a variety of strokes. But why should a swimming robot have to look like a person? Most fish swim much faster, more gracefully and more efficiently than humans. That's why scientists from the University of Virginia are developing the Mantabot, a robot that looks and swims like a ray.Continue reading Inhabitat's Week in Green: 30-foot 'Buckyball', Olympic stadium Lego replica and the 'Mantabot'Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Robots, ScienceInhabitat's Week in Green: 30-foot 'Buckyball', Olympic stadium Lego replica and the 'Mantabot' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Mission R ride reveals why electric motorcycles rock

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 06:34 AM PDT

Mission R ride reveals why electric motorcycles rock


Mission R ride reveals why electric motorcycles rock
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA, Racing We've been smitten with the Mission R electric motorcycle from Mission Motors since it was first revealed at the tail end of 2010. It looks beautiful, both stripped down naked or dressed up just enough to be street legal. Now living in something of an active retirement after handily winning the only road race it ever entered, the bike has recently found its way into the hands of a select few journalists, where it continues to make big impressions. The latest example of such a scribe is Jensen Beeler over at Asphalt & Rubber. Though not philosophically opposed to electric motorcycles, he hasn't exactly been impressed by what's commercially available at this point in time. Given the chance to take the Mission R on an extended ride through town and country that included a climb to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais, it seems he's now beginning to understand the potential benefits of an electric drivetrain. Indeed, after his experience he wrote, "...the connection between rider and machine is surprisingly more entrenched on the Mission R than any other motorcycle I have ridden." You see, besides offering obvious noise and air pollution reductions, the battery-powered bike also does away with something else: rotating mass. The lack of internal parts moving about makes this machine feel a lot lighter and maneuverable - flickable, even - than its 550-lb weight might suggest. In conjunction with its superb chassis and the power to easily lift the front wheel at 70 miles per hour, the Mission R deftly illustrates how electric bikes can offer a superior experience than their gas-sucking counterparts. Check out Beeler's lengthy ride review here (along with some great pictures). If that's not enough journalistic praise for one sitting, you can also read Alan Cathcart's similarly positive piece over at Cycle News. Pressed for time? Scroll below and watch the Mission R set a NEDRA quarter-mile record on the drag strip with a speedy 10.602 second pass.Continue reading Mission R ride reveals why electric motorcycles rockMission R ride reveals why electric motorcycles rock originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Visualized: LG's Optimus L7, 4X HD, Vu and 3D Max pose for family album

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 06:34 AM PDT

Visualized: LG's Optimus L7, 4X HD, Vu and 3D Max pose for family album


Visualized: LG's Optimus L7, 4X HD, Vu and 3D Max pose for family album
A few weeks ago we had the chance to line up some of LG's current handsets -- the Optimus L7, Optimus 4X HD, Optimus Vu and Optimus 3D Max -- for a little photo shoot. While we only had access the the 3D Max for a short time, we ended up reviewing the other three. There's a bit a of something for everyone here -- some Ice Cream Sandwich and some Gingerbread, some mid-range hardware and some hi-end style, some phablet and some 3D. Check out the pr0n family album in the gallery below.Gallery: LG Optimus familyFiled under: Cellphones, Tablet PCsVisualized: LG's Optimus L7, 4X HD, Vu and 3D Max pose for family album originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Scientists create first quantum router, but don't throw your 802.11ac out yet

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 05:56 AM PDT

Scientists create first quantum router, but don't throw your 802.11ac out yet


Scientists create first quantum router, but don't throw your 802.11ac out yet
A common vision of the future has us with our feet up, while robots do all the work. Another one sees the end of silicon, with quantum computers doing all the heavy lifting. That second prophecy inches just a smidgen closer with the news of the world's first quantum router. Developed at Tsinghau University in China, the router makes a quantum photon from two separate photons in different polarized states. At this point, things start to get a little, well, mind-bending, as they are wont to do in the quantum world. The net result, however, is one qubit of data being "routed" at a time. While this won't be powering any serious networks anytime soon, the all important proof of concept is there, and we imagine, in a parallel universe simultaneously.Filed under: ScienceScientists create first quantum router, but don't throw your 802.11ac out yet originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 08:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gizmodo | arXiv (pdf) | Email this | Comments

DARPA calls on Cubic Corporation to develop frighteningly accurate One Shot XG s...

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 04:13 AM PDT

DARPA calls on Cubic Corporation to develop frighteningly accurate One Shot XG sniper rifle


DARPA calls on Cubic Corporation to develop frighteningly accurate One Shot XG sniper rifle
Sighting in a target through the scope of a high-caliber rifle can be a bit more complicated then it sounds -- snipers have to account for cross-winds, range and a whole host of external factors that could put their projectile off course. It isn't easy, and the required calculations can seriously slow down a shooter's time to trigger. The solution? High tech laser-equipped sniper scopes, of course. DARPA has actually been working on this problem for quite some time, and calls its' project One Shot. Previous iterations of the targeting system helped shooters increase their chance of hitting their mark by a factor of four, but suffered from short battery life, range finder accuracy errors and overheating problems. DARPA is putting its faith into Cubic Corporation to overcome these faults, awarding the firm with a $6 million contract to develop a "compact observation, measurement and ballistic calculation system" that it calls the One Shot XG. Like its predecessors, the XG is designed to give the shooter a offset aim point to counteract the environmental conditions that would impact bullet trajectory. DARPA is hoping to see ten weapon or scope-mountable field devices within 15 months. Consider this fair warning, Segway bots.Filed under: Misc. GadgetsDARPA calls on Cubic Corporation to develop frighteningly accurate One Shot XG sniper rifle originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 06:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wired | Email this | Comments

Furby pre-orders start at Walmart, threaten your wallet with nostalgia

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 03:03 AM PDT

Furby pre-orders start at Walmart, threaten your wallet with nostalgia


Furby pre-orders start at Walmart, threaten your wallet with nostalgia
Overwhelmed with nostalgia for a childish pseudo-creature with a glaringly absent off switch? Sounds like you're looking for a Furby. No, not the old, mangy monster whose batteries died in your toy cabinet all those years ago, we're talking about a new animatronic animal -- one kitted out with capacitive touch sensors, glowing LCD eyeballs and even a companion iOS app. Six colorful variations of the chatty creature are now available for pre-order at Walmart, each commanding a $54 price tag. Not sure if this is the simulated pet you're looking for? Check out our hands-on and see just how much Furbish you can take.Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, RobotsFurby pre-orders start at Walmart, threaten your wallet with nostalgia originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 05:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Walmart | Email this | Comments

Sports drinks: the myths busted

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 02:28 AM PDT

Sports drinks: the myths busted


Sports drinks: the myths busted
Olympians need their powered to get through workouts, but do you?

New EU legislation requires cars to include autonymous braking system

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 01:52 AM PDT

New EU legislation requires cars to include autonymous braking system


New EU legislation requires cars to include autonymous braking system
While we're still a long way from living the fully autonomous car dream, baby steps are being taken. The EU evidently shares this dream, and has passed regulations that will require new cars to have emergency self-braking systems (known as autonomous emergency braking, or AEB) if they want to achieve a five-star safety rating. The systems can use radar, laser or video to detect when obstructions or pedestrians are present, and a recent study suggests that the technology reduces accidents by up to 27 percent. Commercial vehicles will have to sport the systems from November next year, and everything else from 2014. Safety aside, we're thinking that anything that can help prevent rear-ending our new ride, is definitely a welcome addition.Filed under: TransportationNew EU legislation requires cars to include autonymous braking system originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 04:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Wired | | Email this | Comments

Researchers create record-breaking solar cell, set bar marginally higher

Posted: 05 Aug 2012 01:18 AM PDT

Researchers create record-breaking solar cell, set bar marginally higher


Researchers create record-breaking solar cell, set bar marginally higher
Solar cell development is typically a small numbers game, and a group of researchers at the University of Toronto have managed to eke out a few more percentage points in efficiency with a new record-breaking cell. Setting a high mark for this type of cell, the team's Colloidal Quantum Dot (CQD) film harvests both visible and non-visible light at seven percent efficiency, a 37 percent increase over the previous record. The breakthrough was achieved by leveraging organic and inorganic chemistry to make sure it had fewer nooks and crannies that don't absorb light. With the advantages of relatively speedy and cheap manufacturing, the technology could help lead the way for mass production of solar cells on flexible substrates. In the meantime, check out the source for the scientific lowdown.Filed under: ScienceResearchers create record-breaking solar cell, set bar marginally higher originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 03:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink IEEE Spectrum | University of Toronto | Email this | Comments

Visualized: Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine erupts in a web of lightning

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 11:27 PM PDT

Visualized: Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine erupts in a web of lightning


Visualized: Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine erupts in a web of lightning
Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine sounds like it belongs in a James Bond movie more than it does an Alberquerque research facility. Based on what it can do, that's not as far-fetched as it seems. What you see isn't the handiwork of some electric spider -- it's what you witness in the immediate fraction of a second after the Z's electromagnetic pulse kicks in and forks of lightning burst across the 108-foot distance inside. The pulse in question is key to Sandia's studies of fusion and the effect of very intense magnetic pressures on materials that normally refuse to change states. Even in 2006, the Z was putting out pressure more than 10 million times that of the atmosphere, and it successfully melted diamond at roughly half that strength. It goes without saying that we don't want to be anywhere near this kind of energy when scientists flick the switch, but we're glad to see that something so pretty and deadly can help us understand physics. [Image credit: Randy Montoya, Sandia National Laboratories]Filed under: ScienceVisualized: Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine erupts in a web of lightning originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | New Scientist | Email this | Comments

How would you change the Motorola Droid 4?

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 10:47 PM PDT

How would you change the Motorola Droid 4?


How would you change the Motorola Droid 4?
Verizon's first Android flagship reveled in its brutal design and geeky touches, but times have changed. The Motorola Droid 4 has shed the neckbeard, put on a suit and is now aimed at the niche enterprise set. When we reviewed it, we wondered if times hadn't changed, with the Nexus phones usurped the Droids at the pinnacle of the Android ecosystem. The phone itself isn't bad, apart from that weak PenTile display, but does it really need to exist nowadays? Share your thoughts and feelings about how you could improve it in the comments below.Filed under: CellphonesHow would you change the Motorola Droid 4? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 01:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Leaked Rogers memo details its BlackBerry Playbook 4G LTE pricing options

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 09:33 PM PDT

Leaked Rogers memo details its BlackBerry Playbook 4G LTE pricing options


Leaked Rogers memo details its BlackBerry Playbook 4G LTE pricing options
For a few days now, folks in the Great White North tied to Telus and Bell have known how much coin they'll have to layout for a BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE when it launches on the 9th. Thanks to leaked memo from Rogers, obtained by MobileSyrup, we now know what the carrier will be charging as well. $550 nets Canadians the slate free of any commitments, while one- and two-year contracts drop that price by $50 and $100 respectively. If you're brave enough to partner up with the OS 2.0.1-loaded, 1.5Ghz slate for three years, it can be yours for a more wallet-friendly $350. Hey, it's not like BB10 is exactly right around the corner.Filed under: Tablet PCsLeaked Rogers memo details its BlackBerry Playbook 4G LTE pricing options originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 00:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink BGR | MobileSyrup | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best external Blu-Ray drive?

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 08:24 PM PDT

Ask Engadget: best external Blu-Ray drive?


Ask Engadget: best external Blu-Ray drive?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Dominic, who's moving into the world of drive-less laptops but can't let go of his Blu-Ray discs. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi guys, I'm about to purchase a laptop without a disc drive and I'd like to get a portable Blu-Ray drive to go with it. Do any of you know of any USB bus-powered units that are small(ish) and cool-looking? Thanks!" Well, if you're looking for a truly stylish piece of hardware, then we suggest taking a look at ASUS' art-deco inspired offerings, but beyond that? Let's turn it over to you, the friendly Engadget community -- come share your knowledge.Filed under: LaptopsAsk Engadget: best external Blu-Ray drive? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 23:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

LaCie reveals new Mac-friendly USB 3.0 external drives

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 07:38 PM PDT

LaCie reveals new Mac-friendly USB 3.0 external drives


LaCie reveals new Mac-friendly USB 3.0 external drives
Lacie's just announced its next generation USB 3.0 drives meant to take advantage of the new Ivy Bridge internals of the latest MacBooks. The fresh Rugged Triple, Porsche Design P'9223 and P'9233, and RuggedKey models all use USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UAS) for maximum data transfer speeds to and from machines running Lion or Mountain Lion. If you're looking to pick one of these slick storage devices, they'll be available in Apple stores and on LaCie's website this summer.Continue reading LaCie reveals new Mac-friendly USB 3.0 external drivesFiled under: StorageLaCie reveals new Mac-friendly USB 3.0 external drives originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 22:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of July 30th, 2012

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 06:21 PM PDT

Mobile Miscellany: week of July 30th, 2012


Mobile Miscellany: week of July 30th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, the Galaxy Nexus for Sprint and Verizon Wireless each became available for free, while in the MVNO world, Simple Mobile dropped the price of its high-speed unlimited smartphone plan to $50. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of July 30th, 2012.Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of July 30th, 2012Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessMobile Miscellany: week of July 30th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

TakkTile turns digital barometers into open-source robot touch sensors

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 05:12 PM PDT

TakkTile turns digital barometers into open-source robot touch sensors


TakkTile turns digital barometers into open-source robot touch sensors
Freescale Semiconductor's MPL115A2 is a tiny thing that will sit quite comfortably on the tip of your finger. It's hard not to marvel at the engineering that went into the creation of something so small, yet so sensitive. The little metal square is minute enough to be plunked into a cell phone, offering up location pinpointing technologies that supplement GPS, gauging positions based on changes in atmospheric pressure. Harvard's Biorobotics team was clearly impressed when it discovered the technology, devising a fascinating implementation that extends beyond the walls of the cell phone. The sensors would go on to form the core of the department's TakkTile open-source boards capable of bringing sensitive touch sensing to robot hands. The I2C bus / USB-compatible boards incorporate several of the sensors, with the whole thing covered in 6mm of rubber, to help protect them. The rubber lends some durability to the TakkTile -- in fact, if you click on after the break, you can see footage of the team placing a 25 pound dumbbell on the board and banging it with a hammer (which seems to be a fairly popular activity over there). Even with that extra layer, the TakkTile is still quite sensitive -- as evidenced by the five gram weight in the video. In fact, it's even possible to get it to detect a pulse by placing it against your wrist, though the team was unable to recreate that during our visit. Also compelling is the price -- bought in bulk, the tiny barometers will run you $1 a piece, making the tactile array relatively inexpensive to assemble. Once you buy one, you can also get the most bang for your buck by snapping off the rows for individual use, a possibility given the symmetry of the design. Or you can just make one yourself, as the department has opted to open-source the technology, to help make it even more readily accessible to interested parties.Gallery: Tactile Array turns digital barometers into open-source robot touch senorsContinue reading TakkTile turns digital barometers into open-source robot touch sensorsFiled under: RobotsTakkTile turns digital barometers into open-source robot touch sensors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 19:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Takktile | Email this | Comments

Fly Or Die: iCases!

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 04:36 PM PDT

Fly Or Die: iCases!


Fly Or Die: iCases!
It's almost silly to own an iPad or iPhone without a case — they're such fragile devices. But not every case is a good one. In fact, we learned in this episode of Fly or Die that not every case even fits. We decided to look at TwelveSouth's BookBook iPhone case, Hard Candy's BubbleSlider iPhone case, and the Candy Convertible iPad case by Hard Candy. Only one stole our hearts and minds, and even it is a bit bulky.

Cranial Drilling Device puts a hole in skulls, not brains

Posted: 04 Aug 2012 03:46 PM PDT

Cranial Drilling Device puts a hole in skulls, not brains


Cranial Drilling Device puts a hole in skulls, not brains
If you told us on Monday that we'd be capping our week off by checking out an innovative cranial drill, we likely would have just stared at you funny. But here were are and here it is, a device referred to, quite straightforwardly, as the Cranial Drilling Device with Retracting Drill Bit After Skull Penetration. The drill was designed by a team of researchers at Harvard in order to address a major shortcoming with manual drills. Such devices require neurosurgical training in order to know precisely when to stop so as to not damage underlying brain tissue. In certain instances, such as emergency rooms and the backs of ambulances, medical practitioners may require a cranial drill in order to perform procedures such as the insertion of pressure monitors, with nary a neurosurgeon to be found. The Harvard team has concocted a drill that automatically retracts back into its protective casing, as soon as it's finished drilling through the skull, using a bi-stable mechanism that is active as the drill spins. After the break, team member Conor Walsh explains the technology is a manner that, thankfully, is not quite brain surgery.Continue reading Cranial Drilling Device puts a hole in skulls, not brainsCranial Drilling Device puts a hole in skulls, not brains originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments