Gadgets Archive

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The Converge Rest and Recharge by Quirky

By
kduffy
– May 18, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Innovation, Tech

Alright, we’ve seen a ton of devices that let you power multiple USB hookups, and they are all pretty convenient. But never have we seen anything as good-looking as the Converge Rest and Recharge by Quirky—one that we can finally picture sitting on our desk without looking out of place.

As your devices sit on the Converge and charge up, it won’t take up too much room, as it measures about 12.2” long and 4” high. It includes 4 USB ports in the back, and then an attractive rest for your devices to sit without the mess of cords with the “Stash” cable management system. The devices will charge from an external power source ranging from 110v to 240v.

Looking at all of the devices Quirky offers, the manufacturer lives up to its eccentric name. Who knew there was actually a way to operate your touch screen device even while wearing wool gloves, or a really super easy way to groom your broom?

(via ubergizmo; photo Gadgeteer)

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Intelligent Tires Might Handle Changing Weather Better than You

By
khoward
– April 24, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Innovation, Tech

These days, it’s not just the interiors of vehicles that are getting a “smart” upgrade:  Leipzig University researchers are developing an “intelligent” tire that recognizes and adapts to different terrain and weather conditions.

The tires will be equipped with electronic sensors that can distinguish between highways and dirt roads – as well as dry to snow-covered conditions, and everything in between.  Based on the sensor data, the “intelligent” tires would automatically raise or widen to accommodate conditions, even if the vehicle is on the move.

Beyond the basic concept, little is known about the design details of these clever tires, though it seems the development team still has quite a bit of work to do – and it will be even longer before the convenience of “intelligent” tires makes its way to a consumer-friendly price.  Still, if you’re as tired of the seasonal tire changes as you are spring cleaning, this tire technology advancement could be well worth the wait.

(Story and Image via Ubergizmo)

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Tangle-Free Listening with CordCrunchers

By
khoward
– April 20, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Tech

In the fight against tangled headphone cords, your options are generally limited to wrapping them around something (which still takes time) or going retractable (which can mean a sacrifice in sound quality).  Jay Johnson’s CordCruncher Headphones offer a third solution that combines the best of both tangle remedies – a retractable elastic sleeve that wraps around your headphone cord.

The CordCruncher comes with its own headphones built-in, which means you can’t use your own audio accessory – but you might not miss them thanks to the tangle-free convenience.  The blue, red, white, or black headphones adjust in length from 16 inches to 3.5 feet and are promised to come out of your bag or purse as tangle-free as they want in.

Though the CordCruncher Headphones have already reached their funding goal via Kickstarter, you can still put in your order ($20 for a single CordCruncher).  Additional pledges will now go toward future CordCruncher innovations, including built-in microphone headphones and new CordCruncher colors.

(Story and Image via DigitalTrends)

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IKEA Branches Out into Tech-Integrated Furniture

By
khoward
– April 17, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Innovation, News, Tech

Even an IKEA home (or an IKEA neighborhood) wouldn’t be complete without an HDTV – why not an all-in-one HDTV entertainment system?  The Uppleva entertainment system puts a smart TV and more right into the simple yet attractive home-theater furniture IKEA is more commonly known for.

Debuting in select Stockholm, Milan, Paris, Gdansk, and Berlin stores this June, the base Uppleva unit will include a 1080p LED TV, Blu-ray player, and a 2.1 virtual sound system.  Customizations will include TV size (26” to 46”), cabinet size, and color of the TV frame.  IKEA’s integrated furniture-and-electronics system doesn’t have a U.S. release date yet, but prices will reportedly start around $950 for the basic unit.

(Via CNET; Image via TechCrunch)

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Giving E-Waste a New Life

By
khoward
– April 16, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Innovation, Tech

Your old computer keyboard gets a second chance as a piano.  That old TV monitor sees new life as a mini computer.  These are more are the vision of ThinkerToys, a project that hopes to turn old electronics from e-waste to educational resources for children.  The project was inspired by a trip to Cambodia where designer Dhairya Dand saw the country’s landfill problem – and the children working in the landfills.

ThinkerToys uses abandoned TVs, computer monitors, and keyboards along with Arduino to create new gadgets that inspire learning and creativity – in everything from reading to music to math.  Prototype devices include the Keyano, a keyboard with keys musically mapped to notes, and Random Math, a small LED screen that provides simple math questions and puzzles.

Dand’s plans of ThinkerToys are just as big as the piles of gadgets discarded every day.  His open source vision for ThinkerToys would let everyone everywhere contribute and access plans for ThinkerToy devices – as he states “fun should not have a price.”

(Story and Image via Dvice)

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Japan’s Cardless ATMs

By
khoward
– April 12, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Tech

Some bank customers in Japan will no longer need to bring their credit cards to the ATM to make a withdraw – the Ogaki Kyoritsu bank is planning to use new biometric ATMs.  The first machines that don’t require cards at all, these ATMs will use a hand scan along with a birthdate and pin to authenticate customers.

The card-less system would allow customers to access their accounts in emergencies (like the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, during which many lost both credit cards and ID).  In order to use Ogaki Kyoritsu’s biometric ATMs, customers will need to register their biometric data with their branch of the bank.  Along with being able access their accounts with a scan of their hand, they will have one less piece of plastic to worry about.

(Via Dvice; Image credit DucDigital)

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Google Augmented Reality Glasses Being Tested

By
khoward
– April 4, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Google, News, Tech

According to rumors back in February, Google was preparing to release augmented reality-powered glasses some time this year.  Now we have an actual view of the glasses –and through them – as Google has finally released information on “Project Glass.”  The voice-activated glasses can make voice and video calls, “check in” to places, share photos, and offer real-time information like weather and appointments.

Project Glass is still in development, but Google is hoping the promotional images and video will stir up some enthusiasm for the technology – as well as spark ideas for new applications the company can incorporate into the final version.  There’s no official release date for Project Glass yet, though it sounds like that day may be farther away than previously expected.   You can view the concept video for Project Glass here.

(Image and Story via Engadget)

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For Extremely Precise Recipes – or Science

By
khoward
– April 2, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, News, Tech

There are several schools of thought when it comes to cooking – while some take a very liberal approach of ingredient measurements, others prefer more exacting methods.  Thanks to the Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology, measurements can now be even more precise with a new subatomic weight scale that measures masses as tiny as a yoctogram, which is even smaller than a proton.

The scale uses nanotubes, which vibrate at different frequencies based on the mass of the particles they are measuring.  And while not necessarily practical for the average kitchen, the subatomic weight scales have applications in medical and chemical science, particularly for disease markers that can only be identified at the proton scale.

(Via i09; Image via Engadget)

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E-Textile Uniforms to Replace Batteries for British Military

By
khoward
– April 2, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Innovation, Tech

While clothes and tech both receive regular updates, an upgrade to British military uniforms involves both, turning the fabric into a power source that can take the place of inconvenient batteries.  The uniforms were designed by Intelligent Textiles, and feature e-textiles that make use of built-in conductive yarn.

The company plans to field-test the uniforms in May, with plans for limited use by the end of the year – and more widespread integration over the next two years.  Besides providing a power source to replace batteries and cables, which can be unreliable and add weight, the e-textile uniform could be turned into a wearable computer.  Intelligent Textiles is already at work on a machine that integrates into the clothes and comes complete with a fabric keyboard.

(Story and Image via BBC)

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Solar Power Gets 3D Update

By
khoward
– March 28, 2012Posted in: Gadgets, Innovation

If your solar panels are flat, you might be doing solar power the wrong way.  An M.I.T. research team discovered that three dimensional photovoltaic cells (3D solar cells) can provide up to 20 times more energy of flat panels with the same base area.

Based on the findings, published in the journal Energy and Environment Science, that jump in capacity is due to more efficient collection of sunlight in overcast conditions as well as morning and evening hours.  For now, high costs will keep 3D solar panels restricted to the realm of research – but the innovative design should make solar energy a more reliable and efficient power source.

(Story and Image via Engadget)

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