Tony Sale’s 60-year-old Robot, George

by Mark R - on November 25th, 2010The guy on the left is Tony Sale, and he is the inventor of George, the guy on the right. George is a robot that is made from the aluminum and other scraps of a crashed bomber sixty years ago. Apparently, he has spent a large percentage of that time in a storage shed. However, he had his fifteen minutes of fame in and around 1950 as they showed him pushing a vacuum cleaner. In reality, he wasn’t able to push a vacuum cleaner, but he could pull it. I suppose that the photo was taken to show the world that the future was robots who do all of our housework. What wife in the fifties wouldn’t want one of those? George...

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These things on the road charge your car as you drive over them

by Mark R - on November 24th, 2010I think we all know that electric cars are probably the way of the future, but they really do need charging all the time. This would make trips longer, with more stops having to be made along the way. What if there is a way to charge your car as you are driving? This is what Halo IPT (Inductive Power Transfer) is planning. Think of it as one of those Powermat or Wildcharger things, except that nothing is really touching. As the driver goes along the road, energy is transferred to the vehicle so the tank is always “topped off” electronically speaking. Halo IPT wants to make a charging station that costs about...

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WowWee Fin Fin Friends – Better than a goldfish

by Julie - on November 24th, 2010Last year for Christmas my daughter got one of those little self contained fishtanks from her grandma, 2 tiny fish and a little water plant. She fed them 4 tiny pellets every three days exactly as directed. Guess what happened next? After only a month, Fluffy died leaving Max all by himself. After the funeral, I vowed never to put her (okay, me) through that again.WowWee has hit the mark yet again with a cute little toy perfect for avoiding these kinds of situations. The Fin Fin Play sets feature fishy friends that live in an aquatic environment, just send them down their slide and they swim about in real water.These...

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Huey the Color Copying Chameleon Lamp

by Mark R - on November 25th, 2010This is Huey the chameleon, and he is a lamp that has the power of changing colors. All a user has to do is place Huey on any surface, and he will emit a glow equal to that of the ground below him. There is a video of this after the jump to show Huey in action, and I was surprised at how quickly he can change color. I sure that even real chameleons don’t color shift as fast as this one does. I believe that Huey works by having multiple LEDs of different colors mixing together to form the precise color needed. That color will be whatever Huey detects on his optical sensor, located just below his belly. According...

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Dell Streak: Baby tablet or smartphone on steroids?Vishal Mathur, November 11, 2010, Dell Streak tablet review Well, it is pretty clear that the tablets are here, and are here to stay. Their arrival has been sudden and unexpected. Whether they hurt the high end smartphones, or even the netbooks, is something which time will tell. But the fact of the matter is- the tablets offer the complete smartphone on a bigger screen. Some people find it inconvenient, while others like the idea. But like it is with all things, there are the pros and the cons to the bigger screen. One positive which I can think straightaway is that losing a tablet may...

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Metropolis II: Art, Toy, or Both?

by Mark R - on November 26th, 2010Now that Thanksgiving is over, a lot of households are setting up a toy electric train track around a Christmas tree. Imagine if you had to set up something like this! This is the Metropolis II installation by Chris Burden, which is a huge track made up of 1,200 Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars zipping around and around. I have a video of it after the jump, but I don’t see any of the toy trains. I do see all the cars, which are put on some sort of weird conveyor with many twists and turns. You will note the two inclined planes in the middle that carries the cars slowly to the top like a roller coaster. I would imagine...

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The Auto Finder – Stop the wandering

by Julie - on November 26th, 2010I’ll never forget the time I lost my car. After an hour of searching, I came to the realization that it really was stolen and called the police, it took a phone call to my husband to be reminded that I had HIS car. Luckily the police saw the humor in the situation, so does my husband, over and over again.If only I had the Auto-Finder, a new safety product that uses a patented micro antenna system that is very different from GPS. The new Fynder™ platform can get you to your car much more easily because it doesnt require access to satellite signals and it doesnt even need you to enter your location each time you...

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Prime-8 Action Gorilla from I Love Robots

by Mark R - on November 26th, 2010I had a chance to try out the Prime-8 Action Gorilla toy from I Love Robots, and I can honestly say that I like this one. I’m not going to say love, as it is too strong of a word. I think I am a little too old to appreciate this toy, but adults will find it enjoyable. The Prime-8 is a toy robot that is shaped like a ball-shaped ape, and travels by way of arms on its sides. It can also stand up by means of retractable legs. The remote control for this guy has a lot more buttons than most remote control toys. Besides sending the Prime-8 in the right or left direction, the user can shoot plastic rockets thanks...

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Hands on with Denkosekka

by Mark R - on November 24th, 2010I have never been a fan of Yu-Gi-oh, Pokemon, or any of those games that have anime associations. I think that Denkosekka is supposed to be an imitation of those types of games, but it is by no means a cheap imitation. Denkosekka has a gameplay that I have never seen before, even though I have no idea what the backstory is. Denko-Sekka is a face-off style of game where two players must pick up collectible discs that are of a certain point value. That might sound simple, but the players have to use these Denko Catchers that are not simple for an adult like me to use. Denko Catchers are like yo-yos, except the...

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INSECT SHIELD TEAMS UP WITH TRAVELCHAIR – THE FIRST INSECT REPELLING CHAIR

by Julie - on November 25th, 2010Everyone loves a little bit of the outdoors. Whether you’re fishing in the Alaskan wilderness or just watching your kids play soccer, you are going to love this chair. Already the best selling travel chair in the industry, it is easily folded, light and extremely portable. It even comes with a built in cup holder for the frosty beverage of your choice.The thing I cant believe about this chair is why no one came up with this idea before, we have sprays, foggers, candles and lotions but until now, no one had an insect repellent that was actually embedded into the fabric. That’s...

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Here’s a DIY Laser-guided Slingshot

by Mark R - on November 25th, 2010The slingshot is one of those devices that hasn’t changed much since its invention however many years ago. Of course, leave it to DIY inventors to give something a technological upgrade to something that probably doesn’t need a technological upgrade. As you can see from the picture, this DIY guy has created a slingshot with a laser sight. Its construction looks relatively simple, and it has a special handle to store his pistachio ammo. Apparently, it does actually improve his accuracy, even though the laser sight is located on the side of the slingshot fork and not the center. I would have instinctively put...

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Hands on with Denkosekka

by Mark R - on November 24th, 2010I have never been a fan of Yu-Gi-oh, Pokemon, or any of those games that have anime associations. I think that Denkosekka is supposed to be an imitation of those types of games, but it is by no means a cheap imitation. Denkosekka has a gameplay that I have never seen before, even though I have no idea what the backstory is. Denko-Sekka is a face-off style of game where two players must pick up collectible discs that are of a certain point value. That might sound simple, but the players have to use these Denko Catchers that are not simple for an adult like me to use. Denko Catchers are like yo-yos, except the...

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iBoss – Keeps kids safe without all the yelling.

by Julie - on November 25th, 2010My daughter is only 7, she has her own computer but has yet to develop a cruising style. She goes to a few kid-friendly sites, plays some PC based games and has a limited e-mail account. She is not allowed on Facebook or MySpace and would have no idea what to do there without my help. But I am keenly aware that the need for some sort of internet security is fast approaching, and Mom the eagle eye just isn’t going to be enough.Enter the iBoss, an internet filtering device that allows you to control the on-line activities in your household with computer hardware, not an easily bypass-able software program. The...

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See Legos come to life with OASIS

by Mark R - on November 26th, 2010Okay, this is about the neatest thing that you will see on Black Friday. Intel has been working on a system called OASIS (Object Aware Situated Interaction System) that combines projections with Lego. This system uses cameras that can detect both objects and depth. As a result, it knows where the Lego toys are, and can even add a little bit of special effects with the practical application of some projectors. I have a video of this OASIS in action after the jump if you want to see how it works, and it is the coolest thing to happen to Lego since the Mindstorms NXT. You will note how the Lego dragon can breathe...

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The Loop Pointer – lets you lose your mouse

by Julie - on November 25th, 2010I love how technology lets you mess around with all your devices at the same time. I mean, I’m watching stuff from my computer on my TV. I am listening to my iPod and watching my family photos on the big screen. The technology is fun, entertaining and pretty easy, could anything make it better?Yup, I have just been introduced to The Loop, the freehand mouse that moves your cursor with natural motions made in the air. Simply point and click on the TV that’s connected to your PC or Mac. The Loop pointer’s intuitive design has a scroll wheel and four buttons.The Loop patented air-mouse has the ability to compensate...

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The Loop Pointer – lets you lose your mouse

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Hands on with the Plantronics Voyager PRO+

by Mark R - on November 23rd, 2010I’m getting to the point where I have reviewed many Bluetooth headsets on this blog, and for some reason, I’m always in the mood to try another. I got a chance to check out the Voyager PRO+ from Plantronics. As you can see, it has a very thick and curved back, which is apparently part of the stainless steel WindSmart screens that “block intrusive wind noise”. It also has a pivoting boom to capture the user’s voice and allows for wearing on either ear. You might think that the design would weigh on the user’s ear, but I was able to use it for hours without it feeling like it was even there. The sound was pretty...

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Portable USB Power Supply

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.View the original article h...

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Moshi Monsters – Online game meets cell phone accessory

by Julie - on November 25th, 2010We all went through the Webkins craze, cute little stuffed animals that lived in an online world where you took care of them and played games and things. Well, those little guys started it all, and its been going strong ever since.The newest kids, I mean monsters, on the block are the Moshi’s, they live in cyberspace and need you to take care of them. There are a lot of activities for your kids to participate in, playing games, socializing with friends, designing their rooms, entering contests, solving puzzles, tending to their garden and caring for their cute little Monster. All the games and puzzles become...

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Moshi Monsters – Online game meets cell phone accessory

by Julie - on November 25th, 2010We all went through the Webkins craze, cute little stuffed animals that lived in an online world where you took care of them and played games and things. Well, those little guys started it all, and its been going strong ever since.The newest kids, I mean monsters, on the block are the Moshi’s, they live in cyberspace and need you to take care of them. There are a lot of activities for your kids to participate in, playing games, socializing with friends, designing their rooms, entering contests, solving puzzles, tending to their garden and caring for their cute little Monster. All the games and puzzles become...

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These things on the road charge your car as you drive over them

by Mark R - on November 24th, 2010I think we all know that electric cars are probably the way of the future, but they really do need charging all the time. This would make trips longer, with more stops having to be made along the way. What if there is a way to charge your car as you are driving? This is what Halo IPT (Inductive Power Transfer) is planning. Think of it as one of those Powermat or Wildcharger things, except that nothing is really touching. As the driver goes along the road, energy is transferred to the vehicle so the tank is always “topped off” electronically speaking. Halo IPT wants to make a charging station that costs about...

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VUDU is now live on 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray players

by Edwin - on November 23rd, 2010Panasonic has fully embraced the world of full HD 3D technology since the beginning of the year, and the Japanese consumer electronics giant will now enable VUDU support for its 2010 line of VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players, which means the couch potato who owns one of these puppies will be able to receive instant streaming of VUDU’s huge high definition movie library, which comprises of over 4,000 Full HD (1080p) movies from November 24th onwards.Just before you continue, you might want to ask yourself, just what is VUDU? Well, it is a video-on-demand service that delivers instant streaming (and that,...

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Battelle TAILS is the grappling gun you always wanted

by Mark R - on November 24th, 2010 We have reported on the T-PLS Grappling Gun before, and I’m not certain if this Battelle’s Tactical Air Intiated Launch System (TAILS) is the same one, but they sure do look the same. Clearly, the TAILS is meant to capture a dream we all have. That is, the one where we can just shoot a grappling hook and swing or climb to where we get to go. The TAILS has the ability to shoot a titanium grappling hook attached to a Kevlar line up to 100 feet up in the air and 60 feet away. The TAILS looks like it is perfect for spies, because the shooting the hook itself doesn’t make any noise, as it is pneumatic. Of course,...

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Phase 2.0 Three-wheeled concept vehicle

by Mark R - on November 23rd, 2010Nothing like a good concept vehicle to brighten your Tuesday, isn’t there? This particular one is the Phase 2.0, and it puts the driver inside a huge wheel, which is a design that I have seen before, in both science fiction films and concept vehicles. What makes this one different is that it has two other wheels that not only balance it out, but they can move to both front and rear wheel situations. Apparently, this big wheel construction works really well on all terrains with its auto-pressurized tire for multiple environments. So if you are going on rocky regions, the tire pressure will go down. Then for some...

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Phase 2.0 Three-wheeled concept vehicle

by Mark R - on November 23rd, 2010Nothing like a good concept vehicle to brighten your Tuesday, isn’t there? This particular one is the Phase 2.0, and it puts the driver inside a huge wheel, which is a design that I have seen before, in both science fiction films and concept vehicles. What makes this one different is that it has two other wheels that not only balance it out, but they can move to both front and rear wheel situations. Apparently, this big wheel construction works really well on all terrains with its auto-pressurized tire for multiple environments. So if you are going on rocky regions, the tire pressure will go down. Then for some...

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ANYBOTS – Finally, a robot that will go to work for you

by Julie - on November 24th, 2010I’m still laughing… since I was a child I had dreams about the future, and how one day, I would be able to sit in my pajamas all day with the TV on and still be able to make the big bucks. I’m not exactly sure how this next product fits into that dream, but I’m having a darn good time imagining it.The Anybot is a robot that becomes your eyes and ears, anywhere that you are not. It allows you to be a part of whatever’s happening, from wherever you are. Connected via the internet with a Wi-Fi connection, the Anybot utilizes a speaker, camera, microphone and video screen in order to bring your presence to the masses....

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TerreStar GENUS lets you stay connected from virtually anywhere

Don’t you just hate it when you happen to live in a place where there are just way too many blind spots around your home when it comes to cell phone signals? Well, with the TerreStar GENUS, you need not worry about dropped calls or mysteriously disappearing signals any more as this puppy is more than capable of making sure you have a steady, stable signal at all times. by Edwin - on November 23rd, 2010 The TerreStar GENUS is touted to be the world’s first integrated cellular-satellite smartphone, where it will be offered by mobile communications provider, TerreStar Networks. With the GENUS, you can be sure that whether you’re an extreme outdoor...

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We go hands on with the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750

by Mark R - on November 23rd, 2010We reported on the Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 before, and I got a chance to try it out for myself. I’ve used wireless keyboards like those from Adesso before, and the chance to use one that does not require a battery is definitely worth it. Yes, I would recommend it, but I had a hard time hooking it up, though. Normally, wireless keyboards work easily. The wireless dongle just plugs in and it works. This one didn’t work the first time, but it did work, so go figure. I was surprised at how thin this keyboard really is. If there was an envelope that is long enough, then this keyboard would fit in it easily....

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The TSA in Action: Loaded Gun Magazine Found on Plane [Homeland Security]

A loaded gun magazine was found in the seat-back pocket of a Southwest Airlines plane. By a kid. Don't sweat it, though. It was only left behind by a federal law enforcement agent!The magazine got kicked out of the pocket and on to the floor by some (terrorist?) kid crawling around on the seats after the plane had landed in Phoenix. The flight attendant picked it up (she wouldn't even let the nosy CNN photographer take a look at it!), passengers had to go through extra screening, and everything turned out just fine, except for the fact that they were all in Phoenix.But, seriously, nothing to worry about it—it was just a charmingly forgetful...

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There Has to Be a Quicker Way to Get Around the UAE, Right? [Solar Power]

Registering will give you a user profile and the ability to add other users as friends. To become a commenter, however, you need to audition.Want to know more? Consult the Comment FAQ and legal terms.View the original article h...

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The Technology of Turkey Harvesting Uncovered [Video]

I like turkey: roasted after a good brine, injected with butter and cognac. What I don't like are the factories that make some of the 45 million turkeys that will be cooked and eaten tomorrow. This extremely disturbing video shows why:This video was recently obtained by the US Humane Society. It was recorded this year at the Willmar Poultry Company hatchery in Willmar, Minnesota, the largest in the United States.For a culture that congratulates itself for its advancements, it's amazing that we are not using our formidable technology to make the life of these birds even a little bit better. These scenes are repeated in many other slaughterhouses...

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This Delorean Backs Up Your Computer at 88 MPH [Storage]

Registering will give you a user profile and the ability to add other users as friends. To become a commenter, however, you need to audition.Want to know more? Consult the Comment FAQ and legal terms.View the original article h...

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UberTwitter App Moves From BlackBerry to iPhone [IPhone Apps]

Registering will give you a user profile and the ability to add other users as friends. To become a commenter, however, you need to audition.Want to know more? Consult the Comment FAQ and legal terms.View the original article h...

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