Hasta La Gadget!

[CEATEC 2013] How many of you out there want to be forensic scientists after watching TV series such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation)? Isn’t it just wonderful that an insanely difficult case can be cracked in an hour on TV with commercials thrown into the mix, while in the real world, there are plenty of unsolved cases, or at least cases where the leads have turned so cold? Perhaps if the local law enforcement agency had a portable DNA analyzer from NEC, things might have turned out differently. Today, we took a closer look at one of NEC’s more interesting presentations at the CEATEC 2013 showfloor – an NEC portable DNA analyzer.

The entire shebang looks something like an oversized multi-function scanner/printer, although definitely not as large as the average photocopier at the office. This amazing miniaturization is made possible thanks to NEC’s “lab on a chip” technology, where it helped shrink the PCR as well as electrophoresis components in a commercial DNA analyzer.

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NEC Portable DNA Analyzer aims for 30 minute identification window original content from Ubergizmo.

The next wave of Samsung smart devices are headed to the United States on several carriers, and here with an announcement on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear smartwatch comes AT&T first and foremost. What you’ll see with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the third generation in the mid-sized device lineup, […]

A few things come to mind at the mention of a jet pack.

The Jetsons come first, and then this hilarious video, in which Fox 5 News embarrasses itself with a water-propelled jet pack. But what if I told you that we’re about a year away from the first legitimately available jet pack for sale?

It’s true. Martin Jetpack, a New Zealand-based company, has just revealed the latest prototype of its jet pack, which is promised to be available in mid-2014. Though the name suggests otherwise, the P12 Jetpack is actually propelled by ducted fans, powered by premium gas.

Founder Glenn Martin has been working on building a jet pack for the last 30 years, starting in his parents garage. The P12 marks the 12th iteration of his dream, and the closest version yet to commercial availability.

Unfortunately for the (incredibly wealthy) average Joe, Martin will be releasing the Jetpack to first responders like policemen and firemen before bankers, NBA players, oil tycoons, etc. will have their chance at a purchase. However, Martin says the jet pack should be commercially available to anyone (who can afford it) by 2015.

As for pricing, it’s predictably high. The Martin Jetpack will cost anywhere between $150,000 and $250,000, excluding the cost of premium gas as well as any costs associated with getting a sports license in the U.S., and purchasing the necessary flying equipment. But hey, what’s $300k compared to feeling like you live in the future?

The P12 is said to reach a maximum of 46 mph, with a max flight time of around 30 minutes. In that time, at a normal speed of around 35 mph, the Martin Jetpack can transport an individual about 20 miles. The highest that this personal flight vehicle can go is 3,000 feet, but it’s recommended that the pilot remain around 500 feet.

Why? Well, flying at a lower altitude won’t give enough time for the safety systems to work. This includes a rocket-deployed ballistic parachute.

That said, acrophobics need not apply.

According to GizMag, the pilot will also need hearing protection, helmet, neck restraint, boots, and a fireproof suit.

So who’s ready to fly?

[via Gizmodo]

Here’s an hour-long super dive into the brains of two supremely interesting maker dudes. We probably shouldn’t be surprised that a conversation between MythBusters‘ Adam Savage and sculptor Tom Sachs goes down wonderful rabbit holes of geekdom rather quickly…

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If you’re a big fan of the Mass Effect franchise, you’ll undoubtedly remember the M-6 Carnifex pistol. We’ve seen some really cool replicas of weapons from the video game in the past, like the N7 rifle replica, but you couldn’t buy that particular replica. ThinkGeek has a Carniflex replica that you can purchase, if you hurry.

The company has a limited edition of 500 Carnifex replica pistols available for the entire world. The highly detailed replica isn’t exactly cheap at $399.99(USD), but I guarantee you it’s cheaper than having your own replica commissioned. ThinkGeek says that this is a full-scale replica of the game weapon.

The side arm is also an officially licensed Mass Effect 3 collectible and is hand-finished and hand-painted. Its made from Polystone and weighs in at a substantial seven pounds. The replica measures 12.5″(L)x 7.5″(H) x 1.75″(W). It also has working LED lights to give it that deadly glow. You can purchase the pistol right now, but you’d better move fast as there’s no indication of how many have been sold so far.