Inhabitat’s Week in Green: flexible circuit boards, BMW i3 and the world’s first urban algae canopy

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.

When you think about transportation innovations, highways probably aren’t the first things that come to…

Chocolate Toothpaste: Brush with Dessert

If only we could have had chocolate toothpaste when I was a kid. Well, the important thing is that they have it now. Theodent has a new line of fluoride-free, chocolate-flavored toothpaste. And this chocolate flavor isn’t just a novelty.

theodent chocolate toothpaste 620x590magnify


Theodent’s toothpaste formula contains a patented substance that is actually obtained from the cacao plant that gives it its chocolatey flavor. It’s called rennou, and don’t worry, it is safe to eat. Naturally, you want something safe in a chocolate toothpaste, because kids are going to be tempted to gulp this stuff down when they brush.

Theodent Classic is only $10, while the extra-strength version Theodent 300 is priced at a wallet-busting $100 a tube. Damn, those are dentist prices.

[via Incredible Things via OhGizmo!]

Audi TT offroad concept car sports two electric motors

Audi presented a four-door concept car at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition, showcasing the brilliance of combining the efficacy of a compact SUV with the sportiness of a coupe. While … Continue reading

Near silent hybrid electric motorcycle in the works

logosThe military certainly has its fair share of “big boys’ toys”, so to speak, where there are weapons and technology which the world knows nothing about – unless it is by chance or force that such weapons and technological wizardry are revealed. In fact, the advancement of technology in recent years have done a whole lot to change the map of the battlefield – pilotless drones are now used to scout an area ahead of time, as well as to deliver a payload without risking the life of a human being sitting inside a real cockpit, and GPS too, has helped missiles be even more accurate. As for getting around, well, tanks and planes aren’t exactly the quietest rides in town, but how about motorcycles? Logos Technologies has received a small business innovation research (SBIR) grant from DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) in order to work on a military-use hybrid-electric motorcycle that has near-silent capability.

It is hoped by DARPA that this particular technology, when it matures fully, will enable tiny, distributed military teams to move long distances in the shortest time possible, all the while remaining stealth as they make their way across harsh enemy terrain.

Specially developed in partnership with San Francisco-based all-electric motorcycle producer BRD, this particular platform will merge Logos Technologies’ quieted, multifuel hybrid-electric power system alongside a cutting-edge, off-road electric motorcycle platform that has been developed by BRD. This particular initiative is said to be the first time that a two-wheel-drive, multifuel hybrid capability has been integrated into a full-size off-road motorcycle – successfully, to boot.

The hybrid-electric idea also paves the way for extended periods of near-silent, electric-only-propulsion, in addition to the generation of supplemental electric power for use by personnel in the field. No idea on how much such a bike will cost eventually, but if it is going to help win wars, there is no price tag issue left anymore, is there?

Press Release
[ Near silent hybrid electric motorcycle in the works copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Sound World Solutions announces CS50 Bluetooth personal sound amplifier

soundworldThe folks over at Sound World Solutions have come up with the second model in their technologically advanced Bluetooth Series of personal sound amplifiers, calling this particular device as the CS50. What makes the CS50 so much more special than all of the other sound amplifiers in its range in the market? For one, it will boast of an Apple iOS 7-compatible customizer app so that users are able to adjust sound performance from an iPhone itself, now how about that for added convenience?

The CS50 has been specially designed for consumers who require the occasional help hearing, and yet do not want to rely on a hearing aid. Apart from that, it will also function as a high-quality Bluetooth headset for mobile phones, being able to operate up to 15 hours on its rechargeable battery. There is also the ability to stream a variety of audio sources including music, audio books and podcasts if you so desire. The CS50 is said to be able to feature improved directionality for listening assistance in noisy environments, and among these places would include restaurants where conversations are more often than not boisterous.

Right out of the box, users are able to adjust the volume level as well as access settings which were specially designed for specific environments. They are also able to toggle between three preset amplification profiles. The CS50 itself will pave the way for greater personalization thanks to a free app for Apple iOS 7, Android, Windows or Mac OS X platforms. This particular app would be able to usher users through a short personalization program so that one creates a customized sound profile. Apart from that, the app also boasts of an equalizer that enables users to adjust treble, mid-range and bass frequencies to further personalize their sound. The CS50 will retail for $349.99 a pop, where it comes in right- or left-ear versions.

Press Release
[ Sound World Solutions announces CS50 Bluetooth personal sound amplifier copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Rufus Cuff has all the right wrist wearable tech specs, but it’s bulky

A crowdfunding project Rufus Cuff has some utopian features that people may find intriguing, however the reality of it could be different from the perception. The main focus is on … Continue reading

Samsung data center fire causes outage, errors on smart TVs and phones (update: fixed)

Seeing an error message on your Samsung phone, tablet or Smart TV today? You’re not alone, as the Samsung.com website appears to be down and owners worldwide have reported anything from error messages to being unable to access apps on their smart…

AllCast Receiver App for Amazon Fire TV is now available

Koushik Dutta has added Amazon Fire TV support to his AllCast, a popular app that lets you mirror your Android screen or streams content from Android devices to your TV. … Continue reading

Crowdfunded Gadgets That Talk To Your Home And Charge Your Phone With Wind Power

Editor’s note: Ross Rubin is principal analyst at Reticle Research, a technology, media and telecom advisory firm, and founder of Backerjack. He blogs at Techspressive. Each week, Backerjack shares three tech-related products seeking funding.  Talk to your home and have it listen and respond with ALYT Part of the smart-home dream has always been being able to talk with a place of residence… Read More

Audi’s latest hybrid concept car takes the TT family offroad, with 408HP under the hood

Audi’s latest prototype packing an E-Tron hybrid drivetrain is this TT Offroad Concept that takes the TT family beyond the coupes and convertibles we’re familiar with. Going on display at the Beijing Motor Show, it combines two electric motors (one…