There is no internet connectivity or cell service in the remote locations frequented by American Special Forces, so they bring their own. Using a new generation of squad-based radio technology known as wideband tactical communications networks, our secret forces can call, text, or video conference from anywhere in the world.
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A group of mechanical engineers at Columbia University have produced the world’s tiniest FM radio transmitter. At its heart is a micrometer-sized oscillator powered by one-atom-thick graphene. But more than serving as a lilliputian proof of concept for tiny broadcasting equipment, this could help revolutionize smartphones and other gadgets.
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You have a vintage car, but you have normal ears and want a sound system that’s up with the times. RetroSound’s new classically styled Model Two in-dash radio runs like a new-fangled modern setup because it is a new-fangled modern setup, with Bluetooth and all. More »
Often times, design is all about simplicity—and this little radio has that in spades. The brainchild of designer Ionna Vautrin, it blends old and new to create an adorable little gadget that would brighten up any room. More »
Take one look at this old teak and leather-clad Roberts radio, and you’ll swear it dates to the 1950s. But this UK-made Rolls Royce of radios comes straight from the polyester 1980s. The Roberts R900 is quite possibly the last great radio made before video killed the radio star. More »
Classic turntables may get all the glamour, but the shortwave radio deserves a place of prominence in the home of any audiophile. For a stylish way to surf the airwaves, try this stunning late 1950s Trans-World T-9, produced by Philco (that’s the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company, for those who don’t like to abbreviate). Beautiful chrome knobs handle tuning, tone, and band selection, and the package comes with a world map, logbook, and twelve pages of schematics. More »
The fractious on-again, off-again love affair between NTT DoCoMo, Fujitsu and NEC has taken another turn. After dissolving a partnership to build a common LTE platform that included Samsung and Panasonic, the trio have rekindled their love over a candlelit dinner. The gang are stumping up the cash to bankroll Access Network Technology, a venture to build, wait for it, LTE platforms for smartphones and tablets, with each party bringing its own R&D and IP knowhow to the table. There’s no word on how jilted lovers Samsung and Panasonic feel about the team-up, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t shed a private tear and think about the good old days.
Filed under: Cellphones
NTT DoCoMo, Fujitsu and NEC rekindle love and LTE partnership, Samsung and Panasonic left in the rain originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Yes, we’ve seen an XBee radio interface with RC robots before, but Quantum Robotics’ open-source Xbee handheld controllers have enough gimbals, push buttons and toggle switches to leave us starry-eyed. The Q2 and Q4, both open for funding on Kickstarter, use a XBee wireless transceiver to transfer data and a Parallex Propeller to act as the main processor, and both models put most controllers to shame with a ton of options. While the Q4 uses four PlayStation-style joysticks, the Q2 sports two RC gimbals, and both can be modified to add extra functionality based on the project at hand. Clearly, the more complicated the robot, the more fun these controllers are — take a look at the Q4 interacting with a hexapod and a robotic arm in the video below.
Q2 and Q4 Xbee controllers have the gimbals to handle your most unwieldy robotics projects originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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