Leap Sensor Virtual Harp: Heavenly Tech

Early demos of the much-awaited Leap motion sensor mostly showed how it can be used to control graphics programs, browsers and video games. But the motion sensor can also be used to make an audio program, as shown by software developer Adam Somers with his AirHarp demo.

airharp leap motion sensor demo by adam somers

Proof of the responsiveness and accuracy of the Leap, AirHarp can recognize the speed and position at which a string is hit.

Adam has a fantastic sound system. Head to his website to download AirHarp, and to Leap Motion’s site to pre-order the Leap for just $69.95(USD).

[via Smarter Planet]

Facebook’s ‘Graph Search’ Is Another Name For Mobile Advertising

Facebook's 'Graph Search' Is Another Name For Mobile AdvertisingA rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Shakespeare was onto something back in 1600 AD, when he penned that famous Romeo and Juliet
line. Its import intimates that its not the name of things that matter,
it what those things really are. With the launch of Facebook’s "Graph Search"
on January 15, 2013, it’s important to discern that FB’s answer to a
‘search engine,’ is really it’s portal to mobile advertising.

Hedgehog Robot May Bounce on Martian Moon

Martian Hedgehog Robot A self guiding digital hedgehog robot may be bouncing around a martian moon in the near future.

Z3RO Pro Computer Will Fit Just About Anywhere

If you’re like me, you may have long wanted to have a home theater PC in your living room entertainment center. The problem that I have – that I bet a few of you suffer from as well – is that my wife already has the entertainment center stuffed with all manner of knick-knacks. That means there’s barely any room for any actual home theater components.

A company called Xi3 Corporation has a new computer suitable for HTPC applications that will fit in just about any entertainment center, including mine. The machine is called the Z3RO Pro Computer and it measures just 4.875 x 3.625 x 1.875 inches.

xi3 z3ro computer

That means the computer is roughly the size of a paperback novel, and not one of those gigantically thick Stephen King paperbacks either.

Inside that tiny chassis is a dual-core 64-bit x86-based processor operating at 1.65 GHz. The machine has an integrated GPU with 80 graphics cores and a top resolution of 2560×1600. It’s got 4 GB of RAM, and the ability to include an SSD ranging in size from 16GB to 1TB. The machine has a pair of DisplayPort video outputs including one that pulls HDMI duty as well. For connectivity, it has a gigabit Ethernet port, and four eSATAp 3.0 ports. Surprisingly, the one thing that’s clearly missing is integrated Wi-Fi, so you’ll have to use a USB dongle or Ethernet/Wi-Fi bridge for that.

It consumes only 15 W of power, and ships with the openSUSE Linux operating system pre-installed. That said, you can also install Windows 8 or other operating systems if you so choose.

Shipping for the Xi3 Z3RO Pro is set for Q2 2013 with prices starting at $399 (USD).

Tech Deals of the Day: 1/15/2013

Our friends over at TechBargains.com compiled a list of daily deals and we wanted to share them to help you save money.

Keep in mind that as with any true deal, the products are limited quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now. If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.

Computers & Peripherals:

Home Entertainment:

Personal Electronics:

eBooks

Tethercell Bluetooth Battery: Power over Power

I never expected to find Bluetooth connectivity in a AA battery, but not only does this device now exist, it also seems quite practical. Once it infiltrates the battery compartment of your gadgets you can remotely toggle those gadgets on or off and more. This smart battery is called the Tethercell.

tethercell bluetooth enabled battery

The inventors of the Tethercell – Trey Madhyastha and Kellan O’Connor – chose to make their device in the size of a AA battery because they claim that 60% of “primary battery-operated devices” use that size. Aside from the Bluetooth radio, the Tethercell is packed with other electronics, like a microcontroller, a temperature sensor and a voltage comparator. In turn, the Tethercell is powered by a AAA battery. So what can it do? Together with an iOS app and a Bluetooth 4.0-enabled iOS device, you can use the Tethercell to turn one or multiple gadgets on or off from up to 100ft. away. You can also schedule or set a timer to power off your gadgets and monitor your gadget’s battery level.

Pledge at least $35 (USD) on Indiegogo to reserve a Tethercell. Although it does reduce the available power of a device – you’re essentially replacing one of its AA batteries with a AAA that’s also powering something else – the convenience it provides could be worthwhile for many people – especially adults who want to limit their kids’ playtime with electronic toys. Not to mention its potential for pranks is quite high.

[via Ubergizmo]

ReelSonar finds the fishes using a fancy bobber

I’ve never made a secret of the fact that I lack the patience to fish. I’ve gone fishing more times than I can count during my life and if the fish aren’t biting within a few minutes I’m ready to go. If you’re fishing in a boat, you can use technology to help you find where the fish are hiding, such as the fish finder systems you have probably seen mounted near the steering wheel of many boats that are cruising the lake.

reelsonar

If you’re fishing from the shore, you don’t have access to that sort of technology. A new project on Indiegogo right now called ReelSonar is a fish finding device that works in conjunction with your iPhone to help you find the fish from the shore or from a boat. The device is a fancy smart bobber that has sonar technology inside.

When you cast your line out into the water, the smart bobber emits ultrasound waves in the water to gather data on whatever is in the surrounding water up to 150 feet deep. Special circuitry inside the bobber receives, filters, and transmits RF signals to your smartphone using Bluetooth 4.0. Power for the smart bobber comes from a rechargeable battery. The smart bobber can also map the entire waterbed using synthetic aperture to form a composite of multiple images that can be used for boat navigation in unknown areas.

The bobber also has the ability to check water temperature and salinity. One of the more interesting features of the smart bobber is a bite alarm. When a fish nibbles your line the bobber lights up and the app signals when fish are near the bobber. You can see the relative size of the fish and estimate how many are nearby. The ReelSonar will also give suggestions on the bait and lures to use based on the data and location of the fish. Once you find your favorite fishing spot you keep track of it using GPS tags and contribute your fishing hole location if you want to the ReelSonar bobber data community. If the project meets its $70,000 funding goal the ReelSonar will retail for under $100.


ReelSonar finds the fishes using a fancy bobber is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Ford’s 10-Acre Green Roof Puts Plants atop Industry

I recently had the opportunity to take a tour of Ford’s modern truck assembly plant in Dearborn, MI. While the plant’s robotics and just-in-time manufacturing facility are truly impressive, one of the things I had no idea about was that the factory is also home to the world’s largest living roof.

image2

Atop Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant is a whopping 10.4 acre garden, covering the roof of the 454,000 square foot building. Tens of thousands of plants grow atop the industrial facility below, as it cranks out as many as 60 Ford F-150 trucks per hour.

The roof is planted with a tough, drought-resistant plant called sedum, which helps insulate the building beneath, reducing heating and cooling costs, as well as to help improve air quality. It also collects and filters storm water, helping to reduce storm water flow back into the adjacent Rouge River, and improving water quality.

image1

Plants live in a four-layer mat system which keeps them nourished and healthy. While you might think that a roof covered with plants and water wouldn’t be durable, it’s actually expected to last twice as long as a regular roof.

image3

If you’d like to see the world’s largest living roof up close and personal, visit the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. I’d suggest a visit during the spring or summer, when the plants are at their most green. After all, Michigan isn’t exactly a green haven in the middle of January.

Asus Intros Cheap MeMO Pad Android Tablet

The cheap tablet wars are heating up with a new offering from Asus that will be launching soon called the MeMO Pad. The little tablet has a seven-inch screen and run Android 4.1 for the operating system. While the tablet will win no performance crowns, its best feature is clearly the price of only $149(USD).

memopad

Hardware details for the tablet include a 1 GHz VIA WM8950 processor and Mali-400 graphics. The seven-inch display has a resolution of 1024 x 600 and supports 10 points of touch. Weight for the tablet is 13.1oz. The tablet also has a one-megapixel front camera capable of recording 720p HD video for chat sessions. The Memo Pad tablet will come in versions with 8 GB of storage or 16 GB of storage and also has a microSD card slot for expansion. The tablet also features various sensors, a headphone port, and integrated Wi-Fi, but there’s no mention of Bluetooth.

The tablet will have full access to the Google Play app store, which is clearly better than the competing Kindle Fire line of tablets. The MeMO Pad will come in three colors including white, gray, and pink. All three colors have the same non-slip diamond-pattern back finish.

A release date has yet to be announced.

Tech Deals of the Day: 1/14/2013

Our friends over at TechBargains.com compiled a list of daily deals and we wanted to share them to help you save money.

Keep in mind that as with any true deal, the products are limited quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now. If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.

Computers & Peripherals:

Home Entertainment:

Personal Electronics:

Apps