Hasta La Gadget!

One of the most hazardous of underwater jobs is diving shipwrecks. Divers explore shipwrecks to retrieve objects of historical significance or to help in recovery efforts. The work is so hazardous that much of it is carried out by unmanned robots. The typical underwater robot uses propellers to get around, but that form of propulsion […]

When the Omni VR treadmill was announced, many anointed it as the perfect companion to the much-awaited Oculus Rift. But a group of students at the Vienna University of Technology may have a better VR treadmill at their hands (and feet). They call it the Cyberith Virtualizer.

Much like the Omni VR, the Virtualizer is an omnidirectional motion sensor. It allows the user to walk or run in any direction, as well as jump, crouch and strafe. However, unlike the Omni VR, the Virtualizer also lets the user play while sitting. Another big difference is that its walking surface is flat, makes no sound and only requires that the user wear socks. The Omni VR on the other hand requires users to wear a custom pair of low friction shoes and it makes a considerable amount of noise when used. The video below shows Cyberith founder Tuncay Cakmak play a modified version of Grand Theft Auto IV using the Virtualizer, a Wiimote and of course an Oculus Rift headset.

I’d still rather have wearable motion sensors if I’m ever going to play a VR game, but I think the Virtualizer has great potential. Hopefully someday all of its electronics can be embedded in a less conspicuous form.

[Cyberith via Reddit & Oculus Rift]

The advent of cheap cameras and free online streaming services means teachers can stream or even pre-record their lessons so students can watch them at their own pace and even in advance. But using conventional blackboards or whiteboards means the teacher is often facing away from the camera. That’s why Prof. Michael Peshkin of Northwestern University made the Lightboard.

The Lightboard is a 4 x 8 ft. pane of architectural glass lit by 8 ft. strips of white LEDs at the top and bottom of the frame. The transparent board lets Prof. Peshkin write and look at the camera at the same time. He uses fluorescent markers and a black background to make his notes and sketches more vivid. He also uses the board to superimpose images from a projector.

When he’s recording his lessons, Prof. Peshkin shoots himself and the board through a mirror to correct the orientation of his notes and sketches.

If you want to make your own Lightboard, check out Prof. Peshkin’s guide here.

[via Laughing Squid]

While I prefer to carry playable SEGA Genesis games in my pocket, I suppose the next best thing is to carry a bag full of gadgets that look like SEGA consoles, right? Thanks to this new line of mobile gadget accessories you can.

Tommo Mobile recently unveiled a line of iPhone cases which look like the Sega Genesis, Mega Drive, Saturn and Game Gear (where’s my beloved Dreamcast?) In addition to the console cases, they’re offering a couple that look like the Genesis and Mega Drive controllers too. It’s hard to tell from the pictures, but these aren’t just flat skins, they’re actually contoured to replicate the dimensionality of the systems they’re based on.

Each case fits the iPhone 5 or 5S and includes a SEGA-themed screen protector as well. They’re also offering up a couple of powerful battery chargers with SEGA themes, including Genesis and Saturn designs. Each one offers a large 9000mAh battery, which should provide plenty of juice for your mobile devices.

Last, but not least, there’s the SEGA Genesis Bluetooth speakers, which offer stereo sound and a look that yet again complements the Genesis console. It’s too bad that the original Genesis doesn’t have Bluetooth wireless audio.

All of the SEGA mobile accessories should be available by the end of the year. The iPhone cases sell for $24.99(USD), while the Power Partner batteries go for $69.99 and the Bluetooth speaker is $89.99. Keep an eye out on Amazon to pre-order.

As technology ever-encroaches into our daily lives, it can be harder to stop and smell the flowers, both literally and figuratively. The Consortium for Slower Internet is aware of such an issue, and wants to make you aware of it, too, via its marble and wood router. With this router, which to the naked eye […]