Researchers around the world are constantly working on projects that seem strange at first glance, but often have suppressing practical applications. A group of researchers in the US have been working on creating waterproof materials. One of the most waterproof materials in nature is the lotus leaf and a group of researchers in the US […]
The core robotics technology used to maintain the International Space Station is finding a new use back on the blue planet – breast cancer treatment. A device under development at the Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation is using space-age robotics to automate the breast biopsy process.
Just in time for the soon-to-be-over month of Movember, Philips has launched the world’s first facial hair trimmer with an integrated laser guide to help keep lines straight and even. Called the Beard Trimmer 9000, this small device has a variety of adjustable settings, and uses the laser to provide an instant, accurate, hands-off approach […]
So, there’s kind of a problem with current storm warning systems: they’re awful and horrendously archaic. A group of students aged 8 to 13 participating in a global Lego robotics competition noticed this. Together, they’ve devised an application designed to modernize storm warnings.
I always loved playing with those Newton’s Cradle kinetic motion things when I was a kid. But other than being tested by the Mythbusters in a giant-size version, the classic metal desk toy hasn’t changed much over the years. Until now.
What you’re looking at is a new version of the Newton’s Cradle, upgraded with colorful LEDs. What’s cool is the orbs don’t just light up, they detect when they’re clacking against others and change colors when they hit. It’s even more mesmerizing than the original. Here, check it out…
You can choose from three different color modes – one which flashes on impact, another that fades, and yet another that cycles colors through the spheres. Back when I had a “real job” with a proper office, people would come into my office to chat, and I’m sure that they would have sat there and played with this thing for hours. Thank goodness I work from home now, and don’t have to worry about anyone but me (or the cat) playing with it incessantly. I suppose that could still be a problem.
Priced at $49.99(USD), the Kinetic Light Newton’s Cradle is a bit pricey, but it’s too neat to ignore. It’s available over at ThinkGeek now.
These days, almost all of us are multi-gadget households. This leads to a condition I like to call “chargeritis” – which is the problem we all run into when we have too many gadget chargers plugged into our outlets, and cords dangling everywhere. blueLounge has a solution in the form of their latest revision to their Sanctuary charging station, the newly-released Sanctuary4.
The Sanctuary4 is a stylish and minimal stand that’s perfect for charging up to four of your electronic gadgets at once. The top of the Sanctuary4 provides a platform that you can set a couple of smartphones on, as well as a tablet. The tablet stand is neat because you can adjust its angle so you can actually use your tablet while it’s charging.
The non-slip surface and raised edge of the stand also work nicely for storing small items like keys, watches or wallets, so it works nicely as a bedside or kitchen utility tray. You can even use it as an alarm clock stand for your tablet.
Inside the Sanctuary4 is a 4-port USB charging hub, with two phone ports and two tablet ports. You can charge up to 4 amps worth of gadgets simultaneously, so two iPads or two phones and an iPad at the same time are no problem. Simply plug in the included A/C adapter (which comes with US and European plugs) to your wall outlet, and you’ll cut way down on cable clutter.
Devices can be connected with your existing cables, or with blueLounge’s optional Charge & Sync cables, which are just 8-inches long, and perfect for the inside of the Sanctuary4. Unfortunately, the Sanctuary4 only includes one of these cables – a microUSB, which is good for Android devices, and also worked well with my Mophie Juice Pack Air battery case. Additional cables sell for $6.95 (microUSB), $8.95 (30-pin) and $16.95 (Lightning), though your serial number scores you a 30% discount on the cables. If I have only one complaint about the Sanctuary4, it’s that for 100 bucks, it should come with an assortment of short cables in the box – or coupon codes for three cables of your choice.
The Sanctuary4 comes in black or white versions to blend in with a variety of decors and devices. It’s available now from the blueLounge website.
The next time you go to a hospital, you might not be speaking to a doctor – not directly, anyway. An increasing number of hospitals in California and several neighboring states have started to phase in robots that allow Doctors to communicate remotely with their patients.
Technology makes navigation, entertainment, finance, and all sorts of other matters easier, and has found its way into the household in a variety of ways, a la the Roomba vacuum. Laundry is another regular activity, and while no longer taking as long as it did in pre-washing machine days, is still time consuming. The HydroDrive […]
Quick, where’s your phone? Within arm’s reach? On your desk? Next to your computer? Charging? Or possibly, in your hand at this very moment? Yeah, we can’t get enough of our phones. Big Lazy Robot VFX poked fun at humanity’s addiction to smartphones in this clever toy robot video iDiots. Yeah, we know what we are.
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If you’re in the mood for a smartphone from AT&T for half the normal price or you need a new laptop, convertible notebook/tablet, or monitor this afternoon, SlashDeals has you covered. We’ve even got an eye on a fabulous Seiko Men’s solar wristwatch for good measure – what more could you want? Today’s deals include […]
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