Hasta La Gadget!

Here at ShowStoppers during CES 2013, TrackingPoint is showing off a next-generation rifle/scope combo that includes some amazing technology that we’ve never seen before in a firearm. The company had the rifle and scope on display, and we ended up checking it out for ourselves to see what kind of features and high-tech goodies that it offers.

TrackingPoint has developed the world’s first precision-­guided firearm (PGF) system and essentially, the company is putting fighter-­jet style “lock and launch” technology into rifle systems. The company says that this creates the most accurate shooting system in the world, and it can enable anyone to be an elite long-range marksman within minutes.

As far as what the scope and rifle system can do, users can stream video to a smartphone and display what you see through the scope on the screen of a mobile device over a WiFi or data connection. The scope can also control the trigger weight in order to guide the shooter, so when the shooter is off target, the trigger weight is temporarily inflated to defer launch, but when the shooter precisely intersects the target, the trigger weight is decreased, which allows normal trigger use.

The system also utilizes computer vision-based digital image processing to track targets. Images from the optical sensors are analyzed and targets are identified and tracked, thanks to techniques such as edge detection and blob detection. As far as buttons, there’s a focus adjustment, a zoom rocker, a mode button, and a wind adjuster. The rifle system is expected to be available some time this year at a price between $15,000 and $20,000.

TrackingPoint XactSystem precision-guided rifle system hands-on is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Fans of Borderlands 2 would love to get their hands on this weapon. This awesome glowing sword is just like the one that Zer0 uses in the game – only this one is real. While there’s no cloaking ability to go along with this sword, it’s still pretty amazing.

This Borderlands 2 Zer0 Sword was built by Michelle Khuu (aka Sadistic-Otaku) out of wood, blue acrylic, a blue LED ribbon, a toggle switch and a 9v battery. It is a geek creation of deadly beauty. Hopefully she hasn’t cut anyone in half with it.

If she sold these, I would buy one. She would probably make a ton of money off of all us gaming geeks. At least we would look cool for the apocalypse.

[via Obvious Winner]

We’ve seen a few cute and cuddly weapons in the past, but this handgun is a real rarity. This a semi-automatic handgun from Springfield Armory that features custom Rarity grips. Ha ha. At least we think they are custom grips. Sure, friendship is magic, until you cross a pony. Then that little pony is going to pop a cap in your cutie-marked butt.

Sadly, we don’t have any info on this weapon, but some pony-lover out there is in for a world of hurt. My Little Pony fans who also visit the gun range (I know there must be many of you) will drool over this gun. Others will just want this gun just so they could take down every animated pony they see.

[via Neatorama]

If you’re a fan of the video game Portal 2, ThinkGeek has a new USB powered toy just in time for the holiday shopping season that you will love. The USB gadget is called the Portal 2 Sentry Turret USB Desk Defender. This little turret doesn’t actually shoot bullets, but it does activate when it senses motion.

When the turret senses motion, the side pods open revealing tiny faux guns. It also says memorable quotes from the video game, including “target acquired,” “there you are,” “I see you,” ‘preparing to dispense product,” and “activated.” If you can’t imagine for yourself what that looks and sounds like, here’s a demo video:

The toy also says other quips from the game if you move it or knock it over along with vibrating. If you knock the device over it will say things like “critical error,” “shutting down,” “I don’t hate you,” “hey hey hey,” and “malfunctioning.” If it doesn’t sense motion for 30 seconds it will say “are you still there?” This is an officially licensed Portal 2 collectible and is available now for $39.99(USD) over at ThinkGeek.

[via EverythingUSB]

There’s always been a lot of debate about whether letting kids play with toy guns was a good thing or not. Everyone has their own opinion on the subject, and I say we keep it that way. But regardless of what you think about guns, these wooden guns are unlikely to do any harm.

In fact, Cary Chleborad’s wooden weapons are likely to stimulate the minds of those who assemble them, as each one is a fairly complex puzzle you need to build yourself. Each gun is made from dozens of laser-cut parts, and can take several hours to fully assemble. Keep in mind while they’re called “puzzles,” you’ll be gluing them together, so don’t expect to disassemble your wooden weapon when it’s finished.

They’re available in Uzi, Beretta and revolver models, and sell for $19.95(USD) over on Laserist’s Etsy shop, where you can also buy a laser-cut Humvee to go along with your guns.