Gadget Lab Notes is an eclectic roundup of gadget news briefs and intriguing products that catch our eye.
In the Future, Why Walk When You Can Wheel Around on the Peugeot XB1?
The XB1 is a cross between those hovercrafts from Wall-E, a robot, and a silver Honda Civic. The fully electric tri-wheeled concept vehicle would include GPS and smart phone integration, and top out at 35 km/hr. If the slew of recent concept bikes, trikes, and scooters are any indication, it looks like future humans won’t have much use for their legs.
Peugeot XB1 [Yanko Design]
Now That The iPad 2 Is Available, Let’s Move On To Some iPhone 5 Rumors
What would iPad 2 launch day be without some fresh iPhone 5 rumors? This time in the form of mold engineering diagrams. The images, from iDealsChina, show a slightly larger display (edge to edge) and essentially the same form factor as the iPhone 4. The design appears to match a photo of the bezel that they also released. Although the renders could be phony, it’s worth noting that the site has a track record: they previously leaked accurate renderings of the 4th gen iPod Nano before its release.
China’s Latest iPhone 5 Rumors [iDealsChina via Macrumors]
GroupMe Texting Service Is Poised to Get Big at SXSW
Group texting service GroupMe, which lets you easily send texts to a group of people regardless of carrier or phone model, looks like it may be a breakout hit of SXSWi. Having used it at this year’s CES, I can attest to its awesomeness. It’s an efficient way to deliver a message to a group of friends or colleagues. Watch out if you have a limited texting plan though—add a couple of drinks to the mix, and you could wake up to dozens of ah, colorful, messages just waiting to be read (that is, unless you were the sender).
GroupMe [GroupMe via FastCompany]
Get Your Race On With an iPhone Steering Wheel Speaker
Similar to the Wii steering wheel wiimote, this circular speaker has a place in the center where you pop in your iPhone 4. Two external speakers add some audio oomph to your game play, while the circular shape makes steering in racing games a bit more fun and realistic.
iPhone 4G Steering Wheel With Speakers [Focal Price via Ubergizmo]
This Is Not The Droid You’re Looking For: R2-D2 Hacked With an Xbox 360 and Projector
On second thought, this fun mod, which includes luminous blue LEDs, a speaker, and an Xbox 360 as a brain, might be the droid you’re looking for after all. The built-in projector displays images 15-50 inches away, and R2’s hull includes touch-sensitive buttons and auxiliary hookups for other input devices (like a Wii or Playstation) if you just want to use the projector. R2 also has HDMI out and optical audio out.
Star Wars R2-D2 Xbox 360 [Instructables via Dvice]
Don’t Arm Wrestle Your Opponent If They Are Wearing the x-Ar Exoskeleton Arm
The x-Ar Exoskeleton Arm is designed to provide arm support, particularly for those who constantly have to lift or transport heavy objects. The x-Ar attaches to the arm at the wrist with a cuff and uses steadicam-inspired technology so that arm movement is not hindered, just made more powerful. I hope these are available to rent before the next time I have to move.
x-AR [Equipois via Crunchgear]
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