Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve heard of soccer balls that play a tune when kicked, sure, and we’re pumped to see the World Cup in 3D, but it’s not often that someone comes up with a serious technological makeover for the sport that’s nearly as old as life itself. CTRUS, however, is just that — a theoretical revolution in soccer that begins with the all-important ball. To start with, a reinforced elastic structure means that CTRUS doesn’t require any air. (So long, pump.) Next, GPS and RFID chips keep track of the ball’s position at all times, and tell it to light up in different colors when it scores a goal or is accomplice to a nefarious violation. (Farewell, referee.) Last but not least, the sphere itself will report back with accelerometers that measure the ball’s kick force and travel speed, and a camera that could (with magical software stabilization, of course) actually film action from the ball’s own POV. Sadly, the ball is just a concept from an undercover marketing agency, but since we’re dreaming, we urge its creators to add a second camera. Just imagine just how immersive it would be to have your face booted in at 130km/h in glorious 3D. Or, just peek the concept videos after the break.

Continue reading Conceptual ‘CTRUS’ football gets loaded with sensors, don’t need no pump

Conceptual ‘CTRUS’ football gets loaded with sensors, don’t need no pump originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The notion of an iPod touch GPS cradle has two big factors working against it from the start. For one, dedicated navigation units are readily available for as little as $100 (or less) and, in general, get the job done quite well. Secondly, more and more cellphones are becoming more and more capable as navigation devices and, again, are relatively inexpensive (phone contracts aside). On the other hand, a lot of people have iPod touches, and most of them really like their iPod touches. So, in that respect, there is a potentially big market for something like Dual Electronics new iPod touch GPS cradle. Will it actually help carve out a new niche in the crowded navigation market? Read on to find out.

Continue reading Dual Electronics iPod touch GPS cradle review

Dual Electronics iPod touch GPS cradle review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magellan’s new eXplorist GC for geocachers is far too easy to find originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The iPhone’s iteration of Google Maps has been shown up time and time again by Google Maps Navigation on Android, but a quirk this big just has to be linked to some Skyhook database issue. According to a new report coming from the LA area, select iPhone users in Southbay cities near Los Angeles are seeing their GPS software linked to Boulder, Colorado, and the issue has been going on for around a week now. What’s curious is that the erroneous positioning affects other third-party iPhone GPS apps as well, and an ABC report notes that a “spokesperson at AT&T said the problem is with Apple.” Pass the blame much, AT&T? So, have any of you LA-based iPhoners found yourself navigating to Folsom Stadium when trying to find your way to Rodeo Drive?

[Thanks, Charles]

Select LA-area iPhones insist they’re in Boulder, Colorado originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It took a little longer than expected, but the first major docking solution to transform ones iPod touch into a full fledged navigating machine is now shipping directly from Apple. Dual Electronics’ XGPS300 was originally announced way back in November of last year, and after a minor hiccup in January, we’re finally able to plop down $199.95 to snag a window-sucking cradle with an inbuilt GPS receiver, rechargeable battery, amplified speaker and NavAtlas US / Canada map app. So, what’ll it be? This, or one of those perfectly acceptable $99 PNDs? If you’re smart, you’ll tune in next week for our review before making any rash decisions.

[Thanks, Bridget]

Dual Electronics iPod touch GPS dock ships at long last originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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