Hasta La Gadget!

We’re usually pleasantly surprised by the interface technology out of Redmond, but we rarely see Microsoft tackle anything as simple as a TV remote control. However, a July 1st patent application by the software giant describes a fairly interesting gizmo with controls on multiple sides. With a six-axis inertial sensor package, the unit always knows which direction is up and activates only that side — allowing engineers to slim down the unit (or cram more buttons into the same space) by putting contextually-aware touchscreens on any surface of the device. When you move the remote, the sensors detect that, too, and immediately illuminate the screen. Just goes to show you can always find a new angle for mundane technology, eh?

Microsoft patent application proposes six-axis remote that’s buttered on both sides originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Parrot AR.Drone to get official launch, price, street date at E3 2010 (update: Android client video!)

Parrot AR.Drone to get official launch, price, street date at E3 2010 (update: Android client video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 12:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DIY weaponry gets more lethal with each passing year; where once we were content with a simple foam missile launcher, technology has progressed such that our automated turrets now spew screwdriver bits, airsoft and paintballs. As progress forges ahead, two engineering students at the University of Arkansas have added injury to insult with this four-stage DIY coilgun. Using an Arduino microcontroller to actuate the firing mechanism and steer the monstrous wooden frame, they nimbly control the badass kit with an iDevice over WiFi, and line up targets using a repurposed PlayStation Eye webcam. While we’d of course prefer to have our phone SSH into the gun over 3G, we’re not going to argue with success. We’d like to keep our lungs un-perforated, thank you very much. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading Students accelerate cubicle arms race with PlayStation Eye-tracked, iPhone-guided coilgun (video)

Students accelerate cubicle arms race with PlayStation Eye-tracked, iPhone-guided coilgun (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 07:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We won’t even front — we’ve got a thing for visiting National Parks, and in a way, we’re dangerously envious of these fellows who crafted this here BeetleCam. In short, the device is a wildlife photography robot: a four-wheeled, remote control buggy that holds a DSLR, a couple of flashes and enough torque and battery life to power through African wilds for hours on end. After months of testing, building, rebuilding and rebuilding again, the BeetleCam was packaged up and carried over to Tanzania’s Ruaha and Katavi National Parks. During the fortnight-long excursion, the buggy managed to survive being mauled by a lion (sadly the same can’t be said for the Canon EOS 400D) and get staggeringly close to elephants, African Buffaloes and other untamed fauna. Frankly, this is one of the more amazing homegrown gadgets we’ve seen in quite some time, and we couldn’t encourage you more to hit up that source link for the full spill.

BeetleCam wildlife photography secures stellar snaps in the wilds of Tanzania originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech’s Harmony remotes have a well earned reputation that treads the fine line between overkill and power user necessity, and while the 600 series brought the entry price down below the $100 mark, this latest Harmony 300 set is aiming to limbo even lower. Priced at $49.99 in the USA and £29.99 in the UK, the 300 touts a supposedly effortless web-based setup — via a USB hookup to your nearest computer — and compatibility with more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 brands. Of course, the lower price comes with some sacrifices, namely the removal of the LCD screen found in the higher models, and the limitation of controlling a maximum of four devices. If neither bothers you too much, expect this universal remote to land in your lap some time in early April. Video after the break.

Continue reading Logitech Harmony 300 eschews LCD screen for universal affordability (video)

Logitech Harmony 300 eschews LCD screen for universal affordability (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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