Those of you reading this from South Korea have a new GPS navigation device to drool over. The APSI C100 features a generously-sized touchscreen that can be removed from the windshield mount/dock and used as a portable media player. But when connected to the dock in your car the C100 can be used to control your sound/media system in addition to serving as a robust navigation device thanks to the Gini 3D software which features all of South Korea including accurate 3D renders of buildings and other structures.
Most watches designed for outdoor activities are rather monstrous affairs with every bell and whistle you can think of, but will probably never use. The Freestyle Navigator 2.0 on the other hand is a bit more subtle, and is actually designed to be worn by anyone thanks to its ‘Free fit technology’ which “allows the buckle tongue to be inserted at any point along the permeable band for a perfect fit on any wrist.” The Navigator 2.0 also features a digital compass with declination adjustment, 3 alarms, a 30-lap memory chronograph and is water-resistant to 330ft. $125 from REI available in a black or silver finish.
This may not look like the most promising design for a robot, but there’s a lot of potential to be had with robots that can change their shape. These robots, from Ritsumeikan University in Japan, are constructed with spherical shells of spring steel attached to an inner core (which contains the power source and electronics) via shape memory alloy wires. Applying voltage to the wires causes them to contract, deforming the shape of the robot. By doing this, the robot can change its center of gravity to roll in any direction…
Reminiscent of the anatomy of a Lego minifig we posted about a year ago, the above image is part of a series by artist Angela Moramarco called “Wii-habilitation”. We kind of prefer our own title to it since it’s more appropriately descriptive if a little less pun-esque. Our understanding however is that this could be part of an outreach by Nintendo to physical therapists, extolling the console’s benefits on the body, hence the “rahabilitation” theme. We’re not sure whether this is something actually sanctioned by Nintendo or merely a creation by Moramarco.
Click picture to enlarge and follow the links to the entire portfolio.
If you have a PS3, then you probably take advantage of of its Blu-ray player. You’d be crazy not to. Unfortunately one drawback to the PS3 is that you have to have a separate remote to operate it. Why? Because it’s one of the only home theater devices to use Bluetooth to communicate with its remote. Well luckily there now exists a remote that can control more than just your PS3.
The Blu-Link remote works off of both Bluetooth and infrared signals, thus catering to all of your devices. It supports up to six different devices, and can learn commands from other devices. You’ll also find dedicated PS3 and Blu-ray control buttons. $49 might seem steep for your average universal remote, but this one looks to be well worth the money.
Not as wimpy as your standard Power Wheels, but not as dangerous as a real ATV, this all terrain Polaris ride-on falls somewhere in the middle, making it ideal for kids and pre-teens. It’s modeled after the Polaris Ranger RZR, but the dual 24-volt electric motors can only power it to a top speed of about 7 MPH. The 15-inch molded wheels and rear suspension should help it navigate even the most unkempt of backyards, and a set of power brakes are automatically engaged whenever the driver removes their foot from the accelerator. And since today’s modern kids couldn’t possibly go for a ride without their tunes, the mini Polaris comes standard with an FM radio featuring an aux-in for connecting an MP3 player. $1,000 from Hammacher Schlemmer.
So it might not be from the Logitech we all know and love, but this “professional audio recording” accessory for your iPod or iPhone includes an X-Y style microphone that should improve the quality of your captures if it works as promised. Audio is recorded in the uncompressed WAV format, and the lovingly named LIC-iREC03P module includes switches for enabling automatic gain control and adjusting the attenuation. ~$117 from Geek Stuff 4 U.
Kids are messy, it’s just one of those simple facts of life. You can’t really be too hard on them, being the younglings they are. As they get older, they develop better motor skills, and just generally stop tripping over their own feet. Until that time arrives, you have to do your best to minimize the messes they will be making. The latest weapon in the fight to prevent messes is the Loopa Bowl.
The Loopa Bowl is a little more than your average cereal bowl. It is weighted at the bottom, and surrounded by a pair of rings. The outermost rings has handles all around it, and is used to carry the bowl. As long as you’re holding onto the outer ring, the bowl will stay upright. A simple design that’s sure to save countless spills for just $10.
Monopoly, the board game that’s torn families apart and created unrepairable rifts between friends is about to go online in a very big way. Monopoly City Streets is a collaboration between Hasbro and Google, and players will actually be able to use Google Maps to buy and build on literally millions of streets from around the world. The online version of the game will also introduce new structures like stadiums, castles and skyscrapers, as well as garbage dumps and prisons which can be constructed on other player’s streets, diminishing their value. Now I’m not entirely sure how the game will be played, but it’s set to launch on September 9 so in just a couple of days we’ll all be able to find out.
Related Tags: GPS, Portable Media Players
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