Gadget & Tech News

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

We first heard about that laser-guided wheelchair way back in 2006 but didn’t really have much more than promises from the team behind it about precisely what they had in store. As New Scientist reports, however, it seems that the folks from Lehigh University and Freedom Sciences are still hard at work at it, and they’re finally showing off some of their progress. The wheelchair is apparently still not entirely automated though, with it needing to be driven to the rear of the vehicle by remote control, after which the on-board LIDAR system kicks in and loads it onto the lift all by itself. Not surprisingly, the estimated price for the eventual commercial version has additionally gone up since we last heard from the team, with it now set to demand $30,000 (as opposed to $15,000 to $20,000) when it goes on sale later that year, assuming it gets the essential FDA approval. Until thereupon, you can head on by after the break to check it out in action.

Continue reading Researchers show off laser-guided wheelchair that docks with vehicles

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Original post by Donald Melanson

Filed under: Digital Cameras

We’ve seen a number of cameras mounted on RC vehicles before, but whether you’re looking for a more out-of-the-box solution, you may want to consider that so-called RC-12 camera now available from Japan Trend Shop, which is not only smaller than most, but able to be used underwater as well. Apparently, the 2.7 megapixel camera will work up to 30 meters away with the included 1.2GHz Morse typeS receiver, and last for about 45 minutes on a loner charge, which is likely more than you’ll ever want to shoot in one go, unless of course you happen to be recording some first-person footage from your next robot laser battle, which we could never possibly get ample of. As you might have guessed, however, the pint-sized kit doesn’t precisely come cheap, with it setting you back $269, plus some fairly hefty shipping charges.

[Via OhGizmo]

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Original post by Donald Melanson

The Brionvega Alpha retro TV has finally fought its way through from being a concept initially to a fully working model. It boasts a design based on the modernist classics of Le Corbusier and Breuer, bringing together a 19″ LCD display encompassed by a chrome screen, an integrated DVD player with with audio playback option and a pretty bulky die-cast aluminium remote control that complements the retro TV. Too poor that isn’t HD ready - it would be cool whether it could be hooked up to the PS3 or Xbox 360. At the very least you can always opt for a digital tuner integrated into your purchase by forking out some additional pennies. The final product is available in silver, black or orange colors, with prices starting from 1,950 Euros upwards.

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Original post by Allanda

Interestingly abundant, cell phones for the older generation are readily available but when it comes to user-friendly PCs for senior citizens? Well, the reply is virtually zero. Zilch. Nada. Microsoft UK aims to change that though, drawing up a plan to develop a “senior PC” which will boast a simple user interface as well as specially tweaked to handle more complex tasks (relatively speaking, of course) such as managing prescriptions and photos. Charities Age Concern and Help the Aged will be working with Microsoft UK on that “ad-funded PC” that would come preloaded with a step-by-step guide to get online, remain safe and perform “simple computer tasks”. You can be certain there won’t be fast paced games in there - perhaps a digital version of Sudoku and crosswords?

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Original post by Allanda

Isn’t that weird - that pair of (extremely) high heels actually come with an integrated stair counter screwed onto the ankle. Obviously, it works on pretty much the same mechanism as those found in gym machines, but it kinda boggles the mind on which woman in her right mind will actually bother climbing stairs while wearing these? Chances are they’d end up with really sore feet whether attempting anything more than a couple of flights of stairs. Still, you can look out for a pair of that geeky shoes when September rolls around.

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Original post by Allanda

Sony Europe has rolled out its newest all-in-one home cinema system, the BRAVIA DAV-F200 which is most pleasing to the eyes, thanks to a glass-fronted, wall-mountable control center that boasts a slot-loading DVD, 1080p upscaling, a USB port that works great with flash drives or PMPs containing MP3s as well as Sony’s very own DMPORT expansion slot. You can even throw in an optional Bluetooth or WiFi adapter in the latter, enabling the DAV-F200 to stream music from a wireless device. Audio format compatibility include MP3, DivX, JPEG and WMA. The DAV-F200 takes a capability sharing route, where both stereo speakers and a subwoofer will pump out 405W of ability while producing faux surround sound. No view on how much it costs, but that is a decent entry level speaker system that will roll out that June.

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Original post by Allanda

Samsung has just launched charging stations for mobile devices in two airports in the US - terminals at LaGuardia and Orlando worldly Airports. Known as the Samsung Mobile Charging Station, these enable travelers to juice up their cell phones, laptops and various other electronics for free, making the aforementioned airports to join the growing number of charging stations found in Los Angeles, JFK and Dallas/Forth Worth universal airports. There will be a dozen of such charging stations at LaGuardia’s Terminal C, with four outlets located in each of the 8.5 foot tall poles. Any 120V device can be charged, just form certain you’re observant of your device sitting down there lest it be nicked away during a momentary lapse of concentration.

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Original post by Allanda