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Orb Bluetooth headset redefines the ear-ring


Although Bluetooth headsets have come a long way in the style stakes, you can still look and feel a bit like a dork getting about town with one permanently affixed to your ear. Also, since they are usually designed to mold to the shape of the ear, they can be a little awkward to stuff in a pocket when not in use. An innovative new Bluetooth headset called the Orb solves this problem by transforming from a wireless earpiece into a ring that can be worn on your finger. Read More

Canon announces new Hybrid Image Stablization technology

Canon has developed optical image stabilization technology that compensates for angle camera shake and shift camera shake. The Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS) technology will be incorporated in interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009. The company says this is the first lens of its kind to incorporate technology that addresses both types of camera shake. Read More

Interpreting sign language is just the beginning for the AcceleGlove open source dataglove

After years in the making, the AcceleGlove open source data glove is now available for purchase. Originally designed for use as an automated American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, the AcceleGlove can also be used for a host of other applications thanks to its open source Software Development Kit (SDK). Developers and hobbyists alike can adapt the glove for use in assistive technology, rehabilitation, robotics, video gaming, virtual reality or a computing input device to name a few. Read More

Inventions that changed the world: Mikhail Kalashnikov's AK-47

It's the most effective killing machine in human history - a gun that, on its 62nd birthday, is still killing as many as a quarter of a million people every year, in every corner of the globe. Invented by a gifted tank mechanic to save Russia's motherland from the invading German hordes in WW2, the AK-47 went on to rise to global prominence during the proxy battles of the Cold War. Even today, a poorly trained militia group can become a force to be reckoned with once it finds a supply of AK-47s - such is its simplicity, reliability, affordability and sheer killing power. Abhorrent - yes, but with reference to its impact on humanity it is, sadly, among the greatest inventions of the 20th century. We take a look at this amazing weapon's history, its significance and its brutal dominance of world politics. Listen to the Podcast or Read More

Portable stereo recorder meets handycam

A portable camcorder that records MPEG-4 SP video format at 30 frames per second - in stereo - has been released by Zoom. The Q3 Handy Video Recorder combines 640 x 480 resolution video recording with studio quality audio through two built-in condenser microphones. Read More

The creation of a new font – using a Toyota IQ

Be of no doubt that the Toyota IQ is a landmark automobile. It may look like another city car, but it's the first genuine luxury super compact and the recently announced relationship with Aston Martin to create bespoke interiors for the vehicle is just the start of a massive push by the world's biggest automobile manufacturer to recalibrate public consciousness on the magnitude of luxury motoring. The creation of the IQ Agility computer font is another step in that process, and a devilishly clever one at that. Watch the video of how it was done and admire the work, not to mention be astonished that the IQ writes better than most humans. Read More

SCORE Project seeks funding to roll out Bio-Mass Stove in developing countries

Two years ago experts began work on a revolutionary new stove that could help reduce poverty in third world countries. The £2m SCORE project (Stove for Cooking, Refrigeration and Electricity) was designed to offer cooking, refrigeration and energy production from a wood-powered generator and subsequent developments have now brought the project to a point where it can be mass-produced. Read More

Phoenix: Concept vehicle for a brave new world

First appearing in the Michelin Challenge Designearlier this year, the Phoenix concept features an orbital omni-directional four-wheel-drive system which allows for several types of motion - apart from moving forwards and backwards, it can rotate around its own axis and move sideways. Read More

Microsoft Office for Web reaches testing phase

In a move anticipated for some time, Microsoft has announced that the next incarnation of its ubiquitous Office software will include free web based versions of several of the suites popular applications. Although late to the party, Microsoft’s foray into online applications - which have now entered the technical preview phase - is set to put the squeeze on well established online office suite rivals like Google and Zoho. Read More

Ferrari announces free Roadside Assistance service for all cars not covered by warranty

We suspect that the retained value figures for all Ferrari automobiles just took a significant hike in value. In a stunning move, Ferrari has announced the launch of a new “With You” roadside assistance service which will be provided free of charge to owners of all Prancing Horse cars built since 1947 and not covered by either existing factory or POWER warranties. Under the new scheme, Ferrari clients will not only enjoy 12 months of roadside assistance if their vehicle breaks down, but also be offered cover for expenses involved in returning home or reaching the Ferrari Authorised Service Centre to which their car has been taken. The service is free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, initially for Italian and UK owners, but to be extended to other European markets in the near future. No announcement has yet been made as to whether the scheme will be extended beyond Europe. Read More