Insert Coin: Knut WiFi-enabled sensor hub (video)

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

On the surface, Knut (pronounced Kah-noot) doesn't sound terribly exciting -- it's a pocketable WiFi-enabled device that beams you realtime stats over the web. But consider the possible applications, and you'll be much more anxious to pick one up. You can use Knut to measure humidity in your humidor, the temperature in your fish tank or even the status of a door or window. You can monitor stats in realtime, or set alerts so you'll know something's wrong before your goldfish cooks in the tank, those precious Cuban cigars you smuggled through Customs dry up and crumble or someone sneaks into your house through a window after you check in miles away on Foursquare. After popping in a pair of AAA batteries (which are said to last from 2 weeks to 10 years, depending on the battery and syncing options), you assign Knut an email address, which it then uses to communicate. Other Knuts can use the same email address, from which they'll send updates at pre-set intervals.

Knut ships with built-in temperature and battery level sensors, and it's compatible with a variety of add-ons, from humidity and vibration to door and water presence sensors. You can also create your own sensor using the breakout board. The project creators have developed a functional prototype, but they need to raise additional funds to pay programmers and buy materials for mass production. As usual, that's where you come in. The first 200 Kickstarter backers can hop on board the pre-order train with a pledge of $80, while an unlimited number of devices will be available for $95. A $115 pledge will get you a Knut and an additional sensor, while $175 will up the order to one Knut, three sensors and a three-port hub. There's six weeks left to go on the campaign, with a goal of $25,000 and an estimated September ship date. As always, you'll find everything you need in the demo video and source link, just after the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Knut WiFi-enabled sensor hub (video)

Insert Coin: Knut WiFi-enabled sensor hub (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/insert-coin-knut-sensor/

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Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers

They may not be "robots" as most have come to expect, but these so-called microrobots developed by a team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa do have at least one thing in common with many of their mechanical counterparts: lasers. As IEEE Spectrum reports, the bots themselves are actually nothing more than bubbles of air in a saline solution, but they become "microrobots" when the laser is added to the equation, which serves as an engine of sorts and allows the researchers to control both the speed and direction of the bubbles. That, they say, could allow the bots to be used for a variety of tasks, including assembling microstructures and then disappearing without a trace when the bubble is popped. Head on past the break for a video of what they're already capable of.

Continue reading Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers

Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 21:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/

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Deal of the Day: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Note

The May 22 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Note. Safeguarding the screen from scratches and the corners from bumps and shocks, this three-layer case offers a unique design with reliable strength.  Included is a self-adhering clear protective film to safeguard your Samsung Galaxy Note touch screen.

The OtterBox Commuter Case is available for just $26.95 today only, 40% off the regular price.  Pick yours up while supplies last!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/X2dWllb9R8g/story01.htm

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Tesla CEO tweets that crash testing is complete, Model S production ready to roll

As the world awaits the arrival of Tesla's Model S, CEO Elon Musk has triumphantly tweeted (it was a busy night) that the car has passed all crash testing for a five star rating. The upshot, other than assuring prospective owners of their safety even if their limited edition ride gets dinged, is that cars can be built for sale and the first customer deliveries are scheduled for June 22nd -- just ahead of the original July projections. We've already had seat time in the sporty sedan, and if predictions hold, about half of the 10,000 who have preordered so far should get their shot in 2012, before production ramps up to 20,000 units in 2013. With a pricetag of up to $77,400 it may be time to make sure your financing is in order, although we're sure there others on the list who wouldn't mind moving up one bit. While you're counting down to the arrival of your own Model S (if, indeed, you ordered one) check out the source links for more info.

[Thanks, Adam]

Tesla CEO tweets that crash testing is complete, Model S production ready to roll originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-crash-test/

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Scientists develop rewritable digital storage built into DNA; biological binary exists

We've seen DNA flirt with computing and storage before, but a biological system that can record digital data? That's something different. Stanford researchers used natural enzymes to create rewritable data storage built directly into living cells' DNA. The enzymes can flip DNA sequences back and forth, enabling a programmable, binary-like system where the DNA section is a zero if it points in a particular direction and a one if it points the other way. (Color coding indicates which way a section of genetic code is facing.) The so-called recombinase addressable data (RAD) module can store one bit of information without consuming any power, and in addition to letting scientists switch DNA sequences, it allows them to count how many times a given cell has doubled. That capability could come in handy for studying how cancer spreads, and could even give scientists the ability to "turn off" affected cells. The next step for the scientists will be upping the storage capacity to a byte, which will reportedly take a good ten years. That gives you plenty of time to study up on that science -- for a start, check out a more detailed account of the research in the source link.

Scientists develop rewritable digital storage built into DNA; biological binary exists originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/rewritable-digital-storage-built-into-dna/

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Konstruct for iOS creates generative augmented reality art with your voice

If you have an artistic temperament, but you weren't blessed with steady hands or an eye for color, Konstruct might be the app for you. Not only does the iPhone app let you produce generative art using words, warbles and whistles, but it also uses augmented reality to bring your artistic creation to life.

To get started, you first need to print out the Konstruct marker and place it wherever you'd like to create your AR sculpture -- it could be on your living room wall, or on the floor of your bathroom, it doesn't matter. Open the app, point your iPhone at the marker, and start making some noises! Once you're done, you can save your creation, or simply wipe the slate clean and start again.

The volume of your voice affects the size of the shapes that are drawn on the screen, and you can move your head around to alter the path of your 'brush' -- but to change the shape of your brush or modify the color palette you have to use a menu. Without knowledge of the app's internal workings, it's hard to say what the actual difference between whistling, talking and singing is -- and judging by the developer's affinity for whistling in the demo video (after the break), the app probably doesn't perform that much analysis on your input.

Still, Konstruct is just a prototype! A later version could do away with menus and rely entirely on the location, tonality, quality and amplitude of your voice -- and judging by the the words of the developer, James Alliban, there is definitely more in store for Konstruct: "The idea of transforming entire cities into user generated virtual art galleries really appeals to me. I see Konstruct as an early prototype that will hopefully be realised in this form in the future."

Download Konstruct for free from the App Store (iPhone 3GS and 4 only)

[Thanks to Richard for the tip!]

Gallery: Konstruct for iOS: create generative augmented art with your voice

Continue reading Konstruct for iOS creates generative augmented reality art with your voice

Konstruct for iOS creates generative augmented reality art with your voice originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/konstruct-for-ios-creates-generative-augmented-reality-art-with/

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Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video)

Love driving but hate traffic? We hear you, and so do the people at Inrix. While the company might not come to the forefront of your mind when you consider the crowded world of navigation solutions, Inrix is a significant player in the field -- even if much of its presence exists behind the scenes. The company collects and analyzes data points from nearly 100 million sources, and now it's putting that information to work with Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS. In addition to helping users avoid congestion brought on by road work, police activity, local events and traffic accidents, the app now provides drivers with optimal routes and estimated arrival times for their two most common destinations -- a feature that's somewhat reminiscent of Nokia Drive 3. Inrix also leverages its data analysis to provide users with ideal departure times and even estimate traffic congestion throughout the day based on historical information. What's more, commuters can now quickly provide these estimated arrival times and routes to loved ones and co-workers via text message or email.

While the basic version of Inrix Traffic 4 is free, you'll have the option of upgrading to a premium version for $24.99, which brings traffic camera information and allows you to add more than two common destination points. We're told that Android users will soon find these features work their way across the aisle, although Inrix isn't yet ready to give a specific arrival date. If you're curious to learn more about Inrix Traffic 4, just hop the break for a demo video and the full PR.

Continue reading Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video)

Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/inrix-traffic-4-for-ios/

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New iPad Smart Covers

At the release of the iPad 2, Apple also brought out its Smart Cover product, which quickly became a favorite. Although the new iPad 3 is a little thicker through the middle than the iPad 2 (due to a bigger battery), it is still compatible with the previous Smart Covers that are currently for sale. This is excellent news as the Smart Cover not only protects the iPad screen from scratches and scrapes but is also functional and practical, and [...]

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/new-ipad-smart-covers/

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David Beckham and the Galaxy Note get official

In case you missed the leaked version last week.

(And I could totally do that.)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/C_h83cmpqQ4/story01.htm

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Apple files to ban Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in U.S.

Late last week Apple filed a preliminary injunction against Samsung's flagship tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The move comes shortly after an appeal which partially confirmed that Apple's design patent infringement complaint was valid. This might put just a slight damper on the settlement talks Apple and Samsung had scheduled for today. Apple proposed to give Samsung until May 25 (this Friday) to respond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/tYIgUpxZ2gA/story01.htm

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Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game

Okay, see that snaking line coming in from the right on the screenshot? That's you. And see those large round circles? Those are supposedly grapefruits, only they won't sit still - they keep moving up and down and cutting across your path. And if you touch one, you die!

That's what you have to deal with in Line Grapefruit. But that's not all - you're also on a time limit. In fact, you have a very limited amount of time to make it through the "path" (for lack of a better word). You need to snake your way through the winding trail without touching anything. The good news is that a grapefruit only kills you if it touches the end of the line - once you've made it past the grapefruit, nothing happens if it crosses the path you've made.

This is not an easy game, but it's quite unique - I can't recall seeing another game quite like it.

Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/line-grapefruit-is-a-tricky-flash-path-game/

ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS The Nerdery Pyntail

Mutewatch – Muted Style

While perhaps not the most stylish watch available, the Mutewatch comes with a touch sensitive screen, clock, alarm and time functions. Alarms can be set which vibrate rather than sounding and you have the choice between short and long vibration giving you discrete alarms. The Mutewatch also features a built-in motion sensor so that high levels of [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/05/20/mutewatch-muted-style/

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This Mind Blowing Image of the Eclipse Can't Possibly Be Real [Image Cache]

I refuse to believe this image of the eclipse is real, as much as I wish it were. Not that it couldn't be real. It can. I've seen plenty of photos of eclipses taken from space, but this one is just too awesome to be real. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/0OhlNklTtWY/this-mind-blowing-image-of-the-eclipse-taken-from-space-cant-possibly-real

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These Multifunctional Pencils Are Too Attractive to Ever Be Used [Beautiful]

Pencils are decidedly simple instruments, used for the sole purpose of writing and drawing, but applications in which we use them in our daily lives are becoming increasingly niche. What if they had an added function? More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/fTFblXVr1KI/multi+functional-pencils-are-too-attractive-to-ever-be-used

Charlize Theron Charles Robert Hamilton IV Claudio Langes