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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Vuzix Wrap 1200VR video eyewear unveiled

Vuzix is well known for their range of video eyewear, and they are certainly keeping up with the times with their latest release, the Vuzix Wrap 1200VR video eyewear. Why the VR suffix in the model number? Well, VR means Virtual Reality, and it should usher in a new era of video eyewear. The Wrap 1200VR is said to be able to support widescreen VGA video up to 720P, not to mention the latest 3D games as well as upgraded head-tracking to make sure it remains ahead of the pack (while you edge past the Joneses with your latest gizmo).


Do not expect to look nerdy with this sunglass-style Wrap 1200VR, as careful thought had been incorporated into the overall design. Capable of bringing virtual worlds to life with its 16:9 widescreen, you can also more or less “step inside” your thanks to the virtual display and superior head tracking capability. The supersized display itself will feature a 35 degree field of view, which is similar to watching 3D content on a 75″ display from as near as 10 feet away.

Just what makes up the Wrap 1200VR’s head tracking technology? Well, it is known as the Wrap Tracker 6TC that sports a compass, alongside the aid of 9 sensors that work together to create a 3 degree of freedom solution with automatic drift compensation for smooth, realistic motion tracking. Don’t worry about new versions of 3D videos – this model supports the latest side-by-side 3D video format, not to mention playing nice with over 100 titles for 3D video and/or head tracking. Love video gaming staples like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Fallout 3, and F.E.A.R.? Fret not, those are all covered.

The Wrap 1200VR will be able to hook up to more or less any Windows graphic card desktop or laptop computer, never mind the make or model. Windows 7, Vista and XP (32 and 64-bit versions) will also be supported, making the Wrap 1200VR more or less the perfect big screen interactive gaming monitor. Throwing in optional interfaces, the Wrap 1200VR can connect to component video devices such as the Xbox 360 and PS3.

All that technology is not going to come cheap though – we’re looking at a price point of $599.99, but good thing it is large enough to fit over most prescription eyewear – unless you use a frame that is extremely artsy and way out large.

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

MIT Media Lab City Car could be our automobile future


MIT Media Lab showed off this particular CityCar at a conference lately, and it is very good. Just to let you know, it is still a concept, but it should be full-sized and in production in about 2013.

You can watch a video of it after the jump, and you can see that it has a very unusual folding ability. The folding is perfect for city parking places, where space is an issue. Just think how much less room these cars would take up in comparison to full size cars of today!

The folding also serves a secondary purpose as it allows the driver to get into the car standing instead of that acute or obtuse angle that one does when getting in the driver’s seat of ordinary vehicles.

In addition to these amazing abilities, the CityCar can turn its wheels at extremely odd angles. You can see in the video that the wheels can turn inward so the vehicle can make “O-turns”.

Oh man, I can just see a future where big cities are full of cars like these! It would be like everyone owning a SmartCar, but smaller. This would make a mini-van seem like a semi with these kinds of standards. Right now, my mind is filling with images of science-fiction future cities, without the dystopian shadows.

Source: Engadget

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

SpyNet Night Vision Mission Video Watch

Do you happen to feel a little bit like James Bond at the moment, and want to make sure that you have the gear to go along with your spying adventures in the future? Well, ThinkGeek might have just the device for you – the SpyNet Night Vision Mission Video Watch. It looks like a kid’s toy at first glance, although this is the real deal (of course, it won’t be as good as what the guys in SEAL Team 6 have), featuring built-in night vision capability to boot.

To put it in a nutshell, the SpyNet Night Vision Mission Video Watch works as claimed. It will be able to record not only video but audio as well, and if you so desire, you can have it shoot stills – in either the regular manner, or you can always opt for the time lapse mode. To sweeten the deal, this puppy even comes with downloadable spy missions, games and apps to get you started right out of the box!

There is the Snake Cam add-on that you can get if you want to take your covert operations to the next level, as it allows you to check out blind corners without revealing your position in such an obvious manner. How about having it snake through your button hole on your shirt’s sleeve?

The SpyNet Night Vision Video Watch will cost you $69.99, while the Snake Cam add-on is another $29.99.

Source: Coolest Gadgets

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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

MicroVision PicoP head-up display technology arrives in test vehicles

Technology in vehicles have surely come a long way from its early days until now, and we even have some sort of Heads Up Display in BMWs operating for some time already to help the driver keep his or her eyes on the road all the time, while gaining access to vital information at all times without missing a beat. Well, MicroVision might just be in on the next big thing with their PicoP head-up display technology known as PicoHUD, being implemented in test vehicles already.

This move, if it gains traction, might just end up with the commercialization of its PicoHUD technology within a mass production car model – perhaps targeted for introduction three years from now? MicroVision’s contract will see the automotive manufacturer and its Tier 1 supplier work together with MicroVision to roll out advanced HUD prototypes which will feature next-generation PicoP display engine that are based on direct green lasers.

These prototypes were specially developed for installation in early test vehicles, targeting specific upcoming models (boy do we wish we could get hold of such documents!) that are identified already on the automobile manufacturer’s production roadmap. Just what does MicroVision’s PicoHUD technology opens up? For starters, how about information such as vehicle monitoring, navigation, and radio controls sound to you? All relevant information will be projected directly on the windshield of a vehicle.

The main “engine” of the PicoHUD would be MicroVision’s PicoP ultra-miniature laser display technology which is capable of delivering a higher degree of design flexibility and programmability when you compare it against other technologies. The PicoHUD technology will result in head-up displays with industry-leading brightness, where it can be incorporated into just about any vehicle style without being hampered by space constraints.


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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Awesome Flipping: BMX rider achieves world record three rotations (and lands safely) in back flip stunt .

Flying through the air this bike rider looks set for one almighty crash landing. But BMX star Jed Mildon is in perfect control. That's because the 24-year-old New Zealander is in the middle of the first ever completed triple back-flip. Watched by friends, family and most importantly a Guiness World Records representative, Mildon completed the feat at the weekend. The event took place in his hometown of Taupo on New Zealand's north island and required a specialist built ramp, which measured 20m high to build up speed. And to complete the stunt he had to pull off a perfect landing on the 3.6m high landing zone.When both wheels touched down and he rode to a stop unscathed, Mildon was mobbed by the gathered crowd. An estimated 2,000 people were on hand to witness the stunt as well as some of New Zealand's best BMX riders. The thrilled biker said afterwards: 'This is the perfect result to three intensive months of practising and training for this moment. The impact and implications hasn't sunken in yet, but I'm so pumped to have aimed for something once deemed impossible and made my dream a reality. Landing with both wheels on the downramp was the most amazing feeling in the world.

He added that he thinks his best is still to come - although having completed the stunt he doesn't have anything left to prove. He told a New Zealand television channel: 'In my mind I've started planning the next project but I definitely 100 per cent know the world isn't ready for it. I could handle going that fast (60 km/h) so I'm pretty sure we can make it bigger and better. I think you're going to see pretty crazy things in the near future and I think this is only the beginning. Following his feat Mildon also attempted the world's first Double Backflip Tailwhip but crashed on landing. He walked away unscathed.

Other stunts at the event included a Harley Davidson motorbike rotated in mid-air and a wheelchair backflip.


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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Surprise! NASA unveils manned 'Deep Space Transportation System'

With the Space Shuttle's last ride right around the corner, there's a worry that NASA will be out of the manned spaceflight game for good, leaving it to the private sector instead. Well, walking back out onto the stage like a rockstar for an encore, NASA just screamed, "We're going into deep space, ya'll!" before diving into the crowd.

At the heart of NASA's "Deep Space Transportation System" is a manned crew-capsule-and-rocket combo the agency has tasked Lockheed Martin with cobbling together. Called the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (or MPCV), NASA envisions the spacecraft taking a crew of four astronauts into deep space on missions lasting upwards of 21 days (so, no Mars landings just yet), and then splashing down in the Pacific Ocean just like in the old days. It's also billed as being "10 times safer during ascent and entry than its predecessor, the space shuttle."

The MPCV's crew capsule design takes a direct cue from Orion, which was to fulfill the same role for the Constellation program, an initiative that was canned after it fell behind schedule and over budget.

That four-person limit is down from what the Orion capsule was originally supposed to ferry around at six crew (and lower than the shuttles six to eight), and the craft also doesn't look like it'll be able to transport the same heavy loads the Space Shuttle did, such as deploying a satellite into orbit. What it can do is take that crew out of low earth orbit, meaning real-deal, manned outer space exploration and study. It can also dock with the International Space Station, making one wonder if, in the future, the MPCV might not just deploy from the ISS for multiple missions rather than always returning to Earth. Here's what we're looking at — you can see the capsule nestled in the chassis:

We've know that Lockheed Martin was working on a manned capsule for deep space exploration for a while now, but it's nice to hear it officially from NASA. Now, after the Space Transportation System — the formal name for the Space Shuttle program — ends, it sounds like the Deep Space Transportation System will be the agency's focus.

From NASA Administration Charles Bolden:

"We are committed to human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and look forward to developing the next generation of systems to take us there. The NASA Authorization Act lays out a clear path forward for us by handing off transportation to the International Space Station to our private sector partners, so we can focus on deep space exploration. As we aggressively continue our work on a heavy lift launch vehicle, we are moving forward with an existing contract to keep development of our new crew vehicle on track."

NASA, via Physorg and Jalopnik

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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Modder stuffs a crazy powerful PC into a desk

What computer is all glass and aluminum and looks sexy as hell? No, it's not an iMac; it's this "L3P D3SK" made by a fella named Peter from the Netherlands. Yep, he shoved an entire computing rig directly into a desk. In terms of style points, the L3P D3SK beats the pants off this PC in a desk.



Looking within the glowing desk, you'll find 10TB of storage and a Core i7 processor that can be overclocked to 4.5GHz+. Oh, and Peter says the entire thing is silent as a mouse thanks to its water-cooled system and 17 fans. Jeebus! Peter even tossed in a three-monitor set-up to make this thing a regular Batman command center.
Want one of your very own? You're out of luck buddy, because Peter only made one and he's not selling it. Maybe if you have seven months of your own free time, you can build your very own. And now for some pics...

Coolermaster and Tweakers, via Lifehacker

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Advisory: You Should Probably Take Breaks

Nintendo’s 3DS, the handheld console that’s supposed to revolutionize the gaming experience, was gobbled up in the tech market during this week’s launch. Not only does the wide screen on top (800×240 pixel resolution) allow the user to play visually eye-popping games, but also its two outer cameras augment reality, displaying our 2D existence as an interactive 3D world. However, there’s a bit of a snag. Many users have been complaining of eye discomfort and headaches while playing the 3D games. So you don’t need glasses to play the 3DS, but you might feel like you need them by the time you’re done playing.
“The problem with it is that if you’re not looking at the system straight on, then your perspective is changing, tiring your eyes. This is ultimately going to give you a headache,” said gamer Kara Zisa.
Our visual perspective changes every time we move, so our eyes are constantly re-adjusting to the 3D. And while the headaches and eye irritation are short term, it’s an annoying side effect to what’s supposed to be a fun new way to use the technology.

Representatives from Nintendo are urging players to take frequent breaks from playing to avoid experiencing any of these problems. Another option to reduce the risk of any discomfort is to lower the amount of 3D effects, which can be tweaked using the built-in 3D Depth Slider. This feature can turn the 3D off and allow the user to play all of the games and apps in 2D. But what’s the point of getting a 3DS if you’re going to do that?

Although the 3DS is already popular, there are a couple of kinks with the technology that need to be worked out. This is only the beginning of what’s to come and we all know newer updated consoles will probably hit the market before we even have time to get used to what’s already available. So, my advice is to save the $250 (and the headache) for a newer version that will have better graphics and games.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Microsoft's acquisition of Skype for $8.5 billion becomes official

Combined companies will benefit consumers, businesses and increase market opportunity.

REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG – May 10, 2011 – Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: "MSFT") and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype's world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft's existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

"Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers," said Tony Bates. "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate," Bates said.

"Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I'm looking forward to Skype's talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft," Ballmer said.

Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: "We are thrilled with Skype's transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype's long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world's most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms."

Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake's leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.

About Skype
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free.

Source: Engadget
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Justin Bieber in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Smart, with official TV partner TV5 presents Justin Bieber My World Tour in Manila on May 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Watch the platinum-selling pop singing sensation perform his hits. This is Manila’s hottest concert ticket this year.

At 12, Justin entered a local singing competition. To share his success and talent with family members, he began posting videos of his performances on YouTube. Visitors to the site began subscribing to his videos, and he ended up becoming a YouTube sensation with over 10 million views of his performances. Not long after that, Scooter Braun discovered him as Braun came across his videos. Soon, he was signed to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture between Braun and Usher, and then to a recording contract with Island Records offered by L.A. Reid. And the rest was history.

To celebrate Justin’s YouTube beginnings and officially start Bieber fever in Manila, Smart brings Campus Bieber-Oke to students. It’s a karaoke-video booth that will go campus-hopping in search for the best Bieber-like performer. Students get a chance to win concert tickets by belting their best Justin Bieber rendition at the Bieber-oke booths. The fun doesn’t stop there because all contestants get a chance to meet Justin and win tickets for the entire barkada. How? The best performances in video, hailed as finalists by the Bieber-oke team, will be uploaded on BieberinManila.com. The video with the most number of votes will be the grand winner. All you have to be is a Smart Buddy, Smart Gold, or Smart Bro subscriber with a valid school ID and a filled up contest registration form. So what are you waiting for? Sing your hearts out at the following campuses: Today and tomorrow at St. Paul College-Pasig and College of the Holy Spirit; and Feb. 14 to 18, De La Salle University-Manila. For contest mechanics and more information regarding the campus tour, you may check out www.facebook.com/mmilive. For schools who want to join the roster, you may call 845-0125.

Exclusive to Smart subscribers, text JB to 234 for Justin Bieber music downloads.

For ticket reservations to this most anticipated concert, you may call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.com. You may also check out TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call at 891-9999. Tickets are priced at P8,000 (VIP), P5,000 (Gold), P3,500 (Silver), P2,000 (Bronze) and P750 (General Admission), plus applicable service charge.

Justin Bieber My World Tour with special guest Poreotics is presented by Smart, TV5, Bench, SM Mall of Asia, FOX, STAR World, Music Management International, AEDI, EDSA Shangri-La, MCA Music, SM Supermalls, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business World, Candy, KZone, Total Girl, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, Y101 Cebu, Wild FM Davao 92.3, and Philstar.com.

Source: Philstar
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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Pacquiao VS Mosley Fight - Live Stream

Watch Live Stream here...

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs) will be on the ring again this coming May 7, 2011 to defend his honor, boxing title and his domination as pound for pound king of the world against the American boxer, “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs).

Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum made the arrangements to make this fight to happen. Arum believes that Pacquiao vs. Mosley is much better compared to other options that line up prior to the decision day of the fight such as options like Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy and Pacquiao-Chavez match up.

Honestly, I was expecting that Pacquiao will be fighting against the undefeated welterweight boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. but the latter faces different legal issues that really hampered him to think about anything about boxing and make the dream match materialized. Maybe later this year or next it will happen but Mayweather really need to fix his problems first so that he could focus on fighting the people’s champ.

Now, with the announcement of Mosley-Pacquiao match, mixed opinions spread and a lot of them thinks that Mosley is too old for Manny to keep up with his speed and power. However, he said that he won’t go easy with the champ and even his opponent is saying that this fight will be quite difficult compared to other matches he successfully won.

CBS/Showtime will be the one to handle in televising the fight instead of HBO. They will also produce a 24/7 – like sports documentary for the match to promote it several weeks before the fight night. The boxing event will be happening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The 24/7-like series will be the called as “FIGHT CAMP 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley” which premiere date will be on April 2, 2011. You might want to check the complete schedule at WATCHPACQUIAO.COM.

Later, return here at Bleuken.com for the links or live video streaming that I will try to share to you on where you could possibly watch Pacquiao vs. Mosley live online or even its fight replay. I will also update this article for other highlights of the match, news and other stuff about Pacquiao vs. Mosley fight on May 7.

Featured undercard fights for this boxing event are:

* Humberto Soto (56-7-2) vs. Urbano Antillon (28-2-0) rematch for the WBC Lightweight division.
* Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (19-0-0) vs. Jorge Arce (56-6-2) for the WBO Super Bantamweight Title.
* Kelly Pavlik (36-2-0) vs. Alfonso Lopez III (21-0-0) in a 10-round Super Middleweight showdown

By the way, you can leave your comments below for any reactions, feedback or fight prediction about this upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley match.

Pacquiao vs. Mosley Fight Updates

4/13/2011: Pacquiao is in Los Angeles, California right now for the final leg of the extensive training for the match while Mosley is still in Big Bear California. Azkals – a football team from the Philippines visited Manny and express their support and interest to watch Pacquiao vs. Mosley live.

4/21/2011: You can now watch Fight Camp 360: Pacquiao vs. Mosley Episode 1 full replay here at Bleuken.com, just check out the link on this website.

5/5/2011: Top Rank boxing held a Las Vegas press conference today that marks the beginning of the “Unstoppable” event. A 7 part series dubbed as “Count Down to Pacquiao vs. Mosley” was also produced by them to promote the fight which can be watched via Top Rank’s official Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/trboxing. Meanwhile, the official Pacquiao vs. Mosley weigh-in will be held on May 6, 2011 at 6pm ET/PT and can be watched live via SHO Extreme. I hope that the Top Rank website got a live stream version of it so that I could also watch it live but I believe that CBS/SHO will upload the video feed of the weigh-in in Youtube which the same thing that they did on Fight Camp 360.

5/6/2011: The official weigh-in will be telecast live via CBS/SHO Sports Extreme at 6pm Eastern Time (6am May 7 in the Philippines) and can be watched live via Top Rank Live Streaming. I’ll post the result below later.

5/7/2011: Here’s the undercard non-televised match started at 6pm ET. Main card starts at 9pm ET and the video below will be replaced later.

Source: Bleuken
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Thursday, May 5, 2011

BrainDriver allows you to drive with your mind


Imagine getting behind the wheel of your car, and no hands were required on the wheel.

This is the technology of BrainDriver which is under development at Freie Universität Berlin by professor Raul Rojas. BrainDriver uses a head cap with 16 sensors that allow the driver to have control over the wheel.

This is electroencephalography in action, and it is technology that is getting better every day. We have reported on computers that can do this, and all BrainDriver does is create a system for guiding the steering wheel. There’s a video after the jump so you can see how it works. You will note that they aren’t testing this on the real road with real traffic yet.

You’ll also notice that the driver seems quite young. The first thing I thought was “I am surprised he has his license”. Speaking of thoughts, I’m not certain whether or not thought driving is such a good idea. I mean, when I drive, I think an action and then I do it. This Braindriver had better be able to discern when I am thinking about making a turn and when I definitely want to make a turn.

However, if this young guy can figure it out, then I think I could probably figure it out. I guess it would be like having a limo with my brain as a driver. Perhaps this is just one stepping stone in our goal of completely autonomous vehicles.

Source...
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Agility Saietta R Bike


Electric vehicles seem to be all the rage these days, so you might be interested to ride into the sunset with the Agility Saietta R Bike – a cool looking two-wheeler that looks as though it comes from the future. Of course, the £13,570 price tag is not going to make it appealing to everybody at first glance, but hear me out as I list down what’s so great about this.

First of all, you need not worry about traffic jams since you can always zip yourself around town on this, squeezing between cars to get from point A to point B within the fastest time possible. Apart from that, you don’t have to cram yourself into public transport like you’re part of a sardine tin, and best of all is, the spare seat behind is perfect for you to pick up chicks (if you’re single, of course) as it looks totally hot.

With the Saietta R’s electric motor in action, all the bulk associated with how a standard bike should look like has been removed, and hence the shape and model have evolved to resemble something from the future. This lightweight and environmentally-friendly dream ride might not glow like something out of Tron, but it will still turn heads around and eyes green as you cruise down the street on this.
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Monday, April 25, 2011

Zipline Southern Leyte at Agas-Agas Bridge


MANILA, Philippines - Filipino extreme sports lovers need not go abroad to experience a jaw-dropping and nerve-wracking bungee jumping.

In building the country’s highest bridge in Southern Leyte, the DPWH has made it possible for extreme sports aficionados to jump from the 90-meter high Agas-Agas Bridge. The recently inaugurated structure promotes transportation, environment, tourism and sports and is now the Philippines’ newest tourist attraction.

The country’s longest, highest, steepest and most exciting zip line had its debut recently – the Zip Southern Leyte!

And everyone’s itching to experience the ride of a lifetime!

Zip Southern Leyte had its soft opening last April 15, 2011 and guests were able to try out the zip line for the first time – for free!

Now, hear this: with a length of almost 1 kilometer, it’s the longest in the country today. Average ride duration: 30 seconds.

It’s at the highest elevation. One “flies” over Agas-Agas Bridge – now currently the tallest bridge in the Philippines – at a take off pad with a height equivalent to a 30-storey high building.

It’s the steepest. Having the largest angle of decent makes for having speeds upwards of 110kph, depending on body weight. A rider weighing 40kgs reaches a max speed of 100kps; one weighing 65kgs can reach speeds of up to 140kph.

The Zip Southern Leyte is just one of the major attractions at the Agas Agas Adventure Park which will have full operation by July 1, 2011 in time for the province’s 51st founding anniversary. Other extreme sports facilities like bungee jumping, downhill skateboarding, rappelling, ATV (all terrain vehicle) and cable car are in the pipeline.


The Agas-Agas Adventure Park is a 2-hour drive from Tacloban City via the Maharlika Highway at the famous bridge connecting the towns of Mahaplag, Leyte and Sogod, Southern Leyte.



Videos:



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The EyeReader app on your iPhone – Lets you Read the Small Print


First, let me tell you that I have in fact reached an age where I require very subtle vision correction, Okay, I have reached an age where I can’t see the television 6 feet in front of me without my glasses on, let’s face it, being “almost 30” for the 10th time isn’t all its cracked up to be, and when I find myself without my cool librarian glasses, I’m as blind as a bat.

So it was interesting to check out the EyeReader by Net|Soft Engineering. EyeReader is the first, in a series of new “Silver Apps” – applications geared towards users 45 and older. Utilizing the iPhone 4′s full 3.5-inch widescreen display and 4 bright LED lights, EyeReader illuminates any surface and offers up to 5X magnification, it also gives users the ability to zoom in and out with two fingers via touch-screen technology. It’s perfect for reading menus, playbills, instructions on prescription medication or any fine print.

The brainchild of engineer Gerry Lavender, EyeReader takes only half a megabyte and is just $1.99 to download from the iTunes store.

“Older adults are looking for apps that meet their needs,” says Lavender. “You may forget your reading glasses, but you’re never without your iPhone. As a Baby Boomer myself I fully understand the challenges seniors face and it’s been the inspiration for Silver Apps, all designed to make life easier for that population.

Lavender is already looking ahead to the evolution of EyeReader creating a version compatible with Android phones and he’s also developing some apps for the new iPad. Interesting stuff, that might come in handy should I ever admit to getting older.

Available now for only $1.99.

Source: www.netsoftengr.com
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Ultimate Gaming Chair


Here I thought that the Pyramat Sound Chair was the ultimate gaming chair, but I was wrong. Very wrong.

That title definitely goes to the Ultimate Game Chair. The name really gets the point across, eh?

This chair is packed with features. To start off, there are 12 vibration motors throughout the chair that are synchronized with the games action. Nerdy and cool.

As far as sound goes, you can use your stock headphones from a MP3 player etc, or plug the chair into your home stereo system to get full surround sound. There are adjustable 3D stereo speakers built into the chair as well.

Any type of gaming accessory will probably work with the chair, including steering wheels and custom controllers.

Comfort was definitely not overlooked when this chair was designed. It’s all leather material, has an adjustable headrest, leg rest, and even a beverage and remote controller holder. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this chair will give you a nice massage, too. Seriously.

Quite a few game consoles are compatible with the Ultimate Gaming Chair, including the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, Mac, PS1, and Xbox Live. For audio only, you can use all those and your iPod, DS, PSP, or generic MP3 player.

Just to recap, you get a massage chair, beverage holder, stereo sound, vibrators synced to the game, and a remote holder. If you’re a serious gamer, price means nothing, but if you’re not, the $400 price tag might give you some second thoughts.
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Sunday, April 10, 2011

In Swimming Pool Exercise Bike


Swimming and cycling are two forms of exercise that are touted to burn the most calories, although the former tends to make you a whole lot hungrier than normal. With the In Pool Exercise Bike (which is patented by the way), you will need to be pretty well off in the first place since not everyone can afford a home with a pool in the first place. Of course, it should be a relative bargain to you if you fall under that category at a mere $899.95 a pop.

This patented exercise bike will need to be ridden while partially submerged in a pool so that you can improve strength as well as endurance without causing more strain on your body than it normally would. Having seen action in training by professional bicyclists, riders will need to turn a paddle that offers greater resistance compared to biking on land, which results in a slow, controlled motion that improves muscle strength and endurance.

Since the exercise is performed in water, the pool bicycle will also go some ways in relieving stress on weight-bearing joints, all the while increasing flexibility, and improving both balance and posture. It can work in just two feet of water, but of course, if you submerge it deeper, it will definitely increase the intensity of workouts which your body will appreciate.
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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Top 5 Fastest Cars for 2010 – 2011

Finding the world’s fastest cars isn’t so easy. We will look at the 5 street legal fastest cars in the world in terms of maximum speed achieved. Due to the economical meltdown of the recent year the list actually did not change from the end of 2008. We can only hope that manufactures will restart those engines and develop faster cars for the future.


1. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport; 267 mph, 0-60 in 2.2 seconds – This is a lightweight super car powered by 8.0-liter W16 engine with 1200 horsepower. It sells at $2,400,000, easily the highest priced car in the top 10 list. The car produced by Volkswagen Group subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles was introduced in 2005 as the fastest production car in the world.


2. SSC Ultimate Aero; 257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 seconds – This car was acknowledged by Guinness world records as the fastest car in March 2007. It is powered by a twin-turbo engine that packs an astounding 1183 horsepower. Only 24 cars were produced from 2006-2007 at a price of US $485,000.



3. Koenigsegg CCX; 250 mph+, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds – This Sweden-made fast car packs 806 power from its 90 degree V8 engine. The CCX was first unveiled on February 28, 2006 at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show although its existence was announced earlier. At a price of $1,820,000 and $2,050,000 for top of the line model, exclusivity is guaranteed.


4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo; 248 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds – This super fast car is powered by an 100% aluminum V8 engine packing with 750 horsepower. This twin-turbocharged monster went on sale for $585,296 USD in 2005 , replacing standard non turbo S7 production. Saleen offers an optional competition package with 33% increase in power.


5. McLaren F1; 240 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds – It is power driven by powerhouse V12 engine that packs 62y horsepower. It is popular with its trademark doors that resemble bat wings. Up until 1998, when McLaren produced and sold the standard F1 models, they had a price tag of around 970 000 USD. Today the cars can sell for up to nearly twice that of the original price.
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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Money Bags - July 2011

This year, month of July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags based on Chinese Feng Shui.


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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Motorola Android 3.0 tablet

In a week that saw Android 2.3 announced and available before Christmas on the Google Nexus S, it feels odd writing about Android 3.0 so soon.

But Google has shown off the OS on an as-yet-unannounced tablet device created by Motorola.

Andy Rubin, Google vice president of engineering, showed off the tablet prototype and a sneak peak at Honeycomb at the All Things Digital conference.

Bees knees

Frustratingly, details about the tablet and the OS were scarce, but an (albeit sparse) interface was shown off, as was the lock screen and quick access to Google Maps.

The Google Maps on show was the newest version of Google Maps that was announced this week.

Rubin notes that the Maps 3D interface shows of the 3D processing power of the device and showed a new finger gesture to get to the 3D view of Maps.

Also explained was that the device has no physical buttons at all – no home button, no back button, nothing.

All the navigation is done through Honeycomb.

In a little dig to the Apple iPad, he says that you can still get a little lost on the iPad with just one button.

He also teased that many more tablets with Android 3.0 will be on the way.

To see what all the fuss is about, check out the video below:



Source: Techradar
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