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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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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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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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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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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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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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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