Join Conceptual Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Entecho’s Hoverpod
I remember watching an episode of Mythbusters where they were discussing the possibility of hovering technology. Apparently, Adam and Jamie had grown up seeing the same ads on the back covers of comic books that promised an “Air Car”, and I remember these ones too.
The Mythbusters then challenged each other to a race with hovering vehicles that they built on their own. They were able to get them to hover, but getting any forward motion on them proved problematic.
It would appear that Australian company Entecho has figured out an application for hover technology. This fan-forced flying saucer could start a serious transportation revolution as the huge blades spin to give it lift, and the skirt around it gives it directional manipulation.
Audio/Video Gadgets, Electronic Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Fujitsu MB88395 chip supports 1394 Automotive communication standard
It goes without saying that we love to be entertained, otherwise how else would you explain sold out rock concerts, millions of Thriller albums making their way to living rooms all over the world and the clamor for the latest hit movies. In fact, with the advent of the iPod, entertainment has gotten all the more portable, spawning a mushrooming portable media player industry that has players from various companies coming up with their own creations. While these devices can be carried around in one’s pocket, what about entertainment options in the vehicle itself? Right now, we’re just stuck with built-in DVD players as well as in-dash displays (or those attached to the sun visor) to keep the kids entertained with Barney’s DVD during that cross country road trip, but what if entertainment could be personalized in high definition for each passenger? That’s what Fujitsu Microelectronics Ltd. aims to do with their new MB88395 processor, an LSI which supports the “1394 Automotive” communication standard for automotive information systems.
Audio/Video Gadgets, Electronic Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Panasonic to offer Strada Pocket series of PNDs
Panasonic has its fingers dipped in many segments across the consumer electronics industry, but we’re pretty sure that they’re fairly new to the world of portable navigation devices (PNDs). This doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to do a good job, and we’ll have to take a look at a quartet of models from its Strada Pocket series of PNDs before coming to a more conclusive judgment. Depending on the model picked out from the foursome, you can expect to fork out anywhere from $612 to $765 (after direct conversion from the Japanese Yen). More on these right after the jump.
Electronic Gadgets, USB Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Duracell back with USB Charger
Duracell is a name that is synonymous with their pink colored bunny that loves banging those drums long after other ordinary-powered bunnies have retired and fallen by the wayside. The energy firm however is smart enough to know that it cannot just rely on selling AA alkaline batteries throughout the years in order to stay afloat, and hence have released various other energy-related devices throughout the years in order to stay ahead of the competition. This time round, they aim to fill the gap of integrating mobile device technology and the automobile by coming up with the Duracell USB Charger. This device is actually a USB charging port which is able to plug straight into the vehicle’s DC socket, alongside a trio of other connectors available for the Duracell My Pocket Charger.
Vehicle Gadgets, iPod gadgets
Belkin releases new in-vehicle chargers
Belkin is an old hat at iPod accessories, and here they are with yet another two more devices that ought to keep your iPhone/iPod juiced up especially when you’ve embarked on a long road trip. The iPod- and iPhone-compatible Micro Auto Charger and Dual Auto Charger from Belkin are not only highly functional but affordable as well, with the former boasting a compact design which comes with a lip for easy removal, being placed nearly flush with a car’s dashboard. It will feature 1 amp charging and come bundled with a Charge and Sync Cable for iPod and iPhone for $20 this May, but you can also pick it up as a standalone device for $5 less. As for the Dual Auto Charger, this charger comes with two USB 2.0 ports where one of them offers fast charging at 1A while the other is at 500mA. Each $30 purchase will be accompanied by a three-foot charge and sync cable for the iPod and iPhone.
Source: iLounge
Conceptual Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Sunbeam Tiger concept
There is just something about concepts that tease our minds – after all, it frees us from the shackles of convention as we are able to focus on functionality and form without thinking of whether is is physically possible to do so or not. One area where concepts will send your pulse racing would be the world of cars, especially speedy ones that get the adrenaline pumping. Here we have the 2025 Sunbeam Tiger concept that sends the old into the new world, one hundred years later to be exact. The 1925 Sunbeam Tiger was a masterpiece in its own right, being a supercharged V12 four-liter racing car that was driven by the legendary Sir Henry Segrave at 145 mph (233 km/h) nearly a century ago, making it the smallest-engined car ever to hold the world land speed record in the process. Fast forward through the time-space continuum and we have the Sunbeam Tiger electric sports car concept that was specially designed in memory of the 100th anniversary (1925-2025) of the Tiger’s land speed record win. You will find state of the art technology in the 2025 edition, where it will be powered by a Siemens 3 phase AC motor powering the rear wheels with a 26 kilowatt/hour lithium-titanate battery pack, tipping the scales at just 600kg (1,323lb) – extremely light to help it sprint away in fashionable speed.
Tech News, Vehicle Gadgets
GM and Segway create the PUMA
This is probably one of those stories that might be getting too much press, but I’m covering it anyway for those who haven’t heard. Essentially, General Motors and Segway have teamed up to create Project PUMA.
PUMA stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, and it is essentially the next step up for Segway. The PUMA can hold two or more passengers, and everyone always asks how in the world a third person could ride this without being dragged.
Is anyone still amazed at the perfect balance? I admire that they figured out how to put two people on it. Anyway, the PUMA can reach speeds of up to 35 miles an hour, at a cost of 35 cents per charge.
Miscellaneous Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Hotelicopter: Practical or Impractical luxury?
I’ve been seeing many a gadget blog buzz about the Hotelicopter today. I suppose this is one of those coolest gadgets that I can’t help but report about either.
The Hotelicopter is exactly what it sounds like: a hotel in a helicopter. It is a Mil V-12 prototype that was originally built in Russia in 1968. It looks like there was a sale after the cold war ended, and someone plans to give the Mil a 5-star hotel makeover with queen size beds, a mini-bar, and even add extra amenities like Wi-Fi.
This is apparently enough to give 18 guests the night of their life. Just imagine spending the night in a room that can cruise at 140 miles per hour.
