Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Amazon Suspends Kindle Account After Too Many Product Returns]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/amazon-suspends-kindle-account-after-too-many-product-returns/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/amazon-suspends-kindle-account-after-too-many-product-returns/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/amazon-suspends-kindle-account-after-too-many-product-returns/#comments
The Kindle should be a pretty straight forward proposition, but this just goes to show you how sometimes folks can stir up controversy even with something as innocuous as an e-book reader. First there was the hassle with the Writers Guild over text-to-speech, and then Amazon threatened MobileRead with legal action for merely linking to software they didn't take kindly too. And now we're hearing alarming tales of Kindle owners who have had their accounts turned off when inadvertently running afoul of company policy. Case in point, a user on the MobileRead forums reports being locked out of his account for what was termed an "extraordinary" rate of returns (that is, he returned electronics that arrived damaged or defective). Because of this, our man was unable to purchase new books for his device, or even check out magazine / newspaper / blog subscriptions he had already paid for. Luckily, this gentleman was able to plead his case and get his account reactivated -- but other users haven't been quite so fortunate. We'll be keeping an eye on you, Amazon -- so let's try and play nice for now on.

[Via Channel Web]

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Amazon Suspends Kindle Account After Too Many Product Returns originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle 2AmazonKindleAmazonKindle2copyrightcopyright lawCopyrightLawdmcadrmkindlekindle2 switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Space-Based Solar Power May Come to California]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/15/space-based-solar-power-may-come-to-california/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/15/space-based-solar-power-may-come-to-california/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/15/space-based-solar-power-may-come-to-california/#comments
After JAXA's announcement of space-based solar power for Japan, we've been keeping our eyes peeled for some news of similar projects Stateside. Lo and behold, California's largest energy utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, has agreed to do just that, inking a deal with solar power startup Solaren Corp.

The agreement calls for the utility to purchase 200 megawatts of electricity once the company starts beaming power down from Earth orbit beginning in 2016. A solar-power satellite would consist of mirror arrays -- perhaps measuring up to several miles wide -- which would focus sunlight onto photoelectric cells. From there, the electrical power is converted into a microwave beam that is directed downward toward Earth, where it's converted back into electricity and then fed into the grid. According to the company, the system could generate roughly 1.2 to 4.8 gigawatts of power, at a price comparable to that of other renewable energy sources.

When asked for a comment, legendary sci-fi jazz composer Sun Ra was more than enthusiastic. "Space is the place," he said.

[Via Fresno Bee]

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Space-Based Solar Power May Come to California originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> greenrenewable energyRenewableEnergysciencesolarsolar powersolaren corpSolarenCorpSolarPowerspacesun raSunRa switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:07:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Kindle 2 Users Complain of Eye Strain]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/kindle-2-users-complain-of-eye-strain/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/kindle-2-users-complain-of-eye-strain/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/kindle-2-users-complain-of-eye-strain/#comments
You know how it is: Amazon refreshes the Kindle, makes some upgrades, and everybody's happy. Almost. It seems that a small but vocal minority is really, really not into the way that fonts are rendered on the new device. For real. Y'see, the newest iteration of the e-reader sports font smoothing algorithms and sixteen levels of gray (as opposed to four levels on the original). For sure, these enhancements make for prettier pictures, but on the downside it causes text to blur significantly when displaying fonts in the smallest three sizes. If you're one of the disgruntled Kindle 2 owners looking for some relief for your tired eyes, there are a couple options available to you. You might want to try the Unicode Fonts Hack, which will allow you to replace the system font for something more to your liking. Or you could hop on over to Amazon's Kindle forum, where you can commiserate with your fellow angry customers (OK, not really a solution -- but possibly therapeutic). You could wait for the rumored Kindle with a larger screen to arrive (no telling when or if that's gonna happen), or even downgrade to a first gen device, as some folks already have. Or you can read a book. One thing you can't do? You can't stop progress.

[Via Wired]

Read - Amazon: Please make the text darker on Kindle 2
Read - Unicode Fonts Hack

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Kindle 2 Users Complain of Eye Strain originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amazone booke inke readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-inke-readerEBookEInkEReaderkindlekindle 2Kindle2Unicode Fonts HackUnicodeFontsHack switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:11:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Japanese Company Plans 'Minority Report' Style Facial-Recognition Ads]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/13/japanese-company-plans-minority-report-style-facial-recognitio/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/13/japanese-company-plans-minority-report-style-facial-recognitio/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/13/japanese-company-plans-minority-report-style-facial-recognitio/#comments

Sometimes it seems like the worlds of science and marketing are in a constant struggle to present us with the future described in science fiction. Whether its flying cars, the OS from Minority Report, or robots that play "rock, paper, scissors," the old saw is true: you can't fight progress. And now it looks like Yahoo Japan has jumped into the fray, with a little help from Comel, a Japanese company that manufactures billboards. The two firms are collaborating on electronic signage that photographs passersby, analyses it using NEC's facial analysis technology, and guesstimates his or her age. Once the demo is confirmed, the device spits out appropriate advertising content. According to the poorly translated press release, the "face image data" is then erased, saving only a record of the passerby's age and sex -- so you Civil Libertarians can rest easily. Right.

[Via Trading Markets]

Japanese Company Plans 'Minority Report' Style Facial-Recognition Ads originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> advertisingbiginjapanbillboardComelfacial recognitionFacialRecognitionminority reportMinorityReportNECYahooYahoo JapanYahooJapan switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:11:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Researchers Create Problem-Solving Science Robot]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/04/researchers-create-problem-solving-science-robots/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/04/researchers-create-problem-solving-science-robots/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/04/researchers-create-problem-solving-science-robots/#comments
Researchers at Aberystwyth University in Wales have developed a robot that is being heralded as the first machine to have discovered new scientific knowledge independently of a human operator. Named Adam, the device has already identified the role of several genes in yeast cells, and has the ability to plan further experiments to test its own hypotheses. Ross King, from the university's computer science department, remarked that the robot is meant to take care of the tedious aspects of the scientific method, freeing up human scientists for "more advanced experiments." Across the pond at Cornell, researchers have developed a computer that can find established laws in the natural world -- without any prior scientific knowledge. According to PhysOrg, they've tested the AI on "simple mechanical systems" and plan on applying it to more complex problems in areas such as biology to cosmology where there are mountains of data to be poured through. It sure is nice to hear about robots doing something helpful for a change.

[Thanks, bo3of]

Read: Robo-scientist's first findings
Read: Being Isaac Newton: Computer derives natural laws from raw data

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Researchers Create Problem-Solving Science Robot originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Aberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUniversityAdamAIartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligencecornell universityCornellUniversityexperimentsgenomerobotscienceWalesyeast switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[BakerTweet Alerts You to Fresh Pastries at Your Local Bakery]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/03/bakertweet-alerts-you-to-fresh-pastries-at-your-local-bakery/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/03/bakertweet-alerts-you-to-fresh-pastries-at-your-local-bakery/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/03/bakertweet-alerts-you-to-fresh-pastries-at-your-local-bakery/#comments
Usually when we cover the baked goods beat 'round here it's in the form of a gadget-themed confection, so anything that actually empowers our sweet tooth is not only brilliant, it's dangerous! That's why we were really excited (and a little scared) to come across BakerTweet, a Wi-Fi-enabled, Arduino-based prototype that one mounts on the wall of their bakery. Items are added or removed via Web interface, which you can later select by simply spinning the dial. When the sweets come out of the oven, press the button to Tweet your eager customers and await the stampede. The prototype unit is being used at Albion's Oven in London, but we're looking forward to seeing it hit the streets Stateside at some point in the near future (even if our waist isn't). Video after the break.

[Via SlashGear]

Continue reading BakerTweet Alerts You to Fresh Pastries at Your Local Bakery

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BakerTweet Alerts You to Fresh Pastries at Your Local Bakery originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Albions OvenAlbionsOvenArduinobaked goodsBakedGoodsBakerTweetbakingLondontweettwitterWiFi switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Researchers Develop Braille for Vibrating Touchscreen Devices]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/01/researchers-develop-braille-for-vibrating-touchscreen-devices/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/01/researchers-develop-braille-for-vibrating-touchscreen-devices/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/01/researchers-develop-braille-for-vibrating-touchscreen-devices/#comments
In braille, a character is made up of six dots laid out on a two by three matrix -- not something that can really be conveyed using capacitive touchscreen technology. Working with a Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, researchers in Finland have developed a method for piezoelectric touchscreen devices that uses a single pulse of intense vibration to convey a raised dot, and a longer vibration made up of several weaker pulses to represent a missing dot -- spelling out letters that can be easily read by touch. It took a while for volunteers to get used to this method, but once they had they were able to read a character in as little as 1.25 seconds. Now that they have letters down, the team is moving on to words and sentences -- with an eye towards developing text-to-braille software sometime in the future.

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Researchers Develop Braille for Vibrating Touchscreen Devices originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blindbrailleeyesightFinlandNokia 770Nokia770piezoelectrictouchscreen switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:46:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Sued for Promoting iPhone as eBook]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/26/apple-monec-in-lawsuit-over-e-book-apps/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/26/apple-monec-in-lawsuit-over-e-book-apps/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/26/apple-monec-in-lawsuit-over-e-book-apps/#comments
If you've ever thought that the iPhone might be a lawsuit magnet, we now have even more proof for you. It looks like a company called MONEC Holding Ltd., based in Berne, is suing Apple for patent infringement, unfair trade practices, monopolization, and tortious interference (whatever that means). MONEC's January, 2002 patent (No. 6,335,678 -- titled "Electronic device, preferably an electronic book") describes a light-weight, touchscreen electronic device that has the "dimensions such that [...] approximately one page of a book can be illustrated at normal size, this display being integrated in a flat, frame-like housing." Doesn't sound like every handheld device out there, does it? We'll keep you posted.

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Apple Sued for Promoting iPhone as eBook originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Amazonappleatte-booke-readeriphoneKindlelawsuitMONECpatent infringmenetPatentInfringmenet switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:05:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Wireless Water Meters to Give NYC Residents Exact Water Usage Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/25/wireless-water-meters-on-the-loose-in-new-york-city/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/25/wireless-water-meters-on-the-loose-in-new-york-city/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/25/wireless-water-meters-on-the-loose-in-new-york-city/#comments
On the environmental tip, Mayor Bloomberg has announced that New York City will install 826,000 wireless water meters by 2011. Under the new system, readings will be sent to a network of rooftop receivers throughout the city every six hours, enabling the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to bill property owners every month with exact water usage -- with the bill available online. Under the current system, water use is estimated and folks are billed every three months. The new system will cost taxpayers $250 million, and installation (free for property owners) is already underway in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

When it is fully installed, New York will be the largest city in the world to use wireless water metering. According to the New York Times, it's estimated that a 5 to 10 percent reduction in water use could save the city up to $90 million annually.

[Via Vos Iz Neias; Thanks, Yossi]

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Wireless Water Meters to Give NYC Residents Exact Water Usage Bills originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> DEPdepartment of environmental protectionDepartmentOfEnvironmentalProtectiongreenmichael bloombergMichaelBloombergnycutilitieswaterwater meterWaterMeter switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Video: Terrafugia's Flying Car Lifts Off]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/19/video-terrafugias-flying-car-lifts-off/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/19/video-terrafugias-flying-car-lifts-off/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/19/video-terrafugias-flying-car-lifts-off/#comments
We've had a lot of fun with Terrafugia over the last year or so, but we weren't exactly holding our breath in anticipation of the Transition's maiden flight. That said, we're definitely psyched to hear that the "roadable aircraft" went airborne in a super-secret test flight that took place in the early hours of March 5th at Plattsburgh International Airport. The vehicle left the ground for a good thirty-seven seconds, traveling some 3,000 feet. At a press conference today, the company's CEO Carl Dietrich remarked that "with this achievement, Terrafugia has set the stage for personal aviation." Which, considering how folks light up I-95 on an average workday, might at first blush seem somewhat unsettling -- but to each his own, right? According to the company, more than forty people have put down the $10,000 deposit for the new aircraft, which -- if all goes according to plan -- will be hitting the road sometime in 2011. Videos after the break.

[Via Slashdot]

Continue reading Video: Terrafugia's Flying Car Lifts Off

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Video: Terrafugia's Flying Car Lifts Off originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aircraftairplaneCarl DietrichCarlDietrichcraftflying carFlyingCarinventionprototypeTerrafugiaTransitionvehicle switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:26:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Military Develops Hydrogen-Powered Spy Blimp]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/military-develops-hydrogen-powered-spy-blimp/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/military-develops-hydrogen-powered-spy-blimp/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/military-develops-hydrogen-powered-spy-blimp/#comments
The Air Force has announced that it will do its part for economic stimulus by spending $400 million on a dirigible designed to float 65,000 feet above the Earth, where it will provide constant surveillance of an area (such as the Afghanistan-Pakistan border). ISIS (Integrated Sensor Is the Structure) is being billed as a cross between a satellite and a spy plane, kept aloft by helium and powered by hydrogen fuel cells that are recharged with solar panels. The thing will remain in place for up to ten years providing, as one Air Force scientist gushed, "constant surveillance, uninterrupted." If successful, the Air Force would like to see a whole fleet of these things. DARPA has signed on, agreeing to deliver a prototype by 2014.

Continue reading Military Develops Hydrogen-Powered Spy Blimp

Military Develops Hydrogen-Powered Spy Blimp originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blimpDARPAdefensedirigibleISISmilitarysurveillance switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Netbook-Based Robot Takes Popcorn Orders via Twitter]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/15/netbook-based-robot-takes-popcorn-orders-via-twitter/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/15/netbook-based-robot-takes-popcorn-orders-via-twitter/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/15/netbook-based-robot-takes-popcorn-orders-via-twitter/#comments
In the far-out, sci-fi future of 2009, robots are doing some pretty amazing things, like capturing prowlers, assembling communications networks, and playing Rock / Paper / Scissors. Now, with a little help from RoBe:Do and Twitter, robotics has achieved what may be its crowning achievement: couch-side popcorn delivery. Coppa is a $1,649 software-ready robot (you supply the machine's netbook brain) that arrives with native support for a plethora of languages and tools (including C / C++ / C#, Flash AS3, Java,Microsoft Robotics Studio, .NET, and Visual Basic), and ships with a 12V rechargeable battery, autofocus webcam, and a sonar system. Optional accessories include motion, heat, and humidity sensors, and servo-driven grabbing actuators. The video below shows one such unit that's been programmed to take popcorn orders via-Twitter, timed to deliver the goods when the operator arrives home from work. Couch surfing may never be the same.

[Via SlashGear]

Continue reading Netbook-Based Robot Takes Popcorn Orders via Twitter

Netbook-Based Robot Takes Popcorn Orders via Twitter originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> CoppadiyfoodhackmicrobloggingmodnetbookpopcornRoBe:Doroboticsrobotssocial networkingSocialNetworkingtweettwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Mimi Switch Remote Control Relies on Facial Expression]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/10/mimi-switch-remote-control-relies-on-facial-expression/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/10/mimi-switch-remote-control-relies-on-facial-expression/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/10/mimi-switch-remote-control-relies-on-facial-expression/#comments
For some reason, whenever gadgetry and smiling cross paths, things tend to get a little creepy. Where the smile trainer was mostly a curiosity, the Orwellian implications of the Okao Catch technology were a bit much -- even for the hardened tech blogger. Sure, the Mimi Switch is quite clever: instead of relying on your fingers, this remote control uses an earbud containing infrared sensors that measure the inner ear movements resulting from various facial expressions. "An iPod can start or stop music when the wearer sticks his tongue out," says the inventor, Kazuhiro Taniguchi of Osaka University. Sounds innocent? Not so fast. The device can also be used to monitor your facial expressions for the appropriate levels of cheerfulness. "If it judges that you aren't smiling enough," the inventor goes on to say, "it may play a cheerful song." Or if you're smiling too much, the thing can be programmed to play some latter-day Depeche Mode. That always bums us out.

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Mimi Switch Remote Control Relies on Facial Expression originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Ear SwitchEarSwitchinfrarediPodKazuhiro TaniguchiKazuhiroTaniguchiMimi SwitchMimiSwitchosaka japanosaka universityOsakaJapanOsakaUniversityremote controlRemoteControl switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Solstrom's New Nano-Bikini Is Water-Repellent]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/09/solstroms-new-nano-bikini-is-water-repellent/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/09/solstroms-new-nano-bikini-is-water-repellent/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/09/solstroms-new-nano-bikini-is-water-repellent/#comments
Last year the brain trust in Zurich announced their high-tech leisure suit that never gets wet, and now Solestrom International (the UV-detecting bikini company) has announced its own water-repellent nano-material. Called Sun Dry, each fiber of the new fabric is surrounded by an invisible barrier that allows water to pass through it rather than being absorbed into it. Essentially, the swimwear can't soak up liquid, is resistant to chlorine, and is rated SPF 50. Running the gamut from black to maroon to red, the clothing is in the $29 - $99 price range. Perfect for your next trip to Rockaway Beach.

[Via Telegraph]

Solstrom's New Nano-Bikini Is Water-Repellent originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> apparelbeachclothingnanotechnologysolestromSolestrom InternationalSolestromInternationalSun DrySun Dry SwimSunDrySunDrySwimtech clothingTechClothingtravel switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Man Creates Huge, Foot-Activated DIY Remote Control]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/07/man-creates-huge-foot-activated-diy-remote-control/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/07/man-creates-huge-foot-activated-diy-remote-control/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/07/man-creates-huge-foot-activated-diy-remote-control/#comments
Crazy us, we thought that a remote control was meant to keep you on the couch -- it does seem rather counter-intuitive to build one that makes you leave your seat and jump around within arm's reach of the TV set. But when this guy saw an over-sized novelty remote at Brookstone, he knew that he had to have it. Not only that, but he had to best it -- by fashioning a controller for Windows Media Center so large that one would need an entire appendage to get any use out of the thing. Our intrepid modder achieved his goal by stitching together two PS2 Dance Dance Revolution mats, a PS2-to-PC controller converter box, and some homebrew source code. What can we say about this one? Well, it certainly does seem to work... but we'll be sticking to the tried and true, thank you very much. Video after the break. [Via Hacked Gadgets]

Continue reading Man Creates Huge, Foot-Activated DIY Remote Control

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Man Creates Huge, Foot-Activated DIY Remote Control originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> brookstonedance dance revolutionDanceDanceRevolutiongiant remote controlGiantRemoteControlhackhomebrewmodremote controlRemoteControl switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New Headset Creates Virtual World of Sight, Smell, Taste, and Sound]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/06/new-headset-creates-virtual-world-of-sight-smell-taste-and-so/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/06/new-headset-creates-virtual-world-of-sight-smell-taste-and-so/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/06/new-headset-creates-virtual-world-of-sight-smell-taste-and-so/#comments
In an effort to bring the other three senses up to par with sight and sound in the virtual landscape, researchers in the UK have developed a headset that not only offers a stereoscopic display and four speaker surround sound, but throws in smells, tastes, and a fan for heating your grill up (or cooling it down) for good measure. The Virtual Cocoon doesn't look too terribly comfortable (this thing would be burdensome without the required tubes for the user's mouth and nose), but Professor Alan Chalmers of Warwick University doesn't seem to think this is a problem. If anything, the team is betting that you're going to welcome the opportunity to smell your co-workers when telecommuting, or your fellow cybernauts when running around 'Second Life.' The device, which will have an estimated cost of £1,500 (around $2,100), should be ready for production within five years. More pics after the break.

Continue reading New Headset Creates Virtual World of Sight, Smell, Taste, and Sound

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New Headset Creates Virtual World of Sight, Smell, Taste, and Sound originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Alan ChalmersAlanChalmersukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvirtual realityVirtualRealityvrwarwick universityWarwickUniversity switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Researchers Develop Flying Wi-Fi Robots for Disaster Relief]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/researchers-develop-flying-wi-fi-robots-for-disaster-relief/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/researchers-develop-flying-wi-fi-robots-for-disaster-relief/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/researchers-develop-flying-wi-fi-robots-for-disaster-relief/#comments
Researchers at Germany's Ilmenau University of Technology are developing flying quadcopter robots that can be used to form a self-assembling ad-hoc wireless network in the event of disaster. Built with off-the-shelf parts (including VIA's Pico-ITX hardware and a GPS unit) the robots are designed to provide both mobile phone and Wi-Fi access -- and they can do it far more quickly than a technician on the ground might be able to. The device comes in a kit for €300 (about $380), which includes all but the battery -- the batteries currently run around €1,000 (over $1200) and only offer up 20 minutes of flight time. Once the device has found a perch, however, it can operate for "several hours." If you'd like to see some more of this guy, be sure to head on over to FutureParc hall at CeBIT. Either that, or check out the additional picture after the break.

[Thanks, David]

Continue reading Researchers Develop Flying Wi-Fi Robots for Disaster Relief

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Researchers Develop Flying Wi-Fi Robots for Disaster Relief originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cebitcebit 2009Cebit2009disasteremergencyGPSIlmenau University of TechnologyIlmenauUniversityOfTechnologyPico-ITXquadcopterVia switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:38:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Navy Report Warns of Robot Uprising]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/19/navy-report-warns-of-robot-uprising/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/19/navy-report-warns-of-robot-uprising/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/19/navy-report-warns-of-robot-uprising/#comments

You know, when armchair futurists (and jive talkin' bloggists) make note of some of the scary new tech making the rounds in defense circles these days it's one thing, but when the Doomsday Scenarios come from official channels, that's when we start to get nervous.

According to a report published by the California State Polytechnic University (with data made available by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research) the sheer scope of the military's various AI projects is so vast that it is impossible for anyone to fully understand exactly what's going on. "With hundreds of programmers working on millions of lines of code for a single war robot," says Patrick Lin, the chief compiler of the report, "no one has a clear understanding of what's going on, at a small scale, across the entire code base." And what we don't understand can eventually hunt us down and kill us.

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Navy Report Warns of Robot Uprising originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aiartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceCalifornia StateCalifornia State Polytechnic UniversityCaliforniaStateCaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversitydefenseDr. Patrick LinDr.PatrickLinethicsmilitaryNavyoffice of naval researchOfficeOfNavalResearchPatrick LinPatrickLinrobotrobotics switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Barbie Celebrates 50th Anniversary With an MP3 Player]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-an-mp3-player/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-an-mp3-player/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-an-mp3-player/#comments
This isn't the first time we've seen a Barbie-branded MP3 player -- and this form factor does seem awfully familiar -- but the whole thing really is a no-brainer. If you're looking to reinforce young girls' unrealistic body image expectations (or if you're the post-modern / post-feminist / ironic type, or if you just really like the color pink) this is definitely one for you. Shaped like a makeup compact and designed by INNO Design, this thing sports 2GB storage, FM radio and a mirror. You know, for checking yourself out with. Or possibly for signaling rescue planes. And if that weren't enough, the device comes with mic input and a necklace strap. If you should happen to find yourself on Melrose Avenue, you can pick one up for yourself at Fred Segal, where they're really pulling out all the stops for Barbie's 50th anniversary. The price varies from $93-$165, and there's more pics after the break.

[Via Chip Chick]

Continue reading Barbie Celebrates 50th Anniversary With an MP3 Player

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Barbie Celebrates 50th Anniversary With an MP3 Player originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> barbiebarbie mp3 playerBarbieMp3Playerfred segalFredSegalINNO DesignInnoDesignkidsmelrose avenueMelroseAvenuemp3 playerMp3Playertoys switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:22:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[LEGO Camcorder Spotted, Great for Kids 8 to 80]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/13/lego-camcorder-spotted-great-for-kids-8-to-80/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/13/lego-camcorder-spotted-great-for-kids-8-to-80/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/13/lego-camcorder-spotted-great-for-kids-8-to-80/#comments
It looks like those LEGO-branded Digital Blue devices we've been on the lookout for are starting to see the light of day. This prototype video camera was snapped at the toy fair in Nuremberg -- not too many details at this point, but we're sort of bummed that this one doesn't have the handmade look of the walkie talkie and digital camera we peeped earlier. At least it doesn't look like there are many parts for your child to swallow.

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LEGO Camcorder Spotted, Great for Kids 8 to 80 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> digital blueDigitalBluekidslegolego cameraLegoCameraprototype switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Robot Doctors Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/12/robot-doctors-join-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/12/robot-doctors-join-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/12/robot-doctors-join-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/#comments
From Da Vinci robosurgeons to helpful nursebots , robots are becoming commonplace in hospitals the world over -- and now researchers at Duke University have developed a rudimentary tabletop robot that uses 3D ultrasound technology to detect a 'lesion' in a simulated sponge breast, pinpoint its exact location, and perform a biopsy. All the calculations are performed by the device itself, using what has been described as "a basic artificial intelligence program." The next step in the research will be an upgrade that will that the robotic arm from three-axis to six-axis capability, and a change from the old sponge-based simulated breast to one made from turkey breasts, which approximates the density of human breast tissue. According to Stephen Smith, director of the Duke University Ultrasound Transducer Group, if things stay on track, robots will be performing routine breast exams and biopsies in five to ten years. Video after the break.

[Via PhysOrg]

Continue reading Robot Doctors Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer

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Robot Doctors Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 3d ultrasound3dUltrasoundbiopsybreast cancer preventionbreast cancer researchBreastCancerPreventionBreastCancerResearchcancer preventioncancer researchCancerPreventionCancerResearchdukeduke universityDukeUniversityhealthresearchrobot doctorRobotDoctorrobotsstephen smithStephenSmithultrasound switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[RFID Network Used in the Fight Against Alzheimer's]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/03/rfid-network-used-in-the-fight-against-alzheimers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/03/rfid-network-used-in-the-fight-against-alzheimers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/03/rfid-network-used-in-the-fight-against-alzheimers/#comments The problem with diagnosing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is that by the time someone presents symptoms, it is generally rather late in the game. Looking for a way to detect the affliction earlier on, researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a wireless network for use by senior living centers.

Utilizing a series of receivers placed strategically around the building and RFID transponders worn on the wrists of patients, the system monitors people's walking patterns, looking for actions characteristic of cognitive decline -- including a tendency to wander, to veer suddenly, or to pause repeatedly. So far the study has found a statistical relationship between abnormal walking patterns and people for whom testing indicated dementia. The next step is to take that data and look for ways to predict the disease.

Good luck, kids -- and hurry up. We ain't getting any younger 'round here.

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RFID Network Used in the Fight Against Alzheimer's originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alzheimersalzheimers diseaseAlzheimersDiseasedementiadiagnosishealthmedicineRFIDscienceUniversity of South FloridaUniversityOfSouthFloridausf switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:52:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[iWork '09 Trojan Virus Infects at Least 20,000 Machines?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/iwork-09-trojan-virus-infects-at-least-20-000-machines/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/iwork-09-trojan-virus-infects-at-least-20-000-machines/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/iwork-09-trojan-virus-infects-at-least-20-000-machines/#comments Quite a number of no-goodniks who thought they'd save a few bucks by downloading a pirated version of iWork '09 have gotten more than they'd bargained for -- in the form of a Trojan Horse called OSX.Trojan.iServices.A. This guy installs itself in the computer's startup as root, and once in place it can connect to a remote server and broadcast its location, allowing malicious users to take charge of the machine remotely. And since it has root access to the OS, the trojan can not only install additional components but can also modify existing apps, making this thing extremely difficult to remove.

According to a white paper released by Intego, at least 20,000 people may have downloaded the infected software -- which they'll get around to installing as soon as they finish those episodes of 'Celebrity Rehab' they grabbed at the same time. [Via Macworld]

Continue reading iWork '09 Trojan Virus Infects at Least 20,000 Machines?

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iWork '09 Trojan Virus Infects at Least 20,000 Machines? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Celebrity RehabCelebrityRehabintegoiWorkiWork 09Iwork09OSX.Trojan.iServices.Apiracytrojantrojan horseTrojanHorsevirus switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Cloaking Device May Make Cell Phone Static Vanish]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/17/cloaking-device-may-make-cell-phone-static-vanish/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/17/cloaking-device-may-make-cell-phone-static-vanish/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/17/cloaking-device-may-make-cell-phone-static-vanish/#comments There has been plenty of research into cloaking devices, but while scientists are still working their way towards the visible light spectrum they seem to be having the best luck with microwaves. Most recently, a new metamaterial made from over 10,000 individual pieces of fiberglass has been used to cloak a bump on a flat mirrored surface -- the material prevents microwaves from being scattered, giving the RADAR (we're guessing it's a RADAR) the impression that the surface is flat. This has many possible applications, such as cloaking sources of interference to cellular communications. Unfortunately, the implication we most desire -- rendering us invisible during high society jewel heists -- has yet to become reality.

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Cloaking Device May Make Cell Phone Static Vanish originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> invisibilityinvisibility cloakInvisibilityCloakinvisiblejewel heistJewelHeistmeta materialMetaMaterialmicrowaveradar switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Geek Builds "Camera Hat" to Help Mom With Tech Support]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/geek-builds-camera-hat-for-his-mom-to-help-her-with-tech-suppo/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/geek-builds-camera-hat-for-his-mom-to-help-her-with-tech-suppo/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/geek-builds-camera-hat-for-his-mom-to-help-her-with-tech-suppo/#comments We've seen Android, Google's mobile OS, on a Mini-Note, and we've seen it on an Eee PC, but we never thought in a million years that we'd ever see Android on mom's hat. Looking for a way to simplify his mother's regular tech support calls (the universal remote often throws her for a loop) Dan O'Sullivan dreamt up his Camera Hat for Complicated Televisions.

The whole megillah consists of an Android handset strapped to the forehead -- miner's lamp-style -- with a custom app streaming camera footage to the Web, where he can keep an eye on things while he talks her through turning on 'The Price Is Right' for, like, the zillionth time (if she's anything like our moms, that is). Hit the read link for some more info on the project and the full source code. [Via Make]

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Geek Builds "Camera Hat" to Help Mom With Tech Support originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> androidfunnymommomstech supportTechSupporttopweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New Study Finds No Link Between Cell Phones and Eye Cancer]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/new-study-finds-no-link-between-cell-phones-and-eye-cancer/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/new-study-finds-no-link-between-cell-phones-and-eye-cancer/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/16/new-study-finds-no-link-between-cell-phones-and-eye-cancer/#comments While you're totally in your rights to keep frettin' over brain tumors, it looks like your eyes are safe from the cell phone cancer -- at least until another study is released. According to a paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a German study involving roughly 1,600 people has found no conclusive link between cell phone use and uveal melanoma. This contradicts an earlier, smaller study by the same researchers that suggested that there indeed might be a connection. Is that clear? It doesn't seem that a consensus will be reached on this subject any time soon, but for the morbidly curious we have years of cell phone / cancer hodgepodge for your perusal. [From: Yahoo!]

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New Study Finds No Link Between Cell Phones and Eye Cancer originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> brain tumorBrainTumorcanadacancerdangerousJournal of the National Cancer InstituteJournalOfTheNationalCancerInstitutemelanomauveal melanomaUvealMelanoma switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:03:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New Mac Mini To Debut at Macworld?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/new-mac-mini-to-debut-at-macworld/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/new-mac-mini-to-debut-at-macworld/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/new-mac-mini-to-debut-at-macworld/#comments It seems like the signs are pointing to a refresh of the Mac mini when this year's Macworld rolls around. According to a press release by SeeFile, their new (version 4.6) Web server software can be purchased bundled with a Mac mini server with 1 terabyte of storage -- which is odd enough, since the largest internal drive that ships with the thing is 120GB. And how about the release itself, indiscreetly titled: "New Mac Mini Hardware to Be Supported by Revolutionary SeeFile Web Sharing DAM Software." Of course, this could all be mere speculation, rumors and innuendo. We'll find out soon enough, won't we? [Via Yahoo]

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New Mac Mini To Debut at Macworld? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applemacmac miniMacMiniMacworld switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Driver Adds XBox Controls to Steering Wheel of Car]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/suzuki-xbox-dashboard-mod-for-the-undignified-gamer-on-the-go/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/suzuki-xbox-dashboard-mod-for-the-undignified-gamer-on-the-go/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/05/suzuki-xbox-dashboard-mod-for-the-undignified-gamer-on-the-go/#comments
Some Xbox 360 mods are the product of serious craftsmanship, some are rather silly, and some -- like this Suzuki automobile console / Xbox 360 game console hybrid -- really give one pause. This isn't the sort of thing that one spends moments / hours / weeks on, after which he reflects for a moment ("Aren't I rather clever?"), and then hides it safely in the closet (or sells it on eBay). No, this is an automobile. We're guessing that the slight cringe of embarrassment he's going to feel when picking up his date for the cotillion will be outweighed by the safety and security he feels knowing that he can always play 'Super Smash Bros. Brawl' -- even on the road.

According to the photo's description on Flickr, this car features not one but two Xbox 360s, two projectors, and two flat screens. The game controllers are availabe at a moment's notice -- including one in the steering wheel, one in front of the gear shifter -- and one of the 360s is set in the dashboard. Oy vey. [Via On 10]

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Driver Adds XBox Controls to Steering Wheel of Car originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> automobilehackmodsuzukixboxxbox 360Xbox360 switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[PlayStation 3 Lags Behind Wii, Xbox 360 This Holiday Season ]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/29/playstation-3-lags-behind-wii-xbox-360-this-holiday-season/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/29/playstation-3-lags-behind-wii-xbox-360-this-holiday-season/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/29/playstation-3-lags-behind-wii-xbox-360-this-holiday-season/#comments Considering the way that the Wii flew off shelves last month, this next item probably won't come as a shock to anyone. According to the Wall Street Journal, both Nintendo's console and the Xbox 360 trounced the PlayStation 3 in holiday sales, with U.S. sales falling nine percent from this month last year. During this same period, sales doubled for the Wii and rose eight percent for the Xbox 360. Perhaps none of this should be a surprise, as Sony declined to cut prices on their system, while a lack of exclusive game titles and a number of inexpensive Blu-ray players went a long way towards making the PS3 the least attractive option in an already difficult retail climate. If anything, it looks like Sony won't be able to rely on the console to help prop up a flagging electronics division that just announced it will be cutting thousands of jobs in a bid to boost profitability going into 2009. Happy New Year, indeed.

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PlayStation 3 Lags Behind Wii, Xbox 360 This Holiday Season originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> holidaysmicrosoftnintendoplaystation 3Playstation3ps3salessonywiixbox 360Xbox360 switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:15:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[No Cuff Monitor Measures Your Blood Pressure at Home]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/28/no-cuff-monitor-measures-your-blood-pressure-at-home/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/28/no-cuff-monitor-measures-your-blood-pressure-at-home/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/28/no-cuff-monitor-measures-your-blood-pressure-at-home/#comments
What if you could relive all the magical moments of your childhood, like playing with the blood pressure machine at your local supermarket? Now, thanks to the personal, portable No Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor, you can. Just slide your hand in and press the button to inflate -- it's that simple. In addition to the hours of fun you're sure to have as you feel the device lightly squeeze your arm, the blood pressure reader comes with a detachable LCD display that stores as many as ninety readings, offers AM/PM systolic averaging, an irregular pulse indicator, an alarm, and an arm-movement indicator to keep you from lousing up the reading. Not bad for $200, eh? And if you're feeling generous, maybe you could share this with a sick relative, an elderly neighbor, or anyone who might need to need to check their blood pressure regularly. That is, unless their underwear already does it for them. [Via Engadget German]

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No Cuff Monitor Measures Your Blood Pressure at Home originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blood pressureBloodPressurehealthmedicalmonitoringNo CuffNo Cuff Blood Pressure MonitorNoCuffNoCuffBloodPressureMonitorscience switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Electricity Used to Age Wine, Infuse New Life Into Cheap Stuff]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/20/electricity-used-to-age-wine-does-wonders-for-plonk/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/20/electricity-used-to-age-wine-does-wonders-for-plonk/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/20/electricity-used-to-age-wine-does-wonders-for-plonk/#comments Amongst the snooty winemaking set the idea of using tech to aid the vinification process has always been controversial, so if you're one of those types, we're guessing you are not going to care for this tale at all. According to the Telegraph, chemists at the South China University of Technology have been pumping rough wine through a pipe wired with titanium electrodes, artificially "aging" it as much as twenty years. The team ran a three month old cabernet sauvignon through the process for various lengths of time, subjecting the results to a blind test with 12 experienced wine tasters. Apparently, applying 600 volts per centimeter for three minutes was found to leave the swill "well balanced and harmonious, with a nose of an aged wine." We suppose this is all well and good, but to be honest, ever since they stopped making Ripple we really haven't been in the mood.

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Electricity Used to Age Wine, Infuse New Life Into Cheap Stuff originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> diyhouseholdRippleSouth China University of TechnologySouthChinaUniversityOfTechnologyvintificationwinewinemakingwinemakingtechniques switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Sat, 20 Dec 2008 09:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[LightDrops Umbrella Harnesses Energy from Rain]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/16/lightdrops-umbrella-harnesses-energy-from-rain/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/16/lightdrops-umbrella-harnesses-energy-from-rain/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/16/lightdrops-umbrella-harnesses-energy-from-rain/#comments
The brainchild of designer Sang-Kyun Park, LightDrops is an umbrella that uses the piezoelectric effect of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to transform falling rain into electricity, which is then used to light LEDs installed on the umbrella's underside. The heavier the rain falls (and the harder it hits the umbrella), the brighter the light shines. Combine it with the solar tie, and who knows? This might someday become de rigueur for the stylish tech professional. Ella, ella, ella...

[Via StyleCrave]

Continue reading LightDrops Umbrella Harnesses Energy from Rain

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LightDrops Umbrella Harnesses Energy from Rain originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> electric umbrellaElectricUmbrellaLightDropspiezoelectricpolyvinylidene fluoridePolyvinylideneFluoridepvdfSang-Kyung ParkSang-kyungParkumbrella switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Searaser Floating Pump Taps Ocean Motion to Generate Power]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/searaser-floating-pump-taps-ocean-motion-to-generate-power/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/searaser-floating-pump-taps-ocean-motion-to-generate-power/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/searaser-floating-pump-taps-ocean-motion-to-generate-power/#comments
A twist on the idea of the underwater turbine, the Searaser also uses the motion of the ocean to generate power. The device consists of two independent floats that move with the waves, pumping out seawater as they do. The water can then be pumped inland for hydroelectric power, irrigation, or to hilltop reservoirs for later use. One unit should be able to power 470 homes, and a six-month preproduction trial is currently being planned. You know, as quirky energy solutions go, this one doesn't actually seem all that far-fetched. At the very least, it seems better than going Micro-Nuclear.

[Via The Times]

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Searaser Floating Pump Taps Ocean Motion to Generate Power originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> greengreen energyGreenEnergyhydroelectricSearaser switchedtips@gmail.com (Joseph L. Flatley) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:32:00 EST Switched