That's all great on Sunday, but it looks like it would be tough to use the Midnight Rider when you need to pick up a bed load of mulch on Monday. Luckily, it's just a one off built for this year's SEMA show
In a piece titled "More on the AI takeover," Dr. Hall outlines four classes of 'bots he could see rising up:
• Robo insectis: rote, mechanical gadgets (or thinkers) with hand-coded skills, such as Roomba or industrial robots or automated call-center systems or dictation programs."Rising up" may be the wrong way to put it, actually. What Dr. Hall is advocating is a future in which we let robots handle whatever load they can, freeing up the rest of us to live more leisurely.
• Robo habilis: Rosie the housemaid robot level intelligence, able to handle service level jobs in the real world but not a rocket scientist.
• Robo sapiens: up to and including rocket scientists, AI researchers, corporate executives, any human capability.
• Robo googolis: a collection of top R. sapiens wired together in a box running at accelerated speed, equivalent to, say, Google (the company and the search engine together).
"The key thing to remember when thinking about the economic AI takeover is that it is not something we should be trying to prevent," Dr. Hall continues. "Why shouldn't we spend our efforts deciding what needs to be done, and let the machines do it?"
Why not, indeed? What about you, dear reader? Would you be all for living in a world run by robots?
]]>Along with the big rollout today, there's a bit of news: Verizon counters a belated iPhone promise with its own tethering at a semi-reasonable $30 a month, letting you use your cellphone to access the data network on your PC or other devices.
Tethering is great, but it ought to be offered for free on all 3G cellphones. I mean, aren't we paying enough?
Via Geeky Gadgets and Boy Genius Reports
]]>NASA is offering a first prize of $1.1 million to anyone who can create a space elevator that climbs a kilometer at an average rate of 5 meters per second. No one's done that yet, but the second-place prize of $900,000 was just won by a company called LaserMotive, whose climber shimmied up a kilometer-long cable at 2 meters per second. It's powered by a stationary laser on the ground, pointing up to a target on the craft, providing enough power for it to lift.
There's still a long way to go, though. LaserMotive and two other teams — the Kansas City Space Pirates and the University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team — are all making progress toward winning first prize. Eventually, though, somebody has to figure out how to make a cable light enough and strong enough to span that 22,000 mile distance. Insert miracle here.
Via Wired
]]>This LED lamp plugs in not to an electrical outlet, but to a phone jack. It then uses that power to light up, giving you a light you can feel guilt-free about leaving on all day. Your phone company might not love it, but whatever. They're the phone company.
]]>With the Media Chair, you get to pick the color of the chair itself as well as the color and pattern of the fabric of the seat. At least, in theory, as this is just a concept. Which I guess, in the end, gives the Sound Egg a leg up. Being real and all.
]]>That got us thinking: What the Box needs is a QuickStart Guide. If any sinister manufacturer wants to start making this gadget, feel free to use this insert. Just leave our names out of it.
]]>The device comes in white, black, sky blue, lilac silver, orange red, mocha brown, pink and violet, offers support for MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC and WAV audio formats, and has an "earSafe" function that automatically turns down the volume when a user first turns the device on. Offered in 2 gigabyte and 4 gigabyte versions, the unit will go on sale for 49,000 Korean won ($42) here.
Via Aving
]]>The T.27 is manufactured using a process called iStream, which designs the car by computer and welds it together, rather than stamping the parts out of metal sheets. Its predecessor, the T.25, weighed just 600 kilos (1,323 pounds) as it's free from all the luxuries that most modern cars are equipped with — which must mean they've skimped on the cup holders in the interior, then.
And although that looks like the Mayor of Toytown (nice sash, Mr Mayor) behind the wheels, it's actually a Government minister, Lord Drayton, sailing majestically along an autumnal road in Blighty.
Via Daily Mail
]]>They're wrong. 3D is a bold and interesting experiment, but it's not going to get traction because it's not what people want. Sure it's cool and flashy, but those glasses? Deal breaker. While others duke it out over the irrelevant title of becoming the standard in 3D, one manufacturer is leading the charge to where TVs really need to go. That would be Toshiba and its Cell Regza HDTV. The destination: real convergence.
Read on to see why I think the Cell Regza is the future of TV.
]]>I work at a TV channel (Syfy, in case you missed the "Powered by..." under our main logo). Consequently, not a day goes by that I don't have a conversation about this or that TV show. This kind of word of mouth is how I get recommendations on what to watch. Whenever I want to try out a new show, my first stop isn't my cable box, it's the Internet — sites like Hulu, ABC.com and YouTube (disclosure: Syfy's parent, NBC Universal is a major stakeholder in Hulu).
I think my behavior is pretty typical. It's not uncommon now for people to watch some shows exclusively online. They don't care if it's in HD, SD, 3D or whatever — they just want the content, and their laptops provide the easiest way to get it.
Web+TV 1.0
So why hasn't it occurred to anyone to put Internet video in the TV itself? It has: Plenty of manufacturers have ventured into the territory of "convergence," or integrating the Web into the TV experience. They go by names like Aquos Net, VieraCast, InfoLink, Bravia Internet Video and others. These attempts at convergence have been almost universally half-assed, with relatively closed systems (most offer very few sites compared to what you can get on any Web browser) and poor interfaces.
There's definitely some laziness and poor planning on the part of the manufacturers, but these Web-TV interfaces suck mainly because TVs aren't designed for the Web. Regular TVs have processors, to be sure, but generally they're good at just one thing: putting video on a screen, and very specifically formatted video at that. They're not called upon to do much else, so asking them to interpret the Web and the large variety of Internet video out there is like asking a English-Spanish translator to interpret Chinese.
The New Convergence
The Cell Regza changes the game. The Cell is a processor, typically put in PCs, designed specifically for image processing. Putting such a chip in a television essentially gives you an HDTV and a really kick-ass computer in one. This removes a big obstacle holding back true convergence: that TVs simply didn't have the hardware for it. Starting with the Cell Regza, they do.
Now when you want to check out a show from the Internet, you don't have to run for your laptop, at least in theory. But in practice, there are four things the Cell Regza and its coming brethren need to figure out before it fulfills its promise of bringing the real Internet to the TV set:
1. Wireless: Stringing an Ethernet cable from modem to TV is unacceptable in 2009. There are wireless adapters, but as PC manufacturers discovered, wireless is so commonly demanded with Internet connectivity (to the point where it's now pretty much synonymous with Internet access), it should be standard. True, N-standard Wi-Fi can't handle streams quite as well as a wired connection, but it can do decently, and the convenience is worth it.2. Cost: The Cell is powerful processor, but that doesn't justify the inflated price of this TV. The Cell Regza will cost over $10,000 when it goes on sale in December (Japan only at the start). That's absurd considering laptops with the Cell processor are in the $1,500 range, and the PS3, which also uses it, costs $300. Sure Toshiba's packaged it into a slick 55-inch HDTV, but 10 grand for a TV? This isn't 2003.
3. Storage: The Cell Regza can store over 3TB of video onboard — making a standard cable box's hard disk, with its 160GB of storage, look positively microscopic. The problem is that those terabytes are on the TV, which isn't typically what you use to tune into shows and record them. In America, those duties are taken on by your cable or satellite receiver. To truly get the most out of a connected TV, your cable and satellite service needs to talk directly with the TV, similar to how CableCARD was supposed to work. That, or start using an antenna. (You really should!)
4. Browser: The last thing TVs with souped-up processors need is a good browser, something that's designed specifically for Internet video. Software like Boxee or XBMC are good examples, letting you control your Web-video browsing with a TV remote control. Still, there's no reason a regular browser wouldn't work either.
A regular browser on your TV might actually be the best solution. Everyone knows how they work already, most Web video lets you choose a full-screen option anyway, and if there were a simple way to use the QWERTY keyboard on my phone as a wireless input device, I wouldn't even need a separate keyboard. Just think of it: All Internet video on your TV, playable seamlessly, with no extra wires or accessories.
That's what I want in my living room — not a pair of silly glasses.
]]>The morsel found its way into the doomsday device's outdoor machinery, sparking a temperature differential that triggered an automatic shutdown sequence. I know, I know — I'm sure that ruins all the images you had of a bird navigating the LHC's 17-mile-ring like a Death Star trench run, but there it is.
The Large Hadron Collider should still get collidin' in November as planned, though it will be offline for the next few days as CERN restarts it. Unless the crumb from a worker's lunch causes the LHC to explode and destroy half the planet, that is.
The Register, via Popular Mechanics, via io9
]]>The Multipin Digital Pinball Machine offers 17 tables in one attractive cabinet. That's because it's all virtual, with the table actually housing a 32-inch LCD monitor instead of the normal workings of a pinball machine. It still has a cool mechanical plunger and clicky flipper buttons, however, so it's the next best thing to a real cabinet.
]]>Don't let its bland screen and simple design fool you, though, as it does have a few features that'll please more technically savvy elders. You've got a phone book, SMS messaging, calender, alarm clock and games inside, as well as a a built-in flashlight and an "SOS" button. The big, red panic button is located on the back of the phone and, once pressed, will dial a preset number and set off an alarm on the phone.
The big downside here is that the 6380 only works on GSM network GSM 900/1800 bands, meaning it's not for the US or Canada. The rest of the world can keep an eye out for it, though, for $75.
Geekologie, via Technabob
]]>Ford emphasized that the new belts are not seatbelt-deployed airbags, but said the inflated padding will still significantly reduce head and neck injuries, especially for small children, who are often the occupants of the rear seat.
If you've ever been restrained by a seatbelt in an accident, you know how sore your rib cage is the next day. Ford says that not only will this inflatable seatbelt "distribute crash force energy across five times more of the occupant's torso than a traditional belt," but even when deflated, its additional padding makes it more comfortable, perhaps encouraging more riders to buckle them in the first place.
Via Jalopnik
]]>It uses water-filled tubes running beneath the the bottom part of the blinds to emit a dry mist into the airflow. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat and cools down the surrounding area. I'd like to see your venetian blinds do that.
Via Yanko Design
]]>The downside? First of all there's no mention of Matroska video file (.mkv) compatibility, which is quickly becoming the standard of HD video file distribution on the Internet. And there's no network connectivity, so you'd have to use a USB drive to bring in your various video, audio, and pictorial selections.
The list price is $130, but we're hearing rumblings of holiday pricing of $98.99, so look carefully and you might find yourself a low-end video player with similar specs to the Western Digital WD TV Live (find it for a mere $119 here) with better looks at a price that's about $20 lower. But then, the WD TV Live plays Matroska files, so keep that in mind.
More pics:
]]>This'll let you keep tabs on lots of things your car is doing that you normally wouldn't be able to see, such as real-time fuel economy, a tachometer, throttle position, intake manifold pressure, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, and emissions. You'll be able to select which gauges appear on the screen, and even set alerts for each one.
Most cars built since 1996 have an onboard diagnostics (OBD) port, and the accessory Garmin is offering is basically a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into it. Since many Garmin GPS units can already receive Bluetooth signals to accommodate hands-free cellphone calling, they'll be able to receive this data. Neat.
We're thinking this would be tons of fun to keep an eye on when traveling on a ultra long road trip with 200 miles until the next turn. Or, it could be just one more accident-causing distraction. Either way, expect to see EcoRoutes ESP on display at the upcoming CES 2010 in January.
Via Ubergizmo
The table is glass topped, with the base made up of two gigantic PS3 controllers. It'll make your place look like the classiest dorm room ever! Which would be awesome if you actually still live in a dorm room, but otherwise, I'm not so sure.
Via BornRich
]]>The geometry of this bike, designed by J. Ruiter (same guy?) is just bizarre. Unless you lean so far forward that you're leaning on your chest, how do you even pedal this thing? I hate to imagine what it would do to your undercarriage. Instead of pushing down on the pedals, you have to push back. Because your hip flexors are just so much stronger than your quads, right? Forget about even attempting to use the bottom of the pedal stroke for any power.
There's just no way that a wide squared-off saddle can be comfortable. I can't begin to imagine where the saddles sores will be. Ouch. It doesn't look like the seat height is adjustable. Does the purchase price include a trip to the knee doctor? Not to mention the lack of a chain. Makes for a simple drivetrain, but gear ratios exist for a reason. This thing is like a unicycle with handlebars.
Fixie bikes can be so beautifully elegant, but this one completely misses the mark. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Via CrunchGear
]]>Using speech recognition, stereo cameras and a laser range finder the Delivery Robot will be used for common tasks like taking out the trash, and opening doors. You can see video highlighting the Delivery Robot's finer points here.
Via Ubergizmo
]]>As well as being able to dial out, (I give it three calls before the clickwheel falls off) there's an MP3 player*, a one-inch LCD display, FM radio support, USB connectiv... *voice trails off*
Aw, why do I bother telling you? Anyone buys this $85 iPod killer ankle-biter, see me after school — for startz, it won't work in the U.S. or Canadaland.
*Noooooo, you don't say.
ChinaGrabber Via PMP Today Via UberGizmo
]]>It's a rather odd-looking reality, but the idea has merit. Tap your shoes together to turn the volume up, skip tracks by kicking your feet one way or the other, and pause the music by pushing your toe downward. That's about as hands-free as it gets, and I could a more sophisticated version being useful for dancers — letting the performer control musical cues with her movements rather than vice versa. Great stuff, but I can't figure out if it should be licensed by Apple or Nike?
]]>From the designer:
"An analog radio is one of most important product for a blind people. In the using a behavior of how people manipulated rather than burying all of interaction in to the product. So adjusting radio to the right station would require a new kind of manipulation rather than simply tuning a knob. 'R1' has designed for them to control the radio more intuitively. By using a wheel structure user can control the radio by physical movement."
The R1 Radio is a concept by South Korean-born Il-Gu Cha.
]]>After a lengthy beta period that incorporated lots of user feedback and lots of gratuitous improvements, Gratuitous Space Battles is now officially released. Not to say it's final. Developer Cliff Harris clarifies the announcement of the "release version":Does this mean the game is finished?
It means the game is in a finished state, playable and is properly for sale, yes. It means people can review the game without thinking it's still in beta. It means that Positech (Me!) consider this to be a finished game, rather than an on-going beta test.
Is this the end of new features?
No. Definitely not. I already have stuff (like the converging lasers thing) in the pipeline to add in later updates. There is a ton of stuff I'd love to add (if the game sells!). It *does* mean that updates will be less frequent, but probably be more feature-related rather than focusing on bug fixing, and possibly bigger in scope.You can get Gratuitous Space Battles here for the odd, odd price of $22.99.
There's a catch, though — that subwoofer still needs to plug into a wall outlet, and the two satellite speakers are still connected to the subwoofer with wires. The advantage? You can place those speakers and their sub 30 feet away from the PC. Might be great for listening to iTunes in the bedroom, controlling your PC via Wi-Fi with the Apple Remote app on your iPhone.
If the lack of complete wirelessness is mildly disappointing to you, the good news is that you can still get those original ProMedia 2.1 speakers for $150.
Via Klipsch
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