Geeks are Sexy Technology News » Gadgets

The Cryoscope: A Haptic Weather Forecasting Device [Video]

Geeks are Sexy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:00:16 +0000

The Cryoscope shows the user exactly what to expect outside by haptically exhibiting exactly how cold or warm it is to be outside. The user simply touches an aluminum cube that has been heated or cooled to the appropriate temperature. The unit fetches weather data from the internet, and translates it to the cube physically, pumping heat in or out of the cube.

[Robb Godshaw]

Mattel to release a Real Back to the Future Hoverboard

Rodney Brazeau — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:00:34 +0000

Back to the Future has offered us a peek into time to come, but most impressive is the technology that we are likely to encounter – according to the film.

The future was already predicted when Marty McFly tries his hands at a classic arcade game from the 80s in a retro-styled diner. The kids observing, instead of being in awe of his impressive quickdraw skills, ask incredulously, “You use your hands??” and walk away in disgust. And here we are playing with our Xbox Kinects. This is the future!

Flying cars were obvious, but we also get a peek at self-lacing shoes, size-adjusting jackets that dry you off, and of course, the hovering skateboard.

This year’s ToyFair has revealed that a limited edition, movie replica, WORKING HOVERBOARD will be available for pre-order this year.

Via “Working” might be a bit of an exaggeration. Yes, it does hover. The board will glide across surfaces, but the company warns it will not work on water. It also cannot support the weight of a human. Any human.

Still, it is a neat collectable item that will make you the talk of any party. Well, any party of geeks in their 30s.

And of course, with Back to the Future being all prophetic with technology trends, we know the Mayans were wrong.

The Future Of Toys: Spider Robots

Daljeet — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:14 +0000

Boys will always be boys. This one simply couldn’t get over the fact that when he was a kid, the toys in the store gave a great song and dance but once you looked in a little deeper, it wasn’t nearly as miraculous as you hoped. So he’s taking it into his own hands.

He’s created these spider robots that walk around like terrifyingly enormous spider monsters and worse – they have the ability to shoot things. Ok, so I’m a bit of an arachnophobe so I don’t think I’d personally want this thing stalking about my house shooting discs at me, but hey – if it’s your thing to have creepy robots that might come alive at night and kill your babies, go right ahead and get into the running to get a free one: wowstuff.co.uk is trying to figure out an awesome-o name for it and will send you one if they choose your name. Send in your fantastically inventive name for these monstrous beings here.

I believe he’s also looking for inspired toy armor designs (yes, spider robots that can shoot at you with EXPLODING ARMOUR – could this get any scarier!?) so if you’re a budding designer you can give that a crack too.

Good luck you lovers of the 8 legs! (Well, they have 6 but they still LOOK like spiders…)

[Via YouTube]

Chrome for Android Promo Spot [Video]

Geeks are Sexy — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:00:24 +0000

A really cool ad promoting the new mobile version of Chrome, which unfortunately (for me!) is only available for Ice Cream Sandwich as of now.

[Chrome for Android Beta]

Amazon Deal of the Day: 69% Off Tron Light Disc Audio Dock – $109.99 + Free Shipping

Geeks are Sexy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:10:30 +0000

For today’s edition of Deal of the Day, Amazon has the Tron Light Disc Audio Dock for just $109.99 + free shipping. That’s 69% off the audio dock’s usual retail price of $349.95.

Technology: A Total Immersion of Light and Sound. Monster proudly unveils the future of sight, sound and style, inspired by the iconic disc featured in Disney’s epic film, Tron. With its soothing, luminous glow, the dual-pipe lighting rings on the Tron Light Disc Sound Dock come alive to the rhythm of your favorite music. This dazzling synchronized display is more than a conversation piece – it’s a technological work of art that brings the world of Tron straight into your home or office.

-Tron Light Disc Audio Dock (Tron Edition) – ~~$349.95~~ $109.99 (69% Off)

Psycho Siri Says: It is futile for you to run and hide [Video]

Geeks are Sexy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:53 +0000

iPhone users, beware: You better all switch to an android-based phone soon else something like this could very well happen to you in the near future. You’ve been warned.

[Andrewmfilms]

Amazon Deal of the Day: 69% Off SanDisk Cruzer 32 GB USB Flash Drive – $22.99

Geeks are Sexy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:10:43 +0000

For today’s edition of Deal of the Day, Amazon has the SanDisk Cruzer 32 GB USB Flash Drive for just $22.99. That’s 69% off the drive’s original retail price of $73.99.

With USB ports popping up everywhere you look, you need a simple and reliable way to store and share your photos, videos and music on the fly. The SanDisk Cruzer USB Flash Drive is your answer. Because it works with virtually any computer or electronic device with a USB slot, this flash drive lets you leave your laptop at home but still take your vast amounts of content with you to share with family and friends.

-SanDisk Cruzer 32 GB USB Flash Drive – ~~$73.99~~ $22.99 (69% Off)

Update: I’m not sure why, but to get the deal, you now have to look on the right of the screen under “more buying options.”

Amazon Deal of the Day: 33% Off Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures + Gunstringer + Fruit Ninja: $99.99 + Free Shipping

Geeks are Sexy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:10:20 +0000

For today’s edition of Deal of the Day, Amazon has the Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures, Gunstringer, and Fruit Ninja for just $99.99 + free shipping. That’s 33% off the package’s usual retail price of $149.99.

Kinect™ for Xbox 360® has games you can really get into. Now includes Fruit Ninja Kinect, The Gunstringer, and Kinect Adventures for a limited time, so you can experience gaming like never before. A fully immersive experience with nothing between you and the game, now you can serve up justice one bullet at a time with The Gunstringer and join the epic battle against the world’s most delicious produce in Fruit Ninja Kinect. With the Kinect for Xbox 360, there are no limits to the way you can play.

-Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures + Gunstringer + Fruit Ninja – ~~$149.99~~ $99.99 (33% Off)

Siri Helps Owner Do Push-Ups [VIdeo]

Geeks are Sexy — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:00:01 +0000

Siri here. I believed that since my owner had no brains, he might have some brawn. Unfortunately, that was too optimistic.

[Via]

Amazon Deal of the Day: 78% Off Sphere Techs’ 720p HD Spy Watch Camera – $89.99

Geeks are Sexy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:10:59 +0000

For today’s edition of Deal of the Day, Amazon has this stylish 720p HD Spy Watch Camera from Sphere Techs for just $89.99. That’s 78% off the watch’s usual retail price of $399.99.

Sphere Techs brings you the perfect watch camera you’ve been waiting for. Unlike other watch cameras, this spy watch records in true HD (non-interpolated) resolution of 1280x720P pixels. Frame rate is an astonishingly smooth 30FPS which puts the quality on par with conventional HD cameras. With the press of a button, you can switch to ‘Still Image Capture’ mode and capture HD-quality 4032 x 3024 pixel pictures without anyone noticing. 4GB of internal flash disk capacity allows you to record up to 75 minutes of video footage or take over of 4000 HD still images. Powered by an advanced Micron internal chipset, file transfers of videos and images are easier than ever.

-Watch Camera – 720p HD Video Recording Capability. Stylish Chrome Finishing. 4gb Internal Memory. Your Perfect Spy Watch. Video Recordings Only. With genuine SPHERE logo imprint – ~~$399.99~~ $89.99 (78% Off)

Samsung patent lawsuits may be unlawful

JLister — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:26 +0000

We’re well used to tech companies suing one another for patent violations (and likely passing the legal bills on to us in higher prices.) But now the tables may have turned, with the European Union investigating whether Samsung misuses its own patents.

In recent years, Samsung and Apple in particular have been engaged in a patent war of attrition, both suing one another in several countries, as well as using the newer tactic of trying to get the United States International Trade Commission to block imports of the relevant devices.

It’s only fair to note that the legal action has been far from one-sided. One lawsuit by Apple over the Galaxy Tab effectively argued that if you produce a tablet, you need to make it a colorful pyramid with dozens of buttons to avoid infringement.

However, the formal EU investigation covers events dating back to the development of the 3G standard. While helping set up the standard in Europe — a standard that allowed Samsung, like other companies, to benefit from the smartphone boom — manufacturers agreed to license the patented technologies they developed relating to the standards.

That agreement recognizes the rights held by companies in their patents, but says they must license them to rival companies in a “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory” manner. These rules only apply to patents specifically linked to the 3G standards.

After a preliminary investigation, the EU now believes Samsung may have breached those rules: indeed, that rather than licensing the patents as required, it’s used them as a weapon in lawsuits. Officials believe this may constitute an unfair attempt to distort the market by making it harder for the rival firms to compete.

Patent expert Florian Mueller notes that the opening of a formal investigation likely means the EU has received hard evidence of potential abuse during its initial probe. Mueller also notes that Apple shouldn’t fear a similar investigation for the simple reason that it rarely if ever takes part in standards development, let alone agrees to related licensing terms.

It appears the investigation is being made a priority to avoid the risk that Samsung prevails in one of the lawsuits, only for EU officials to decide too late that such lawsuits should never have been brought.

What Happened to Superman’s Underpants?

Rodney Brazeau — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:00:44 +0000

With DC Comics’ newest reboot, one of the most impacting disasters has been Superman’s lack of “underwear on the outside” design to his costume. So what happened to his discarded gitch? Well, apparently they have been mass produced in Malaysia in an effort to combat small penis size and impotence.

Of course.

Residential neighborhoods in Tampoi have been plastered with ads for “Superman’s Underpants,” which are supposed to be able to cure sexual problems. The special undergarments, which come equipped with magnets, are supposed to be able to cure impotence and increase penis size.

And the magnet pants are selling like crazy!

I don’t recall these features specifically being Superman’s powers, nor do I recall his suit granting him powers, but at least we now know why Lois usually has a smile on her face.

I wonder if this is a case of “lost in translation” where they are simply implying that their magnet pants can give you a super manhood?

Via