A Vision of the Future by Microsoft

This video, which shows what Microsoft thinks await us in the next decade, was presented a few days ago by Microsoft’s Business Division president Stephen Elop at the Wharton Business Conference.

Now a lot of you will probably think that the presentation is nothing but eye candy, but in this case, I disagree. I really do think that we will be seeing this kind of technology in the next 10 to 20 years. It may not exclusively be developed by our friends at Redmond, but I’m sure they’ll introduce several products that could fit in what you just saw. I mean, they’ve already started! Just look at what they’ve done with Surface. Everything you’ve seen in the video was based around the same concept: A miniaturized version of a multi-touch table.

[Via VentureBeat]



Ringtones that unblock your runny nose?

A Japanese ringtone provider has recently started selling ringtones that, according to scientific studies, can unblock your stuffy, runny nose. The treatment, which is composed of various unmelodious sounds and vibrations, is applied by holding your mobile to the bridge of your nose for 30 seconds while it is ringing. These ringtones are apparently not only effective for people suffering from the flu, but also for those affected by various allergies.

“We developed these ringtones based on scientific studies” claims its creator, who unsurprisingly, doesn’t point out his sources. He also adds that the ringtones will not work on everybody. Yes, of course! Why am I not surprised by this?

The sound frequency effective on men apparently corresponds to a “La” (440 hertz), and the one on women, a “Do” (532 hertz).

The ringtones can currently be downloaded on the portals of many popular Japanese cell phone providers supporting the Dwango platform (NTT Docomo (i-mode), AU/KDDI (EZWeb) and Softbank Mobile (Yahoo Keitai)).

[Via AFP]

Einstein Robotic Head Looks Almost Like the Real Thing

Even though the famous physicist has been dead for over 50 years, it seems that Einstein, or at least a part of him, has recently been reincarnated in the form of a very life-like looking robotic head. The head, which was designed by Hanson Robotics, can interact with people in a relatively natural way, thanks to specialized software created by Scientists at Calit2. As seen in the previous video, the robot can recognize and respond to various human facial expressions, potentially making it a great tool for purposes such as entertainment, teaching and even cognitive therapy.



How to Survive Quicksand

Contrary to popular belief, surviving when stepping into a pool of quicksand is actually easy. All you have to do to is to calmly lie on your back, and you’ll be quickly floating on top of the muck instead of drowning in it. The following video segment from Bill Nye, The Science Guy, will bring you down memory lane and show you how you too can survive if you ever find yourself drowning in quicksand. Ok, maybe you won’t be able to get out of it, but at least you’ll live… for a while.

How Twitter’s spectacular growth is being driven by unexpected uses

In the year leading up to this talk, the web tool Twitter exploded in size (up 10x during 2008 alone). Co-founder Evan Williams reveals that many of the ideas driving that growth came from unexpected uses invented by the users themselves.

Eating Pork Brains will Kill You!

Don’t believe me? Check this out:

Now just reading what’s in the can makes me want to puke, but the true horror comes only after reading the nutrition facts on the back label: Cholest. 3500mg – 1170% of your daily recommended value. Yum.

[Via Geekologie]

The Uncomb: For that untidy, unkempt, undone look that women love

Have you ever noticed that through the years, trends appear where when you’re a guy, looking like an unkempt slob actually becomes fashionable? During those times, achieving the perfect sexy geek look is easy; just don’t shave for a few days, and be sure to use the Uncomb! The Uncomb will allow you to have that perfect bed-head in no time! Just swipe it across your head a few times, and you’ll be ready to break hearts right away.

[The Uncomb]

Are Violent Video Games Adequately Preparing Children for the Apocalypse?

Please note that ANYTHING coming from the Onion News Network should NEVER be taken seriously. With that said, you can now hit the play button and enjoy the show!

Sailing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (Video)

Capt. Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation first discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — an endless floating waste of plastic trash. Now he’s drawing attention to the growing, choking problem of plastic debris in our seas.

The Science Behind Dr. Manhattan (Watchmen)

In the following video, physics professor James Kakalios explains how quantum mechanics can explain Dr. Manhattan’s super powers in Watchmen, and how he became an expert on the topic of the physics of superheroes.

[Via Gizmodo]