Expanding Kilobike Keeps Up With Children To Teenagers
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I loved to ride my bike as a kid, and as a teenager I was even able to do some wheelies, and jump some curbs. The bikes were pretty much built to last, and were very fun to ride (don’t worry. This is not a “up the hill both ways” kind of story). We were not able to afford a new bike when I finally outgrew my old one. If only I had the Expanding Kilobike when I was a lad! (cue the soft dramatic music).
The Expanding Kilobike is a really interesting concept (brought to you by German company Kilo Design. Instead of going through the hassle of having to get another bike each year, why not create a bike that can be expanded to suite your child when they get older? It even comes with swappable joints in the frame’s top tube, allowing the bike to be expanded diagonally. The seat and height adjustments come standard, and can be used with the swappable joints to allow the bike to be adjusted to the proper height regardless of the height of the child (unless the child grows to be 8 feet tall).
Hopefully soon, this very creatively created toy will become a stocking stuffer for households across the country.
SOURCE: popsci.com
Frankencamera Sets The Stage For Open – Source Firmware Cameras
I do have a few photographer friends who like to use the latest in camera technology. Unfortunately, it also tends to be rather tedious when they are needing to decide on which features they will have to give up on one camera in favor of having the features of another camera. The idea of an open source camera setup was basically just a pipedream. Well, until now.
The Frankencamera, as it has been christened by Professor Marc Levoy and grad student Andrew Adams, is a fully functioning camera that includes access to the firmware. This would help those who want to adjust or upgrade certain features of the camera. In the past, if you wanted more, or different features, you would have to wait until someone invented the kind of camera you had really wanted. That could take several months to several years – if ever.
Hopefully this idea will come full circle with the next year or so. Also, hopefully other applications creators will pick up on this, and create some great firmware additions for the camera.
‘Frankencamera’s’ Mad Scientists Professor Marc Levoy and grad student Andrew Adams hope their open source digital camera while drive innovation in photography. L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service
SOURCE: trendhunter.com
Panasonic GF1 – Smallest Micro Four Thirds Camera Going
For those who really like the Panasonic line of cameras this is one that you definitely want to check out. The GF1, from Panasonic, has some amazing features like the ability to shoot high-defintion video – 1280 x 720 – giving you the option to adjust depth of field to shift focus while you’re shooting. This camera possesses another feature called a Live MOS sensor, which shoots 12 mega-pixel stills (perfect for posters, or pictures that will eventually be blown up to a large print). Staying true to what you would expect from a Panasonic camera, the Panasonic GF1 works really well with color variations, having nine film modes and over five preset color modes. In film mode, you can alter saturation, contrast, and sharpness, not to mention you can save a custom setting for use at a later time.
The Panasonic GF1 will be bundled with special lenses, and rumored to be retailed for around $900.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S:
SOURCE: popsci.com
Table Robot Serves Up Fun On Two Wheels
Robots are definitely the wave of the future. Different movies have been creating showing their usefulness, and how they can make human lives so much easier. The main one that I am looking forward to is one that can do my taxes, and balance my checkbook (hopefully, it won’t cost an arm and a leg). Although, it may be several years (or decades) before we have a robot that is that amazing, we at least can look forward to one that can help to serve guests during a cocktail party.
The Table Robot from Laskmi-Do Corporation moves quickly around a room or living space on two wheels that are actually much more sturdy than they appear to be (robots tend to be like that). The butlerbot made its debut at the FOOMA Japan, one of the biggest food and tech conventions that Tokyo has to offer. At the present time, the butlerbot is controlled by a non-complicated remote control and able to carry almost five pounds (about the size of a loaded serving tray), however, there are future plans for a much more comprehensive remote in order to allow the robot to carry out much more complicated tasks.
SOURCE: popsci.com
Space Invaders Doormats Keeps Retro Hopes Alive
Novelty doormats are always a welcome addition to any front door. They either help create a certain feeling when you get ready to enter the home, or they add your own personal style to the exterior of the house. The ‘Space Invaders’ doormat does the latter.
This ‘Space Invaders’ doormat is a must for any tech geek that wants to prove their loyalty to retro video games. People will be amazed (and amused) as they watch the little ‘Space Invader’ characters move across the top of the mat. The ‘Space Invaders’ doormat requires two AA batteries to power the LED animations which you will find very interesting to watch. The mat itself is made of a very durable rubber that will withstand tough outdoor conditions. Be the talk of the geek world, not to mention the envy of all your online gaming friends, with the ‘Space Invaders’ LED Doormat!
SOURCE: trendhunter.com/cooltrends