Chassis the beer pouring robot gets paint job, even more lovable
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Chassis the beer pouring robot gets paint job, even more lovable
Filed under: Robots
Robots that assist in taking humans to their desired level of inebriation are far from new, but Chassis is just too darn likable to ignore. The beer pouring creature itself has actually doled out a few pints in its lifetime, but apparently, the latest spotting showed off a snazzy new paint job and a few additional lights. Heck, there’s even a built-in microphone and speaker for “audience interaction.” Best of all, however, is that the operator of this fellow can make it talk to party goers in the vicinity, and while we’re currently unsure of its marital status, we have all ideas that it’s a real hit with the ladies. Check out a few more snapshots in the read link below.
[Via UberReview]
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Researchers warn of hacking risks to heart devices
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
While it should hardly come as a surprise given the near constant stream of hacking fears we hear about these days, researchers are now warning about a possible vulnerability to an especially important bit of technology: medical devices that control the human heart. As The Wall Street Journal reports, the concerns are mostly centered around so-called “programmers,” which are devices used to wirelessly communicate with the implanted defibrillator or pacemaker. Those devices are obviously only sold directly to physicians by a select group of companies but, as the researchers warn, it is at least conceivable that hackers could transmit the same radio signals using another device, allowing them to shut down the defibrillator or deliver a shock, or possibly even obtain a patient’s medical information. The researchers are quick to point out, however, that this is “theoretical risk, not an actual risk,” and they’re not recommending that anyone consider deferring an implantation or removing a defibrillator.
[Image courtesy of Medtronic]
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Samsung’s latest SyncMaster LCD monitors look mighty fine
Filed under: Displays
What’s that, you ask? No, it’s not a miniaturized version of Samsung’s LN40650T HDTV. Rather, it’s the firm’s 19-inch 953BW — the oh-so-sexy $239 addition to its SyncMaster lineup. Said monitor boasts a 1,440 x 900 resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and it’s joined by the 20-inch 2053BW ($299), 22-inch 2253LW ($319) and 22-inch 2253BW ($349), all of which feature a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution and two-millisecond response time. Each unit also possesses an HDCP-compliant DVI port, intelligent MagicColor controls and a piano-black glossy finish that you’ll likely have a hard time keeping free of dust and fingerprints. The best news, however, is that the whole lot is available right now.
[Via Electronista]
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Former Polish prime minister opposes online voting, says Internet users are all watching porn
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Sure, electronic voting has had its fair share of troubles, but there’s not denying that it’s the wave of the future — and we’re always intrigued by plans like the one being floated in Poland right now that would allow citizens to vote online from their homes, since that seems like a great way to increase participation. Of course, some people are just never going to get it, and it looks like former Polish prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski is the latest Luddite curmudgeon to risk your ire, saying that he’s not exactly thrilled with the idea of a “young person sitting in front of a computer, watching video clips and pornography while sipping a bottle of beer and voting when he feels like it.” Kacynski went on to say that as a whole, Internet users are “the easiest group to manipulate, to suggest who to vote for” — which probably means that in addition to not using a cell phone or having a bank account (true!), he’s never actually been on the Internet either. Tell you what, Minister: you come in here and successfully manipulate a Mac vs. PC flamewar, maybe we’ll talk. Deal?
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Lenovo’s ThinkVision L174 and L197 Wide monitors join the green parade
Filed under: Displays
Lenovo certainly hasn’t been shy about its recent obsession with green wares, and apparently, it’s unveiling two more LCD monitors to join the environmentally-friendly farm. Curiously enough, Lenovo spent so much time glorifying the low power consumption of the EPEAT Gold qualified L174 (17-inch) and L197 Wide (19-inch) monitors, that it completely failed to dish out even a lackluster specifications list. Apparently, it’s hoping that you’ll feel so convicted by this duo’s attempt to go easy on Mother Earth that you’ll just hand over your $239.99 / $259.99 without even concerning yourself with petty things like “resolution” and “response time.” Oh, and that’s the (likely similar looking) L194 pictured — remember, focus on the green factor, people.
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GE researchers create printable, flexible OLEDs
Filed under: Displays, Household
Researchers at GE have created the world’s first roll-to-roll manufactured OLEDs — a newspaper printing-like process that is the first step to plentiful, cheaply produced, flexible lighting. Production of the thin, organic materials in this manner could lead to a wide array of innovations in the use of lights, sensors, and displays, and could make a noticeable impact on the efficiency and environmental performance of lighting and electronics. The company envisions a new playing-field for businesses, architects, and lighting designers who need access to cheap, energy-conscious materials, and see this research as a first step to an emerging field of commercialized OLED lighting. Yes, a new vista of discovery, wealth, and prosperity awaits those who take this bold step into the wide, wonderous, and uncharted worlds of scientific research and prototyping — let’s just hope it doesn’t end up all Bioshock-y and weird.
[Via MetaEfficient]
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Boston Acoustics takes a shot with Duo-i iPod boombox
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Believe it or not, the deluge of iPod sound systems has died down in the past couple of months, but that’s not to say newcomers won’t join the absolutely oversaturated market. Case in point: Boston Acoustics is offering up an AM / FM Stereo Radio with iPod dock, which packs a pair of 3.5-inch full-range drivers, BassTrac low-frequency processing, twin auxiliary ports for connecting other DAPs / PMPs, line and stereo headphone outputs and a fancy display that automatically adjusts to ambient light. Furthermore, you’ll find dual independent alarm clocks, a “touch” (slam?) sensitive snooze bar and a wireless remote to keep your derriere planted. As for pricing, this one’s pretty much par for the course at $199.99.
[Via Tech Digest]
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AMD roadmap shocker reveals new Turion, Athlon, Sempron mobile CPUs
Filed under: Laptops
[Via Laptoping]
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Acer “blue” teased for mystery launch
Filed under: Laptops
That friends, is Acer’s teaser for a new “notebook PC concept” set for release in New York later today. We’re not sure what it is, but it’s not very often that the unveiling of a concept device (which may or may not be manufactured) warrants a press event hosted by a company’s president. In this case, Acer’s Vista-hatin’ prez, Gianfranco Lanci. Whatever it is, that hint of a multi-media, touch controller is not something we’d expect to see on their Eee PC killer.
[Thanks, Daniel]
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F-117 stealth fighters to make final flight no one will know about
Filed under: Transportation
Air Force buffs, prepare to salute a true American hero as it makes it way into the annals of military history: the F-117 stealth fighter. The planes — one of the most enigmatic members of the military’s arsenal — will be making their final trip on April 21st from Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to Tonopah Test Range Airfield in Nevada, the home of their first flight. The aircraft is being replaced by a newer model, the F-22 Raptor, and the government says it has no plans to bring the radar-dodging planes out of retirement. In all, there have only been 59 F-117s that have rolled off the assembly line, 37 of which have already been taken out of the skies, and another seven which have crashed. We’ll miss you, F-117, and all the totally awesome, completely secret stuff you did.
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