Just got the new Belkin Skype phone for free calls. Am looking forward to using it to call home when I go to LA with the students. Still can’t quite get my head around free international phone calls from a handheld phone. BT must be trembling.
No, the iBOT isn’t a new ipod model. It’s probably the most amazing piece of technology i’ve seen in a while. Zak and I were walking through Hyde Park today and saw a man walking in one of these:
It’s the Independence iBOT 4000 Mobility System - a new(ish) powered wheelchair that can climb stairs and allow its users to have conversations at eye-level. I tell you, it was amazing.
“The iBOT™ Mobility System contains patented iBALANCE™ Technology, an integrated combination of sensor and software components and multiple computers that work in conjunction with gyroscopes. Gyroscopes are motion sensors that help maintain balance. When the gyroscopes sense movement, a signal is sent to the computers. The computers process the information and tell the motors how to move the wheels to maintain stability. This electronic balance system is custom-programmed to the user’s center of gravity, to monitor and respond to subtle changes in motion. Reach forward to shake hands, and your iBOT™ Mobility System moves with you. Lean back and it moves away as well. The iBOT™ Mobility System constantly realigns and adjusts its wheel position and seat orientation to keep the user upright and stable at all times, even when driving up and down curbs or inclines. In addition, the iBOT™ includes built-in triple redundant backup systems, as well as auditory and visual signals to provide even more safety and assurance.”
What a great invention.
This is a second-hand link via julia set: apparently a 16 year old boy invented a hampster powered mobile phone charger. too good to be true!
I’ve finally gotten into the swing of the whole podcasting movement. When Brett came back from Japan he brought back a couple of iPodnanos which conveniently meant I had to upgrade my version of iTunes. Now with the new podcasting feature, I find i’m listening more to news radio broadcasts on my bus route to and from work than music. I’ve mostly been downloading the broadcasts from npr and the bbc but there are also some really great music broadcasts to download from some ultra-hip slovenian radio stations. I’ll post the link soon.
Apple launched it’s new ipod yesterday called the ipod nano. After reading endless recent articles documenting a new collaboration between apple and motorola, I was hoping this one would have some communication technology - but it appears to (just) be a new slimmer, more beautiful ipod.
If you’re desperate for an mp3, there are several out there - but if you want to use iTunes, for now you’ll have to be satisfied with the Motorola ROKR.
Still, the new ipod nano is nothing to sneeze at. it’s mighty handsome.
stop what you’re doing and go to google earth, download the software and find your house on the planet. it’s amazing. not only do you get EXTREMELY crisp satellite images - but you can zoom in from outerspace onto your rooftop (i found out that above this false ceiling over my head, i actually have 4 ultra-big skylights on the roof). You can also use it as a routeplanner and have it map out a trip. I only started playing with it about 2 minutes ago, but as you click the buttons and slide the sliders, you might actually jump in your seat because it just so great. enjoy.
Yes, it’s true. You can now transfer music between iPods (needs to be a 2nd generation iPod or newer). Think Geek has found a few new wunder gadgets and this one is sure to get some action . The iCopulate supposedly does what the name implies…some serious sharing.
Today I borrowed the Sony Aibo dog from Tom Barker. So far so good - we turned him on, he sat, barked, played some weird Japanese music, turned around, danced and sat back down again. George is none too happy about the intrusion on his turf and is feeling slightly competitive. But conveniently, if you tell one of them to sit, they both obey.
