Review » The airport of 2050 could actually be more efficient

I think we all know that air travel is getting a little more uncomfortable every year, and I think we all know that is going to get worse.

In fact, a recent statistic has shown that it will increase from 6.5 million passengers per day to 44 million per day by the year 2050. Fortunately, aerospace giant EADS is teamed with a European tech consulting firm Altran to create a more efficient airport.

It was recently shown off at the Paris Air Show, and the video after the jump shows off the new system, the “friend-lean”. Yes, that seems to imply that we are leaning on each other, but this is not how they are hoping to resolve the coming problem of airport overcrowding.

The solution is re-creating airports and combining them with train stations. There is no more getting lost in between flights, as these miniature pods take passengers directly to the gate. Personalized schedules on mobile devices are also going to be big, and apparently, a passenger could arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the flight to the airport and get on board. I guess getting through airport security will be faster too.

In fact, there is even plans to have one of these mini-pods come to your house and take you to your plane. I suppose that we will see by the year 2050.

Review » Volkswagen semi-autonomous hands-free driving system introduced

Wait a minute here – did I read it correctly? Is Volkswagen’s semi-autonomous hands-free driving system supposed to help you get around in your vehicle while keeping your hands free to do something else? The answer is in the affirmative, where Volkswagen has dubbed their new system as the Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP), where it will link between existing driver assist technologies and completely automated vehicles. You as the driver have a role to play – monitoring the system, but at least TAP paves the way for semi-automatic driving on a highway at speeds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph).

You won’t find a driverless car here, but TAP will merge automatic driving assisting technologies that are already in place, alongside semi-automatic functions which require constant monitoring by you, the driver.

TAP is capable of controlling the car’s speed, making sure it maintains a safe distance from other vehicles, while dropping its speed right before a bend. Apart from that, it will also ensure that your vehicle’s central position is retained with respect to lane markers. Needless to say, TAP can be deactivated at any time in case an emergency arises. Despite it being semi-autonomous, that doesn’t mean you can now take off both eyes from the road and play around on your iPhone instead.

Do you happen to look forward to these kinds of driving systems in the future, or do you prefer to remain firmly behind the wheel? We guess that most folks would want to stick with the latter, since humans love to be in control, unless you’re this extremely busy executive who cannot afford a driver. We say stick to the driver – most of them double up as bodyguards anyways on your payroll, so why not get the extra protection? It isn’t as though such smarter vehicles have the IQ of K.I.T.T. in the Knight Rider series…

http://www.gizmag.com/volkswagen-hands-free-driving-system/19028/

Review » Pedal Powered School Bus Ready to Combat Childhood Obesity

I believe that I have said it before, but children have all this energy that adults actually need. I figure that you might as well tap into that energy in this pedal powered school bus!

This bus, powered by Flintstones Kids technology, is made in the Netherlands by De Cafe Racer. It has room for about ten kids, and they will be put to work.

Oh man, this would solve so many problems with unruly kids on the schools bus! Just try and make those spitballs now, junior! Yeah, those kids should have both hands on the handlebars.

Of course, I think we all know that a pedal powered school bus might tire out most school children. Fortunately, there is an auxiliary electric motor for some power if needed. However, if you are the school bus driver, only use it in the case of an emergency!

Yeah, I’m not certain how practical this technology is either, especially if there is no roof on the bus. Still, I like the idea of using the energy of unruly children to power transportation to their school. Or does this seem like a violation of child labor laws? I suppose if the bus driver cracked a whip and yelled “faster”!

http://www.ohgizmo.com/2011/06/29/pedal-powered-school-bus-not-so-magic-now-huh-kids/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ohgizmo+%28OhGizmo%21%29

Review » Dr Who Ride On Dalek

Dr Who fans, here is something you might want to get your for kids – especially if they have yet to find the same love as you for the TV series. Supposing you fork out £199.99 for this Dr Who Ride On Dalek, which hopefully, will make them see what a cool parent you are, and turning their allegiance from Glee to a much more serious TV series.

This Dalek body is composed from a mixture of ballistic nylon/laminated rubberised polyvinyl which is soft and tactile to the touch. Basically, getting around in this Ride On Dalek shouldn’t leave any doubts in your mind – it is very durable, structurally safe, tear resistant and easy to inflate and assemble. Standing tall at 128cm with 360 degree movement, the Dr Who Ride On Dalek boasts of 10 sounds and phrases, lights within so that you need not ride in the dark, a 6v rechargeable battery, and a maximum speed of 3km per hour – this makes sure wayward kids who are thinking of using this as an escape ride won’t go very far.

Review » SuperTooth HD Bluetooth speakerphone

 

The SuperTooth HD Bluetooth speakerphone is touted by the manufacturer themselves to be the most advanced model of its kind in the market – anyone out there willing to dispute that claim? It is said that the SuperTooth HD Bluetooth speakerphone has three times the power compared to other models, while letting you communicate across social networks using nothing but just voice commands – hopefully the algorithm is smart enough to serve the needs of non-native English speakers, too.

Among the features of the SuperTooth HD features would include twin speaker V Array technology that comprises of a couple of 2.5 watt speakers and a 5.4 watt amplifier, emitting high-fidelity audio in the process. The built-in dual microphones are capable of picking up voices even more clearly, while the anti echo and DSP control for noise cancellation makes sure you get to communicate the with person on the other end in a crystal clear manner.

With the inclusion of advanced voice commands, drivers are able to answer incoming calls, select pre-dialed phone numbers, check battery level and retrieve voicemail all without having to take their eyes off the road, nor hands off the steering wheel. The SuperTooth Handsfree Assistant feature that is powered by Dial2Do will pave the way for drivers to compose and send Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and SMS messages through voice, now how about that? All those texts will be posted as audio files so that recipients are able to listen to them. Bear in mind that Dial2Do will be free for the first 6 months, costing you at least $3.99 monthly after that.

Other abilities include reading incoming e-mail messages out loud, as well as reading incoming SMS messages out loud (for Android and BlackBerry only). A2DP audio streaming of music, podcasts and turn-by-turn navigation from smartphones and GPS navigators are also part of the treasure trove, while multi-point technology helps you connect up to 2 phones simultaneously. Want to bring home the SuperTooth HD Bluetooth speakerphone? It will cost you $129.

http://maxborgesagency.com/press/supertooth-hd-now-available-%E2%80%93-the-most-powerful-bluetooth-speakerphone-on-the-market/

Review » Jabra EASYCALL headset launched on AT&T stores exclusively

Jabra has been right there from the very beginning where Bluetooth headsets are concerned, I remember the extremely early days when colored displays on cell phones were just starting to proliferate, while those wearing Bluetooth headsets were seen to be like Borg walking on earth. Well, while colored displays on handsets are a given these days, it can still be quite hard to get used to those wearing Bluetooth headsets despite it being rather common.

This means the Bluetooth headset market is alive and kicking, and Jabra is making more than enough money to continue rolling out newer models. Their latest release would be the Jabra EASYCALL headset that is available exclusively at AT&T retail stores and online from today onwards. The EASYCALL is so named because it boasts of easy-to-use, intuitive controls, where it will be accompanied by the Jabra CRUISER2, which by itself is a popular in-car speakerphone that boasts of voice controls and superior sound for hands-free calling on the road, making it a whole lot safer to drive and carry out a conversation simultaneously.

The Jabra EASYCALL is touted to be the perfect entry-level Bluetooth headset option, especially so for one who does not have any previous experience with such a headset. The use of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology delivers crystal clear sound and voice, while it has a rather pocket friendly price of just $32 which will not break the bank or this month’s budget, and yet is groovy enough to hook up to a couple of devices simultaneously. This makes it easier to transition between work and family calls.

Apart from that, the EASYCALL will also ship with automatic volume control, next generation StatusDisplay icons for easy viewing, an on-off button slider, and spoken Voice Guidance which lets you know the current battery level and connectivity status, delivering an intuitive and seamless Bluetooth headset experience.

As for the Jabra CRUISER2 which will continue where the hugely successful CRUISER left off (how creative in the naming convention), it will come with improved sound quality, Caller ID, a speakerphone that ‘talks’ to the user, and Voice Announcements which offer audio guidance when setting-up the device and to clearly announce connectivity status and low battery levels. Expect the Jabra CRUISER2 to be the more expensive option at $79.99.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jabra-brings-exclusive-headset-popular-in-car-speakerphone-to-att-stores-124587138.html

Review » Shell to build massive floating juggernaut

So what do you do if you are Big Oil and need to get a little more oil before all the oil runs out? You build yourself the largest floating object in the seas!

This is the Prelude FLNG, and Shell Petroleum is building it off the coast of Australia, to be completed sometime in 2017. In case you are wondering about the materials that would be needed to build this, then let me start by telling you that it requires 260,000 tons of steel.

In comparison, the Sydney Harbor Bridge needed about one fourth that amount of steel to make. Dang. Just to let you know, the ship has a displacement of 600,000 tons.

Shell designed this vessel to sit above oceanic natural gas fields, and it can refine the gas and cool it down to -260 degrees Fahrenheit for storage. I wonder if other oil companies will be trying to get in on this type of technology.

In other words, we could be looking at an interesting future where Shell, Exxon, and other Big Oil companies will have their little islands floating around the sea. Just to let you know, Shell’s Prelude FLNG can withstand Category 5 cyclones, so you don’t have to worry about natural disasters flipping these things. At least I hope so.

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/05/shell-to-constr.php

Review » Segway Rally Experience for Two

Have you ever gotten on a Segway before? The feeling is totally something else for first timers, and that is a given. Well, for those who want to experience a Segway and more can always fork out £39.50 for the “Segway Rally Experience for Two” from Firebox. This special offer might just be the perfect gift for your dad and you, or perhaps for you and your partner, letting you go head to head with another person on a custom-built rally course.

You will kick start the day with the basics being shared by a trained instructor. In that course, you will be able to pick up the relevant skills on how to handle obstacles, turn, stop, and most of all, go forward (as fast as the Segway can anyways). Once you have mastered the basics, you will be given the opportunity to let loose on the rally course as you attempt to clock up your best time.

The entire experience is touted to last for up to half an hour, but chances are good you would do well to make an allowance of 90 minutes. Once you’re done, you will be on the receiving end of a certificate and a group photo.

Review » Aquaskipper Hydrofoil Human Powered Watercraft

Ever wondered how it will feel like when you walk on water? Of course, you might not be able to live it up as with Peter, but with the Aquaskipper Hydrofoil Human Powered Watercraft, it might give you a semblance of such a feeling. This $495 purchase is not going to be made on a whim and fancy, but at least you can use it constantly without having to worry about ever rising fuel prices – simply because it is human-powered.

Made out of lightweight aircraft aluminum, it weighs a mere 26 pounds when fully assembled. Good thing you don’t need a rocket science degree to get this assembled, and if you’re smart enough to work out your own constructions using LEGO, surely the Aquaskipper Hydrofoil Human Powered Watercraft should not be a problem for you to put together. Capable of flying up to 17mph, you can basically fly across water by hopping up and down.

Just make sure you are not heavier than 250 pounds, and pass the 70 pounds mark if you ever want the Aquaskipper Hydrofoil Human Powered Watercraft to “take off”.

Review » All Terrain Electric Bicycle

Everyone knows that exercising regularly is one of the key components when it comes to keeping your fitness levels up and at an optimal point. Sometimes though, doing the same thing week in, week out could prove to be way too repetitive for our liking, and a change is always more than welcome. Cycling could be one of the more interesting sports you can get involved in, as you can always go to different places with various scenery in order to experience something apart from the norm.

Unfortunately, bicycles can only get you so far in terms of terrain, and different bikes cater for different types of terrain. The All Terrain Electric Bicycle, as its name suggests, was specially designed by an aerospace engineer, and it is the only electric bicycle which is capable of traversing through deserts and tundras in a jiffy, similar to how it glides across pavement.

There is a 600-watt brushless electric motor that will drive a 14-speed gearing configuration, capable of hitting a top speed of 40 mph on straightaways, while unparalleled torque will help you climb steep grades quickly. With a 51″-wide wheel base and 20″ diameter x 8″ wide tubeless monocoque tires, it is the widest in the industry to offer added stability during tight turns and traction on dirt, sand, or snow.

There is just one drawback – the lithium-ion battery will offer just up to an hour’s worth of assisted pedaling after a three-hour charge, so make sure it is well juiced the night before always. The All Terrain Electric Bicycle won’t come cheap either at $9,700.

REVIEW >> We have a hoverbike!

I think that Hollywood has taught us that in the future, everything that is has wheels will be hovering. Think of any episode of The Jetsons, or the Back to the Future II hoverboards.

An Australian inventor named Chris Malloy has figured out how to build a hoverbike, using nothing but parts from motorcycles. These propellers are powered by a 1,170-cc engine for 107 horsepower, with a 231-pound thrust-to-weight ratio.

According to my Source, he should be able to get this guy flying at 10,000 feet, at a speed of 173 mph. As of now, the fuel tank is good for 92 miles of cruising at 92 miles per hour.

So far, this is only a prototype, and the inventor is looking for some funding to get his invention off the ground. Okay, that was a terrible joke, but you will have to agree that this thing doesn’t look very safe in its present form. By the way, you won’t need a pilot’s license to fly one of these, as it is classified as an ultralight.

Still, I’m sure that it will take a while before you or I will be able to fly one of these hoverbikes. Ever since the Jet Moto game, I have wanted to ride something like this.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/06/die-smiling-on-this-hoverbike/

REVIEW >> In the future, there could be moving train stations

If there is one thing that can make trains more efficient, it is less stops. Unfortunately, people have to get on and off the train, but what if the stations themselves were moving, and all the train would have to do is slow down in order to board and unboard?

You can watch a video of how it would work after the jump. It is computer-generated, but I would imagine that you could probably construct an equally good presentation if you have a model railroad.

Just make a circular or oval set of tracks that is next to a longer track. The train on the smaller length of track passes the one on the longer one, which doesn’t stop for boarding. Here’s the tricky part: somehow, the doors of the two trains lock together and the people get on and off.

Granted, there would be a limited amount of time for the passenger exchange. I would imagine that if you missed your stop, you could always catch the next one, but you would have to catch a train going in the other direction. Think of it like missing a freeway exit.

I suppose that if we have a train system that encompasses the world, like the type seen in the film 2046, this is the most efficient system of getting on and off of it.

Moving Platforms from Priestmangoode on Vimeo.

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/06/train-stations.php

REVIEW >> New Batmobile design is earth-friendly, designed by a legend

 

We have seen a lot of Batmobiles driven by the caped crusader in the movies, television, and comic books. Most of them have interesting gadgets, and many are not grounded in reality. Think about the Batmobile that drove up the wall in Batman Forever.

Some people don’t like the Humvee look in the latest Batman films, and Gordon Murray, legendary Formula One car designer, created this one. As far as I know, it won’t be used in the new Batman film coming next summer, but designed for a Batman Live World Arena Tour in the United Kingdom. You can see a video of it after the jump.

Murray designed this Batmobile with elements that may actually exist in the next 15 to 20 years. For example, it has a hydrogen-powered engine that produces a by-product of water. Not only is the Batmobile eco-friendly, but it has a “breathable” carbon fiber, another interesting technology.

Then there is the neat features like the “virtual wheels” with the LED lights that create an interesting effect. Hopefully, the Batmobile will not lose one of these wheels. That’s a reference to the “Jingle Bells, Batman smells” song, in case you missed it.

If you want to see this new Batmobile for yourself, follow the tour in the United Kingdom, and it will soon be coming to the United States.

Review: Team Hot Wheels Life-sized track breaks world record

When I was my children’s age, I had some neighbors that had those orange flexible tracks for Hot Wheels cars. Try as I might, I never could get one of those cars to go through a loop.

Clearly, I am not the person who planned this jump from Team Hot Wheels. You can watch a video of it after the jump, and see the longest jump by a four-wheeled vehicle on May 29th, 2011 at the Indianapolis 500.

I’m not certain, but it sounds as if this life-sized Hot Wheels vehicle has no engine. I guess they must have just got some giant hand to push it up the ramp before they pushed it down.

The driver is an X-Games veteran and stunt driver Tanner Foust, and the track is a 10-story drop. It went about 332 feet, and I would imagine it would not have gone that far if it had an engine weighing it down.

You will note that the landing look a little rough, and the video editing didn’t really help to see how it worked. Hopefully, the driver was well protected.

Man, if Hot Wheels had a theme park, I would ride this ride. Actually, I would probably chicken out once they got me to the top.