iPhone controls your kitchen island | iPhone World's iNews Aggregator

No longer is the superwoman multi-tasker the queen of the kitchen – it might seem as though your kitchen island will soon be controlled by nothing but an iPhone! Yup, the smartphone that has clearly revolutionalized the way we look at how humans interact with phones is not only able to let you enjoy your favorite music on the go, snap great photos and shoot videos, it will now be able to control stuff in your kitchen island.

There is a hydraulic scissor lift that is bolted to the cement, where a small frame is also built on top of the scissor lift table. Right on top of that is a subfloor, flooring, followed by the island. Its cabinet doors are located on the other side, where all of them will come with safety push button switches which ensures electricity from the Smart Home Insteon switches are “killed” to prevent any movement whenever the doors are not fully closed.

What are some of the other iPhone controlled items that you would love to have in your pad?

Source: Hacked Gadgets

Pop Art Toaster | Kitchen Gadget

Introduce some fun during breakfast time with thePop Art Toaster, where it will come in a 1950′s inspired design not to mention cool-to-touch plastic finish with chrome accents for that added touch of class. Of course, breakfast will never be the same ever again with this, since you will be able to include inserts burns of “Bite Me” or “Ugh…” coupled with a frownie on your morning toast.

Retailing for $44.99 a pop, it will definitely introduce a whole new way of eating breakfast for the rest of your family. The morning routine will never be the same as your cup of coffee, plate of toast, morning paper are augmented with newly “composed” messages that might just jolt that sleepy head into a brand new day. These templates can always be removed if someone more serious and senior in your family decides to drop by…

Easy on the Creases | Origami DVD Player

I came across this amazing foldable DVD player concept while browsing online, but before I could marvel at its ability to be fold up and be put in a pocket, I had to understand the technology behind it. Unbeknownst to me, For almost 30 years now, over a dozen companies have been working on what’s called, electronic paper technologies. Their work has now evolved into being able to combine the flexibility of digital information with the convenience of a foldable, bendable paper-like product, well, more like a thin foldable plastic placemat.

Which brings us to this Origami DVD Player concept, which is actually a portable DVD player that may someday be manufactured using this new e-paper technology, all in full color. It looks amazing, and has tons of “wow-factor” but off the top of my head, I can envision many more substantial applications for e-paper, can’t you?

Wow, what lies ahead? Will e-paper be the future of newpapers? menu’s? window shades? computers? Well, just for today, concepts are still just concepts and we don’t know when, or if they will make the Origami DVD Player, but I have a sneaking suspicion that e-paper will be entering your life sooner, rather than later. And I for one, look forward to it!

We’ll be able to print your own hardware parts with 3D printers in the future

Technology is rapidly advancing and thanks to the technology of ’3D printing’, we might be able to print out our own pc hardware parts in the future.

If you’re familiar with the technology of 3D printing, you know that 3D printers can ‘print’ real objects. Well, it seems that 3D printers will be able to produce real hardware parts within a decade according to the CEO of EADS U.K. We should mention a bicycle that was made with 3D printer that was shown on BBC as an example of this latest technology. Unlike other printed objects, this bicycle is made from nylon that is melted with other materials by laser so it can be strong and heavy as steel. This technology can change the economy since we won’t have to buy actual parts, instead we could simply purchase the model and print it on our own.

ZAGG sportLEATHER availability announced

ZAGG, a name that has long been associated with quality mobile device accessories, has something special for the iPhone 4 this time around with their sportLEATHER case. Available via AT&T company owned retail stores nationwide, this case is made from genuine leather with sports equipment styling, where the patent-pending ZAGG sportLEATHER for Apple’s iPhone 4 is definitely an exciting and eye-catching way for one to protect one’s phone.

ZAGG sportLEATHERs will come in a thin, pliable cover which is applied directly to personal electronics similar to a film, albeit being made up of genuine leather. ZAGG sportLEATHER relies on a patent-pending adhesive process to get that job done, as it holds the skin firmly in place on the device while boasting the ability of being removable. This not only offers your gadget some much needed protection, but doing so in style as well.

You can choose from basketball, football and baseball designs (very American, I say) at$29.99 a pop, although the price goes up to $44.98 if you decide to add that to invisibleSHIELD screen coverage.

Press Release

National Geographic show makes the “UP” flying balloon house a reality

One of the problems I had with the movie Up from Disney/Pixar was that I had to completely suspend my disbelief for the basic premise. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is one of the best films the studio has put out, but I’ve heard that it takes significantly more balloons to lift a house than the ones that Pixar’s animators put in.

Still, it is rather neat, isn’t it? A show produced by National Geographic known as How Hard Can It Be? shows how hard it is to make a house fly.

You can watch the Good Morning America video after the jump to see the house, and it is definitely modeled to look like the house from the film. As for the balloons, it uses weather balloons instead of carnival ones. These balloons are about the size of a person and take an entire helium tank just to fill.

The entire structure with the balloons is about 10 stories high, and it manged to reach a level of 10,000 feet for about one hour. I don’t have any word of how they got the house to come down. Maybe they had some guy with a key inside who slowly cut away some balloons.

The National Geographic show that will feature this floating house will premiere some time in the Fall of 2011. In all honesty, I’m surprised the boys at Mythbusters didn’t do this first.

Magic Carp-pet – Please don’t feed the fish

We’ve been so bombarded with all these 3D images and special effects, that sometimes I find myself waiting for even newer and more complex technology. My daughter doesn’t even want to go see a move anymore if it isn’t in 3D and I wonder to myself, whats next?

Let me share with you John Leung’s “Magic Carp-pet,” made in collaboration with Australian architectural and design firm, ClarkeHopkinsClark, which uses what looks like a slatted coffee table and a black and white carp print rug to produce an effect that allows anyone moving around the table to see a school of swimming carp gracefully animating. Decidedly low tech, but the idea, the design, still wonderfully innovative, as you shall see after the break.

Check out some pictures and a video of this carpet and coffee table combo in motionhere.

I guess sometimes, we get so tied up in the marvel of high tech things, that we can easily forget to enjoy something seemingly simple, something old, thats made new again, like this non-electronic but equally captivating, optical illusion.

I must say I am amazed at all the new and surprising things I come across, some of it is important, some of it incredible, and some if it is, well, just darn fun. I can’t help but smile thinking about my next cocktail party, serving wine and cheese around a table like this… it would certainly make for an interesting evening.

Tama-Robo follows the light

This is the Tamo-Robo, and it is one of those toy pets made for those kids who live in a place that doesn’t allow pets and have parents who hate Zhu-Zhu pets.

Of course, we all know that these toy pets are never as life-like as their organic counterparts, but this guy can do something most artificial pets can’t, it can follow a light.

You know how your cat loves to play with a laser pointer? The Tama-Robo is designed to follow the brightest source of light, like the flashlight that you see in the picture here.

Of course, there is some assembly required, and it is “customizable” by adjusting the weights inside the body for changing the way that it can move. I’m not certain what that means, but that’s just what my Source tells me.

I don’t know how long this particular toy has been on the market, but if it has just been released, then it certainly is a victim of bad timing. This would have made a great toy gift for Christmas, and would be better than the aforementioned Zhu-Zhu pet.

Still, if you want this, you should be able to get the Tama-Robo for about $70.

Source

SieMatic Grid S2 is a multimedia cabinet for the kitchen

This is the SieMatic Grid S2, and it is a multimedia cabinet designed to give us what we all want: to bring the living room entertainment center to the kitchen.

I suppose that this is to alleviate the problem that we all have of trying to cook while watching TV or a DVD. I once burnt up a meal because I was distracted by a really good scene on TV.

I can’t tell if this is a cabinet because this touchscreen is some door of an actual cabinet or if “cabinet” is some figure of speech. Either way, you can play a TV, DVD, or even dock your iPod and watch a video that way. Not only can you watch a video while you’re cooking, but it will give you warnings of when your dish is done with on-screen progress reports.

The Grid S2 also has a pullout drawer behind the monitor for all sorts of accessories like a remote control, wireless keyboard, and DVDs. As I have said before, everyone wants TV in the kitchen, but the one thing that prevents that is how sauces and other kitchen messes get on the screen. What I don’t know is how this one needs to be cleaned. It had better be as easy as Windex and a paper towel.

So far, there is no word on when this will be available, but I am sure there will be eventually, and this will be for very expensive homes.

Source

Star Trek Interactive Tribbles

Are you a full fledged Trekkie at heart, and want to own all the merchandise possible on your meager wages? The Star Trek Interactive Tribbles might just be the ticket for you this season, as these adorable furry beasties from the final frontier will cost anywhere from $14.99 to $19.99.

Just some background information on Tribbles for those who do not follow the sci-fi series – an enterprising trader named Cyrano Jones in the 23rd century procured an interesting and adorable little creature, where they helped people (at least most humanoids) feel calmer, and were known as tribbles.

These tribbles, however, outdo rabbits when it comes to procreation, and proved to be quite a challenge to contain since they multiply at an incredible pace. We’re talking about filling up a whole cargo hold in just three days! Good to know the one you purchased is “genetically altered” (some say manufactured) to be sterile, and you need not rush to the nearest Ikea store to buy new wardrobes and store these away.

Coming in 12″ and 6″ sizes, they are powered by AA and AAA batteries respectively, making Tribble sounds when jostled. To turn off their sound making ability, just flip a switch and you’re good to go.

Colorado’s TIP411 – sk8r with 420 @ park

Colorado Springs police unveiled a new, high-tech way to report crime, named TIP411, the new system allows people to send crime tips anonymously via text message. But, police warn, it shouldn’t be used in emergencies. So, if you’re in big trouble, make sure to call it in, TIP411 is more for like, well, snitching.

When you use TIP411, you are assigned a generic number as it’s received by the police department so police can respond back via the text message system without ever identifying the tipster.

The police department hopes that citizens that don’t feel comfortable calling in a crime tip may be more willing to send a short descriptive tip that will help them solve crimes in Colorado Springs, and also that once a citizen submits an anonymous tip via text or e-mail there will be no further obligation on their part if they so desire.

So if you live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and you’d like to submit a crime tip via your phone, text “CSPD” to 847411, or TIP411, followed by any information you may have.

Interestingly, you can also submit tips by clicking on the “submit a tip” tab on the department’s Facebook page or by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” icon on the web atwww.springspolice.com. Seriously? A Facebook page? What’s the word coming to? I guess it’s not so surprising since the police have already been tweeting car theft details since last year. Geez, I gotta start watching my step.

Source: www.coloradoconnection.com

The DashLink Console – Because Bikers Like Tech Too

I love the feel of the wind in my hair, my leather jacket against my skin and the power of a Harley Davidson motorcycle under my butt… Just me and the open road, bugs in my teeth, listening to the growl of my American made beast, and um, my iPod… Okay, I don’t ride a damn bike, but if I did, I’d want a Dashlink Console.

Marketed by Hell’s Foundry, the DashLink Console is a replacement fuel tank with a built-in dock for the iPhone or the iPod. The docking station’s design is very unobtrusive and looks great on the bike. The dock contains a self-sensing on/off circuit so when there are no devices present, the bike’s energy is conserved.

The DashLink console offers the rider the abilty to listen to music or use the GPS Navigation enabled on their iDevice and some models even allow the volume controls of the iPhone or iPod to be adjusted with the stock handlebars.

The original DashLink Docking console is compatible with the Harley Davidson FLHT/FLTR and the FLHR. Watch for Dashlinks compatible with other models like Sportsters, Softtails, and Dynas coming soon.

Some bikes don’t have a sound system, in fact there are some motorcycle purists that believe that anyone who needs to play music while riding a motorcycle is someone who would bring a Nintendo to the Superbowl, but that discussion is for another time.

Priced at around $400, the DashLink Docking Station will be available in three colors – chrome, gloss black, and a carbon fiber finish.

Source: www.baggers.automotive.com

Rap Battles Game

You know those movies where rappers and dancers get together, and they hold “battles”? Now I am not that musically inclined, and I definitely do not have any idea on how the judging on points come about, but I guess that there is always a time and place to start, what with the £19.99 Rap Battles Game.

Yup, imagine yourself to be the next Ice T or Eminem (or Vanilla Ice if you’re a 1980s kid), waiting to unleash your skills of a lyrical poet or master MC. Challenge your mates as well as drive your family nuts with this, as you earn hip hop dollars (the game’s denomination of choice) as you wax lyrical in your living room.

To win the game, just be the first player (or should we say, rapper?) to earn $1,000. Each purchase will come with a Boom box, 40 Rap cards, 40 Star cards, Dice, and the relevant Rap dollars. To play, there must be a Rap manager who is in charge of paying each player $100 if they successfully complete a rap. Each player will take turns to pick up a Rap card and Star card, rolling the dice and letting the number decide which track the rap will be performed to.

Best to dress up for the part, no?

Snack & Stack utensil set

Don’t you just love words that rhyme? That’s what the Snack & Stack utensil set is all about, where$22 will definitely make your child’s dining experience a whole lot more fun and saving you plenty of frustration in the process. Sounds pretty much like a good investment, no?

At point of publishing, there are only three of these puppies left available, so you might want to hurry up and make a beeline for your purchase. After all, opportunities to liven up your meal times come once in a while, and you wouldn’t want to wait for another 100 years, do you? (we jest here).

The Snack & Stack utensil set can be easily stacked up for easy transportation, especially for folks who buy their lunch and bring it back to the office, requiring some utensils of their own since they are paranoid about using those from the office pantry. It is also small enough to fit into lunch boxes, picnic baskets, desk drawers or glove compartments.

Automatic Programming Radio Scanner

Let us be honest here, how many of you out there own a radio scanner? We would think that someone who does so probably has some sort of nefarious activity up their sleeves, such as robbing a bank or pulling off the next big museum heist. Looking for a radio scanner, your search might have led you to nowhere, but the Automatic Programming Radio Scanner could just be the item you’ve been looking for.

We’ve got to warn you first though – this puppy won’t come cheap at $599.95, but read on to find out why it costs six Benjamins. For starters, this is the only radio scanner which is capable of finding local police, fire, and emergency medical service channels automatically whenever you enter your location. It will come pre-loaded with radio channel information for the U.S. and Canada, and as its name says, there is no need for programming unlike other models.

All you need to do is enter a zip code or city and let it do its work, or run an auto scan instead, where it will automatically find all local unencrypted, non-proprietary radio system frequencies up to a 30-mile radius. This lets you monitor local police, ambulance, fire, utility, aviation, and federal bands, where among them include NOAA weather alerts.

Hardware specifications include a 3.5″ color touchscreen that offers easy navigation with your gestures. Transmissions can also be recorded and played back, while channel updates are delivered via the included software. A quartet of AA batteries can deliver up to 5 hours of juice, where plugging it in via an AC adapter will take up to 14 hours for a full charge.

Moshi Moshi Office Phone

The old school traditional handset of a house phone is definitely something that will usher in nostalgia for the older generation out there, as the younger ones will most probably hardly use a home phone, relying instead on their iPhones and plethora of smartphones. Well, Firebox intends to usher in nostalgia with the Moshi Moshi Office Phone.

What does this puppy do? All you need to do is plug in your iPhone or iPad into this smart, high quality handset through a 3.5mm jack, and you’re good to start yakking and catching up with old times over the phone. Heck, it can also be used in conjunction with Skype and iChat, and on the bright side, your head won’t be bombarded with mobile microwaves (if you’re paranoid, of course).

You will be able to choose from the soft touch black or high gloss white finishes, depending on what your taste in color is like. Each £49.99 Moshi Moshi Office Phone will come with a weighted base that is equipped with a silicone mat that prevents your precious mobile device from being damaged.

Esper Dominoes re-defines the domino effect

It seems like we as human beings just have to put technology in things that don’t require it. Case in point: Dominoes.

I believe that Dominoes are one of the oldest games in the world, and these particular stones (I believe that is the term for individual dominoes) can be adjusted for different values. All you have to do is shake it one way to increase the value from 1 to 5, and shake it another way to decrease it from 5 to 1.

Not only that, these dominoes can fall by themselves. I have a video after the jump so you can see all the fancy combinations. I highly suggest that you watch it.

The automatic falling is done by ZigBee radios inside. So when you knock domino number one over, it will knock the next one higher down. There must be some sort of shaker thing in it to cause it to fall.

As you can see from the video, there are a lot of fun things you can do with these. You will notice that stones can be spaced further out to create the domino effect. I also like the way certain other domino effects can be created by turning the dominoes the other way.

Yeah, the future is looking good for dominoes, but I don’t know when these Esper Dominoes will be available for purchase.

there is a way to lift fingerprints off fabric

I think that we all know that most of the technology that we see on that CSI show is more advanced than actual forensic science or, in some cases, just plain non-existent.

However, some researchers in Scotland have just discovered some new techniques that could crack a case on the next episode of CSI: Whatever city we’re in. The technique involves getting fingerprints off of clothes.

It involves vacuum metal deposition, which is already good for plastic and glass. In the case of fabric, it is put in a vacuum chamber, and heated and evaporated and spread in a fine layer over the fabric. When heated zinc is applied, it attaches to the gold layer where the fabric has no fingerprints, and leaves the treated fabric to shine out where the contact has been made.

Of course, it isn’t a perfect method of identification, but later research will make it so the print is clearly visible. As the process stands now, it works most clearly on silk and polyester.

Well, I can picture some exciting new episodes of CSI in future seasons. I wonder if it is possible to take a fingerprint from a glove that has been turned inside out. That would make certain a killer with gloves on would still get caught.

Source

Rainbow paints a rainbow in 15 seconds

Last week, I saw a documentary film entitled Exit Through the Gift Shop, and it was a film about street art. You can watch it for free at Hulu.com now.

The film opened my eyes to see that some of the graffiti isn’t there for “tagging” or going against the system, but an attempt from artists to make the streets more beautiful. Many of these great street artists, including the now legendary Banksy, bring in cardboard stencils so they can do their work faster. Also, so they won’t be apprehended by the law.

This street artist named Mudlevel has created a Robo-Rainbow, which can make a perfectly formed multicolored rainbow on a wall in 15 seconds. You can see it on a video after the jump.

The Robo-Rainbow uses a mechanical sweeping arm with spray cans. That might sound incredibly simple, but the device is quite complicated with an Arduino processor controlling an electric drill and servos to trigger the spray can nozzles. Apparently, it is harder to make a colored arc, and requires varying speeds of the swooping arm to make it work.

Well, this is definitely for any town that could use a little more rainbow-colored goodness on the walls. Personally, many cities could use decorations like this.

robo-rainbow from mudlevel on Vimeo.

DIY – From Grape Juice to Party Beverage in Just 2 Days

Okay, there’s a couple of ways I can go with this post, I can explain the finer points of the German Federweisser (or young wine) typically made and consumed in wine making regions, because it used the grapes that were not good enough to be made into fine wines, and its fermentation process was also so quick that it couldn’t travel well and needed to be consumed in a matter of days, or conversely, I could simple say, where the heck was this when I was in college?

The Do It Yourself Juice to Alcohol Kit, you need only to select a 64oz bottle of juice, then pour in a packet of the Juice to Alcohol Kit’s magic powder, lose the bottle cap in favor of the included airlock and rubber stopper (or it will explode) and store it at room temperature. The yeast will change the juice into a tasty, carbonated alcoholic beverage in around 48 hours (you can start tasting after 24). If you enjoy a dryer taste with a higher alcohol content, continue to ferment it at room temperature until it’s just the way you like it. Imagine a fine cabernet aged in oak barrels… okay, now forget about the cabernet and enjoy this light, refreshing and surprisingly delicious drink, reminiscent of a wine cooler, only it has some science and history behind it, and you made it yourself, gotta love the Germans.

Kit available from www.thinkgeek.com for about $9.99 (includes 6 packets of powder)

Please remember to drink legally and responsibly… in that order…

Source: www.spikeyourjuice.com