PXP Bike Will Be Able To Shift Using Your Mind

Transportation in the 21st and 22nd century is bound to be different than we could ever really expect it to be but still what one group of researchers are working on would be quite the advancement in riding a bike.
The Australian Hoverbike is one concept that sounds really cool when you actually start talking about it, even if it is something that doesn’t appear to be anywhere near ready for action on an everyday basis.
There was also a foldable scooter that had a large carrying space but was mostly known for the fact that it was pretty easily transported even when you weren’t riding it.

The newest endeavor in this particular line is one being put together by the Parlee Cycles group as a part of the project known as the Toyota Prius Projects. The final goal is to make it possible to be able to have this bike shift gears using thought control. Right now the bike, known as the PXP officially, can actually switch bears using a smartphone, which may seem a bit cumbersome when you start thinking about dialing up a button on the iPhone as opposed to just flipping a switch on the bike itself but it is an important step forward in getting to their final goal. The bike itself is a nifty looking little thing that seems to sit somewhere between the usual time trial racing bike and a regular road ready bike.
When the PXP is actually outfitted in a way that will allow the rider to control the gear shift with their mind, they will use an improvement of the mechanisms that are currently being used to interface with the iPhone. This souped up form of communication would depend on neurotransmitters in the rider’s helmet that would communicate with a transceiver on the bike’s seat that would then communicate wirelessly with the gear shift.

Read more »

AIAIAI & Libertine Libertine USB Flash Drive

We continue the theme of wooden items and represent to your attention wooden USB drive. The 2GB AIAIAI & Libertine Libertine USB flash drive will definitely be liked by those who want to feel closer to nature even while working on their gizmos. The new flash drive comes loaded with new debut album of Pantherman (AKA Bjarke Niemann, the front man of Danish electro-rockers Spleen United). The device is worth $38.

Click On Images For Large View::

 

Read more »

Cooler Master's much anticipated COSMOS II pictured

In case you weren't already aware, Cooler Master are paving way for the return of COSMOS, their widely loved, iconic enthusiast tower chassis of years past. All the attributes we loved about the COSMOS are said to be remaining, with a ton of exciting new features added into the mix.

Now we can get an even better idea of what to expect from the COSMOS II, thanks to the folks over at TPU posting up a number of images of what looks to be a very close to final form version of the chassis.

The case remains true to the original with its suspended box shape design, albeit a little more curvey this time around, and is roughly the same overall size, but adds all the good stuff expected from a high end tower of today including USB 3.0 ports, touch sensitive buttons, accommodation for 2.5-inch SSDs and a smarter cooling sub-system arrangement.

The wide opening behind the CPU socket area is also indicative that the case may even be able to accomodate dual-socket boards including the eVGA SR-2.

We're not sure as to when CM intends to launch the case yet, nor at what price point. For obvious reasons expect to pay a pretty penny for it though.

Read more »

Hotmail bans common passwords (beefs up security)

Ah, passwords. Most people are still surprised to learn that a majority of users continue to use common passwords such as 1234 or their last name. Microsoft know this and hence are beefing up security of their popular web-based e-mail, Hotmail. Microsoft are changing their password policy which will soon forbid the use of particularly common passwords. What this means is anyone who creates a new Hotmail account or changes the password of their existing account won't be able to use obvious passwords like "123456" or "password."

The new security system will block common phrases such as "ilovecats." In the near future, Microsoft could also extend this ban on obvious passwords to existing accounts. If an account is compromised, and that account sends you spam or a fraudulent e-mail, you can report that their account has been compromised. The feature is called "My friend's been hacked!," and this will block their account so the spammer can no longer user it, when your friend tries to log in the next time they'll go through an account recovery process.

I now await every service that uses a password to implement these features. Your move, World.

Read more »

LG take a new approach in glasses-free 3D with D2000 LCD

With a vision toward what is inevitably the future in 3D viewing, LG has managed to bring it closer to reality here and now with the launch of its new D2000 panel today.

The inevitable future for 3D? Glasses-free of course, and that is what the D2000 is all about. This 20-inch monitor boasts glasses-free parallax barrier 3D technology in conjunction with the world's first eye-tracking feature that maintains an optimal 3D image from multiple viewing angles.

Unlike other existing glasses-free 3D technologies, LG's D2000 allows much more freedom in terms of not having to be positioned within a tightly restricted angle and distance for the effect to work properly. LG have also added a conversion feature to the monitor that allows 2D content (games, movies etc.) to be viewed in a third dimension. As to how effective that feature is, we'll have to get our hands on a sample and let you all know in the near future.

Initially becoming available in Korea later this month, the LG D2000 will also be introduced elsewhere around the globe in the coming months.

Read more »

Google spruces Android Market app, adds Movies and Books tabs

Android 2.2 and above user? Strap in and get ready to have an updated Android Market experience. Google have a new version of the Android Market coming, a version that adds tabs for easy access to Google Books and Movies. From $1.99, you'll be able to start watching movies virtually instantly, offline access is also available which will allow users to download the movies to their devices for later viewing.

Books is now integrated also, saving the hassle of having to launch the app, which required one to open the browser to actually buy any digital books. The new design is also cleaner, finger-friendlier (Engadgets wording!! haha) and the addition of Editor's Choice apps should make your experience easier than ever. The update is rolling out over the next few weeks.

Read more »

New BlueTrack equipped rodent from Microsoft spotted

A new rodent from Microsoft has been sighted in London this week which could be of interest to those looking to pick up a replacement notebook mouse or some such in the near future.

Said to be scheduled for release later this month, Microsoft simply call it the Explorer Touch and have packed it with BlueTrack technology to ensure it will remain operable on practically any surface as well as being wireless in nature.

Other features of the mouse include five programmable buttons, scrolling in the form of a touch pad and a compact USB receiver that can be tucked away in a compartment under the mouse.

Launch pricing is right up there, reported to come in at £69.99 (about $112 US) when it hits shelves at the end of the month.

Read more »