Daily Bits – Page 261

Power Felt: Fabric to Charge Your Smartphone

February 28, 2012 by noemi

Do you still remember those days when you could go for at least three days without having to worry about how much battery juice you still had on your mobile phone? I do, but the memory is quickly fading. Anyone with a smartphone has probably lamented, at least once, about how often he or she has to plug it in. I know people who do not last half a day without having to resort to an additional battery pack.

It sure is a “first world problem”, but having a smartphone really does make you overly concerned about having access to power. Otherwise, you’ll just have a brick in your hands.

Unsurprisingly, scientists have been looking at ways to provide solutions that will be as convenient as possible. One of these is the result of the work of some guys at Wake Forest University. [Read more…] about Power Felt: Fabric to Charge Your Smartphone

The Board of Imagination: Mind-controlled Skateboard

February 27, 2012 by noemi

Is it just me or are people paying more attention than usual to boards? It was not long ago that we heard about Mattel’s announcement that they will be releasing hoverboards like the one Marty McFly used in the Back to the Future franchise. While that hoverboard is going to be for real, it will not be hovering as one would want it to be. Instead, it will just be skimming over surfaces. Still a not-too-bad idea.

If skimming boards are not enough to make you feel happy, how about a skateboard that rolls over surfaces like any other skateboard, but with a huge plus: a mind-controlled skateboard? [Read more…] about The Board of Imagination: Mind-controlled Skateboard

Fake Apple Products Look Eerily Real

February 24, 2012 by Amanda DiSilvestro

Earlier today The New York Times reported that more and more people are selling fake Apple products in the hopes of making a quick buck. This was first discovered when a police officer came across someone selling what looked exactly like an IPhone. It had what looked like the correct box, and it was being sold for a great price of $150 (although not too great as to seem suspicious). Naturally the police officer assumed someone was selling an IPhone, and the lack of a vendor’s license was the only cause of concern. However, it wasn’t long before police discovered that the IPhone was a fake.

Beam: The Smartphone-compatible Toothbrush

February 24, 2012 by noemi

Say what? Yup, you read that right. There is now such a thing as a smartphone-compatible toothbrush. Off the top of my head, I cannot find any plausible reason for me to need, or even simply want, smartphone-compatible toothbrush. However, it really does exist, and it is called Beam. [Read more…]

Meet Aakash: The World’s Cheapest Tablet

February 23, 2012 by noemi

The tablet wars continue to rage, and it seems that Samsung and Apple remain at the forefront. Ardent fanboys and fangirls will stick to their preferred brands, but in the meantime, there are other players who are not-so-silently entering the game.

A British firm has developed its own tablet, dubbing it the world’s cheapest tablet. Datawind Ltd. released the first version of Aakash in October, primarily targeted at students. It cost as low as $35. You can’t get much cheaper than that, can you? [Read more…] about Meet Aakash: The World’s Cheapest Tablet

Hasbro to Release Lazer Tag Guns for iPhone

February 22, 2012 by noemi

Who has not been suckered into NERF guns at some point? Hasbro has indeed sealed its name in history, thanks to these toys that children of all ages enjoy. Heck, even adults who have kept their playful side will not say no to NERF guns!

This year, you will be treated to something entirely different, and from the looks of it, even more exciting. Hasbro has announced new Lazer Tag guns which are compatible with the iPhone and the iPod Touch. [Read more…] about Hasbro to Release Lazer Tag Guns for iPhone