Read my lips...

In a bit of a breakthrough, Scientists in England have developed a computer that can both read lips, and distinguish between different languages. By analyzing facial positions, mouth shape, and other facial movements the program has been taught to identify many languages.






Read a bit more about it via CNET:
news.cnet.com

Water Samba...

Somewhere between a jetski, surfboard, and a motorcycle - lies 'The Samba'. A new class of personal water craft, this lightweight 80 hp vehicle is ridden in a low profile crouched position. With it's lower weight - it can attain the same speed as larger engined vehicles (about 65 mph) - but still retains the ability to perform acrobatic stunts.





Information and pictures via 'I Want Samba':
www.iwantsamba.com

Looking for a helmet to go with that new bike? Check out the retro cool helmets from the always stylish folks at Diesel. The minimalist helmets sport interchangeable UV shields and interior liners. Available in matte colors - green, black, bronze, and white.





Matte helmets from Diesel:
www.diesel.com

Simulated touring...

If you'd like your indoor exercise bike to be a little more realistic, you might check out this: 'The RealRyder ABF8'. It's articulated frame allows for steering and leaning - increasing your workout to include balance and core muscle control. Cost: 1,995 USD





The RealRyder indoor bike:
realryder.com

Ocean cycling..

Marine Innovation Technology is getting ready to market a rather unique product - a submarine that's powered by pedals. By removing a lot of complexity, these simplified submarines will require no special training - only a strong pair of legs. Using something called the 'Coanda effect' - the sub will saunter along at about 2-3 knots. Projected Cost: 30-70,000 USD.






Read more about it via Bluespace:
www.bluespace.ru/about.html

50-50...

It's that time again. The folks at Monocle have assembled their top 50 travel favorites... ranging from incredibly useful to somewhat obscure - but certainly entertaining. So, grab a beverage and settle in with a notepad for about 10 minutes of travel details.






This year's 'Travel Top 50' from Monocle:
www.monocle.com

Predator 2...

Well, Predator 'C' to be more precise. The first images of the new Predator series drones have been published - one of the most notable changes are the switch to a full jet engine (Pratt & Whitney PW545B) rather than the turbo prop they normally sport. The new configuration can fly for 20 hour missions, and will be outfitted with custom weapons rather than recycled systems from other fighter planes.





Read a bit more from Flight Global:
www.flightglobal.com

No one expects...

You can turn any casual outing into an inquisition using the 'Spion Portable Lie Detector'. The handheld voice stress analyzer has a graphic of a demon whose nose grows when a tall one is being told. Hours of fun at the pub. Cost: about 79 USD.





Portable lie detector via Brickhouse:
www.brickhousesecurity.com

Tailored for trouble...

There's another entry in the 'stylish body armor' category - Anxo Bulletproof Clothing. Their new line of discreet body armor is both fashionable and functional. Available for both men and women.





Body armor from Urban Body Armor:
www.urbanbodyarmor.com

Pack and go...

If you're going to be on the road for a while, the 'Pack&Go' 40 finger brief case might be critical equipment. Made by Andre Garcia, this handsome satchel can store 40 of your favorite smokes. The outside looks like an executive brief case, but inside the lining is Spanish cedar and wood dividers. Available in brown or black, smooth or croc finish. Cost: about 600 USD.








Pack&Go via Andre Garcia Cases:
www.andregarciacases.com

Summer camp...

If you enjoy hacking, camping, and abandoned missile silos - Toorcamp might be for you. This summer a gathering of hackers will occur in a Titan-1 missile silo outside of Seattle, Wa. The multi day event is based on similar camps that have taken place in Europe.




Registration and schedule information for Toorcamp:
wiki.toorcamp.org

Grab bag...

Originally designed for the Los Angeles police department, the 'Tactical Bailout Bag' has a multitude of pockets and heavy duty nylon handles. It's also a bargain at about 20 USD.






The 'Tactical Bailout Bag' from LA Police Gear:
www.lapolicegear.com

Being there...

Using a headset, a 10 x 10 white room, and about 600,000 dollars worth of projection equipment - the folks at Eon Reality have put together a very realistic 3D experience. Watch the video of a gent enjoying a little tour. It's the reactions that make it interesting.





Amazing 3D immersion technology from IDEO Labs on Vimeo.

Restart...

If you need a little 'pick me up''.. consider this: 'The Human Regenerator' from the University for Aerospace Technology in Bremen, Germany. This quantum pulse device is designed to rebuild human cells and strengthen the immune system. The only place they are available for public use is the Talsie Spa at the Burj al Arab (in Dubai), but 50 units will be for sale this year. Cost: about 500,000 USD.





Read all about it via their website:
www.human-regenerator.com

The Kasbah...

Here's one you might consider for your vacation planning: 'Kasbah Tamadot'. Sir Richard Branson's Moroccan retreat located at the base of the Atlas mountains. A very stylish hideaway located in one of the most scenic areas of the world. 18 suites and 6 luxury Berber tented suites. Cost about 900 - 1050 USD per night.






Kasbah Tamadot homesite:
www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

Super peat...

If you like your scotch on the peaty side, you'll want to check this out: 'The Burichladdich Octomore'. Distilled from barley peated at 131 ppm, it has 3 times the peat of any other scotch. Described as 'young and brash', only 6,000 number bottles are being offered for sale now. Cost: about 185 USD.





Read a bit more at just luxe:
www.justluxe.com

Italy, by way of Austria...

If you're in the market for a speedboat, you might be interested in this: 'The Frauscher Cantiere Nautico Feltrinelli Speedboad'. Made by the famed Austrian boat maker Frauscher - it's named after the famous Italian boatracing legend Dino Feltrinelli. The beautiful design combines old world looks with high tech design and materials. It's powered by a Volvo Penta V8 engine.





Technical specifications via Nautica Feltrinelli:
www.nauticafeltrinelli.it

Power suit...

If you could use a little help with your chores, you could be in luck. The 'HAL' cybernetic suit will be available for consumer use this year. The suit works by picking up faint electrical transmissions in your body and responds by moving the robotic suit to mimic the movement. Estimated cost: about 4,200 USD.





Read a bit more via 'H Plus Magazine':
www.hplusmagazine.com

Read any good books lately?

These days, it's easy to keep a couple of hundred good books in your pocket. eBooks are available for a large variety of PDA's and cell phones. The site Manybooks.net has over 23,000 titles for free, in a wide variety of languages.







The homepage of Manybooks.net:
manybooks.net

Cutting edge...

If you're looking for an innovative design in a personal protection blade, you might check out 'The Manticuda'. This high tech blade has been fashioned with the maximum cutting edge facets and can also be used for a variety of utility functions. Cost: about 275 USD.





The 'Manticuda' from Personal Protective Systems:
www.p2sys.com

Racing kit...

Hackett has been offering classic clothing in UK for years - but they also have a line of Aston Martin racing kit. The motorcycle jacket styles are particularly sporty.




Classic UK garb from Hackett:
www.hackett.com

Boxing...

A tailgate party is one thing, but 'TheBox' takes it to a whole new level. An outdoor party venue,it measures 70 square meters when set up. Features include: seating for 32 people, beer taps, refrigerators, sinks, worktops, cutlery, heating units, a 32 inch TV with built in DVD and stereo, and so on. The whole system can be set up in 30 minutes.






'TheBox' party system:
thebox.dk

Anti-Armor..

Question; What is the most armor unfriendly sidearm? That would be the Russian made GSh-18. It was made as a lightweight handgun replacement for the legendary Makarov pistol. It can be paired with 9mm 7N31+P+ armor piercing rounds, negating most currently available body armor.






Pictures and details from World Guns:
world.guns.ru

Musical chairs...

Renowned Italian furniture maker Natuzzi is now making a comfy chair with a built in sound dock for your MP3 player. These attractive leather chairs come in a variety of colors with a built in sound system. Cost: about 2,500 USD




The 'Sound Chair' via Natuzzi:
www.natuzzi.com

Under shirt...

It's always good to have a little protection while riding your motorcycle. The 'V Neck Wave Jacket' has both protection against spills and support for keeping your posture in a good position. It can be worn alone or under other riding gear. Cost: about 469 USD.





The V Neck Wave Jacket via Dainese:
www.dainese.com

Going Green...

If you take your carbon footprint seriously, but like to travel in style - here's a good compromise: 'The Safari Air Charter'. The charter airline will purchase carbon offset for each air mile flown. Their current offering includes a 21 day around the world safari. Destinations include Cairo, Hong Kong, the Taj Mahal, and several African safaris.





Details via the Safari Air site:
www.safariaircharters.com

Smart as the morning dew..

An invention from Tel Aviv University promises increased security for large areas that are had to monitor. 'Smart Dew' is a network of mote sized electronics that can be scattered over a large area where fences or other monitoring means are impractical. The inexpensive devices can collect information and report back to a central location.



Read a bit more about Smart Dew via AFTAU:
www.aftau.org

Speed reading...

Being able to read the cyrillic alphabet is a very handy thing. Here's a quick primer that promises you'll be reading Russian street signs in 5 minutes.






How to read cyrillic in 5 minutes via Gadling:
www.gadling.com