Drone in HD...

The 'Parrot AR Drone' is a great deal of fun, and can be controlled by an iPhone or similar. However, you can do a lot more with a full computer and/or game controller - so, the manufacturer decided they'd build an app for those extras, 'The Drone Station'. Cost: Downloadable from the App Store for about 10 USD





Read more and see a demo video via UberGizmo:
www.ubergizmo.com

Story time...

'Glock: The Rise of America's Gun' by Paul M. Barrett is the new 'tell all' book about the fabled Glock pistol. The story is traced from it's humble military beginnings to it's adoption by 'gangsters' around the world. Cost: 16 USD





Available from Amazon:
www.amazon.com

Visit Kamchatka...

Should you find yourself trekking in Russia, you might want to get a hold of one of these: 'The Trecol 39295'. The six wheeled vehicle is built for rugged terrain, and can wade rather deep waters (there's an outboard motor option). Cost: about 60,000 USD.





Details, info and video via Trecol:
en.trecol.ru

The new Pershing...

Coming this spring - the 'Pershing 82 Yacht' - a sleek update of their classic earlier models. The new motor yacht features a retractable rear platform, hydraulic stairs, new aggressive styling and a host of creature comforts.






Read more about it via CharterWorld:
www.charterworld.com

Dr. Bombay...

It's easy for your party to be portable with the 'Bombay Sapphire BarBag'. The handsome leather doctor's style bag has a sapphire blue interior and places to tuck all your favorite bar tools. Cost: 495 USD





Read more about it via Mulberry Bend:
www.mulberrybend.com/?p=162

Stand in...

When you can't get there immediately, you can send in your telepresence robot. The E-One is a tiny (60cm) mobile robot with your projected face and camera - and collision avoidance software to keep 'you' from bumping into walls as you wander about.





More info from PlasticPals:
www.plasticpals.com/?p=30934

That's classified...

Currently for sale on e-bay: one formerly classified prototype A-12 Avenger II canopy. In an odd turn, seems someone bid on it via one of those government sales - and is now ready to part with it. Cost: asking price is 620,000 - but, he'll probably negotiate. Can you really put a price on your own secret delta wing fighter jet?






Read more about it via FlightGlobal:
www.flightglobal.com

Purpose built...

Tasting whiskey is that much better with the perfect glass. The 'Stolzle Glencairn Whiskey Glass' was made with just that purpose in mind. Cost: about 35 USD for a box of six.






Available from Webstaurant:
www.webstaurantstore.com

The dead zone...

There are times where you just want to unplug completely and go off the grid. The 'MIAmobi Pouch' can make sure all those pesky radio signals are not talking to your smart phone. Using silver shielding - all signals are blocked to the pouched device. Cost: 65-150 USD (depending on size of pouch)




Available from MIAmobi:
www.mia-mobi.com

Undercut...

Serious undergrowth requires a serious machete. The 'Two Handed Katana Machete' is like the love child of a machete and a small samurai sword. Cost: 40 USD.





Available from Cold Steel:
www.coldsteel.com/two-handed-katana-machete.html

Keep your pants on...

While not the most stylish choice, the '550 Paracord Survival Belt' could come in handy on your adventures. The woven belt is made of more than 80 feet of 550 strength paracord. Cost: 28 USD




Available on Etsy:
www.etsy.com

Busting loose...

Should you find yourself in the trunk (boot) of a car - the kind without the 'easy pull' exit - you might have to do it yourself. Jalopnik has put a little tutorial together to have you out in no time.




'How to break out of a car trunk' via Jalopnik:
jalopnik.com/5869544/how-to-break-out-of-a-cars-trunk

Subscribe now...

If you're a chap living in the US or Canada -and you're not fond of shopping, you might want to talk to the guys at 'Manpacks.com'. Basics such as underwear, socks, shaving gear and more - delivered right to your home. Prices vary based on selections, but they are very reasonable.





'Basics' by subscription via ManPacks:
www.manpacks.com

Faster than a speeding bullet...

Italian ammunition manufacturer CompBullet claims they know the secret for speeding up a bullet. It's all in the 'vents'. Their specially machined ammo creates a rocket effect while venting the gases behind them.





Read more about it via The FireArm Blog:
www.thefirearmblog.com

Keeping dry...

It's now possible to search underwater while keeping dry, using the Smartphone controlled 'Aquabotix Underwater Viewing System'. The tiny robot can submerge up to 150 feet while being tethered to a wifi float. Cost: about 3000 USD for the 'sport' model.





Read more about it via Aquabotix:
www.aquabotix.com

Hammer time...

Sometimes the best tool for the job is a really big hammer. For those time, the 'Wilton Bad Ass Sledge Hammer' might be just the thing. The handle is reinforced with steel bars - making it very difficult to break, and reduces vibration for the user. Cost: 38 USD




Info and order via WiltonBash:
www.wiltonbash.com

Dropping off...

Following on the heels of the first commercial space flights, 'StratoLaunch' is a scaled up version for bigger payloads. Paul Allen and the guys behind SpaceShipOne have dreamed up a reusable launch vehicle that will use 6 747-style aircraft engines. The rocket payload will be dropped at high altitude where it will launch itself into orbit.





Watch a video of how it will work via YouTube:
www.youtube.com


Company details via StratoLaunch:
www.stratolaunch.com

Carnival trick...

Researchers in Singapore are working on a computer system to accurately guess the age of individuals by looking at their faces. Using an extensive database of images and video clips, the system is intended to work universally.



Read more about it via Physorg.com:
www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-universal-human-age.html

Vested...

Goose down is a great insulator with one small problem - when it gets wet, it stops working. The German outfitter Ortovox avoids that issue with their 'Piz Linard Vest'. It looks like a standard vest, but it uses virgin wool to make it very efficient. Cost: 179 USD





Info and order via Ortovox:
www.ortovox.com

Conservatively speaking...

Visitors to Amsterdam have an interesting new hotel choice, the 5 star 'Conservatorium Hotel'. Well situated for central access, the historic building (a former music conservatory) is an excellent blend of old and new.



Details and reservation via their homesite:
conservatoriumhotel.com

A little backup...

If you're looking for a small backup firearm, you might want to check out the new 'Double Tap' from Heizer Firearms. The tiny, lightweight pistol holds two rounds and operates without the need of hammers. Two additional rounds are stored in the hand grip. Sort of a modern day deringer. Cost: 499 to 799 depending on material and caliber







More info from Heizer Firearms:
heizerfirearms.com

High pressure fun...

Similar to the water pressure jet packs, 'The FlyBoard' by Zapata Racing is another take on aquatic fun. The user stands atop a platform that is propelled into the air by water. Directional control is accomplished by palm mounted water jets. Cost: about 6,500 USD.





Details and video via Zapata Racing:
www.zapata-racing.com/uk/flyboard_uk.php

This is not a chair...

If you need to disguise a satellite dish, this might be just the thing - 'The Sat Chair'. The back is actually a receiver dish. No one ever suspects the lawn furniture. Cost: 241 EUR




Available from SatEuropa:
www.sateuropa.co.uk

Clearly different...

If you want to add a little hi-tech razzle dazzle to your computing, you might enjoy this 'Glass Multi-Touch Keyboard and Mouse'. Using infrared sensors - these devices are about a minimalist as can be. Cost: 350 USD. The project to manufacture them is currently underway via KickStarter.






Additional project info via KickStarter:
www.kickstarter.com

Booster seat...

Dropping a tank off an airplane might sound easy, but... it can be a bit tricky. One technique for avoiding the inevitable jolt when hitting the ground is - retro rockets. The same kind of rocket used in escape pods for space ships counteract the fast drop of the single parachute.





Watch the fun via DVice:
dvice.com

Cat tracks...

If you're looking to speed across the snow in style this winter, you might check out 'The Arctic Cat ProCross F1100 Turbo Sno Pro Limited'. The 4 stroke 1056cc turbocharged engine will speed you along while features like a heated seat and hand guards will keep you comfortable. Cost: about 13,500 USD.





Details and Specs from Arctic Cat:
arcticcat.com

Factory sealed for your protection...

The venerable Mossberg company is concerned for your well being. The 'Just In Case' product line is a factory sealed tube containing a pump action 12 gauge shotgun, a multi-use blade, and a survival kit. The tube is waterproof and impact resistant. Cost: 360 USD.





More info via Mossberg:
www.mossberg.com

Hello...

Something you thought you'd never hear: 'Is that a Hello Kitty brass knuckle?'. Perfect for Bond Girls delivering a knock out punch. Cost: 21 USD.





Available from Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com

Base camp...

Alpine camping can be a bit more comfortable using the 'LEAP - Living Ecological Alpine Pond'. The self contained pod is a perfect stopover for a trekking expedition, providing shelter and some creature comforts. Using green technologies, the pods can be configured from spartan to somewhat plush - then helicoptered into position.






Read more about the pods via the LEAP Factory:
www.leapfactory.it/index_eng.html#gallery

Incognito...

There are times when a limo might be a little too flashy. Becker Auto Design has a solution: The Mercedes Benz Sprinter JetVan Conversion. The low key Mercedes Van passes without raising too many eyebrows, but the interior is similar to a private jet.





Details, photos and video via Becker Auto Design:
beckerautodesign.com/jetvan.html

Job app...

The GCHQ is looking for a few good hackers. The GCHQ reports to the foreign secretary, and interfaces with Mi5 and Mi6. The first step to applying - an oddly unbranded website with a code to crack. Best of luck.







Read more about it via The Guardian:
www.guardian.co.uk


Or go directly to the site and try your hand:
www.canyoucrackit.co.uk

A little tweaked...

Scientists at Dartmouth College have written a new program for detecting manipulation in digital images. It was built for exposing the depth of manipulation in advertising, the program can be used more generally to spot 'fakes'.




Details from Nature.com:
www.nature.com

Additional article with examples via The Daily Mail:
www.dailymail.co.uk

Rugged...

if you're looking for some leather accessories that might outlast you, you'd do well to talk to the gents at Saddleback Leather. All of the bags and accessories come with a 100 year guarantee. The best part: the bags look better the more weathered they get.





Extremely rugged bags via Saddleback Leather:
www.saddlebackleather.com

Over ice...

When Ernest Nimrod's 1907 Antarctic Expedition site was discovered, there were 3 bottles of whiskey that had been preserved for almost 100 years. Alfred Dunhill has teamed up with MacKinley to create a commemorative cabinet and whiskey set. Cost: 56,000 USD.





Read a bit more via Esquire:
www.esquire.com

Making tracks...

The 'Iguana 29' is an amphibious tender vessel that is truly a hybrid. It has retractable caterpillar tracks that allow it to crawl over sand dunes and such - and can switch from gas power to electric. Cost: 215,000 EUR





Info and video via Iguana:
iguana-yachts.com/default.asp?lang=en

Instrumentation...

If you'd like a touch of vintage Italian racing car in your watch selection, you might care for the 'Autodromo Watch Collection'. The three models (Brescia, Vallelunga, and the Veloce) all have a distinctly vintage auto look about them. Cost: about 425 USD.





Info via AutoDromo:
www.autodromo.com

Tiny kamikaze...

The 'Switchblade' is a tiny unmanned drone that can be backpacked by troops and quickly deployed. The drone beams information back to the ground - and if need be, can switch to kamikaze mode striking a target with it's small warhead.





Details from Defense Update:
defense-update.com/products/l/switchblade_31122010.html

Robo-Vision...

Researchers from the University of Washington and Aaito University in Finland have announced they are much closer to a contact lens display system. Using a tiny antenna to harvest transmitted energy - the contact lens would act as a 'heads up' display for the wearer.





Read move via the BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15817316


Detail technical paper via the Journal of MicroMechanics:
iopscience.iop.org

Time tested...

Here are 15 Classic Spy Concealments presented by the guys at 'The Art of Manliness'.








Man Knowledge: 15 Cool Spy Concealments by The Art of Manliness
artofmanliness.com

Have the combo...

Here's something you don't see everyday - a combination fishing rod and survival rifle. 'The Pack Rifle' compresses to fit easily into a backpack.





Details from 'Pack Rifle':
www.packrifle.com

Burrowing...

Here's an interesting visual tour of a declassified Soviet Era nuclear bunker in Moscow via EnglishRussia





Hidden bunker via English Russia:
englishrussia.com/2011/11/18/declassified-bunker-of-the-ussr

Mongolian beef...

If you'd like your mongolian food to be a touch more authentic, you might like 'The Genghis Kahn Hibachi'. This cast iron mongolian grill is a sturdy 32 pounds of iron, and ships with a variety of skewers and grates. Cost: 180 USD.





Available from Wild Wood Ovens:
www.wildwoodovens.com

Pods of fun...

If your computer based flight simulator is getting a little stale, you might upgrade to this: 'The OVO-4 Flight Simulator Pod'. This full motion simulator vibrates, pitches, and everything else you can think of. A connected supervisor unit allows others to observe your skills. Cost: about 57,000 USD (36,000 GBP)






Details and order via Firebox:
www.firebox.com

Refined but edgy...

If you're wanting to carry a small blade with you, but need to be discreet - you might take a look at the 'Hidden Gentleman's Knife' from Garrett Wade. This small stainless steel blade folds into an barely noticed package. Cost: 44 USD




The Gentleman's Blade via Garrett Wade:
www.garrettwade.com

Quite a switch...

If you've watched old movies, you know the switch for the secret passage is usually a book on the shelf. Now you can have that electrical switch in your own home. B.Light Design's 'Secret Switch' can be used as an on/off for electrical devices. Cost: 50 USD. Secret passage not included.





More info via B.Light Design:
blightdesign.com/misc_book.html

Dirty prints...

The University of East Anglia has a prototype device that can identify illicit drug use via fingerprints - immediately. It will analysis the sweat content of the fingerprints within a few minutes. The device is expected to go into production next year.


Read more about it via the University website:
www.uea.ac.uk/mac/comm/media/press/2011/November/ifpprototype

Rising to the surface...

If you need to increase your odds of surviving an avalanche, you might need the 'Float Backpack' made by Backcountry Access. The inflatable airbag protects your head neck and upper body from trauma while keeping you afloat on the snow. There's an additional hydration system built in for 3 liters of water. Cost: 685-785 USD





Details and video via Backcountry Access:
www.backcountryaccess.com/product/float-30

Special case...

If you're looking for a stylish way to transport your secret documents, you might want to check out 'The Enigma Briefcase' by Tanner Krolle. The calf leather case is clasped using a combination lock. Cost: 975 GBP







Info, photos and order via Tanner Krolle:
www.tannerkrolle.com/product-details/satchel

Milano Style...

Those looking for stylish hotel accommodations in Milan will be pleased to know that Armani has opened his second hotel (the first is in Dubai). This week marked the grand opening. The seventh floor bar and restaurant offers impressive 360 degree city views.




Story via Vogue:
www.vogue.com


Press release and reservations via Armani Hotels:
armanihotels.com

Toasted...

Tired of carrying around those cumbersome flamethrowers? Here's a 'do it yourself' flamethrower pistol.






The Flamethrower Pistol via Make:
blog.makezine.com/archive/2011/11/how-to-pistol-flamethrower.html