Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The big picture...

Samsung is readying the largest Ultra High Definition TV for sale next week. The 110 inch (2.6 meters by 1.8 meters) is the perfect screen for a command center. Cost: 142,000 USD
Read more about it via Engadget:

www.engadget.com

Monday, December 30, 2013

It's a subtle test...

This simple ceramic cylinder houses a blood alcohol monitor you can hide in you palm. It's app connects the cylinder to the phone, and cleverly returns simpler information as your blood alcohol levels rise. Cost: 200 USD
Available from Lapka:

mylapka.com/bam

Sunday, December 29, 2013

For daily use...

The waxed cotton 'Union Garage Robinson Jacket' is a classic combination of style, function and comfort. Cost: 699 USD Available in Black or Tan
Available from Union Garage:

uniongaragenyc.com

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Rules of the road...

Each year, the specifications change for F1 race cars - here's a quick video primer of what new for 2014.
2014 Formula 1 from Autopia at Wired:

www.wired.com/autopia/2013/12/2014-f1-videos

Friday, December 27, 2013

Birdwatching...

These days, there are many types of drones, it would be good to be able to quickly identify what's 'up there'. The 'Drone Survival Guide' is a quick shadow reference. Downloadable or available printed on aluminum for 10 EUR.
Read more about it via Dronesurvival:

dronesurvivalguide.org

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Now you see it...

The 'myLifter' project is building an IOS controlled winch that can lift gear out of your way. Up to 50 lbs. can be hoisted and stored - perfect for getting sporting gear, seasonal items, and the like off the floor. Cost: estimated 75 USD.
Info and link to pledge via myLifter:

www.mylifter.com/index.html

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Just the right tool...

The 'Switch Multi-tool' is a reconfigurable pocket knife that has 12 modules that can be mixed for what your next set of task need. Cost: 90 USD
Info and order via Quirky:

www.quirky.com/shop/598-Switch

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Long story...

Range Rover has announced the '2014 Range Rover Long Wheel Base Edition'. The stretch version is a full 7.8 inches longer and is kitted out with the 'Autobiography Black Interior Treatment' - making it a very luxurious ride. Cost: from 183,000 USD, 220,000 USD, nicely appointed.
Read more about it via AutoWeek:

www.autoweek.com/article/20131127/CARNEWS/131129826

Monday, December 23, 2013

All star lanes...

Aspiring ninjas in Kentucky will soon have a new hangout - 'The Ninja's Indoor Throwing Range'. Open in the spring, the establishment will feature 500 different types of throwing stars and a sake bar.
Read more about it via the 'Ninja Indoor Range' site:

ninjasindoorthrowingstarrange.com

Sunday, December 22, 2013

A little off the top...

Here's a link to a short but useful article on 'How to Talk to Your Barber'. It might just prevent a bad mistake the next time you get a haircut.
'How to Talk to Your Barber' via The Art of Manliness:

www.artofmanliness.com/2010/08/25/get-the-perfect-haircut-how-to-talk-to-your-barber

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Try a swig...

Flaviar is a premium spirit club. Each month, they will send a set of five, 45ML bottles for you to try. Cost: about 40 USD
Read more and order via Flaviar:

flaviar.com

Friday, December 20, 2013

When Mule's fly...

Tactical Robotics LTD of Tel Aviv has been working on the 'AirMule' a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The helicopter-like blades are housed inside the body of the craft, making it safer for maneuvering in close quarters.
Read more and watch a flight test via the Tactical Robotics site:

www.tactical-robotics.com/category/2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Snooping around...

The gents at 'SnooperScope' are working on a simple night vision lens for smartphones. The small unit uses infrared to see in low light. Cost: about 100 USD
Read more about it via SnooperScope:

www.snooperscope.co.uk

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

I'm flying!...

The 'X2 Underwater Jet Pack' is a portable propulsion system that straps to the forearms of underwater swimmers. The system uses the latest in lithium battery technology combined with digital motors and a wireless control system.
Read more about it via Sharein:

www.sharein.com/press/underwater-jet-pack

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Shuttle in style...

Dutch yacht designers Frank Laupman and Perry van Ossanen have designed their company's first tender. The 31 foot limousine tender will feature a curved glass superstructure, and seating for 10.
Photos and info via Omega:

www.omega-architects.com

Monday, December 16, 2013

Hand picked...

The 'Gentleman's Bogotas' is a minimalist stainless steel lock pick set that can be discreetly pinned into clothing. Cost: 35 USD
Available from RiftRecon:

shop.riftrecon.com/products/gentlemans-bogotas

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Getting high...

This month, the RQ-180 Drone was leaked to the press. The US Air Force drone is said to be one of the new series 'high altitude' stealth drones that can operate near 11 miles up.
Read more about it via SlashGear:

www.slashgear.com

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Points for style...

The 'Mr Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life Vol. 2' is available for pre-order. The excellent second volume of advice on many aspects of personal style. Cost: about 20 USD.
Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

Friday, December 13, 2013

Party on the run...

The 'Mixology Backpack' from Tumi has all the essentials for a celebration tucked neatly into stylish compartments. Cost: 700 USD
Info and order via Tumi:

www.tumi.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013

You're beaming...

Using some fairly simple tech, you can build your own 'Laser Tripwire Alarm' - when the beam is broken, you will be alerted.
Step-by-step instructions and video via Instructables:

www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Tripwire-Alarm/?ALLSTEPS

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Looking good...

The designers at Killspencer want you to look good while working out. Their 'Black Leather Speedbag' might be a piece of kit you'll leave in plain sight. Cost: 1,250 USD
Info and order via KillSpencer:

killspencer.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

No coffee breaks...

Knightscope, a Silicon Valley startup company, has a plan for reducing crime radically. Their K5 and K10 Security Robots are designed to patrol areas autonomously - and call the authorities in case of trouble. The indoor 'bots are not armed, but are bristling with sensors and software.
Read more about it via Knightscope:

knightscope.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

Coupe de foudre...

The Jaguar F type has a new variant - the Coupe version. The long awaited hardtop is equipped with... Well, no one cares. Just look at it, it's a thing of beauty. Cost: starts at 65,000 USD
Actual Info, pictures and video via AutoBlog:

www.autoblog.com

Sunday, December 8, 2013

A drone of your own...

A hacker has recently posted specifications for what he calls 'SkyJack' - software and hardware that can be used aboard the Parrot AR.Drone to turn other drones into controlled zombies. Imagine the fun.
Read more from ArsTechnica:

arstechnica.com

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Second opinion...

The University of Zurich has been working on the 'Virtobot' an autonomous autopsy system that can scan bodies looking for anomalies that might have been missed by human coroners.
Info and video via MedGadget:

www.medgadget.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Defense fund...

The 'Self Defense Money Clip' can pull double duty - organize your pocket, and slip over your fist for self defense. Cost: 12 USD
Info and order via KnifeCenter:

www2.knifecenter.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Time saver...

If you're having trouble choosing between a cigar and a beer, the 'Samuel Adams Utopias 650 Cigar' is seasoned with 28% ABV brew. Cost: 13 USD
Available from Ted's Cigars:

tedscigars.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

You'll have to check that, sir...

Here's a collection of 10 improvised weapons that were built with items purchased at the airport, ranging from wacky to frightening.
Airport built weapons via Wired:

www.wired.com/design/2013/12/terminal-cornucopia/#slideid-330681

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Darkness falls...

Scientists working at MIT have invented a new method of processing information that allows for taking 3D images in complete darkness.
Info via Sploid:

sploid.gizmodo.com

Monday, December 2, 2013

Armchair adventure...

'Der Ziesel' is a tank-like all terrain chair. The electric device can work in mud, snow, and most difficult to traverse landscape.
Read more from Ziesel:

derziesel.com/wordpress/?lang=en

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Unplugged...

The Adrere Amellal Desert Ecolodge is located at the oasis near Siwa, Egypt. The rustic setting has no electricity, with lighting provided by beeswax candles each night. Cuisine is locally sourced and organic.
More info and booking via Adrere Amellal:

adrereamellal.net

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Nothing to see here...

The US Army has contracted for microdrones that look a little less like drones. The new hand launched Maverick drones look a bit more like birds while in flight, making them harder to identify or shoot down.
Read more about it via the DangerRoom at Wired:

www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/11/army-maveric-microdrone

Friday, November 29, 2013

Booking travel...

Avoid clutter and losing accessories with the 'BookBook Travel Journal'. The handy case looks like a vintage leather book, but has enough space for an iPad, headphones, flash drives and miscellaneous cords. Cost: 99 USD
Info and order via TravelSouth:

www.twelvesouth.com/products/traveljournal

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Game of...

The 'Bruce Lee Playing Cards' from Dan & Dave feature inspirational quotes from the martial arts legend. Cost: 15 USD
Info and order via Dan & Dave:

shop.dananddave.com

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Eight is enough...

E-Volo is working on an electric helicopter with an array of smaller rotors - similar to a scaled up quadcopter, but with 18 rotors.
Read more about it via Wired:

www.wired.com/autopia/2013/11/e-volo-vc200

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Kevlar option...

The 'Full Metal Jacket Edition 2013 Jeep Wrangler' from Starwood Motors is ready for duty. Upgraded suspension, kevlar panels, additional armor, and a pumped up engine are wrapped in rather imposing chassis. Cost: 107,000 USD.
Info and order via Starwood Motors:

www.starwoodmotors.com

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Room with a view...

The Manta Resort off the coast of Tanzania is offering a three story floating island room, with the bedroom being underwater. Cost: 1,500 USD plus resort fees.
Read more about it via Manta Resort:

www.themantaresort.com/packages/underwater-room

Saturday, November 23, 2013

The right tool...

The 'Gladiator Chillerator' is a refrigerator that is purpose built for use in the garage. The energy efficient unit is on large, easy to move locking castors. Cost: 1,300 USD
Info and spec sheet via Gladiator:

www.gladiatorgarageworks.com

Friday, November 22, 2013

Card of cards...

The 'Coin Electronic Credit Card' is readying for launch this summer. The credit card can contain many other cards electronically, and switch via the controls on the front of the card. The card is programmed via an App that works with smart phones. Cost: 50 USD
Read more and watch a short video via TechCrunch:

techcrunch.com

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Place setting...

You can now complete your entire set with 'Butterfly Knife Cutlery' - forks and spoons made in the style of the famous switchblade. Cost: 12.99 USD
Available from ThinkGeek:

www.thinkgeek.com

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Fix-a-flat...

The 'Sportsman WV850 HO' from Polaris has a rather impressive set of specifications. The military inspired ATV features TerrainArmor non-pneumatic tires (bullet resistant), a steel exoskeleton, and all wheel drive. Cost: 15,000 USD
Learn all about it via Polaris:

www.polaris.com

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A few bugs...

UPDATE: The makers of the T8 Robotic Spider are offering a discounted model. The 'T8X' robotic spider will be offered with an additional discount for early orders. You'll need to add your own lasers. Cost: 499 USD for early orders
Read more about it via Robugtix:

www.robugtix.com/t8x

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Critical monitoring...

The 'Elertus Wine Protection System' installs in your wine cooler or liquor cabinet. It can electronically monitor temperature, humidity, power outages, and vibration of unauthorized access. Alerts will be sent to your smart phone. Cost: 199 USD
Read more and order via Elertus:

www.elertus.com/buy/details/?product=elertus-wine-protection-system

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Light ordnance...

Scientists have developed a type of bullet made of light. Using a type of wave form that intensifies over distance, it maintains it's shape as a bullet of light.
Read more about it via Phys.org:

phys.org/news/2013-11-scientists-bullets-high-intensity-optical-applications.html

Friday, November 15, 2013

Today's selection...

The 'KS Cigar Case' is a simple, vegetable tanned leather case for carrying either cigars or other small items. Cost: 100 USD
Available from Kenton Sorenson:

www.kentonsorenson.com/collections/store/products/ks-cigar-case

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Covering your digital tracks...

Here's a brief but useful set of instructions on how to 'disappear' from the internet forever.
'How to Commit Internet Suicide and Disappear from the Web Forever' via Lifehacker:

lifehacker.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Documents to go...

The 'Doxie Flip' is a self contained, scanner that fits in your pocket. Perfect for capturing details of documents, photos and small objects. Cost: 150 USD
Read more and see samples via 'GetDoxie':

www.getdoxie.com/product/flip

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The baby is listening...

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Fun fact: The 'Belkin Baby Monitor' can be hacked to be an iPhone controlled bugging device. Here are the details from Ars Technica.
Baby Monitor Bug via ArsTechnica:

arstechnica.com

Monday, November 11, 2013

Air, land, and sea...

Sandia Labs has a few interesting ideas for future military vehicles - perhaps the 'Multi-Modal Vehicle Concept' is the most versatile. The plan calls for a machine that can shed it's 'skin' and change from Air, to swim, then drive onto the land.
Info and entertaining video via Wired's DangerRoom:

www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/11/transformer-drone

Sunday, November 10, 2013

At your fingertips...

BearTek gloves allow you to control your bluetooth enabled devices via a series of fingertip controls. Touching your thumb to each of the fingertips gives individual control of camera, video, phone, and music devices. Three models are available. Cost: 95, 120, or 145 USD.
Read more about it via BearTek:

www.beartekgloves.com