Titan Aerospace is readying the first generation of commercial 'Solar UAV Atmospheric Satellites'. The idea is a large, solar powered drone circling at 65,000 feet - much cheaper than a traditional satellite. The company envisions missions of up to five years.
Read more about it via Titan Aerospace:
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method of wireless communication that does not require electricity. Using a technique called 'ambient backscatter', the devices harvest signals from television, cellphones, and so on - converting it to useful power. Sensors could be embedded into walls with no wiring, and work for years.
Read more about it via The University of Washington:
A Malaysian entrepreneur is aiming to make minimally invasive autopsies a common procedure. Using data from an MSCT (Multi Slice Computerized Tomography) device coupled with a high speed computers - an analysis could be made without the need of cutting.
Read more via Reuters:
This inexpensive periscoping lens attaches magnetically to your smartphone, allowing for discreet, and 'around the corner' shots. Cost: 20 USD
Available from Photojojo:
Planned for next year, the 'JLENS' system will be keeping a watchful eye on Washington DC. The observation system consists of low cost blimps that can stay aloft for 30 days at a time - at a fraction of a cost of spy planes. Early warning of land, sea, and air attacks will be beamed to ground systems.
Read more about it via Raytheon:
The 'AXPro Electric USB BB Gun' is probably the most dangerous toy in the office. The plastic BB's can be fired up to 8 meters with targeting via the computer. Cost: 100 USD for 'adults' only.
Info and order via Everything USB:
The 'SIGMO' is a voice translation box that bluetooth connects to your IOS or Android phone. Simply select your language, and one of the 25 other languages to translate to - and off you go. Cost: 50 USD
Available from Sigmo:
The company 'ASAP Water Rescue Crafts' is hard at work to produce a solar powered rescue tow craft. The solar charged vehicle is envisioned as a patrol and rescue craft - quiet and efficient.
Read more about them via ASAP:
Anyone looking to be left alone for a bit might do well to check into 'The ION Hotel' in Iceland. The stark landscape and modern design will certainly encourage a bit of introspection. Checking out the northern lights while hot tubbing might help, as well.
Info and reservations via Ion Hotel:
Texting is a great way to communicate - unless you're far off the grid. 'Text Anywhere' is a device and service that leverages the Iridium Satellite System and will work anywhere there's a clear line of sight to the sky. Cost: 399 USD plus service charge.
Read more about it via Text Anywhere:
David Linley has created the 'Tectonic Bar', a beautifully crafted bar themed on Earth's tectonic plates. Hidden inside, are various surprises, including a button that reveals a hidden humidor. Cost: 85,000 GBP
Photos and details via David Linley:
Ready for a 2014 launch, the 'Lucra 2.2 Roadster' is based on a Mercedes-Benz AMG V8, premium parts, and lots of styling.
Read more about it via Lucra:
The same people that made the 'bedbunker' for storing weapons now offer - 'The Couch Bunker', a bulletproof couch that conceals weaponry. Each cushion can withstand a pointblank round from a .44 magnum. Available in several models and colors. Cost: 5-6,500 USD (not including optional ballistic ottoman)
Read and order via BedgunSafe:
Double your parking, or stash your 'other car' using 'The Cardok'. The easily installed system creates an underground parking space that can disappear, silently in 30 seconds.
Learn more via Cardok:
Live fire training is expensive and difficult to arrange. Advances in simulations make 360 degree immersive training easier than ever. The 'Artemis Defense Institute' in Southern California uses gun chassis with sensors, and an optional electric shock feedback system for realistic training.
Read more about it via the Artemis Defense Institute:
Many people have been waiting for their own jetpack for a long time. Finally, the 'Martin Jetpack' is planned to be shipping - military and emergency in 2014, civilian models in 2015. The ducted fan packs are more maneuverable, and have higher performance specs. Cost: an estimated 200,000 USD
Read more via Martin:
Soon, you'll be able to get a 'live feed' from your front door - inexpensively via your smartphone. The 'iDoorCam' will stream video from your door, and also allow two-way conversation at a reasonable price. Cost: estimated 165 USD
Read more and watch a demo via 'Geeky Gadgets':
Slogging beer with you into the back country just got easier with 'Pat's Backcountry Beverages Beer Concentrate'. Since beer is 95 percent water, the concentrated beer reconstitutes into a craft style beer - just add water. Cost: 6 USD
Read more and order via Pat's:
Here's an interesting garage project: a fully automatic gauss gun. Using timed electrical charges and magnetism, a projectile is moved at a high rate of speed until it's fired.
Watch a demo via Geekologie:
The 'Wally 55' is an interesting watercraft - much larger than a normal speedboat, sort of like a yacht. It's upperdeck is configured for sunbathing and fun, the lower deck can be configured with up to three rooms. It's dramatic lines and high build quality is sure to turn a few heads.
Read more about it via Wally:
Get a little target practice while ridding yourself of pests with 'The Bug A Salt' - a salt gun that shoots down flying pests with a shotgun like blast of table salt. Cost: about 40 USD
Info from 'Bug A Salt':
A little off the beaten path, 'Airship Paris' can give you a very different view of France... via a blimp. Several different tours are offered in the Paris area - including one of the Chateau de Chantilly.
Info via the Airship Paris site:
The 'Off Pocket' is another signal blocking product to make sure you electronic devices are REALLY not transmitting. The bags are designed as portable faraday cages, blocking all external signals. Cost: 75 USD
Currently being funded by KickStarter:
A security researcher pondered how easy it would be for an individual to track someone electronically. Using off-the-shelf gear, he fashioned disposable sensors for intercepting information from smart phones. At the cost of about 500 USD, he built a spy network with rather surprising results. He called the project 'CreepyDOL' - Creepy Distributed Object Locator. Charming.
Read more about it via The New York Times Blog:
The Polish aeronautic company 'Flaris' is readying a basic four seat jet for market. The small but sturdy personal jet is made of composite materials, has a safety parachute system built in, and has a range of about 1,500 miles. Cost: estimated 1.5 million USD
Photos and details via the Flaris site:
In the future, well armed miniature remote control tanks will be prowling the urban battlefield. Grab a bowl of popcorn and watch a simulation. (Narrated in Russian, but you won't need a translator)
Remote Robot Tanks via YouTube:
The 'Garmin Astro 320 GPS System' can keep track of up to 10 hunting dogs at a time. The monitor can show their detail location at a distance of up to 9 miles. The sensor on the dogs can also report on their barking. Cost: about 550 USD
Read more about it via Garmin:
The 'Dragon's Breath' 12 gauge ammunition will have enormous flames leaping out of your shotgun's barrel. Not for everyday use, but there are times they could come in handy. Cost: about 23 USD per box.
Watch them in action via YouTube:
Info and order via Ammunition Depot:
Scientists working at MIT have implanted false memories into the brains of mice for the first time. The research is providing new insight into how memories are stored, as well as bringing up some thorny ethical issues.
Details via the MIT website:
DARPA has a project called 'Hydra' on the drawing board - the idea is drone submarine 'mothership' that can deploy squadrons of arial drones from underwater. It's all quite dramatic.
Read more about it via SUAS News:
