The Dragon V2 Spacecraft was formally announced by SpaceX this week. The reusable capsule system currently supplies the International Spacestation - the newer version will shuttle astronauts as well. Up to seven crew members will softly touch down using tightly controlled rockets.
Read more and watch the animation via CNN:
Researchers in Germany have succeeded in demonstrating that brain-controlled flight is possible. Using an EEG interface, a pilot can accurately fly a plane.
Read more about it via TUM (Techische Universitat Muchen)
We've seen robot bartenders before, but the colorful 'Barobot' promises a difference - open source for software. Mad scientist types could modify it to their content. Cost: as a kit - 1,450 USD, as turnkey 2,190 USD
Read more and watch the video via KickStarter:
Ray Bans Sunglasses are now available in flat metal. Suggested colors - Black (of course), or Gun Metal. Cost: 160 USD
Available from Ray Ban:
The company 'Windpax' is working on portable wind turbines that can fit into backpacks. The compact systems can are pole mounted and lightweight for off the grid power. Cost: 120 or 245 USD
Read more about it via Windpax:
Keep your pockets in order with the combination money clip and USB drive. The clips have 8 Gig of storage and are available in two finishes. Cost: 80 USD
From Cufflinks.com:
UPDATE: The 'XS1 Precision Guided Firearm' is now available from TrackingPoint. The computer assisted targeting system does all the calculation needed for locking on target accurately up to 1,200 yards away. Additional networking allows a live feed to a smart phone or tablet to record your shots.
Read more via TrackingPoint:
And watch the demo video:
Scientists are working on a quantum positioning system. The system would use lasers to super cool atoms, then measure movement's effect on them. The potential result would be a GPS-like system that would work underwater with a 1000 times increase in accuracy.
Read more about it via 'New Scientist':
Scientists at MIT have developed a custom camouflage generator. Using photos from multiple angles, they can generate a photorealistic pattern to blend in with surroundings.
Read the article and watch the video to find the hidden objects! via MIT:
Swiss Space Systems would like to offer you a weightless experience at a discount rate. Starting at about 2,700 USD, you can take a parabolic flight with a group. There are premium classes on the same flight, with smaller groups and more perks.
Read more about it via Swiss Space Systems:
The guys over at The Art of Manliness have a short film on 'How to Develop a Manly Voice'. Fun and educational.
'How to Develop a Manly Voice' via The Art of Manliness:
The US Marines have been trying out boots that generate electricity while marching in them. The results were a bit mixed, but they certainly have a certain retro flair.
Read more about it via KitUp:
UPDATE: The 'Aerofex Hooverbike' has a release date, and orders are being taken. The hovercraft motorcycle will be available in 2017. Cost: 85,000 USD - reserve yours for 5,000 USD
Info, photos and video via AeroFex:
Lockheed Martin has been testing their HEL (High Energy Laser) systems against small military grade boats. As you may imagine, the small boats did not emerge victorious.
Read more via Lockheed Martin's Press Release:
The 'A-K Band' is designed to get you out of a tough spot. The band insert conceals a plastic handcuff key, ceramic razor, and a kevlar saw. Just the perfect thing to chop duct tape, remove a zip tie, or unlock cuffs. Cost: 20 USD
Available from Gearward:
Over the past year, many people have been working to improve the design of 3D printed guns. Innovative models include plastic revolvers.
Read more about it via 'Threat Level' at Wired:
Later this year, the 'Bebop Drone' will be available from Parrot. The newest addition to their drone family will be a small flying camera platform - with stabilization and connection to cloud storage. Controls are provided via their App, to work nicely with either an iPad or Android device. Cost: TBA
Read more about it via Parrot:
The US Army is working on it's next generation protective helmet. The helmet/mask combination seals for chemical and biological protection, while filtering and cooling air for comfort.
Read more about it via The US Army:
'Chineasy' is a fast and easy method to learn chinese written characters. Using colorful illustrations, associations, and a little fun - you'll be reading in no time.
Read more via the Chineasy Org:
On the agenda at the UN this week: a frank discussion on killer robots. Seriously.
Read more about it via the BBC:
Chicago based artist Leo Selvaggio is working on a project to highlight privacy issues. URME Surveillance (pronounced U R ME)is a way to confound video systems using either an inexpensive paper mask, or more elaborate 3D resin mask of the artist.
Read more about it via CNET:
The 'Rezvani Beast' takes the Ariel Atom track car as a platform, and dresses it in a carbon fiber shell. The result is a tuned, very fast street legal car. Cost: from 139,000 USD
Details and order via Rezvani:
Etihad Airlines is now offering 'The Residence' an 11.6 sq meter apartment on their flights from Abu Dhabi to London. Features include a personal chef and butler. Cost: 20,000 USD
Read more about it via Business Insider:
The 'Axe Kevlar Shirt' offers a layer of protection for motorcyclists. There are additional inserts for standard padding, and pockets for keeping gear. Cost: from 290 USD
Available from Crave:
UPDATE: The 'Black Knight Transformer' was discussed recently - there's an early prototype already running around. The delivery system is a truck/helicopter/boat mashup that can drop off pods of cargo. Confused? Watch the video on the link below.
The Black Knight Transformer via Advanced Tactics:
The 'Spy Cam Peek-I' will help you discreetly take photos with your smart phone. The reflective mirror will let you photograph at up to a 90 degree angle. Cost: 15 USD Don't forget to turn off your flash.
Read more via Indiegogo:
Bioengineers working at Stanford have developed microchips based on how the human brain works. The chips simulate brain function 9000 times faster than a standard personal computer, while using low power. The iPad sized chips cost about 400 USD to manufacture.
Read more about it via Stanford News:
The 'SCiO Pocket Molecular Sensor' promises to put a bluetooth attached spectroscope in your pocket. Using a variety of Apps, your smartphone would be able to identify most materials. Cost: 179 USD (early release pricing)
Read more about it via KickStarter:
Soon, doing shady business digitally might get much easier. The app 'Dark Wallet' will make it easy to launder money by using 'Bitcoin' digital currency - anonymously.
Read more and watch the video via Wired:
