Off the cuff idea...

Intel Corp. has been sponsoring a contest for 'wearable technology ideas' - one of the finalists is 'Nixie'. Worn as a bracelet, it can unfold into a mini-drone with a camera.

Read more and watch the video via DigitalWack:

www.digitalwack.com

Secret menu...

As the Washington Post points out: working at the CIA Starbucks comes with its own unique set of problems.

The CIA Starbucks via the Washington Post:

www.washingtonpost.com

Very sensible...

Piaggio Aero Industries will be shipping the new 'Avanti EVO Turbo Prop'. The sleek aircraft is designed to be efficient and eco-friendly, using 5 blade scimitar engines to reduce noise. It can achieve a maximum speed of 463 mph. Cost: about 7.4 million USD

Info and photos via Avanti:

www.avantievo.com

Un-welcome mat...

The 'Haven Lock' is project meant to keep your home secure. The barrier is deeply anchored into the floor, rather than a deadbolt or attached to a door frame. The system is controlled via a smartphone app. Cost: about 250 USD

Read more about it and watch the video via KickStarter:

www.kickstarter.com/projects/havenlock/haven-the-stronger-smarter-home-lock

The rules are simple...

Here are ManMade's 25 Rules of Style. They're pretty simple, but really helpful.

The 25 Rules of Style via ManMade:

www.mademan.com/made-mans-25-rules-style

Think about it...

Follow the link for a handy article describing '69 Awesome Brain Hacks That Give you Mind Blowing Powers' - it's a long list, but must of the suggestions are easy to do.

'69 Brain Hacks..' via Cracked:

www.cracked.com/article_21349_69-awesome-brain-hacks-that-give-you-mind-blowing-powers.html

Well known...

After 1 billion dollars and six years, the FBI's next generation facial recognition system is finally online.

Read more about it via the FBI:

www.fbi.gov

Handy access...

'Tactical Walls' now offers hidden shelves for weaponry in your home or office. The woodgrain shelves are functional, but the bottoms open using a magnetic key. Available in multiple finishes and sizes.

Read more about it via Tactical Walls:

tacticalwalls.com/product-category/shelves

Shrink wrapped...

The smart people at MIT are working on the next generation of spacesuits. Their idea is to go away from a gas pressurized model to a more mechanical 'shrink wrap' using coiled springs to hug things into place.

Read more about it via MIT:

newsoffice.mit.edu

Trendy...

For anyone keeping score, the current trendy martial art is 'Lethwei Boxing', from Myanmar.

Read more about it via CNN:

www.cnn.com

In the round...

Lockheed Martin and friends are testing out their 'Super Laser Turret' - which has the potential to change air combat forever. The system currently installed in an old business jet for testing can quickly turn and focus a pulse of laser energy in a 360 degree field.

Read more about it via Foxtrotalpha/Jalopnik:

foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com

Lyte refreshments...

The value of LyteShow is simple: an electrolyte refreshment for people that drink alcohol. No extra sugar - just rapid hydration. Cost: 15 USD

Info and order via LyteShow:

www.lyteshow.com

Boosters...

At the University of Arizona researchers have been working on a jetpack to help with running. The challenge is to boost anyone to run a 4 minute mile, with a little help.

Read more about it - and watch the video - via Pocket-Lint:

www.pocket-lint.com

Surprise ingredients...

The Chinese company Baidu is working on chopsticks that will analyze the food you're eating, and alert you when something is a little 'off'. Cost: TBD

Read more about it via Springwise:

www.springwise.com/china-smart-chopsticks-alert-diners-food-unsafe-eat

A yurt of your own...

Yurts have been used for thousands of years in central Asia for nomadic housing. Now, a Scottish company is offering a kit for your camping and nomadic pleasure. No yaks involved. Cost: 4,500 GBP

Info and order from Trakke:

www.trakke.co.uk/shop/jero-wood~canvas

Arrows to go...

The CFSB-1 (Compact Folding Survival Bow) is a sturdy 55lb draw bow that folds down to a mere 23 inches in length. It weighs only 2.25 lbs. Cost: 149 USD

Read more, watch videos, and order via GoPrimal:

www.goprimalnow.com

Strutting in the ocean...

Juliet Marine has been developing a prototype 'Stealth Attack Boat'. The 'Ghost' is a hydrofoil that sits atop struts to reduce drag, enabling it to speed along faster than conventional boats. Several manned and unmanned configurations have been planned.

Read more about it via Businessweek:

www.businessweek.com

Golf partner...

Anyone in danger of getting exercise while golfing could consider the 'X9 Follow Lithium Golf Trolley'. The bluetooth based device will follow you at a discreet distance with your clubs. Cost: 1,499 GBP

Read more and pre-order via Stewart Golf:

www.stewartgolf.co.uk

Quantum leap...

Until recently, security via quantum computing was the stuff of laboratories and science fiction. A deal has been struck to use the technology for everyday use at a consumer level.

Read more about it via Los Alamos National Laboratory:

www.lanl.gov

Action!...

The new Sony 'Action Cam Mini HDR-AZ1' is 30 percent smaller than it's previous models. The small POV camera can be used with a variety of mount and housings, and can connect to a wrist mounted LCD review and control device. Cost: 350 USD for the bundle set

Read more about it via SlashGear:

www.slashgear.com

Hooked...

In the old days, spy satellites didn't transmit data - it dropped information in 'buckets' with parachutes attached. During the descent, an airplane would fly past and snag it mid-air.

Spy Satellite Drop via Petapixel:

petapixel.com

Some restrictions apply...

For the first time, it's possible to buy 'Aquatic Thrust Boots' for personal underwater use. The silent electric motors can propel a diver for a couple miles - extendable with a swapped battery. State Department approval required. Cost: 31,000 USD

Available from Hammacher Schlemmer:

www.hammacher.com

Plane truth...

Northrop Grumman is working on a spaceplane prototype based on specifications from DARPA. The 'XS1' would ideally launch without much equipment or ground crew - similar to a regular takeoff and landing of airplane.

Read more about it via Northrop Grumman:

www.northropgrumman.com