Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Shove off...

The US Navy is getting closer to replacing their launch systems aboard aircraft carriers. Traditionally, aircraft leaving the deck use a steam powered launch assist. In the near future, they'll use a computer controlled electromagnetic launch system.
Read more about it via the US Navy:

www.navair.navy.mil

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Tapped out...

The 'Coravin 1000' wine system enables you to drink wine, without committing to the bottle. The system inserts a needle through the cork and foil, pressurizes the bottle, and voila - wine flows. Removal of the needle will allow the cork to heal - and continue aging. Cost: 299 USD for the base system.
Read more about it via Coravin:

www.coravin.com/coravin-systems

Monday, June 30, 2014

Unpleasant surprise...

Duke Airborne is working on a surprise RWS (robotic weapon system) for seemingly unarmed helicopters. The system can install itself while in flight - keeping the element of surprise, and aerodynamics intact. Currently, a 25mm machine gun is envisioned with a variety of ordinance.
Read more and watch the video via Duke Airborne:

www.dukeairborne.com

Sunday, June 29, 2014

travel light...

The service 'First Luggage' will pick up and deliver luggage so you don't have to take it with you through the airport. Your gear will be waiting for you at your destination, saving time and hassle. Cost: variable depending on size
Details and order via First Luggage:

www.firstluggagevip.com

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Pods...

The largest defense contractor in Israel is working on a new magnetic levitation transport system for a university. The magnetic pods will carry two passengers at speeds of up to 44 mph suspended from a track. The system will be ready in a year.
Read more about it via Wired:

www.wired.com

Friday, June 27, 2014

Heli-quick...

The new service 'Blade' will book you a seat on a helicopter from NYC to the Hamptons. The quick trip is 35 minutes, above the snarly traffic. Application is downloaded from the Apple App store. Cost: 575 USD. A similar future service is planned for the LA to Las Vegas run.
Read more about it via 'Fly Blade':

www.flyblade.com

Thursday, June 26, 2014

For your ears only...

Coming soon, the 'SoundHawk' will help you zero in on a conversation in crowded locations. The slickly designed package uses advanced signal processing to zero in what you're listening to in adverse conditions - like a very intelligent hearing aide. Cost: 300 USD
Read more via SoundHawk:

www.soundhawk.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

In your ears...

Coming soon, the 'Earin Wireless Headphones' - the world's smallest in-your-ear headphones. Virtually invisible while using them. Proposed Cost: 99 GBP
Read more via Earin:

earin.se/about-us

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Now in the handy travel size...

In the old days, you'd have to go through an airport security line to get back scatter x-rayed. Now, the same company is making a portable version with wireless output to display devices. One can easily scan for all kinds of contraband in realtime, without setup.
Read more about it via Engadget:

www.engadget.com

Monday, June 23, 2014

Pop-up...

DARPA is looking for some clever ideas on how to build a wall. More specifically, they want something that will pop out of a cylinder quickly, and be bullet proof... Kind of like those Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons.
Read more about it via IO9:

ion.com

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Above it all...

'Vertigo' (and the Moon Bar), are located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok. During good weather, you can enjoy the expansive view of the city while sipping cocktails and keeping a respectful distance from the ledge.
Info and reservations via The Banyan Tree:

www.banyantree.com

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Water boarding...

The 'ZR Hoverboard' combines surfing with water jets with dramatic results. The a high pressure water jet can support the weight of the rider and propel them up to 23 mph. Cost: 5,800 USD
Read more about it via Geeky Gadgets:

www.geeky-gadgets.com

Friday, June 20, 2014

Construction team...

In the lab at the 'Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia', they're experimenting with teams of small autonomous robots, that can work together to 3D print buildings.
Read more about it via Fast Company:

www.fastcoexist.com

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Coffee in space...

One of the biggest problems with space travel is getting a decent cup of coffee. Finally, this will be solved as the first espresso machine designed for use in orbit will be available. The Italian company Lavazza will be sending the first 'Zero G' machine to the International Space Station.
Read more about it via Lavazza:

www.lavazza.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Trick shot...

The gents at TrackingPoint have done it again - this time integrating google smart glasses with their smart rifle sights. The result: the operator can shoot around corners while sighting with glasses.
Read more about it via The DailyMail:

www.dailymail.co.uk