Random Tech #110: LIFX - The Wi-Fi Enabled Changing Color Light Blub

So what is LIFX?...

"LIFX is the smartest light bulb you've ever experienced. It's a wifi-enabled, energy efficient, multi-colored bulb that you control with your iPhone or Android. LIFX gives you unprecedented control of your lights, reduces your energy costs, lasts up to 25 years and delivers an amazing range of experiences we think you’ll love."

Created by Phil Bosua and his team, this project was posted on Kickstarter, with a goal of $100,000 that was met within days and is now has backers of over $1 Million!  So if you would like to pre-order, $69 gets you one, $119 two, $196 four, $294 six, $392 eight and $490 for 10.  Check the demo video below!

Source: Kickstarter

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Random Tech #109: Kevin 'Google' Bacon

Google has done it again with hiding an Easter egg within their search engines.  Google has now offered a way for you to calculate how many degrees (Six Degrees) your favorite actor falls from Kevin Bacon.  So for the sake of arguments between you and your fellow movie watchers, just type in "bacon number" followed by your actor of choice.  Have fun!

Source: Google

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Random Tech #108: Wirelessly Controlled Roaches

Indeed, you read that title correctly.  North Caroline State University scientists have placed a mircocontroller on the cockroach, wired to it's antennae, to...well...control it, WIRELESSLY!

The microcontroller is wired to the roach's antennae and cerci.

The cerci are sensory organs on the roach's abdomen, which are normally used to detect movement in the air that could indicate a predator is approaching - causing the roach to scurry away. But the researchers use the wires attached to the cerci to spur the roach into motion. The roach thinks something is sneaking up behind it and moves forward.

The wires attached to the antennae serve as electronic reins, injecting small charges into the roach's neural tissue. The charges trick the roach into thinking that the antennae are in contact with a physical barrier, which effectively steers them in the opposite direction.

Take a look at the video below of the wirelessly controlled roached and see how science has doomed us all once again.  Have a great weekend!

Sources:  NC State University

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Random Tech #107: Android Easter Eggs

Here's something neat.  From Gingerbread (2.3) to Jelly Bean (4.1), Android has included an Easter egg which all happen to be accessible the same way. Android’s Easter eggs pay tribute to nyan cat, Tron, zombies, and jelly beans. Each Easter egg is themed to fit with the Android version’s release name.

So how does one access these Easter eggs?  First, go to the Settings screen on your Android device and tap About Phone or About Tablet at the bottom of the screen.

Then find the Android version on the about screen and quickly tap it several times!  (Note: Look for "Firmware version" on Gingerbread (2.3) devices)

Below you'll see screen shots of the different Easter egg images and/or animations found throughout different Android versions:

Gingerbread (2.3)

Honeycomb (3.0)

Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0)

Jelly Bean (4.1)

Hit the source link for more animations on Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean!

Source: HowToGeek

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Random Tech #106: Build Your Own Mecha for $1.4 Million

That's right! You can have your very own, drive-able Mecha for just merely $1.4 million!

Suidobashi Heavy Industries has put the finishing touches to its latest project, the 4.4-ton Kuratas. Mobile suit obsessives around the world can thank artist Kogoro Kurata and robotics expert Wataru Yoshizaki for the robot frame, which has space to house a pilot inside. The mech's touchscreen UI even includes a Kinect-based movement interface and the shudder-inducing "smile-activated" twin BB gatling guns.

You can customize your Mecha with some cool 'gang' colors.  However, the $1.4 price tag doesn't include the leather interor, the cup holder or a 'phone chubby.'  But it does include the ability to make phone calls direct from the cockpit, so you can tell your enemies that you're coming for them.


So ready to put that second mortgage on your house and deplete your life savings and children's college fun?  Then hit the source link to customize your very own Mecha!  Also check out the two videos below:

Sources: Suidobashi Heavy Industries // Engadget

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Random Tech #105: Xbox 360 Anti-Virus HDMI Cable

There's an actual HDMI cable company that is advertising their product to have:

"100% Mylar" double shield 1.3 grade cable with anti-virus protection to reduce virus noise and to obtain the perfect image transmission"

Because we all know when it comes to our precious Xbox 360, we're vulnerable to get viruses and the Red Ring of Death.  But never fear, this HDMI cable is the answer to our prayers!  But...it probably isn't.  

The question is, who would be dumb enough to fall for this?  Shut up and take my money! 

Sources:  Gizmodo // Geekologie

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Random Tech #104: 'Droid X360' PS Vita Style

It's a PS Vita! No, it's an Android Smartphone! No, it's...um...what is it then?  In a nutshell, something that looks like a PS Vita, without the back panel touch pad, running Android 4.0.  This little beauty comes from China from Shenzhen Xunlong.  Here are the specs:

"...you'll find a 1.5GHz processor, 512MB RAM, and a 5-inch 800 x 480 display. It actually beats the Vita in some areas, too, with a 2-megapixel rear-facing camera and 8GB internal storage, though it doesn't look like there's a rear touchpad. Instead, you'll find a bright green Android logo."

Kinda has the same specs as a smartphone...but it isn't.  It doesn't come loaded with emulators, but it has 'nine systems' built within it!

And as always, something like this will not make it to our shores and no word on pricing.

Source: Shanzhaiben <--Website in Chinese but has more images :)

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Random Tech #103: Furby Uprising

That's right! That lovable fur-ball that was cool at one point and became demonic afterwards, is coming out with a reboot later this year!  Here's the press release for the new 2012 Furby:

Children will be wowed this fall when they meet the FURBY creature, the adorable new plush friend that appears to develop a distinct personality based on the way kids play with it. Through a combination of interactive programming and robotic engineering, Hasbro has created a 'magical' creature with 'A MIND OF ITS OWN.' Feed it, speak to it, tickle it or play music for it – the personality of each FURBY is shaped by these experiences. Play nicely with FURBY and it may develop a sweet personality or pull, shake, and turn FURBY upside down and a mischievous demeanor may evolve. FURBY has numerous personality possibilities! Emotional and unpredictable, FURBY will let kids know how it feels through a series of animations displayed in its expressive LED eyes and the more kids play with FURBY the more FURBY changes. Tickle FURBY and hearts may appear in its eyes; feed it a hot pepper and you may see fire in FURBY's eyes. From hip hop to pop, pizza or sushi, each FURBY reacts differently depending on its personality...even if it's a satisfied burp after a big meal. When children first bring FURBY home it will speak FURBISH and the more FURBY interacts with its owner the more English it will start speaking. Each FURBY can also recognize another FURBY; place two side-by-side and they will interact, including dancing together to the same tune or having a conversation. For additional interactive FURBY fun, owners can visit the App Store to download the free FURBY app. Using the FURBY app, children can virtually feed their FURBY, access a FURBISH to English dictionary, and use the FURBISH to English translator (Not all functions of the App work with older devices.). At launch, FURBY will be available in six vibrant colors with four more fun colors available by the end of the year. Visit furby.com for more FURBY fun. Four "AA" batteries are required and not included. FURBY is available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

It will priced at $60. Hit the source link below for more pictures and videos of the new 2012 Furby...

Sources: Engadget

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Random Tech #102: West Coast Chill

It's know as the Chill Can Technology.  In a nutshell, it lets you cool your beverage on demand at a push of a button on the bottom of the can aka the first self-cooling beverage.  It will cool the beverage insides 30-degrees in 3-5 minutes.  The price for each can runs about $4.  It has no caffeine or sugar.

This technology was presented to NASA in 1997 and started out as experiment.  The technology behind the West Coast Chill took about 10 years of dedicated research and perfection by the Joseph Company International.  Check out the quick video and hit the sources links below to learn more...

Sources:  West Coast Chill // Chill Can

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Random Tech #101: Pokemon Toyota Cars

You read that title correctly.  Toyota has made a series of cars of Pokemon characters in Japan.  They were created by Takara Tomy, a Japanese toy maker.  However, he was making them as toy cars to give away as a promotion to the new Pokemon movie: Pocket Monsters.  But Toyota has seem to make real ones and are on display.

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