Sunday 25 December 2011

ASUS Launches ET2700 All-in-One PC Equipped with Multitouch Display


Recently ASUS has launched the much awaited ET2700 All-in-One PC Series. The models from the series boast up to Core i7 of processing power, up to 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, and up to 2 terabytes of onboard storage. Besides, the new AIO models are the world's first to provide 10-point multi-touch display interaction.
It is worth mentioning that the ET2700 All-in-One PC Series makes part of the company's line-up of new AIO desktop PCs that ASUS announced earlier this year.
All the models include an LED backlit, a resolution of 1920 x 1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio (Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment panel which gets rid of color shift and ensures a 178 degree viewing angle.
Each computer has a different processing power. The non-touchscreen ET2700INKS model can be acquired with Intel Core i7-2600S (2.8GHz), Core i5-2400S (2.5GHz) or Core i3-2120 (3.3GHz).
Each model from the multitouch duo, the ET2700INTS and the ET2700IUTS, is available in all of the processor options offered for the non-touchscreen devices. The ET2700IUTS is also available with a Core i5-2405S processor option (2.5GHz).
As for the graphics capabilities, the ET2700IUTS features Intel HD, while the other two models have NIVIDIA's GT 540M GPU.
All of the models include an improved version of SonicMaster technology, DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC surround sound technology, and if it's not enough, customers can also order an external subwoofer that would accompany theonboard 3.5 W stereo speakers. There're also two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports. Around the back one may find a VGA input and a HDMI.
ASUS said that the prices for its new models start at $1,499.
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Latest Invention: BrainDriver - Technology that Allows Controlling a Car Using the Power of Mind



BrainDriver is the latest invention of Raul Rojas, an AI professor at the Freie Universitat Berlin. It represents a car driving system that allows the driver to control a vehicle using the power of mind.

It is worth mentioning that the technology makes use ofelectroencephalography, or EEG, which allows it to read the brain's neuro-signals and then convert the electric impulses into steering output.

Thus one can control the steering, brakes and more by simply using their thought. The EEG was developed by Emotiv, a firm based in San Francisco. It is worth mentioning that initially the firm developed the EEG for gaming but now it used to help read human emotions and convert them into actions in accordance with pre-programmed patterns.

So far the technology is in the trial phase. The testing of the new system took place at the Berlin Airport, reportsSpectrum IEEE.
Check out the video below to see the technology in action.


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Latest Invention: MEME-CAM - Mini Camera from Thanko



Thanko, Japanese company that focuses on the production of accessories, developed a new ultrasmall MEME-CAM that weights only 11 grams and measures 30x27x27mm.

It is worth mentioning that the Tokyo-based firm became popular mainly due to its strange but rather original gadgets.

The company's latest invention can shoot real time videos in 640×480 resolution (AVI, at 30fps), take pictures with a resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 and record audio with mono quality.


MEME-CAM can be connected to a laptop or computer via USB 1.1 so the user can transfer the content. The storage capacity of the device is 32 gigabytes and its battery can hold for 36 minutes, informs CrunchGear.
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Latest Invention: Bicycle that Purifies Water



A firm from Japan plans to register high profit with its project launched in Bangladesh. It decided to build a bicycle that is able to purify water in disaster zones and remote locations.

According to Yuichi Katsuura, president of Nippon Basic Co. a company with headquarters in Kawasaki near Tokyo that last week presented the device called Cycloclean, the user will be able to take the bicycle to any water source and then use pedals to produce purified water.

In order to clean the water the user only has to push the pedals. The motor is then activated and used to push the water through several filters. The system is able to produce up to 5 liters of clean water per minute.

The bicycle has puncture-free tires. The pump is located in the attache case-like box along with the hoses. The box is installed on the rear carrier. There are also 3 filter cartridges mounted around the rear wheel.

Japan was the first market that witnessed the launch of the Cycloclean. Nippon Basic managed to sell over 200 bikes in 2005, each bike costing 550,000 yen, which is around $6,600.

The majority of sold bicycles went to Japanese local governments and some where sold in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The Bangladesh market registered a high demand in the company's bike, which motivated Nippon Basic to open a local assembly in 2010, which somewhat cut the price of Cycloclean.

"You go to where water is, put your bicycle on a stand, drop a pump and peddle for clean water, which can then be sold elsewhere," he Katsuura.

According to Katsuura, the pump is able to suck up water at a depth of 5 meters. It is worth mentioning that Cycloclean was on presented at an environment-friendly technology fair that took place in Kawasaki, reports Physorg.
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Latest Invention: Prosthetic Limb Controlled by its User's Mind



One of the biggest breakthroughs in prosthetic limbs has been recently achieved. Researchers were able to develop a prosthetic limb that can be controlled by the user's mind.

Currently researchers are working on making the limbs' motions more flexible. The latest invention works in the following way: the user has to think of a motion and then the brain signals are caught by sensors and transmitted to the prosthetic limb.

One of the first to receive the invention is Jesse Sullivan. About 8 years ago he underwent several surgeries which enabled him to use the new limb.

It is worth mentioning that the majority of amputees lose control over the nerves. However, due to the fact that Mr. Sullivan was able to maintain that control he can now make use of the new prosthetic limb.
At the moment researchers at the Northwestern University in the United States are studying more brain patterns to figure out whether those can be used with the prosthetic limbs, reports Tech2.0.




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New IRT Humanoid Robot from Tokyo University Researchers



The IRT (Information and Robot Technology) division at Tokyo Universitybecame famous after it presented a number of interesting projects such as Assistant Robot and Mamoru.

Recently Japanese scientists presented some research papers on its latest invention - a new humanoid robot that aims at helping the aging society of the land of the rising sun.

So far the institute did not offer a lot of information on its new robot, but it appears that it represents a new full-scale bipedal humanoid.

The machine is equipped with gyro sensor mounted at its waist. In addition, it has 6-axis force sensors located at its feet and 2 extra force sensors installed at each arm.

The body of the robot will be covered in a soft latex foam rubber, while its head, hands and feet will be wrapped in paper covering.

Using the motion-capture technology, the robot will be able to mimic human movements. The trials of the new machine will take place at Tokyo University's Department of Mechano-Informatics (Nakamura Lab).

The team that is currently involved in the projects includes: Professor Yoshihiko Nakamura, Dr. Christian Ott (DLR), Professor Dongheui Lee (TU Munich) and Professor Dana Kulic (Ontario’s University of Waterloo).

Researchers hope that in the near future they will be able to upgrade their robot to a degree at which the machine will show human walking, side stepping and squatting, reports Plastic Pals.
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Latest Invention: Cheetah - Animal-Like Robot from DARPA


Boston Dynamics, the company responsible for the creation of the BigDog robotic mule, recently mentioned that it signed a contract with DARPA to construct Cheetah, a much quicker and more terrifying animal-like robot.






















The robot will have four legs and a flexible spine. It will also be able to articulate its head and tail. One of Cheetah's most impressive abilities is the ability to run faster than the fastest human on the planet. In addition, the robot will be able to make tight turns and stop on a dime.

The company's previous robot, BigDog, was built to carry equipment for troops. It could carry up to 300lbs, while registering a range of 13 miles. The construction of Cheetah is based on Boston Dynamics's BigDog.

However, according to the company, the new machine will register better results, being used in the fields of emergency response, advanced agriculture and vehicular travel, reports Wired.

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Latest Invention: RoboPutt- Robotic Vending Machine that Give Golf Lessons



Meet RoboPutt, a vending machine that will offer 5 minute lessons for everyone willing to learn to play golf. The cost for one lesson is $5.

The robotic vending machine does all the motions for the user, the latter only having to hold the golf club. Thus RoboPutt helps usersbuild muscle memory so they can later repeat the swing during real games.

It is worth mentioning that the vending machine was developed for golf clubs and shops. The user will be able to record their personal data and current putting stroke by using a small device called DiGi. This device attaches to the shaft of the user's putter.

After the device is attached the user plays several 100 feet putts until they obtain the necessary swing (because DiGi represents a self contained device the user can easily take it out onto the greens).




The device is afterwards removed and it wirelessly sends information on the stroke to the RoboPutt computer. Then the user fixes their own putter to the vending machine and selects a course that features 10 progressive lessons with various tips and advices offered through a pair of headsets.

The personal data, as well as the information on the user's stroke and progress are introduced on a magnetic card, which allows the user to practice on any robotic vending machine, reports Gizmag.
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Latest Invention: Nano Hummingbird - Tiny Unmanned Aircraft System



AeroVironment, a company with headquarters in California, is responsible for the largest, highest and longest unmanned aircraft system in the world called Global Observer.

Recently the firm managed to develop a "Nano Hummingbird" that boasts high precision hovering and fast-forward flight. It would be interesting to note that by flapping its two wings, the robotic bird can carry its own power source. The wings are also used for propulsion and control.

The final demo version of the Nano Hummingbird has a wingspan that measures 16 centimeters (6.5 inches) and its weight is 19 grams(2/3 oz). The most impressing fact is that the company was able to introduce in this little device all the systems that are needed for flight, such as batteries, motors, communications system and a video camera.

The Nano Hummingbird is able to go up and down vertically, fly sideways left and right, forward and backward and evenrotate clockwise and counter-clockwise. Everything is performed via a remote control. The robotic bird can also do a 360-degree loop.

It is worth mentioning that the Nano Hummingbird represents a part of the Phase II contract that was awarded to AeroVironment by DARPA. The idea was to develop a "hummingbird-like" aircraft for the Nano Air Vehicle program, reports Gizmag.





Latest Invention: Glass that Can Generate Electricity


A company called New Energy Technologies has been working on the creation of windows that can
 harness solar energy for a while now. Recently the company announced that it managed to create a 
working 1-square-foot transparent glass prototype that can produce electricity.

The previous version of New Energy's invention was only 4x4 inches, and, according to the company, the
 boost in size is a huge step towards making the product available in the stores.

The process used by New Energy involves "spraying" power-generating, nano-sized solar cells right onto glass.

The company says that its innovative process is "eliminating expensive and often cumbersome or 
high-vacuum production methods typically used by current solar manufacturers."
It is worth mentioning that the thickness of the coatings is 10 times less than the thickness of thin films, reportsEarthTechling.
New Energy states that because its solar cell can produce power from both natural and artificial light sources, they are 10 times more effective than the commercial solar and thin-film technologies used today.

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The History of the Electric Generator


The generator is now such a well-used resource it's often easy to forget that they've been around since the early 1800s. It was Michael Faraday, an English physicist who first discovered that rotary mechanical power could be converted into electric power in the 1830s. After discovering this principle of electromagnetic induction, he went on to build the first electromagnetic generator called the Faraday disc, a homopolar generator in which a copper disc was rotated between the poles of a magnet. It is said that today's use of electricity in technology is largely a result of his efforts.
The next innovation in the generator industry came along shortly after the Faraday disc, in the form of the dynamo, also known today as the generator. This was the first generator which was able to deliver power for industries. The first was produced by a Frenchman called Hippolyte Pixii which used a permanent magnet rotated by a crank. Further versions included the Pacinotto dynamo and the Siemens and Wheatstone dynamo.
The invention of the dynamo also lead to the discovery of electric motor principles. In the 1870s the inventor of the Gramme dynamo revealed that if his device had a constant voltage power supply, it could act as an electric motor. Although various new models and versions have been manufactured, today this Gramme design, i.e. a spinning endless loop of wire, is the basis of virtually all DC electric motors.
As regards the workings of a generator, a common misconception is that a generator creates electrical energy. This is not the case, it merely moves the energy. The flow of electric charges forms the output electric current provided by the generator.
In terms of generator safety, this has improved greatly over the years. One of the main components of generators is the control panel, which always contains an auto start and shut-down switch. The generator automatically shuts down when it is no longer required, which avoids it overheating and thus extends the service life. The main assembly or frame of the generator is also an essential safety component as it allows the generator to be earthed for safety purposes and the casing or container keeps the machine dry.
Today power generators are used more than ever, both in residential as well as industrial applications. More and more home-owners are choosing to have a back-up source of power for their homes and establishments are opting for industrial generators as they are realising the financial as well as material damage power failures can have on their business.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.



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