tape
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Scientists develop sticky tape inspired by insect feet
Black gaffer tape might be about to get a run for its money as our fix-it of choice -- researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, in collaboration with a team at Carnegie Mellon, are working on a new type of tape that gets its stick from a pattern of microscopic ridges modeled after insect feet. The two teams studied over 300 insects to develop the tape, which can be reused hundreds of times before losing its stickiness then simply washed in soapy water to regain its initial grip. Tests of the tape have enabled a 4-ounce robot to climb walls, and the team says that although it'll never be as cheap or as strong as regular old Scotch, the product they've nicknamed "insect tape" will be reasonably cheap to use around the house. Yeah, but can you build a server out of it?
Customizable MIXA USB tape brings back the retro
Looking to scratch that retro itch? If so, you'll likely find oodles of satisfaction in the MIXA USB tape, which not only weds the modernness of a USB flash drive with the old school flavor of a cassette, but also bows down to your funky fresh customization skills. You heard right -- those interested can select a black or white 1GB tape, add on any design they choose and cough up £19.99 ($41) to have it shipped anywhere in the world. Finally, the perfect complement to your shoulder-mounted USB boombox.[Thanks, Earl]
The Mix Tape USB Drive remembers your roots
Sure, the compact disc may have just celebrated 25 years in the biz, but nothing says quasi-old school like a double-sided cassette tape. Granted, it's a bit harder to effectively distribute mix tapes on a format rarely appreciated this day in age, so the Mix Tape USB Drive steps in to deliver your favorite compilations in a modern form without ditching that crucial retro flair. Pricing details have yet to be released, but it's slated to hit the streets next month for those interested.[Thanks, Damien]
Ion Audio set to introduce TAPE2PC USB tape deck
It looks like Ion Audio is leaving no old school audio format behind, with the company now following up its USB turntables with its TAPE2PC USB tape deck. As the name suggests, the device will let you dust off your collection of Huey Lewis and the News cassettes and enjoy 'em in spruced up digital form. What's more, those looking to revive the art of the mix tape can use to system to make as many copies as they like, with settings available for both metal and CrO2 type tapes. According to Digital Lifestyles, UK retailer Firebox will be offering the device for "just under £100" (or $204) sometime before the end of the year, although we presume it'll also be available elsewhere. Still no word on a USB 8-track deck though.[Thanks, Simon]
Nokia N95 one-ups Apple's iPhone via unrefined display 'hack'
There's no denying that we were fairly taken aback by the beauty of the iPhone's screen, but leave it to a clever (and likely bitter) N95 owner to trump Apple's best shot with his very Nokia. While not nearly as ingenious as converting the device into a mapmaker, this crude demonstration explains how to increase the screen real estate linked to the N95 if you're willing to sacrifice your left (or right) arm. Granted, the "hack" did begin with a broken N95, so strapping a portable TV onto one's forearm and utilizing the device's video output was about the only real solution within arm's reach (ahem). Like it or not, it's laced in utility, and you can catch a video of the action after the jump.[Thanks, Eirikso]
Earth Trek's USB Tape Dispenser
Ours is not to question why, only to accept the inevitable convergence of USB and pretty much everything else within the vicinity of our PCs. Meet the newly announced 4-port USB 2.0 hub and tape dispenser from Hong Kong's Earth Trek. It comes in large and small versions and can naturally be affixed with your very own logo for some good ol' corporate schwag. Sorry, these devices are not USB powered -- but if you're the type who finds it overly taxing to dispense tape, then maybe you should be looking into a bionic suit. "Coming soon" in several color options for an undisclosed price. [Via Akihabara News]
The first "Wii ambassador" event
The first of the "Wii Ambassadors" has had their party, and the invitee has written a blow-by-blow runthrough of the event. Though absolutely no recording device of any kind were allowed (seriously...he was actually frisked), he still manages to paint a crystal-clear picture; that is, a picture of awesome. From the last-second delivery of the rendezvous point to the van ride with the taped-over windows, and the absolute chaos of the party itself, it's a hell of a read.Particularly impressive to him were the two new additions to Wii Sports: Bowling and Boxing. Does anyone else think that two player Punch-Out-like boxing action with the Wiimote is heaven on Earth?
