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food posts

Fuji Heavy Industries outs friendless, autonomous farming robot

by Laura June posted Oct 29th 2009 at 1:17PM

Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan has announced what it's calling 'the first' autonomous farming robot. This bot, which is about six and a half feet long and runs on gas, sends and receives laser signals to orient itself by way of reflective plates placed every 30 feet, using them to judge distances. This bad boy can grow fruits and veggies all by its lonesome, and can even operate in a greenhouse. The farming robot -- which is expected early next year -- will run about $100,000, but we'd suggest you buy two so he can have a buddy.

Qooq recipe and cooking tablet launched for French speakers only

by Laura June posted Oct 29th 2009 at 10:28AM

Cooking tablets and recipe readers have been pretty limited (and not very good) in the past -- but this one looks extremely promising. Called the Qooq, the 10.2-incher boasts -- in addition to a bunch of recipes, of course -- complete meal prep videos, instructions and advice on choosing ingredients, shopping lists, meal planners -- all which can be updated monthly via a subscription service. Specwise, we're looking at a glass touchscreen, Ethernet and USB ports, an SD slot, WiFi, and a built-in stand. The custom UI looks pretty attractive, but there are some drawbacks. The Qooq does not have a browser (though it's got built-in weather, digital photo viewing, and internet radio apps), and it's only available for French language speakers for now. If you do speak the language of love, you can get one of these puppies for €349 (about $513), with the subscription service running an additional €12.95a month (about $19).

[Via Red Ferret]

Windows 7 Whopper claims its first victim (video)

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Oct 23rd 2009 at 9:09AM

Few brave souls will even attempt to consume the Windows 7 Whopper, and fewer still will achieve that first dyspepsic bite -- as you can plainly see in this video. Indeed, we were sure that this was some sort of promotional stunt for Microsoft in Japan, but now reports are filtering in that these have been available in Texas for years now. Of course, in the Lone Star State it's not called the Windows 7 Whopper, it's called "lunch."

[Via Pocket-lint]

Continue reading Windows 7 Whopper claims its first victim (video)

Burger King selling a Windows 7 Whopper in Japan

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 22nd 2009 at 8:22AM

Confirming our belief that Japan is at once among the coolest and craziest places on this planet we all call home is Burger King's exclusive Windows 7 Whopper. Seven stacked beef patties extend your usual Whopper to over five inches in height and the whole thing costs an appropriate ¥777 (or $8.55). It'll be available for one week only -- or seven days, get it? Join us past the break to see the full towering size of this meaty monstrosity.

[Via Electronista]

Update: Andy Yang, our Engadget Chinese editor, has read the smallprint and noted that in fact only the first 30 customers each day will get the Win 7 Whopper at ¥777, with the rest shelling out a cool ¥1,450 ($17.10) for the privilege. Way to break with the number 7 theme, guys.

Continue reading Burger King selling a Windows 7 Whopper in Japan

Fraunhofer Institute's fruit checker device tracks optimum ripeness so you can stop sniffing those melons

by Laura June posted Aug 4th 2009 at 10:31PM

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a small device that can be used to check the freshness of fruit, telling the interested parties whether it's ripe or not. Based on previous technologies which measure -- for example -- car emissions, the device measures the volatile gases emitted by the fruit and analyzes its makeup to determine the state of freshness. The team already has a working prototype, and sees the device, which would cost somewhere in the thousands of dollars range, as having widespread application for businesses that supply food to grocery stores. So far the device has only successfully been used to test the freshness of fruit, but researchers see possible future applications in testing meat as well.

mypressi TWIST gives espresso addicts an easier way to indulge

by Darren Murph posted Apr 27th 2009 at 8:53AM

You know the story -- your daily craving for a shot of espresso hits right around 7:30AM local time, and if you don't have it in your grasp by 0800 hours, you're likely visiting the slammer for at least a day or two for barista battery. In a beautiful effort to keep addicts far away from prisons and ever closer to their productivity machines, Espressi has unveiled the mypressi TWIST, which is described as a truly portable espresso maker that delivers top-notch goods without the wait. The secret to the one-pound device is the pneumatic engine that provides constant pressure throughout the extraction cycle, and we're told that a single CO2 cartridge can provide around eight shots. It'll hit American shores this fall for $129 -- 'til then, it's on you to keep a local shop on retainer.

[Via Single Serve Expresso]

BrewTroller simplifies homebrewing, makes it doable while inebriated

by Darren Murph posted Apr 11th 2009 at 2:06AM

It's been a mystery for ages, but at long last, it seems a simple DIYer has found a solution. We all know that the best beers are the ones brewed at home, but after a given amount of "test sips," things can easily get a little out of control. In order to simplify the homebrewing process, the brilliant BrewTroller was concocted during a short stint with sobriety. In essence, the system utilizes a Sanguino microcontroller platform which was inspired by the tried-and-true Arduino in order to give brewers complete control over temperature and the like. When connected to a simple menu-driven display, it removes the need to bang out a paragraph of code while tipsy in order to tweak the flavor ever so slightly. Hit up the read link to have a look at the progress, but make sure you strap on those Beer Goggles first.

[Via HackedGadgets]

Kitchen-safe Demy recipe reader could revolutionize your cooking

by Darren Murph posted Mar 30th 2009 at 9:22AM

While we can only assume that "kitchen-safe" means that it won't melt when tossed accidentally in the oven nor be fazed by splattering hot grease, we'd still exercise a good deal of caution when reading off of the Demy digital recipe reader. Crafted by Key Ingredient, this here device packs a sealed 7-inch display, storage for up to 2,500 recipes and USB connectivity for syncing with your PC. Furthermore, it provides three kitchen timers, a measurement conversion calculator and an ingredient substitution dictionary to get cooks out of a pinch if they are one special ingredient short. Currently, the device is listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon, though we'd probably start scrounging up those three Benjamins if you hope to own one free and clear whenever "soon" turns to "now."

[Via PopGadget]

Gallery: Kitchen-safe Demy recipe reader could revolutionize your cooking

Sudo robot begrudgingly makes sandwiches on command

by Darren Murph posted Feb 28th 2009 at 8:21PM

Not that we haven't seen cooking robots before, but there's just something distinctly awesome about one that whips up a sandwich. Particularly one that kvetches first, and then gives in and makes a sandwich. Bre Pettis' Sudo robot isn't exactly sophisticated -- anything more than a simple grilled cheese is asking a bit much -- but even that should be plenty for the average college student. Check the read link to see it in action, and don't be surprised to see Subway pick this up and tweak it for use with multiple toppings and condiments.

[Via Digg]

Gingerbread Macintosh for serious gingerbread fanboys only

by Laura June posted Dec 27th 2008 at 4:15AM

Tech confections are nothing new: we've seen laptops, Kindles... heck, Martha Stewart even got in on the geek-baking action once upon a time. So maybe we shouldn't be impressed with this edible Mac, but the truth is, we love to eat, and the phrase "chocolate icons" really hooked us. So then... custard-filled pico projector in 2009? Yes. Hit the read link to check out more photos of this delectable desktop.

US TiVo users pick up Domino's Pizza ordering / tracking abilities

by Darren Murph posted Nov 17th 2008 at 11:02AM

Clearly catering towards the wants, nay, needs of the average American couch potato is TiVo and Domino's Pizza, which have collaborated in order to bring on-sofa pizza ordering to broadband-connected TiVo subscribers. If you'll recall, this service was actually announced for Australia earlier this month, but users in the US of A get the first chance to indulge. 'Course, this is far from the first unorthodox method of ordering pizza, and the lack of a scheduled delivery option is certainly a weak point, but this widget does reveal that all sorts of differentiating applications could eventually find their way to a TiVo box near you. Feel free to give it a spin tonight, but don't blame us if that backlit remote gets dimmed from grease seeping into the crevices.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

Kami Kami bite counter keeps your kid masticating

by Darren Murph posted Nov 17th 2008 at 8:26AM

We've no clue what kind of sick, demented parent would ever put their child through this, but for those with offspring who like to, say, swallow their hamburgers whole, we suppose it may come in handy. From the wide, wacky and utterly bizarre world that is Japanese gadgetry comes this: a bite counter from Nitto Kagaku. As you'd expect, the headgear keeps track of how many bites your kid takes, and it even plays a little jingle every 1,000 chews in order to celebrate the occasion. 'Course, there is the proven side effect of obesity, but at least they'll be making mincemeat out of everything they can get their hands on while gradually growing to 385 pounds.

[Via Engadget German]

Is this Philips' next-generation Senseo?

by Darren Murph posted Aug 7th 2008 at 7:23AM

Going out for coffee is so pre-recession, right? Either way, what you see above is a purported rendering of Philips' next-generation Senseo coffee system, which actually looks to be taking a step backwards in the design department. Not that we have anything against non-futuristic styling -- just an observation, is all. We know, at least a handful of you are already champing at the bit to yell "FAKE1one!," but really, who spends time creating a mockup of a java machine? And besides, aren't all the good designers working up those derisory iPhone nano images?

[Thanks, GPFransen]

Spanish scientists develop "electronic tongue" that can taste wine for quality, drifter appeal

by Nilay Patel posted Aug 5th 2008 at 7:34PM

Look, we know the appeal of the occasional Franzia stand or one-armed Rossi pull, but at some point you've got to put the 20/20 down and stop drinking like a hobo -- and it sounds like a new device being developed in Spain might help you learn to appreciate some classy wine for once. The "electronic tongue," as it's called, features six sensors that can measure factors like acidity, sugar, and alcohol levels, and use them to determine the age and variety of the wine, just like NEC's adorable little drink-bot. The tongue is supposed to be used to help wine industry officials assess wine quality in the field and detect frauds, but we've got a feeling it's going to be a hit around snooty wine bars worldwide.

[Thanks, Yossi]

Battlestar Galactica Cylon Toaster produces fanboy-approved bread

by Darren Murph posted Jul 16th 2008 at 11:05AM

Think you're the nerdiest BSG nerd on the face of this particular planet? Oh, yeah? Then bust out your Mr. Wizard plastic wallet and head on down to the read link, because any true fan simply will not be able to eat breakfast again without the Battlestar Galactica Cylon Toaster. Supposedly the device is limited in quantity, as only one batch is being created specifically for Comic-Con. Those who'd rather get in line now instead of paying 4x more on eBay in a month can plunk down $65 and wait for shipments to begin on July 29th. Mmm, Cylon toast.

[Via Register Hardware]