Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nanotubes sniff out rotting fruit, your dorm room might be next]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/MIT-research-nanotubes-detect-rotting-produce/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/MIT-research-nanotubes-detect-rotting-produce/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/MIT-research-nanotubes-detect-rotting-produce/#comments MIT-research-nanotubes-detect-rotting-produce

Our favorite ultra-skinny molecules have performed a lot of useful functions over the years, but keeping fruit flies away was never one of them. Now MIT scientists, with US Army funding, have discovered a way to give these nanotubes the canine-like sense of smell needed to stop produce spoilage and waste. Doping sheets of them with copper and polystyrene introduces a speed-trap for electrons, slowing them and allowing the detection of ethylene gas vented during ripening. A sensor produced from such a substance could be combined with an RFID chip, giving grocers a cheaper way to monitor freshness and discount produce before it's too late. If that works, the team may target mold and bacteria detection next, giving you scientific proof that your roommate needs to wash his socks.

Nanotubes sniff out rotting fruit, your dorm room might be next originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubesfruitfruits and vegetablesFruitsAndVegetablesgroceriesgrocery storesGroceryStoresmassachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologyMITMIT scientistsMitScientistsnanotubespolystyreneresearchRFIDrfid tagRfidTagscienceUS ArmyUsArmyTue, 01 May 2012 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruity nanofibers could make for super-strong plastics, banana-flavored body panels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/fruity-nanofibers-could-make-for-super-strong-plastics-banana-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/fruity-nanofibers-could-make-for-super-strong-plastics-banana-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/fruity-nanofibers-could-make-for-super-strong-plastics-banana-f/#commentsFruity nanofibers could make for super-strong plastics, banana-flavored carbon fiber Carbon fiber is still the material of choice for high-end components that need lots of strength without a lot of weight, but wouldn't life be better if those components were made of pineapple? Apparently, yes. At least that's the case according to Brazilian scientists led by Alcides Leão, who have created so-called nanofibers from the pulp of various fruits, including pineapple leaves and coconut shells. These are processed down to create nano-scale threads that, when added to plastics, form a composite 30 percent lighter than carbon fiber yet three or four times stronger. Healthier, too. No word on when this stuff might be in full production, but we look forward to cradling our future fruit-based gadgets.

Fruity nanofibers could make for super-strong plastics, banana-flavored body panels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alcides LeãoAlcidesLeãobrazilcarbon fiberCarbonFiberfiberfruitnanofiberresearchscienceWed, 30 Mar 2011 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Peel universal remote adapter for iOS now available, $99 buys you expensive Fruit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/peel-universal-remote-adapter-for-ios-now-available-99-buys-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/peel-universal-remote-adapter-for-ios-now-available-99-buys-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/peel-universal-remote-adapter-for-ios-now-available-99-buys-yo/#commentsPeel universal remote adapter for iOS now available, $99 buys you expensive Fruit You know your product name is clever when not one but two companies go for it. Such is the name "Peel." This offering we're talking about is not the sort that turns an iPod into an iPhone, rather it's the kind that turns an iPhone into a universal remote -- though it'll work with all the other iOS devices too. It's a combination app and hardware that we've been tracking since last year, and now it's up for order. The iOS app talks to a goofy shaped IR blaster, called the Fruit, which costs $99. The combination turns your mobile device into a Harmony-hunting universal remote, but a smarter one that not only knows how to turn on your TV but also how to tune it to the latest episode of Glee, apparently, since every promo shot seems to feature some bit of gleekery. The app is free now and the Fruit is up for purchase -- though it's currently showing as back ordered. Let's hope it doesn't spoil.

Peel universal remote adapter for iOS now available, $99 buys you expensive Fruit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefruitiosipadipad 2Ipad2iphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchir blasterIrBlasterpeeluniversal remoteUniversalRemoteWed, 09 Mar 2011 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC comedians ridicule tech naming schemes, make us laugh along the way (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/bbc-comedians-ridicule-tech-naming-schemes-make-us-laugh-along/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/bbc-comedians-ridicule-tech-naming-schemes-make-us-laugh-along/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/bbc-comedians-ridicule-tech-naming-schemes-make-us-laugh-along/#comments They say all good comedy has a modicum of truth to it, and there's no denying that the jargon that's built up around technology is littered with opportunity for mockery, fun-poking, and general satire. Leave it to two old pros from the UK, then, Harry Enfield and Ronnie Corbett, to summarily dispatch Apple, BlackBerry, Orange, Microsoft and everyone in between in one of the better tech-related sketches we've seen. See them do their thing after the break, but be warned: the video contains (a lot) more than your recommended daily allowance of fruit puns.

[Thanks, Thanasis]

Continue reading BBC comedians ridicule tech naming schemes, make us laugh along the way (video)

BBC comedians ridicule tech naming schemes, make us laugh along the way (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebbcblackberrybritainbritishcomedycomedy sketchComedySketchdongleeggsboxfruitfunnyharry enfieldHarryEnfieldhumorjokejokespunpunsrimronnie corbettRonnieCorbettsketchspoofukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvideoxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Watermelon cooler push cart: perfect for those sultry North Carolina summers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/watermelon-cooler-push-cart-perfect-for-those-sultry-north-caro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/watermelon-cooler-push-cart-perfect-for-those-sultry-north-caro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/watermelon-cooler-push-cart-perfect-for-those-sultry-north-caro/#comments Crazily enough, the device you're staring at above -- jaw solidly on the floor, we're sure -- is real. As in, you can purchase one for you and yours. So far as we can tell, this here watermelon cart (priced at ¥19,950, or a whopping $231) serves to keep your voluptuous fruit cool when being transported from market to mouth, but everything beyond that is lost in translation. What's curious, however, is that this seems like a device created and sold exclusively in Japan. If we had to bet, though, we'd say it was originally dreamed up by a farmer in eastern North Carolina -- you know, the home of watermelon Cook-Out milkshakes, an official watermelon license plate and roads where chop-top school buses are frequently used as watermelon hauling machines.

Watermelon cooler push cart: perfect for those sultry North Carolina summers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomecartcoolerdesignfoodfruithealthhealthyjapanjapaneseNCnorth carolinaNorthCarolinastrangewatermelonwatermelon cartwatermelon coolerWatermelonCartWatermelonCoolerweirdTue, 20 Jul 2010 05:57:00 EST<![CDATA[How many oranges does it take to charge an Apple? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/how-many-oranges-does-it-take-to-charge-an-apple-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/how-many-oranges-does-it-take-to-charge-an-apple-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/how-many-oranges-does-it-take-to-charge-an-apple-video/#comments We've seen lemons power a digital clock, and we've seen an Orange tent energize a gaggle of Apples. But have you ever wondered how many oranges it would take to charge just a single Apple? Name games aside, we have to hand it to Imperial Leisure, the company that executed a new iPhone-centered advertisement aimed at raising awareness for Jaffa oranges. We won't spoil the whole thing for you, but we will say that you'll be far hungrier after watching than you are right now. Video's past the break, per usual.

[Thanks, forumz]

Continue reading How many oranges does it take to charge an Apple? (video)

How many oranges does it take to charge an Apple? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementappleapple iphoneAppleIphonebatteryenergyfruitiphoneJaffamarketingorangepowerSat, 13 Feb 2010 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Fraunhofer Institute's fruit checker device tracks optimum ripeness so you can stop sniffing those melons]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/system-that-can-check-the-freshness-of-fruit-developed-no-help/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/system-that-can-check-the-freshness-of-fruit-developed-no-help/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/system-that-can-check-the-freshness-of-fruit-developed-no-help/#comments
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.

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Fraunhofer Institute's fruit checker device tracks optimum ripeness so you can stop sniffing those melons originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berlinfoodfraunhofer instituteFraunhoferInstitutefreshnessfruitgermanygroceriesgrocery storesGroceryStoresresearchscienceTue, 04 Aug 2009 22:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Coconut headphone mod makes us long for Kokomo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/coconut-headphone-mod-makes-us-long-for-kokomo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/coconut-headphone-mod-makes-us-long-for-kokomo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/coconut-headphone-mod-makes-us-long-for-kokomo/#comments You knew somebody would do it, and now you're just downtrodden that said somebody isn't you. Yes friends, the gadget you see above really is a pair of working headphones with coconut halves for earcups. We already got word that Dave Chappelle's crack-infused twin fully approves, but we're still waiting for Dr. Dre to give us the all-clear before we deem them "street credible."

[Via MAKE]

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Coconut headphone mod makes us long for Kokomo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioCoconutdiyfruithackhacksheadphoneheadphonesmodmodsmusicportable audioportableaudioFri, 31 Jul 2009 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Automatic banana peeler operates in low gear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/automatic-banana-peeler-operates-in-low-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/automatic-banana-peeler-operates-in-low-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/automatic-banana-peeler-operates-in-low-gear/#commentsApparently, utilizing bananas to satisfy one's DIY cravings is becoming all the rage, as just weeks after hearing about a Texas-sized geostationary blimp, Donkey Kong's favorite fruit is showing up in yet another bizarre contraption. The uber-slow automatic banana peeler is fairly self-explanatory, but if you're still miffed at just what this thing does, we assure you the video demonstration will allow plenty of time for you to fully grasp the concept. Essentially, the creation stands the banana upright and grabs hold of the peeling, and by utilizing some sort of "BBQ machine," it unwraps the fruit at an incredibly sluggish pace. Of course, we'd love for an interpreter to click on through and decipher exactly what these two fellows have to say about this thing, but considering that we actually enjoy fruit more when it's fresh, we aren't particularly interested in waiting five to ten minutes before enjoying a perishable snack.

Continue reading Automatic banana peeler operates in low gear

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Automatic banana peeler operates in low gear originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artautomaticautomation banana peelerAutomationBananaPeelerbananacookingculinarydiyfoodfruithackmodpeelervideoTue, 20 Mar 2007 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Conceal your Bluetooth headset inside a fake banana]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/conceal-your-bluetooth-headset-inside-a-fake-banana/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/conceal-your-bluetooth-headset-inside-a-fake-banana/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/conceal-your-bluetooth-headset-inside-a-fake-banana/#comments "I've got a feeling, so appealing! Cellular, modular, interactive-odular, ding-dong ding-dong ding -- BANANA PHONE!" Forgive us, it's not often that we get to quote Raffi songs around here, okay? Good, so Raffi fans, gather 'round, because this is one hack you won't want to miss. A clever fellow by the name of Larry Pesce took one Bluetooth Jabra BT110 headset, disassembled it in true geek fashion, and glued it inside a fake banana purchased from a craft store. And from the photos, it looks like it can be opened again to replace the existing AA battery. Here's a fun weekend prank: replace your household fruitbowl with fake fruit, each with its own unique electronic function inside, and send us photos of the reactions of your housemates/family. Or not; but dude, bananaphone!

[Via MAKE]

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Conceal your Bluetooth headset inside a fake banana originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bananabanana phoneBananaPhoneCulturefruitjabramobileperipheralsraffiweekend projectsWeekendProjectsMon, 28 Aug 2006 12:50:00 EST