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[iFixit reveals Nook Simple Touch With GlowLight's magic -- with lasers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/ifixit-reveals-nook-simple-touch-with-glowlights-magic-with/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/ifixit-reveals-nook-simple-touch-with-glowlights-magic-with/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/ifixit-reveals-nook-simple-touch-with-glowlights-magic-with/#comments Image

Turns out the secret to the new Nook's patent pending magic glow isn't so magic after all. Nope, it utilizes the wonder of diffraction. Yep, the driving force behind this marriage-saving device is science! Says iFixit in its latest teardown,

The display assembly contains the front glass, digitizer, and array of GlowLight LEDs, all fused together into one component. The glass over the E-ink screen takes the light from the eight LEDs and evenly distributes it across the screen.

How did the site discover the pending patentness after peeling back the e-reader's layers? Why, lasers, of course, beaming one through the aforementioned glass, which diffracted the green light before it hit a wall, proving once and for all that science can be fun. And ripping gadgets apart, naturally.

iFixit reveals Nook Simple Touch With GlowLight's magic -- with lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barnes Noblebarnes and nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNoblee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersifixitlaserlasersnooknook simple touchNook Simple Touch with GlowLightNookSimpleTouchNookSimpleTouchWithGlowlightteardownThu, 31 May 2012 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman-themed Nokia Lumia 900 coming soon, utility belt clip not included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/batman-themed-nokia-lumia-900-coming-soon-utility-belt-clip-not/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/batman-themed-nokia-lumia-900-coming-soon-utility-belt-clip-not/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/batman-themed-nokia-lumia-900-coming-soon-utility-belt-clip-not/#comments

Batman-themed Nokia Lumia 900 coming soon, utility belt clip not included

A befuddled Joker once pondered "Where does he get all those wonderful toys?" Soon you'll have a chance to inspire the same sort of wonderment amongst your friends -- at least the more eagle-eyed ones. Nokia has announced it's launching a Batman-themed Nokia Lumia 900, with the minimalist logo of (spoiler alert) Bruce Wayne's alter-ego laser-etched onto the back. It's the same treatment that was given to a special edition Lumia 800 earlier and, no surprise, it'll be available exclusively in Batman's favorite color. It's also exclusive to Europe, at least initially, where it's said to be going on sale in a few weeks. Act fast and you might have yours in time to listen to Christian Bale grumble his way through the conclusion of the Dark Knight Trilogy.

Batman-themed Nokia Lumia 900 coming soon, utility belt clip not included originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandark knightDarkKnighteuropelaserlaser-etchedlumialumia 900Lumia900mobilepostmininokianokia lumia 900NokiaLumia900special editionSpecialEditionwindows phoneWindowsPhoneMon, 28 May 2012 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: Jake Dyson's lamp, wooden light bulbs and weed-killing lasers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/jake-dyson-desk-lamp-wooden-light-bulbs-week-in-green/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/jake-dyson-desk-lamp-wooden-light-bulbs-week-in-green/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/jake-dyson-desk-lamp-wooden-light-bulbs-week-in-green/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

wooden light bulb

This week Inhabitat has been reporting live from New York Design Week, where we've witnessed countless innovative green designs from around the world. To kick things off, we were pretty impressed with this desk lamp designed by Jake Dyson (son of the vacuum god) that extends the life of its LED bulbs by a whopping 37 years. Also in the category of "bright shiny things we love" is QisDesign's Aurelia lamp, which bears a striking resemblance to a glowing jellyfish. We were also dazzled by UM Project's collection of retro, robot-inspired lamps, Light & Contrast's cute LED flower lights, and we were absolutely floored by Alessandro Jordão's larger-than-life LEGO chair. Can't get enough of NY Design Week? Check out all of our favorite green designs from this year's shows.

Continuing with the topic of innovative green lighting technology, artist Ryosuke Fukusada has created the impossible: a glowing wooden light bulb. Confused? The light was created using a technique called Rokuro, and it consists of an LED light bulb wrapped with a very thin layer of wood. When the bulb is turned on, it illuminates the grain of the wood. As Fukusada's creation demonstrates, LED lighting technology has taken some incredible strides recently, and we took some time to round-up 24 of our all-time favorite green lamps that look great with LED bulbs.

Continue reading Inhabitat's Week in Green: Jake Dyson's lamp, wooden light bulbs and weed-killing lasers

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Jake Dyson's lamp, wooden light bulbs and weed-killing lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoeco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlygreeninhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlaserledlightlight bulbLightBulblightingwoodwoodenSun, 27 May 2012 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/#comments Image

They may not be "robots" as most have come to expect, but these so-called microrobots developed by a team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa do have at least one thing in common with many of their mechanical counterparts: lasers. As IEEE Spectrum reports, the bots themselves are actually nothing more than bubbles of air in a saline solution, but they become "microrobots" when the laser is added to the equation, which serves as an engine of sorts and allows the researchers to control both the speed and direction of the bubbles. That, they say, could allow the bots to be used for a variety of tasks, including assembling microstructures and then disappearing without a trace when the bubble is popped. Head on past the break for a video of what they're already capable of.

Continue reading Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers

Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laserlasersmicromicrobotmicrobotsmicrorobotnanoroboticsnanotechnanotechnologyrobotrobotsUniversity of HawaiiUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaUniversityOfHawaiiUniversityOfHawaiiAtManoavideoTue, 22 May 2012 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Laser-toting MAV can find its way in tight spaces, might eventually hunt you down (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/laser-toting-mav-can-find-its-way-in-tight-spaces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/laser-toting-mav-can-find-its-way-in-tight-spaces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/laser-toting-mav-can-find-its-way-in-tight-spaces/#comments Image

A perpetual weakness of MAVs (micro air vehicles) is their frequent need for hand-holding in anything other than a wide-open or very controlled space. If they're not using GPS or motion sensors to find their locations, they can't turn on a dime the way a human pilot would. Adam Bry, Abraham Bachrash and Nicholas Roy from MIT's CSAIL group haven't overcome every problem just yet, but they may have taken combat drones and other pilotless aircraft a big step forward by giving them the tools needed to fly quickly when positioning isn't an option. Uniting a laser rangefinder with an existing 3D map of the environment -- still 'cheating,' but less dependent -- lets the prototype flyer find the distance to nearby obstacles and steer clear even at speeds that would scare any mere mortal MAV. Ideally, future designs that can create their own maps will be completely independent of humans, making us think that MIT's references to "aggressive" autonomous flight are really cues to start hiding under the bed.

Continue reading Laser-toting MAV can find its way in tight spaces, might eventually hunt you down (video)

Laser-toting MAV can find its way in tight spaces, might eventually hunt you down (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftairplaneairplanesautonomousautonomous flying robotsautonomous vehiclesAutonomousFlyingRobotsAutonomousVehiclesCSAILdronedroneslaserlasersmavmicro air vehicleMicro Air VehiclesMicroAirVehicleMicroAirVehiclesmitRangeFinderrobust robotics groupRobustRoboticsGroupvideowargadgetThu, 17 May 2012 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/32-inch-lasersabre-lights-from-wicked-lasers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/32-inch-lasersabre-lights-from-wicked-lasers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/32-inch-lasersabre-lights-from-wicked-lasers/#comments 32-inch 'LaserSabre' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)

If you enjoyed all those not-at-all tiresome "May the 4th be with you" tweets yesterday, then this is likely right up your equatorial trench. Wicked Lasers, makers of the eye-meltingly powerful S3 Krypton laser has developed a $100 attachment for the same that will bring a few not-so-little boys' dreams true. The ahem LaserSaber add-on takes the pin-sharp beam of light from the company's S3 range of lasers, and sends it down a 32" polycarbonate "blade". A so called magnetic gravity system imitates the powering-up and down of those other famous sabers, but they stopped at adding sound effects. Bear in mind, you're still dealing with imperial levels of light here, so dueling is most definitely not recommended, but if you want the nearest thing to the real deal, remember, May the 5th we told you.

Continue reading 32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)

32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>equatorial trenchEquatorialTrenchlaserlasersaberlightsaberpolycarbonateStar WarsStarWarsvideowicked laserswicked lasers s3WickedLasersWickedLasersS3WickedLasersS3KryptonSat, 05 May 2012 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers make an RGB laser with a regular laser and quantum dots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/researchers-make-an-rgb-laser-with-a-regular-laser-and-quantum-d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/researchers-make-an-rgb-laser-with-a-regular-laser-and-quantum-d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/researchers-make-an-rgb-laser-with-a-regular-laser-and-quantum-d/#comments Researchers make an RGB laser with a regular laser and quantum dots

The problem with lasers is, they tend to generate just a single color or light.To get more than one hue requires actually combining more than one type of laser to produce red, green and blue. But researchers at Brown University have figured out a solution to creating small RGB lasers by using colloidal quantum dots, or CQDs. The idea of leveraging the properties of the thin film isn't new, but past attempts to use CQDs in semiconductor lasers have failed because the necessary energy tends to wind up as heat instead of light. The work around scientists found was to excite the various dot sizes with a laser then filter out original light source. Unfortunately, the solution is far from practical for use in commercial products, but it does represent a milestone in the march towards a single-material multi-wavelength laser. For more details check out the source link.

Researchers make an RGB laser with a regular laser and quantum dots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brown universityBrownUniversitycolloidal quantum dotsColloidalQuantumDotsCQDCQDslaserlasersquantum dotsQuantumDotsresearchrgb laserRgbLaserscienceTue, 01 May 2012 06:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Buckeyes to fire 500 trillion watt laser May 15th in a short, cheap burst]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/Ohio-State-fire-500-trillion-watt-laser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/Ohio-State-fire-500-trillion-watt-laser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/Ohio-State-fire-500-trillion-watt-laser/#comments Image

High-energy laser fusion experiments evoke extreme numbers -- not only in power but also in greenbacks. Sure, the current champ at the National Ignition facility in Livermore, CA can pump out a 411 trillion watt pulse, but at what price? A taxpayer-busting $200,000 per shot, with a $4 billion original construction cost. Compared to that, the new Ohio State University's 500 trillion watt model seems bargain-basement, built with a mere $6 million grant from the US Department of Energy. Admittedly, that paltry sum get you a much shorter burst, lasting 20 picoseconds compared to the NIF's several nanoseconds. But with the ability to fire 100 or more times per day, instead of just once like it's pricier kin, Ohio State will be able to assist the NIF with their fusion experiments, while also carrying on its own science, like simulating star formation. And money aside, the possibility of unlimited fusion-powered energy is always a noble goal, no?

Buckeyes to fire 500 trillion watt laser May 15th in a short, cheap burst originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fusionlaserlaser beamLaserBeamNational Ignition FacilityNationalIgnitionFacilityNIFOhio State UniversityOhioStateUniversityOSUscienceTue, 24 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REDray 4K cinema laser projector and player eyes-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/redray-4k-cinema-laser-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/redray-4k-cinema-laser-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/redray-4k-cinema-laser-hands-on/#comments Image

There's no better way to control the visual experience from shoot to show than to create the camera and the projector. That's likely the thinking behind the REDray, the 4K laser cinema projector making an appearance at the company's NAB booth today. The device supports 2D and passive 3D (up to 120fps in 3D mode), with 4K projection for each eye and has a rated laser life of over 25,000 hours. While the device itself is likely to be hidden behind glass in an elevated projector room, the REDray has the same industrial look and feel of its Scarlet and Epic capturing counterparts, with a solid matte metal construction, heavy duty bolts and dedicated access panels for the lens filter, the laser phase adjustment oscillator and the angular refraction aberration indexer. There's also a T1.8 50mm lens mounted up front, sufficiently completing the beautifully monstrous package. Also on display was the tablet-controlled REDray Player, which includes four HDMI 1.4 video outputs with 7.1-channel audio output, the ability to move 4K video to the internal hard drive and an SD reader for ingesting content. You'll also find dual gigabit Ethernet ports, along with USB and eSATA connectors.

The projector experience is much less about the hardware than it is the projections themselves, which certainly did a justice here -- especially considering the imaging device's mid-development status. During a screening of the 3D short Loom, which was shot with the RED Epic, images looked fantastic with accurate color and excellent dynamic range, allowing us to see every detail in a contrasty dark scene, where we were able to make out a very dimly lit female actress. The projection was incredibly sharp on the 24-inch foot screen, despite the film being displayed with 2K for each eye, rather than the maximum 4K. There will be two versions of the REDray projector, including a home theater flavor that supports screens up to 15 feet in size that'll ring in at under $10,000, and a professional model with support for larger venues. RED CEO Jim Jannard confirmed that the home-bound version will ship sometime this year, though he was unable to provide a more precise ship date. We weren't permitted to record video during the screening -- which is for the best, considering that there's really no way to do this thing justice -- but you can still flip through the gallery below for an early look at REDray.

Gallery: REDray 4K cinema laser projector eyes-on

Continue reading REDray 4K cinema laser projector and player eyes-on (video)

REDray 4K cinema laser projector and player eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d4K4k 3d4k3dcameracinemaEpicfilmfilmographyhands-onhdmihdpostcrosslaserlaser projectorLaserProjectorNABNAB 2012Nab2012passive 3dPassive3dprojectorREDred redrayredlaserREDrayRedRedrayscarletvideoMon, 16 Apr 2012 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to comply]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/#comments US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to complyWar. What is it good for? Well, if new use of technology by the US Navy has anything to do with it, finding Pirates for a start. By upgrading its existing Fire Scouts with new 3D laser imaging tech, it's hoped that the drones will be able to recognize the small ships used by these unscrupulous seafarers. The system, known as LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging, also known as LADAR) uses millions of laser pulses reflected off an object to create the three-dimensional image, which could then referenced against known pirate ships from a database. Ultimately, human operators will make the final call, to avoid any ED-209 style mis-understandings. That said, if you're taking the dingy out past the Californian breakwaters this summer, you might want to keep the stars and stripes in clear view, as that's where the Navy will be running its initial trials.

US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to comply originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d image3dImagearmydefensedroneFire ScoutFireScoutLADARlaserLIDARmilitaryMQ-8MQ-8 Fire ScoutMq-8FireScoutMQ-9navypiratesreaperrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseuacuavunmanned aerial vehicleunmanned aircraftUnmannedAerialVehicleUnmannedAirUnmannedAircraftus navyUsNavywargadgetSun, 08 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[World's first two-megajoule ultraviolet laser fired in California: no, you can't buy one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/world-record-two-megajoule-ultraviolet-laser-fired/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/world-record-two-megajoule-ultraviolet-laser-fired/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/world-record-two-megajoule-ultraviolet-laser-fired/#comments ImageThe Wolverines may have concocted the "most intense" laser in the universe back in '08, but it's a group of grinners at the National Ignition Facility in Livermore, California that can now lay claim to firing the planet's first two-megajoule ultraviolet laser. Earlier this week, a 1.875-megajoule shot was fired into the target chamber, but it broke the two-dot-oh barrier after passing through the final focusing lens. Reportedly, this matters for more than just bragging rights, as scientists have long since sought to get past 'ignition' in order to "coax fusion energy from a tiny frozen fuel pellet." If we had to guess, we'd say both Nerf and Mattel are somehow trying to commercialize this thing prior to the holidays. (And yeah, we hope they're successful.)

World's first two-megajoule ultraviolet laser fired in California: no, you can't buy one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laserlaser beamLaserBeamNational Ignition FacilityNationalIgnitionFacilityrecordscienceultraviolet laserUltravioletLaserWed, 21 Mar 2012 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT's laser-powered camera can detect objects hidden around corners (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/mit-laser-camera-corner-light/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/mit-laser-camera-corner-light/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/mit-laser-camera-corner-light/#comments ImageOne of the most thrilling things about human existence is that you never know what's lurking around the corner. It could be a newborn baby, a sweet job, a delicious churro -- doesn't really matter, because it's a surprise, and surprises are fun and surprising. Just don't tell that to the doldrum dwellers over at MIT, because apparently, they don't agree. The same team that created a camera with light-speed shutter rates has now expanded upon their project, with a camera capable of seeing around corners. Literally. To do this, the system uses a so-called femtosecond laser to send out extremely short light pulses -- so short, in fact, that their entire lifespan is measured in quadrillionths of a second. To capture an object lurking around a corner, the device aims its laser at a nearby wall, thereby allowing the light to bounce around the room before eventually landing on the concealed object. Once it hits the jackpot, the light will reflect back onto the wall, and eventually return to a detector, which can gauge the exact location of the object based on the distance the laser traveled. This happens over and over again at different angles, meaning that the system will ultimately be able to get a general idea of the hidden room's layout. Researchers hope that their system will eventually be used in emergency rescue situations, or to help drivers see what's around the bend, though there's no telling when any of that could actually happen. For a diagrammatic rundown, check out the video after the break.

Continue reading MIT's laser-powered camera can detect objects hidden around corners (video)

MIT's laser-powered camera can detect objects hidden around corners (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cornerdetectionemergencyexperimentfemtolaserimaginglaserlightMITnavigationpaperrescueresearchstudyvideoWed, 21 Mar 2012 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[German scientists shoot world's fastest movie: gone in 50 femtoseconds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/german-scientists-shoot-worlds-fastest-movie-gone-in-50-femtos/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/german-scientists-shoot-worlds-fastest-movie-gone-in-50-femtos/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/german-scientists-shoot-worlds-fastest-movie-gone-in-50-femtos/#comments No, it's not another Fast & Furious sequel, it's something much quicker -- 800 billion times quicker, to be precise. Scientists at DESY (Germany's largest particle physics center) are premiering the Guinness World Record-holding fastest "movie" to a select audience at its light sources users' meeting. The film was shot using an X-ray Laser, and splitting the light in two. By firing one beam off on a minuscule detour (0.015 millimeters) and delaying its arrival by 50 femtoseconds, two separate images are captured. Okay, so two frames isn't exactly Lord of the Rings, but it's still the smallest interval ever recorded. This technique won't be popping up in Hollywood any time soon -- instead, it's actually used for snapping subatomic glimpses of ultra-fast molecular processes and chemical reactions. Despite the brevity of this record-breaking flick, the plot is apparently still more complex than Tokyo Drift.

German scientists shoot world's fastest movie: gone in 50 femtoseconds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DESYFemtosecondfilmfilm recordingFilmRecordinggermangermanylaserlasersmovierecord breakingRecordBreakingsciencestudysubatomicworld recordWorldRecordworlds fastestWorldsFastestx-ray laserX-rayLaserThu, 26 Jan 2012 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers develop 'wireless optical brain router' to manipulate brain cells]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/researchers-develop-wireless-optical-brain-router-to-manipulat/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/researchers-develop-wireless-optical-brain-router-to-manipulat/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/researchers-develop-wireless-optical-brain-router-to-manipulat/#commentsOptogenetics might be a relatively unknown area of neuroscience, but it's one that, thanks to some new research, could soon find itself (and its rodental subjects) in the spotlight. For the uninitiated, it's the practice of manipulating animal cells using light (with a little help from gene therapy). Until now, optogenetic equipment has been large and unwieldy, making testing on subjects (read: rats) painstaking. Startup, Kendall Research, has changed all this, creating wireless prototypes that weigh just three grams (0.11 ounces). By eschewing bulky Lasers for LEDs and Laser diodes, the equipment is small enough that it can be attached to the rodents. At that point, their brain function can be manipulated with the touch of a button, and different parts can be stimulated without breeding mutant variants -- a controversial practice that doesn't even yield results in real time. The "router" is powered wirelessly by super capacitors below test area, and researchers can conduct experiments remotely, even automatically. Human applications for this are still some way off, but we're sure our future overlords will make good use of it.

Researchers develop 'wireless optical brain router' to manipulate brain cells originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain routerBrainRoutercell manipulationCellManipulationexperimentKendall ResearchKendallResearchlaserlaser diodeLaserDiodeledneuroscienceoptogeneticsratsresearchresearcherresearchersRobopocalypseRobotApocalypseroutersciencestartupstartupssuper capacitorSuperCapacitorwirelessTue, 24 Jan 2012 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers use lasers to supercool semiconductor membranes, blow your mind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/researchers-use-lasers-to-supercool-semiconductor-membranes-blo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/researchers-use-lasers-to-supercool-semiconductor-membranes-blo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/researchers-use-lasers-to-supercool-semiconductor-membranes-blo/#comments Ah, lasers. Those wonderful, super intense beams of light that we've seen used in headlights, projectors, and naturally, death rays. Like us, researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen figure there's nothing lasers can't do, and have figured out a way to use them to cool a bit of semiconducting material. This bit of black magic works using a membrane made of gallium arsenide and is based upon principles of quantum physics and optomechanics (the interaction between light and mechanical motion).

Turns out, when a one millimeter square membrane of gallium arsenide is placed parallel to a mirror in a vacuum chamber and bombarded with a laser beam, an optical resonator is created between them that oscillates the membrane. As the distance between the gallium arsenide and the mirror changes, so do the membrane's oscillations. And, at a certain frequency, the membrane is cooled to minus 269 degrees Celsius -- despite the fact that the membrane itself is being heated by the laser. So, lasers can both heat things up and cool them down simultaneously, and if that confuses you as much as it does us, feel free to dig into the science behind this paradoxical bit of research at the source below. In other news, left is right, up is down, and Eli Manning is a beloved folk hero to all Bostonians.

Researchers use lasers to supercool semiconductor membranes, blow your mind originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolinggallium arsenideGalliumArsenidelaserlasersniels bohr instituteNielsBohrInstituteoptomechanicsquantum physicsQuantumPhysicsresearchscienceSemiconductorsemiconductorsUniversity of CopenhagenUniversityOfCopenhagenTue, 24 Jan 2012 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Way-Go flashlight uses lasers to light your path, GPS to tell you where to go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/way-go-flashlight-uses-lasers-to-light-your-path-gps-to-tell-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/way-go-flashlight-uses-lasers-to-light-your-path-gps-to-tell-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/way-go-flashlight-uses-lasers-to-light-your-path-gps-to-tell-yo/#comments We love just about anything involving lasers or robotics here at Engadget, so naturally, we're intrigued by Sriranjan Rasakatla's Way-Go flashlight that combines the two. It's comprised of a laser pico projector, GPS module, altitude and heading reference system (AHRS) to not only light your path but also tell you which way to go. It can be used strictly as a flashlight, but users can also input starting and destination points to have the Way-Go guide them. There's also a wander mode that displays info about your surroundings as you stroll around -- though naturally, such information must be pre-programmed into the device. Because it displays stuff that needs reading, the projector's connected to servos that can keep it locked on a projection point to keep it readable no matter how much you move the Way-Go around. Rasakatla sees the device being useful in search and rescue, backcountry trekking, and campus tour guiding -- odd, 'cause in our day, kids walking around campus at night were trying to find out where the party was at, not learn about the architecture of the academic buildings. Regardless, you can see the Way-Go in action after the break.

Continue reading Way-Go flashlight uses lasers to light your path, GPS to tell you where to go

Way-Go flashlight uses lasers to light your path, GPS to tell you where to go originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahrsflashlightgpsimage stabilizationImageStabilizationlaserlaser pico projectorLaserPicoProjectorlaserspico projectorPicoProjectorrobotrobotssriranjan rasakatlaSriranjanRasakatlatorchvideoway goway-goWayGoTue, 17 Jan 2012 20:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific's Time and Wireless Charging Station+ does what it says]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/oregon-scientifics-time-and-wireless-charging-station-does-wha/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/oregon-scientifics-time-and-wireless-charging-station-does-wha/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/oregon-scientifics-time-and-wireless-charging-station-does-wha/#comments Oregon Scientific Time and Wireless Charging Station+Oregon Scientific isn't usually known for making gadgets that get cozy with phones and whatnot, but this year we'll be seeing some changes. For starters, this Time and Wireless Charging Station+ will be the company's second Qi wireless charging station, and it shares many similarities with its smaller predecessor (which is conveniently dubbed Time & Weather Charging Station): you get a single charging pad along with a monochrome LCD for the time, indoor temperature and outdoor temperature (five channels; one sensor included). Of course, the plus sign in the name means there are some extra goodies, namely a radio-controlled clock, a barometer for weather forecast plus a projector for the time and temperature; but you'll need to pick up your own Qi phone sleeve -- Oregon Scientific sells one for the iPhone 4. Expect to see this clock on the market at some point for around $129.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific Time and Wireless Charging Station+

Oregon Scientific's Time and Wireless Charging Station+ does what it says originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES+2012Ces2012chargerchargingcharging+stationChargingStationIPhone 4laseroregon scientificOregonScientificprojectionprojection+clockProjectionClockqirechargerechargerSci/TechtimeTime+and+Wireless+Charging+StationTime+and+Wireless+Charging+Station+TimeAndWirelessChargingStationTimeAndWirelessChargingStation+Wireless+Charging+StationWireless+QiWirelessChargingStationWirelessQiSun, 08 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Richardson turns Arduino, Twitter and lasers into art (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/matt-richardson-turns-arduino-twitter-and-lasers-into-art-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/matt-richardson-turns-arduino-twitter-and-lasers-into-art-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/matt-richardson-turns-arduino-twitter-and-lasers-into-art-vide/#comments Fade Away 1 Matt Richardson's genius has never really been in question. The Make Live host and compulsive hacker has built an impressive library of creations, ranging from a Google Reader pedal to an email-triggered Christmas tree. The man's works are definitely art, in their own way, but his new project, Fade Away 1, is the first that we could easily see taking up residence in a SoHo gallery. At the heart of the installation is an Arduino (of course) that pulls in posts from Twitter with the phrase "fade away" in them. The same AVR chip then "prints" those tweets on phosphorescent paper with a UV laser mounted on a servo -- as the energy dissipates, the messages slowly disappear. And, if you're wondering what the "1" at the end of the title means, Richardson plans to continuously improve the project. For some more details about the next iteration and to see the current one in action, check out the videos after the break.

Continue reading Matt Richardson turns Arduino, Twitter and lasers into art (video)

Matt Richardson turns Arduino, Twitter and lasers into art (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoartDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselffade awayfade away 1FadeAwayFadeAway1hacklaserlasersmake liveMakeLivematt richardsonMattRichardsontwittervideoMon, 26 Dec 2011 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris played on microscopic level with lasers, thanks to Amsterdam's rigorous curriculum (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/tetris-played-on-microscopic-level-with-lasers-thanks-to-amster/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/tetris-played-on-microscopic-level-with-lasers-thanks-to-amster/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/tetris-played-on-microscopic-level-with-lasers-thanks-to-amster/#comments Ostensibly speaking, it appears that university goers in the Netherlands have a bit too much time on their hands. You see, in between visits to coffee shops, students at VU University Amsterdam have developed a way to play Tetris with lasers, or in this case, a light-trapping device known as optical tweezers. With blocks constructed of microscopic glass spheres, university physicist Joost van Mameren explains, "The focus of this beam acts as an attraction point for small particles: they get sucked into the focus and cannot escape." The end result is transformed into a rousing experience of the Soviet Union's greatest creation ever, now played out on the microscopic level -- be sure to check the action after the break. For gamers who get in a bit of a jam, the laser can be turned off, which will prompt each of the beads to scatter into chaos. A fitting conclusion, indeed.

Continue reading Tetris played on microscopic level with lasers, thanks to Amsterdam's rigorous curriculum (video)

Tetris played on microscopic level with lasers, thanks to Amsterdam's rigorous curriculum (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amsterdamgamegameslaserlasersnetherlandsoptical tweezersOpticalTweezerstetrisvideovu university amsterdamVuUniversityAmsterdamMon, 26 Dec 2011 01:23:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT builds camera that can capture at the speed of light (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/dnp-mit-builds-camera-that-can-capture-at-the-speed-of-light-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/dnp-mit-builds-camera-that-can-capture-at-the-speed-of-light-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/dnp-mit-builds-camera-that-can-capture-at-the-speed-of-light-vi/#comments
A team from the MIT media lab has created a camera with a "shutter speed" of one trillion exposures per second -- enabling it to record light itself traveling from one point to another. Using a heavily modified Streak Tube (which is normally used to intensify photons into electron streams), the team could snap a single image of a laser as it passed through a soda bottle. In order to create the slow-motion film in the video we've got after the break, the team had to replicate the experiment hundreds of times. The stop-motion footage shows how light bounces through the bottle, collecting inside the opaque cap before dispersing. The revolutionary snapper may have a fast shutter but the long time it takes to process the images have earned it the nickname of the "the world's slowest fastest camera."

[Image courtesy of MIT / M. Scott Brauer]

Continue reading MIT builds camera that can capture at the speed of light (video)

MIT builds camera that can capture at the speed of light (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andreas VeltenAndreasVeltenLaserLasersMassachusettsmassachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologyMITMIT Media LabMitMediaLabRamesh RaskarRameshRaskarvideoTue, 13 Dec 2011 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers build world's smallest steam engine that could]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/researchers-build-worlds-smallest-steam-engine-that-could/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/researchers-build-worlds-smallest-steam-engine-that-could/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/researchers-build-worlds-smallest-steam-engine-that-could/#comments
Wanna create your very own microscopic steam engine? Just take a colloid particle, put it in water, and add a laser. That's a CliffsNotes version of what a group of German researchers recently did to create the world's smallest steam engine. To pull it off, engineers from the University of Stuttgart and Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems tweaked the traditional approach introduced by Robert Stirling nearly 200 years ago. In Stirling's model, gas within a cylindrical tube is alternately heated and cooled, allowing it to expand and push an attached piston. Professor Clemens Bechinger and his team, however, decided to downsize this system by replacing the piston with a laser beam, and the cylinder's working gas with a single colloid bead that floats in water and measures just three thousandths of a millimeter in size. The laser's optical field limits the bead's range of motion, which can be easily observed with a microscope, since the plastic particle is about 10,000 times larger than an atom. Because the beam varies in intensity, it effectively acts upon the particle in the same way that heat compresses and expands gas molecules in Stirling's model. The bead, in turn, does work on the optical field, with its effects balanced by an outside heat source. The system's architects admit that their engine tends to "sputter" at times, but insist that its mere development shows that "there are no thermodynamic obstacles" to production. Read more about the invention and its potential implications in the full press release, after the break.

Continue reading Researchers build world's smallest steam engine that could

Researchers build world's smallest steam engine that could originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beadcolloidconceptdevelopmentefficiencyenergyengineGermanyheatlaserlaser beamLaserBeammax planck institutemax planck institute for intelligent systemsMaxPlanckInstituteMaxPlanckInstituteForIntelligentSystemsoptical fieldOpticalFieldparticlephysicsplasticresearchrobert stirlingRobertStirlingsteam engineSteamEngineThermodynamicsworlds smallest steam engineWorldsSmallestSteamEngineMon, 12 Dec 2011 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT slinks into a cafe, orders a side of photonic chips on silicon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/mit-slinks-into-a-cafe-orders-a-side-of-photonic-chips-on-silic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/mit-slinks-into-a-cafe-orders-a-side-of-photonic-chips-on-silic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/mit-slinks-into-a-cafe-orders-a-side-of-photonic-chips-on-silic/#comments
Whiz-kids the world over have been making significant progress on the development of photonic chips -- devices that "use light beams instead of electrons to carry out their computational tasks." But now, MIT has taken the next major leap, filling in "a crucial piece of the puzzle" that just might allow for the creation of photonic chips on the standard silicon material that underlies most of today's electronics. Today, data can travel via light beams shot over through optical fibers, and once it arrives, it's "converted into electronic form, processed through electronic circuits and then converted back to light using a laser." What a waste. If MIT's research bears fruit, the resulting product could nix those extra steps, allowing the light signal to be processed directly. Caroline Ross, the Toyota Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, calls it a diode for light; to construct it, researchers had to locate a material that was both transparent and magnetic. In other words, a material that only exists in the Chamber of Secrets. Hit the source link for the rest of the tale.

MIT slinks into a cafe, orders a side of photonic chips on silicon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caroline RossCarolineRosscircuitcircuitsdiodeelectricitylaserlightMITopticaloptical transmissionOpticalTransmissionphotonicprocessorsciencesilicontransmissionuniversityFri, 25 Nov 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/#comments
It's a "programmable disco ball," a "cat toy for humans," and a "personal laser light show," all rolled into one. That's how one Matt Leone describes his latest creation, aptly known as the Laser Ball. To realize his dream, Leone drilled a set of holes into a garden variety tennis ball, and inserted about 14 laser diodes, each with an attached strip of diffraction grating. Said diodes were then synced up with an Arduino-equipped Teensy microcontroller nestled within the ball, alongside a rechargeable battery. As a cherry on top of this DIY sundae, Leone then incorporated an infrared remote package from Adafruit, allowing him to remotely jump start his next house party. The result is a cyborg-like ball that makes any LED cube look... square. Check it out for yourself, in the video after the break.

Continue reading Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)

Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitarduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfinfraredIRlaserLaser Balllaser diodeLaserBallLaserDiodematt leoneMattLeonemicro controllerMicroControllerremote controlRemoteControlTeensytennis ballTennisBallvideoMon, 14 Nov 2011 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[The Air Force will give you $150,000 to blast its weeds with a laser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/the-air-force-will-give-you-150-000-to-blast-its-weeds-with-a-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/the-air-force-will-give-you-150-000-to-blast-its-weeds-with-a-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/the-air-force-will-give-you-150-000-to-blast-its-weeds-with-a-l/#comments
With the holiday season just around the corner, the Air Force has been busy compiling its yuletide wish list, and it's got some pretty strange requests. Included on its latest call for small business innovations is a curious proposal for a project called "Floral Disruptor - Directed Energy Weed Abatement and Prevention Tool." According to Air Force documents, this project calls for "a device that uses directed energy technology to prevent and abate unwanted plants (weeds) in areas that require control or defoliation." Translation: a ray gun to blast weeds. Turns out, the Air Force spends a handsome chunk of cash each year on weed control -- so much so, in fact, that it's willing to pay $150,000 in grant money to anyone whose device can "deter, disrupt, deny, or degrade the desired objective." Private companies have already begun testing devices that annihilate weeds with lasers, microwave radiation and even sound, which is why the Air Force feels confident that the approach can bear fruit. But before you start entertaining fantasies of mass botanical killings, keep in mind that the government will only accept solutions that don't "target personnel or wildlife." As a Force rep explained to Wired, the idea is to develop an eagle-eyed contraption that lessens its dependence upon costly chemicals and pesticides. Besides, have you seen the Army's front lawn? It's immaculate.

The Air Force will give you $150,000 to blast its weeds with a laser originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air forceAirForcechemicaldevelopmentFloral DisruptorFloralDisruptorgardeninglasermicrowavemicrowave radiationMicrowaveRadiationmilitarymilitary techMilitaryTechmoneypesticideproposalray gunRayGunresearchsoundweedingweedsFri, 11 Nov 2011 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ laser hack, Hangout shoots first (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/google-laser-hack-hangout-shoots-first-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/google-laser-hack-hangout-shoots-first-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/google-laser-hack-hangout-shoots-first-video/#comments We've all been in those boring meetings where you just want to let rip on marketing with a laser blaster. And now you can... kinda. Best of all, you don't even need to leave your La-Z-Boy. House4Hack, a Johannesburg based hackerspace knocked up a dual-servo, Arduino-controlled webcam for its entry into the 2011 Google+ hackathon. Deciding that this wasn't nearly awesome enough, they made the logical improvement of adding a splendiferous laser attachment for the perfect Google+ Hangout accessory. Now, colleagues can 'show-up' remotely when they can't be present in person, and register their disapproval in the way nature intended -- radiation amplified light. To see it in action, tap the video after the jump.

Continue reading Google+ laser hack, Hangout shoots first (video)

Google+ laser hack, Hangout shoots first (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle plusgoogle plus hangoutGooglePlusGooglePlusHangouthackhackathonhackshangouthouse4hacklaserlasersmodmodssocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA developing tractor beams, no plans for Death Star... yet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/nasa-developing-tractor-beams-no-plans-for-death-star-yet-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/nasa-developing-tractor-beams-no-plans-for-death-star-yet-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/nasa-developing-tractor-beams-no-plans-for-death-star-yet-v/#comments Fully functional LightSabre aside, a tractor beam has to be high on most geek wish-lists; lucky for you NASA has started working on one. Before you drop your sandwich (or whatever that object in your left hand is), this won't be for sucking up star cruisers, but the more modest task of sample and space dust collection. The basic concept has already been proven, but now NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist has given boffins $100,000 to make the dream a reality. Three potential methods are already on the table, which in lay-terms resemble laser tweezers, a light vortex and a conceptual rippling beam. Once developed, it could signal the end of traditional mechanical sample collecting -- and just plain luck -- consigning robotic arms to the history books. Check the video after the break for science-tastic mock up of how it might work.

Continue reading NASA developing tractor beams, no plans for Death Star... yet (video)

NASA developing tractor beams, no plans for Death Star... yet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienaliensastronomyboffinslaserlaser beamLaserBeamlightsaberMeteorNASAresearchrobotic armRoboticArmsamplessciencespacespace dustspace explorationSpaceDustSpaceExplorationtractor beamTractorBeamvideoWed, 02 Nov 2011 00:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: PhaserTape turns your smartphone into a rangefinder (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/insert-coin-phasertape-turns-your-smartphone-into-a-rangefinder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/insert-coin-phasertape-turns-your-smartphone-into-a-rangefinder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/insert-coin-phasertape-turns-your-smartphone-into-a-rangefinder/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

You've scoped that little laser dot on the cabinet at the far end of the room, right? Well, don't worry, you're not about to see an innocent stationery cupboard get perforated by a sniper. Nope, this episode of Insert Coin is actually about measuring distances using PhaserTape -- a peace-loving iOS- and Android-compatible peripheral that needs your help over at Makible. We think it could be a sweet little investment, and you only have to click past the break to discover why.

Continue reading Insert Coin: PhaserTape turns your smartphone into a rangefinder (video)

Insert Coin: PhaserTape turns your smartphone into a rangefinder (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectarchitecturedistanceDIYinsert coinInsertCoinlaserMakiblemeasurementPhaserTaperangefinderreal estatereal-estateRealEstaterealtorvideoWed, 26 Oct 2011 13:12:00 EST<![CDATA[This giant military spy blimp is really hard to miss]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/this-giant-military-spy-blimp-is-really-hard-to-miss/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/this-giant-military-spy-blimp-is-really-hard-to-miss/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/this-giant-military-spy-blimp-is-really-hard-to-miss/#comments
What's this spy blimp doing next to an 18-wheeler? We're not entirely sure, but it's certainly not being subtle about it. This jumbo-sized floater, codenamed "Blue Devil Block 2," measures some 370 feet in length and comprises a whopping 1.4 million cubic feet. Originally inflated in September, the definitely-not-blue Blue Devil took flight for the first time last week in North Carolina and, if all goes to plan, should head to Afghanistan by the middle of next year. The Air Force says the blimp will hover above the country for five days at a time, collecting surveillance data from 20,000 feet above the ground and transmitting its findings to US intelligence officers on the ground, via laser. When that's taken care of, it'll be used to make the biggest omelette ever.

This giant military spy blimp is really hard to miss originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>18-wheelerafghanistanAfghanistan warAfghanistanWarair forceAirForceblimpBlue Devil Block 2BlueDevilBlock2eggenormousespionagegianthugeintelligencelasermilitaryminipostspyspy blimpSpyBlimpsubtletysurveillanceUS Air ForceUsAirForcewarwar on terrorwargadgetWarOnTerrorMon, 10 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[RED CEO teases 4K 3D laser projector, bound for theaters and (millionaires') homes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/red-ceo-teases-4k-3d-laser-projector-bound-for-theaters-and-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/red-ceo-teases-4k-3d-laser-projector-bound-for-theaters-and-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/red-ceo-teases-4k-3d-laser-projector-bound-for-theaters-and-mi/#commentsWe all love RED -- the company puts out some of the best pro-quality digital video cameras on the market. But, what about the other side of that equation? All of that 4K footage is worthless without something to watch it on. CEO Jim Jannard, notorious for his ability to build hype and mystery, took to the REDUser Forums to tease some details about an upcoming 4K, 3D laser projection system that will be targeted at both homes (presumably well off ones) and theaters. Details about the projector are still scarce, but we do know it won't be using TI's 4K DLP chip, and that it will rely on passive 3D tech rather than active, which Jannard said "landed in the La Brea Tar Pits." The image is apparently so bright and clear that it left Stephen Pizzo, co-founder Element Technica, "speechless." We just have one question: when can we expect our review unit?

RED CEO teases 4K 3D laser projector, bound for theaters and (millionaires') homes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d projector3dProjector4k4k 3d4k 3d laser projector4k projector4k3d4k3dLaserProjector4kProjectorhdpostcrosslaserlaser projectorLaserProjectorlasersprojectorREDteaseThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[New bomb-sniffing laser could be used to locate IEDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/new-bomb-sniffing-laser-could-be-used-to-locate-ieds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/new-bomb-sniffing-laser-could-be-used-to-locate-ieds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/new-bomb-sniffing-laser-could-be-used-to-locate-ieds/#commentsWe've already seen lasers with the potential to spot explosives, and now a team of researchers is focusing its beams on roadside bomb detection. Chemistry professor Marcos Dantus of Michigan State University has led the production of a laser that has the "sensitivity and selectivity" to accurately identify improvised explosive devices. This particular bomb-sniffing laser emits short pulses that make molecules vibrate and longer pulses used to "listen" to the resulting "vibrational cords," these so-called cords are used to distinguish telltale molecules from the harmless sort. The research is being funded in part by the Department of Homeland Security. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading New bomb-sniffing laser could be used to locate IEDs

New bomb-sniffing laser could be used to locate IEDs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombbomb detectionBombDetectionbombsdetectionexplosiveexplosivesiedimprovised explosive deviceImprovisedExplosiveDevicelaserlasersMarcos DantusMarcosDantusMichigan State UniversityMichiganStateUniversityMSUwar gadgetWarGadgetMon, 19 Sep 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW developing laser headlights, officially over LEDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/bmw-developing-laser-headlights-officially-over-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/bmw-developing-laser-headlights-officially-over-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/bmw-developing-laser-headlights-officially-over-leds/#comments We know, our whip doesn't have LED headlights either, but that's not stopping BMW from pressing on with its laser powered successor. Purportedly ready "within a few years," the updated beams boast an intensity a thousand times greater than their forebearers, all while consuming less than half the power -- helping EV drivers eke out a little more range. With each laser diode one hundred times smaller than its LED counterpart, Bavaria reckons the tech will help it design and package future light fixtures that are more bodacious than those from its competition in Ingolstadt. There's no firm date for availability, but the company says the new lighting tech will debut on the production version of its i8 concept. Sounds great, so where do we sign up for our frickin' laser bimmer?

Continue reading BMW developing laser headlights, officially over LEDs

BMW developing laser headlights, officially over LEDs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoautomobileautomobilesautomotiveautosbmwbmw i8bmw project iBmwI8BmwProjectIcarcarsheadlightslaserlaser diodelaser headlightLaserDiodeLaserHeadlightlasersLEDLED headlightsLedHeadlightslightingTue, 06 Sep 2011 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Wicked Lasers' S3 Krypton laser is bright enough to blind astronauts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/wicked-lasers-s3-krypton-laser-is-bright-enough-to-blind-astron/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/wicked-lasers-s3-krypton-laser-is-bright-enough-to-blind-astron/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/wicked-lasers-s3-krypton-laser-is-bright-enough-to-blind-astron/#comments Wicked Lasers S3 Krypton If you ever plan to lead a PowerPoint presentation projected on giant white board orbiting the Earth (we'll leave the logistics of that one up to you) there's only one laser that will get the job done -- Wicked Lasers' S3 Krypton. The Guinness Record-pending laser produces about 86 million lux and can be seen from up to 85 miles away, well beyond the edge of our atmosphere. Of course, at roughly 8,000-times the brightness of the Sun, serious safety precautions are needed when operating the S3. Goggles are a must (and bundled with the handheld laser), while sensors and a microprocessor regulate current to keep the tube of aluminum from overheating in your hands. The top end model is available now for $1,000 but, if blinding astronauts isn't on your agenda, lower-powered versions can be had starting at $300. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Wicked Lasers' S3 Krypton laser is bright enough to blind astronauts (video)

Wicked Lasers' S3 Krypton laser is bright enough to blind astronauts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guinnessguinness book of world recordsGuinnessBookOfWorldRecordslaserlaser pointerlaser pointersLaserPointerLaserPointerslaserss3 kryptonS3Kryptonvideowicked laserswicked lasers s3 kryptonWickedLasersWickedLasersS3KryptonMon, 05 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Renewable energy supercharged our transit system this week as Inhabitat showcased Vycon's plans to tap speeding subway trains for immense amounts of kinetic energy, and we took a look at an innovative magnetic highway system that harvests energy from passing cars. Biofuels also got a boost from several unlikely sources as researchers discovered that bacteria in panda poop is incredibly efficient at breaking down plant matter, and scientists developed a way to recycle newspaper into biofuel. We also showcased a real-time energy monitoring device for kids, we learned that some radioactive areas around Fukushima are more dangerous than Chernobyl, and we took a look inside a subterranean atomic shelter that has been transformed into a cavernous underground office.

How do machines communicate with people? If you're pondering that idea, you'll be interested in this exclusive video interview with Museum of Modern Art curator Paola Antonelli on MoMA's new 'Talk to Me' technology exhibit which recently opened in New York City. We were also amazed by several artistic innovations this week as Wacom unveiled a pen that instantly digitizes anything you can draw and Sarah Garzoni created a beautiful series of printed paper butterflies.

In other news, we shined the spotlight on several brilliant advances in lighting technology as scientists successfully created rain by shooting laser beams into the sky and a designer unveiled a solar OLED tile system that can transform skyscrapers into zero-energy displays. We also brought you several bright ideas in wearable tech as Halston unveiled a glow-in-the-dark sequin gown, a ghostly troop of illuminated radiation suits wandered through the German countryside, and a Cornell student developed a type of clothing that traps toxic gases. Meanwhile the Hudson River lit up with a luminous field of 200 LEDs and Laser Power Systems unveiled plans for a nuclear powered car. Speaking of green transportation, we also spotted a high-tech E-Max motorcycle that converts pressure into power, and we watched Toyota's all-electric P001 racer become the first EV to break the Nurburgring's 8-minute speed record.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalanimalsbacteriacare-maxeco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVglowglow in the darkGlowInTheDarkgreeninhabitatInhabitats Week in GreenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlaserlaser beamsLaserBeamslightlightingmotorcycleoledp001pandaradiationsolarsolar powerSolarPowertoxictoyotaVyconSun, 04 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/griffin-announces-stylus-pen-laser-pointer-gives-up-on-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/griffin-announces-stylus-pen-laser-pointer-gives-up-on-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/griffin-announces-stylus-pen-laser-pointer-gives-up-on-cr/#comments
Multitasking business executives are going to love this. Whether you're taking notes on your tablet, pointing out graphs in a presentation or just signing reports, Griffin's new "Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer'' should have you covered. As the name implies, it's a three-in-one input device containing a red laser pointer, an "omni-directional" capacitive stylus and a refillable ball point pen. It certainly seems convenient, but with a $50 price tag you may want to think twice before ditching your Bic. Full PR past the break.

Continue reading Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names

Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscapacitivecapacitive stylusCapacitiveStylusGriffinGriffin Stylus Pen Laser PointerGriffin TechnologyGriffinStylusPenLaserPointerGriffinTechnologylaserLaser PointerLaserPointerminipostPenpointerpresentationstylusstylus pen laser pointerStylusPenLaserPointerSat, 03 Sep 2011 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi announces A2 electric concept car, uses lasers to ensure safety of future humans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/audi-announces-a2-electric-concept-car-uses-lasers-to-ensure-sa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/audi-announces-a2-electric-concept-car-uses-lasers-to-ensure-sa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/audi-announces-a2-electric-concept-car-uses-lasers-to-ensure-sa/#comments Lasers make everything better, including (but not limited to): microphones, kidneys and Audi's electric A2 concept. This newest flight of fancy uses a laser diode as the rear fog lamp, which projects a red triangle onto the road to let other drivers know you're there. The German car-maker has tricked out the rest of the EV's lighting system as well by implementing matrix beam technology using LEDs and microreflectors -- giving it high resolution, non-glaring beams and intelligent tail lights that change in intensity based on weather conditions. Claiming other state-of-the-art features like gesture controls instead of keys, and brake lights that glow brighter the harder you press, it sounds like this would be a pretty sweet ride -- if it ever makes it to market. No word on the other, insignificant details (ya know, like what actually powers the thing) but there's plenty more about the car's lighting system in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Audi announces A2 electric concept car, uses lasers to ensure safety of future humans

Audi announces A2 electric concept car, uses lasers to ensure safety of future humans originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a2audiaudi A2audi a2 conceptAudiA2AudiA2Conceptautoautomobilecarcarsconceptconcept carconcept carsConceptCarConceptCarsdynamic lightingDynamicLightingelectricelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurtMotorShowlaserlaser diodelaser diodesLaserDiodeLaserDiodeslasersLEDLEDsmatrix beamMatrixBeammicroreflectorsFri, 02 Sep 2011 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientist creating rain-making lasers, Weezy and Fat Joe await royalty checks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/scientist-creating-rain-making-lasers-weezy-and-fat-joe-await-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/scientist-creating-rain-making-lasers-weezy-and-fat-joe-await-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/scientist-creating-rain-making-lasers-weezy-and-fat-joe-await-r/#comments We've heard of "making it rain," but actually making it rain -- with lasers, no less -- now, that's something to write home about. A team of researchers at the University of Geneva is coming ever closer to creating real-deal downpours by shooting beams from their Teramobile mobile femtosecond-Terawatt laser system into the sky above the Rhone River. While logging nearly 133 hours between the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010, the team observed that the beams actually triggered the creation of nitric acid particles, which bound water molecules together creating water droplets. Those droplets proved too small and light to actually be categorized as rain, but the discovery has apparently spurred the scientists on. Previous efforts to make it rain, known as seeding, have used rockets and jets to shoot silver iodide and dry ice into the sky. No word yet on when the scientists expect to successfully "wash the spider out."

Scientist creating rain-making lasers, Weezy and Fat Joe await royalty checks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud seedingCloudSeedingJérôme KasparianJérômeKasparianlaserlasersmaking rainMakingRainphysicsrainrain cloudsrain laserrain making laserRainCloudsRainLaserRainMakingLaserscienceTeramobileTeramobile laserTeramobileLaserUniversity of GenevaUniversityOfGenevaweatherweather controlWeatherControlFri, 02 Sep 2011 01:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Nano-structured glass creates new type of computer memory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/nano-structured-glass-creates-new-type-of-computer-memory/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/nano-structured-glass-creates-new-type-of-computer-memory/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/nano-structured-glass-creates-new-type-of-computer-memory/#commentsWe've sure come a long way since frying ants with a magnifying glass. Researchers at the University of Southampton used nano-structures to create millimeter-sized "monolithic glass space-variant polarization converters," which ultimately changes the way light travels through and is stored in glass. These "whirlpools" of light data can be read like information stored in optical fibers -- allowing for "more precise laser material processing, optical manipulation of atom-sized objects, ultra-high resolution imaging and potentially, table-top particle accelerators." (Does that mean we all get one of these on our desks?) This new five dimensional approach is reusable, twenty times cheaper and more compact compared to old methods of microscopy using a spatial light modulator, making it a win-win. Check out the full PR after the fold.

[Thanks, Adam]

Continue reading Nano-structured glass creates new type of computer memory

Nano-structured glass creates new type of computer memory originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiber opticsFiberOpticsglasslaserlasersnanoglassopticaloptical vortex converterOpticalVortexConvertersciencespatial light modulatorspatial light modulatorsSpatialLightModulatorSpatialLightModulatorsUniversity of SouthamptonUniversityOfSouthamptonWed, 17 Aug 2011 00:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Elevator conference gets theoretical, says lift won't not happen in 150 years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/space-elevator-conference-gets-theoretical-says-lift-wont-not/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/space-elevator-conference-gets-theoretical-says-lift-wont-not/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/space-elevator-conference-gets-theoretical-says-lift-wont-not/#comments Space Elevator Conference gets theoretical, says it won't not happen for 150 years With the shuttle program being mothballed, we're going to need a new way to get off this rock. How about that old space ladder concept? You know, the one riddled with issues that nearly trump its ambitions. The idea has faced its share of technological walls: NASA's related Beam Power Challenge ended without a winner for years on end, and the project's Tether Challenge remains unconquered today. Not to mention that the week-long lift might expose you to deadly levels of radiation. Lucky for us, attendees of the annual Space Elevator Conference aren't ready to give up, and set to work last week brainstorming potential solutions. Could we replace the laser power system with solar panels? How strong are modern nanocarbons, and what issues do we need to be aware of to keep the carbon nanotube cables from breaking? Wouldn't it be cool if the next design featured six cars instead of just three? Although the outpouring of ideas flowed like water, the response to many of them seemed to be the same: we really need to look into that. Despite the seemingly insurmountable issues, researchers remain optimistic, "We try not to be narrow-minded and say it won't happen for 150 years," stated one NASA program manager. We'll just take the stairs, thanks.

Space Elevator conference gets theoretical, says lift won't not happen in 150 years originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laserlaser powerlasermotiveLaserPowernasaspace elevatorSpace Elevator Conferencespace tetherSpaceElevatorSpaceElevatorConferenceSpaceTetherusstMon, 15 Aug 2011 05:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Light Blue Optics touch interface pico projector passes through the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/light-blue-optics-touch-interface-pico-projector-passes-through/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/light-blue-optics-touch-interface-pico-projector-passes-through/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/light-blue-optics-touch-interface-pico-projector-passes-through/#comments Last time we saw Light Blue Optics' Light Touch, it was deep in the bowels of CES, where we got to play with its touch-sensitive projections. Well, the little laser pico projector has finally made its way from that dark trade show corner into the bright lights of the FCC. It still turns any flat area into a WVGA touchscreen using holographic laser projection (HLP) and infrared sensors, only now it's more finger friendly and supports multi-touch gestures. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a single mono speaker so you aren't surface computing in silence, and there are composite video and micro-USB ports for pulling content from other devices. Of course, the Light Touch still only projects a 10.1-inch image, so it won't be turning your wall into a touchscreen. But, it should do just fine turning a tray table, desk, or perhaps even the nearest person planking into one.

Light Blue Optics touch interface pico projector passes through the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobe flashAdobeFlashhlpholographicholographic laser projectionholographic projectorHolographicLaserProjectionHolographicProjectorinfraredlaserlaserslight blue opticslight touchLightBlueOpticsLightTouchpico projectorPicoProjectorprojectorwvgaTue, 09 Aug 2011 02:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Boeing and BAE partner to put a laser on a machine gun, make the world a better place]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/boeing-and-bae-partner-to-put-a-laser-on-a-machine-gun-make-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/boeing-and-bae-partner-to-put-a-laser-on-a-machine-gun-make-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/boeing-and-bae-partner-to-put-a-laser-on-a-machine-gun-make-the/#comments Automated, computer-targeting machine guns are okay in a pinch, but sometimes putting 180 25mm slugs down range every minute just isn't enough. Sometimes you need a little more energy, and that's when you strap a laser on the thing. Boeing and BAE are partnering up to take the existing Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System, which offers a 25mm M242 barrel, and pair it with Boeing's directed energy system. The resulting beautiful machine is called the Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System, offering the ability to fling both hot metal and even hotter photons against whatever targets would dare come in range. This integration is said to allow for these upgraded turrets to be easily installed and controlled on our naval vessels, vessels that are, for now, still stuck on the water. Apparently we're still a few years away from the Wave Motion Engine and FTL battleship travel.

Continue reading Boeing and BAE partner to put a laser on a machine gun, make the world a better place

Boeing and BAE partner to put a laser on a machine gun, make the world a better place originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baeboeingdirected energy systemDirectedEnergySystemlasermachine gunMachineGunMk 38 Mod 2Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser SystemMk38Mod2Mk38Mod2TacticalLaserSystemnaval vesselNavalVesselnavyturretu.s. navyU.s.NavyvideowargadgetWed, 27 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST