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[Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/researchers-use-viruss-rogue-traits-to-create-electricity-from/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/researchers-use-viruss-rogue-traits-to-create-electricity-from/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/researchers-use-viruss-rogue-traits-to-create-electricity-from/#comments berkeley-labs-piezoelectrics-from-virus

Viruses are the swarming bullies of biology, but it turns out their alarming self-replication could one day power your iPod. We've seen them in batteries before, but researchers at Berkeley Labs have now coated electrodes with modified M13 bacteriophage, a harmless bacteria-eating virus, to create the first ever organic piezoelectric material -- which can convert force to electricity. The team explained that such a substance would be non-toxic, organize naturally into thin layers and self-regenerate, giving it a possible advantage over chemical options. In theory, by attaching a thin film of it to your shoes, power could be generated when walking, lending volts to the myriad electronics we pack around nowadays. To see a finger-powered video demo of our frequent-enemies making themselves useful for a change, stroll on past the break.

Continue reading Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion

Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacteriophagebacteriophagesBerkeleyBerkeley LabsBerkeleyLabsBioElectricbioelectric technologyBioelectricTechnologyelectricityenergyforcegreengreen technologyGreenTechnologypiezopiezoelectricpowerpower generationPowerGenerationrenewable energyRenewableEnergyvirusTue, 15 May 2012 17:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Immersion HD Integrator hi-fi haptics]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/hands-on-with-immersion-hd-integrator-hi-fi-haptics/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/hands-on-with-immersion-hd-integrator-hi-fi-haptics/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/hands-on-with-immersion-hd-integrator-hi-fi-haptics/#comments Hands-on with Immersion HD Integrator hi-fi hapticsIt was just over a year ago when we met with the folks from Immersion, and they showed us a prototype handset packing its HD haptics technology. Since that time, the piezoelectric actuator that makes the tactile magic possible has gone into mass production, and the first commercial device packing such hi-fi haptics, the Pantech Element, hit store shelves. Immersion's got greater aspirations for its tactile tech, however, and its new HD Integrator platform aims to put high fidelity haptics in every handset. We got to sample the HD haptics goods once again and chat with Immersion about the new platform and its technology, so head on past the break to see what the company has in store.

Continue reading Hands-on with Immersion HD Integrator hi-fi haptics

Hands-on with Immersion HD Integrator hi-fi haptics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force feedbackForceFeedbackhands-onhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackhapticshd integratorHdIntegratorimmersionpiezopiezoelectrictactiletouchvideoThu, 23 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mogees uses contact microphone and gesture recognition to create music on any surface (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/mogees-creates-gesture-based-music/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/mogees-creates-gesture-based-music/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/mogees-creates-gesture-based-music/#comments The piezoelectric effect is an interesting phenomena. Capable of turning vibrations into electric signals, it's at the heart of the Mogees project from Bruno Zamborlin and Norbert Schnell. Here, a contact microphone is connected to a system that processes sound from unique gestures and then triggers the appropriate instrument in its database -- thereby turning virtually any surface into an experimental jam band. Different gestures may be added to Mogees, which can also recognize the difference between fingers and objects such as coins. The project isn't commercially available, but if you're unfamiliar with the magic of contact microphones, we think the video after the break will be a rather fascinating introduction. Hell, with a similar setup, anyone could be a budding musician. Just don't let it all go to your head if you make the big time.

Continue reading Mogees uses contact microphone and gesture recognition to create music on any surface (video)

Mogees uses contact microphone and gesture recognition to create music on any surface (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bruno ZamborlinBrunoZamborlincontact microphoneContactMicrophonegesturegesturesMogeesmusicmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentsNorbert SchnellNorbertSchnellpiezopiezoelectricsoundtouchvideoThu, 05 Jan 2012 23:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata Tactile Controller TV remote hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/murata-tactile-controller-tv-remote-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/murata-tactile-controller-tv-remote-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/murata-tactile-controller-tv-remote-hands-on-video/#comments What's that, you're not into changing the channel with that boring old remote, or even with your voice? Murata's ground-up Tactile Controller brings a real twist to every couch potato's favorite gadget. Quite literally. The company's prototype remote uses touch-pressure pads and pyroelectricity to analyze the position of a piezoelectric film. In English: a plastic film produces tiny amounts of electricity at various voltages (output as data) when it's forced into a variety of positions, letting you change the channel simply by twisting the controller in either direction, or flexing to adjust volume. The model we saw was a plastic sandwich of sorts, and also included four solar cells, capable of producing one milliwatt of electricity -- just enough to power the device.

We put the controller through its paces at the company's CEATEC booth, adjusting a TV's volume and channel up and down, and, well, up and down, since that's just about all you can do with the thing. The model we saw only supported five twist positions and four bending positions in each direction, so it could theoretically adjust those two basic settings more quickly based on how much pressure you put on the film, but realistically can't do much beyond that. The Tactile Controller on display here is more of a proof of concept of sorts -- with the concept being the plastic film technology itself, and not the battery-free remote control, which the company decided would be the most visual application for testing its new film, though not necessarily the most practical. Understandably, Murata doesn't have any plans to release the remote that we saw today, but you can jump past this to see us do the twist.

Gallery: Murata Tactile Controller hands-on

Continue reading Murata Tactile Controller TV remote hands-on (video)

Murata Tactile Controller TV remote hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceatecceatec 2011Ceatec2011chibachiba japanChibaJapanflexiblehands-onjapanLeaf Grip Remote ControllerLeafGripRemoteControllerMurataphotovoltaicpiezoelectricpiezoelectricitypiezoelectricsprototyperemote controlRemoteControlsolar powerSolarPowertelevisiontokyotokyo japanTokyoJapanvideoWed, 05 Oct 2011 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Piezoelectric system turns your balmy breath into pungent power]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/piezoelectric-system-converts-your-balmy-breath-to-pungent-power/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/piezoelectric-system-converts-your-balmy-breath-to-pungent-power/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/piezoelectric-system-converts-your-balmy-breath-to-pungent-power/#commentsResearchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have come up with a way to produce electricity from just about the most renewable source known to man -- his own breath. It's all thanks to a plastic microbelt developed by engineers Xudong Wang, Chengliang Sun and Jian Shi. Made of a material known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), this belt produces an electric charge whenever low-speed airflow passes over it and causes it to vibrate -- a result of that vaunted piezoelectric effect. Eventually, Wang and his team were able to tinker with their system to the point where it could produce enough current to charge small electronic devices. "The airflow of normal human respiration is typically below about two meters per second," Wang explained. "We calculated that if we could make this material thin enough, small vibrations could produce a microwatt of electrical energy that could be useful for sensors or other devices implanted in the face." The researchers say their technology could be used to power smaller biomedical devices like blood monitors and pacemaker batteries, which typically don't demand vast amounts of energy. No word yet on when this system could make its way to the mainstream, but we'll be waiting with bated breath.

Piezoelectric system turns your balmy breath into pungent power originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airflowbiomedicalbreathbreathingelectricityenergyengineeringglucose monitorGlucoseMonitorhealthhumanpacemakerpiezoelectricplastic microbeltPlasticMicrobeltpolyvinylidene fluoridePolyvinylideneFluoridepowerPVDFrenewableresearchrespirationuniversity of wisconsin-madisonUniversityOfWisconsin-madisonWed, 05 Oct 2011 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata wants to take couch potatoes by the hand and do the remote control twist]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/murata-wants-to-take-couch-potatoes-by-the-hand-and-do-the-remot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/murata-wants-to-take-couch-potatoes-by-the-hand-and-do-the-remot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/murata-wants-to-take-couch-potatoes-by-the-hand-and-do-the-remot/#comments We've seen Murata's marketing future, and it involves either Chubby Checker or that '90s Helen Hunt movie. The Japanese electronics maker's cooked up a flexible sensor device that'll let you twist and shout bend your way to remote television control. Dubbed the Leaf Grip Remote Controller, the prototype UI design makes use of a special pyroelectric effect-free piezoelectric film that translates twisting into channel changing, rapid twisting to swap video inputs, bending for volume control and rapid bending to power the set on / off. The company's also outfitted the non-clicker (which we'll henceforth refer to as "the Twister") with a photovoltaic cell, giving it the ability to charge -- from your man cave? Kinks in its planning aside, sample shipments are expected to be delivered sometime next spring. But, before they rush this product out to market, may we suggest the inclusion of a sports-induced rage-proof mode?

Murata wants to take couch potatoes by the hand and do the remote control twist originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flexibleLeaf Grip Remote ControllerLeafGripRemoteControllerMurataphotovoltaicpiezoelectricpiezoelectricsremote controlRemoteControlsolar powerSolarPowertelevisionSun, 25 Sep 2011 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Electrowetted insoles charge your strut, The Police stand by for music licensing deal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/27/electrowetted-insoles-charge-your-strut-the-police-stand-by-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/27/electrowetted-insoles-charge-your-strut-the-police-stand-by-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/27/electrowetted-insoles-charge-your-strut-the-police-stand-by-for/#comments Every move you make is another ten watts you waste. Which is why researchers at InStep NanoPower are working towards taking that spring in your step, and turning it into juice for your gadgets. Flipping the process of electrowetting on its head, whereby mechanical energy is converted into electricity via a microfluid transfer, the team was able to pound some pavement-generated milliwatts out of mercury and galinstan. The tech is far from a real world debut, with its practical, portable device-powering merits achievable only in theory. So, until this device manages to get off the ground, we're going to lump it in with past piezoelectric efforts, and call it like it is -- pics, or it didn't happen.

Electrowetted insoles charge your strut, The Police stand by for music licensing deal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricityelectrowettingfootwearInStep NanoPowerInstepNanopowernanopowerpiezoelectricSat, 27 Aug 2011 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/#comments
We're all intimately familiar with the backs of our hands, so why not use them as a haptic interface to control our gadgets? That's the idea behind the device pictured above -- a nifty little wrist sensor that turns your paw into a flesh-toned trackpad. Designed by Kei Nakatsuma, a PhD student at the University of Tokyo, this contraption employs infrared sensors to track a user's finger as it moves across the back of a hand. These movements are mirrored on a wristwatch-like display, thanks to seven IR detectors and a set of piezoelectric sensors, effectively turning any digit into an organic stylus or mouse. Nakatsuma, who unveiled his work at this week's SIGGRAPH, says his creation can't handle the more complicated, pinching or rotating gestures you could manipulate on most smartphone touchscreens and acknowledges that the screen can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. But the underlying technology could pave the way for similarly handy designs, while allowing users to interact with their gadgets without having to constantly glance at their screens, or go fishing in their pockets. Feel your way past the break to see a video of the device in action.

Continue reading Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video)

Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displayhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackhuman skinHumanSkininfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorinputinput deviceInputDeviceinterfacejapanpiezoelectricpinchingresearchscreensensorSIGGRAPHsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011skintouchtouch interfaceTouchInterfaceuniversity of tokyoUniversityOfTokyovideowristwristwatchFri, 12 Aug 2011 04:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patent application takes the hard keys out of the keyboard, promises a flat surface solution]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/apple-patent-application-takes-the-hard-keys-out-of-the-keyboard/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/apple-patent-application-takes-the-hard-keys-out-of-the-keyboard/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/apple-patent-application-takes-the-hard-keys-out-of-the-keyboard/#comments Apple's giving us a patent application peek into its post-PC future, and it looks like hard keys will be so 2008. The recently revealed filing shows off a virtual, flat keyboard concept for Cupertino's line of non-iOS products that flirts with metal, plastic and glass form factors. Using a combination of piezoelectrics, haptic feedback and acoustic pulse recognition, these prospective designs will be able to detect your finger-pounding surface input. If you're the fast-typing kind, you're probably wondering how your digits will recognize the keys sight unseen. Well, there's a few workarounds for that. In its metal and plastic iterations, Jobs and co. plan to stamp or micro-perforate the layout into place, while their glass counterpart would receive a graphical overlay. The application also promises an LED-lit display for hard to see conditions and the inclusion of capactive sensors to enable multi-touch functions, so you avoid e.e. cummings-style emails. Of course, applications aren't necessarily indicative of a surefire product, but those interested in tickling their imagination can give the source link a look.

Apple patent application takes the hard keys out of the keyboard, promises a flat surface solution originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acoustic pulse recognitionAcousticPulseRecognitionAppleCupertinofilingflat surface keyboardFlatSurfaceKeyboardhaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackiMackeyboardkeyboardsmacbook airmacbook proMacbookAirMacbookProOS X LionOsXLionpatent applicationpatent applicationsPatentApplicationPatentApplicationspiezoelectricpiezoelectricsSteve JobsSteveJobsvirtual keyboardVirtualKeyboardMon, 25 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Thin film coating makes everlasting energy a piezoelectric possibility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/thin-film-coating-makes-everlasting-energy-a-piezoelectric-possi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/thin-film-coating-makes-everlasting-energy-a-piezoelectric-possi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/thin-film-coating-makes-everlasting-energy-a-piezoelectric-possi/#comments Let's be honest, it's no big secret that we're running out of dead dinosaurs to fuel our lives. And with recent natural catastrophes proving atomic energy isn't what you'd call 'safe,' it's a good thing the researchers down at the RMIT University in Melbourne have been hard at work figuring out how to turn you into a self-sustained energy source. Marrying piezoelectrics with a thin film microchip coating, those scientists Down Under have for the first time identified just how much energy your pressure can generate. This is certainly not the first time the tech has been put to use -- Orange UK's been doing something similar, albeit bulkier, for the Glastonbury fest each year. What are some practical uses, you ask? Imagine a gym powered by a sea of workout-hamsters, each producing significant energy from the soles of their feet. Curious for more? Try a pacemaker that runs solely on blood pressure, or a laptop charged by banging out Facebook updates. Who knows, maybe even RIM can put this to use in its next Storm. Just sayin'.

[Image courtesy Alberto Villarreal]

Thin film coating makes everlasting energy a piezoelectric possibility originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyalternative fuelAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelelectricityenergynanotechnanotechnologypiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowerresearchthin filmthin film coatthin film coatingthinfilmThinFilmCoatThinFilmCoatinguniversityWed, 22 Jun 2011 02:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange Sound Charge T-shirt will juice up your phone while you listen to the bass go boom]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/orange-sound-charge-t-shirt-will-juice-up-your-phone-while-you-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/orange-sound-charge-t-shirt-will-juice-up-your-phone-while-you-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/orange-sound-charge-t-shirt-will-juice-up-your-phone-while-you-l/#comments Orange UK has a long-running tradition of coming up with quirky ways to recharge your phone while enjoying the Glastonbury Festival every year, and 2011 is proving no different. This time around, it's a T-shirt that generates an electric charge from the sound around it -- rendering it ideal for front-row crowd-surfing types -- though the provided tech details go no further than to tell us that piezoelectrics and the absorption of vibration are involved. We find ourselves overcome by the suspicion that you'll never be able to get much meaningful utility out of this rather unstylish garment, but then it does give you a plausible excuse for pushing your way nearer to the stage, and if anyone objects, you can consider it a great conversation starter. So whatever happens, you win, fashion loses.

Orange Sound Charge T-shirt will juice up your phone while you listen to the bass go boom originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingglastonburyorangeorange ukOrangeUkpiezopiezoelectricprototyperechargerechargingsoundsound chargeSoundCharget-shirtukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvibrationMon, 20 Jun 2011 04:39:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA makes longer, straighter piezoelectric nanowires in microgravity, no flat iron needed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/nasa-makes-longer-straighter-piezoelectric-nanowires-in-microgr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/nasa-makes-longer-straighter-piezoelectric-nanowires-in-microgr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/nasa-makes-longer-straighter-piezoelectric-nanowires-in-microgr/#comments Piezoelectric nanowires are the stuff that make power-generating pants a possibility, and that prodigious potential has drawn the attention of NASA. You see, self-powered spacesuits are awfully attractive to our nation's space agency, and a few of its finest student researchers have discovered that the current-creating strands of zinc oxide can be made longer and straighter -- and therefore more powerful -- when freed from gravity's unrelenting pull. That means nanowires grown in microgravity could lead to higher capacity batteries and the aforementioned juice-generating interstellar garb. Of course, there's no such end-products yet, but let's see if NASA can do what others have not: give pants-power to the people.

NASA makes longer, straighter piezoelectric nanowires in microgravity, no flat iron needed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronautelectricitygeneratormicrogravitymovementnanogeneratornanotechnologynanowirenanowiresnasapiezopiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowerresearchsciencespacespacesuitzinczinc oxideZincOxideWed, 06 Apr 2011 01:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanogenerators produce electricity by squeezing your fingers together, while you dance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/nanogenerators-produce-electricity-by-squeezing-your-fingers-tog/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/nanogenerators-produce-electricity-by-squeezing-your-fingers-tog/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/nanogenerators-produce-electricity-by-squeezing-your-fingers-tog/#comments It's been a while since we last heard about nanogenerators -- you know, those insanely tiny fibers that could potentially be woven into your hoodie to juice up your smartphone. Dr. Zhong Lin Wang of the Georgia Institute of Technology has reported that he and his team of Einsteins constructed nanogenerators with enough energy to potentially power LCDs, LEDs and laser diodes by moving your various limbs. These micro-powerhouses -- strands of piezoelectric zinc oxide, 1 / 500 the width of a single hair strand -- can generate electrical charges when flexed or strained. Wang and his team of researchers shoved a collection of their nanogenerators into a chip 1 / 4 the size of a stamp, stacked five of them on top of one another and can pinch the stack between their fingers to generate the output of two standard AA batteries -- around 3 volts. Although it's not much, we're super excited at this point in development -- imagine how convenient to charge your phone in your pocket sans the bulky battery add-ons. And that's only one application of this technology. Yea, we know.

Continue reading Nanogenerators produce electricity by squeezing your fingers together, while you dance

Nanogenerators produce electricity by squeezing your fingers together, while you dance originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargeDr zhong lin wangDrZhongLinWangelectricelectricityfibergenerategeneratorgeorgia institute of technologyGeorgiaInstituteOfTechnologyLCDLEDmovementnanonanogeneratornanotechnologyoxidepiezoelectricpowerwangwirezhong lin wangZhongLinWangzinczinc oxideZincOxideThu, 31 Mar 2011 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[SmartQ announces Ten, an Android tablet packing IPS display with piezoelectric touchscreen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/smartq-announces-ten-an-android-tablet-packing-ips-display-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/smartq-announces-ten-an-android-tablet-packing-ips-display-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/smartq-announces-ten-an-android-tablet-packing-ips-display-with/#comments OK, before y'all haters state the obvious in the comments below, there's actually something noteworthy about this familiar-looking Chinese slate. What we have here is the SmartQ Ten (or T10, as referenced above), a forthcoming Froyo tablet that'll feature a juicy Cortex-A9 chip plus a Mali 400 GPU, as well as 512MB RAM and a 9.7-inch 1024 x 768 IPS display. This wouldn't be the first Android device to get the IPS goodness, though, as its predecessor R10 -- launched with Android 2.1 and a 720MHz processor back in December -- also has the same LCD panel within a seemingly identical form factor. In fact, we stumbled upon an R10 earlier today, and the prettiness of the screen did surprise us.

But what really sells the Ten is its piezoelectric touchscreen, which supports multitouch input even with non-conductive objects like the old school styli. This means said tablet can achieve light transmittance similar to its capacitive touchscreen counterparts but using cheaper parts, as well as having point-input precision similar to those with resistive touchscreens but with better screen clarity. Alas, no date or price has been announced for the Ten just yet, nor do we know if it'll get Honeycomb in the future, but price it right and it might still get some love.

SmartQ announces Ten, an Android tablet packing IPS display with piezoelectric touchscreen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2chinacortex a9cortex-a9CortexA9froyoipsMali 400Mali400piezoelectricpiezoelectric touchscreenPiezoelectricTouchscreensmartqsmartq t10smartq tenSmartqT10SmartqTent10tablettentouchscreenMon, 14 Feb 2011 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Immersion's MOTIV development platform integrates haptics into Android, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/10/immersions-motiv-development-platform-integrates-haptics-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/10/immersions-motiv-development-platform-integrates-haptics-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/10/immersions-motiv-development-platform-integrates-haptics-into-a/#comments You may know that Immersion's haptic technology is in everything from surgical simulators to game controllers, but we're willing to bet you didn't know it's already baked into over 200 million existing devices -- including every Samsung Galaxy S smartphone and handsets by Nokia and LG. Now, using Android handsets' existing vibrator motors, a cheap software upgrade can inject force feedback into existing elements across the entire Android UI (2.2 and up), and with future devices -- built with multi-dollar piezoelectric actuators that vibrate the screen itself -- the haptic experience goes hi-fi. Now that it's revealed that little easter egg to the world, Immersion wants you to build some apps, and to that end it's releasing the MOTIV developer platform this March. Read all about it after the break.

Gallery: Immersion's piezoelectric haptic reference handset, hands-on

Continue reading Immersion's MOTIV development platform integrates haptics into Android, we go hands-on

Immersion's MOTIV development platform integrates haptics into Android, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfeedbackforce feedbackForceFeedbackgooglehands-onhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackHapticsimmersionpiezopiezo-actuatorpiezoelectrictactiletouchThu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Feline-powered humidifier pales in comparison to Alice B. Toklas' catnip brownies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/feline-powered-humidifier-pales-in-comparison-to-alice-b-toklas/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/feline-powered-humidifier-pales-in-comparison-to-alice-b-toklas/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/feline-powered-humidifier-pales-in-comparison-to-alice-b-toklas/#comments
We know what you're thinking -- how can you combine the awesome power of electrical generation with the subtle charms of your housecat? The Wool Ball hybrid humidifier, designed by a certain Yuan Gu for the Chinese firm Yadu, gets its power from the playful swipes of your pet -- or from a wall socket, if your tabby is as lazy as ours. There's no telling when this one will make it to market, but sometimes gadgets are better in the abstract anyways.

Feline-powered humidifier pales in comparison to Alice B. Toklas' catnip brownies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catcat powercat poweredCatPowerCatPoweredchinadesignfelinehousecathumidifierhybridpiezoelectricwool ballWoolBallyaduYuan GuYuanGuThu, 16 Sep 2010 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[UK defense firm pumps data through solid submarine walls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/uk-defense-firm-pumps-data-through-solid-submarine-walls/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/uk-defense-firm-pumps-data-through-solid-submarine-walls/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/uk-defense-firm-pumps-data-through-solid-submarine-walls/#comments Wireless power may still be on the drawing board, but wireless data is here today, and a UK defense contractor has figured out a way to pipe the latter through several inches of steel. Using a pair of piezoelectric transducers on either side of a watertight submarine compartment, BAE's "Through Hull Data Link" sends and receives an acoustic wave capable of 15MHz data rates, enough to transmit video by essentially hammering ever-so-slightly on the walls. BAE impressed submarine commanders by streaming Das Boot right through their three-inch hulls, and while metadrama is obviously the killer app here, the company claims it will also save millions by replacing the worrisome wiring that's physically routed via holes in a submarine's frame. See the company's full US patent application at our more coverage link.

UK defense firm pumps data through solid submarine walls originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acousticacousticsBAEBAE systemsBaeSystemscommunicationcommunicationsDas BootDasBootdatadefensehullJohn BagshawJohnBagshawmilitarypatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationpatentspiezoelectricpiezoelectricssubmarinesubmarinesthrough data hull linkThroughDataHullLinkwargadgetwirelessWed, 21 Jul 2010 22:51:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT's piezoelectric fibers can act as speaker or microphone, don't mind auto-tune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/mits-piezoelectric-fibers-can-act-as-speaker-or-microphone-don/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/mits-piezoelectric-fibers-can-act-as-speaker-or-microphone-don/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/mits-piezoelectric-fibers-can-act-as-speaker-or-microphone-don/#comments Piezoelectric materials work quite simply, in theory -- motion in, electricity out, or vice versa -- and since that's just how speakers and microphones transmit their sound, it's not much of a stretch to imagine someone would figure out audio on a micron scale. That someone is MIT's Yoel Fink, who's reportedly engineered a marvelous process for producing fibers that can detect and emit sound. Following up their famous work on flexible cameras, Fink's team discovered they could keep piezoelectric strands rigid enough to produce audible vibrations by inserting graphite, AKA pencil lead. Better yet, the lab process can apparently make the threads on a fairly large scale, "yielding tens of metres of piezoelectric fibre" at a single draw. The potential for fabric made from such fibers is fantastic, of course -- especially combined with this particular scientist's previous research into camera cloth.

MIT's piezoelectric fibers can act as speaker or microphone, don't mind auto-tune originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audible fiberaudible fibreAudibleFiberAudibleFibreaudiofiberfibreflexiblegraphiteMITpiezopiezoelectricpiezoelectricsPZTsoundYoel FinkYoelFinkTue, 13 Jul 2010 07:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata's paper-thin waterproof speaker perfect for phones, pool parties]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/muratas-paper-thin-waterproof-speaker-perfect-for-phones-pool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/muratas-paper-thin-waterproof-speaker-perfect-for-phones-pool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/muratas-paper-thin-waterproof-speaker-perfect-for-phones-pool/#comments Waterproof phones are few and far between stateside, but in Japan, they're pretty common -- and hey, who wouldn't like to be able to safely take that two-hour conference call from the comfort of your bubble bath? To that end, Murata is touting its new ultra-thin piezoelectric speaker that clocks in at just 0.9mm thick while maintaining IPX7 compliance for water resistance. It's said that waterproof phones are traditionally made by covering speaker holes with a film, compromising sound quality -- but with Murata's design, no film is necessary, offering you that symphony hall-style audio you so desperately need from sixteen inches under the surface of your swirling hot tub. Party on!

Murata's paper-thin waterproof speaker perfect for phones, pool parties originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmuratapiezoelectricspeakerwaterproofThu, 10 Jun 2010 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony prototypes pressure-sensitive tactile touchscreen, hopes to use it ASAP]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/sony-prototypes-pressure-sensitive-tactile-touchscreen-hopes-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/sony-prototypes-pressure-sensitive-tactile-touchscreen-hopes-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/sony-prototypes-pressure-sensitive-tactile-touchscreen-hopes-to/#comments Sony may come up with some far-out ideas, but the company insists this one's a bit closer to home: it's a LCD touchscreen with force sensing resistors and piezoelectric actuators that can detect how much pressure is applied and vibrate the panel respectively. Tech-On was rocking the scene at Open House 2010, and reports that the Cover Flow-like interface shuffled icons faster the harder a demonstrator pressed down, an interesting UI quirk in and of itself. Though the publication sadly didn't get to test out the tactile feedback for themselves, Sony said commercialization might not be too far off -- when asked about that telling Sony Ericsson logo, the company asserted that it'd like to see the tech in mobile phones "as soon as possible." We'd love to hold them to that, but unfortunately the applied pressure mechanic is just a prototype at this point.

Sony prototypes pressure-sensitive tactile touchscreen, hopes to use it ASAP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actuatorforce feedbackforce sensingforce sensing resistorsForceFeedbackForceSensingForceSensingResistorsOpen House 2010OpenHouse2010piezoelectricpressure sensitivePressureSensitivesensorSonySony Computer Science LaboratoriesSony CSLSony EricssonSonyComputerScienceLaboratoriesSonyCslSonyEricssontactiletactile feedbackTactileFeedbacktouchscreenWed, 09 Jun 2010 01:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: wind power, shoe power, and the world's largest laser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-power-shoe-power-and-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-power-shoe-power-and-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/inhabitats-week-in-green-wind-power-shoe-power-and-the-world/#commentsThe Week in Green is a new item from our friends at Inhabitat, recapping the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us.
This week Inhabitat showcased several smart new technologies that harness clean green energy from unexpected (and undeniably awesome) sources. Volcanoes may be the bane of air travel as of late, but Indonesia has hatched a plan to harness their geothermal might to produce 4,000 megawatts of power. Meanwhile The Netherlands is turning the tide on hydroelectric power by upgrading their dikes with energy generating underwater turbines.

In other news, harnessing energy from stars may seem like an out-of-this-world proposition, but that's precisely what scientists are attempting to achieve as they fire up the world's largest laser in an attempt to grasp the holy grail of energy: nuclear fusion. And speaking of out-of-this-world developments, this week Japan announced plans to launch its solar "Ikaros" spacecraft, which will sail through the stars using rays of light.

While keeping stride with these developments we also looked at several innovative technologies that stand to shape the future of consumer tech. Looking to put some punch in your step? Then try these energy generating piezoelectric shoes on for size. We also brought an eye-opening new night vision technology to light that is so thin, lightweight, and cheap that it can integrated directly into eyeglasses, car windows, and cell phone cameras. Even our canine friends are getting high-tech upgrades -- check out this geo-tagging rescue dog jacket that can be used by people in peril to transmit emergency messages.

Finally, this weekend marks the start of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, which we're celebrating by showcasing the top six futuristic pavilions that harness high-tech green building strategies. But if you only check out one, make it the amazing interactive Dream Cube, which is made from recycled CD cases and features a stunning LED-laden facade that changes color with a wave of the hand.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: wind power, shoe power, and the world's largest laser originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dog jacketDogJacketdogsdream cubeDreamCubegeothermalgeothermal energygeothermal powerGeothermalEnergyGeothermalPowerikarosinhabitatlasernight visionNightVisionpiezoelectricpiezoelectric shoesPiezoelectricShoessolar powerSolarPowerweek in greenWeekInGreenwigwind powerWindPowerSun, 02 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia wants patent on self-regenerating phone batteries, piezoelectrics and much magic involved]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/nokia-wants-patent-on-self-regenerating-phone-batteries-piezoel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/nokia-wants-patent-on-self-regenerating-phone-batteries-piezoel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/nokia-wants-patent-on-self-regenerating-phone-batteries-piezoel/#comments In Nokia's own words, what we're looking at is a "piezoelectric kinetic energy harvester." Working along the same principles as kinetic wristwatches have done for a long time already, Nokia's idea is to capture the energy generated by the phone's movements and to refashion it into beautiful, clean-as-a-whistle electric power. By allowing the heavier internal components to move on rails within the phone as part of a "force-transferring assembly," the Espoo think tank has figured out a way to capitalize on all the small forces of acceleration and rotation that we subject our phones to on a daily basis. It would seem overly ambitious to expect this to replace the trusty old charger, but we give credit to Nokia for even thinking about it. Check out some schematics of how this would work after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Nokia wants patent on self-regenerating phone batteries, piezoelectrics and much magic involved

Nokia wants patent on self-regenerating phone batteries, piezoelectrics and much magic involved originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationbatteryhandsetkinetic chargingkinetic energykinetic energy harvesterKineticChargingKineticEnergyKineticEnergyHarvesterlegalmobile phonenokiapatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationphone batteryPhoneBatterypiezoelectricpiezoelectricsrechargeablerechargingself-rechargingMon, 08 Mar 2010 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists to bring piezoelectrics and rubber together to form flexible, wearable energy harvester]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/scientists-to-bring-piezoelectrics-and-rubber-together-to-form-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/scientists-to-bring-piezoelectrics-and-rubber-together-to-form-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/scientists-to-bring-piezoelectrics-and-rubber-together-to-form-f/#comments Piezoelectrics are nothing new -- though most applications, they've proven to be far more theoretically useful than practical. Still, the technology is starting to move in a direction that could prove more applicable to everyday situations -- and a new piezo material recently developed could really get the ball moving. Called PZT, it's made of nano-sized fibers of lead zirconate titanate, which are applied to thin (and we mean thin) ribbons of flexible silicone rubber. The material is super efficient, and has the ability to convert mechanical energy into electricity at a rate of about 80 percent, and, because it's made of flexible rubber, it would be well-suited to converting electricity from the energy of body movements, meaning all sorts of wearable fun may be imminent. There's no word on any practical application of this yet -- so we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled for you.

Scientists to bring piezoelectrics and rubber together to form flexible, wearable energy harvester originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodyelectricelectricityenergymovementpiezopiezoelectricpiezoelectricsPZTresearchsciencewearableTue, 02 Mar 2010 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cal researchers create 'energy-scavenging nanofibers,' look to energize your next A&F sweater]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/cal-researchers-create-energy-scavenging-nanofibers-look-to-e/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/cal-researchers-create-energy-scavenging-nanofibers-look-to-e/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/cal-researchers-create-energy-scavenging-nanofibers-look-to-e/#commentsWe've seen the magic of piezoelectrics before, but if a team of Cal Bears can really deliver, their spin on things will actually make a difference in the retail realm. Engineers at the University of California, Berkeley have concocted so-called "energy-scavenging nanofibers," which could one day be "woven into clothing and textiles" in order to convert into electricity the energy created through mechanical stress, stretches and twists. If everything works out, these movement-lovin' clothes could theoretically power your phone and / or PMP as you walk, and for those concerned with cost, we're told that the organic polyvinylidene fluoride materials use to make the nanofibers are easy and cheap to manufacture. Too bad there's no direct confirmation that PVDFs are machine washable, but hey, that's why you've got the local dry cleaners on speed dial.

Cal researchers create 'energy-scavenging nanofibers,' look to energize your next A&F sweater originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clothesclothingelectricelectric clothingElectricClothingelectricityenergyfibergarbinventionnano technano technologynanogeneratornanogeneratorsNanoTechNanoTechnologypiezoelectricpowerpower suitPowerSuitresearchscienceuniversityTue, 16 Feb 2010 08:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Conceptual Corky mouse gets charged through motion, doubles as a wine stopper]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/conceptual-corky-mouse-gets-charged-through-motion-doubles-as-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/conceptual-corky-mouse-gets-charged-through-motion-doubles-as-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/conceptual-corky-mouse-gets-charged-through-motion-doubles-as-a/#comments It's still in concept form at the moment, but America's own Adele Peters just might have a winner with Corky. This obviously cork-based mouse relies on "piezoelectric elements to generate energy every time you click or move it around on your desk," meaning that nary a battery would ever be used to power it. In case that's not sustainable enough for you, the whole thing is made from easily recyclable materials, so it shouldn't mar Ma Earth when it gets tossed at the end of its useful life. Too bad that design has been trumped forty times over by more ergonomic options, but hey, there's always v2.0.

Conceptual Corky mouse gets charged through motion, doubles as a wine stopper originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adele PetersAdelePetersconceptcorkcorky mouseCorkyMousedesignenergygreenGreener GadgetsGreenerGadgetskinetic energyKineticEnergymousemousingpiezoelectricwoodTue, 09 Feb 2010 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: turbines, rubber circuits, and cola-powered cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/inhabitats-week-in-green-turbines-rubber-circuits-and-cola-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/inhabitats-week-in-green-turbines-rubber-circuits-and-cola-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/inhabitats-week-in-green-turbines-rubber-circuits-and-cola-p/#commentsWe're happy to introduce The Week in Green, a new item from our friends at Inhabitat. Each week they'll recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us. Welcome!

Sure, the iPad happened this week, but we also caught sight of several hot green gadgets and clean tech innovations this week that stand to shape the future of green consumer technology.

First off, design star Philippe Starck brought haute design to clean tech with two novel designs for home wind turbines. Starck's high-profile products have made him a household name, so we're interested to see if his latest creations kick off a trend towards "designer" wind power.

We were also impressed by researchers at Princeton University who recently found a way to integrate piezoelectric chips into flexible, durable rubber-based circuits. We've seen piezo power sources before, but applications for the new chips are sure to put bounce in your step: energy generating shoes, movement-powered microsurgical devices, and self-charging pacemakers are right around the corner.

Interest in green transportation is building as Florida rides high on the government's recently announced grants for high speed rail -- the sunshine state is set to blaze a trail with $1.25 billion in funding. And for those with a soda habit, Takara Tomy's cola-powered RC car is one sweet ride. The biobattery-powered car can convert any sugary liquid to energy, so pour in some Jolt and you're good to go.

Finally, love it or hate it -- the launch of Apple's iPad has dominated the newswires all week. While we appreciate the device's toxin-free, recyclable construction and impressive battery life, we have to ask: is it really green?

Inhabitat's Week in Green: turbines, rubber circuits, and cola-powered cars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecarcolacola-powered carCola-poweredCarhigh speed railHighSpeedRailinhabitatipadphilippe starckPhilippeStarckpiezopiezoelectricrc carRcCartakara tomyTakaraTomyturbineweek in greenWeekInGreenwigwind turbineswindmillWindTurbinesSun, 31 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers develop tiny, autonomous piezoelectric energy harvester]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/02/researchers-develop-tiny-autonomous-piezoelectric-energy-harves/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/02/researchers-develop-tiny-autonomous-piezoelectric-energy-harves/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/02/researchers-develop-tiny-autonomous-piezoelectric-energy-harves/#commentsFolks have long been using piezoelectric devices to harvest energy in everything from dance floors to parking lots, but a group of European researchers have now shown off some novel uses for the technology at the recent International Electron Devices Meeting that could see even more of the self-sufficient devices put to use. Their big breakthrough is that they've managed to shrink a piezoelectric device down to "micromachine" size, which was apparently possible in part as a result of using aluminum nitride instead of lead zirconate titanate as the piezoelectric material, thereby making the devices easier to manufacture. Their first such device is a wireless temperature sensor, which is not only extremely tiny, but is able to function autonomously by harvesting energy from vibrations and transmit temperature information to a base station at 15 second intervals. Of course, the researchers say that is just the beginning, and they see similar devices eventually being used in everything from tire-pressure monitoring systems to predictive maintenance of any moving or rotating machine parts.

Researchers develop tiny, autonomous piezoelectric energy harvester originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energy harvesterenergy harvestingEnergyHarvesterEnergyHarvestingIEDMIMECpiezoelectricpiezoelectric energy harvesterPiezoelectricEnergyHarvesterself sufficiencyself sufficientSelfSufficiencySelfSufficientsensortemperature sensorTemperatureSensorTNOSat, 02 Jan 2010 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola invests in Anywhere Multitouch technology]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/motorola-invests-in-anywhere-multitouch-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/motorola-invests-in-anywhere-multitouch-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/motorola-invests-in-anywhere-multitouch-technology/#comments It's been awhile since we heard anything from Sensitive Objects, the French firm that developed Anywhere Multitouch, the platform that uses piezoelectric sensors to extend touch sensitivity beyond the display to the entire device. Well, we thought it was a pretty sweet idea -- and apparently Motorola did as well. According some spicy and exotic PR, Moto's investing some of its hard-earned cash in the company, which began as a project by the French Science National Research Center. As Reese Schroeder, managing director of Motorola Ventures, put it: "Natural user interface (NUI) and in particular interacting with a device through touch is an area of rapid development and great excitement. Sensitive Object provides an innovative and unique approach allowing new ways of interaction. We're most excited to be involved in their growth and success." One has to wonder what kind of new and innovative handset interfaces are coming around the bend -- and one has to wonder what kind of havoc it will cause when you put one of these "anywhere multitouch" phones in your pocket without locking it first. Luckily, the technology is said to be cheaper to implement than the other touchscreen solutions currently available -- so if these guys get their way, we might be accidentally calling our ex-girlfriends with the whole device very soon indeed. PR after the break.

Continue reading Motorola invests in Anywhere Multitouch technology

Motorola invests in Anywhere Multitouch technology originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d touch3dTouchAnywhere MultiTouchAnywhereMultitouchdisruptive multitouchDisruptiveMultitouchinvestmentmotorolamultitouchpiezoelectricresearchreversyssensitive objectsSensitive Objects Anywhere MultiTouchSensitiveObjectsSensitiveObjectsAnywhereMultitouchtouchscreenThu, 03 Dec 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Skin body armor gains piezoelectric sensors, keeps bullet-stopping abilities]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/dragon-skin-body-armor-gains-piezoelectric-sensors-keeps-bullet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/dragon-skin-body-armor-gains-piezoelectric-sensors-keeps-bullet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/dragon-skin-body-armor-gains-piezoelectric-sensors-keeps-bullet/#comments This Dragon Skin armor has been knocking about since 2007, but now that piezoelectrics and intelligence have been thrown into the mix we couldn't stop ourselves from taking a peek at it. The armor's strength is derived from a reptilian arrangement of overlapping ceramic and titanium composite discs, which simultaneously block incoming rounds and dissipate the impact to a wider area. What's interesting about the new design is the two piezoelectric sensors attached to each end -- one of them transfers a low voltage of power through the armor in the form of vibration, which the other picks up, and the reported energy loss is interpreted as armor degradation. Gnarlier still is the ability of these sensors to generate electricity from bullet impacts, which can then themselves give you an indication of what sort of bullet hit you. Capable of being applied to soldiers and vehicles alike, this could make the real act of soldiering a whole lot more like a video game (minus the whole "infinite respawn" thing), with HUDs showing you how much "shield" you have left. You can see an old(ish) video of the original armor after the break.

Continue reading Dragon Skin body armor gains piezoelectric sensors, keeps bullet-stopping abilities

Dragon Skin body armor gains piezoelectric sensors, keeps bullet-stopping abilities originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorarmy tank automotive researchArmyTankAutomotiveResearchbody armorBodyArmorbulletsdragon skinDragonSkinpiezoelectricpiezoelectricsprotectionsensorsensorsshieldsmart armorSmartArmortardecwarweaponsWed, 25 Nov 2009 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA['Secret Knock' Door Lock defends home from rhythmically-impaired perps (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/secret-knock-door-lock-defends-home-from-rhythmically-impaired/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/secret-knock-door-lock-defends-home-from-rhythmically-impaired/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/secret-knock-door-lock-defends-home-from-rhythmically-impaired/#comments
The Arduino board has been the engine of many wild and wacky projects over the years, from bakery tweeting to various musical instruments. For its next trick, our man Steve Hoefer has taken his microcontroller and, along with a piezoelectric speaker, a gear reduction motor, and some PVC pipe, programmed it to listen for a preset sequence of knocks -- a secret knock, if you will -- and unlock the deadbolt upon hearing the right combination. Although this might not be the security system you want to put in place for your home, this definitely looks like a fun weekend project. Check out the read link for instructions and schematics, but not before you see the video of the thing in action. It's after the break.

Continue reading 'Secret Knock' Door Lock defends home from rhythmically-impaired perps (video)

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'Secret Knock' Door Lock defends home from rhythmically-impaired perps (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinodiyhow toHowToinstructionspiezoelectricprojectsteve hoeferSteveHoeferWed, 04 Nov 2009 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Pavegen taps pedestrians for power in East London (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/pavegen-taps-pedestrians-for-power-in-east-london-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/pavegen-taps-pedestrians-for-power-in-east-london-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/pavegen-taps-pedestrians-for-power-in-east-london-video/#comments
When we were kids, we assumed that in the future everything would be powered by tiny nuclear fusion reactors: automobiles, toothbrushes, time machines (apparently we read a lot of sci-fi from the 1950s). The truth, as usual, is more mundane than all that: some of the more promising advances we've seen in green energy has been kinetic, taking the movement of automobiles or the tides and converting it into electricity. Pavegen, for example, can be set in public walkways to generate as much as 2.1 watts of electricity per hour from the footsteps of grizzled pedestrians. Using marine grade stainless steel and recycled materials, just five of these bad boys distributed over a well-worn sidewalk should be able to generate enough energy to keep a bus stop going all night. If not put into nearby lighting, the units are equipped with lithium polymer batteries for storage. Currently being tested in East London, look for them throughout the UK in 2010. Video after the break.

[Via Inhabitat]

Continue reading Pavegen taps pedestrians for power in East London (video)

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Pavegen taps pedestrians for power in East London (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-friendlyelectricityenergygreenkinetic energykinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecoverySystempavegenpiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowersidewalkUKThu, 29 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Emo Labs' invisible speakers visibly demonstrated]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/video-emo-labs-invisible-speakers-visibly-demonstrated/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/video-emo-labs-invisible-speakers-visibly-demonstrated/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/video-emo-labs-invisible-speakers-visibly-demonstrated/#comments Emo Labs is out on a crusade to unify audio and video into one cohesive, delectable whole. If you'll recall, the company's Edge Motion invisible speaker tech relies on implanting a clear membrane atop display panels, which is then vibrated by piezoelectric actuators to generate stereo audio. We've grabbed a couple of vids of it in action to whet your appetite, and while there's still no word on when, plans are afoot to embed the technology into LCDs, laptops, mobiles and even handheld gaming devices. Dance past the break to hear, and maybe even see, for yourself.

[Via eCoustics]

Continue reading Video: Emo Labs' invisible speakers visibly demonstrated

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Video: Emo Labs' invisible speakers visibly demonstrated originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodemofalldemofall09Edge MotionEdgeMotionemoemo labsEmoLabsinvisibleinvisible speakersInvisibleSpeakersloudspeakermusicpiezoelectricpiezoelectric actuatorPiezoelectricActuatorspeakerspeakersthin speakersThinSpeakersultrathinvideoThu, 24 Sep 2009 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Storm 2 -- and its piezoelectric soul -- dissected at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2-and-its-piezoelectric-soul-finally-diss/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2-and-its-piezoelectric-soul-finally-diss/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2-and-its-piezoelectric-soul-finally-diss/#comments The leaked photo of the Storm 2's internal board got our juices flowing -- and our curiosity piqued -- but this latest set of photos really takes it up a notch. In addition to showing the rest of the device inside and out, we've got a handful of new pictures showing off that piezoelectronic technology doing its thing. Basically, as we understand it, those four "buttons" which are pictured are more like sensors than buttons. When the device is on, they communicate with the screen, and when it registers enough pressure, the result is the familiar "click" that Storm users know all too well. However, when the device is powered off (or in standby mode we assume), the screen stays put, as there isn't an actual mechanism to move the screen like there was in the original Storm. Of course, we won't know how to judge it until we can actually play with a real live demo unit in the flesh, but you can definitely say that RIM has us interested. At least they weren't lying about that whole 'SurePress is here to stay' thing.

Gallery: BlackBerry Storm 2 Dissected

2009-08-25-storm2dissect-32009-08-25-storm2dissect-122009-08-25-storm2dissect-42009-08-25-storm2dissect-112009-08-25-storm2dissect-10

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BlackBerry Storm 2 -- and its piezoelectric soul -- dissected at last originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry stormblackberry storm 2BlackberryStormBlackberryStorm2piezopiezo electronicpiezoelectricPiezoElectronicrimstormstorm 2storm2Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Storm 2 -- and its piezoelectric soul -- dissected at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2-and-its-piezoelectric-soul-finally-diss/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2-and-its-piezoelectric-soul-finally-diss/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2-and-its-piezoelectric-soul-finally-diss/#comments The leaked photo of the Storm 2's internal board got our juices flowing -- and our curiosity piqued -- but this latest set of photos really takes it up a notch. In addition to showing the rest of the device inside and out, we've got a handful of new pictures showing off that piezoelectronic technology doing its thing. Basically, as we understand it, those four "buttons" which are pictured are more like sensors than buttons. When the device is on, they communicate with the screen, and when it registers enough pressure, the result is the familiar "click" that Storm users know all too well. However, when the device is powered off (or in standby mode we assume), the screen stays put, as there isn't an actual mechanism to move the screen like there was in the original Storm. Of course, we won't know how to judge it until we can actually play with a real live demo unit in the flesh, but you can definitely say that RIM has us interested. At least they weren't lying about that whole 'SurePress is here to stay' thing.

Gallery: BlackBerry Storm 2 Dissected

2009-08-25-storm2dissect-32009-08-25-storm2dissect-122009-08-25-storm2dissect-42009-08-25-storm2dissect-112009-08-25-storm2dissect-10

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BlackBerry Storm 2 -- and its piezoelectric soul -- dissected at last originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry stormblackberry storm 2BlackberryStormBlackberryStorm2mobilepiezopiezo electronicpiezoelectricPiezoElectronicresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimstormstorm 2storm2verizon wirelessverizonwirelessTue, 25 Aug 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Storm 2's voodoo-powered screen torn apart, raises more questions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2s-voodoo-powered-screen-torn-apart-raises-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2s-voodoo-powered-screen-torn-apart-raises-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2s-voodoo-powered-screen-torn-apart-raises-mo/#comments If the Storm 2 seriously uses newfangled piezoelectrics to provide localized tactile response on its display -- something the original Storm lacked with just a single clicky button mounted underneath the screen's center point -- then how come we're coming to find out we've got four buttons mounted near the corners this time around? At this point, this picture posted of the Storm 2's sensitive innards probably raises more questions than it answers -- we're clearly looking at four buttons here, which as CrackBerry says would facilitate the "multi-press" necessary to engage key modifiers like Alt just as you would on a regular keyboard. The problem is that this doesn't even being to explain how or why the screen hardens up like a rock when the phone is off, because the four buttons plus traditional capacitive touch sensitivity would realistically get the job done without alien technology. We're looking forward to a thorough briefing from RIM once the phone gains some official recognition, but until then, let the theories fly.

[Thanks, Doughy]

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BlackBerry Storm 2's voodoo-powered screen torn apart, raises more questions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrydisplaypiezopiezoelectricrimscreenstorm 2Storm2surepressTue, 25 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Storm 2's voodoo-powered screen torn apart, raises more questions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2s-voodoo-powered-screen-torn-apart-raises-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2s-voodoo-powered-screen-torn-apart-raises-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/blackberry-storm-2s-voodoo-powered-screen-torn-apart-raises-mo/#comments If the Storm 2 seriously uses newfangled piezoelectrics to provide localized tactile response on its display -- something the original Storm lacked with just a single clicky button mounted underneath the screen's center point -- then how come we're coming to find out we've got four buttons mounted near the corners this time around? At this point, this picture posted of the Storm 2's sensitive innards probably raises more questions than it answers -- we're clearly looking at four buttons here, which as CrackBerry says would facilitate the "multi-press" necessary to engage key modifiers like Alt just as you would on a regular keyboard. The problem is that this doesn't even being to explain how or why the screen hardens up like a rock when the phone is off, because the four buttons plus traditional capacitive touch sensitivity would realistically get the job done without alien technology. We're looking forward to a thorough briefing from RIM once the phone gains some official recognition, but until then, let the theories fly.

[Thanks, Doughy]

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BlackBerry Storm 2's voodoo-powered screen torn apart, raises more questions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrydisplaymobilepiezopiezoelectricresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimscreenstorm 2Storm2surepressTue, 25 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Supermarket generates piezoelectric power in parking lot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/supermarket-generates-piezoelectric-power-in-parking-lot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/supermarket-generates-piezoelectric-power-in-parking-lot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/15/supermarket-generates-piezoelectric-power-in-parking-lot/#comments
Remember that piezoelectric road prototype we saw late last year? Looks like someone (besides us) thought it was a good idea. According to The Daily Mail, a Sainsbury's supermarket in Gloucester, UK (you've never been there), has installed kinetic plates in the parking lot that use the weight of shopper's cars to pump a series of hydraulic pipes, which in turn drive a generator. The system is said to generate up to 30kw of energy an hour -- or enough to power the store's checkouts. And if that weren't enough, the store is also harvesting rainwater and heating it (during the summer, at least) with solar panels. The next in this store's "eco-friendly evolution?" Might we suggest Soylent in the deli? We hear the "green" stuff is particularly good.

[Via Green Launches, Thanks Deepa]

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Supermarket generates piezoelectric power in parking lot originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-friendlyelectricityenergygreenhighwayparking lotpiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowerroadsoylent greenSoylentGreentranspoUKMon, 15 Jun 2009 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sensitive Object's Anywhere MultiTouch extends touch sensitivity to the whole device]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/sensitive-objects-anywhere-multitouch-extends-touch-sensitivity/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/sensitive-objects-anywhere-multitouch-extends-touch-sensitivity/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/sensitive-objects-anywhere-multitouch-extends-touch-sensitivity/#comments
Sensitive Object, a French startup best known for its louche, Gitanes-smoking engineers and its love of cocktail jazz, has just announced the development of Anywhere MultiTouch, a Windows 7-compliant platform that brings touch sensitivity to glass, aluminum, and plastic, through the use of piezoelectric sensors. This product is an extension of the company's ReverSys technology, which recognizes the precise location where an object is touched through soundwaves, with the new platform throwing in handwriting recognition and palm rejection for good measure. It looks like multitouch has finally been freed from the tyranny of the display, with developers now able to incorporate actions along the whole device. Excited? We bet you are. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Sensitive Object's Anywhere MultiTouch extends touch sensitivity to the whole device

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Sensitive Object's Anywhere MultiTouch extends touch sensitivity to the whole device originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anywhere MultiTouchAnywhereMultitouchmultitouchpiezoelectricReverSysSensitive ObjectSensitive Objects Anywhere MultiTouchSensitiveObjectSensitiveObjectsAnywhereMultitouchtouch sensitiveTouchSensitiveWindows 7Windows7Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/pilotfishs-ondo-music-editing-mobile-concept-puts-new-twist-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/pilotfishs-ondo-music-editing-mobile-concept-puts-new-twist-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/pilotfishs-ondo-music-editing-mobile-concept-puts-new-twist-on/#comments
It's been nearly three years since the Onyx tickled our imagination, but Pilotfish is looking to completely melt our brains with its latest concept. The Munich-based industrial design firm has just introduced its Ondo music editing mobile, which is half cellphone, half music mixer and thoroughly amazing. In theory, the phone would boast a small mixing panel, three removable recording sticks with internal memory and a bendable center to give music lovers the ability to insert pitch bends and relieve stress. Essentially, the trio of OLED-infused sticks serves two purposes: when installed, they're the main phone panel, and when removed, they can be clipped onto instruments for recording purposes. Afterwards, they can be swapped with other Ondo owners or edited on the fly right on the device itself. Needless to say, there's a better shot at you winning the lottery than seeing this thing hit mass production, but you can feel free to dream by checking the full release, Q&A and demonstration video just past the break.

Gallery: Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones

Continue reading Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones

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Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobendablebendable mobileBendableMobileconceptdjmobilemusicmusic editingmusic editing phonemusic editormusic thingMusicEditingMusicEditingPhoneMusicEditorMusicThingOLEDondoonyxpiezoelectricPilotfishportable audioportableaudioprototypesmartphoneturntableMon, 20 Apr 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers develop braille for vibrating touchscreen devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/researchers-develop-braille-for-vibrating-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/researchers-develop-braille-for-vibrating-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/researchers-develop-braille-for-vibrating-touchscreen/#comments
In braille, a character is made up of six dots laid out on a two by three matrix -- not something that can really be conveyed using capacitive touchscreen technology. Working with a Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, researchers in Finland have developed a method for piezoelectric touchscreen devices that uses a single pulse of intense vibration to convey a raised dot, and a longer vibration made up of several weaker pulses to represent a missing dot -- spelling out letters that can be easily read by touch. It took a while for volunteers to get used to this method, but once they had they were able to read a character in as little as 1.25 seconds. Now that they have letters down, the team is moving on to words and sentences -- with an eye towards developing text-to-braille software sometime in the future.

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Researchers develop braille for vibrating touchscreen devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindbrailleeyesightFinlandNokia 770Nokia770piezoelectrictouchscreenTue, 31 Mar 2009 11:23:00 EST