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Focus Design's SBU self-balancing unicycle hits 2.0: faster, stronger, sleeker, zanier
And here you were thinking Focus Design had thrown in the towel after producing just one self-balancing unicycle. Silly you, huh? Nearly two years to the day after the aforesaid company cranked out the goofiest transporter since the Segway, along comes the SBU v2.0 to rekindle our hope in humanity. According to the outfit, this newfangled edition is sleeker, safer and more powerful, and better still, it should be "much easier to learn." Focus is also tossing out a somewhat ambiguous guarantee, noting that it'll most certainly be "an instant crowd-pleaser." The newly designed motor packs 1,000 watts of power (compared to 350 watts on v1.0), and the more powerful battery will keep you cruising on Ventura Boulevard for at least a few more minutes than before. Control freaks will appreciate the addition of three gyro sensors (to monitor pitch, roll and yaw), lowered foot pegs and a regenerative braking system. This marvel of modern engineering is expected to start shipping next month, with just $1,499 and a willingness to try something your mother wouldn't recommend standing between you and... well, something that your mother would never recommend. Vid's after the break.
CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system
CCP Games has made some sweeping changes to how players claim and contest territory in EVE Online, with the recently-launched Dominion expansion. These changes haven't been without issue, however, and a significant problem with the new Sovereignty Blockade Units (SBU) has arisen. SBUs are anchored by attackers at stargates in a solar system belonging to the territory-holding alliance and disrupts the control of the Sovereignty holder, providing opportunities for attackers to usurp the space holding alliance. Issues with the SBUs prompted the devs to declare an exploit over the weekend. EVE's Community Manager CCP Wrangler stated: "An issue has been discovered that makes outposts and infrastructure hubs vulnerable to attacks without the attacker having adequate Sovereignty Blockade Unit (SBU) coverage in the system. Attacking outposts and/or infrastructure hubs without adequate Sovereignty Blockade Units in the system is an exploit and any incidents will be dealt with accordingly. Situations where attackers have the proper SBU coverage are not subject to this rule. The problem is under repairs and will be fixed as soon as possible. We thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter."
CCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion
"-- Smash the control images -- Smash the control machine --" William S. Burroughs, The Soft Machine The Dominion expansion for EVE Online is so-named for its heavy focus on the game mechanics of "Sovereignty" or control of territory in the New Eden galaxy. There's been no small amount of controversy surrounding CCP's proposed system, however, particularly as it's slated to go live on December 1st with the Dominion release. While some of the core game mechanics of control are still undergoing revision, CCP Games recently explained how ownership of solar systems will change hands in a dev blog titled "Storming the Gates." EVE developer CCP Abathur lays out how new equipment will be used in claiming space and repelling invaders.
Focus Design's SBU self-balancing unicycle: because you didn't look dumb enough on a Segway
The world of personal transportation, with few exceptions, has littered the earth with embarrassing paraphernalia. In-line skates, pogo sticks, the recumbent bike -- all disasters to personal style. Mix in electricity and you get the Segway, or alternatively, Focus Design's SBU electric self-balancing unicycle. The SBU can be steered by leaning left to right (like a regular unicycle) and uses Segway-style gyroscopes to power your lazy ass forwards and backwards. Not a new idea by any stretch, but Focus Design is actually crazy enough to be working on bringing this thing to market. Focus hopes to do a limited run of ten SBUs next month, at $1,500 a month. Peep the video after break to see if you can handle the shame.[Via Hack a Day]
