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ICYMI: The U.S. Army is making actual hover bikes
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: The Galactic Empire will have some competition for Speeder Bikes soon enough, from the US Army. Researchers there have been working on hoverbikes for a few years now, based on an Australian inventor's design. Make sure to watch the video of the temperatures stacking up each year, bringing us to the hottest recorded weather for 2016, or a video of the sunspot twice as big as Earth. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
DIYer uses mountain bike to pedal around Google Earth
Not quite sure what's up with the recent influx of bicycle-related DIY jobs, but nevertheless, we've another one on our hands here with Mike's Flying Bike. Essentially, Mike utilized a SunSPOT as well as a plethora of other sensors in order to modify his mountain bike for use as a Google Earth controller. In ET-like fashion, he's now able to pedal around various locations in the world, simultaneously burning through excess calories, opening his mind to new locales and monumentally inflating his ego. If you've got seven minutes to spare, you can check this thing out in action just beyond the break.[Via Google Earth Blog, thanks Roger]
Sun spots, ruining mobile coverage in an area near you
Sun spot alert! OK, well maybe it's a bit sensationalist to wave the flags of impending doom and disaster, but signs point that an 11-year cycle of increased solar activity called Solar Cycle 24.The activity is expected to build between now and 2011 or 2012. During large storms material ejected from the sun can cause havoc on communication gear, so make sure to get your foil protective gear ready for any eventuality. We'll be watching this one, but if you don't hear from us and the world's communication goes to hell, remember we told you so.
Blubber Bots float, feed, and make friends
According to creator Jed Berk (who will also help save your pet from drowning), Blubber Bots, or ALAVs (Autonomous Lighter than Air Vehicles) just want to party with you, and maybe eat a little something while they're at it. These helium filled fliers contain SunSPOT CPUs, which control the bots and allow them to respond to various stimuli such as movement, sound, light and heat. The floating blobs are also able to interact via "conversations" with cell phone signals, follow "food", and can bellow to one another using high frequency vibration. Best of all, these odd little fellows can be yours to own for $100; just make sure you have enough time and energy to care for them -- like sea monkies. Check the video after the break to see 'em in action.
