We're tempted to say that peripheral makers are taking this whole motion controlling thing a touch too far, but we suppose there's no stopping "progress," huh? In2Games, the outfit that already sought to bring motion sensing to the PS2, has just unveiled the first image of its motion controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Wii Nunchuck-esque Gametrak Freedom is explained as being a "remarkable ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology which delivers performance, control and flexibility far in excess of that offered by existing technologies." Supposedly, the device tracks the true 3D position and "precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment," though it remains to be seen how much support it'll get from software developers. Initially, the controller will launch alongside undisclosed titles that can utilize the tech, but as for now, all you have to look forward to is Squeeballs. Yes, Squeeballs.

To be exceptionally honest with you, Ultrasonic Batgoggles don't exactly need any pimping from us. What you see above is a homegrown device that enables humans to discover how bats must feel when using echolocation in order to judge how far away certain objects are. The main components are an Arduino microcontroller clone, Devantech ultrasonic sensor and a set of welding goggles -- oh, and a sick poker face to really round things out. Check out the links below to get a gist of the background as well as a step-by-step guide to concocting your own.

Read - Ultrasonic Batgoggles project page
Read - Ultrasonic Batgoggles How-to guide

Now that the Ultreo toothbrush has made you a believer in the cleaning power of ultrasonic waves, why not pick up a cleaner sure to do the same for objects not located in close proximity to your incisors. The oh-so-sleek SWV-08AM megasonic cleaning apparatus is reportedly designed to "remove dirt and agrochemicals" from fruits, dishes, etc. with little to no detergent. There's also an integrated P-Sediment filter to make sure the water coming out is ultra-pure, and those two large buttons determine whether the blasts are strong or soft. Honestly, we're not exactly sure what this piece of kit will run you, but to our ears, it's just screaming "pricey."

No doubt we've seen some snazzy takes on mousing instruments, but when Popular Science dubs your twist on the critter we couldn't do without an Invention of the Year, you've accomplished something. A team of WPI undergraduate students were able to win such an honor by crafting the MagicMouse, a "three-dimensional computer mouse" that allows users to "control and manipulate items on a computer screen just by pointing at the monitor." While we've seen similar ideas for helping disabled individuals interface with a computer, this wee iteration actually fits around one's finger and "uses an array of receivers to track the motion of a tiny ultrasonic transmitter." The cursor is moved by waving one's hand back and forth, while moving closer and backing away enables zooming functions to be utilized, which should make handling those CAD drawings a good bit easier. Perhaps most notable, however, is the relatively low cost of assembly, as the entire contraption (rechargeable Li-ion and all) cost just $155, and we're sure you know how far that could fall if a bulk buying manufacturer brought it to commercialization. A few more pictures after the jump.

[Via Popular Science and Gizmag]

Riveting news from the world of dental hygiene: the Ultreo ultrasonic toothbrush has officially launched, promising what sounds like the ultimate brush session -- oh you know, "ultrasound waveguide technology" and "precisely tuned sonic bristle action" and stuff like that. Unlike traditional sonic units that only use audible frequencies of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, Ultreo uses a tuned sonic / ultrasonic (over 20,000Hz) combo to offer more enamel-rattling power without compromising the user's veneers, bridges, or general safety. There's a programmable replacement indicator that prompts a brush head switch-out every 3 months, and the 2-minute auto shut-off timer makes sure you don't cop out too early. For about $149.00, true tooth-o-philes can sink their chompers into this latest addition to the bourgie toothbrush market.

[Thanks, Eric B]

Those kind, considerate folks over at Brando are continuing to look out for the chair-sitter's well-being, as the USB Posture Reminder ranks right up there with the USB drink chiller and USB hair trimmer as goods that any desk-strapped individual should keep nearby. This USB-powered device clips onto the top of your monitor's frame, but instead of enabling video chats, it keeps a constant eye on the distance of your forehead in relation to the screen. The VISOMATE uses an ultrasonic sensor to determine whether your eyes are too close (or not close enough) to your screen; if you see a blue light being emitted, you're doing just fine staying in the 35- to 60-centimeter range, but if you manage to slouch too close and break the 35-centimeter barrier, a flashing red light will alert you to your mistake. If blinking lights aren't enough to cause epileptic fits straighten you out, you can even turn a "Chime" function on to reinforce the severity of bad posture, and you can take the first step in correcting your atrocious leaning habit by plopping down $26 and vowing to actually install it when it arrives.

[Via Uber-Review]

We're sure there's quite a few of you out there that have already vowed to make good use of that Nike+iPod kit you received this holiday season in order to shape up in 2007, but for those who just don't have the time (or adequate willpower), LipoSonix could help you fool everyone into thinking you actually kept your resolution. While liposuction has become frighteningly common here in the States, a Seattle-based medical device company is hoping to give folks a "less invasive" alternative to the messy methods currently used. Preferring the term "body sculpting," the company claims that its technology "works by focusing high-intensity ultrasound through the skin into precise locations within subcutaneous adipose tissue, which permanently disrupts the adipocytes without damaging the epidermis, dermis, or underlying tissues and organs." In short, a specially crafted ultrasound transducer can purportedly eliminate unwanted tissue quickly, causing "minimal downtime and bruising" to patients, and hopefully costing less than procedures done today. Although we can't promise this (admittedly bizarre) technology will be available by year's end, initial clinical testing has reportedly been quite successful, but until a few more guinea pigs have survived for an extended period of time, we'll be sticking with the tried and true "working out" method.

We'd gladly trade in most of our gadgets if it meant we never had to go under the drill at the dentist again. But researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada don't want our electronics, they just want a few more years to perfect their low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) technology that they hope will ultimately be able to re-grow lost or severely damaged teeth from the root, eliminating the need for pricey prosthetics and painful procedures. The pea-sized device, which can be held in place by a bracket or a crown, is controlled by a wireless remote and needs to gently massage the gums for 20 minutes a day over the course of four weeks to attain noticeable growth. This tech isn't expected to be available to the public for another two years, so hold off on that all-candy and Red Bull diet you've been planning for just a little longer while you ponder the rather incredible possibility that this method could eventually be used to grow human bones and actually make people taller without subjecting them to any kind of medieval torture.