utes
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Tiny thermoacoustic engines pave the way for screaming gadgets
Looks like all that heat generated by your laptop may finally be useful for something other than frying eggs -- a group of grad students led by professor Orest Symko at the University of Utah has unveiled an array of "thermoacoustic" engines that turn heat into sound, which can be directed at a piezoelectric mechanism to produce electricity. The US Army-funded research seems promising but is obviously still in its infancy -- one of the designs the researchers demonstrated is half the size of a penny but pumps out 120dB of noise (about the same as a siren), while another bumped out over 135dB, (which is roughly equivalent to a jackhammer). The team expects that future, smaller designs will work at ultrasonic frequencies outside the range of human hearing. Although we're not expecting hybrid-siren-powered laptops to hit anytime soon, you Utes out there may want to invest in some earplugs -- Professor Symko says they'll be testing these designs at the University's water-heating facility in the next year.[Via InformationWeek]
Australia's 360 vans unfurled and exposed
After seeing some pictures of the Xbox 360 utes (think light truck / van hybrid) that were scheduled to travel Australia, we've been itching to get a look inside one. XboxSnaps has some pics showing the ridiculously cool contents of those vans. Looks like 3 enormous Samsung flat panels, paired up with three 360s and twenty-four speakers! I guess good things come to those who wait.We've seen the insides of the Hummer and the Scandinavian trailer, now we're just waiting to get a peek in that giant bus touring New Zealand.[Thanks, Reuben]
Xbox 360 trucks roam Australia
Australia 101: These are called "utes". To anyone unfamiliar (that's everyone except Australians I think), utes are a bizarre amalgamation of station wagon, light-duty pickup truck, and sport utility vehicle. I dare say the closest comparison I can make would be that of the El Camino. All this aside, these four particular utes, outfitted with three Xbox 360s and high-definition Samsung LCD displays, will be driving around Australia evangelizing the 360 prior to the launch of the console in March. If you want to hear (and play) the Good Word, you can check 'em out at "the Moonlight Cinemas, in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens on January 8." If you go, take some pictures and send 'em in.[Via digg]
