We've seen plenty of ideas and even a patent related to the employment of human skin in the transport of data. We've also seen our fair share of bone conducting audio products come to market in the last few years. Now in a synthesis of the two, scientists at Rice University have developed a technique whereby rattles to the skeleton can transmit information to gadgets and medical devices strapped on (or inside of) your meat sack. Their approach has resulted in "amazingly few errors" even when using low-powered vibrations. Great, soon our handshakes will transfer both biological and software-related viruses? Oh boy.

[Thanks, Geetu]

Here's some dirt that's sure to heat up the iPhone debates over the next 20 days. According to alleged scans from the "iPhone Sales Training Workbook," we're seeing a vast array of features that we were already fully aware of, but here's the skinny on what you may have not known until now:

• No one-touch dialing (two touches at a minimum)
• Vibrate mode is included
• Voice dialing is not mentioned as a feature, though it's not specifically excluded either
• Users can have a voice conversation whilst browsing the web "when WiFi access is available"
• iPhone users will not be able to conduct IM conversations with instant messaging users
• Emailing videos and pictures are a go, MMS is not supported
• MEdia Mail won't be used for ringtone and answertone downloads
• MEdia Net, MobiTV, and Cellular Video are (unsurprisingly) not available for the iPhone
• iTunes will sync iPhone with the Address Book on Macs or Outlook/Outlook Expess on PCs
• No GPS or TeleNav support, sorry Google hopefuls
  

Of note, it seems that AT&T and / or Apple has conjured up a few canned, customer responses that point out the obvious shortcomings of Apple's handset, so do click on to see what you're up against.

Update: It's worth pointing out that only 15 of at least 33 pages have been published so far.

Now that you're packing a cellphone with a vibrating touchscreen, have glasses that rattle your brain if you try to get a bit of shut-eye, and nod your head to the beat of your rumbling headphones, why not put a little shake in your shoes, too? The cleverly named Good Vibrations might sport a website that was probably built in Marky Mark's heyday, but the kicks it sells claim to be therapeutic in nature. The thick-soled shoes feature a non-stick grip, on / off switch, and a rechargeable battery that reportedly provides around five hours of feet shakin' therapy. Designed to massage away the aches and pains throughout the day rather than after the damage is done, these unisex slip-ons are constructed with Spandex, lined with suede, and just might cause fits of laughter if you're the ticklish type. The Good Vibrations shoes are strangely available in just four sizes, leaving most of you with a bit too much (or too little) room inside, but for just about 60 bucks, the fun factor here is probably enough to put aside the fact that they aren't likely to fit.

[Via AmericanInventorSpot]

As if we haven't given you enough devious toys to convert your mundane workplace into World War III, here's one to bring back the peace when cooperation becomes essential to everyone's job again. Japan-based Takaratomy, better known as a Tomy here in the States, has crafted a unique solar-powered desk adornment that should keep you occupied (or get you on edge, one) while toiling away in your cubical. The Kotoridayori (Humming Bird) purportedly belts out various tunes while being powered by those incandescent lights, and throws a few extra tweets in the mix whenever it senses "vibrations." Additionally, it sports a built-in battery to keep things humming (ahem) along when you end up working 'round the clock, and should fit in just about any pocket if you're looking to carry it home. Available in blue, orange, or green, this wee pet should remain novel for about, oh, 20 seconds or so before completely enraging even the most patient office mate, but even if someone ejects it from the premises, you're only out $25.

[Via ShinyShiny]

Although glitzy, stat-filled jerseys are certainly sufficient ways to get information off your chest (ahem), a new vibrating vest could give "body language" an entirely new meaning. Joining the air-conditioned and insulating renditions, this snazzy vest features a "tactile display" on the back, which is created by 16 small vibrating motors that are connected to an internal wireless control unit. The jacket "writes symbols and messages on its wearer's back," and while the actual writing resembles Braille more than text, it can supposedly be used to "send important commands to soldiers or firefighters, warning them of imminent danger when ordinary radios cannot be used." Commands are beamed to the vests via a wirelessly-enabled computer, and can stealthily inform platoons to stop, look in a specific direction, run, or slow down. The US Army is partially funding the research, as it hopes to investigate different ways to communicate when hand signals and / or radio transmissions aren't effective. During initial testing, results have shown nearly flawless interpretation by participants, and while we're not exactly sure when we can expect rumble-equipped gear to grace our armed forces, the problem of "excess noise from the motors" has to be quelled before hitting the battlefield.

[Via BoingBoing]

While we're still not sold on the whole idea of vibrating headphones, it seems that BeCell certainly is, partnering with Tylenol to release its VSG160G head-shaking 'phones. Just kidding about the Tylenol part, obviously, although you may want to stock up if you're planning on using these suckers for the full twelve hours the company promises they'll last. Unlike some other similar headphones, BeCell's set simply uses some heavy bass to rock your noggin' instead of built-in motors and, thankfully, include a vibration control setting on the cord for when things get a little too intense. Unfortunately, it looks like we're gonna have to wait a bit longer to find out how much these'll cost or when they'll be available; in the meantime, we suggest hitting your head against a wall to warm up.

[Via CrunchGear]

Sure, it's nice to feel that rumble from the game controller, but wouldn't it be better if your ears were doing the ringing after a crushing EA Sports-induced blow to the head, instead of your hands? Why not try on a pair of these itan ITN-VR10 headphones from RWC then, which vibrate in your ear (like a mosquito?) in reaction to what they perceive to be a large, booming force. These buds feature a standard 3.5-millimeter mini-jack for connecting to your favorite handheld game console and will last about 15-hours off battery. Available in Japan starting June 26 for about ¥3,980 or $35.

[Via Impress]