Zero
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ZeroTouch 'optical multi-touch force field' makes a touchscreen out of just about anything
The rise of tablets and smartphones has made the touchscreen a rather ubiquitous interface, but they aren't everywhere quite yet. A group of students from Texas A&M intend to change that, however, with the invention of ZeroTouch: a seemingly empty picture frame that lets you turn any surface into an interactive touchscreen. It might not look like much, but ZeroTouch is packing a series of pulsing LEDs and infrared sensors that turn that blank space into a highly sensitive surface. Basically, the strategically placed LEDs cover the open area in a sheet of invisible light. When a hand or stylus enters the picture (or lack there of), those beams are interrupted, providing cues to a piece of software that tracks the object's movement -- and boom! You've got a touchscreen. Of course, this isn't the sort of thing that's going to make it to market anytime soon, but you can check out ZeroTouch rocking the rippling water effect in the video below.
Brammo taking its electric motorcycles offroad in Vegas next week, puts Zero on notice
You remember the Enertia, right -- that sweet electric motorcycle from Brammo? Well, a few years back the company slapped some dirt bike tires on this silent cycle (seen above) and taunted the world with the possibility of an Earth-friendly offroad ride. Such a creation never made it to market, sadly, but it looks like the company may finally be ready to deliver. The bike hounds over at Asphalt & Rubber were digging through the AMA MiniMoto SX supercross race list of entrants when they spotted the Brammo name... which is odd since the Oregon-based company's current vehicles are all street-only affairs. Guess Zero Motorcycles better watch its back, there may be new challenger for king of the electric dirt bike hill. We won't have to wait long to know for sure -- the Brammo team will be launching its latest creation through the muddy, hairpin turns at the South Point Arena in Vegas next week.
Zero XU electric motorcycle makes in-apartment EV charging a reality
The (newly updated) range of electric motorcycles from Zero Motorcycles is certainly tempting for those urban dwellers looking for a fun way to launch themselves over short commutes. But, for garage-less apartment or townhouse tenants lacking the requisite charging connector, they don't make a heck of a lot of sense. Here's one that does. It's the new Zero XU, an electric motorcycle featuring a removable battery pack that you can carry inside with you to juice up. You can also buy a second pack and swap them out, which could let you leave one at work and one at home -- something you might have to think about given the thing's unfortunately short 30 mile range. That's about half what the Zero S manages, but the XU is at least $2,000 cheaper, starting at $7,995. It also curiously still uses a chain, a departure from the other 2011 Zero bikes that just switched to belts. Anyhow, if you're still intrigued the Zero XU is up for order now and should start terrorizing AC outlets in March. [Thanks, Darius]
Zero Motorcycles unveils faster-charging, even quieter 2011 motorcycle lineup (video)
To those who are still convinced that loud motorcycles make you more safe: it's best you look away now. The quietest bikes in the business just got even more silent. Zero Motorcycles just has unveiled its 2011 lineup of electric motorcycles and among a suite of generally tidy enhancements comes a change to belt drive. This means no more chains, no more chain lube, and no more rattling and grating noises. There's nothing but the sound of the wind and the faint scream of the motor, which you can hear for yourself in the video below. Also new is a 12.5 percent boost in battery capacity and a quick-charge option that drops charging times in half -- but does so at an up-front cost of $595. That's on top of the $9,995 for a road-going Zero S. Meanwhile the dual-sport Zero DS starts at $10,495, off-road Zero X at $7,995, and the higher-spec Zero MX $9,495. All are available for order right now. Update: We spoke with the kind folks at Zero and got a little more information on that new trick charger. A current Zero S or Zero DS will take about four hours to charge, but if you opt for the $595 quick-charge it'll go down to just two hours -- though you can get a 90 percent in about an hour. The X and MX, meanwhile, can be fully charged in about an hour. This is without requiring any fancy plugs or DC converters, it's still just a standard 110 outlet! %Gallery-115936% [Thanks, Darius]
Ziiiro Gravity and Mercury watches coming soon to a wrist near you
They're here, well, almost. Two attractive and legible alternatives to the over designed watch, Ziiiro's Gravity and Mercury, are now available for pre-order. No, they can't tell you if it's snowing out like Fossil's Connected, and they won't bump your 2010 year in review playlist like an iPod nano watch, but they do tell time like no other -- quite literally. The Gravity and Mercury have taken Ziiiro's lofty goal of stylish utilitarianism from concept to reality. The watches function without any of the markings of standard analog timepieces, instead using a continuously rotating combination of two rings to make temporal distinctions. The tip of the inner ring represents the hour, while the tip of the outer ring denotes minutes, and a fading gradient tracks the passage of time. Ziiiro doesn't let form override function, but it doesn't skimp on aesthetics, either: Mercury, which touts a stainless steel band, comes in four different color schemes, while Gravity boasts a patent pending bracelet strap (a silicone-metal combo), available in six colors. Both watches also feature pop-out faces, allowing for a variety of Swatch watch-style face-band pairings. However, while they're both readable and fashionable, these low frills watches don't come cheap: prices range from €100 to €143, or about $130 to $175.
She Hulk and Zero revealed in Marvel vs. Capcom 3
A couple of new challengers have appeared in the crossover fighter Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. GameSpot revealed that Mega Man X's buddy Zero, last seen fighting in this year's Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, will join the Capcom side, while IGN posted a trailer revealing She-Hulk on the Marvel side. Check out both trailers after the break, and watch out for a brief cameo from yet another new character, "Some Really Unfortunate Driver," in She-Hulk's trailer. [Thanks, Zonic505]
Large Hadron Collider staying cool at just a hair above absolute zero temperatures
Ah, Large Hadron Collider, our old frienemy, how close is thy doomsday clock now? Closer than it was last week, naturally, especially now that the temperature in each of its eight sectors has been dropped to 1.9 Kelvin, or -271 degrees Celsius / -456 Fahrenheit, depending on your equivalent measurement of choice. While pretty much lethal for humans, that's still twice as warm as the Boomerang Nebula some 5,000 light years away from our fair planet, making it a veritable vacation spot for those carnivorous inhabitants of the Centaurus constellation (not that they'd really want to make that big of a trek without some sort of pre-planned hotel accommodations, but we digress). The chill is all a part of the massive science experiment's ramp up to its second half of November relaunch -- assuming the personification of Higgs boson doesn't pop in via its proverbial TARDIS equivalent wearing a cape and carrying an anti-LHC particle gun, that is.
Zero off-road electric motorcycles get recalled, might crash more than usual
The Zero S our own Tim Stevens rode fearlessly through the streets of New York apparently isn't effected, but it looks like Zero's off-road electric motorcycles (the Zero X and Zero MX) have been hit with a recall after it was discovered that they might crash when it's not entirely the driver's fault. Turns out the throttle can get stuck in the open position or become disconnected, and that the "Easy" or "0-25" modes can "unexpectedly" lead to full power when the bike is turned on -- both what you might call "bad things." Of course, this is a fairly small recall (some 200 vehicles), but if that includes you, you'll want to get in touch with Zero to arrange for a free repair. Hit up the link below for all the necessary details.
Zero and Joe the Condor are the last two Tatsunoko vs. Capcom characters
IGN revealed today that the leaked Tatsunoko vs. Capcom character roster update was almost 100% accurate in predicting the characters added to the North American version (and the upcoming Japanese re-release). Joe the Condor (yet another Gatchaman character) and Mega Man X's pal Zero have joined the lineup. Only Yatterman #2 is unaccounted for. This isn't Zero's first appearance in a fighter; he appeared in his Mega Man Zero style in SNK vs. Capcom: SvC Chaos and Onimusha Blade Warriors. This is, however, his first appearance in a good fighting game.Check out footage of both new characters in action after the break. Rather than being a simple palette swap of Mega Man Volnutt, Zero's attacks use his trademark energy sword. And Joe has a grappling hook/gun combo.
Rumor: Frank West, Zero to be in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom
Shoryuken forum user mumu recently went snooping around the Japanese site for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and uncovered some interesting items. Within the source code of the character section of the site, mumu found lines of code hinting towards the remaining secret characters: 'images/oncharactor_btn_zero.jpg' 'images/oncharactor_btn_frank.jpg' 'images/oncharactor_btn_yatter02.jpg' 'images/oncharactor_btn_joe.jpg' 'images/oncharactor_btn_tekkabla.jpg' So, aside from yesterday's Tekkaman Blade, mumu postulates that Dead Rising's Frank West and Zero from the Mega Man series are also going to be in the game and, on the Tatsunoko side, we'll get Yatterman #2 from Yatterman and Joe Asakura from Gatchaman. If you'll excuse us, we'll be crying in the corner, objecting once again to the lack of Phoenix Wright.[Via Siliconera]
Zero Motorcycles bridges the dirt/street gap with the Zero DS electric motorcycle
We love motorcycles, and we love things that help the environment, so it's no secret that we loved the Zero S electric supermoto when we got to take it for a spin through the urban wasteland. That bike has now been set free from the world of asphalt, given some knobbies, beefier wheels, and brawnier suspension to make it just as good when the pavement ends, as the video below shows. It also has a much brighter light, which may put something of an additional drain on the battery (range is still rated at 50 miles), but will make it easier to find puddles to avoid -- or to aim for. This bike fills the void between the company's street and dirt offerings, and while it might not be quite as good over the yumps as the offroad-only Zero MX, it has the distinct advantage of not requiring a truck or trailer to get there in the first place. The DS costs $9,950, the same as the Zero S, and is available for order now.
Zero MX all-electric motorcycle takes on the trails
Not one to rest on its ultra-quiet laurels, Zero Motorcycles has just introduced its newest zero-emissions bike: the Zero MX. Hitting the scene just a month and change after we test drove the Zero S, this whip is engineered specifically for track riding and motocross, with the fork, shocks, wheels and tires being all new for this model. In fact, we're told that the MX will enable riders to jump higher and land softer, with a beefier front-end and a "custom rear shock that gives riders a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping." Better still, it's available as we speak for the not-at-all-reasonable price of $8,250, though at least we're heading in the right direction -- the aforesaid Zero S rang up at nearly ten large (while that Brammo bike we tested today starts at twelve grand). Live action video is after the break.
Engadget shreds on the Zero S all-electric motorcycle (with video!)
It's not the first. It's not the fastest. It's not the lightest, the strongest, the cheapest, or even the best looking electric motorcycle out there. It is, however, one of the very few you can order today and, when it ships next month, ride it (legally) on the highways and byways of all 50 states. Europe, too. Among that very limited group the Zero S electric supermoto (or electrimoto as we've taken to calling it) is certainly a standout, completely custom-built around battery and motor, and we were lucky enough to take it for a spin on a hazy, dingy, frequently traffic'd New York City side street -- just the sort of conditions a two-wheeled urban warrior/commuter relishes. Read on for our full impressions and a video that will take you along for the ride.
Tazzari Zero's preliminary specs released
Italian industrial firm Tazzari has announced preliminary specs and launched a new website for its plug-in auto, the Zero. Measuring 113.5 inches long and sporting 15-inch wheels, the city-bound electric car weighs in at 1,200 pounds -- 312 of that from the lithium-ion Fe battery. It'll handle 88 miles with a full charge that takes 9 hours to fill, but you can reportedly juice up to 80% in just 50 minutes. Top speed is 56 MPH, so don't expect to be driving this on the highway, and it can go from 0 to 31 in under 5 seconds. The company says it's due out later this year in Europe and the Carribean for less than 20,000 Euros ($25,760), and yes, there's a dozen Crayola-inspired colors available. Hit up the official site for a trailer.[Via Autoblog Green]Read - Preliminary specsRead - Official Tazzari Zero website
Hands-on with Nyko's Zero controller
Click for high-resolution image. Nyko's Zero controller beats Sony's DualShock 3 to the US market. Unlike any other third party controller out there, Nyko's Zero features both tilt and rumble functionality. We received our test unit today, and found it satisfactory. For the impatient that need rumble now (and don't want to bother importing a DualShock), the Zero will undeniably satisfy. However, there are a number of flaws in its design that make it hard to recommend whole-heartedly.Firstly, we commend Nyko for creating such easy-to-open packaging. With a simple cut of a sticker, we were able to get the controller out -- no plastic wrap packages that threaten to cut your fingers off. Another thing we were pleasantly surprised by: the use of a detachable battery pack. Two are included in the package: the standard rechargable pack, and one that accepts AA batteries. We appreciate the flexibility.Continuing the unboxing, we were disappointed to see that the Zero uses a dongle, just like Guitar Hero III. You will need to sacrifice one of the USB ports on your PS3 in order to use this controller. For owners of the 40GB system, this simply won't do. Sony's Bluetooth solution is obviously much more elegant, as it allows the USB ports to be free, and it makes it possible to turn on the system by pressing the PS button. The Zero cannot do that.%Gallery-17924%
Nyko PS3 rumble controller beats DualShock 3 to market
As you could probably deduce from the subject line, Nyko has unleashed their third-party rumble and motion controller upon the world. Before we even get our hands on a first party controller (besides importing), no less. So, if you really want to, you can purchase the wireless monstrosity pictured above. It retails for $59.99, which is $5 more than the DualShock 3 will retail at. (Note: It's currently $50 on amazon.com.) It's your call, but for some people the size might actually be a plus. For you see, some people are used to handling giant tools in their hands. And by tools we, of course, mean controllers.Expect a full hands-on shortly.%Gallery-17924%
Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of June 4th
Move along. Nothing to see here. Remember last week when I said June would be a much better month for game releases? Apparently I was wrong - with regards to the first week, at least. Check it out.US Games No new releases EU Games No new releases Asian Games No new releases Pretend Games Cutlery Wars XXIV: Quest for the Silver Teaspoon Honestly. There's nothing out for the PS3 this week. Anywhere. If you live in my mind, however, you can pick up the latest in the long running Cutlery Wars saga. Some people say that the quality has fallen as the series has continued, but don't let that stop you. Think of the teaspoons.Seriously, though. June will get better. We'll have a couple of games released next week and after that we've got titles like Singstar, The Darkness, Ninja Gaiden Sigma and FolksSoul to look forward to over the coming month or two.
New Rockman ZX Advent screens and character art
Capcom released a ton of screens today for the new Megaman ZX sequel, Rockman ZX Advent, and they show exactly what we want to see in our Megaman games: running from left to right and shooting at robots, all delivered in gorgeous hand-drawn 2D. We could look at stuff like this all day. Coincidentally, that's kind of our job.In the first ZX, kids use "Biometals" ("Livemetals" in the Japanese version) to transform into robots similar to X and Zero from the Megaman X series, as well as a fused ZX form. The kids from last time, Vent and Aile, have been replaced by a pair of functionally-identical crimefighting children, called Grey and Ashe.They operate a new Biometal, called Model A, which enables transformation into a dual-wielding robot seemingly based on Axl from Mega Man X7, a game that we're glad is on the PS2 (so we don't have to like it).We've included character designs and a selection of screens for you. Bask in their 2D-ness after the break, won't you? We shrunk them down a bit from Dengeki's original display, to make the basking more successful. Over-enlarged DS screens are not cool.
Nyko announces wireless Zero controllers for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
If you were lucky enough to snag a new console (or better yet, unwrap a free one) this holiday season, you're probably winging it with just one or two controllers until you can start hacking away at that towering December credit card bill and pick up a few extras. If so, Nyko's got its aim on you, hoping to snag those would-be first-party controller sales away from Sony and Microsoft and get a big fat Zero between the cusp of your hands. The 2.4GHz wireless controller already available on the PS2 (pictured) will soon be available on the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles, giving users another option if you aren't too fond of the ones already out there. These Zeroes will reportedly feature "heat-dissipating aluminum panels, backlit buttons, and a unique ergonomic design," but unfortunately, won't save you any cash in the process, as each of these (along with an apparently less important PC flavor) will be available for $49.99 when they land shortly after CES.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
VidaBox launches ZERO, another "100 percent" silent Media PC
We've seen a ton of media PCs as of late, and they all come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. The latest VidaBox model, dubbed the ZERO, is the most recent model to also takes noise output into account as well (yes, we've eyed many more previously) -- the company even goes so far as to promise that the ZERO will be "100 percent" silent. VidaBox's $4,400 machine is packed with an AMD X2 dual-core CPU, up to 1.5TB of storage, dual standard def tuners, optional dual HDTV tuners, an HDCP-compliant NVIDIA Geforce 7950GX2 graphics card, and most enticingly, optional Blu-ray or HD DVD drives. In addition, all ZERO systems -- along with future VidaBox high-def CableCARD systems -- will be upgradeable to CableCARD compatibility in 2007, which is when Vista is supposed to be released (cross your fingers). Although the model pictured above comes in black, VidaBox says that other color options, including silver and "combination" are also available -- perfect for the few but proud Oakland Raiders fans out there.
