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DARPA wheels change from tires to tracks without stopping
Travel across difficult terrain usually involves a lot of compromise. Tracks will get you where you need to go, but they're slow whenever you're covering open ground. DARPA, however, doesn't think you should have to make that choice. It's working with Carnegie Mellon University on Reconfigurable Wheel-Track technology that converts wheels from tracks to tires (and vice versa) in the middle of a drive. As you can see in the clip below, the change takes just two seconds -- you could drive off the road and up a hillside without skipping a beat.
Tinder just bought a Snapchat-like video app
With Tinder's acquisition of collaborative video messaging app Wheel, the swiping app of choice may soon offer more than photos of available people in your area. Tinder expanded beyond dating last July with the introduction of Tinder Social, which connects groups of friends to hang out. As Business Insider notes, Wheel is similar to Snapchat's "Live Stories," which allows users to post to a public feed of themed videos.
ICYMI: Reinvented wheel and drones that can evade
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: Stanford is teaching drones how to avoid either existing obstacles or ones that come in the form of an attacking human. It all works in real-time, which is why the video of the technology in action shows a fencer sparring with the drone. German students have created a wheel that works like a robotic bicycle chain, morphing its shape from round to triangular -- whatever is needed to get over obstacles in its path. Please watch the video from YouTuber Useless Duck Company for a Nintendo laugh. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
Ford concept turns your car wheel into an electric unicycle
There's an irony to driving downtown: since you frequently have to park well away from your destination, there's a real chance that you'll be slower around town than someone taking the bus. Wouldn't it be nice if you could have private, motorized transport for the entire trip? Ford thinks so. It recently obtained a patent for a car wheel that turns into an electric unicycle. You'd only have to detach the wheel and slap on a kit that gives you the controls and seating you need to get moving.
Copenhagen Wheel turns any bike into an electric hybrid, ships early 2014 for $699 (video)
We can't fault you for dismissing the Copenhagen Wheel as vaporware -- it's been nearly four years since the pedal-assist bicycle accessory made its debut at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference. But, we finally have pricing and availability to share, and if all goes to plan, the MIT-backed project could make its way to your doorstep in Q1 2014. Superpedestrian, a Boston-based start-up, is making the Copenhagen Wheel available for pre-orders beginning today. The $699 device snaps onto a standard 26-inch bicycle wheel, converting your ordinary bike into a powerful hybrid electric version that can cruise along at 20 miles per hour. The Wheel, which sports a range of 30 miles, is powered by a 48-volt rechargeable battery. It's designed as an entirely self-contained unit -- instead of adjusting your speed using a throttle or button, you'll simply pedal faster, just as you would while riding a lesser-equipped bike. The device will compensate with additional power whenever needed, and it locks when you walk away, providing a bit of additional security (though with a $699 sticker price, you'll probably want to yank the removable battery, too). It can also communicate with the Superpedestrian mobile app, which tracks distance and calories burned. If you have the cash to spare, cruise on down to the pre-order link just below.
Mad Catz announces 'Force Feedback Racing Wheel' for Xbox One
Mad Catz today announced the Force Feedback Racing Wheel, an surprisingly backronym-bereft premium steering wheel for the Xbox One. No price point has been revealed, though Mad Catz is "planning on hitting console launch for the wheel," according to Global PR & Communications Director Alex Verrey. The wheel features two "next generation Force Feedback motors," suede leather on the surface of the central device and a "luxury" removable CNC-machined aluminum faceplate. The package also includes a set of pedals, which can be set to the user's individual height/spacing/resistance preferences. For reference, the Xbox One's launch-day selection of racing games consists of Forza 5 and Need for Speed: Rivals.
Sony reveals $40 PlayStation Move Racing Wheel for LittleBigPlanet Karting and more
We didn't spot it on stage during the pre-E3 2012 press conference, but Sony's PlayStation Blog is showing off a new PS Move Racing Wheel on the way. This framework apparently fits around the Move, featuring different grip styles with twist throttles and paddle shifters depending on what kind of racing you'd like to do. The "precise motion tracking" afforded by the Move appears to be targeted at titles like the upcoming LittleBigPlanet Karting, but it's hard to see how this will be real wheel, or even controller, alternative for serious gamers. It certainly seems to be fair competition for Microsoft's Wireless Speed Wheel that was introduced last year or the Nintendo Wii Wheel, but frankly we're surprised that's a battle anyone else wanted to be in. Either way, we expect to get our hands on it this week before it hits stores this fall for $39.99. %Gallery-156981%
Fanatec's Clubsport pedals V2 bring improved brake and clutch feel to the virtual speedway (video)
Around these parts, we're generally suckers for all things related to racing simulators. As such, we're excited to learn that Fanatec has unveiled its next generation of the Clubsport pedals that we reviewed over a year ago. Dubbed as the Clubsport pedals V2, the company refers to the peripheral as an "evolutionary" update to original, offering a trio of improvements. The clutch has been retooled to have a "regressive feel" that's said to be similar to a real automobile, while the brake is now of the hydraulic variety, featuring user replaceable synthetic oil -- naturally, it still has an adjustable spring and load cell pressure sensor for the utmost customizability. The final touch is merely some visual spice in the way of black anodization. Notably, there won't be any tuning kit available initially, and V1 owners might be disappointed to know that the company has opted not to offer an upgrade kit, citing costs and potentially complicated installation. Fanatec is aiming to have the Clubsport pedals V2 out by June, bundled alongside its Clubsport wheel, with pricing set at $250 for the US (€250 in the UK). Pre-orders won't begin until May, so in the meantime, shift over to the source link below and the video past the break for all the details.
AT&T Labs, Carnegie Mellon research haptic-feedback steering wheel for turn-by-turn directions
A force-feedback steering wheel. It's quite literally the stuff of racing games, and AT&T labs, along with Carnegie Mellon, is researching the possibly of throwing similar tech into your real-world whip. MIT's Technology Review recently highlighted the project, which uses 20 vibrating actuators shoved inside of a steering wheel to create a variety of patterns -- a counter-clockwise sequence could indicate a left turn, for example. As you might have guessed, one of the goals is to keep drivers less distracted by the likes of visual turn-by-turn GPS navigators and more focused on the road. While it's currently being tested with driving simulators, the results are positive so far, if a bit modest. When supplemented with typical audio / visual navigation, folks near the age of 25 kept their eyes planted on the asphalt for 3.1 percent more time than without it. Notably, the improvement wasn't found with those over 65 in the aforementioned instance, however, supplemented with just the audio, the vibrating wheel had them focusing on the road by an increase of four percent.According to Technology Review, this isn't the first time haptic feedback has been tested as a driving aid, although past tests have, notably, resulted in "fewer turn errors" by those behind the wheel. Best of all, the tech is capable of sending more than just navigation cues -- it could certainly be useful in a Telsa. So when can you expect to find a force-feedback steering wheel in your ride? Technology Review cites Kevin Li, an AT&T Labs researcher on the project, who says the main hurdle is making something that people will just "get," and that it's still "years" away from becoming a possibility. While there's no photos of the setup just yet, a full report on the research will get released in June. Hey, there's always Forza and Gran Turismo, at least for now -- right?
Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSR wheel and Elite pedals review
Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel for Xbox 360 review Fanatec Porsche GT2 wheel and Clubsport pedals review Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on It's amazing to realize that about two years ago Fanatec's first Xbox 360 racing wheel, the Forza 3 Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel, hit the scene. Although it turned out to be a mixed bag, Fanatec pleasantly surprised us with its Porsche GT2 and Clubsport Pedals in January of this year -- despite a roaring fan and shaky shifter mounts. Now, we're saying hello to a new trio of racing sim-related goods intended for Forza Motorsport 4 on Xbox 360: the $249.95 Forza Motorsport CSR Wheel, $59.95 shifter set, and $149.95 CSR Elite Pedals. If you'll recall, it was back in March that we checked some of this kit out, and now with Forza 4 here, we hooked this mashup of gear up with our Playseat Evolution for a massive amount of virtual spins. So, did this combination help speed past the checkerboard with a respectable feel? Shift past the break find out in our full review. %Gallery-140233%
Mario Kart 7 Steering Wheel for Nintendo 3DS should help you drift past Toadie
It's no secret that Mario Kart 7 is due out in December, but it now appears that a certain 3DS-compatible steering wheel from Hori will be too. (Stoked?) According to Andriasang, Amazon's Japanese site listed the peripheral sans photos, pricing it at a cool ¥1,280 (about $17). Not long after that the blog snagged a few press shots of said unit, which looks like a odd blend of the iPhone-oriented Helix grip and Nintendo's own Wii Wheel. The attachment is said to feature tweaked shoulder triggers and Nintendo's Official Seal of Approval, but won't score you extra SlidePad functionality. You'll find a shot of the back past the break and more details at the links below.
Thrustmaster's Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On takes you from zero to hero in $200
You may never get the chance to join Ferrari's Formula 1 team, but indulging your imagination is about to get a lot easier, now that Thrustmaster has unveiled its new Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On -- a life-sized replica of the wheel you'd find within the 150° Italia. Announced yesterday, this rubber-textured wheel features a full slate of professional-grade rotary knobs, switches and action buttons -- including two rotary encoder switches, eight push-buttons and a set of "push and pull" sequential shifters that, true to form, are attached directly to the wheel face. Designed to seamlessly attach to your T500 RS, the accessory will be available in two models: a PC- and PS3-compatible mode, with 13 action buttons and three D-Pads, or an advanced PC-compatible mode, with 25 action buttons and one D-Pad. No mention, however, of that And if you look in the upper left corner, you'll even find your very own boost button. The Add-On is slated to start shipping in early October for $200, so buckle up and steer past the break for more details, in the full PR.
Fanatec's Forza 4 accessories now up for pre-order
Turn 10 Studios and Fanatec have partnered to offer some high-end, wireless peripherals for Forza Motorsport 4. The CSR Wheel ($250), CSR Elite pedals ($150) and CSR shifter ($60) are all made with aluminum parts. The wheel's got force feedback and an LED display for tweaking the turning, force feedback, vibration and sensitivity; five available presets make for easy switching. The wheel is even compatible with PC and PS3, if you've got other racing games, and the pedals are also compatible with PC via an optional USB cable. Take a gander at the goods in the gallery below. %Gallery-135146%
Start your engines, open your wallets: Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSRs available for pre-ordering
The green flag just waved on pre-orders for Fanatec's line of Forza Motorsport accessories, including the CSR Wheel ($250), CSR Elite Pedal Set ($150) and CSR Shifter Set ($60). To refresh your memory: all feature metal construction that, as we noted, gives them a solid, rugged feel. The wheel's force feedback is powered by a Mabuchi RS550 motor, with two additional actuators simulating motor and ABS vibration. The pedals are fully adjustable; a pressure-sensitive brake pedal can be tuned to mimic any car. Finally, the shifter set features a six-speed H-pattern design and can be mounted on either side of the steering wheel. There's no word on when these will actually ship, and sadly for you big spenders, the CSR Wheel Elite isn't yet available. But don't let that keep you from getting revved up over the PR below.
Fanatec's ClubSport racing wheel is definitely not for Sunday drivers (video)
The Fanatec ClubSport is coming this winter to steer that fine line between desirable and ridiculous. The wheel rim can be quick-released from the all-metal, ultra-customizable base, allowing you to switch between a Formula style wheel (depicted), or GT, NASCAR and rally styles. Pricing will be equally hardcore: $450 (excluding taxes) for the base, plus between $150 and $300 for each rim, and an extra $200 if you want machined aluminum ClubSport pedals to match. Full demo in the video after the break.
Curtis Boirum's robotic car makes omnidirectional dreams come true (video)
Let's face it: you've probably never met a hemispherical omnidirectional gimbaled wheel that you didn't like. Neither has Curtis Boirum, a grad student at Bradley University. The aforesaid whiz kid has put together one of the most visually stunning robots we've seen in some time, and while the frame itself is nothing to get hot and bothered about, the motion capabilities most definitely are. The secret lies in the black rubber hemisphere, which rotates like a top and is outfitted with servos that are able to tilt the entire mechanism left / right / forwards / backwards. What's wild is just how fast those changes happen -- something tells us that whole "on a dime" thing was born to be used right here. Head on past the break for video proof.
Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel hands-on
Okay, so the U-shaped contraption you see above won't get a motorsports enthusiast's blood boiling quite like the Fanatec CSR Elite wheel we tested earlier, but for a lot of gamers the CSR is a bit too much. The Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel, on the other hand, is rather more manageable -- and affordable, with a $59.99 price. It's a simple, lightweight thing, with an over-sized trigger on the back of each grip. These have very low resistance, so they tend to clap against the back when you mash the throttle, but this plus a long throw means it's easy to be precise on the gas or brake. And that, of course, is what they're intended to be used for. On the right prong are the four face buttons, on the left a D-pad. Start and Back are in the middle along with the Guide button, but sadly the L and R shoulder buttons didn't make the start. That's a mighty shame, making us wonder what compatibility will be like for racers that use those for up- and down-shifting. Regardless, with Forza Motorsport 4 the wheel works like a charm. There's an almost imperceptible amount of lag between you turning the thing in air and your reaction being conveyed on screen, but it's not a problem. The triggers feel great and, while shifting using the D-pad is a little clumsy, it works. Ultimately and predictably the Speed Wheel doesn't deliver the most hardcore of racing experiences, but it'll be a lot more couch-friendly than your average wheel and pedal setup when it ships this October. %Gallery-126043%
Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on
If you're a console racer and you own an Xbox 360 then you know Forza Motorsport is among the best, but you also know that your selection of compatible controllers has left a bit to be desired. At this year's E3, which saw Microsoft peeling the protective tape from the bumpers and fenders of Forza Motorsport 4, there was actually an abundance of compatible wheels on display, but it's clear which were the most serious: two new wheels from Fanatec. They're called the CSR and CSR Elite, and there's a new set of pedals to match. Click on through for our detailed impressions. %Gallery-125952%
Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel will arrive in early October for $60, give you something to hold on to
Microsoft's Kinect motion controls may be infiltrating all sorts of games at this year's E3, but the Xbox maker isn't neglecting those in need of a more tangible control scheme. A new Wireless Speed Wheel has just been revealed, with a reasonable $60 price tag and an early October launch date. As you see above, it's technically three-fourths of a wheel, but that does allow for extra green bands of lights to be applied and, slightly more importantly, a set of directional and action buttons to be added to the handles of this steering implement. There's a rumble pack inside for force feedback and a pair of trigger buttons on the underside for smashing the gas or dabbing the brakes. Another image after the break.
XCM's F-1 Converter lets XBox 360 players get behind G25, G27 racing wheels (video)
We've never been shy about our affection for Logitech's G25 and G27 steering wheels, and now we can share our love with our friends of the Xbox 360 persuasion. With the brand new F-1 converter from XCM, die hard Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Slim fans can get behind the same wheels we've been behind since 2006. If that wasn't reward enough, the F-1 also sports a built-in combo-attack memory function for fighting games, and rumble support is baked in for good measure. So go ahead, ye of the XBox 360 ilk, plug her in, caress the contours of her beautiful leather-wrapped curves, feel the way she kicks -- we'll try not to get jealous. Video game voyeurs can check out the F-1 in action after the jump. [Thanks, Roadography]
