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Mike Hanlon
World’s first billing system for electric vehicle charging posts
By Mike Hanlon
02:58 May 14, 2009 PDT
A ground-breaking tool for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from vehicle charging stations was unveiled at the Norwegian zero-emissions exhibition, EVS 24, yesterday. The EBConnect from British company Elektromotive, will make it easy to identify energy consumption and bill customers accurately and will be installed in the 140+ Elektrobay charging stations across the UK. Read More
MSpa - the portable spa for four or more
By Mike Hanlon
02:18 May 14, 2009 PDT
If you're one of those people who insist on luxury wherever you go, the MSpa is probably ideal for you. MSpa is a portable, lightweight, inflatable large and robust 210 gallon spa that weighs just 36 kg in portable form yet self-inflates in a few minutes. The MSpa will provide a complete 38 degree spa experience at just AUD$1200 (USD$922) and it's specifically designed to be energy efficient with foil insulation throughout and a lockable insulated cover. Read More
The world’s largest ambulance (and the world’s smallest X-ray unit)
By Mike Hanlon
02:08 May 14, 2009 PDT
"Scalpel please! " is a sentence that might in future not only be heard in a hospital operating theatre, but also in one of the three new, large-capacity Mercedes-Benz ambulances handed over to the Centre of Ambulance Services of the Government of Dubai. From now on, it is the hospital that comes to the patient in Dubai. The clinic buses were ordered so that rapid medical assistance can be rendered in the event of major emergencies with large numbers of injury victims. As is well-known, the survival chances of very seriously injured persons in large measure depend on rapid first treatment, and this is the purpose of the large-capacity ambulances. Read More
Digital Signage Agency Training
By Mike Hanlon
01:31 May 14, 2009 PDT
Advertising agencies have had increasing difficulty in extending their services into new media, a combination of being unable to monetise their efforts outside the simple main media models and a lack of understanding of the new mediums themselves. With digital signage now becoming increasingly sophisticated and affordable at the same time, cellular digital signage and content delivery specialist MediaTile has announced a series of new programs for advertising agencies to accelerate digital signage deployment and adoption. Announced at the 4th annual Digital Signage Content Strategies Summit this week, the new programs will equip agencies and brands with the knowledge, ability, and tools to create “brand networks” which use digital signs to attract, influence and engage viewers in ‘point-of-sale’ and ‘point-of-wait’ environments. Read More
Honda's 2011 Gold Wing to be technology showcase
By Mike Hanlon
19:26 May 13, 2009 PDT
Details of Honda's all-new 2011 model Gold Wing are emerging, along with the news that it's likely to be released a lot earlier than planned. Australian MotorCycle News is reporting the new Wing will jump from 1800cc to 2000cc, and retain its horizontally-opposed six cylinder format but will have both twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, similar to the EVO6 concept (pictured with 2009 Gold Wing) it showed at the Tokyo MotorShow 2007. Beyond that, the bike is shaping as a technology showcase with Honda's variable cylinder management, a beefed-up Human Friendly transmission, airbag system, ABS braking, GPS, electronic traction control, Bluetooth phone integration and an iPod compatible sound system. Read More
Efficient Load - Optimal road freight trip and load planning
By Mike Hanlon
16:19 May 13, 2009 PDT
How can companies maximize truck capacity utilization and at the same time plan trips so that the burden on the environment and transport costs are reduced? A new software system couples cargo space utilization and trip planning, to optimize transshipment, order combination, loading sequence and route planning. An up-and-running version which can be integrated into existing trip planning software is expected by the end of 2009. Read More
The NotHot Wine and champagne glass cooler
By Mike Hanlon
20:00 May 12, 2009 PDT
Chugging warm champagne or wine on a hot day can get you in all manner of trouble, and indeed, in the immortal words of Dorothy Parker, perhaps more – and delicate wine glasses don't withstand high ambient temperatures for long. Can and bottle insulators have now been around for decades, but when we saw the designer NotHot wine and champagne glass insulators we couldn't help but see all manner of new and more upmarket promotional possibilities. NotHot will create custom printed designs in nine different colours, enabling you to give your outdoor wedding, party or corporate event a unique and memorable take-away item that will go on working forever. There's even a lanyard available so you can hang your glass around your neck! Read More
Next-generation variable ratio drive pulley Stop-Start system
By Mike Hanlon
19:25 May 12, 2009 PDT
A new generation of Belt-Integrated Starter Generator (B-ISG) has been developed by powertrain engineering consultancy Integral Powertrain. The stop-start system with new multi-mode, variable ratio drive pulley brings substantial improvements in cost, runs the airconditioning with the engine-off and delivers CO2 reduction significantly beyond today’s best stop-start technologies. Read More
Titanic-DNA Tourbillon Steampunk a la Grande
By Mike Hanlon
18:45 May 12, 2009 PDT
We love the thinking behind Romain Jerome's manufactured authenticity and its legend DNA blends, so it's not surprising that we also love the irreverence of the Tourbillon Steampunk A la Grande. It's an exceptional timepiece featuring intensely accentuated physical characteristics, distinctive bolts, an anchor-shaped off-centred oscillating weight, 6-sided screws, Roman numerals, characteristic paws, a tourbillon, the collection’s trademark rust, along with a number of springs and rivets…. the result is a fascinating blend of apparent anarchy and undeniably noble charm. Read More
The highly-desirable 1000 watt Limited Edition TidalForce M-750 x2.0 electric fold-up bike
By Mike Hanlon
18:11 May 12, 2009 PDT
Military-funded projects often pave the way for a much better consumer product, and although the original DARPA funding of the development of the Tactical Electric No Signature (TENS) Mountain bike for Marines and paratroopers is now over a decade old, hold onto your hats folks, because the design has been upgraded and will be sold in limited quantities with a 1000 watt propulsion system. The TidalForce M-750 x2.0 is based around the commercially available (and ingenious) Montague Paratrooper folding bike but has a top speed of over 30 mph and range on a single charge is 25 - 28 miles, using the electric power only. The E+ advanced propulsion system features nine forward power modes, nine resistance (exercise) modes, cruise control and anti-theft. It folds to 3 x 3 ft, so it fits in the boot, and the componentry is first class with RockShox Tora 302 Forks, Shimano XTR brakes, FSA Gossamer 30/38/52 tooth crank set, Crane Creek Thudbuster ST seat suspension and a WTB Speed-V Seat. Like we said - highly-desirable. Read More
Ferrari set to withdraw from Formula One
By Mike Hanlon
16:51 May 12, 2009 PDT
In an announcement that shocked the motor racing world yesterday, Ferrari has signalled its intentions to withdraw from Formula One next year. Ferrari’s Board of Directors announced a EUR 54 million Q1, 2009 trading profit, only slightly down compared to EUR 59 million last year. At the same time it criticised the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile for its decision to introduce “two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.” The Board announced that unless the regulatory framework for Formula 1 is changed, then “the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years – the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 – would come to a close.” Read More
World MotoGP Championship-winning Suzuki for sale
By Mike Hanlon
16:26 May 12, 2009 PDT
The opportunity to own a world championship winning motorcycle is extremely rare. Usually, the only chance to obtain such a beastie is reserved for the people who have ridden them, and hence very few championship winning bikes exist outside the private collections of former world champions, or in factory museums. Now former Grand Prix motorcycle road racing world champion Franco Uncini has decided to auction the Suzuki 500 XR40 on which he won the his 1982 World MotoGP Championship via international Auction House COYS in Monaco on May 18. Read More
New multi-speed Electric Vehicle transmission improves EV performance and range
By Mike Hanlon
16:08 May 12, 2009 PDT
The Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) opens in Norway today and will see the official unveiling of a novel multi-speed electric vehicle gearbox by transmission specialist Vocis. Simulations show that a two-speed configuration could reduce the battery energy consumed by 5-10 percent over the industry-standard New European Drive Cycle, without any significant increase in overall cost or packaging volume, as well as extending battery life and providing the potential to substantially downsize the powertrain and battery pack. Read More
Boeing Business Jet Convertible repurposes from 50-passenger to full cargo config in eight hours
By Mike Hanlon
21:10 May 11, 2009 PDT
Boeing has used EBACE to announce its Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Convertible is now available to prospective customers with very special needs. The USD50 million plus airplane reconfigures from all-passenger to all-cargo configuration in less than eight hours, making it ideal for Governments, corporations and independently-wealthy citizens who forsee usefulness in being able to quickly repurpose the craft from mobile boardroom to transporting up to 50 VIPs, staff or troops to delivering disaster-relief supplies or configuring for medical evacuation. Thanks to a new Overhead Space Utilization kit, which adds 75 square metres of space, it could also be easily used for transporting race cars, race horses or the entourage of touring musical groups. Read More
Century-old French cabinet expected to fetch USD $1.5 million
By Mike Hanlon
19:46 May 11, 2009 PDT
An extraordinary cabinet described as the equivalent of the Cullinan diamond for French furniture will go under the hammer next month. First exhibited at the Salon du Mobilier in Paris in 1908 , the cabinet was made by the great French furniture maker Francois Linke, a leading light of the makers of French meubles de luxe in Paris during the Belle Epoque. Read More
The Instaboat Fisherman foldable aluminium canoe
By Mike Hanlon
19:23 May 11, 2009 PDT
The Quebec-manufactured Instaboat has added a second canoe to its easily transportable, collapsible aluminium boat range aimed specifically at fishermen. The new Instaboat Fisherman folds down to a package just 16 cm wide, 3.45 metres long and 38 cm deep weighing 38 kg. Preparing (see video) the US$1500 unsinkable Fisherman for the water takes just two minutes and offers a 245 kg weight capacity. Read More
New EEG method predicts neurological recovery of cardiac arrest patients
By Mike Hanlon
19:11 May 11, 2009 PDT
The VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland is Northern Europe's biggest contract research organization and provides high-end technology solutions, often combining different technologies to create new innovations. One new breakthrough that's certain to be watched closely later this week will be that of VTT Research Scientist, Miikka Ermes (M.Sc., Eng.), who will publicly defend his doctoral thesis presenting methods for analysing human biosignals, including innovative methods for the verification of brain damage following cardiac arrest. Up until now, the use of electroencephalography (EEG) in the monitoring of cardiac patients has been limited due to interpretation difficulties. Read More
Lucas Ordoñez - the first virtual-to-real race driver
By Mike Hanlon
15:05 May 6, 2009 PDT
If you're car racing gamer and fancy yourself a bit behind the wheel of a console or PC, you'll be thrilled to hear of the rise and rise of Lucas Ordoñez, the world’s first virtual to real life racing driver. Lucas won the Nissan/PlayStation GT Academy 2008, a competition designed with the express purpose of taking a champion Gran Turismo gamer and turning them into a real life racing driver. Lucas had his first hit-out in the first round of the highly competitive European GT4 series at the weekend and ended on the podium, filling Gran Turismo's 50 million devotees with hope that a new route to international motorsport is about to open. Read More
Martin Lindstrom makes Time's Top 100
By Mike Hanlon
21:22 May 5, 2009 PDT
TIME magazine has announced its list of the world’s 100 most influential people of 2009 and we're more than a bit chuffed here at Gizmag. That's because brand futurist and author Martin Lindstrom is on the list and Martin has previously worked with several of Gizmag's core team. Martin was selected in the category of Scientists & Thinkers for his groundbreaking work on neuroscience and branding. His latest book Buyology – Truth and Lies About Why We Buy has been translated into 37 languages and is on almost all major best-seller lists worldwide. Buyology is based on the world’s largest neuroscience study on brands and advertising (peering into the brains of 2,000 consumers across five countries) and questions a range of conventional thinking within the advertising and marketing community. Good on yer Martin! Read More
Electrically supercharged gasoline engine achieves diesel levels of CO2
By Mike Hanlon
19:44 May 5, 2009 PDT
We have previously written about the potential of UK-based Controlled Power Technologies' (CPT) electrically driven supercharger and that potential came closer to realization this week when CPT and the world’s largest independent developer of vehicle powertrains, AVL List GmbH (AVL), unvelied a jointly developed gasoline engine that retains all the strengths, develops more power and at the same time reduces CO2 levels to that of an equivalent diesel powertrain. Read More
Gizmag is hiring - apply here
By Mike Hanlon
19:57 April 30, 2009 PDT
Gizmag is seeking writers with a serious passion for new technology to join our editorial team. Specifically, at this moment, we're looking for those who can offer expertise in one or more of the following areas: electronics and consumer electronics of all kinds, telecommunications, mobile telephony and lifestyle, home entertainment, home automation, digital photography and video, and personal computing. If you have expertise in other areas, and want to be considered for a position when they become available, fill the application form out anyway. Read More
The search for the best ideas in satellite navigation
By Mike Hanlon
16:13 April 30, 2009 PDT
The Sixth European Satellite Competition is an annual search for the best application ideas for satellite navigation. In recent years, the winning innovations have included a rescue system for persons who have fallen overboard at sea; a mobile, GPS-supported social network; a mobile phone-based guidance system that aids more economical driving; a remote monitoring system for recovering heart patients; a Web 2.0 platform that delivers location-based videos in real time; and a flood prediction system. It's not quite American Idol for entrepreneurs, but there are many similarities. Apart from the monetary prize, success in the competition paves the way to market for your talents, with significant partners. Entries open May 1. Read More
Ferrari 599XX extreme track car developing new technologies for future roadgoing supercars
By Mike Hanlon
19:39 April 28, 2009 PDT
First seen at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, the Ferrari 599XX is an extreme track car being used to develop new technologies for future roadgoing supercars .. and you can buy one if you're the right sort of client. A limited number of 599XXs will be available for sale to Ferrari’s most valued customers, but Ferrari will prepare and run the cars on behalf of their owners, enabling them to drive them at special events at Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track and at leading race tracks in Europe and the USA. Data gathered from these track days will be used to further enhance and develop technology for future frontline Ferrari models. Read More
The Samba defines a new class of 65 mph 200 pound PWC
By Mike Hanlon
00:47 April 27, 2009 PDT
The PWC is evolving rapidly with the new Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 255 and RXT iS 255 which introduce the industry's first suspension and braking and a new production-ready design which looks capable of defining a whole new class of PWC. The Samba looks like a stingray and is ridden in a motorcycle-like, crouch. Evolved over five years and four prototypes, it is so small and light, an 80 bhp motor can offer the power-to-weight and the same 65 mph top speed of the fastest 250 bhp sit-downs, with extreme agility, control and acrobatic capabilities far beyond those of a stand-up. Above all, the Samba is easy-to-ride, and extreme tricking is relatively easily attainable for even beginners, such is the degree of “body english” control offered to the rider by the design which puts the centre of gravity of the whole package between the rider's wrists and shoulders. Read More
Husqvarna's autonomous Automower 260 ACX calls for help via SMS
By Mike Hanlon
04:51 April 24, 2009 PDT
Homeowners with lawns 6000 m² or more spend more than 120 hours every year mowing lawns according to Husqvarna, the world's largest lawnmower manufacturer – that's the equivalent of three weeks work. Those with better things to do, can either pony up three week's wages for someone or buy the Automower 260 ACX, the biggest yet Husqvarna robotic lawnmower. The battery driven EUR 4,000 Automower 260 ACX just goes about its business, 24 hours a day, recharging itself through an electrically powered charging station when necessary. It's completely set-and-forget, and if it encounters any problems, it'll send an SMS to your mobile. Read More
John Wassner
- November 27, 2009 @ 01:40 UTC
