TAG Heuer released another first at the Baselworld 2005 global watch mecca - the most accurate mechanical timepiece ever crafted, the “Calibre 360” Concept Chronograph. The “Calibre 360” Concept Chronograph is the first mechanical wrist chronograph to measure and display time to 1/100th of a second, thanks to the exceptionally high frequency of its balance wheel, which oscillates at 360,000 beats per hour, 10 times faster than any other chronograph—a rate that until now was considered impossible.  Read More

Wacom has announced its first pen tablet to incorporate Bluetooth wireless technology will be a member of Graphire pen tablet family. Mobile office workers, educators and aspiring digital artists will also appreciate the new device and the ability to work where and when they want. The new model, named Graphire Bluetooth, incorporates Wacom's cordless, battery-free pen and mouse and is available immediately, offering a 6" x 8" active area and is priced at US$249.99.  Read More

Many people including the California Cars Initiative (CalCars), see the short to medium term future of hybrid cars as plug-in hybrids – hybrids where you can choose not to use petroleum should you wish. They claim that the biggest problem with the current Honda and Toyota hybrids is that you can’t charge their batteries overnight because they’ve been designed to gently wean the population off petrol. So CalCars decided to jump-start the market for plug-in hybrids itself, taking a Toyota Prius, adding much bigger batteries and modifying it so it could be plugged into the electricity supply and charged overnight. The aim is to harness the collective vision and purchasing power of individuals and corporate and government fleets and get a major auto manufacturer to produce plug-in versions of existing hybrids.  Read More

The REVA-NXG, a “next generation Electric Vehicle” concept was shown for the first time earlier this month at the EV21 Electric Vehicle Symposium in Monaco. Created by the Indian REVA Electric Car Company (RECC), the new concept car is the result of a collaborative effort between RECC, automobile designer Dilip Chhabria and Simputer developer Encore Software. The REVA-NXG is a two-seater roadster with a range of 200 kilometres and a top speed of 120 kmh. The car is powered by a high performance 37 kW AC induction motor that drives the front wheels, and uses Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries in lieu of conventional lead acid batteries for extended life. The REVA-NXG has four-wheel independent suspension with an integrated regenerative and hydraulic braking system and the company claims excellent handling and braking.  Read More

Not everybody wants to make an LCD/Plasma screen the central focus of a room and there are now a number of creative solutions to this aesthetic dilemma. Home entertainment furniture company Reversica has come up with a new twist on creating flexible living spaces with the introduction of the Gyre 6300 flat screen concealment hardware system. The design uses an unusual rotaxial motion to flip between a 50” flat screen TV and a bookcase – all in a slim 18" case.  Read More

2005.The glamorous Bentley Arnage Drophead Coupe that was launched to worldwide acclaim at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2005 is to go into series production. The magnificent four-seater convertible show car stimulated such interest among Bentley aficionados, both in the USA and Europe, that the decision was immediately taken to continue its extensive development programme in time for delivery of the first cars in Spring 2006.  Read More

Sometimes we see an idea that is just so damned clever we know it is a winner. This is such an idea. Indeed, much more than just an idea, it is a fully implemented, ready-to-do-the-business, killer product. Battery-free, wireless light switches save time, reduce costs and enhance flexibility over traditional wired switches. They are applicable anywhere there’s electricity so the opportunity to save money is global. The manufacturers estimate cost savings over traditional wired switches at 80% and that’s probably being modest. Like we said ... a killer product!!!  Read More

Silent, powerful with a range far greater than could have been conceived just a few short years ago, electric bicycles look set to play a role in the future of transportation. Second generation electric bikes are beginning to appear and they are a far cry from the first generation. A prime example of just how far we have come is the second generation Sherpa from Electric Vehicles – it can be pedaled if you wish, but it goes faster than you can pedal with a top speed of 30kmh a range of 30 kilometres, and the ability to fold into the size of a small suitcase (830 x 350 x 610mm). At US$1050, it represents such an economical and convenient “second” form of transport that it is finding its way into motorhomes, boats, inner city apartments and anyone who lives within 20km of their workplace. And it doesn’t require a license!  Read More

One of the stars of the recent Melbourne International Auto Show was a new automobile with a distinctly recognisable shape – the “James Dean” Porsche Speedster reincarnated with a turbocharged 2 litre WRX motor. The Chetcuti is powered by a 160 kilowatt Subaru EJ20 motor and is available in three versions, all based on a 1957 Porsche Speedster: the rear-engined “traditional” shape, a wide-bodied version and a wide-bodied mid-engined version. All three weigh in at around 1000 kg, and offer spectacular performance at around US$55,000.  Read More