Technology

Fastest 2D Camera Ever Captures 100-Billion-Frames-Per-Second, Will Be Used to Research Invisiblity Cloaks

By Jackson Chung December 8, 2014

Washington University researchers have built the world’s fastest 2D receive-only camera, capable of capturing images at a staggering rate of up to 100-billion FPS. This is possible with a technique called Compressed Ultrafast Photography (CUP), which captures high-speed images frame-by-frame as it passes the lens. Professor Lihong Wang, the research team leader, says: “For the first time, humans can see light pulses on the fly. Because this technique advances the imaging frame rate by orders of magnitude, we now enter a new regime to open up new visions. Each new technique, especially one of a quantum leap forward, is always followed a number of new discoveries.” Brian Pogue, an engineer at Darthmouth, adds: “It might be possible to improve the investigation into approaches to optical cloaking, in which light bends or is deformed around an object, instead of going through it.” Click here to view the first image in today’s viral picture gallery. Continue reading for a viral video of someone skating on a crystal clear lake.

Japanese Company Invents Food Cannon System That Fries Shrimp in 3-Seconds, Video Shows How

By Jackson Chung December 7, 2014

Japan-based DoCoMo has unveiled a food cannon system that’s capable of firing shrimp through the air at breakneck speed towards a drenching of flour, eggs and breadcrumbs before hurtling towards a flamethrower, where they are flash-fried to perfection. In the video, you’ll see two ladies pour beaten eggs into a large silver canteen, then inverted triangular containers filled with flour, and last, but not least, a glass air cannon, which the shrimp have been stuffed into. Continue reading for the video and more information.

5 Pictures of Carbon Flyer, a Carbon Fiber Crash-Proof Drone

By Jackson Chung December 6, 2014

Photo credit: Hi Consumption

High-tech drones are becoming commonplace now that the parts are being mass produced, but there are still some a cut above the rest, and that includes the Carbon Flyer. This carbon fiber drone is not only 10-times stronger than aluminum-based models, but it can be smartphone-controlled as well. It’s powered by two high-output motors and features LED running lights, as well as an on-board camera that streams video directly to your mobile device, up to 240 feet away. Click here to view the first image in this week’s funny Facebook status updates gallery. Continue reading for a viral video of an amazing collection of fireworks.

You Could Either Walk Your Bike Up Hills, Or Use This Innovative Escalator

By Jackson Chung December 5, 2014

Called the CycloCable, this is the first, and only, bicycle lift in the world. The originaly prototype was built in 1993 in Trondheim, Norway and was removed in early 2012. In 2013 it was replaced with an updated model, developed by Skirail company belonging to French Poma group. Best of all, it’s absolutely free to use. Continue reading for a video, more pictures and additional information on how to use it.

ALLPOWERS 12W Portable Foldable Solar Charger with Dual USB Ports Gets 69% Reduction to $33.99, Today Only

By Jackson Chung December 2, 2014

ALLPOWERS 12W Portable Foldable Solar Charger is currently being offered for just $33.99, today only, originally priced at $109.99. Its compact size is designed for portability, and with the free hook, you can simply hang it on your bag when outdoors. Afterwards, it folds down into an small package weighing in at less than a pound. Product page. Continue reading for more detailed product images and information.

Notable features:

ALLPOWERS PowersIQ Technology: It can automatically identify and detect your device, delivering its fastest possible charge speed up to 1.5Amp under direct sunlight.

Exclusive Solar Patent Technology: PET Anti-scratch hardened technology, solar conversion effeciency up to 19%.

Dual-USB Power: 12 watt monocrystalline PET solar panel provides enough power to charge cellphone and mini ipad at the same time.

Simple Design: Convenient eyeholes enable easy attachment to backpacks while hiking; PET laminated solar panels sewn into high-wear PVC fabric for weather-resistant outdoor durability.

[via Amazon]

Keyboard Waffle Iron Becomes a Reality, Goes Great with Blueberries

By Jackson Chung November 30, 2014

You’re looking at the original Keyboard Waffle Iron concept (top) that New York-based designer Chris Dimonio came up with, but now the gadget has become a reality, albeit in a much more portable form. To make that perfect keyboard-shaped waffle, simple pre-heat the iron, coat with a non-stick cooking spray, add your favorite batter recipe, close the lid, and flip it at the 2-3 minute mark. Continue reading to see it in-action as well as for the Kickstarter page.

Engineer Uses Microsoft Kinect and Sphero to Harness Telekinetic Powers, Professor X Approves

By Jackson Chung November 27, 2014

Telekinesis is best known as a psychic ability allowing a person to influence a physical system without physical interaction. Microsoft engineer Mike Taulty from the company’s Developer and Platform Group has managed to use Microsoft Kinect, along with Sphero, a robotic toy controlled by a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, to harness augmented telekinetic powers, similar to Professor X. As X-Men fans know, he’s a mutant who possesses vast telepathic powers, and is among the strongest and most powerful telepaths in the Marvel Universe. He is able to perceive the thoughts of others or project his own thoughts within a radius of approximately 250 miles (400 km). Continue reading for the video demonstration.

StoreDot Charges Smartphones in 30-Seconds with Nano-Technology, Set to Hit Stores in 2016

By Jackson Chung November 26, 2014

We’ve covered StoreDot before, but now it has gone from purely a prototype, to something that will be ready to hit stores in 2016. This device utilizes nano-technology to synthesize artificial molecules, and the company has developed a battery that can store a much higher charge more quickly, acting like a sponge to soak up power and retain it. The prototype you see above is far too bulky, but the production model will be slim enough to fit in your pocket. Doron Myersdorf, the founder and chief executive of StoreDot, says consumers should expect to pay $100 – $150 more for fast charging models with this technology. Click here to view the first image in today’s viral picture gallery. Continue reading for a viral video showing how astronauts take selfies in space.

Smell-O-Vision Has Become a Reality, Try it Now at London’s Heathrow Airport

By Jackson Chung November 23, 2014

London Heathrow’s Terminal 2 has now brought “Smell-O-Vision” to life, or at least in the form of a scent globe. To celebrate the completion of this newly renovated terminal, the airport installed a ‘scent globe’ that releases the smell of its most fragrant destinations, intending to “take passengers on a sensory journey before even setting foot on their flights”. Continue reading for more pictures and information.

One is an Android, the Other a Real Human, You Might Have Trouble Telling the Difference

By Jackson Chung November 21, 2014

Android Asuna, complete with realistic human skin and facial expressions, made her debut at the Tokyo Designers’ Week showcase earlier this month and is called a geminoids. Within 10-years, its inventor, Mr. Takeshi Mita CEO of A-Lab in Tokyo, plans to unveil a fully independent version of the geminoid is expected in 10 years, making her virtually indistinguishable from humans. Click here to view the first image in today’s viral picture gallery. Continue reading for a viral video of a crazy dad who decided to build a dirt bike swing.