Filed under: Robots
We’ve seen
robot firefighters before, and even a
robot firefighting contest, but it looks like some brave bots from the folks at
Qinetiq are among the first to actually see service, although their roles are decidedly limited for the time being. According to Popular Mechanics, the robots are only being used to put out fires involving involving Acetylene gas, which had previously simply been left to burn themselves out due to the risk of explosions. With the bots, however, they’re able get things moving along far more quickly, which is especially useful when the blaze is causing train delays. It seems that’s a job too big for just one robot, however, as Qinetiq has reportedly been commissioned to put three bots into service during a six month trial period, including a Talon bot that uses thermal imaging to asses the situation, a 2,160-pound Brokk 90 robot that can “tear through walls or shove vehicles out the way,” and last but not least the ATV-sized “Black Max” that actually douses the situation. Sadly, it seems that the bots are all remotely-controlled for the time being, and not fully autonomous, but we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before they really get to show what they’re capable of.
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
From a distance, this thing looks just a little too much like the BlackJack (the old one, not the new) for comfort — but when you zoom in a bit, it looks like Samsung’s spinning a few cute touches into its SPH-i325 “Ace” for Sprint. Mobiledia has this one pegged for the first quarter of next year, offering a Windows Mobile Standard alternative to the BlackBerrys of the world with a slim shell, QWERTY keyboard, and landscape QVGA display; it’s probably not going to make any BlackJack II owners envious, but at least this gives Sprint customers a chance to keep up with the Joneses. Even better, Boy Genius Report claims that we might see a little GSM radio stuffed in there for the globetrotters in the crowd. Anyone have an old Samsung Ace for Mobile ESPN, by the way?
[Via Boy Genius Report]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Gaming, Household
Hot on the heels of the enormous Wiimote cabinet comes an absolutely gigantic Xbox 360 that truly has to be seen to be appreciated. Thankfully, there’s a video of the thing waiting in the read link, but this beastly player opens up to reveal the perfect storage area for periodicals and pamphlets that are sure to collect dust and rarely ever be touched by human hands again. Additionally, a light was added behind the power button (no, it’s not red) for good measure, but last we heard, the original Xbox controller (a.k.a Duke) was no longer on speaking terms with its biological cousin (pictured).
[Thanks, J]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Just under a fortnight ago, we found that the audio input pins on the iPod touch were indeed active and able to record audio. Now, a modder has constructed a smallish dock appendage that plugs directly into the touch and enables you to input audio. Apparently, the gizmo sports a built-in microphone and pre-amp, which could theoretically be used in VoIP applications or for recording simple voice notes. It seems as though the creator is offering these up to anyone interested, but you’ll have to drop him an email to find out how much such an accessory will run you.
[Via Digg, thanks RadicalxEdward]
Update: RadicalxEdward let us know it’s going to go for €30 (including US shipping) when it’s up for sale, whenever that is.
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Filed under: Gaming
We’re not exactly sure what’s with the sudden resurrection in arcade obsession, but hey, we’re not complaining. On the radar today is a showy Metroid arcade console that was apparently created from the ground up by one astoundingly diligent fanboy. The exterior primarily consists of plywood, lights and paint, while a home-built PC resides within to handle the emulation duties. There’s also a built-in sound system with subwoofer, a 17-inch Samsung LCD and a clay-based Mother Brain to keep things genuine. Click on through to check out an (admittedly lengthy and unnecessarily dramatic) video after the break, and don’t even pretend that you don’t long for one just like it in your abode.
[Via Joystiq]
Continue reading DIY’er constructs elaborate Metroid arcade console
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
