Surf chair workstation - Surfing for comfort is as comfortable

As of yet, I am able to sit upright, facing my monitor, for many hours at a stretch in a day and also maintain a healthy back. But since my passion and job involves surfing internet, I need to focus on getting an ergonomically designed work station that will keep all the posture related probs at bay. Theoretically, on the mention of the Surf Chair, your mind with drift to relaxing lazing chairs on the promenades and beach fronts. But in a geek’s dictionary, it’s not the same. A true geek can immediately conjure up an image of a chair used to surf the net at ease. Like the one designed by Kenneth Lylover! Intended for the ‘Internet Collection’ competition at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair, this rocking chair also managed to bag the price of Winner of “Best Product” there. This chair seems to be very comfortable, as you can see from this picture that it is fitted with numerous pillows to support every part of body.

Nokia's N-Gage hacked, games pirated

A group of hackers has cracked Nokia’s N-Gage gaming service, with pirated games being distributed online.

Pocketgamer.com reports that they have already: “found one online forum with a download link to the application saying it works on Series 60 v3 handsets including the E65, 5700 XpressMusc, the N73, N71, E51, 6110 and 6210c.”

Rampant piracy

As well as allowing N-Gage service to work on those handsets, the application also allows cracked versions of N-Gage games to be downloaded and played.

Numerous forums are already offering cracked N-Gage games such as System Rush Evolution, Mile High Pinball, Space Impact: Kappa Base, Asphalt 3: Street Rules, and Hooked On: Creatures of the Deep.

TechRadar spoke with Nokia reps in the UK. The company is aware of the issue and will be issuing an official response shortly.


Source: http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/nokia-s-n-gage-hacked-games-pirated-376632

Weird Tech: Quit smoking game for DS

Help is at hand for smokers struggling to kick the habit in the unlikely form of a new game for the Nintendo DS.

Based on books written by anti-smoking guru Allen Carr, Videogame firm Ubisoft (formerly of demonic rabbits fame) is developing a title to “coach” smokers away from cigarettes.

There are apparently 15 anti-smoking games to choose from, including one “set in a disco where a cigarette-shaped monster tries to pull the gamer outside for a smoke,” reported Register Hardware.

To save themselves, players must draw lines to connect themselves to fellow virtual dancers. How effective the game will be remains to be seen. On the plus side, at least it’s not a Nicorette patch.

Taking the pISS?

In other news, astronauts aboard the International Space Station Discovery faced a new kind of problem this week when their zero-gravity toilet malfunctioned.

According to CNN, members of the crew have been forced to make-do with a “jury-rigged system” since the 7-year-old urine collection unit packed in several days ago.

Thankfully, fellow astronauts will be bringing new kit when the space shuttle Discovery launches on Saturday. The space station's solid waste unit is said to be functioning well.

Machine mashup

Forget last week’s jet-powered bicycle – this fully motorised fire-breathing wheelchair makes it look positively pedestrian.

Constructed from a Marine rescue helicopter seat and parts of an electric golf buggy, the chair is equipped with a flamethrower capable of blasting out 15-foot flames and can allegedly tackle just about any terrain.

Mind you, as far as menacing-looking mods go, this robot armed with a million-round-a-minute gun looks as though it might get the prize. Apparently intended for “crowd control”, it’s the result of a collaboration between an electronic gun-maker and a military machine-maker. Sounds like a marriage made in heaven.

While we’re on the theme, ever wondered what happens when you attach a surplus US Air Force helicopter turboshaft engine to a jet boat hull? The chaps over at Hacked Gadgets investigated earlier this week. Suffice to say, it’s pretty quick. The ferry to France will never be the same again.

And to round things off, a quick nod to designer Nikola Knezevic’s concept Glovephone. Basically, er, a phone in a glove, the speaker is housed inside the tip of the wearer’s index finger while the microphone sits on the palm. Meant for use in extreme weather conditions by rescue workers and the like, it’s the least destructive-looking gadget in Weird Tech this week. (Or is it?…)

And finally…

Look out Energizer Bunny, there’s a new creepy climbing toy in town. In a bid to prove just how durable its new alkaline batteries are, Panasonic placed a small robot on a rope and left it to climb and climb. And climb. All the way up the side of the Grand Canyon, in fact, reported Yahoo News on Wednesday.

The new battery cell, dubbed Evolta, soldiered on for six hours and 46 minutes, reaching an impressive 1,740 feet and bagging a Guinness World Record in the process.


Source: http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/weird-tech-quit-smoking-game-for-ds-377232

Czeers MK1 Solar-Powered Boat with Semi Custom Electrical Motor Can Hit 30 Knots

Three main things about Czeers MK1 are solar power, high-performance, and not to forget glamor design. Yes, Czeers MK1 is eco friendly boat with semi custom electric motor that it is claimed can hit till 30 knots. The control panel is of course an LCD touch-screen system, it has 10 meters in length and 14 square meters of solar panels. Czeers MK1 is not just offering you technology for better environment, but also the luxury boat by designing the interior with the highest quality materials.





Source: http://www.tuvie.com/czeers-mk1-solar-powered-boat-with-semi-custom-electrical-motor-can-hit-30-knots

Futuristic Cybertecture Egg, Architecture with High-Tech Solutions

Hi-tech building from James Law Cybertecture International brings you excitement and great imagination of what will futuristic building will look like. Cybertecture Egg is the latest design of this firm, the egg-shaped high-tech building will be the iconic architecture, environmental design, intelligent systems, and an awe-inspiring landmark in the city.

Cybertecture integrates technology, multimedia, intelligent systems and user interactivity to create customizable living and working spaces that focus on experience. The Cybertecture Egg takes this principle working theme a step further with ‘cybertecture health’ - interactive features that monitor occupant’s vital health statistics, like blood pressure and weight. In keeping with the focus on health and wellness, users can customize their views with real time virtual scenery.

The oblong office building incorporates passive solar design to decrease heat gain and lower energy loads. An elevated garden also moderates temperate by using natural vegetation to assist with cooling the building envelope. The Cybertecture Egg will use solar photovoltaic panels and rooftop wind turbines to generate onsite electricity. Water conservation will be managed with a greywater recycling system that will harvest water for irrigation and landscaping.

It is also said that we can see this futuristic “Cybertecture Egg” building by the end of 2010. So, let’s wait and see…

Source: http://www.tuvie.com/futuristic-cybertecture-egg-architecture-with-high-tech-solutions

Chrysler planning to expand hybrid range

This year Chrysler will launch its first hybrid models with the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango SUV’s, both of which feature Hemi Hybrids. Chrysler may be a little late to the hybrid party, but that doesn’t mean it will be left completely behind as the company is already planning to expand its hybrid range to other vehicles.

Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge (which comes under Chrysler’s umbrella) has told reporters that Dodge is interested in producing a hybrid Dodge Journey SUV, as well as a hybrid Dodge Avenger in the mid-sized sedan segment. Chrysler has also stated that the Dodge Ram may get an option hybrid in the next couple of years as well.

Accavitti admitted that Dodge is looking to capitalize in these areas but that resource limits represent a challenge.

The hybrid version of the 5.7L Hemi gets around 25% greater fuel efficiency than its non-hybrid sibling, which may just entice consumers to stick with SUV’s just yet.

Both Ford and GM already offer hybrid vehicles and Japanese rivals Toyota and Honda are also planning to launch a number of mainstream hybrid models in the next two years.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/chrysler/chrysler-planning-to-expand-hybrid-range/

Street legal race car: Pagani Zonda Cinque

Few supercars go to the extremes of performance and design that the Pagani Zonda does, and that extreme nature has earned it as many opponents as it has fans. But both sides can agree it’s an impressive and highly capable machine - however they feel about its looks. The Zonda Cinque takes the car’s extreme ethos to a new level, as it is essentially a Zonda R made for the street.

The Pagani Zonda R was designed as a 750hp track-only race car, limited to 10 units ever to be built, priced at €1.2 million and made almost exclusively of carbon fiber. It has yet to reach production, however. The Zonda Cinque, believed to wear the same body the Zonda R will eventually be fitted with, is even more exclusive and every bit as capable a performer. Those with a talent for foreign tongues have already noticed that the Cinque’s name is the Italian word for ‘five’ - because only five of the street-legal racers will be built.

Powered by a massaged version of the 7.3L V12 engine found in other Zondas that produces 750hp and 710Nm of torque, the Cinque makes the run from 0-124mph (0-200km/h) in just 9.8 seconds. It’s a relative bargain at just €800,000 and with the limited-edition nature, the car will likely only appreciate in value. The first picture of the car shows a machine that looks a lot like the Zonda F that set a record time at the Nurburgring in October last year, a feat it achieved with a mere 650hp.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/pagani-zonda-cinque-first-picture-leaked/

Smartchair Biofeedback Computer chair bound to enhance your efficiency

I have been on a hunt for an ultimate Computer chair for my workplace since I have to spend most of my waking hours perched on it. Searching for one that ingeniously blends form with function and style, I think I have found my answers in Smartchair Biofeedback Computer chair. Designed by Jian Guan, it is the best revolutionary chair that goes beyond simply using pads and adjustable backs. It features an auto adjust system that is actually made of auto-adjusted spring formations and biofeedback sensors. With these sensors in almost every inch of the chair, the muscle tension and discomfort in every part of our body will be constantly monitored and accordingly adjusted by the springs. Smart technology! And it gets more inviting and interesting as it transforms in to a sofa or a rocker with its foldable and height adjustable support base.

It is integrated with a controller unit, a PDA size electronic device in its left arm. A 3 inch touchscreen on the controller functions as a displayer and control button. Charged by a built in Lithium battery, this Smart Chair can be touted as the best ergonomic computer chair.

If I am lucky enough to ever get a chance (since its still a concept only) to sit on this best ergonomic computer chair, I am sure to melt away into the comfort of this chair. But isn’t it true that in order to work comfortably and get more work done, one needs to be at complete easy?

Source: http://www.bornrich.org/entry/smartchair-biofeedback-computer-chair-bound-to-enhance-your-efficiency/

The Veldini Q Wristwatch Was Inspired By James Bond: And it Has the Spy Gadgets to Prove It

Even if eavesdropping on your co-worker's personal phone calls is the closest you will ever get to becoming a spy, a watch filled with spy gadgets is hard for any man to resist. Perhaps that is why Veldini plans on releasing at least 3 different models of their new "Q" James Bond inspired wristwatch. Each will feature its own set of tools geared towards a specific scenario: outdoor use, spy use, and everyday use.

The outdoor version will include a flat Phillips screwdriver, flint stick and combo edge blade while the spy version will utilize a diamond tip glass cutter, Phillips head screwdriver, lock pick, magnifying glass and a straight edge blade. Users interested in the everyday version will get a flat Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener, refillable pen, magnifying glass and a combo-edge blade. As an added touch, the design of the "Q" watch resembles the hammer mechanism of 007's Walther PPK pistol.




The watches are currently in pre-production and a timetable for their release has not yet been determined. However, expect to pay far out the ass to feel like James Bond—to the tune of $2-$3,000 for the sterling silver model, $5-$7000 for Gold or Rose Gold and $10-$15,000 for platinum.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/393169/the-veldini-q-wristwatch-was-inspired-by-james-bond-and-it-has-the-spy-gadgets-to-prove-it

Spy shots: Lexus LF-A V10 engine bay

Photos of the engine of Lexus’ upcoming halo model, the LF-A, have been snapped by photographers as the car competed over the weekend at the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge in Germany. During a pit stop engineers opened up the hood and also changed the tires, giving us full view of the engine bay and brake assembly.

Lexus is yet to reveal any specs for the car but most suggest it will be a high-rev 5.0L V10 with at least 500hp on tap. While these latest shots only reveal the petrol V10 version of the car, Lexus is also rumored to be working on a petrol-electric hybrid variant with an electric motor and a smaller V8. However, the release of this car will likely fall around 12 months after the debut of the V10 model next year.

The new Lexus supercar finished 134th at the 24hrs Nurburgring event, completing around 100 laps. Porsche dominated the top 10 rankings of the event, with the 911 GT3 Cup showing up rather frequently. While the LF-A’s results at the 24hrs Nurburgring event weren’t exactly mind blowing, the car is still being developed and there is room for improvement.

Expected to be priced around $225,000, the new Lexus supercar will go head to head against the likes of the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 in terms of both price and performance.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/spy-shots-lexus-lf-a-v10-engine-bay/

Blazing Samsung 256GB SSD Is the One We've Been Waiting For

This is the solid-state drive that we've been waiting for: a full 256GB, which Samsung says is "the world's fastest and largest capacity 2.5-inch, MLC-based SSD with SATA II Interface." Sick sequential read and sequential write speeds of 200 and 160 MBps, respectively, put it in the same speed range of more nimble single-level cell SSDs (single vs. multi-level explained). Available in Sept. with mass production starting by "year end" (yay cheaperness), and Sammy says we'll see a 1.8-inch version by then too. Check it out being groped by a lady, along with the press release.

Samsung Develops World's Fastest and Largest Capacity 2.5-inch, MLC-based (256GB) SSD with SATA II Interface

Taipei, Taiwan, May 26, 2008 - Samsung Electronics, the world leader in advanced memory technology, announced today that it has developed the world's fastest, 2.5-inch, 256 Gigabyte (GB) multi-level cell (MLC) based solid state drive (SSD) using a SATA II interface, at the fifth annual Samsung Mobile Solution Forum held here today. Samsung's new 256GB SSD is also the thinnest drive with the largest capacity to be offered with a SATA II interface.

With a sequential read speed of 200 megabytes per second (MB/s) and sequential write speed of 160MB/s, Samsung's MLC-based 2.5-inch 256GB SSD is about 2.4 times faster than a typical HDD. Furthermore, the new 256GB SSD is only 9.5millimeters (mm) thick, and measures 100.3x69.85 mm.

Once introduced, the Samsung's 256GB SSD will mark the largest capacity SSD from the global market leader in SSD sales, effectively eliminating density as a barrier to SSD adoption in the consumer space.

"With development of the 256GB SSD, the notebook PC is on the brink of a second stage of evolution. This change is comparable to the evolution from the Sony Walkman to NAND memory-based MP3 players, representing an initial step in the shift to thinner, smaller SSD-based notebooks with significantly improved performance and more than ample storage," said Jim Elliott, vice president, memory marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.

Through major advancements in proprietary controller technology, Samsung's new MLC 256GB SSD, besides being comparable in speed to an SLC-based SSD, also boasts reliability equal to that of SLC SSDs, with a mean time between failures (MTBF) of one million hours, while costing considerably less. Power consumption is also exceptionally low at 0.9 watts in active mode.

In addition, the drive offers a sophisticated data encryption process that prevents data stored on the SSD from being accessed in an unauthorized manner, even after the SSD is removed from the PC.

Overall, the number of computing units in which SSDs are being offered is expected to increase dramatically once Samsung's previously announced 128GB SSD and the new 256GB SSD are launched. At present, Samsung is actively involved in high-capacity SSD design-in activities for all of the top PC and server manufacturers from the U.S., Asia, and Europe.

Samsung is expected to begin mass producing the 2.5-inch, 256GB SSD by year end, with customer samples available in September. A 1.8-inch version of the 256GB SSD is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2008.

According to a Q1 2008 report by the semiconductor market research firm iSuppli, the SSD market will grow at an annualized average of 124 percent during the four-year period from 2008 until 2012. iSuppli now projects SSD sales to increase by an additional 35 percent in 2009 over what it projected last year, 51 percent more in 2010, and 89 percent more in 2011, and continue to show dramatic increases in subsequent years.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/393198/blazing-samsung-256gb-ssd-is-the-one-weve-been-waiting-for