TechCat

Organic Motion has rolled out what is deemed to be the first multiple person motion tracking platform in the world which does not require its users to wear any attached devices, tags or sensors. This technology helps enhance the operations of a wide range of simulated training environments. If you happen to be at OpenSTAGE, it is currently on demo for anyone who is curious enough to give the system a go, where it is capable of tracking multiple people simultaneously without the need for special backgrounds or being in a controlled environment.

The OpenSTAGE multi-track platform is deemed to improve the way armed forces are better able to prepare personnel instantly regardless of the theater of operations, where among these comprise of dismounted soldier training (DST) programs, Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT), and Close Combat Tactical Training Dismounted Soldier (CCTT DS) simulations. Since this platform does away with the need for any additional attire, a variety of warfighters are able to step into a virtual world with virtually no preparation time at all, while being instantly tracked down. This in turn allows teams to participate in simulated maneuvers including live interaction with friends or foes, continued tracking of soldiers after they dismount in Combat Vehicle Simulators, or tracking of shooters in a shoot house.

According to Andrew Tschesnok, CEO Organic Motion, “This multi-track version of OpenSTAGE is a major leap for simulated training and the applications are immense. We have developed OpenSTAGE to meet the rigorous demands of the defense industry. By eliminating sensors, an entire squad can now achieve instant entry into a far more realistic training environment and have their movements tracked and displayed in real-time, all at a lower operating cost and with maximum throughput.”

OpenSTAGE will play nice with its full integration with existing military virtual and rendering engines, helping increase the speed and efficiency of training readiness for a wide range of simulations to help get our troops battle-ready in this day and unpredictable age of modern warfare.

Press Release

Word is that Google is looking to get into the pay-per-episode TV business with YouTube and offer streaming content for purchase using a service that would compete with iTunes downloads. According to Peter Kafka of MediaMemo, several sources have indicated that YouTube wants to offer streaming TV episodes for a fee.

It would be similar to what Apple already offers: a $1.99 cost per episode. Apparently both sides are in early negotiations and they are “optimistic” that a deal can be reached.

Would you rather pay to watch videos on YouTube or iTunes?

[Appleinsider]

Sony in Japan has introduced the smallest USB biometric scanner yet, for reading users’ finger vein patterns. This new smallest yet is called the FVA-U1. Sony labels the technology mofiria and says that it’s more accurate and secure than fingerprint readers since it relies on unique blood vein patterns in the finger. The FVA-U1 connects to PCs via USB 2.0.

Mofiria uses a CMOS sensor that reads scattered light through the finger that originates from a near-infrared LED light. The FVA-U1 should ship in Japan on December 18th. No word yet on pricing.

[electronista]

I’m sure you can tell by the picture that this is a concept product, for now. If you haven’t figured it out yet, then read the fine print, starting with the label that says: “It’s a mechanical mobile phone”.

This Mechanical Mobile phone was designed by a Russian designer named Mikhail Stawsky. See that ring in that picture? Apparently, you can spin it, and it will give you enough juice to make a call.

It reminds me of a flashlight that I have by C. Crane that allows me to charge the battery by turning the crank. I guess the purpose of this is to stick your finger in it and spin it around your finger in order to charge the battery completely.

You know what it reminds me of? Those cowboys that you see in the movies who can spin their gun around their finger. I’ve always wanted to try that, but I couldn’t get it to work with a toy gun. Not going to try it with a real one.

This is still a concept for now, but I have another take on this idea: the yo-yo phone. Think of it as a phone with a string that has to be “yo-ed” in order to charge it. Then, when it is time to make or take a call, just clamshell it open.

Maybe I should trademark this idea before someone invents it already. Until then, I have this blog as evidence that I have hopefully thought of it first.

Source

Look we all know that Motorola has a hit on their hands with DROID. So it should be no surprise that sales are brisk. Sales have been great since it’s first weekend. People are questioning their brand loyalty. Cats and dogs are getting along. It’s end-times.

The actual sales figures are reportedly around 700,000 to 800,000 devices, and with the holiday season upon us, the phone might hit the 1 million mark before 2010 arrives.

[BGR]

Winter is here so why not have a camera to match the season. Sony is offering a snowflake version of its DSC-TX1 compact camera for just the occasion. The special edition is available in Silver, Black and Pink. There’s no extra charge for the engraving, but Sony will only offer it during the holidays.

Some features include a 10.2 Megapixel compact camera, 4X optical zoom, Carl Zeiss lens, and a 3″ LCD touch display. Other features: 10fps burst mode, low-light capabilities and the 185 degree sweep panorama.

[Ubergizmo]

Fring was the first to bring VoIP calls to the iPhone, and now it brings on the video calling. Obviously it can’t change the iPhone’s camera placement, but it makes the most of what it has to work with. The latest version of the app will still let iPhone and iPod touch users see the person on the other end.

Fring also says that it will add two-way video calling when “a front camera is placed on these.” You’ll also be able to make video calls to Skype users, but you have to be near a WiFi hotspot since it doesn’t support calls on 3G.

[Engadget]

It’s one of the reasons I choose to have my iPhone forward to Google Voice when I don’t answer it.

AT&T has launched a new Voicemail to Text service.

The service, which can be added to your monthly plan for $9.99 per month, allows you to skip having to dial in to your voice mail mailbox to retrieve your messages.  Instead the service sends your messages, transcribed, in text format, to your phone in the form of a text message, e-mail or both.

You can then respond back … [visit site to read more]

Related posts:

1. AT&T Announces Garmin Nuvifone G60
2. Who do I yell at this time?
3. More Fun With Apple and AT&T… And Some Optimism

Tags: AT&T, Larry Greenberg

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That’s lovely. It’s actually an art installation by Maisie Broadhead, not just somebody’s house, but I’m going to keep it in mind next time I have to snake some speaker wire across the room.

[via Curbly and Make]

Pogoplug may have been the first to make this type of gadget, but now it’s time for some less well known names to offer up similar devices for less money. Sharkoon has now developed their own USB LANPort, which effectively puts USB storage like your flash drives, external hard drives, etc. onto a local network.

Looks like it’s mainly for making multiple drives available to a different machines via customized permissions though. The USB LANPort 100 converts a single drive into a device that can be streamed from locally. The USB LANPort 400 handles up to four USB devices. Both devices support automatic and manual IP address contacts and are available now for €22.99 ($34) and €36.99 ($56).

No info regarding a US release yet.

[Engadget]

The Kindle Kradle is a pretty ugly way to hold your Kindle. It looks like those take-out beverage holders, but for a Kindle. It allows you to not have to actually hold your Kindle, so it’s at least functional. Right? Well, maybe not.

The folks at over at Wired had a hands on and the Kradle turned out to be less useful than it seems. And using it as a dock is a pain since it’s not easy to thread the cable through the stand. It comes in brown or graphite colors though, and in sizes that fit the Kindle DX and some Sony Readers too.

[Wired]

Things are a little bit crazy here today. The biggest problem is that, oh, 40 percent of our posts aren’t posting when we schedule them to. It’s an aggravation that we really all could do without. But moving on, we have a new trailer from Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption. We also have a release date: April 27, 2010 for North America, and three days later everywhere else.

What do I know about Red Dead Redemption? Very little, to be honest. We speculated that East Side Dave would be in the game, but there’s zero evidence to that effect.

Each rock fits over a can of fuel and will radiate heat as well as light up a walkway or other path you may choose. They can be used in your existing indoor or outdoor fireplace. You can use them separately, on a step or patio or put them in your firepit for ambience and heat.

Natural Grey Fire Rock Torches with Gel Fuel

Gifts for People Who Love to Cook

Finding gifts for people who love to cook can be tricky because they usually have all the basic cooking supplies. So we’ve done some searching here to find unique gifts that cooks will love but probably don’t already own. You can find the rest of our holiday gift guides here.

Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan – $24.97

Cupcake lovers will flip over this super-sized cupcake pan. Designed to create one giant confection with a sculptural top and bottom, the piece turns out a 3D cupcake that measures approximately 7-1/4 by 7-1/2 inches. The concept is simple–bake the top and bottom halves in the same pan, stick them together with icing, and decorate according to the occasion. Ridges around the bottom of the cupcake and a swirl on the top add to the finished treat’s appeal and make frosting fun. Crafted from heavy-gauge cast aluminum, the pan also features a nonstick surface to simplify release and cleanup. A winning novelty gift for the frequent baker, the piece holds 10 cups of batter total and measures 15-1/2 by 8-1/4 by 3-3/4 inches.

Buy the Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan at Amazon for $24.97

Kufra Chiller Pitcher – $13.95

The Kufra Pitcher is a sturdy, glass carafe that keeps your drinks cool without watering them down. A plastic, removable insert confines your ice from the liquid. The ice tube insert of the Kufra Pitcher can hold approximately 8-10 “normal” sized ice cubes. The insert screws into the bottom of the plastic lid. The Kufra Pitcher also comes with a plastic stirrer rod.

The Kufra Pitcher is available at Vat19 for $13.95

Automatic Sugar Dispenser – $12.95

The Sugar Please Automatic Sugar Dispenser guarantees simple, fast, and accurate sugar delivery. Each push of the button releases 1/2 teaspoon or approximately one sugar packet. The sugar dispenser keeps a quarter pound of sugar clean and fresh. When you need to refill the sugar dispenser, use the handy refill funnel stored in the base. A bottom cover keeps your countertops and tables free from spills. No batteries required.

Buy the Sugar Please Automatic Dispenser at Vat19 for $12.95

Bread Bin with Bread Board – $89

A beautiful accessory for any modern kitchen, the Bread Bin’s combination of melamine and beech wood is both functional and fashionable; looks great, keeps your bread fresh, and cleverly includes a bread cutting board that doubles as its lid.

Buy this gorgeous bread bin at GNR8 for $89 (ships free!)

Ex Voodoo Knife Set – $69.99

Have you been looking for a new knife block for your kitchen? The Voodoo Knife Set is fun, functional and stylish. Your future suitors will get the “point”. You are not someone to be messed with! Magnetized Slots to Secure Knifes in Holder. Includes 5 Stainless Steel Knives with razor sharp precision cutting blades! Set includes a 8″ Chef Knife, 8″ Bread Knife, 8″ Carver, 5″ Utility Knife and a 3.5″ Paring Knife.

Buy the Ex-Voodoo Knife Set at Perpetual Kid for $69.99

Automatic Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker – $99.95

This ice cream maker produces 1 1/2 qts. of soft serve ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, or sherbet in 35 minutes without the need for chemicals, salt, or ice, and allows you to mix your own toppings from three separate hoppers that automatically dispense nuts, cookie crumbles, and sprinkles through a funnel directly into a tube of frozen confection as it falls into a waiting bowl at the push of a button. The unit’s double-insulated freezer bowl holds its temperature while mixing all the ingredients needed; a single lever dispenses soft-serve and the device holds a stack of flat or sugar cones.

Get the Automatic Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker at Hammacher for $99.95

Digital Scale Measuring Cup – $39.95

This is the only measuring cup with an integrated digital scale. Unlike typical measuring cups that only determine volume, this model also measures wet or dry ingredients by weight, a more precise technique favored by pastry chefs and artisanal bakers. A 1 1/4″ LCD on the handle displays digital measurements in ounces, pounds, or grams. The scale automatically converts weight (ounces, fluid ounces, grams, or milliliters) into volume (cups) for water, milk, oil, sugar, and flour, providing superior accuracy when making recipes. A tare function allows you to layer multiple ingredients inside the cup and measure them one at a time. The durable plastic measuring cup has markings for milliliters, ounces, and cups.

Buy the Digital Scale Measuring Cup at Hammacher for $39.95

Molecular Gastronomy Starter Kit – $59.99

This fantastic tin box contains everything you need to get started in spherification, thickeners and foaming agents. Not only the chemicals – agar, sodium alginate, calcium chloride, carrageenan, ascorbic and citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate – but all the equipment too! A syringe, pipettes, silicon tubes, measuring spoons and a non-reactive spoon. Included in the kit is also a booklet featuring six spectacular recipes for some amazing new cuisine. If you’ve ever wanted to give Molecular Cuisine a try, here’s a perfect start.

Buy the Molecular Gastronomy Starter Kit at Think Geek for $59.99

Joseph Joseph Fold Flat Grater – $19.95

For space saving kitchen solutions the Fold Flat Grater is an essential. A box grater is an important kitchen tool. It spends a great deal of time in the sink or in the dishwasher because it’s used so often. Whether we’re preparing nachos, quesadillas, soups or salads, a grater is a must. But try storing that box grater in your utensil drawer, not going to happen. But, with the Fold Flat Grater, it will. Have course and fine grating blades in the space of a single flat grater. Grater folds completely flat for easy storage. The side comfort grip handle makes grating over food easy. The fine and course stainless steel blades are perfect for grating cheese, vegetables and nuts. Fold Flat Grater is dishwasher safe. Fold unit flat and store practically anywhere. With kitchen space at such a premium, why lose it to a big bulky grater when you can have a Fold Flat Grater.

Pick up the Joseph Joseph Fold Flat Space Saving Kitchen Grater at Amazon for $19.95

Egg Cubers – $4.55

Create an interesting garnishing effect by transforming a round egg into a square egg. Sturdy clear plastic design. As seen on Rachael Rays TV show and site. Great for stacking eggs on a buffet, bento boxes, and childrens lunches. Make deviled eggs that do not roll around. A great conversation piece. Garnish your salads with square eggs.
Buy the Egg Cuber at Amazon for $4.55

Zojirushi Supreme Bread Machine – $191

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme is a state-of-the-art bread maker that combines a range of automatic controls with easily tailored options. Its 10 cycles are designed for making everything from wheat bread to cinnamon rolls and can also be put to work for non-bread items like cakes, fruit jam, and homemade meatloaf. Versatile controls let you use the dough-only function or make a loaf from start to finish, and handy programming options include a sourdough starter, a 2-hour quick-baking cycle, and three crust settings. The timer allows you to set all controls up to 13 hours ahead, and three memory settings store your most-used recipes. Built with a durable plastic body, the Home Bakery Supreme has many structural plusses, including twin kneading paddles, a broad viewing window, and an angled control panel. A welcome alternative to the cylinder-shaped bread maker pans, the nonstick baking pan here turns out traditionally shaped, 2-pound loaves.

Buy the Zojirushi BBCCX20 Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine at Amazon for $191


Didn’t find what you were looking for? Try one of our other holiday gift guides here. If you like this list, please share this page. Thanks!

Disney Mickey & Minnie USB Web Cam is a plug and play web cam.

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The portable unit displays content using 320 x 240 resolution on its 3 1/2″ display for crisp images and sharp motion devoid of streaking or blurring. It provides 16:9 aspect ratio; its generous 60º viewing angle allows adjacent viewers to watch programs easily. A built-in 1-watt speaker delivers clear sound; a headphone jack allows you to listen without disturbing others. It has a built-in antenna that collapses back into the case; an included external antenna with a magnetic base can connect to the unit from 58″ away using its cord, allowing you to place it for optimum reception. It comes with 4GB of built-in memory, and it also can support up to an additional 2GB using microSD memory cards, allowing you to view pictures or videos.

The Portable Pocket Television.

It’s too early to say whether Natal and the PS3 wand are going to be as fun as everyone hopes, but at least it’s not going to be a dry launch. In fact, it seems like developers are lining up around the block to take a crack at the new control methods. I don’t know about you, but I find that refreshing. Just as long as it’s not Halo Natal.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said in an earnings call that the company would have, barring possible changes in timing, 10 games available for Natal within the first six months of its release. He also said that they’d have 4-5 games for Sony’s motion controller, whatever it’s really called (can’t just be “wand”) in the same time frame.

While I wouldn’t say we’re about to see a renaissance in gaming or anything like that, I think it’s good that these new peripherals are coming out deep into the consoles’ lifespans. Unlike the Wii at launch, developers have a clear idea of what the 360 and PS3 are capable of, and so their real focus will be on gameplay. I’m guessing that the first batch of games will consequently be of higher quality than early Wii titles.

It’s still not simple which system to go for, however, if you’re still wavering like me. New Super Mario Bros Wii and Excitebike World Rally are enough to make me get the Wii, yet XBLA has so many indie titles — and serious, super-deep games like Demon’s Souls make the PS3 an excellent proposition as well. Well, I don’t even have a TV on which to play these games, so I should probably slow my roll.

[via 1UP]

This special MP3 speaker can also double as a transistor radio. 1000 milliwatt speaker connects to any MP3 player with an included 3.5 mm cable.

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Just a few minutes ago I spotted a tweet by our old Senior Editor Wayne Schulz regarding the approval of a new live video application called Knocking Live Video.

Knocking, which is in the App Store now, for free, is a streaming video application that supports live video over 3G on the iPhone.  There are a few streaming video applications in the iTunes App Store (Qik … [visit site to read more]

Related posts:

1. Video calling comes to the iPhone
2. Review: HAVA – live TV for PC and iPhone
3. Quick hands on with with the iPhone TomTom car kit

Tags: Apple iPhone and Touch Applications, Larry Greenberg, Wayne Schulz

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The bottom section holds chips or pretzels–pull off the lid and spoon in your favorite dip.

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