Category Archives: Technology

Are HP computers racist?

Hilarity, Technology, Video, , , , ,

According to a computer store employee HP computer are racist against black people because their video camera software cannot recognize or track black faces.  White faces have no problem being recognized, as evidenced in this video.  HP responded to this rather awkward issue:

“We are working with our partners to learn more. The technology we use is built on standard algorithms that measure the difference in intensity of contrast between the eyes and the upper cheek and nose. We believe that the camera might have difficulty “seeing” contrast in conditions where there is insufficient foreground lighting.”

[Via Gizmodo]

Now this makes sense…

Cars, Design, Image cache, Technology, , , ,

Attach a camera to the front side of all large trucks, have the recorded image projected onto the back of the trucks, and viola!–now we can all see what’s lying ahead beyond the giant truck stuck in front of us.  That is the conceptual thinking behind Art Lebedev’s Transperentius.  This system will allow for large trucks to become seemingly transparent, providing additional road safety and assurance.  Bear in mind that this is an Art Lebedev project (uber-expensive), so don’t hold your breath for its near existence to suddenly spring about.  Why he places a tank in his visual recreation is beyond me.

[Via Engadget]

Glowy dress monitors pollution in the air

Design, environment, Fashion, Images, Technology, , , , , ,

Climate Dress.  Designed by Diffus.

The inclusion of an Arduino Lilypad microprocessor, a carbon dioxide detector, and LED lights make this dress, well, very unique.  Stitched together using conductive embroidery, the LEDs are connected to the CO2 detector and light up when the dress interacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  Glowing patterns range from “slow pulses to rapid flashes” depending on how much CO2 is detected.  Diffus representatives: It generate awareness of environmental issues through an “aesthetic representation of environmental data.”  I’ll say.

[Via Engadget; ecouterre]

Animals inside the womb (simply stunning)

Images, science, Technology, , , ,

An upcoming National Geographic documentary called “Extraordinary Animals in the Womb” will feature these photographs of dolphins, sharks, dogs, penguins, cats and elephants inside the womb of their parents.  Peter Chinn, the show’s producer, “used a combination of three-dimensional ultrasound scans, computer graphics and tiny cameras to capture the process from conception to birth.”  These are definitely the most detailed (and first, really) embryonic animal pictures I have ever seen.  How beautiful, innocent, and fascinating they all look.

[Via ThisBlogRules, thanks Alli K.]

 

Tesla coils make good entertainment

Music, Technology, Video, , ,

Ah the tesla coil.  Invented by Nikola Tesla around 1891.  Technically speaking, “it is used to produce high voltage, relatively high current, high frequency alternating current electricity.”  Although its traditional use includes conducting experiments in electrical lighting, x-ray generation, and other high frequency alternating current phenomena, today tesla coils are constructed and used by enthusiasts for our entertainment.  With proper manipulation, the electrical current can display a wondrous light show and even spark to a specific song (in this video, the Zelda theme).  This particular tesla coil professional adds to the excitement with balloons that pop after being ignited with fire.  Cool stuff.

[Via Gizmodo; Wiki]

XXXLamp, the world’s largest lamp

Design, Images, Technology, , , ,

DZN_XXXLamp_02

XXXLamp.  Designed by Bart Lens.

At 13-feet in diameter and 5.25-feet high, the XXXLamp is the largest ceiling lamp in production.  The giant lamp uses three light sources, but it can be ordered with RGB LEDs that allow you to remotely control the color it emits.  It’s inspired by a Chinese lantern.

The twelve-segment construction makes the connection with the lantern, but a pumpkin is perhaps the first association that comes to mind, while the suspension system recalls an upside-down hot-air balloon.

[Via KanyeBlog; Gizmodo; Deezen]

Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification

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The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification.  So what does this mean?  Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers.  The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye.  Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.).  The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D.  All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players.  Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as “capable.”  In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player.  This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification.  It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec.  Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update.  Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary.  Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010.  Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this?  No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home.  For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses.  However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better.  The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification →

Another ‘zine publisher joins the push towards digital media

News, Print Media, Technology, Video, , , , , , ,

The publishers at Popular Magazine have joined the digital revolution in print media with their rendition of a concept tablet device displaying their magazine in a digitized form.  PopSci publisher Bonnier teamed up with design agency BERG to create this mock tablet called Mag+ that does its best to recreate the magazine in a digital environment.  Bonnier joins Time Inc.’s Sports Illustrated and Conde Nast’s Wired in the movement towards a digital future for magazines.  If this is indeed the future for magazines and even newspapers, I say bring it on.  Technology and interactivity could be long sought solution for keeping print media alive in a digital age ruled by the Internet.

[Via Gizmodo]

Crazy engineers cannonball themselves to recreate the Intel chime

Technology, Video, , , ,

This dangerous stunt by “Intel engineers” to recreate the famous Intel chime from the commercials sounds (and looks) crazy, right?  Well, it turns out it is too crazy to be true.  This is an viral video promoting Intel; the “engineers” are actors and the cannonball stunt is fake.  Hell, at least it’s entertaining.

[Via Engadget]

McD’s installs a steam machine in latest ad for coffee

Design, Technology, Video, , , , ,

Fast food giant McDonald’s has gone ahead and put a steam machine inside a transit shelter marquee to promote their hot coffee to freezing cold people waiting for the bus.  The ad reads “Your coffee is ready.”  Not so sure this will have people running to their local McDonald’s for their gross coffee, but the effect will definitely turn heads.

[Via Gizmodo]

Operation Chokehold: A mission to destory AT&T this Friday

News, Technology, , , , ,

Hello soldier.  That’s right, you are a soldier in a war against a strong and controlling enemy, AT&T Wireless.  For as far back as we can remember, AT&T’s cell and data service have been atrocious (for the most part) with dropped calls and sucky 3G coverage.  Verizon gave a hand in this fight with their “there’s a map for that” ads, proving to the world that AT&T’s 3G coverage is abysmal.  Now it’s our turn.  Fake Steve is leading the next phase in the war against AT&T with a foolproof plan that will bring AT&T “to its knees” this Friday.  I oblige you to read this very important memo:

Subject: Operation Chokehold
On Friday, December 18, at noon Pacific time, we will attempt to overwhelm the AT&T data network and bring it to its knees. The goal is to have every iPhone user (or as many as we can) turn on a data intensive app and run that app for one solid hour. Send the message to AT&T that we are sick of their substandard network and sick of their abusive comments. The idea is we’ll create a digital flash mob. We’re calling it in Operation Chokehold. Join us and speak truth to power!

To reiterate Fake Steve’s orders: On December 18 (this Friday) at 3:00 PM EST, take up arms by whipping out your iPhone and running the most data intensive apps you got for one hour.  It’s time to take a stand and show AT&T we are no longer going to stand by idly as they publicly spend money on anti-Verizon ads instead of beefing up their cell and data coverage across the nation.

Mission: Operation Chokehold commenses tomorrow.  Soldier, be prepared and make us proud.  I will report back with results after the mission is completed.  Good luck.

Continue reading Operation Chokehold: A mission to destory AT&T this Friday →

Anticipated games premiere at VGAs (Halo: Reach, Arkham Asylam 2, and more)

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Many publishers used this year’s Spike Video Game Awards as a launching pad for their future games lineup.  Notable titles include Halo: Reach and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.  Surprise announcements include Arkham Asylum 2, a reboot of the Medal of Honor series, a stand-alone Green Day Rock Band game, and a lead up to the 2010 Tron movie called Tron Evolution.  Check out the Halo: Reach and Green Day: Rock Band trailers below and look after the break for trailers for the rest of the games mentioned here, plus more!  2010 already looks to be a solid year for video gamers.  Get pumped.  And for those who are curious–The Beatles: Rock Band won (and rightfully deserved) music game of the year and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves nabbed Game of the Year.  Look after the break for the full rundown of winners.

Note: A press release announces that the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta begins Spring 2010.

[Via Kotaku, here & here]

Continue reading Anticipated games premiere at VGAs (Halo: Reach, Arkham Asylam 2, and more) →