Scientists and researchers at the University of Exeter have been doing what researchers really should do; coming up with new, delicious ways of making chocolate. The new chocolate 3D printer can come up with delicious novelties, creating gorgeous designs, patterns and perhaps even chocolates for consumers. With the growth in 3D printing technology, we could very well expect them to be commercially available in a few years.
Via Geeky-Gadgets
For someone of large build, the steering wheel can be quite a problem to negotiate while getting in and out of a regular car, trucks of course can be an exception. The concept “foldable” steering wheel from TRW can take a minimal profile and retract into the dashboard when require, making getting in and out of a vehicle quite easy.
Via PSFK
A team affiliated with Israel’s Hebrew University is working on “Virtual Canes” that use sonar-like technology to let users detect objects near them. The device emits an invisible and focused beam in the direction the user is walking, capable of detecting objects up to 10 meters ahead. Sensors inside the device analyze the information to build information on the obstacle’s distance and height, and feed it to the user by means of a series of vibrations. Apparently, new users can adjust to the system quickly making it all the more useful.
Via FastCompany
Disney has come up with two new iPad cases designed specifically for kids. The cases are tough, durable and with a plastic shield protector, a carrying strap, built-in stand, and a stylus that can be stowed away in the case itself. Made from rubber and foam, the cases are priced at $50 each.
As a nod for the environment, Vax has unveiled a new range of vacuum cleaners. The body of the new vacuum cleaner will be made out of corrugated cardboard, with its panels coming from the retail box it is stored in. The system was originally designed by British university student Jake Tyler, and Vax intends to produce them in limited numbers.
Via Gizmodo
It would seem that cinema-goers could do with a more “immersive” movie experience. A company named D-Box has come up with a movie theater chair that makes use of motion effects in movies to create a motion that is synchronized with the action on screen, providing a better experience to users. The technology would apparently work very well with action movies and car-chase sequences.
Via Core77
Tag Heuer has launched a new mobile phone, Link. They haven’t spent much time working the interiors, because bling and beauty, as we all know, lies in the exterior. Link has a screen made of gorilla glass to make the touchscreen durable and resistant to falls, a body that can be steel, titanium or rose gold, and a covering of alligator skin. The phone runs on Android and costs $6700.
Via T3, SlipperyBrick
I’d never thought of it, but apparently sitting on a subwoofer while it plays at full blast can be fun. And I just had very inappropriate visuals of things vibrating while someone sits on the woofer. Made by Ministry of Design, the chair has a fiberglass frame and a soft seating area. This thing would be a real blast for the ears and the bums.
The joy of music shows its best when you get to share it with someone. That’s all fine if you’re playing music through speakers, but things get a bit difficult if headphones or earbuds are in the action. It is at these moments that “Plug it in” headsets by designer Dorien van Heijst show their magic. Basically, the headphones have gold plated audio jacks where an additional headset can connect and share the music, without going through all weird motion of sharing the same headphones. Made from leather, porcelain and wood, the headphones have been designed to have rich sound.
Things would be remarkably easy if you could simply draw circuits and wires with a pen. That’s exactly what can possibly be done with this silver-inked rollerball pen. Developed by engineers Jennifer Lewis and Jennifer Bernhard at the University of Illinois, the ink of the pen is mostly silver, which can be used for circuits when dried, and allowing it to go through multiple bends and folds and still being functional. While this isn’t exactly a new idea, the handheld pen could significantly lower costs and make flexible and disposable circuits easier to create and use.