Conceptual UNI enables compartmentalized computing

Filed under: Desktops, Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

Those who find difficulty in cracking open a typical tower to replace that aging DVD writer with one that burns in high-definition should adore Richard Choi's UNI concept, which exemplifies compartmentalized computing and takes the stress out of upgrading. Apparently, the "Think" module would act as the core computer and handle the essentials, while a variety of other plug-in modules would provide additional outputs (HDMI, DVI, optical audio, USB, etc.), hard drive space, and optical drives. Granted, this could get out of hand for those who get UNI-stackin' fever, but we'll certainly pass along kudos to the idea. Click on for one more shot.

[Via YankoDesign, thanks Martin]

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Inkel's portable AirwayHD tuner compresses files on its own

Filed under: HDTV, Portable Video

Granted, portable OTA tuners are a dime a dozen these days, but an interesting twist has been introduced by Korea's Inkel. The AirwayHD manages to boast a diminutive size while internalizing the process of converting OTA streams into manageable files using the H.264 codec. Reportedly, the device can compress files to one-fourth of their original size without any PC software intervention, and it should make life pretty easy for those hoping to view recorded content on their portable media player. No word on a release date just yet, but it'll only run you about ₩100,000 ($106) when it eventually lands. Check out a few more pics after the break.

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Researchers using pulses of light to quickly decipher codes

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

While we imagine most Wolverines are focusing their efforts on gathering up the requisite tailgating gear for the onset of fall, a team of researchers at the University of Michigan are busy finding ways to decipher encryption codes "within seconds." The crew has apparently discovered that by "using pulses of light to dramatically accelerate quantum computers," these systems could not only crack "highly encrypted codes" in moments versus years, but it could also "lead to tougher protection of [sensitive] information." Additionally, the findings rely on "quantum dots and readily available, relatively inexpensive optical telecommunications technology to drive quantum computers," which could lead to quicker implementation of quantum level applications. Hackers, meet your dream machine.

[Via TGDaily, image courtesy of Technovelgy]

 

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New search engine "listens" to music to help you find new tunes

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Peer-recommendation services like Last.fm and Pandora are pretty good at leveraging the power of the community to help you discover new music, but a recent grant from the National Science Foundation to the College of Charleston aims to take the concept to the next level, by creating a search engine that "listens" to music and creates critical comparisons between works. The system, as described by Ars Technica, involves a neural network that is trained to recognized the composer and style of music, an evaluation engine that's supposed to simulate human taste, and a set of objective metrics like pitch, tempo, and and duration. The results are then combined and the system can then recommend matches to find similar music. The researchers have already demoed a similar system with good results, so here's hoping the grant money helps them refine things further -- we've been looking way too long for the next Wham!

[Image from O'Reilly's Digital Media Blog]

 

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VIA readying one-watt Eden processor?

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Handhelds

Apparently, VIA is hoping to stretch the battery life of devices that sport its forthcoming ULV processor, as the chip manages to hum along at 500MHz yet only consumes one-watt of power. According to DigiTimes, the company announced the CPU during a press conference held yesterday, and also noted that it will "adopt the same VIA V4 bus and 21- x 21-millimeter nanoBGA2 packaging as other Eden models." Reportedly, several industrial PC makers "including Advantech have already adopted the new Eden ULV processor" and hopes to have products shipping to market later this month, and if this thing actually does sip power as its creator suggests, we've all ideas Advantech won't be the last firm placing an order.

[Via Wired]

 

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Baka RoboCup competition pits robotic comedians against each other

Filed under: Robots

Although RoboCup 2007 provided a number of thrills, there's certainly more trash talking going on than chuckling during the heated competitions. Thankfully, a new contest reportedly rigged up by entertainment giant Yoshimoto Kogyo will look to give the comedians in the mechanical crowd a chance to compete, too. After judges whittle down the entries, the Baka RoboCup will apparently give eight robotic comedians the chance to make an audience laugh this November, with the winner (er, winner's creator) taking home a modest ¥500,000 ($4,433) grand prize. Of course, there's a number of stipulations involved in exactly what kind of creature can be entered, but if you think your homegrown bot has got what it takes, be sure and hit the read link for all the fine print.

[Via PinkTentacle]

 

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Fujitsu installs hydrogen fuel cell on Sunnyvale campus

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Always down for a little self-glorification, Fujitsu has just announced that it has become the "first Silicon Valley company to install hydrogen fuel cell power." The firm reportedly "dedicated a hydrogen fuel cell on its Sunnyvale campus," which aims to provide "clean, efficient power for the campus data center and other operations" and substantially curb carbon dioxide emissions. The UTC Power PureCell Model 200 system will provide half of the energy necessary to cool the campus data center and labs, and Fujitsu claims that it will have a payback "of about 3.5 years and a lifespan of closer to 15 years."

 

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Watashi-chan sound-activated inflatable clothing lets you simulate a blowfish

Filed under: Wearables

We're not going to claim to understand this, but you know how we love inflatable clothes -- which means we can't help but be intrigued by this entry into the Ima-karada art show in Japan, the Watashi-chan sound-activated inflatable shirt. Designed by Tomoko Ueyama, the outfit responds to six frequency bands of sound -- including one inaudible by human ears -- by inflating a corresponding balloon for one second. Since this is purely an art project, it's not meant to be useful, but that doesn't mean we don't want one.

[Via We Make Money Not Art]

 

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Putting Anti-Evolution Candidates On the Spot

hmccabe writes "YouTube is currently taking submissions for their next debate, in which the Republican candidates will answer questions. This seems like a good opportunity to challenge those candidates who say they do not believe in evolution. But since I am not an expert in the subject, I would be interested in how you all feel the question should be presented. For my own part, I think it is important to present the overwhelming body of evidence on the subject as incontrovertible fact, much the same way DNA evidence is presented during a criminal trial, and ask why the candidate feels they can pick and choose what facts they believe in. Moreover, I am wary of coming across like Christopher Hitchins, so vitriolic the candidate will defend themselves rather than answer the question. Perhaps the most important aspect of posing the question is to inform the viewers who watch the debate that this is really not a matter of opinion, but of science. So my question is: 'Hey geneticists, have you considered addressing evolution in the YouTube debates? Can you do it in 30 seconds?'"

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