10 TONNE TENT: The EDV-01 (Emergency Disaster Vehicle) is a Japanese container-type 6m x 2.5m x 2.4m house suitable for use after a disaster. The house can be transported by ship, train, truck or container-lifting helicopter. It's a self-contained 2-storey unit with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom. It travels compressed and expands to full height at the destination. Solar panels and fuel cells provide power. At 10 tonnes it's not exactly an emergency tent, but at least it should be durable. The video's a hoot! More at Gizmodo and video on YouTube.
BEDTIME IPAD: The ReadItLater web service makes it easy for users to save items to read later on a computer or handheld device. Their usage data suggests people are reading more in the evenings than at other times of day. iPad users, in particular, are reading a lot more between 7 and 11 pm. It's just a shame we don't know what this data point means. Details at CNN.
WATCH MY LIPS: Straining to hear your friends in a noisy cafe? Learn to read lips and your troubles may disappear. ReadMyQuips is an
application for Mac or Windows that trains you in the art of lip-reading by showing video clips of a speaker with varying volumes of foreground and background sound. It's a very handy skill for all fictional detectives, and anyone who frequents noisy cafes or pubs. More at SenseSynergy.
ALARMED MIRROR: The NEC Avio Thermo Mirror (SX-01A) takes your temperature when you look at it. If your temperature's too high it sounds an alarm and displays a red warning. The infrared thermography devices are intended for reception areas in companies and other institutions to help screen out those who may have a fever. You'd better not be 'burning' with anger while trying to put a corporate on the spot. More at TechOn.
DOES YOUR FRIDGE NEED SPAM CONTROL?: Do you need to buy milk on the way home from work in your flying car? If you're not sure what's in the fridge then some of the latest models let you check via the Internet or your smartphone. Unfortunately you have to manually update what's put in or taken out, so you'd better train the teenagers well. Washing machines and ovens are joining in on the trend too, but until you have a Rosie to hang out the wet clothes that may just be FYI. More at the BBC.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
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