SHOWY CAMERA: If you like your camera to have plenty of pixels then the Nikon D800 will be hard to beat with its 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Its maximum resolution is 7360 x 4912, while its new metering and autofocus systems are very sensitive too. The camera also grabs video at 1920 x 1080, with uncompressed digital output via HDMI. Hi-def all over. Details at Pop Photo.
SHOWY BULLETS: Bullets are so explosive and damaging. The SmartRounds company have developed ShockRounds, intended to replace bean bags and rubber bullets. A micro-sensor in the 18-mm projectiles detects acceleration and deceleration. When the bullet slows down, because it hits its target or something nearby, it deploys a liquefied, compressed gas. That makes a big bang and a flash, while the bullet itself is also intended to hurt. Look, if you're going to put yourself in the position of being a target dark glasses and ear protection are vital. Wired has more.
FALCON AND BATTERY: An SUV crossed with a minivan, with falcon-wing doors and powered by battery? That's the Tesla Model X. The falcon-wing doors for the passengers in the two back rows of seats lift up, but are hinged so they stay close to the car. It seats 7 adults, but the vehicle has plenty of room for luggage: both in the boot and under the bonnet, because the batteries are under the platform of the car. It has an all-wheel drive system that spins front and rear wheels separately. The open doors would make a handy porch on rainy days, but you'd want to watch out for wind gusts. More details at Tesla Motors.
A COAT AND BATTERY: A team at the Polytechnic School of Montreal in Canada have found a way to build a battery into the very fabric of a garment, rather than just being attached. It's a lithium ion battery that uses a solid polyethylene oxide electrolyte. The material can be stretched and looks like artificial leather. The team wove strips in with cotton and connected everything with conductive threads. So far all the team have done is illuminate LEDs but there could be many other uses. Their next challenge is to make the fabric waterproof and washable. Hmm, batteries don't usually get on very well with water. New Scientist has more here.
BIKE AND BATTERY: San Francisco has a lot of hills, and that's hard work for cyclists. Now the city are experimenting with a shared bicycle programme that features electric bikes. Federal funds will support both the bike share programme itself and research to see how effective it is in replacing car-share trips. The experiment will place 90 e-bikes at about 25 locations alongside an existing car share programme. Organisers hope some people who set out to hire a car will switch to a bike instead. A boost to the top of the hill and freewheeling down — what's not to like? Details
here.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz