GROOVY MOUSE: While most computer mice are roughly the same size and shape the EKtouch Ergoslider Plus+ is a whole different concept. It's a long, flat 'wrist rest' that sits in front of the keyboard. Roll roller in a groove to move the cursor vertically, or slide the roller
right and left for horizontal cursor movement. Press the roller down for a click. Buttons in the centre of the 'wrist rest' allow for special functions. This isn't one to slip in your carry-on bag as an alternative to the laptop trackpad. More at EKTouch and video on YouTube.
SAUCE FOR THE GANDER: Usually it's the record labels crying foul over copyright breach, but now it's their turn to be roasted. Several major Canadian record labels will pay out songwriters and publishers to settle alleged copyright infringement. Artists claim the companies used their material commercially with only a promise to eventually pay royalties. Hmmm, I'm sure fans wouldn't mind a listen now pay later scheme. More at DVice.
CAMO TANKS: The military are always keen on hiding - they like to see but not be seen. The latest idea is to hide tanks with cleverly placed e-ink. It's camouflage, but better. Electronic sensors analyse the tank's surroundings then display images of the surrounds on the tank itself. As the environment changes, so does the display. A nice variation on smoke and mirrors. More at the Telegraph.
SMOKESEEN: The smoke from a wildfire makes it very hard to see where there's actual burning - even infrared cameras may be blinded. A new German radiometric sensor can see through even thick smoke and foliage as it works in the microwave range between 8 and 40 GHz. At those frequencies smoke and dust don't scatter the signal so much. A fresh pair of eyes can often see so much more. Details at FHR.
CHIPS FOR BLOOD: Usually blood tests involve vials of blood, drawn at a clinic, being sent away to a lab for professional analysis that takes a couple of days. A University of Rhode Island invention puts a single drop of blood on a credit-card sized cartridge. The cartridge is loaded into a miniature spectrometer the size of a shoebox where it reacts with specific reagents. Results take 30 minutes, and the test costs $1.50. Different tests use different sets of reagents. Do your own blood tests at home. More at ScienceDaily.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
While most computer mice are roughly the same size and shape the EKtouch Ergoslider Plus+ is a whole different concept. Photo / Supplied
GROOVY MOUSE: While most computer mice are roughly the same size and shape the EKtouch Ergoslider Plus+ is a whole different concept. It's a long, flat 'wrist rest' that sits in front of the keyboard. Roll roller in a groove to move the cursor vertically, or slide the roller
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