Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, May 19, 2008

Xziex makes water out of thin air, angers Harkonnens

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293242224/

We don't know what's going on here exactly, but we're fairly certain they need a load of these on Arrakis, ASAP. Sure, Muad'Dib may be able to summon sandworms and lead an army of Fremen into battle, but he can't make drinkable water out of thin air, can he? That's where the Xziex comes in. Basically, this intimidating "atmospheric water generator" siphons moisture out of the air and converts it into water -- delicious, clean, healthy water. It may not actually live up to the company's claim of "The Most Exciting Product Ever," but if it does what they say, it's a pretty amazing device. Honestly, the Xziex website does cause a little concern, with its calls for readers to "lock in" their "position," and excited passages about earning potential -- but hey, who can blame them for trying to make a buck?

[Via Gearlog]

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ASOCS unveils MP100 Multicomm processor -- add LTE or mobile WiMax via software update

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293393773/

Filed under: Cellphones

Remember how the BlackBerry Thunder (RIM's rumored touchscreen device) was said to possibly come LTE-ready? An eye-brow raiser for sure since the US networks won't deploy LTE until 2010. Nevertheless, here's how it could be done. ASOCS and Fujitsu just announced what they are calling the "world's first wireless Multicomm processor." The system-on-chip can run up to three wireless air interfaces such as GSM/EDGE/GPRS, WiFi, HD Mobile Digital TV, and GPS concurrently. Better yet, device manufacturers "using ASOCS ModemX technology can ship a single-chip mainstream MultiComms baseband solution in parallel with LTE development and later add LTE as a low-risk software upgrade." Get that? LTE or pretty much any other wireless service added via software update. Hot damn!

[Via Thumb Report]

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New Arduino Nano: DIY Electronics in Gum-Sized Board [DIY]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/293396179/new-arduino-nano-diy-electronics-in-gum+sized-board

We've shown you lots of weird and wonderful gizmos that DIY electronics fans have made using the powerful Arduino board, and now there's a new option: the Nano. It's not very much bigger than a stick of gum, and comes with full USB support and almost the same functionality as the bigger Diecimila board: immediately I start to think of the potential uses that makers will put this to. Its diminutive size means it'll fit in more pocketable devices, I suspect. Available in June for $44.95. [Makezine via Crunchgear]

Sunday, May 18, 2008

FCC Filing Teases WiMAX Option for Future Apple MacBooks [Apple]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/292560437/fcc-filing-teases-wimax-option-for-future-apple-macbooks

A new FCC filing for an Intel 5350 WiFi/WiMAX combo card that fits into Mini PCI Express slots is probably the best evidence yet for future WiMAX functionality in Apple MacBooks, but it's still far from a confirmation. The bottom line is that with the new card, the WiMAX option officially exists for MacBooks, but as of yet there are no drivers written that would allow it to work with Apple's line of laptops. You could actually hack your laptop and plug the card in just fine as it is now, but without the drivers (which do exist for Windows), it's pretty useless. That said, the drivers—especially with Intel Macs—are a mere Leopard update or MacBook redesign away. [FCC Filing via ComputerWorld]

Planika Fires Lets You Stoke the Flames Without the Smoke [Yeah, Baby]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/292930918/planika-fires-lets-you-stoke-the-flames-without-the-smoke

Nothing screams impeccable taste like having a fireplace in the middle of your coffee table and now, thanks to Planika Fires, you can keep the flames roaring without worrying about smoke or soot. The company makes the magic happen using a proprietary liquid biofuel called Fanola, which burns completely smoke and smell free.

Fanola, the company says, is a biologically clean product which emits nothing but water vapor and CO2. Heating inserts ensure that the only thing burning in your shag pad, besides the fireplace, will be the flames of love. The fireplace technology comes in a variety of designs, so you can mix and match with every piece of Ikea furniture ever created.