Friday, May 9, 2008 - Page 2
Science

Does This Finger Sized Tube Carry The Secrets of the Big Bang?

PopSci has a great article about scientists who are trying to recreate the events of the Universe, such as the big bang and black holes, with controlled lab experiments. The Universe in a Teacup, shown above, cools Helium to 0.0003°F above absolute zero, and moves around the particles so that little whirlpools remain after the Helium settles. The state inside this pinky-sized tube is thought to be the condition of the universe just after the big bang.


The WaSnake Shelf: It’s Like a Personal Assistant That is Nailed to Your Wall

The WaSnake shelf concept by designer Jean Louis Frechin not only holds your stuff, it also features connectivity that allows it to display news from chosen RSS feeds and even SMS messages. Plus, the whole unit is highly configurable so you could find a spot for it on nearly any wall in your home.


Cars

Nucleus Motorcycle Concept Would Be Interesting in a Wind Tunnel

I suppose it goes without saying, but the design team at Non-Object took all of the things we have learned about making motorcycles and threw it in the trash, pooped in the trash, then lit the can on fire when they came up with the “nUCLEUS”concept bike. Outside of the obvious design features, this “square against air” electric motorcycle includes a hydraulic system that lowers the body to the ground when idle and then raises it up when in motion—but all I can think of when I look at it is the word “drag.” Again, this bike is only a concept, so don’t expect to see it on the street anytime soon. [Yanko Design]


Faux Skylights and Windows For Rooms Without a View

Have an office without a window? Put down the sledgehammer and try one of these faux skylights or windows from The Sky Factory. Simply put, their SkyCeilings and Luminous Virtual Windows are photographic illusions that give users the impression that they have a beautiful outdoor view when, in reality, they are stuck in a gloomy, windowless prison.


Samsung’s Series 6 LCD TVs Get Priced For Australia

Gizmodo AU

Samsung’s Series 6 line of LCD TVs, which we first saw at CES this year and have since learned they’re awesome, have been price for Australia.

The screens feature a stylish red hue that has been embedded in the TV’s frame, giving it a touch of sophistication that’s easy on the eye, if not the wallet.

There are two ranges in the Series 6 lineup – the 650 and the 610. The differences between the two aren’t massive – the 610 lineup doesn’t feature 100Hz, DNle Pro or Samsung’s 100Hz Motion Plus technology.

The full price list is below:


Gaming

Raging Thunder iPhone Racing Game Shows Tons of Potential

If you needed some indication as to how much power the iPhone had for games, this Raging Thunder demo should make you giddy for what’s to come. Not only does the game use the accelerometer, which acts as a more-than-adequate wheel, everything’s rendered in pretty decent OpenGL 3D graphics as well. It’s no GTA4, but you can download it from Installer.app now. If Zune can do multiplayer Wi-Fi games, the iPhone should too. And maybe, just maybe, multiplayer games over the internet? [ModmyiPhone via TUAW]


Why The System Is F%^ked – Channel 9 Wins Appeal Against IceTV

Gizmodo AU

Why on earth is this still going on? I thought it was finished last year.

Here’s an idea Channel 9: Pull your fucking head out of your ass and stop wasting precious resources trying to screw over IceTV in the courts, and instead focus that money on some more quality programming.

According to the IceTV blog: Chief Justice Black, Justice Lindgren, Justice Sackville have together ruled against IceTV and the Federal Court’s previous judgment in the case originally brought against IceTV in May 2006, by the Nine Network regarding an alleged breach of Nine’s copyright.

Forgive my cynicism, but it’s almost like these judges must want this to just keep going on so they can collect their million dollar salaries and buy themselves a third 72-foot yacht each.


Lightning Review: Denon DHT-FS3 Soundbar and Sub

The Gadget: A soundbar by one of my favourite A/V companies that includes a sub. It is one of the rare soundbars NOT to block your TV if mounted on the same table. Processes DTS and Dolby surround through optical and coax and stereo inputs (But no HDMI). The sub draws power off the main unit at 40 watts, and the six 3-inch drivers get 22-watts each. It comes with a glow in the dark universal remote.


BBQ Sword Makes You the Swashbuckler of Sausages

En Garde meat products! Armed with your BBQ sword you can finally take your rightful place at the grill as the Musketeer of meats. Plus, with the handy eye mask that is included, you can maintain your secret identity. Just remember, theatrics are the name of the game for any superhero—so make sure to “sign” your KC masterpieces with a Zorro-esque slash of your sword. Available soon for around US$29. [Firebox via NOTCOT]


Adam Sandler Whispers Sweet Nothings In Your Bluetooth Headset

I’m still a little undecided as to whether or not I’ll be seeing Adam Sandler’s You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, but the movie is using a clever, tech-oriented marketing ploy that’s definitely gotten me interested. Twenty-five Regal Entertainment theatre lobbies will feature a decorated salon chair that when sat in (while wearing a Bluetooth headset) will beam 6 voicetones to the user’s ear. We’re not sure exactly what Adam Sandler’s new character sounds like, but we’re betting if you mix the characters of Adam Sandler Billy Madison, Adam Sandler Little Nicky, and Adam Sandler The Waterboy, you’ll have a pretty close approximation. [press release via crave]