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Lifehacker
Researchers are using a technique called simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) to develop helmets that rescue workers can use to navigate through heavy smoke. The helmet features an infrared laser scanner and software that bounces signals off walls and uses that data to create a map of the surrounding area.
The Life Clock from Jinsei Tokei is kind of like a Tamagotchi for adults—but instead of caring for it, the little guy living inside this box mimics your lifestyle. Well...sort of. You see, you can choose between three characters: a salaryman, a schoolgirl or a rock star. It gets up when your alarm goes off and it goes back to sleep when you set it at night. In-between that time it will do things like eat, shop and go out on dates. It will even cook if you use it as a kitchen timer. So, this is really a model of how to to live your life. You know—earn a little money, eat 3 square meals a day, find yourself a nice girl and do it all with a strict punctuality. Available for $US55. [Japan Trend Shop via TRFJ]
Here's one way to tap the parallel processing power in Nvidia's graphics cards: Wi-Fi security hacking. Russian hackers reportedly bored through WPA and WPA2 encryptions using a brute-force technique juiced with one of Nvidia's latest graphics cards (they don't say which ones). The card supposedly made the "password recovery" process up to 10,000 percent faster. The report's notably skimpy on the details, but if true, that's a whole lot of busted for Wi-Fi security. [SC via DSL Reports]
Apparently, your cat enjoys it when a soft, vibrating material is rubbed against it. That's why this vibrating pet glove exists. When your cat feels lonely and just needs a tender touch, slip on the vibrating pet glove and give it the massage it so desires. It even wipes clean with a damp cloth if your cat is wet or dirty. It uses 3 AAA batteries, and it totally doesn't look like a vibrator, so you can just leave it sitting out and not worry about your mum popping over to visit and making your feel uncomfortable. I mean it, uh, doesn't look like a regular pet brush. [Product Page via Book of Joe]
Up until now, I had never heard of Aussie indy-rocker Josh Pyke. However, sailing the seas on a giant guitar is something that tends to get people noticed. The boat is prominently featured in the video for his new single Make You Happy, and it appears to be an accurate replica of his favourite guitar. Unfortunately, it is not an actual, playable instrument—which is just as well. Jamming on this thing would require far too much effort. [Zimbo via Born Rich via DVICE]
The Army is following the Air Force's green efforts to cut their energy expenditures and, presumably, don't see their weapons budget cut. They will install solar panels and windmills, while investing in bio-fuels and energy conservation in bases all around the country. According to Keith Eastin, assistant Army secretary for Installations and Environmen, this will be good not only for the military, but for all of us:
You're sitting there freezing your arse off and someone comes up to you and says "cold enough for ya' today?" then laughs. If you have ever been in this situation you know how annoying it can be. Thanks to the temperature sweater you can reply by extending your arm, pointing to the temperature gauge on your wrist that is clearly displaying 2 degrees Fahrenheit, then turn up your hand and extend your middle finger. [Generate Design LE via RGS]
Brushing your teeth with your finger never works, despite how often you try it when you end up wasted at someone else's place for the night. You know, it just kind of smears the toothpaste over your teeth without creating a foam, and it leaves your mouth feeling even grosser than before. If only you had one of these weird finger condom toothbrushes! It looks to be extremely portable, albeit awkward to use and possibly tasting like rubber. It's the perfect accessory for people who end up sleeping in strange places often, like backpackers and sorority girls. [ProductDose via Trendhunter]
Fans of Nokia's open-source internet tablets will be the first to take Firefox Mobile for a spin, reports PC Advisor, with an alpha release coming as early as next week (confirming what we saw earlier this week). The choice of the Linux-based N810 makes sense for the first dry run, as its hardware and open development platform already easily supports other Mozilla spin-offs, and the touchscreen will allow for fine tuning of FFM's touch-based interface for smartphones. The alpha will apparently feature Firefox 3's smart URL bar and support for add-ons. A more widespread beta is expected for 2009. [PC Advisor via CrunchGear]
These vases are made by heating a BIC pen until it's soft and squishy and then blowing the water chamber like one would blow a piece in glass. Then it's ready to accept a single flower, which will drink from the cool waters below. But just like your massive skull bong is only for enjoying fine tobaccos, this, friends, is for flowers and flowers alone. Right? It's $US29 shipped. [Design Boom via Product Dose]
