A prototype software app is able to check an automobile’s vital stats, open and close windows, retain user configurations for seating options and even start the ignition. Video demo link here.
Also, Apple has filed a patent for ordering and paying for products on the iPhone. Imagine not having to wait in line at Starbucks! [source article here.]
I’ve covered e-paper here before, but Philips is prepping to launch an e-paper technology that can be integrated with mobile phones. Basically, it’s a large, flexible, touchable and expandable screen, which is energy efficient, and would not add much weight or thickness to devices.
Food analysis (ie the labels on food products at the grocery store) is currently an expensive and labor intensive process. However, Philips has submitted a patent application for a portable food and beverage analyzer (lab on a chip technology), so you could potentially know the makeup of food in bars and restaurants. [patent application here.]
A Chinese scientist is showing off a .5 mm thick flexible battery at the 2007 International Forum on New Material Research and Industry Development in Wenzhou. [source]
In the vein of TED videos - you must check out this excellent selection of videos from the Gadgetoff conference - click here for full selection.
3 representational videos below of Tony Tether, the Director of DARPA, Luke Williams of frog design, and Marvin Minsky of MIT:
The ultimate Geek toy…
I sat next to the founding team of Eye-Fi, a Shasta Ventures-backed company that makes a WIFI enabled SD card for digital cameras, to automatically upload photos to photo sharing sites such as Facebook, Flickr or Picasa, or to your computer, last night at the Gadget Fest last night. The Eye-Fi service automatically handles site logins and passwords, and photo resizing, for whatever outlet you choose for your photos. The card retails for $99.99.
Where I was last night…
The Livescribe, a pen audio recorder that links to handwritten notes, premiered at DEMO in May, and just raised a $22M first round led by VantagePoint Venture Partners. Check out this video demonstration!
