Bendy Batteries a Step Closer

Korean researchers from the  Advanced Institute of Science and Technology  have found a new solution to bendable energy sources that is not only more powerful than standard lithium-ion batteries, but also potentially cheaper. The researchers developed a graphene-based hybrid electrode and produced a flexible lithium rechargeable battery. The cathode material (V2O5) was grown on a graphene sheet using pulsed laser reposition and the anode was lithium-coated graphene.

This battery actually has promising performance compared to non-flexible batteries - higher energy density, power density and better cycle life. The team now works on extending the performance using solid-state or polymer electrolyte. 

[Via Engadget]

Sneaker Speakers - Arts and Useful Gadgets?

If it is not for the purpose of art I am not sure if it can be considered as useful gadgets because the sounds won't seem to be excellent given that it is made of rubber.

The Sneaker Speakers were made by high-end sneaker customizer Nashmoney for the recent Inspired Ingenuity creative competition for Havana Club.

They’re made from a pair of Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, with a full-range and tweeter loaded into each shoe, along with volume controls, an amplifier and controls built into the right shoe.

I am interested in making a pair of this speaker using a used par of shoes... I hope not patent pending.

[Via Technabob]

Samsung Gem - New Smartphone from Samsung

Samsung Gem

Samsung Gem is a CDMA Android smartphone. The device runs Android Eclairand has 800 MHz processor, 3.2-inch WQVGA touchscreen display and 124 MB of internal memory (with expansion via microSD cards). The Samsung Gem also has GPS, 3.2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, 3G Rev A of 3.1 Mbps, It doesn't seems to have Wi-Fi. It weight 3.85 Ounces. Samsung website says that the price of this phone is competitive.

[Samsung]

New Apple MacBook Pros Come with Intel Sandy Bridge Processors, AMD Graphics, Thunderbolt I/O tech and HD Cameras

Apple upgrade its MacBook Pro family with some new parts: new Intel Sandy Bridge Core i5 and i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6000M graphics, FaceTime HD cameras and some super fast Thunderbolt I/O transfer speeds. There are two new 13-inch MacBook Pro, two 15.4-inch MacBook Pro, and one 17-inch model.

Apple to Launch iPad 2 on March 2

Apple iPad

Apple will hold a media event on March 2 to unveil its new tablet, according to a Tuesday report from All Things D. The Wednesday event will likely take place in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

The new tablet, which many Apple watchers are calling the iPad 2, has been a hot rumor-mill topic for weeks now. Reports from numerous sources claim the upcoming iPad will be thinner and lighter than the current (and original) model, which began shipping last April.

Mini Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard For iPad, PS3, iPhone 4

When you get bored using virtual keyboard on your iPhone 4, iPad or playstation 3 and want the feel of a real keyboard which is easy to store when not in use, now you can get this mini wireless bluetooth keyboard. You can get it at kookua.com for US$ 22.99.

Samsung Launched Ultra-slim Notebook

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd launched an ultra-slim notebook on Thursday in South Korea, giving competition to Apple with its MacNook Air.

Samsung, emerging as one of the strongest rivals to challenge Apple in the booming smartphone and tablet computer market, is eyeing the notebook market, in which Apple is seeking to replicate the success of the iPhone and iPad with its MacBook series.

iBike Dash CC Wireless Cycling Computer Launched For iPhone & iPod Touch

www.iBikeDash.com, a leading sports technology company and creator of the iBike® line of power meters, announced today the iBike Dash CC (Cycling Computer), a light-weight wireless bicycle computer system that turns any iPhone or iPod touch into your own personal fitness trainer.

iBike Dash CC Features:

• 50 power-based and Heart Rate (HR) zone workouts
• Includes ANT+ speed sensor with optional sensors for cadence and HR
• User customizable touch screens display cycling information in color with unique graphics and animation.
• Features easy-to-read large fonts with back-light display for night-time viewing.
• iPhone's GPS, map, and weather capabilities operate seamlessly with the iDash, greatly enhancing the rider's experience.
• Power-based indoor trainer feature.
• Bike odometer.
• Calendar feature keeps track of weekly cycling stats, including calories, miles and speed
• HR Zone dial presents cycling exertion in an extremely intuitive manner
• Easy-to-follow, on-screen instructions and instructional videos
• "Phone BoothTM" dashboard/case houses circuitry, keeps out water and absorbs shock
• Easy to install, use, and move from bike to bike
• No need for calibration
• Allows seamless hands-free calls using your iPhone and Bluetooth headset with no interruption to ride data collection
• Allows full use of touch screen, even while wearing cycling gloves
• A rechargeable/replaceable spare battery can be housed inside the "Phone Booth" to extend the operating time of your iPhone/iPod touch
• Compatible with all ANT+ speed, cadence and HR sensors

The iBike Dash CC is available immediately for iPhone and iPod touch, priced at $199 MSRP for the basic version and $329 MSRP for the advanced version with additional features (including cadence, HR, calorie measurement, battery and charger) through the Apple Store.
[Source iBikeDash]

A Mini Entertaining Multi-functional Console

After two years of hard work, designer David Gawthorpe from Lower Hopton, West Yorkshire has designed a mini entertaining multi-functional console.

This multi-function console that too out of the front end of a Mini enable you to croon to your favorite tunes, watch film and play Xbox and PS3, this sure will make you experience that adrenaline rush. This console has “Butt Kicker”, a vibration pad in it that will make you jump with every shot in gaming. If you want to have it, the price is about £8,000. I don't know if the designer will sell it though.

[Via AutoMotto]

iRun - the “World’s Most Advanced Mobile Social Media Studio”

Joseph Tame shows off the the iRun - “World’s Most Advanced Mobile Social Media Studio” he will be wearing as he runs in the 2011 Tokyo Marathon.

The iRun features four iPhones on rotatable mounts, an iPad, and Android handset, three mobile Wi-Fi routers, a four-in-one atmospheric monitor and a heart monitor – all to record his route round the 26-mile circuit.

A post on Tame’s website states: ‘This technology will allow me to broadcast live video on two cameras (using either skype or FaceTime to a local studio for re-broadcast), send live location/pace/heart rate data via Runkeeperon the iPhone, transmit temperature, COx/humidity/noise levels via a custom-made Android app – and do all of this while looking incredibly cool.’

[Source Japan Probe]

iTrail GPS Data Logger - Track Your Car

iTrail GPS Data Logger

If you have just bpought a nice acr and you are worried a little bit that somebody take it, all you need is this tiny GPS Data Logger to find out exactly where your car has been.

The smallest GPS data logger yet, this 1.5 inch GPS data logger fits easily in a backpack, car, or in your pocket to capture GPS location points and detailed information like speed and time. The iTrail sleeps when there's no movement to conserve battery, and springs into action when movement is detected to capture up to 120 hours of GPS location data. Perfect for tracking family members or vehicles, simply plug the iTrail into your computer to quickly and easily download everywhere the iTrail's been including details like time, speed, and exact addresses visited in Google Maps and Google Earth.

Features:

• Displays exact addresses and GPS location data in Google Maps and Google Earth
• Check speed, time, and exact address
• Small size - only 1.5" x 1.5"
• Water resistant for outdoor use
• Automatically enters sleep mode to conserve battery power when standing still
• 120 hours of continue tracking with powerful internal battery
• Export your travel data in multiple formats such as HTML, PDF, MS-Word, CSV, and more)

You can buy it at  Brick House Security for $189.95.