• Microsoft Project Natal

    By Posted on 11.2.2009 7 Comments

    Nintendo brought us the notion of playing games by waving a controller, but Microsoft showed off something even better this year: gaming with no controller at all. A prototype system dubbed Project Natal lets Xbox 360 games respond to anything from full-body lunges to subtle hand gestures, voice input and even facial expressions. Unlike the Wii, you don’t hold anything. Your movements and voice control the game.

    11.18.2009 at 05:38pm - Comment by cinemabon

    We had an eye toy (still do) and it had major problems in tracking the movements. It depended on the lighting in the room and the programming. Also, I remember the games would freeze up (just as PS3 games do now). Give me better graphics and leave the motion toys for the Wii users.

  • Technology

    Intel's E-Book Reader For the Blind Is Awesome, But Will Publishers Accuse It of Stealing?

    By Clay Dillow Posted on 11.11.2009 2 Comments

    Intel threw its hat into the e-reader ring today with the release of the Intel Reader--which, unlike any other reader, is built specifically for the blind. With an onboard camera, Intel's device can convert text from any page photographed by a user into audio, which is read aloud through headphones. Which will surely upset someone, somewhere.

    11.18.2009 at 05:28pm - Comment by cinemabon

    As a published author I can tell you that many authors are upset over "E" versions of their books. We're of the mind that we may as well give our intellectual property away. What's the point in slaving for weeks, months, or years to create something that can be downloaded in seconds for a fraction of a book's cost. As an author, I think E-books are a rip off. They may be the future and convenient, but they rob me blind.

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II

    By Posted on 11.18.2009 2 Comments

    This year, a digital camera snapped the official presidential portrait for the first time. Also this year, the same camera shot commercials, indie films and even parts of network TV shows. That camera was the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, the first digital SLR that shoots full high-definition video.

    11.18.2009 at 05:25pm - Comment by cinemabon

    Oh, I wish I had this in film school! The reviews on the Canon site are overwhelmingly in favor.

  • Icon A5

    By Posted on 11.11.2008 Comments

    Intended for novice fliers who have received the FAA’s new, more accessible sport-pilot license, the A5 is a low-cost, seaworthy, easy-to-fly, easy-to-store aircraft that aims to bring personal flight to the masses. This sleek floatplane has folding wings that make it compact enough to tow home and stow in your garage. To make it simple for even the greenest pilots to fly, the A5 uses a sports-car-like instrument panel with GPS navigation and minimal instrumentation. The 100-horsepower engine can run on unleaded gas, so it can refuel at most marinas.

    1.14.2009 at 07:57pm - Comment by cinemabon

    In checking the SeaRay online, an article popped up about its hull design leading to crashes (see google link). I believe I would prefer this hull to fiberglass. I've seen fiberglass boats shatter to pieces when they strike something hard. I can't imagine the stress put on a hull when it impacts the water at 140 mph.

  • Casio Exilim EX-F1 Video

    By Posted on 10.30.2008 Comments

    1.14.2009 at 07:37pm - Comment by cinemabon

    The camera is incredible. The cameraman leaves something to be desired. Stick to one subject and follow it. In trying to pan back and forth to capture the scene, you lose the main focus of the shot and you lose the viewer's interest at the same time. Perhaps with a little more experience...



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December 2009: Best of What's New

In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.

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