Gadgets Blog

My source called these EPORO robot cars, but I don’t know if I feel comfortable calling these things cars. Unless these are cars from some alternate universe where penguins rule the world.

Yes, they may not look like what Nissan usually rolls off the assembly line, but the EPORO robot cars are an advancement for the day when cars drive themselves like Knight Rider.

You see, these EPORO robot cars are able to move in groups, and have software built in that keeps them from crashing into each other. Just think of them as bumper cars without the humans and without the bumps.

I suppose a better comparison would be to schools of fish, who are able to travel without bumping into each other and fluidly avoid other obstacles.

It sort of reminds me of the software used in Pixar’s classic Finding Nemo. Remember how the schools of fish traveled in schools, just like real fish? It would appear that Nissan took that tech a step higher, and plans to put six of the EPORO robots on display at CEATAC Japan next week.

I like where EPORO technology is going. I suppose automated cars could easily be programmed to follow traffic signals, but Nissan has finally figured out how to keep automated vehicles from hitting each other.

Are we that far away from Minority Report style automatic vehicles? I hope not. I would like to take nap in my car while on the way home.

Source

While I was at CES last January, I had a chance to view The Sharper Image’s new product line for their comeback for the fall, and the Rotating Speaker System was one of them.

Contrary to what its name implies, the Rotating Speaker System is not designed as an apparatus that spins your speakers, but is a speaker system for the iPod or iPhone.

So what does rotating have to do with it? Well, let’s say you have an iPhone, and you want to watch a movie on it. At the touch of a button, the Rotating Speaker System will turn the iPhone ninety degrees on its side so you can watch it in the proper format.

I had a chance to try it out for myself, and it does produce the “full, rich sound” that the box advertises. The illuminated controls are good for advancing or going back on playlist tracks, volume control, and play/pause. When the Rotating Speaker System is turned off, it starts charging the iPod/iPhone. This dock came with inserts for the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 3G, the iPod touch (2nd generation), and iPod nano.

All in all, the Rotating Speaker System is a good system if you need an iPod or iPhone dock. The Sharper Image Rotating Speaker System should be available on October 15, wherever Sharper Image products are sold for a price of $79.99.

The winner of last week’s coolest gadget competition is the Children’s GPS Tracking Watch.

A simple solution to keeping track of your child should they go missing with this fairly standard looking children’s digital watch that is actually equipped with a GPS tracking system, which will also alert you if the watch is removed by a third party.

Congrats again to Zath.

In second place we have the Philips Wireless HDTV Link transmits 1080p video up to 30 feet.

Philips intends to clean up your home theater cable clutter with the Wireless HDTV Link, a small box capable of transmitting 1080p/30 content to any major brand HDTV from up to 30 feet away. Small enough to fit behind a standard wall mount, the Philips Wireless HDTV Link also has 2 HDMI ports and 2 component slots. Costing the equivalent of US$850, the Wireless HDTV Link is expected to ship soon (probably in Europe).

Finally in third place comes the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Sports Car.

Certainly not the symbol of the recession but the Lamborghini brand is synonymous with luxury and the Reventon Roadster maintains this tradition. The open top sports car is capable of 0 to 62 in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 205mph.

Thank you to everybody who voted, submitted, commented or told a friend. The randomly drawn winner of the $50 Amazon vouchers is:

Thyago (Thyago@…), congratulations.

Thanks again everybody and good luck with the next CGOTW contest on Friday.

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