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Wearable eye-controlled gadgets in tests
June 30, 2008 · 4 Comments
Ever get tired of wasting more time looking for your TV remote or tired of standing up just to get the remote just to turn up the volume? Well, this is for you.
Japan’s NTT DoCoMo is testing a gadget where you can turn up the volume of a portable music player by just rolling your eyes and tapping your fingers to turn on a DVD player.
Although it is still unknown when or will it be out in the market. But if ever it gets in the market, I bet it will sell like hot-cakes specially to those who is lazy to stand up.. :D
In a demonstration Tuesday, researcher Hiroyuki Manabe wore a giant headset covered with wires to show how computer graphic lines in a monitor connected to the headset darted wildly whenever his eyes moved.
He turned up the volume on a digital music player by rolling his eyes, and he jerked his eyes twice to the right to fast forward.
Via [CNN Tech]
Filed under Gadgets, Wireless · Tags: Gadget, tech, WirelessLocal Company Explores Bluetooth Technology as a Marketing Tool
June 30, 2008 · 2 Comments
Since most of the mobile phones and other electronic devices released nowadays usually come with Bluetooth, a local firm is now exploring to use Bluetooth technology as a marketing tool.
They are setting up “BlueZones” in some areas within the SM Hypermart where consumers can go and use their cellphone’s bluetooth functionality to buy specific products.
Products like ring tones, games and electronic coupons among others are the ones most probably available on demand on these “BlueZones”.
Since I think majority of the consumers got a basic, non-bluetooth mobile phones, most likely, this initiative will get a minimal support from the regulars.Nevertheless, this is a nice idea in utilizing an existing technology.
Filed under News, Wireless · Tags: bluetooth, BlueZones, WirelessIs The Mouse Headed For The Dustbin?
June 29, 2008 · Comments
Sayonara mouse, you have outlived your usefulness. Or has it?
I read a very interesting article at itmanagement.earthweb.com a couple of days ago positing the demise of one of the greatest peripherals ever created in computing history– the mouse. The article cites the emergence of touch technology (e.g. touch screens, touchpads) and the compatibility of gaming control devices(joysticks, other non-mouse gaming input devices) with the PC as factors that could deliver a deathblow to the mouse.
Another mouse replacement alternative mentioned is the cutting-edge ‘brain reading’ devices that allows the user to interact with his computer using his thoughts. Emotiv Systems is actually coming up with one of these brain reading devices. Checkout Emotiv’s device demo here to appreciate.
You can read the entire article here.
I don’t know about you folks but I am still more comfortable using the mouse even with my laptop unless I’m on my bed watching Porntugal kick the living daylights out of Czechoslovakia (rrright) in Euro 2008. Somehow I have a feeling that I’ll end up with shorter fingers if I keep using the mousepad, you know with all those finger rubbing and dragging across the pad.
For PC gaming, seriously, who likes playing NFS carbon using your mouse and keyboard if you can afford buying the wheel? As for that brain-reading-headset-thingy, unless I’m a quadriplegic (paralyzed from the neck down), I’d probably pass on those facial gestures and twitchings. But it’s too early to say. Perhaps these devices would indeed make the mouse obsolete.
But for the time being, I say long live the mouse! Just try and pace yourself while mousing though, you don’t want to end up with a carpal tunnel syndrome.
Filed under News, Peripherals · Tags: emotiv, mouseLevel Up Launches Crazy Kart
June 29, 2008 · 7 Comments
Level Up!, the leading online gaming publisher in the Philippines, has always been at the forefront of successfully localizing the best online games from other countries to be played and enjoyed by Filipino gamers. Once again, the company has brought another game that will surely become a new craze in internet cafes: Crazy Kart!
What happened to TopBlogs on the 25th thru 27th?
June 28, 2008 · 4 Comments
Do you know what happened to TopBlogs.com.ph last June 25, 26 & 27? Their overall stats page as well as the member sites’ stats graphs doesn’t have data for those dates. Got any gossip, rumor or news about it? As of know i don’t really have any hint at all. Maybe we can try to find out though this post :)
Here are some of the *graphs…
Overall Statistics – Top Blogs Philippines
7th Philippine Robotics Olympiad (PRO)
June 28, 2008 · Comments
The 7th Philippine Robotics Olympiad (PRO) was launched last June 17, 2008 by FELTA Multi-Media Inc. & its implementing partner – Science Education Institute-Department of Science and Technology (SEI-DOST). Last year, the winners of the 6th PRO represented the country at the World Robot Olympiad 2007 held in Taipei, Taiwan and were able to win the Gold Medal during that time. And this year, the winners will again represent the Philippines and defend the championship at the World Robot Olympiad to be held in Yokohama, Japan on November 2008.
What is PRO?
The Philippine Robotics Olympiad is an annual science educational event that primarily aims to challenge the intellectual skills and critical thinking of elementary and high school students. It aims to support the Philippine’s aggressive campaign towards the promotion of science and technology interests among the youth, particularly, in Robotics as one of the new alternative media of effective learning. It also wants to offer new perspective and great opportunities in relation to the rising demands of Robotics in the local and international scene.
Source: 7th PRO
A detailed Schedule of activities and the Rules & regulations for the 7th PRO are listed at Felta.ph. More information can also be found at the olympiad’s official website.
Up for a programming challenge? Join Google Code Jam
June 27, 2008 · 3 Comments
Google Code Jam is back. Google Code Jam is an annual coding competition open to all professional and students programmers who are up to the challenge of competing against the clock and with other programmers around the world.
If you’re up to the rush of the competition and if you think you have what it takes to win, then register now.
Registration started last June17, 2008 and will end at July 17, 2008. The competition will begin at mid July and will continue in August, in which contestants will compete in online round with other contestants around the globe. If you are lucky enough to be in the top 500, you will advance in the on-site competition at a local Google office to compete against other programmers within your same region. The top 500 will be cut down to 100 top coders who will compete head-to-head at the search giant’s Mountain View bunker in California this November.
And what’s really great about this contest is that Google Code Jam lets you program in the coding language and development environment of your choice. You don’t have to adjust in any language or environment, the contest is very flexible.
Whether you just want to practice your coding skills or you’re serious in winning this programming contest, this contest will enhance your coding abilities, creativity, and ingenuity to solve a series of challenges. This is also a great opportunity for all Filipinos out there to prove that we can top in the programming world.
If you have any questions or inquiries, just visit http://code.google.com/codejam/
Filed under Events, InfoTech, Software · Tags: contest, google, programming, SoftwareFirst Philippine Manufactured e-Jeepneys to Ply Commercial Routes in Makati City
June 27, 2008 · 7 Comments
The first electronic electric jeepneys made by a local manufacturer (Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines – MVPMAP) will soon be allowed to ply along the streets of Makati City particularly in Salcedo Village & Legazpi Village. The e-Jeepneys were initially presented to the public in July 2007 and after a year of pilot testing, they will be starting their regular operations on July 1, 2008.
The first locally manufactured electric jeepneys will make their debut in the country’s financial district next week, as the e-jeepneys begin their regular operations in Makati starting July 1.
_Route:
- Salcedo Village – from Dela Costa St. turn right to Makati Ave., right to Paseo De Roxas, right to Villar St., left to Leviste St, left to Rufino St., right to Ayala Ave. and right to Dela Costa St.
- Legazpi Village – from Salcedo St. turn right to VA Rufino St., left to Adelantado St., left to Gamboa St., left to Salcedo St., left to Benavidez St., left to Paseo De Roxas Ave., right to Legazpi St., left to Dela Rosa St., and left to Salcedo St.
Source: Makati.gov.ph
Photo source: GreenPeace
Top 10 Tech Links No. 1
June 27, 2008 · 6 Comments
Techies and gadget freaks, your attention please.
We all know that there are just too many events, developments and websites to follow but we have so little time.
Thus, here’s the first issue of the TOP 10 TECH LINKS that won’t smother you, just ten links that will keep you updated. So do watch out for it every Friday! Read more »»
Filed under Internet, News · Tags: links, NewsQuick Post: Something is up at Blizzard
June 26, 2008 · 7 Comments
Gamers, something is up at Blizzard. There’s a weird splash on the homepage!
Is this somehow connected with the Wrath of the Lich King? Starcraft II? Diablo III? Oh come on! You’re killing us!
Can someone guess what it is?
UPDATE 07/28
Confirmed. It is Diablo 3. View the teaser trailer, new artwork and some cool stuff here.
