A Robotic Jurassic Park Coming to Dubai

When it comes to Dubai and attracting wealthy tourists, the word "restraint" is seldom used. Perhaps that is why it is not surprising that the locals are building a $1 billion theme park that will feature over 100 animatronic dinosaurs of 40 different species. Dubbed "Restless Planet," the park will attempt to provide an educational experience amidst all of the Vegas style spectacle. This will be done using history themed rides and robots / habitats that represent an accurate portrayal (based on current knowledge) of what life was like millions of years ago.

The robots will also be capable of interacting with guests by following them with their eyes or lunging at them as the walk by. Even though you would think that keeping the wraps on a 500,000 square foot park would be difficult, further details are scarce. However, the park is scheduled to open in late 2008 in City of Arabia, Dubai.

Source- http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/robots/a-robotic-jurassic-park-coming-to-dubai-335002.php

Kawasaki robot solves Rubik's Cube in seconds flat

We've seen robots that could solve a Rubik's Cube in nearly no time, but Kawasaki's Cube-Kun can pick one up, figure out the solution and sip down some lemonade all in the extended blink of an eye.

Reportedly, this brainiac was created with absolutely one goal in life, and judging by eyewitness reports, it succeeds mightily. The fellow rocks a huge flat-panel display as a face and utilizes built-in sensors to determine the current position of each square and how to most quickly solve it. Interestingly, we heard that sabotaging the cube by removing a sticker would send Cube-Kun into fits of uncontrollable rage, but apparently, no one's been courageous enough to test its patience.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/kawasaki-robot-solves-rubiks-cube-in-six-seconds-flat/

Toshiba Launches New Range of 1.8 inch HDDs

Toshiba boosted its portfolio with the release of 5 new 1.8 inch HDDs.

These drives are aimed at laptops, UMPCs and other portable devices. The drives that have been introduced are the 120GB MK1214GAH, the 60GB MK6028GAL and the 80GB MK8025GAL.

All three models are equipped with a PATA interface, 2MB buffer and 512 byte-per-sector format. The other two drives Toshiba has introduced are two single-platters, 60GB 1.8-inch HDDs in the slim, 5-millimeter-high form factor with 4,200 RPM and 3,600 RPM spin speed. Pricing and availability remains unknown as of now.

Source- http://www.tech2.com/india/news/laser-printers/toshiba-launches-new-range-of-1.8-inch-hdds/23763/0

Glowbys Illuminating Hair - Shine everywhere

Ladies, do you want to feel yourself a fairy, a princess or an enchantress on any party? You will be absolutely individual, unique and stunning with the help of one magic accessory. The whole attention will be yours. Even in the darkness you will be the brightest.

A few thin fiber optic strands should be attached to your hair to create an unforgettable appearance. What unusual is there? The strands are illuminated. They are shining and it looks like a magic spray was poured on your hair.

In a moment after attaching this Glowbys Illuminating Hair you will look brilliant and festive.

I think that is can be a nice accessory for any party or holiday. On a New Year or just Birthday party it will look the most suitable and effective.

Source- http://gadgets.infoniac.com/index.php?page=post&id=442

Transparent Cell Phone is Ultraslim

Aesthetically, the Cypres Mobile Phone by Nao Tamura is a work of art. It features a transparent case, integrated camera, and an OLED display. No word yet on pricing and availability.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/pictures-transparent-cell-phone-is-ultraslim

Robodance- 4 software lets you control Tomy i-SOBOT with a Wiimote

Tomy's i-SOBOT usually requires users to punch in one of 147 different keycodes on its monster handheld controller to get things moving, but a couple enterprising hackers have developed a control system that lets you get it on mo-cap style using a Wiimote and the nunchuk attachment.

The secret is the upcoming Robodance 4 software, which maps the i-SOBOTs commands to the Wiimote and a GUI for complex scripted macros -- which means it'll be even easier to pretend that the bot is actually your real friend. Check a vid of the system in action, apparently shot in someone's underground bunker, after the break.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/15/robodance-4-software-lets-you-control-i-sobot-with-a-wiimote/

iPond Combines Portable Speaker With a Fish Tank

Pet stores in Australia have been selling a portable speaker with a built-in fish tank, designed to hook up to portable audio devices like the iPod.

The cleverly named iPond, which is currently drawing fire from animal rights groups for not providing adequate space for a fish to live.

Melbourne Aquarium officials say the Betta fish sold with the iPond need a 10 liter tank to swim and get a proper amount of oxygen, but the iPond's tank is only 650 milliliters. Acoustics experts also say sound from the speaker, which is built into the bottom of the iPond, could transfer into fish tank, bringing up another potential hazard.

But even if Aussies are ambivalent to bleeding heart animal rights activists, they should still avoid the iPond because it looks like a cheap piece of garbage selling for an inflated 70 Australian Dollars (60 USD).

Source- http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/audio/ipond-combines-portable-speaker-with-a-fish-tank-enrages-animal-rights-activists-334424.php

Microsoft Slashes Xbox360 Prices This December

Good news for anyone looking to get into next gen gaming, Microsoft has slashed the price of the Xbox 360 significantly this holiday season.

For the month of December only, the Xbox 360 core console will be sold for Rs. 14,990 while the Pro version will set you back by Rs. 23,990. The core console will come bundled with two free games (Forza Motorsport 2 and Viva Piñata) while the Pro version will come bundled with four games (Project Gotham Racing 3, Forza Motorsport 2, Viva Piñata and Yuvraj Singh International Cricket 2007).

And remember, this offer is available till 31 December 07 and till stocks last.

Source- http://www.tech2.com/india/news/xbox360-games/ms-slashes-xbox360-prices-this-december/23581/0