...cool project by Canadian engineer Steve Lapp who modified his 2001 Prius by installing solar panels on the roof. It is admitted that the car is still a rough prototype, but so far the fuel economy improvement are of 10%, a respectable figure; for reference, Honda completely redesigned the Honda Civic engine for the 2006 model and achieved a 6% increase in fuel economy… Link.
Fossil isn’t going to SPOT any longer, looks bad- but this watch project looks amazing! eWatch is a wearable computing system that can be worn on your wrist. It has several sensors that gather information about the user and the environment. It can attract the user’s attention with visual and/or tactile notifications. eWatch supports wireless Bluetooth communication which allows it to interface with a computer, PDA, or cellular phone. The wrist watch form factor allows open exposure to the environment making it ideal for ascertaining user state information. This also means that eWatch is instantly viewable and always accessible to the user. Link.
Google Maps is one of the web technologies that take the web to the next level. When Google introduced Google Maps with searchable and pannable interface, and recently released the API for adding implementation on the map, it creates many interest from users and developers. Here are some great examples and resources… Link.
Not a lot of details, but here’s a nice shot of a homemade still. The homemade still seems to be constructed using a stove and a paint can condenser. See previous “still making“. Link.
IBM has taken the next logical extension of booting Linux from a flash drive. Researchers were recently able to boot Knoppix from an iPod and run an x86 virtual machine in VMware, which provided an easy way to encrypt the whole operating environment. The tests were conducted on a 60GB iPod photo using Knoppix. [via] Link.
Powerpage has a review and selected Griffin AirClick USB as Powerpick. I’ve been meaning to write about this- if you present on a Mac or PC the AirClick is the best remote I’ve ever used. As as added bonus it works as an iPod remote from 60 feet away (it’s RF not IR). So for presenting, remote control kiosks/projects and music it’s permanently in my gadget bag. Link.
HOW TO from a workshop at a Texas Parks and Wildlife event. The workshop was led by Linda McMurry, who is a program administrator with the wildlife division, Extreme craft got the 44 page booklet that has tons of really neat projects- including how to make shotgun shell holiday lights (see previous)… Link.
