by Martyn on November 10, 2010
It might be a little hard to believe for die hard Xbox fans but according to EEDAR (Electronic Entertainment Design and Research) analyst Jesse Divnich's predictions, by 2012 this may well be the case.
Arguments for and against each console seem to envelope many a gamer's forum. Some differences between the two are slight where others are blindingly obvious such as Blu-Ray vs No Blu-Ray for example but nevertheless, it seems Microsoft and Sony both have reason to be happy for themselves as both have seen good growth in their own unit sales throughout this last year.
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Intel are launching a new portable reader device that is designed for those with vision or reading-related disabilities such as blindness or problems with vision in general. The Intel Reader can be used to capture text from printed material and once captured it converts it to a digital form for magnification or audio playback.
Inside the device has a camera along with an Intel Atom processor that allows relatively fast conversion of printed material to digital text or audio. [click to continue…]
The Haptic Reader concept is an overlay designed to help blind people read non Braille books. The device has a glass surface that is designed to rest on the pages of a regular book. Text from the page is then scanned in to the Haptic Reader and the surface has dots that protrude to make up the Braille characters.
If the user of the device doesn't yet understand Braille then the reader makes use of a loud speaker to read out the contents of the book. [click to continue…]
WickedLasers asked if we could review another of their high powered laser pens. Of course I said yes as no matter how many laser pens I have seen in the past I still find they are very cool (although dangerous if not used correctly). The laser is named the Photonic Disruptor and unlike every other laser that requires safety specks to be worn to protect the eyes, the disruptor is supposed to be aimed at people's eyes to temporarily disorient them. In the words of WickedLasers it is described as...
an extremely effective, non-lethal, waterproof high powered green laser built specifically for rugged, harsh environments. This laser is classified as TALI¢ (Threat Assessment Laser Illuminator).... This tactical laser is equipped with versatile focus-adjustable collimating lenses to compensate for range and power intensity. Laze a non-lethal focused or unfocused beam towards potential threats at a distance. Used properly, the Photonic Disruptor¢ will temporarily overwhelm a threats visual senses without causing permanent eye damage.
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If you have ever lost use of a part of your body then you will be aware of the frustration it can cause. For some, this luxury of everything working never comes back. For the blind they do not have the ability to see which is another luxury. For this reason a cool Braille Polaroid Camera has been designed although unfortunately it seems like it's still a concept at the moment. [click to continue…]
When I first read about a camera designed for the blind I was immediately interested as it just seemed like an odd few things to put together. However, after you read what this camera does you will be amazed at this little concept idea that could do very well. [click to continue…]
The Sens phone is a concept idea which was designed by Takumi Yoshida. It is different to most other cell phones in that it has no screen. [click to continue…]
The Mygo Cane was created by a design student in Germany and has been named the Electronic guide dog. It hosts a bunch of features such as a sensor camera which can provide feedback about the area through a wireless headset. The can is waterproof so it can be used in rain and has a battery which supplies power for about 6 hours of use. Having these extra sensory features helps those who are blind to know the area they are in a little better. Developers are hoping to see this go out on sale at around $200 to make it affordable to those who need it.
Via: Gizmodo
If you think you are the master of Rubiks cube and can solve it quicker then anyone else, then you need to move up to the next level and get a Touch and Play Rubiks Cube. The idea of this rubiks cube is that you play it blindfolded and use your touch senses to solve the puzzle. Six different textures are found on this (1 on each face) which are Metal, wood, textile, rubber, plastic and stone. I wish it was real, but right now it seems to be just concept for now. But, I struggle with the original and have only solved it a couple of times so my chances of solving a puzzle like this are zero.
Via: Yankodesign