December 2014 - Page 4 of 4

New Ultrasound Technology Lets Users See and Touch 3D Shapes in Thin Air

6Dec

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New Ultrasound Technology Lets Users See and Touch 3D Shapes in Thin Air

Haptics, or touch feedback technology, has changed rapidly over the course of the past few years. Now, the Bristol Interaction and Graphics group has developed technology that can create an invisible 3D haptic shape using ultrasound, which can be both seen and felt. The research paper, which has been published in the current issue of ACM Transactions on Graphics, describes how a new device sends out complex patterns of ultrasound waves. By focusing the ultrasound waves and creating air disturbances, the device creates haptic feedback in mid-air. The system also generates an invisible 3D shape. In other words, the new device is a projector that can create floating, 3D shapes, which can also be touched. The researchers believe that this new device could change the way people use 3D shapes...

Baz Luhrmann Designs Barney’s Holiday Party At the Zoo

If there's anyone that knows how to throw a holiday party, it's Baz Luhrman. The famed director of such spectacles as Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby has quite a grandiose vision, which he is able to bring to life offscreen as well. This year, Barney's hired Luhrman to helm the decoration of their holiday windows, which were revealed in grand style on November 13. In true Luhrman style, the unveiling involved ice dancers, step-troupers, opera singers, a-cappella warblers and two break-dancing elves. The spectacle continues through the Christmas holiday, with opera singers appearing every now and again on the Barney's balconies for brief performances. After the unveiling, guests adjourned to the Central Park Zoo, for a holiday dinner party hosted by Barney's and designed by Lu...

New Battery Belt is the Solution for All Your First World Problems

Arguably the biggest "first world problems" that modern day young people suffer from are their smart phone batteries dying, and their skinny jeans falling off of their hips. Fortunately, there's a new product that can solve both of those problems. The new XOO Belt is not just a belt -- it's also a battery charger. The XOO Belt contains a 1,300mAh lithium ceramic polymer flexible battery that is sandwiched between the leather in the belt itself. The buckle is an additional 800mAh battery (giving you 2,100mAh total). The buckle does even more than that, though. It acts as a ratchet to tighten the belt around the waist. It's a plug that you can connect your USB adapter to. There is a set of five LED lights along the base of the buckle that tells you how much charge is left in the belt batte...