Transformer Smartphone

GEAR AND GADGETS

Transformer Smartphones Morph to Fit Function

APR 28, 2013 07:00 PM ET // BY NIC HALVERSON

Shape-shifting prototypes give us a glimpse of the future mobile devices.

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL, DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Six new prototypes for shape-shifting smartphones and mobile devices were recently unveiled, along with a method for classifying such devices as they make their way from research labs to the consumer marketplace.

Led by researchers from the University of Bristol's Department of Computer Science, a team of computer scientists presented a series of so-called “Morphees” they believe could help create Transformer-like mobile devices of the future.

“Morphees are the future generation of flexible mobile devices,” lead researcher Anne Roudaut told Discovery News. “These are mobile devices that can change their shape on their own.”

NEWS: How Gadgets Will Change in 5 years

Roudaut envisions future users downloading games embedded with form factors that curl the edges of thin, mobile devices inward to resemble a game console shape, with the curved sides doubling as triggers for shooting games. Additionally, Roudaut sees the edges of Morphees bending to protect screen content or passwords and touch screens that take the shape of its displayed object.

The prototypes were made out of a range of materials like plastic, paper and wood, along with shape-changing materials and shape-memory alloys.

One prototype consisted of a plastic sheet sandwiched between two electrode layers. When voltage was applied to the electrodes, electrostatic forces squeezed the sheet, causing it to expand like a future touchscreen might do. Shape-memory alloys are special malleable metals that return to their original shape after being heated. These metals were primarily used as wires on the underside of four prototype displays. Passing an electric current through them caused them to bend, contorting the display "surface."

Another prototype used small motors connected to guitar strings affixed to a plastic sheet. When a motor turned in one direction, it bent the display surface. Another prototype used interlocking, heat-resistant wood tiles stitched together with SMA wire. Researchers connected the wires to a transistor and an Arduino board to give the prototype three bendable functions.

While these crude materials merely mimicked flexible glass or plastic touchscreens, their main function was to support the shape-shifting materials and provide researchers with potential concepts for future applications.

Longest Motorbike is 72 Feet Long

DRIVE

World's Longest Motorbike

 is 72 Feet Long, Seats 25

---

AUG 8, 2011 09:08 PM ET // BY DEREK MARKHAM

A set of mopeds converted by an English plumber might become the world’s longest motorbike after his one mile run reaching 35mph.

Colin Furze, the man behind such oddities as the scooter flamethrower, built his extremely long (72 feet long) bike in his mother’s backyard, out of two and a half 125cc mopeds and an aluminum frame built in three separate parts.

During his road test, Furze drove the bike over one mile, and said, “This motorbike was so heavy and difficult to drive I think it would be impossible to make a longer bike. I think this record will stand for a very long time.” For the test, he drove the bike without the 25 passengers, but said that with some modifications to the suspension, he felt that a passenger-worthy version of the bike was possible.

Glasses

Microsoft May Launch Google Glass Competitor in 2014

For a product that hasn’t even hit the market, Google Glass is generating an insane amount of attention. Not only are consumers getting excited about this product but larger businesses, organizations and even market analysts are speculating on the effect this new innovation will have on the market and everyday life. Strongly believed by market analysts that the release of Google Glass will mark a new era of technology which is wearable and mobile, there seems to be little data to prove that rumor wrong.

With Samsung working to release a smartwatch to the masses and Apple continuously being rumored to release an iWatch, it is no surprise that Microsoft is rumored to be working on making their own version of Google Glasses. However, it should be noted that Microsoft in no way has made this little rumor official and at this point, it is basically conjecture by Brian White, an analyst at Topeka Capital Markets.

Although, it is probable that Microsoft will release something to challenge Google, their little skirmishes to one up each other in the market almost necessitate this step; the rumor is still very vague and lacking in details though. . Can it be donned like the spectacles for Google Glass or in some other form? And will they really be released in 2014?

 

Without any solid data to support the answers to these questions, you’ll be glad to know that Microsoft had wished to provide its Xbox 720 gamers with some sort of gaming glasses that could add and enhance their game play.
However, before you start jumping with glee and throw your money in the air with joy, here’s a thought to put a damper on your spirits. There has been no news or comments from Microsoft to deny or give credibility to Mr. White’s prediction. Although a patent had been filed for gaming glasses by Microsoft last year; the patent has remained a patent and no product has yet been forthcoming in the market.
Moreover, we are now faced with a new, more mature and grown up Microsoft that is a much wiser and quieter contender in the market and which loves to keep its secrets to itself. With the release of Windows 8 and other members of the Windows Blue family, it does seem that Microsoft has its hands full at the moment while catering to their Windows consumers. However, the noisy demands of the gaming community for the Xbox 720 and the gaming glasses might be able to catch Microsoft’s attention and compel the latter to reveal something.
Nonetheless, whatever the reason may be for Microsoft’s nonchalant attitude, one thing is guaranteed that Microsoft will not allow Google to gain the upper hand. Let’s keep our fingers crossed because everyone knows that their rivalry and competition means more options for the consumer and who wouldn’t love to have two to three types of Google Glass-ish technological pieces in the market?
[Images via venturebeat & techday]

Google Earth

Islamic Google Earth