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Review � Casa De La Flora makes certain everyone gets a seaside view

In case that Star Trek Resort that is opening in Jordan isn’t enough luxury for you, you might want to check out this one under construction in Thailand.

Casa De La Flora is a resort by VaSLab, which “meshes futuristic design with nature”. Each particular villa has a rectangular frame structure with floor to celing glass windows. Not only that, but each room has a private pool, small garden, as well as 24-hour butler service.

Not only that, these villas are all built on a line and a hillside. The big advantage of this type of construction is that every tenant gets a seaside view. There are no high-priced rooms that are by the water, which means that they can charge whatever price that the landlord wants. Okay, maybe that is not such a good thing.

However, it is refreshing to see a resort that doesn’t look like a blight on the land, but can blend right in. Of course, all the repetition of the resort rooms might look a little strange, like the identical houses of a boring neighborhood. Well, I don’t have any word of when this particular resort is opening, but I hope I am Thailand when it does. Yeah, like I will just happen to be in Thailand.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/casa-de-la-flora-the-futuristic-concrete-resort-in-thailand

Review � Satellite view reveals 17 lost pyramids in Egypt

When it comes to discovery, technology has essentially �been there, done that�. Thanks to satellite imagery, there are no more lost islands, and there are very few civilizations that have been untouched by civilization. However, technology played a huge part in uncovering 17 lost pyramids and thousands of ancient tombs, not to mention other structures in an infrared satellite survey of Egypt.

NASA and a University of Alabama at Birmingham Egyptologist Sarah Parcak teamed up to use commercial satellites in order to find mud-brick structures underneath the sands. These satellites were 430 miles up in the air, and they found 1,000 tombs as well as 3,100 settlements.

Parcak has stated that there are �there is enough to be excavated for 50 generations to come�. These findings at Saqqara or Sakkara could easily keep archaeologists happily digging, and I would love to see what they find.

I can�t help but wonder if infrared technology on commercial satellites has discovered this in Egypt, I wonder what other lost civilizations are there, just waiting to be explored? Someone seriously needs to turn these satellite cameras on South America, and see what ancient buildings are below the ground. It has occurred to me how little we know about ancient civilizations, and if this can give us further insight, then let�s check it out!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20066581-1/infrared-satellite-survey-reveals-17-lost-pyramids/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Crave

Review � The PowerNap Machine � Carry some ZZZ�s in your Pocket

I find myself exhausted most of the time, and everything I’ve ever read suggests I try napping, but every time I do, I have a problem waking up and I usually feel more listless than I did before. Not to mention I always have the feeling I’m going to get caught napping in the middle of the afternoon. Geez� Isn’t napping reserved for babies and really really old people?

Well not PowerNapping! PowerNap audio products would like to introduce you to The PowerNap Machine, a pocket-sized media player that facilitates sleep� Patented Power Nap waveforms have been encoded onto a device that is completely portable and features original and relaxing music composed just for Power Nap which fades away gradually, finally disappearing into the Power Nap sounds that rest and rejuvenate you. Enjoy the melody as you get the equivalent of three hours of deep sleep in just 20 minutes!

During the first five minutes of listening to PowerNap with ear buds, the user�s brain automatically adjusts to its inaudible sound waves. For the next ten minutes the PowerNap recording helps induce REM sleep, finally bringing the user to a refreshed state of heightened wakefulness. Throughout the session, the user hears only the pleasing sounds of a waterfall.

ZZZZZZ�. oh I’m sorry. The NapMachine weighs in at just a few ounces, and comes complete with ear buds, a lanyard, and the battery is actually included . It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, and you can take it with you wherever you go, so anytime you have 20 minutes, you can indulge in the instant rest and rejuvenation of a Power Nap, no matter where you are!

Available now at www.powernap.com for under 70 bucks. They also have a CD that claims 6 hours sleep in 40 minutes, wow, think of all the time I�d have left in my day.

http://www.powernap.com/store/cart.php?target=main&page=home

Review � In the 1960s, the government had their own AT-AT

I�ve always wondered why in the world there isn�t a real-life walking vehicle like the AT-AT from The Empire Strikes Back. After all, what makes the wheel think its so great?

Well, it has been tried. Back in the 1960s, the U.S. Army worked with General Electric to create the Cybernetic Anthropomorphous Machine (CAM) to create a walking machine for rough terrain.

The purpose of the CAM was not to find the location of the hippies� rebel base, but to go through swampland impassable to ordinary vehicles while carrying huge loads on its back. Perhaps this is designed for Vietnam?

Apparently, it didn�t quite work, as it was controlled by some hydraulic levers that matched the 11-foot-tall legs. The project was scrapped because the operator had trouble thinking about which lever to pull to move the proper leg. Think about it as a mechanical dog, but you have to think about which leg steps at what point in time. It did work, and was able to move at 35 miles per hour. Couldn�t we make it so some computer algorithm to control its forward and backward leg movement?

Well, if you want to see this thing, it is at a U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis. Before that, it was in a warehouse in Detroit, along with the landspeeder, speeder bike, and other abandoned projects that somehow predated Star Wars.

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/05/us-armys-had-a.php

Review � Disney�s Tactile Brush makes the user feel the film

I�m guessing that 3D is not good enough any more, as Disney is working on a process called Tactile Brush.

You might have seen this type of technology at Disney�s EPCOT center with their �Honey I Shrunk the Audience� presentation where little mice are supposedly going through the crowd, a trick done with airhoses under the seats.

The Tactile Brush uses 12 vibrating coils in the seats that create the sensation of things like speeding around a track or other sensations that you see in the image.

Disney demonstrated the Tactile Brush technology at the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Vancouver, and hope to bring it to amusement park rides and movie theaters. It certainly would take a lot of reconstruction to get every cinema on this track. Disney is even planning to use Tactile Brush in home theaters. but there is no word as to when it will be out.

I suppose that we are looking at an age where we have �The Feelies�. This is the types of motion pictures that are in Aldous Huxley�s Brave New World. In that novel, the characters put their fingers on a ball, and they could sense the characters in the film they were watching. They might as well put the sensory things under the seat.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2011/05/disney-tactile-brush/

Review � Check out this UFO Tree House!

If you were jogging in the forest one day, and you looked up and saw this huge football shaped object hovering there, what would you think?

If you were thinking that you just saw a UFO, then you would be partially correct. This is a tree house in the shape of a UFO. I�m not certain whether or not this was designed for small children or adults, but it has a dinning area, bedroom, living room, and bathroom.

Seriously, it has a bathroom. I have no idea if the plumbing goes up the tree trunk or what, but unless it is some sort of outhouse, I want to live here. Then again, I don�t know how tall the ceilings are, but they look pretty low.

This reminds me of that home design that you see in movies all the time that is essentially a big flying saucer on a large stick. Sort of like a miniature version of Cloud City, without the clouds or floating. I think I saw some version of it in the first Charlie�s Angels movie.

It looks like the interior of this guy is just as good as the exterior, but I will have to say that during the day, the UFO Tree House is not as impressive.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/amazing-ufo-tree-house

Review � Aimi Eguchi looks real on screen, but she�s CG

This is Aimi Eguchi, and she is the newest member of AKB48, a Japanese pop group. I have never heard of them, but they recently did a candy commercial, where they introduced Aimi into their ranks.

She certainly gained a quick fanbase, but as it turns out, she is really too good to be true. She is nothing more than an amalgam of the other members of the band.

Seriously, this 150 gigabyte creation is just a CG patchwork creation combining the nose, eyes, mouth, hair, and other facial features of all the members of AKB48. Apparently, there are 61 members in this girl band.

Yes, just imagine if someone took that number of Mrs. Potato Heads, then pick and choose the best features and put them on a new potato. In all honesty, I think this new computer generated lady would have fooled me.

I suppose that I am having flashbacks to the movie S1M0NE, where Al Pacino creates a computer generated actress who becomes a worldwide phenomenon. Considering that the film was written by Andrew Niccol, this makes him two for three for technological prophecies that have come true.

The other movie that Niccol has written was The Truman Show, and we really didn�t listen to its warning about reality TV. I hope that we heed the warnings of one of his other films: Gattaca.

Review � miScroll yet another tablet to join the crowd

When it comes to the world of tablets, it cannot be denied that the iPad wins hands down compared to the myriad of competitors out there. You hardly see lines forming to pick up the Motorola XOOM, and neither did everyone become super excited concerning the BlackBerry PlayBook (and for good reason, too � that model had some spiffy looking hardware, but when it comes to the software bit, it does tend to disappoint for the moment). Well, there is another tablet that has just entered the fray, looking to target the under 25s market.

Storage Options is the company behind the miScroll tablet, where it is touted to be the world�s first personalized tablet for the age group mentioned (under 25s). It will retail for �119.95 a pop, and is actually the 4th addition to the Scroll family, making it the only tablet in the world that will sport a replaceable high capacity battery � perfect whenever you are on a long journey without any power outlet in sight, although the iPad�s battery life can be said to be more than just average in its defense.

Other hardware specifications of the miScroll include 4GB of internal memory, the ability to change its covers with many colors to choose from, distinctive designs to help you stand out from the rest of the crowd, a 1GHz ARM11 processor that is powered by the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system (although we would have liked to see Android 3.0 Honeycomb instead) alongside a built-in camera that allows you to capture your favorite photos without missing a beat.

Tipping the scales at a mere 370 grams, it will function as an excellent portable multimedia hub courtesy of a built-in mini HDMI port for Full HD output (1080p), alongside a mini USB port to make sure you can connect other peripherals including a keyboard or perhaps a powerful sound system. At least you can pick up replacement batteries and covers if the former starts to die off, where you can purchase those for �19.99 while covers go for �14.99 a pop. Any takers so far?

Review � South Park Kyle Talking Bobble Head

Kyle Broflovski is one of the more memorable cartoon figures to date, alongside his bunch of merry friends over at the cartoon South Park that is full of vulgarities and yet keeps up with the times. He does seem to have a higher moral standard compared to the rest, not to mention being more patient around Eric Cartman. Well, if you think that you are as level headed as Kyle, you can always check out the South Park Kyle Talking Bobble Head that is going for $11.99, where he will have some handy phrases to light up your day such as �Sick, dude� I�m not kissing a girl! It�s just wrong, that�s all!�.

REVIEW >> GRilli3D brings 3D to the iDevice

Considering the amount of mobile phones with glasses-free 3D displays being released recently, I�m sure that eventually iDevices will have them. This is assuming that this glasses-free 3D screens aren�t some passing fad.

If you want that 3D effect on your iPhone and iPad now, you can get it with GRilli. I recently saw it work on several different devices, and I was pretty impressed.

It works using this lined decal on the screen on the iDevice that can be easily printed on adhesive transparent sheets. Somehow, putting this thing on can trick the eye into seeing stereoscopic 3D, and it is apparently best in landscape mode.

If you have seen a 3D postcard, then you have seen the effect of the GRilli in a non-digital way. It probably is the closest thing to glasses-free 3D without altering the basic hardware of the device.

The drawback is that the transparent decal is somewhat tough to put on, and you have to make sure that you are seeing �parallel rainbows�.

GRilli is available for the iPod and iPhone for about $14.99, and the $29.99 for the iPad. If it is successful, then I am certain you will be seeing GRill3D on all sorts of devices like TV sets and other brands of tablets of cellphones.

REVIEW >> The Avenger Adapter for the Xbox 360

I�m sure that you are probably looking at this Xbox 360 controller and wondering what kind of cybernetic job was done on it.

This is the Avenger, and it has nothing to do with Marvel�s super-hero team or that really interesting British spy show that was done in the 1960s. The Avenger is designed to speed up the performance of the XBox 360 gamer.

It does so by electronically stimulating the knuckles so the gamer becomes as fast as The Six Million Dollar Man. Just kidding. Find out how it really works after the jump.

It is as simple as strapping it to the controller, and then the user needs to re-learn how to game. Becoming a champion on the Avenger is all about how not to hit the X, Y, and B keys with your thumbs.

Instead, you need to use the levers with the back of your fingers to trigger the buttons. The advantage is that one doesn�t have to switch their thumb from the Right Stick to those pesky buttons. You still have to hit the A button with your right thumb, but you save time by saving your thumb from excess work. This little bit of saved time increases your reaction time, and results in a better game.

See how it works now? You should be able to get it from the official Avenger site for about $49.99.

REVIEW >> Razer�s new gaming keyboard is made for new Star Wars: The Old Republic game

I suppose that their will always be Star Wars games just like there will always be new Star Wars stories, and a soon-to-be released one is Star Wars: The Old Republic.

When the game gets released from Bioware and LucasArts, Razer will release this Star Wars gaming keyboard. It has a full color LCD track-panel which highly sensitive multi-touch support, perfect for making macros.

Speaking of macros, it also has some tactile keys above the LCD track-panel, just so you can make your move faster. Those keys can somehow change pictures, which is going to make this space-age combat a lot more nifty.

Yeah, I could have written that much better, but just to let you know, the keyboard has a special lighting feature. It can be blue for the Republic, red for the Sith Empire, or green like a lightsaber, so you can customize your keyboard.

I think it is interesting that Razer is putting out this gaming keyboard for this MMO game, and I am wondering if every MMO game is going to have a specially made keyboard. I know that SteelSeries puts out a bunch of them, and I�m wondering why these games just don�t get bundled together with these keyboards.

This one for The Old Republic is the coolest that I have seen, but there is no word on when it will come out, which is the same for the game. Here�s the official site if you are interested.

REVIEW >> The easy2pick Wireless Luggage Finder

Usually, when I travel, I always carry-on. However, with the price of airport luggage check-in, I have found that the only time that I check-in is when the airline will do it for free during that critical moment when I get on the plane.

The Wireless Luggage Finder is designed to combat the problem of finding your bag at the baggage claim. All you need to do is clip that credit card sized thing and turn it on. After your flight, you turn on the round keychain that you see there, and it will sound when your suitcase is within 90 feet. So when the suitcase rolls onto the luggage carousel, you will hear a beeping sound on the keys.

It has an individual code so there is no mistaken identity. You can also use this device as a way to find your keys. In that case, just take that credit card device and turn it on. Assuming the keychain is on, then the beep should give away the position of your keys.

Personally, I would have made this device so that the credit card shaped device will beep, as that would give away the position of my luggage. However, that would defeat the purpose of using it as a key-finder. I guess you have to sacrifice one for the other.

Anyway, you should be able to pick it up at the X-treme Geek site for about $24.95.

REVIEW >> Easy2pick Wireless Luggage Finder

REVIEW >> The Case-mate iPhone Case Costs $300; Why?

Is the recession not affecting you and have $300 to spend on an iPhone 4 case? Then Case-mate is for you! But wait, why does it cost that much?

Apparently, using titanium as the main material could be costly, even for an iPhone 4 case. That metal is known for its strength, light weight, and anti-corrosive features. I should know; I have a titanium frying pan that also doubles as a wok. That thing has been with us for almost 10 years now.

But then again, for an iPhone 4 case, I think you could be better off with the aircraft aluminum-made Vapor, which is way cheaper. Still absurdly priced at $80, but at least it ain�t $300.

But if you insist, the Case-mate will be up for sale beginning June 27.

Source: Mobile Crunch

REVIEW >> Bounty Hunter Carabiner Multi Tool

Those metal carabiners have found another use other than as part of climbing gear. More and more people are using them now as utility keyholders that can easily be attached and detached for convenient use. But there can be more to carabiners than just a simple keyholder. This new Bounty Hunter BxH Carabiner also acts as a multi tool.

The Bounty Hunter BxH Carabiner Multi Tool comes with a built-in utility blade, nail file and scissor into the carabiner�s body. It provides an added utility to an increasingly popular fashion accessory of sorts. The Bounty Hunter BxH Carabiner Multi Tool is available at the Bounty Hunter site for 3,990 Japanese Yen or around US$50.

Image Source: Bounty Hunter

REVIEW >> Arriva LEO Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones are becoming more convenient to use when going around. It would even be a better deal if they are also designed for use outdoors. The Arriva LEO Headphones fir the bill when it comes to outdoor wireless headphones.

The Arriva LEO Headphones makes use of Bluetooth wireless technology to allow a wire-free listening as well as hands free communication. It can be paired up with any Bluetooth enabled device to use while listening to music or taking calls on a mobile phone. It is designed to be worn with the volume control fitting snugly at the back of the head.

What makes it even a better wireless headphone is that it is sweat and water resistant, making it an ideal headphone to use outdoors, even in the rain. It can be charged via USB where a 100 minute charge translates into 8 hours of talk time or continuous music listening and 120 hours of standby time. The Arriva LEO Headphones is available at Arriva for US$90.

Image Source: Arriva

REVIEW >> Chill Innovation has presented a miniature wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad

The Danish company Chill Innovation announced the release of the keyboard KB-1BT. New gadget is positioned as device for universal means of controlling computers, tablets, smart phones, game consoles and all sorts of other devices that support Bluetooth.

The keyboard is very compact: the size and weight are: 155 x 61 x 12 mm and 102 grams respectively; it is not much bigger than a modern smartphone with large touch screen. For easier cursor control device developers equipped it with a 31 x 31 mm touch screen with 400 dpi resolution. They have also solved problem with typing in low light conditions by building in backlight. There are 71 keys plus the service keys. Not the most obvious, but quite useful feature of the keypad is LED flashlight, which can be changed a laser pointer if you wish.

KB-1BT keyboard is equipped with a built-in 850 mAh lithium-polymer battery. According to the developers, it is enough for 30 days of standby time. But there is no information on how long the battery life of KB-1BT keyboard is during normal operation. Working range is 10 meters which is standard for Bluetooth devices. It also features a wireless USB receiver.

REVIEW >> Hackers strike Sega, steal personal data from 1.3 million accounts

Sega has confirmed that personal data from 1.3 million user accounts was stolen during a recent security breach, according to Reuters. Hackers obtained email addresses, encrypted passwords, birth dates, and names of Sega Pass network users. Unlike Sony�s recent security breach, however, the hackers did not access credit card data. As a result of the attack, Sony has pulled its Sega Pass network offline. �We are deeply sorry for causing trouble to our customers. We want to work on strengthening security,� Yoko Nagasawa, a Sega spokeswoman, said. Lulzsec, the hacker group behind Sony�s attack, has not taken credit for the Sega breach.

REVIEW >> OWC Mercury Electra 6G: SSD with speeds of more than 550 MBps

Other World Computing company has introduced a new line of SSD Mercury Electra 6G, built on the SandForce SF-2281 controller. The prefix �6G� in the title identifies interface version: SATA 6 Gbps, the read / write speed is at about the same level as other SSD featuring this controller and they are 556 Mbps and 523 Mbps respectively.

It should be noted that when connected to a SATA port of previous version the numbers fall to a level of 284 Mbps and 268 Mbps. The theoretical limit of operations with 4 KB blocks reaches 60 000 IOPS. 20-nm process technology is used in memory production. However 7% of the total storage volume is used for service needs so user available capacity is 120, 240 and 480 GB, depending on the model.

NCQ queue depth is 32 requests long. OWC says that the performance of Mercury Electra 6G is not reduced during intensive long-term use as can happen with some other drives. This drive comes in the SSD 2.5 inch form factor and can already be purchased at manufacturer's website prices start at $ 230 for the younger model.

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