A new species of bat has just been discovered in Vietnam, according to a paper published in the Journal of Mammalogy. One of the bat’s most distinctive visual features is an unusual nose that somewhat resembles the effects of being sprayed with battery acid.

When I first saw the photo of the bat, I immediately thought that it had a deformity, perhaps due to some kind of chemicals in the water… you know how clumsy us humans are?

Although very little is known, the scientific name for this newest member of the bat community is Hipposideros griffini, belonging to the family known for its distinctive noses that help bats to focus echolocation calls.

The bat’s pointy ears then collect the returning calls, which allow the listener to create a full and accurate mental image of its surroundings. This sophisticated system is one reason why carnivorous bats are able to hunt so well in the dark, finding tiny insects in no time at all.

[Cheers nationalgeographic]

Its 12 inches high (scale 1:6) and comes on full Apple CEO regalia, from the New Balance shoes to the Levi’s.

The figure features a freakishly realistic likeness and Jobs’s trademark black turtleneck, jeans and sandshoes. But while publicity photos feature a miniature Mac, iPhone and iPad, they sadly won’t be included.

The figure is due for release in late February for $99.99 plus shipping. I bet Robot Chicken will have fun with it. I want TWO!

[Cheers gizmodo]

Coming in a variety of fantastic flavours such as original Canna Cola, Dr. Pepper-like Doc Weed, lemon-lime Sour Diesel, grape-flavored Grape Ape and orange-flavored Orange Kush, the soda pot will contain 35-65 milligrams of THCTHC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).

Unfortunately you won`t be seeing the liquid herb at your local 7-11 as they will only be available in medical-marijuana dispensaries (February) for $10-$15 each in a 12 oz. bottle.

The drinks will have a “mild marijuana taste” and will go great with a special sort of chocolate brownie. Do you really think that stoners are that lazy that they won`t be making their own marijuana pop…YUP!

[Cheers huffingtonpost.com]

Solaris Series V1

Not only does each watch have its own unique elegant style, Demangel managed to incorporate an unusual way of telling time.  There is a bit of a learning curve with Solaris V1, but without a doubt something I have never seen before. Each LED has a specific function, with the outside lights displaying the hour (blue) and 5 minutes groups (purple), the 4 prongs holding the solar cell in the middle would be the 4 minute group.

Solaris Series V2

If you are interested in purchasing any of these watches, Demangel is looking for some votes, so head over to Tokyo Flash design studio and leave a comment. I am having a difficult time deciding, I think I will take one of each.

Solaris Series V3

Watch the video to get a better grasp at this concept.

Cheers Olivier

Famous watch making firm Maximilian Büsser & Friends are introducing two new HM2’s which take on the Sapphire Vision. The first being dubbed the HM2 Red SV, features an 18k red gold case with black gasket and red roto.  The second, called the HM2 Black SV, features a black titanium case with bright green gasket and matching rotor.

The movements are controlled by an auspicious looking caliber, specially designed for the HM2 with an astonishing 349 parts. The watches boast a 22k gold centrally mounted “battle axe” with an automatic rotor and of course displays the time, a moon phase indicator and the date.

They are said to be incredible complex, requiring over 100 components to make them, and requiring over 55 hours for each large sapphire plate to be cut

Unfortunately, just 18 pieces apiece for both Final Edition HM2 Black SV and Red SV will be made at $98,000 each.

[Cheers bornrich.org]

Although the laser will not necessarily repel determined aggressors, it should let them know that they have been spotted while still at a distance and that ill fate may be ready for them.

“This is very much a non-lethal weapon,” says Bryan Hore of BAE Systems in Farnborough, UK, where the system was developed. By taking into account the range of the target, as well as the atmospheric conditions, the system can automatically regulate the intensity of the laser beam to ensure there is no lasting eye damage, he says.

So what if they are wearing sunglasses?

“Sunglasses wouldn’t help,” he says – in fact, wearing them would only exacerbate the effect. That’s because the glasses would not affect the green laser light – chosen because thatcolour is particularly irritating – but the laser would appear even brighter contrasted against the darkened background.

Pirates-eye view

Well, if it’s a green laser, then red-transmissive glasses should stop it. I expect the pirates will start buying green laser safety goggles and pick up some highly reflective mirrors to shinethe laser back, thereby blinding their intended victims making it easier to pillage the ship.

BAE has tested its laser from ranges up to three-quarters of a mile. If it obtains enough funding, the laser could be ready for sale in about a year.

[Cheers newscientist.com]

We finally get offical pictures, specs and video of Microsoft’s and Samsung’s next generation of Surface. Just unveiled at CES, the next gen features PixelSense technology, which gives LCD panels the power to see without the use of cameras.

The Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface will be available to businesses in 23 countries later this year.

Of course, you’re unlikely to see one in your home any time soon: they cost a whopping $7600. So just sit back and watch the video…cause it’s probably the closest any of us are going to get to it.

• Slim device. The new hardware is 4 inches thin.
• A richer visual experience. With the rich color saturation from a full HD display and a larger screen, Surface offers a compelling, immersive visual experience that draws people in.
• A vision-based touch experience. With PixelSense, Microsoft Surface sees and responds to touch and real world objects.
• Touch-enabled from start to finish. With Windows 7 and Surface 2.0 , there is no need for a keyboard and mouse for setup and configuration.
• New Quick Controls. Venue staff can adjust basic settings like volume, brightness, and input source.
• More customization options. An improved configuration utility means you can quickly make changes to background images, configure applications, and modify settings without getting into code.
• Easier remote administration. Power shell scripts are easy to use and create, so Surface can be deployed in an enterprise setting.
• Streamlined development for touch. The Microsoft Surface 2.0 platform makes development easier with applications that run on Microsoft Windows 7 touch devices and with enhanced capabilities on the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface.

Aldebaran Robotics is showcasing the skills of its new and improved pint-size humanoid robot Nao, which has already sold 1,065 units at $16,000 (12,000 Euros) apiece.

The latest version of the popular humanoid robot, created by Paris-based Aldebaran Robotics, has a more robust body, longer arms, a more advanced motion engine, and a new head with improved temperature control, Wi-Fi communications, and audio input and output.

Aside from body motion controls, voice recognition, sound localization and face and image recognition, the robot now has a ‘fall manager’ which detects a fall is going to happen and positions the arms and legs in a more protective posture.

Watch how her eyes follow you around the room and her mouth changes expressions….stunning.

Compared to last year’s version, which was slow and clumsy, 2G Nao is smoother and has a much more robust look.

Next year, Aldebaran plans to unveil Romeo, an adult-size humanoid designed to help elderly and disabled people with everyday tasks. As you can see in the video, it’s true love between master and robot.

Looks cool though – better keep it away from the dog…expensive chew isn’t it?

New and improved Nao

Last years version of Nao

Designer Wallace Campbell has come up with the spawn of the TRON cycle that looks much more sleek and manoeuvrable, while bringing the same essential elements found in its forefather.

Campbell’s version boasts the same hubless wheel system, light trail and glowing accent lights. However, this version is closer to making it to the real world, including a windshield, side view mirrors, ergonomical seat, and more. There is a faring on the left side of the vehicle but not the right simply in order to show off the turbine style engine.

[Cheers yankodesign.com]

The tethered balloon airship has had the same design since the 1900’s and only now has it been realized, that  a circular design would allow the wind to go around the shape much like water flowing around a smooth pebble.

Their design brings together many systems already proven and in use in industry, such as:

1. The symmetrical discus (lenticular) aerostat (balloon) which removes the need for SkyLifter to turn to face into wind and greatly simplifies payload handling.
2. The even distribution of payload via the suspension lines which removes the need to build heavy and complex internal support structures.
3. The propulsion and directional control is provided by several cycloidal propeller systems, providing almost instant vectored thrust in the horizontal and vertical planes. The system also provides additional active automated stability control.

With a top speed of 80km/h and a maximum payload of 150 tonnes, SkyLifters are not designed to fly as fast. Its primary function is the unique heavy-airlift capability; vertical crane lift for pick-up and precise delivery of anything, anywhere.

[Cheers core77.com]