If you think it, you can drive it!

 ... Well, at least that's the idea.

Nowadays, cars are integrating new technologies to allow for better performance, safer travel, enhanced fuel economy, and lower overall cost. One of the most recent of these technologies is "drive-by-wire", which helps to eliminate the mechanical linkage between driver input (brake pedal, gas pedal, steering wheel, etc.) and the rest of the vehicle. The goal is to create a vehicle with less parts for weight and cost advantages.

But there are other gateways to be opened with drive-by-wire technology; how about operating a car with only your thoughts?

© photo courtesy of: AutoNOMOS Labs 

AutoNOMOS, a German artificial intelligence research team, is developing a car that does just that with their "MadeInGermany" project.

Simply put, the system incorporates a variety of sensors and cameras to allow a driver to operate a vehicle with their thoughts. A headset known as an electroencephalography, or EEG, sensor is worn to monitor brain functions. These functions are then recorded by a computer and the resulting patterns are "learned" and associated with various driving commands. The commands are then sent to the drive-by-wire components to control the vehicle. Pretty cool, right? You can see it in action below:

Although the system still has a long way to go until it has been perfected, this emerging technology will help to create a world of opportunity for safer driving and providing transportation for the handicapped.

All we need now are traffic lights that are controlled by our minds too!

Our new sister site!

Hey, everyone! I'm pleased to announced that Tekrite has a new sister site that I'll be writing on: Bestcovery.com.

Bestcovery.com is a large online database providing expert reviews and articles on the best of just about anything you can think of. Whether you're looking for the best spot to go on vacation or the best computer to buy, Bestcovery.com has it!

I'll be updating Tekrite with my most recent Bestcovery posts as they come to fruition. For now, check out my first one on the best time to purchase a TV! To view it, click here.

The Xbox 360 Kinect: The future of the gaming interface

It may be a bit late to say this, but I hope your holiday season went well. As for me, you could say it did. I got an Xbox 360 Kinect, the new motion detecting gaming system from Microsoft.

© photo courtesy of: Microsoft Corporation

But why would I want such a device? Well, it did get me off my butt and moving again. I also happen to have a love affair with video games. The only question was, why this over anything else?

Well, Nintendo wowed everybody when their Wii came to market and led the way for motion gaming, but it had its quirks: the controls were limited to hand gestures, the sensor's detection wasn't always spot-on, the controls could be "tricked" once you got the hang of it, and people ended up throwing controllers into each others faces (or televisions).

Sony came out with their version, the Move, but that's just it... it's THEIR version. It may look and act a little fancier, but the technology isn't massively innovative. It was just a response to Nintendo's Wii and was rushed to market. Yawn.
 
But the Kinect is different. There are no plastic controllers with joysticks, directional pads, buttons, or triggers. You are the controller. The range of motion is damn near limitless and you won't end up with an imprint of a plastic controller in your forehead. Truly a leap foreword for gaming technology as a whole.

But all gaming injuries aside, the Kinect is a pretty nifty device. You can think of it as a high-tech webcam for all intents and purposes. It incorporates a microphone, various optics, and a maneuverable base that can adjust itself to get the perfect angle of you. Of course, my brother and I didn't expect it to do this when we first powered it up, so it may have taken us by surprise. Colorful language was used.

© photo courtesy of: Microsoft Corporation

And the games! Well, the games are definitely something to experience to say the least. Just a wave of your arm and away you go: the Kinect comes alive.

Even the simple controls are physically active. If you want to select an option, you don't press a button: you wave your hand over an area on the screen and the Kinect takes care of the rest.

Games can be as easy as using a simple, swaying motion. Others can be complex and very active. If you're like me and opted for some of the fitness games, be prepared: you WILL break a sweat. You may also find parts of your body you never knew you had.

But it's not all about the games. The Kinect also has the ability to use voice commands, send audio and video messages, as well as video chatting. Skype has never been so jealous.

The Kinect isn't without fault, though. In order to use it, you'll need a very clear area. A few feet in front of your TV won't cut it. You'll need at least 7 feet in all directions to make it worth while.

It should also be noted that you'll probably make a lot of noise while playing. Using the Kinect at night is bound to upset your neighbors or the parents upstairs.

But despite of its shortcomings, the Kinect definitely delivers in fun factor. The only part that isn't fun is the price. You can purchase the Kinect in a variety of bundles ranging from $150-$450. But if you have the cash to shell out, I highly recommend it. It's worth the price to be up-to-date with technology such as this.

If you ask me, the next wave of video game consoles will all come with an interface like this one as the standard. Keep your eyes peeled, people. The future of gaming technology is upon us.

Sony and Nintendo, you just got served.

Review: The Flip video camera

Today we take a look at the Flip video camera by Cisco Systems.

 

© photo courtesy of: Cisco Systems

What is it?
The Flip is a simple, plug-and-go digital video camera. Designed with portability and ease-of-use in mind, it's aimed to be the world's most convenient video camera to date.

But what's so special about it? 
Well, for starters, the Flip can interface with just about anything with a USB port. This makes the Flip ideal for presentations and uploading on the go. If you're an instructor or researcher and have case studies in mind, this is definitely something to look at.

The Flip features a sharp, well-lit LCD screen for easy viewing as well as large, easy-to-use buttons that can all pretty much explain themselves. The camera also comes with a pouch for easy storage as well as TV-Video adapter cables for easy, full-blown picture viewing. By the way, did I mention this thing is easy?

© photo courtesy of: Cisco Systems

How about customization? You can order your Flip direct from the manufacturer with any kind of styling you like (which is great, because I prefer a camera that doesn't look like a Tic Tac). 

But how's it perform?
Our model has nearly 4gb of storage and can record up to 2 hours of video. The Flip saves videos in MPEG-4 format, which is a compressed version of MPEG-2, and explains the relatively lengthy recording duration. But unfortunately for the Flip, this also means that video quality is compromised in comparison to its larger (and more expensive) cousins.

But actions speak louder than words, right? Take a look at the clip below of the author and his attempt at emulating Led Zeppelin.

On the bright side, the Flip is also now available in HD if the video quality isn't up to your standards.

OK, so how much?
The Flip starts off at about $150, but can go upwards of $230 depending on the model and storage you opt for. If you choose to customize it, you can expect an even higher price tag.

Any issues?
The first issue I have with the Flip is that it doesn't take photos. If pictures are your thing, you'll have to bring your OTHER digital camera along, which sort of defeats the purpose of the Flip's ease of portability.

Something to also look out for is that the Flip can only store as much as its model permits. There is no slot for an SD card or anything like that. 2gb means 2gb, 4 means 4, etc., etc..

One last thing to consider (and perhaps most importantly) is that newer cell phones are beginning to rival the picture quality and recording duration of the Flip. Granted, these phones often retail for double, triple, or even quadruple the price of the Flip, but it goes to show that technology is improving. Eventually, the Flip will be obsolete.

What's the bottom line?
If you already own a smart phone, the Flip probably isn't for you. But if you're like me and don't have the hundreds of dollars to shell out for an iPhone (or the monthly service charges), perhaps you should take a look at it. The Flip is convenient, fun, and makes great use out of video recording... and videos are cool.

The Cygnet: Aston Martin's new "smart" car... wait, what?

© photo courtesy of: Aston Martin

That's right, Aston Martin has decided to jump into the expanding small car segment with its new Cygnet. Designed to compete with the Smart car, it has a few unique traits of its own.

Aston Martin believes that a small car shouldn't have to sacrifice luxury. Cars like the Smart don't offer the same appointments found in today's luxury vehicles, so the Cygnet may have created a niche market for itself.

 

© photo courtesy of: Aston Martin

In typical Aston Martin fashion, the Cygnet features a handsome, hand-crafted interior with enough lighting, bells and whistles to make you go epileptic.

But with a base price tag of about £30,995 (about $49,500), is it really worth it? Aston Martin thinks so.

Rather than focusing on fuel efficiency or emissions, Aston Martin believes the key to this car's success (in addition to its luxury appointments) is in its mobility. In an urban setting, parking can be quite a daunting task. Ever take a drive into Manhattan and spend the day there? For your sake, I hope you haven't.

That's where the Cygnet shines. Its maneuverability and parking benefits out-perform its rivals by a long shot. It even offers seating for four (leprechauns, maybe), but I'm rather skeptical on how comfortable it may be.

But can it compete in today's market? Being that we're in an economic recession, it's difficult to justify a purchase upwards of $50,000+. Moreover, most people that can afford such a vehicle can also afford private parking, rendering the vehicle's main purpose a bit... useless.

But regardless of how practical the Cygnet may or may not be, there are bound to be consumers who will purchase it simply for the sake of doing so. Most SUV enthusiasts will agree that the Porsche Cayenne is a successful example of just that.

Time will tell if the Cygnet will be a success. Until then, I eagerly await the market's response.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Tekrite!

I'd like to personally thank you for stopping by and taking a look at my new tech blog site. Here I'll be discussing some of the latest innovations in the technology industry. From cars and guitars to new and emerging technologies and sciences, you can rest assured that I'll be talking about it!

Please check back often for new posts and be sure to leave your feedback! It's always greatly appreciated.

Again, welcome and thank you for stopping by!

Sincerely,
Lucas A Bernstein