REVIEW >> Interactive Story Telling Mirror

It seems like I am always reporting on how the mirrors of the future will be touch-interactive. This Through the Looking Glass mirror takes it one step further.

Designed by Romy van den Broek, this mirror allows children to experience an interactive fairy tale. If you have ever seen one of those interactive storybook iPad apps, then I am guessing that the experience is going to be quite similar.

Right now, they have it set up for Hansel and Gretel, and I am told that two kids can interact with the mirror at the same time. I wonder if they can take advantage of the mirror’s reflective surface, which would be the only difference between this an some sort of storybook app or interactive website.

The technology is done with a highly reflective LCD touchscreen display, and I suppose the idea is to imitate the magical mirrors that are seen in many stories. For example, Harry Potter’s Mirror of Erised, which I just realized is “desire” spelled backwards.

Right now, this is just concept technology, and I’m not certain whether parents would justify the purchase of one of these techno-magical mirrors for their own children. Perhaps one day we will live in an age where all mirrors will be like tablet PCs, and the functions of the Through the Looking Glass mirror will be just another App.

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REVIEW >> We have a hoverbike!

I think that Hollywood has taught us that in the future, everything that is has wheels will be hovering. Think of any episode of The Jetsons, or the Back to the Future II hoverboards.

An Australian inventor named Chris Malloy has figured out how to build a hoverbike, using nothing but parts from motorcycles. These propellers are powered by a 1,170-cc engine for 107 horsepower, with a 231-pound thrust-to-weight ratio.

According to my Source, he should be able to get this guy flying at 10,000 feet, at a speed of 173 mph. As of now, the fuel tank is good for 92 miles of cruising at 92 miles per hour.

So far, this is only a prototype, and the inventor is looking for some funding to get his invention off the ground. Okay, that was a terrible joke, but you will have to agree that this thing doesn’t look very safe in its present form. By the way, you won’t need a pilot’s license to fly one of these, as it is classified as an ultralight.

Still, I’m sure that it will take a while before you or I will be able to fly one of these hoverbikes. Ever since the Jet Moto game, I have wanted to ride something like this.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/06/die-smiling-on-this-hoverbike/

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REVIEW >> In the future, there could be moving train stations

If there is one thing that can make trains more efficient, it is less stops. Unfortunately, people have to get on and off the train, but what if the stations themselves were moving, and all the train would have to do is slow down in order to board and unboard?

You can watch a video of how it would work after the jump. It is computer-generated, but I would imagine that you could probably construct an equally good presentation if you have a model railroad.

Just make a circular or oval set of tracks that is next to a longer track. The train on the smaller length of track passes the one on the longer one, which doesn’t stop for boarding. Here’s the tricky part: somehow, the doors of the two trains lock together and the people get on and off.

Granted, there would be a limited amount of time for the passenger exchange. I would imagine that if you missed your stop, you could always catch the next one, but you would have to catch a train going in the other direction. Think of it like missing a freeway exit.

I suppose that if we have a train system that encompasses the world, like the type seen in the film 2046, this is the most efficient system of getting on and off of it.

Moving Platforms from Priestmangoode on Vimeo.

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/06/train-stations.php

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REVIEW >> New Batmobile design is earth-friendly, designed by a legend

 

We have seen a lot of Batmobiles driven by the caped crusader in the movies, television, and comic books. Most of them have interesting gadgets, and many are not grounded in reality. Think about the Batmobile that drove up the wall in Batman Forever.

Some people don’t like the Humvee look in the latest Batman films, and Gordon Murray, legendary Formula One car designer, created this one. As far as I know, it won’t be used in the new Batman film coming next summer, but designed for a Batman Live World Arena Tour in the United Kingdom. You can see a video of it after the jump.

Murray designed this Batmobile with elements that may actually exist in the next 15 to 20 years. For example, it has a hydrogen-powered engine that produces a by-product of water. Not only is the Batmobile eco-friendly, but it has a “breathable” carbon fiber, another interesting technology.

Then there is the neat features like the “virtual wheels” with the LED lights that create an interesting effect. Hopefully, the Batmobile will not lose one of these wheels. That’s a reference to the “Jingle Bells, Batman smells” song, in case you missed it.

If you want to see this new Batmobile for yourself, follow the tour in the United Kingdom, and it will soon be coming to the United States.

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