Wednesday, July 13, 2011

New sensor digitally captures complex guitar-playing movements

New sensor digitally captures complex guitar-playing movements: "For most of us, digitally capturing our six-string virtuosity involves plugging an axe into a guitar interface like Apogee's JAM and then launching some software on a laptop or mobile device."

AME-LOT student housing is made entirely out of recycled pallets

AME-LOT student housing is made entirely out of recycled pallets: "AME-LOT is a recent material reuse building plan from French architectural firm Malka, in which student housing is primarily made up of a variety of reused pallets which are added to an existing structure. The technique not only creates a striking architectural display, but also ensures that no existing building is destroyed, thus minimizing its carbon footprint."

Caterpillar 5230B Excavator wooden model priced at US$35,900

Caterpillar 5230B Excavator wooden model priced at US$35,900: "If you think that heavy construction machinery like a Caterpillar 5230B Excavator is an unlikely source of inspiration for a piece of art, then you obviously don't work for Michigan art studio Woodchuck and Co. The team there has built a highly detailed wooden model, or rather, a semi-working replica of the large machine, in 1/16th scale. The collector's piece is up for sale at US$35,900."

Volvo testing concepts to extend range of electric vehicles by up to 1,000 km

Volvo testing concepts to extend range of electric vehicles by up to 1,000 km: "While there have been huge strides made in battery technology in recent times, the limited range of electric vehicles remains one of the main barriers to their general adoption. While maybe not an ideal solution, Volvo is producing a few electric test vehicles with range extenders - combustion engines that increase the effective range of the electric vehicle by effectively turning it into a hybrid. The project, which is supported by he Swedish Energy Agency and the EU, will test three different electric motor/combustion engine combinations."

Zoom H2n Handy Recorder boasts five microphones and Mid-Side recording

Zoom H2n Handy Recorder boasts five microphones and Mid-Side recording: "Since its launch in 2007, the Zoom H2 Handy recorder with its ability to record high quality digital audio has become popular for everything from recording personal memos and band demos to sticking in the faces of politicians. Zoom has now given its portable 'studio on a stick' an update in the form of the H2n Handy Recorder that ups the number of microphones to five and, according to Zoom, is the first handheld recorder to offer Mid-Side recording."