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| Not sure who had the idea to supply me with a taser! |
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Spike team prepping for E3!
Its almost here ... E3!!
Wanted to share with you a behind the scenes look of the Spike team shooting our latest promo in LA! Oh yes, SWAT gear and weapons!
Tech Crushes this week!
Life-size Chewbacca, heat changing battery mug - yes please!
| SPIKE | ||||
| Katie’s Tech Crush – CanvasPop, Air Strike Catapult & Life-Size Chewbacca | ||||
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John Cusack + iRobot = Awesome episode!
The latest episode of All Access Weekly. John Cusack and the latest from iRobot.
Click here for full five minute episode :)
Click here for full five minute episode :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Robotic Legs - Ekso Bionics - CNN
First, there was HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier), a wearable robot created by Ekso Bionics Department of Defense that allows soldiers to carry up to 200 lbs. for many hours.
By taking cues from HULC, the company has created something new - robotic legs -allowing those with setbacks to stand and walk again. It’s called the Ekso.
We’ve been watching the progress of exoskeleton suits in the tech world for years, but now we’re actually seeing them hit the market with successful results.
Let’s focus specifically on the Ekso. The Ekso is a wearable robotic suit created for people with MS, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, etc., to help them walk again.
How it works:
• All users must be accompanied by a trained therapist.
• The unit is battery powered and strapped over the patient’s clothing.
• One size fits all, but it can be adjusted to work for anyone 5’2-6’2 with a maximum weight of 220 lbs. (It can be adjusted to fit the next patient in a matter of minutes.)
• There is one motor at each of the hips.
• There are over 30 sensors that work together on the device; move the left crutch forward it will tell the on-board computer system to move the right leg; move the right crutch and the left leg moves.
• The lithium ion battery inside lasts up to 3 hours and the battery is swappable.
Are suits currently being used?
Currently, these robotic legs are only available at rehabilitation centers and notably the top ten rehab facilities in the US have purchased them.
• In working with 63 patients that tried Ekso since 2010 – they were able to walk 81 to 638 steps during their first session.
• The average number of steps taken in a session was over 200.
• They are now working with upwards of 250+ patients.
Where are these available and what is the cost?
The device is $130,000 which includes training. The company also has established Ekso Hope – to help interested rehabilitation centers raise funds for the device.
There ARE a number of companies working on exoskeleton options. Notably, an Israeli company is working on a unit called Re-walk that requires no therapist support. More of these options are good for the consumer which will help drive the cost down. There is only one Re-walk device used in the US at the moment.
Ekso is currently collaborating with more engineers and developers and will introduce a version (pushing for 2014) that individuals will be able to use on their own without supervision.
By taking cues from HULC, the company has created something new - robotic legs -allowing those with setbacks to stand and walk again. It’s called the Ekso.
We’ve been watching the progress of exoskeleton suits in the tech world for years, but now we’re actually seeing them hit the market with successful results.
Let’s focus specifically on the Ekso. The Ekso is a wearable robotic suit created for people with MS, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, etc., to help them walk again.
How it works:
• All users must be accompanied by a trained therapist.
• The unit is battery powered and strapped over the patient’s clothing.
• One size fits all, but it can be adjusted to work for anyone 5’2-6’2 with a maximum weight of 220 lbs. (It can be adjusted to fit the next patient in a matter of minutes.)
• There is one motor at each of the hips.
• There are over 30 sensors that work together on the device; move the left crutch forward it will tell the on-board computer system to move the right leg; move the right crutch and the left leg moves.
• The lithium ion battery inside lasts up to 3 hours and the battery is swappable.
Are suits currently being used?
Currently, these robotic legs are only available at rehabilitation centers and notably the top ten rehab facilities in the US have purchased them.
• In working with 63 patients that tried Ekso since 2010 – they were able to walk 81 to 638 steps during their first session.
• The average number of steps taken in a session was over 200.
• They are now working with upwards of 250+ patients.
Where are these available and what is the cost?
The device is $130,000 which includes training. The company also has established Ekso Hope – to help interested rehabilitation centers raise funds for the device.
There ARE a number of companies working on exoskeleton options. Notably, an Israeli company is working on a unit called Re-walk that requires no therapist support. More of these options are good for the consumer which will help drive the cost down. There is only one Re-walk device used in the US at the moment.
Ekso is currently collaborating with more engineers and developers and will introduce a version (pushing for 2014) that individuals will be able to use on their own without supervision.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Guinness World Record Face-Off: Me vs. Mr. Giggles the Clown
| SPIKE | ||||
| Katie Linendoll High-Fives Into Guinness World Records | ||||
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In the 55 years that people have been setting and breaking Guinness World Records, we've seen some pretty epic displays of one-upmanship. Some of the most captivating talent categories have even become battlegrounds for intense rivalries. And just last week, a new rivalry was born.
Me vs. Mr. Giggles the Clown.
Not to be confused with countless other clowns who call themselves Mr. Giggles, this Mr. Giggles also happened to be the World Record holder for the ‘Most High-fives in a Minute’. As someone with an incurable fear of huggers, the high-five has always been my go-to greeting. My technique a point of pride. And I've been wanting to break a world record, any record, for a very long time. In other words: it was on.
There were only three rules. You can't high five the same person twice. High fives had to be over the head and slap the hand. And if you missed a hand, you could slap it again. No problems there.
Is that the best you can do, Giggles?
Make Your Own R2-D2 Shoes
Fortunately, I have a really crafty mom. I come up with crazy ideas and she executes. That light up dress Katy Perry had on? Yeah, I was rocking a light up dress 10 years ago at Homecoming. Last week, I asked her if she could make me some R2-D2 shoes. She delivered and here's how you can DIY- -R2-too!
Before you get painting purchase your canvas sneakers – either tie or slip on style. Then draw your design (and lay it over the shoe) before you try to paint it to make sure of sizing.
Next, the paints. The paints and finish were all water-based, meaning clean-up was very easy. They were all purchased at a local craft store. Here are the steps:
1. Buy Gesso- this seals the canvas sneaker so that your paint will adhere evenly. Apply a thin coat and let it dry overnight before you paint.
2. Use good artist acrylic paints - thin coats are best. Let dry, and to enhance the color, you can
apply a second coat if you want.
3. Let project dry overnight before sealing.
4. Use a matte varnish (again-acrylic and water based). It is shiny enough (gloss would
reflect too much). Apply two coats.
Paint Your Own Shoes Directions by Mom L.
Before you get painting purchase your canvas sneakers – either tie or slip on style. Then draw your design (and lay it over the shoe) before you try to paint it to make sure of sizing.
Next, the paints. The paints and finish were all water-based, meaning clean-up was very easy. They were all purchased at a local craft store. Here are the steps:
1. Buy Gesso- this seals the canvas sneaker so that your paint will adhere evenly. Apply a thin coat and let it dry overnight before you paint.
2. Use good artist acrylic paints - thin coats are best. Let dry, and to enhance the color, you can
apply a second coat if you want.
3. Let project dry overnight before sealing.
4. Use a matte varnish (again-acrylic and water based). It is shiny enough (gloss would
reflect too much). Apply two coats.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Flying Car? Yes please. Interview with Terrafugia.
We have always talked of a flying car, but finally, we are getting super close. I’ve been following the company Terrafugia’s progress for years and recently had a chance to meet up with one of their founders, Carl Dietrich, at the NY Auto Show.
Some background details on the team. Carl graduated from MIT with a background in aerospace engineering. The Terrafugia team is made up mostly of engineers (as expected). The name of the hybrid is “The Transition”.
I asked Carl why they decided to come to the Auto Show. He noted they were confident with the amount of pilot interest they are receiving. However, they wanted to gauge the interest from sports car enthusiasts. It was only the second day and they already gained two new customers. (This is in addition to the 100 orders Terrafugia already has pulled in.) Not too shabby when it’s coming in at $280,000 a pop. Carl added the first run of production would be limited to 10 planes and they would handle manufacturing in their own offices. They hope to start that process by end of year.
I asked about competition. Carl noted they don’t feel competition from PAL-V, which has been getting a lot of new buzz as another concept flying car. But speaking off buzz, no one got more traction at the Auto Show then The Transition.
Looking forward to watching this play out!
Click --> here <-- for the full TV interview and more deets.
Some background details on the team. Carl graduated from MIT with a background in aerospace engineering. The Terrafugia team is made up mostly of engineers (as expected). The name of the hybrid is “The Transition”.
I asked Carl why they decided to come to the Auto Show. He noted they were confident with the amount of pilot interest they are receiving. However, they wanted to gauge the interest from sports car enthusiasts. It was only the second day and they already gained two new customers. (This is in addition to the 100 orders Terrafugia already has pulled in.) Not too shabby when it’s coming in at $280,000 a pop. Carl added the first run of production would be limited to 10 planes and they would handle manufacturing in their own offices. They hope to start that process by end of year.I asked about competition. Carl noted they don’t feel competition from PAL-V, which has been getting a lot of new buzz as another concept flying car. But speaking off buzz, no one got more traction at the Auto Show then The Transition.
Looking forward to watching this play out!
Click --> here <-- for the full TV interview and more deets.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Short + Sweet: Barnes and Noble GlowLight Technology
I had a chance to get hands on with the new Simple Touch Reader. It comes with a price tag of $139 touting the new patented "GlowLight" technology feature. Additionally, it's a hair lighter than the original Simple Touch Reader (which will remain on the market for $99).
The bottom line:
E-ink is great for sunlight but now it works great in bed or during travel.
The GlowLight technology was explained as "uniform soft light across display that turns on instantly and adjusts with a touch." In my words: there's a button on it to control the brightness.
I spoke with one of the lead engineers and he noted they had been working on the technology for 18 months. He added, it was one of the features most requested with the e-reader.
Light accessories can range from $15 - $60 dollars. It's a nice option to have it built in for a new user.
It will be available early May.
The bottom line:
E-ink is great for sunlight but now it works great in bed or during travel.
I spoke with one of the lead engineers and he noted they had been working on the technology for 18 months. He added, it was one of the features most requested with the e-reader.
Light accessories can range from $15 - $60 dollars. It's a nice option to have it built in for a new user.
It will be available early May.
Morgan Spurlock: Extended Exclusive Interview
We chat his new film Comic-Con Episode IV and of course a little McDonalds...
| SPIKE | ||||
| Morgan Spurlock Extended Interview | ||||
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Exclusive: Hands On With The New 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2
As we all know, the iPad is the Goliath of the tablet world. Apple has 83% of
the market share locked down and managed to move 3 million units of the new
iPad in the first three days of its release, and they didn't even have to give
it a name to do so. Personally, I like to call it Cameron. But that's beside
the point.
The iPad's popularity would make it easy to overlook the other tablets out there, so let's take a look at one of them: the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.
The original Tab remains the leader in Android-based tablets, and after playing with the new model for a few days, I think it deserves to stay there. Samsung stated: "We strongly believe it's not a one-size-fits-all market." Which is clearly a jab at all the iPad-loving consumers out there.
The Tab 2 packs the expected features: 7-inch screen-size, 8GB (with microSD slot extra 32GB), 3MP rear-facing camera and 1GHz dual core processor. And Samsung has especially touted a few new features. The Tab 2 runs smoothly on Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of the Android OS. It also offers a free 50GB of storage space on Dropbox, a $99 value.
Interestingly, the Tab 2 is equipped with an IR Blaster that allows you to open a pre-installed “SmartRemote” app on the device desktop and control any nearby TV. Set-up on the TV only took a minute (and is not proprietary to Samsung TVs), but I'm not sure if the feature's user-friendliness will convince me to swap out my trusty remote.
I do like the 7” form factor though, and the added portability is key.
A final thing to consider is the price point. The 7-inch tablet retails for $249.99, which is $100 less than the original 7” tablet debuted for in 2010. A 10.1” (16GB) option will also be available May 13th, at $399.99.
The iPad's popularity would make it easy to overlook the other tablets out there, so let's take a look at one of them: the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.
The original Tab remains the leader in Android-based tablets, and after playing with the new model for a few days, I think it deserves to stay there. Samsung stated: "We strongly believe it's not a one-size-fits-all market." Which is clearly a jab at all the iPad-loving consumers out there.
The Tab 2 packs the expected features: 7-inch screen-size, 8GB (with microSD slot extra 32GB), 3MP rear-facing camera and 1GHz dual core processor. And Samsung has especially touted a few new features. The Tab 2 runs smoothly on Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of the Android OS. It also offers a free 50GB of storage space on Dropbox, a $99 value.
Interestingly, the Tab 2 is equipped with an IR Blaster that allows you to open a pre-installed “SmartRemote” app on the device desktop and control any nearby TV. Set-up on the TV only took a minute (and is not proprietary to Samsung TVs), but I'm not sure if the feature's user-friendliness will convince me to swap out my trusty remote.
I do like the 7” form factor though, and the added portability is key.
A final thing to consider is the price point. The 7-inch tablet retails for $249.99, which is $100 less than the original 7” tablet debuted for in 2010. A 10.1” (16GB) option will also be available May 13th, at $399.99.
Look for the Galaxy Tab 2 in stores on April 22nd.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Shannon Elizabeth Extended Interview - with GADGETS!
Had a chance to catch up with Shannon and hooked her up with the gadgets I think she would like most.
| SPIKE | ||||
| Shannon Elizabeth Extended Interview | ||||
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Check out my apps - Spike.com!
Create real Hollywood FX and blow up your friends, make anything look like breaking news, these are my favorite off-beat photo and video apps!
| SPIKE | ||||
| Check Out My Apps! | ||||
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All Access Weekly on Spike! - Episode 3
On this episode of All Access Weekly on Spike: Stan Lee on his thoughts on digital comics, Shannon Elizabeth pops in for a visit, and the must have app...for blowing up your friends! Click here for the full episode!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Google's 'Project Glass' - CNN
Just the other day we were talking about Google’s self-driving car, and now, we are talking about another Google concept that’s got the tech world buzzin’. Here are some of the deets as discussed on CNN.
It’s dubbed ‘Project Glass’.
A few weeks ago we heard about Google’s rumored augmented reality glasses. Now it’s no longer a secret. Google has released a few concepts and a video online.
This project comes from Google X offices (or better known as super secretive future lab). Google X is focused on giving technologists opportunities to take high impact visions and bring it to the world at scale. This is the same team that is working on the self –driving car.
You might be wondering - how does this work?
They are augmented reality glasses. There is a small video camera on the one side. It will monitor in real-time and overlaying graphics about what you are looking at or requesting. (See below - there is a camera and a small rectangle for displaying the graphics. However, they do not have any sort of glass type lenses in them.)
To best understand these glasses – watch this video:
Imagine being able to see graphics pop up in your vision and allow you access to things like video chat, turn by turn directions, checking the weather, playing music and reminders or just simply giving you information on a building right in front of you.
Google noted that they are experimenting with a number of ways the glasses would be standalone or powered from a smartphone. Probably no surprise we would see them powered on Android.
For some people their head might be spinning, for others, this could be really cool?
What if someone has focusing problems or wears glasses? How is it going to work for them?
Google noted they are experimenting with a lot of different designs and technological capabilities and models that could accommodate different vision requirements.
The concept was made available to the public specifically so Google could get user feedback, and they are encouraging people to go to g.co/projectglass and submit feedback.
When do we see these available at retail?
That’s the million dollar question. They said it’s hard to say at this point. Though the lovely rumor mill points to as early as end of year.
For now it’s just the Google X teams that get to give them a test run.
It’s dubbed ‘Project Glass’.
A few weeks ago we heard about Google’s rumored augmented reality glasses. Now it’s no longer a secret. Google has released a few concepts and a video online.
This project comes from Google X offices (or better known as super secretive future lab). Google X is focused on giving technologists opportunities to take high impact visions and bring it to the world at scale. This is the same team that is working on the self –driving car.
You might be wondering - how does this work?
They are augmented reality glasses. There is a small video camera on the one side. It will monitor in real-time and overlaying graphics about what you are looking at or requesting. (See below - there is a camera and a small rectangle for displaying the graphics. However, they do not have any sort of glass type lenses in them.)
To best understand these glasses – watch this video:
Imagine being able to see graphics pop up in your vision and allow you access to things like video chat, turn by turn directions, checking the weather, playing music and reminders or just simply giving you information on a building right in front of you.
Google noted that they are experimenting with a number of ways the glasses would be standalone or powered from a smartphone. Probably no surprise we would see them powered on Android.
For some people their head might be spinning, for others, this could be really cool?
What if someone has focusing problems or wears glasses? How is it going to work for them?
Google noted they are experimenting with a lot of different designs and technological capabilities and models that could accommodate different vision requirements.
The concept was made available to the public specifically so Google could get user feedback, and they are encouraging people to go to g.co/projectglass and submit feedback.
When do we see these available at retail?
That’s the million dollar question. They said it’s hard to say at this point. Though the lovely rumor mill points to as early as end of year.
For now it’s just the Google X teams that get to give them a test run.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Three Things That Don't Need an App
Brushing
your teeth
BeamBrush, $50 (available soon)
Because brushing your teeth requires an app. Enter the worlds first “smart toothbrush”
that syncs to the app to monitor your hygiene. Track your brushing length, listen
to your favorite song and achieve goals.
Oy vey.
Picking
Scabs
iScab, $0.99
Totes not weird at all.
This app is made for picking your scabs.
Pick scabs as they randomly
appear – compete worldwide to see who can fill three jars the fastest. In the app description the company states “Scab is not so much a game as
it is a return to a favorite pastime.”
But don’t overpick or the scab wont heal.
Flipping A Coin
CoinFlip, Free
Here's an idea, just flip a coin instead.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Autonomous Vehicles - The Future is HERE.
This week a legally blind man took a drive to Taco Bell to pick up some food. He did it with a self-driving car. It may sound like science fiction but it's one step closer to reality. Here are the details as discussed on CNN:
This particular project took place to celebrate a milestone. Google has successfully logged 200,000 miles from their self-driving cars. But this project was an especially epic mile and a half of the ongoing journey.
Steve Mahan became the first non-Google employee to drive one of their cars and he is legally blind. For a man that has lost 95% vision and relies on others to make trips- he had a car drive him to Taco Bell and the Cleaners.
And, yes, this was legal. Google partnered with the local police department and had a designated course. There was also someone in the passenger seat at all times with the capability to override – kind of like a drivers ed car.
You might be wondering how does the vehicle operate? Well, there are a number of technologies at work. Without getting too technical, here are a few things happening:
A route is programmed into the car. A rotating sensor on the top of the car scans the vehicles surroundings 360 degrees- evaluating as far as an estimated 200 feet in each direction. Radar and sensors are in the front and rear of the vehicle and a video camera on the front window detects streetlights, traffic and pedestrians.
Google stated this project was outside their core research efforts but a promising look at what the technology could one day offer.
Are there self-driving cars on the road now?
A number of car manufacturers have been working on self driving cars.
GM has predicted that the technology will be ready by the end of the decade.Google started the self-driving project, and it has been operational since 2010. And as noted, 200,000 miles have been completed (mostly by a fleet of Prius vehicles in California).
If you want to try and spot one –look for roof mounted technologies and a red license plate. But note, someone is always behind the wheel in case of emergency.
Nevada is the first state to approve a program to permit self-driving cars on the road in the future. Expect more states to be on board soon.
Autonomous tech implementations have been gradual with the build up of advanced safety features - from blind spot warnings and collision alerts to assisted parking. But just imagine taking it up a notch ---having an extra set of eyes to do the work and eliminate crashes or better a car able to drop you off, park for you and come back to pick you up. The point is to make the roads safer and more efficient.
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