Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor could turn the iPhone into a new-age mood ring

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/apples-seamlessly-embedded-heart-rate-monitor-could-turn-the-ip/

Nike is making millions from its Apple-friendly wares, designed to turned technophiles into fitness freaks. Imagine the possibilities if the iPhone could not only track your running stride but also monitor your heart rate while doing it. That's one of a suite of potential uses for this patent app from Apple, a Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor. The design is for a series of electrodes that are, well, seamlessly embedded into the shell of a given device in such a way that they are "not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device." The device could then, with a touch, measure heart-rate, uniquely identify a user, and even "determine the user's mood from the cardiac signals." Just imagine the new flood of EKG-related apps: iPalpitate, Murmur Maker, Cardiac Arrest... the possibilities are endless.

[Thanks, Staska]

Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor could turn the iPhone into a new-age mood ring originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camera Kite Sails High For Rude Aerial Photos [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5531537/camera-kite-sails-high-for-rude-aerial-photos

Taking photos from a digital camera attached to a balloon, floating 20m in the air could get you into a lot of trouble. You could get it wrapped around a power line, for example. Or injure a low-flying bird.

This aerial camera is the work of Matthew Clark, who claims it'd be ideal for using at weddings and festivals, with the inflatable balloon sailing high into the air, but remaining tethered to your hand by the reel. A switch on the reel takes photos, which can then be transferred to a computer via USB. Being a film shooter, I'd like to see a 35mm version with some lo-fi lomo-esque lens. Make it happen, Matthew. [Coroflot via Yanko]

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This Piece Of Paper Is a Solar Panel [Solar Power]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5531805/this-piece-of-paper-is-a-solar-panel

Researchers at MIT have figured out how to create solar cells thin enough to be pasted onto sheets of paper, with an applicator that works sort of like an inkjet printer. (Note: We are apparently stuck with inkjet printers, forever.)

In their current state, the cells are just under 2% efficient at converting sunlight into usable electricity, as compared to typical rooftop solar cells—you know, panel panels—which can exceed 20%. But you can't staple a solar panel to your roof! No, seriously, that's what the researchers are suggesting is possible here:

If you could use a staple gun to install a solar panel, there could be a lot of value.

True! Instead of hiring a team of laborers to install your home's new solar power system, you could send your kid up to the roof with a helmet and staple gun. Kids love staple guns.

As is always the case with stories like this, there's a sobering caveat. Vladimir Bulovic, director of the project, told CNET:

I'm giving you a whole bunch of hype. It usually takes 10 years from the time between when you invent something and you commercialize it.

This does raise some interesting possibilities, though. The above demo is pasted to paper, but if solar cells are this thin, and can eventually be manufactured at a low price, why not just stick them on everything? A car covered in photovoltaic film converting sunlight at 10% efficiency might not run entirely off of solar energy, but it could stay on the road a little longer. [CNET via Inhabitat—Photo credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET]

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How A Cellphone Call Works (An Infographic That's Actually Informative!) [Cellphones]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5531818/how-a-cellphone-call-works-an-infographic-thats-actually-informative

Want to know why providing cell service is tricky? This great infographic from Cellphones.org helps you understand the basics of how your magic phone actually works. See the whole thing after the jump.

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Clear security lanes storming back to airports, principled travelers high five one another

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/clear-security-lanes-storming-back-to-airports-principled-trave/

Don't call it a comeback. Or do, because that's precisely what this is. After Clear shuffled its final incorruptible passenger through a speedy security lane in June of last year, the company closed up shop and forced even the nicest of travelers to re-join the herds. Thankfully for us all, Alclear has decided that life's simply no good without a hasty security option at airports, and it has plopped down $6 million in order to acquire the assets of Verified Identity Pass out of bankruptcy protection. According to our hombres at Gadling, that purchase price doesn't include individual airport contracts, so it'll be an uphill battle getting these lanes back into the places in which they're needed. If all goes well, we could see the first Clear avenues reopen this fall, with pricing set at $179 per year for unlimited individual use or $229 per year for unlimited family use. Head on past the break for more details on reactivating old subscriptions and the full presser.

Continue reading Clear security lanes storming back to airports, principled travelers high five one another

Clear security lanes storming back to airports, principled travelers high five one another originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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