In The Streets » #ITSTech

#ITSTech | U.F.O.

@itsthatsmith — Sun, 29 May 2016 02:10:30 +0000

Italian water transportation company Jet Capsule unveils their latest seafaring concept, the “UFO”. Standing for unidentified floating object, the saucer-like unit is an energy autonomous vessel capable of estimated speeds of up to three knots (3.5mph). “UFO” measures 12.5 meters in diameter, and uses various systems to take advantage of all natural elements. The floating object includes two habitable areas – other than the outer deck. A main level area houses the kitchen, and a floor access point connects to a sub-level bathroom and underwater viewing area. Jet Capsule is currently seeking investors to develop a working “UFO” prototype.

UFO is a living floating house which can move around the world with leisurely maximum speed of 3.5 knots (6.5 km/h, 4 mph), using a waterjet-propelled Torqeedo Deep Blue 1800 electric motor.

This motor is connected to a battery that draws energy generated from 40 sq. m (430 sq. ft.) of solar panels in a closable lid atop the structure.
Additional energy sources can be provided through optional wind and water turbines located on the top and below the main disc of the UFO, respectively, creating enough power to operate the home and motor.

A water generator would be used for converting rain or seawater to fresh drinking water, as well as watering a vegetable garden located on a deck that encircles the structure and measures 12.5 m (41 ft) in diameter.

Two half-spherical shells of fiberglass make up the two stories of the interior housing, with flexible floor plans for various configurations.

The spherical-shaped home will consist of a transformable kitchen and dining/living area on a 20-sq. m (215-sq. ft.) top level, with stairs leading down to a 10-sq. m (107-sq. ft.) submerged lower level with bathroom and bedroom surrounded by a large window for viewing sea life.

To keep the craft stable, the UFO uses a special elastic anchor system. “The main structure of the floating object can be aligned with the compass, keeping the position angle oriented on the desired cardinal direction, even in rough sea conditions.

RDSV – High Speed Snow Vehicle Concept

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:28:56 +0000

Some time ago we’ve already shown you very interesting concept of snowmobile concept. And here is another one – RDSV – Rapid Deployment Snow Vehicle. This concept was created by industrial designer from Buenos Aires, Argentina – Juan Garcia Mansilla. As designer says “The RDSV is a 2 seater high speed vehicle for use in any polar environment. It would aptly serve polar exploration, rescue missions, medical emergencies or even sport applications, basically anything that requires high speeds through a polar environment. The whole idea started with the traction system, something that could allow high speeds across Antarctica but could also climb up a mountain for an avalanche rescue operation. Then the whole vehicle was built around it. RDSV features an adaptive traction system that allows for an effective displacement over both ice/hard snow or deep snow. Each wheel is made up by twelve individual units, each with two different paddles: a small one (for hard surfaces) and a big one (for deep snow). Depending on the terrain, each unit rotates accordingly to expose the desired paddle.” Also dont’ forget to check the video.

Beautiful LIfe

MasterCard Wants More Wearables

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:07:06 +0000

MasterCard wants you to be able to make purchases with everything from wearables to key fobs, so it’s bringing the technology behind Apple Pay to more devices.

The company announced at Money2020 it’s partnering with a variety of appliance makers to make Internet-connected devices capable of payments.

Kangaroo | $99 Windows 10 Portable PC

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:01:27 +0000

InFocus debuted the Kangaroo, a $99 Windows 10 portable PC that “goes anywhere and works with any screen.” The term “mobile desktop” may seem like an oxymoron, but that really is the best description: Picture your typical desktop PC tower shrunk down to the size of a phablet sans screen; just like any desktop, you’ll still need to connect a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Kangaroo is available on Newegg now, and will go on sale at the Microsoft Store by mid-November.

The pitch is simple: Kangaroo offers the power of a cheap full-sized computer with the convenience and mobility of a cell phone. The black satin aluminum device is powered by an Intel Cherrytrail (Z8500) SOC, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage (only about 18GB is free when you first start it, but storage is expandable via a microSD card), and an on-board battery (up to four hours of “casual use”). The standalone Kangaroo Dock, which you can swap out for other future docks, includes an HDMI port and two USB ports.

Acer’s New eATV

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:00:56 +0000

Acer might be better-known for its range of laptops, tablets, phones, and similar consumer electronics, but it has quietly lifted the lid on a brand-new product line — an electric, all-terrain vehicle (eATV).