Withings seems obsessed with shaming us into sharing our weight with whoever might be interested; their WiFi scales tweeted out our chubby readings last year, and now you can bypass the latest sports game and put your weight on the big screen instead. If you’ve a Panasonic VIERA Connect HDTV, you can now access the Withings health dashboard as a widget.
That means you can check body weight, lean & fat mass and calculated body mass index (BMI), all from the comfort of your couch. Of course, if you want to do something about those numbers, you’ll have to get up and stop watching television.
Press Release:
Withings and Panasonic Connect Your Body Scale with Your Television
Now, users of the Withings Scale can access their Health Dashboard directly on their Panasonic VIERA Connect™- enabled VIERA® HDTVs
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 6, 2011- CES / North Hall / Booth #3619- Today, what seems like an unlikely pair, your body scale and your television, comes together seamlessly with the partnership between Withings and Panasonic – a leader in high definition and connected TV entertainment — as users of both innovative devices can now access their Withings health dashboard right on their VIERA ConnectTM-enabled VIERA HDTV screen with the touch of a button.
The WiFi Body Scale is a revolutionary product that transforms an ordinary bathroom scale into an automatic weight tracking device for up to 8 people. It wirelessly records a user’s body weight, lean & fat mass, and calculated body mass index (BMI) onto his/her own secure webpage and/or free Withings iPhone application, WiScale. Now, this data dashboard can be easily accessed directly from the VIERA CAST™ menu page.
“Withings is working towards a new era in connected health devices and this partnership is yet another move in that direction, said Co-Founder of Withings Cedric Hutchings. “Making your health data as easily accessible as possible is a key feature of the WiFi Body Scale. Now, you can access all your information via your MAC, PC, mobile device or television.”
Panasonic’s VIERA Connect IPTV feature allows owners of VIERA ConnectTM-enabled 2011 VIERA HDTVs to enjoy internet content directly on their television with the push of a button and without the need for a PC. VIERA Connect offers a robust collection of applications including expanded video streaming, and two-way interactive features from gaming to social networking, and fitness programs.
“We are very excited to have Withings as part of our VIERA Connect IPTV offerings in 2011,” said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President Merwan Mereby. “VIERA Connect is taking connected TV to a whole new level of interactivity for consumers to deliver an unprecedented, more robust, two-way interactive set of features such as Withings’ WiFi Body Scale for consumers to interact with directly through their Panasonic VIERA® HDTVs.”
For more information, contact PR representatives below or visit www.withings.com/press.
We can’t say we’ve ever looked at our desk phone and thought “this would be so much better with Windows 7 installed” but perhaps that’s why we hardly use a landline any more. Speakal reckon there’s still life in the desk phone yet, and its BTS8 “phone/personal computer hybrid” packs a 5-inch LCD display, Windows 7, a Skype-capable webcam and more.
To be honest, we’re more familiar with Speakal as the providers of pig-shaped iPod docks than we know them for their computing expertise, but having a shrunken PC in a phone does make sense on some levels. Since it can handle calendar, email, SMS, faxes, contacts and call recording, together with offering the enterprise integration and support businesses require, it might be a cheaper alternative to buying a full PC for those who only use a tenth of its abilities.
There’s also a browser, and it’s possible to log in remotely and access data stored on the BTS8. No word on pricing at this stage, nor what sort of hardware Speakal are using.
Press Release:
Speakal Debuts New Phone/Personal Computer Hybrid
BTS8 combines Windows 7 OS with an office phone system to revolutionize business communications
On display at CES January 6-9 in the iLounge Pavilion – North Hall #4616
Culver City, CA – January 6, 2011 – Speakal, a company driven by its passion for sound, intelligent technology and innovative designs, is ecstatic to announce the BTS8, an office phone system that doubles as a personal computer. The integrated Windows 7 OS enables users to manage and record your phone calls, answer emails, and even video chat with the on board webcam via Skype. The 5” LCD display can be connected to an external monitor via VGA for enhanced visibility. Additional capabilities include fax receiving, SMS text messaging, media player, contacts management, and a calendar empowering the BTS8 to be the ultimate communications and multimedia powerhouse. You can even browse the web and reach your data remotely for optimal connectivity.
“BTS8 completely streamlines business communications and computing for the modern office” said CEO David Solomon. “Users are able to optimize connectivity and empower their phone with the advanced capabilities of Windows 7 while saving up to 90% of the power regularly used with a desktop PC” added Solomon.
Speakal is also debuting the DS910, a Bluetooth iPhone dock for users to make hands-free calls. It incorporates an easy to read LCD display, alarm clock, FM Radio, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for other music sources.
Speakal’s innovative 2011 lineup of lifestyle-oriented, intelligently designed technology solutions will be on display this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in the North Hall-iLounge Pavilion at booth #4616. To schedule an appointment, please contact Public Relations representative, Matt Shumate at mattshumate@maxborgesagency.com or 305-576-1171 x15.
For more information about Speakal visit www.speakal.com
About Speakal
Speakal Corporation is a privately held, United States company, based in Culver City, California that earned its worldwide recognition by delivering consumers unique product designs that combine intelligent technology, high quality sound, durability, and functionality. Established in 2008, Speakal was able to expand their reach and presence in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East markets. Speakal continues to gain market share by introducing new audio product designs and diverse product lines that relate to the different end-users life styles and that hold special value for them. For more information, please visit www.speakal.com.
We generally associate Sanyo with HD camcorders, but Japan is actually going wild for the company’s kitchen appliances instead. The Sanyo GOPAN looks like a regular bread maker, but it actually bakes rice bread from grains of rice rather than pre-milled rice flour. That might not sound like much, but it’s enough to make the $612 GOPAN a massive best-seller in Japan and force the company to freeze sales until April so that production can catch up with demand.
Video demo after the cut
Sanyo has managed it by slotting in a cutting blade as well as the usual dough hook, and adding a second compartment – built into the lid – which dumps the rest of the ingredients into the mixture once the grains have been suitably shredded. The whole process takes about four hours from rice to fresh loaf.
There’s something gloriously hypnotic about the grains of rice being ground up into first a fine powder and then a paste in the video below, so we’re glad to hear Sanyo is planning on launching the GOPAN internationally sometime in 2011.
Amazon has patented a system for automatically converting gifts prior to them being delivered, bypassing the hassle of a returns process but still allowing giftors to believe the original item has been received. The patent, “System and method for converting gifts”, was filed back in 2006 and partially credited to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos; it describes a system where pre-defined rules – such as “no wool” or all items from a certain individual – are used to filter through presents bought for an individual, alerting them via email and then allowing them to replace it with an alternative of their choice.
Although the benefit to Amazon would primarily be one of simplifying their returns process, the patent details potential upsides of the filtering system to gift recipients. Matters of taste are a common theme, with unpleasant Christmas jumpers automatically being put on hold, as well as overly cautious presents that do not fully match up with the recipient’s expectations:
“It sometimes occurs that gifts purchased online do not meet the needs or tastes of the gift recipient. In some cases, concern that the gift recipient may not like a particular gift may cause the person sending the gift to be more cautious in gift selection. The person sending the gift may be less likely to take a chance on a gift that is unexpected but that the recipient might truly enjoy, opting instead for a gift that is somewhat more predictable but less likely to be converted to something else.” Amazon patent 7831439
Causing most controversy is the fact that Amazon would allow for a thank-you note to be sent to the sender of the gift, referring to the original choice rather than the replacement item (or the fact that you swapped it for a gift card). “The user may also be provided with the option of sending a thank you note for the original gift” the patent describes, “even though the original gift is converted,” though it would also be possible to disclose that the present was exchanged, presumably in an attempt to better educate people to your tastes.
Back in July we wrote about design firm The Way We See The World’s Jell-O cups, which could not only hold drinks but be eaten afterwards or dropped onto the grass whereupon they’d degrade into nutrient-rich mush. After plentiful public demand, the concept has spawned Jelloware, a Kickstarter project to bring the biodegradable, edible beakers to market.
The company is looking for $10,000 by January 26 2011 to get the project off the ground. Generous investors will get the chance to help Jelloware perfect the design with some hands-on (or lips-on) testing, while the exceptionally-generous will get a Jelloware cocktail party kit.
Part of that testing will include picking out the best flavors for the cups, which are each meant to compliment the drink that goes inside them. Early suggestions included lemon-basil, ginger-mint, and rosemary-beet.
BAE Systems has admitted to have borrowing stylistic cues from the Tumbler Batmobile used in the rebooted Batman franchise for some of their latest ground warfare concepts. The team responsible for the Future Protected Vehicles project told The Engineer that one particular unmanned assault vehicle, Raider, was inspired by the Tumbler’s motorbike-style turning system and wheel configuration.
“In all seriousness, we decided that we didn’t have a monopoly on inspiration, and if we saw something in a film that we thought might be a good idea, why not take a look at it and see if there’s something practical we can develop?” Hisham Awad, BAE Systems
The Raider design is one of seven new concepts BAE has developed, culling suggestions and ideas from suppliers, academics and schools. While none have yet spawned a physical version, BAE reckons they could help make fuel efficiency savings of up to 60-percent; some, such as Predator-style active camouflaging, are obviously not quite ready for production, but other technologies like economy-boosting nano additives for fuel and an oil filtering system that extends the time between engine servicing are supposedly ready for the battlefield.
The seven concepts rely heavily on automated systems, either pulling human soldiers back from the frontline or augmenting their efficiency. The Pointer robot, for instance, can be used as a scout or a mobile bodyguard, and has tracks that can be used to climb terrain or, when extended, to walk over obstacles.
DIY holiday gifts generally have more thought behind them than store-bought, and we’re particularly loving Molly Lewis‘ homemade present from this festive season. She made a frankly awesome set of Doctor Who nesting dolls, taking in eleven generations of Doctor and a TARDIS to accommodate them.
From the sound of things, the wooden dolls themselves were store-bought and then Lewis hand-painted them herself. William Hartnell is a tiny little nub of a figure, while current Doctor actor Matt Smith is the largest. As with the “real” TARDIS there’s plenty of room for them all to fit inside.
If you’re tempted to have a go at a Doctor Who nesting doll set yourself, you can either paint over an existing set or pick up a set of blank dolls; they’re reasonably inexpensive, it turns out.
You might remember Gray Design’s Strand Craft 122, a sleek, curvaceous yacht which integrated a garage for a sports car to take you from the marina to your choice of restaurant. For some, though, a mere 122 feet is far too unimpressive; what they’ll be wanting is the Strand Craft 166, a new superyacht that has the same handy garage but a whole lot more space on-board.
Video after the cut
There are a full five en-suite double staterooms, each lavishly equipped with iPad control units and 52-inch Bang & Olufsen TVs. The carbon-fiber foredeck has a jacuzzi and wet bar, while the flybridge and radar mast both retract – as you can see in the animation below – so as not to spoil the aesthetic when they’re not required. You get the feeling the Strand Craft’s designers have spent a little too long in dank, underground nightclubs: there are lashings of red leather on the walls, chrome and brushed aluminum, and you can optionally have the whole interior clad in bullet-proof Samurai leather.
The car itself is a custom creation by Gray Design, though you could easily slot in your own Ferrari or Lamborghini instead. A 40 knot top-speed rounds things out nicely. No word on pricing – let’s just imagine lots of zeros – and no sign of a date as to when we might see the first Strand Design 166 take to the waves; this may well end up another design exercise that never actually gets wet.
The Strand Craft 166 is an uncompromising superyacht that is as outrageous as it is daring. Designed entirely around an automotive theme, this yacht is ideal for owners who are addicted to that new leather smell. Her low stance, enormous length and curled haunches give this vessel a dynamic aesthetic that is guaranteed to turn heads in the the most well appointed marinas.
Retractable flybridge
Contributing to the sleek profile of the yacht is the retractable flybridge and radar mast that retreat into the skin of the yacht when not in use. Both can be deployed independently of each other and are available only when they are required, ensuring the yacht keeps the cleanest possible lines for making that first impression. Strengthening this philosophy are the twin concealed entrances to the yacht, hiding the stairway to the upper aft deck as well as providing access to the garage, bar and lounge areas.
Hidden jacuzzi deck
Concealed beneath the carbon fibre inlaid fore deck is a sun deck equipped with a large jacuzzi, sporting a built-in bar to ensure that every party is well catered for. Access is through a vertically sliding glass door in the windscreen of the pilot house where there is ample seating for 8 guests. The pilot house itself opens up to the lounge to provide a smooth transition and connection between the driver and the main guest area and at the same time letting in light from the main windscreen to the spaces below.
Supercar tender
Following Strand Craft’s automotive tradition, the SC166 comes equipped with it’s own custom supercar tender. Created in the same design language as it’s carrier, the tender ensures you can roll out at your favorite port in ultimate style. With a V8 engine producing 620 horsepower and a top speed of 305 kph, the tender is an accessory that will certainly put a smile on your face.
Alternatively, you can order your own choice of conveyance to accessorize your superyacht. Be it Koenigsegg, Maybach, Lamborghini, Ferrari, or a waterborne tender, the choice is yours.
Interior and exterior automotive styling
The automotive theme is rich in the SC166, from the cockpit like glasshouse on the upper deck to the red leather covered upholstery that adorns large surfaces of the interior. Chrome highlights sparkle in every part of the cabin and the walls are treated to a highly polished gunmetal automotive lacer. Brushed aluminum trims the windows and bar area and the hallways are bathed in soft LED spotlighting.
Bulletproof
The SC 166 comes with the option of having upholstery made from an exclusive Japanese Samurai tread leather. These custom designed leathers are woven from a bullet-proof textile made of Vectran fibres. Optionally all walls can be covered in Samurai leather to make it a bullet proof yacht
Completing the specification list, there are five double en-suite staterooms, each equipped with 52 inch Bang & Olufsen TVs, top of the line sound systems, LED mood lighting and a iPad control and information center from Poets Road to allow you to activate any function from wherever you are on the yacht as well as providing essential information about the running and status of the vessel and it’s massive engines.
Powered by two MTU 20V4000 M93L 2x4300KW (2x5766hp) engines with a Vericor TF50 4177KW (5600hp) booster engine the SC166 is capable of cruising speeds of 30 knots with a top speed of 40 knots.
SC166 Specifications
LOA—————————————50 m
BEAM—————————————9 m
CONSTRUCTION————–High Tech Composites
DRAUGHT (loaded)————————-1.9 m
WEIGHT———————————230 Ton
ENGINES——————-2 x MTU 20V4000 M93L
BOOSTER—————————Vericor TF50
PROPULSION——-Water Jets Rolls-Royce KAMEWA
TOP SPEED—————————~ 40 Knots
FUEL CAPACITY————————–35000 L
FRESHWATER CAPACITY———————5000 L
BOW THRUSTERS——————————TBA
STABILIZERS——————————–TBA
GENERATORS———————————TBA
WATERMAKERS——————————–TBA
GREY / BLACK WATER CAPACITY—————-TBA
SC166 Tender Specifications
ENGINE—————————-4.3 liter V8
TORQUE——————————-347 lb-ft
HP—————————510 hp @ 8500 rpm
0-62 MPH—————————3.7 seconds
TOP SPEED——————————196 mph
It’s not entirely clear why you’d want to prove that the Nokia N8‘s vibration motor is capable – with some suitable gearing – of lifting a 60kg+ refrigerator, but that’s just what some Chinese engineers have decided to prove. As you can see in the video after the cut, having dismantled the Symbian smartphone (something we already know is pretty straightforward) they then turned to the awesome power of whiteboard calculations to get the fridge off the ground.
Video demo after the cut
To be fair, this isn’t so much a victory for the N8 as it is for the awesome power of gears, but we’ll give the Nokia credit for not burning out its vibration motor in the process. Although this is unlikely to spawn an app in the Ovi Store, it’s useful to know that, should you crash land on a desert island and find yourself pinned under a chunk of broken-up airplane, all you need to extract yourself is Nokia’s finest, a small team of engineers and a shed full of spare parts.
As we all know, high-fiving went out of fashion because it wasn’t loud enough; kids experimented with gunpowder and methane gas, but it all proved far too unstable. Happily Eli Skipp has stepped in with her DIY “exploding high-five glove”: it doesn’t actually explode, just use an Arduino, a force-sensor and a loudspeaker to make explosion noises whenever you high-five someone.
Video demo after the cut
In fact, you can replace the explosion sound with anything you like, since it loads a sample from a 2GB memory card. That means you could have it shout “Go Team Victory!” or “Heck Yeah Says I!” if the mood so takes you. There’s even some code in there to make sure it doesn’t accidentally activate if you make a fist, pat someone on the back or slap the table in a 19-century bar manner. Brilliant stuff.
We can’t say we’ve ever looked at our desk phone and thought “this would be so much better with Windows 7 installed” but perhaps that’s why we hardly use a landline any more. 
Amazon has 
