Smartphone shipments tipped to pass one billion in 2016

 

                                      The latest research from NPD DisplaySearch suggests that the smartphone is quickly heading for ubiquity, with annual shipments expected to exceed one billion in 2016. Given there are only seven billion people on the planet, a significant proportion of the earth's inhabitants can be expected to be carrying one by that point, signalling a huge shift in computer ownership. Who would have thought just ten years ago that most of us would be carrying a computer in our pocket.
No doubt boosted by today's iPhone 5 announcement, smartphone shipments will reach 567 million in 2012 according to forecasts from NPD DisplaySearch. That number is expected almost double by 2016, putting annual smartphone shipments well beyond the one billion mark.

“Apple’s iPhone 5 will be a key product for the smartphone market in the second half of 2012." says Hiroshi Hayase, Vice President, Small/Medium Displays for NPD DisplaySearch. "Apple shipped more than 140 million phones in 2010 and 2011, so we can expect smartphone shipments to continue flourishing as users upgrade to the new iPhone.”

UniKey replaces physical door lock key with an app

 


Well, we really should have seen this one coming. The humble door lock key, which has been around in one form or another for literally thousands of years, may be getting replaced by an app ... or more specifically, by an app that works with a dedicated lock. It’s called the UniKey system, and it has some features that are actually kind of clever.

The UniKey app transmits a Bluetooth signal from the user’s iPhone, Android or BlackBerry smartphone, which is picked up by a paired UniKey deadbolt lock as it is approached by the user. All the user has to do when they subsequently reach the door is simply touch the outer surface of the lock, at which point the bolt will electronically withdraw. A touch of the lock can likewise be used to engage it when the user is leaving.

While not having to dig out a key and stick it in the lock may be somewhat convenient, what’s more intriguing is the system’s ability to send, revoke, and limit access to virtual “copies” of the key.

If you have a visitor coming to stay with you, for instance, you can simply send them a key to your house via their phone, in the form of a text message. This copy can take the form of a one-time, extended or permanent use key. Regardless of which type is chosen, it can also be revoked at any time. People such as maids, on the other hand, can be granted keys that only operate at certain times.

Should your phone get lost or fall into the wrong hands, the lock itself can be reset to work with your new phone. The lock also does come with a traditional physical key, which can be used if your phone is lost or out of juice. For people who don’t carry a smartphone, a Bluetooth-enabled key fob is also available.

The UniKey company is currently looking at selling the technology to a larger corporation, although it could also end up selling the product independently. The cost per system is estimated to be between US$149 and $199.

Feligan PowerBrick aims to be the one device to power them all

The dramatic increase in the number of devices finding their way into people’s homes has made the humble electrical outlet hot property, with all manner of power-hungry hardware and proprietary port-packing mobile gizmos clamoring for attention. The PowerBrick universal charger from Feligan aims to be your one-stop electricity outlet by virtue of its ability to simultaneously power 11 devices.

The lower front of the PowerBrick - which is aptly named as it is roughly the same size as a housebrick - boasts two 10 W USB ports for larger mobile devices, such as tablets, and two universal 1,500 W sockets for more power intensive household gadgets that Feligan claims will take plugs from any country. However, options for plugging the PowerBrick into the wall are slightly more limiting with the choice of Italian, Sschuko, Swiss, UK and US cords.

Meanwhile, on the top of the device are six customizable connectors to accommodate Micro USB or proprietary connectors for just about any mobile device from any manufacturer (Feligan claims compatibility with over 10,000 devices). Each of the these customizable connector cords is also retractable, allowing the device to be used while it is charging or so the connectors sit neatly along the top of the PowerBrick when not in use. The plugs can also be swapped out and replaced at a later date if you update to a different device after purchasing the PowerBrick.

Previously available in black or white for €69 (US$88), Feligan has just announced the availability of leather-coated PowerBricks in a variety of colors. However, that extra touch of class will set you back €150 (US$192).

HTC toughens One S smartphone with space-technology

HTC is looking to NASA to improve the durability on its latest slimline smartphone. The aluminum housing on the HTC One S is treated with a process called microarc oxidation - an electrochemical surface treatment process used on many NASA satellites that results in a housing three times stronger than stainless steel.

The HTC One S is part of the company's new One series announced at Mobile World Congress in February. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s, has a 4.3-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen and at 7.9 mm (0.31 inches), it's HTC’s thinnest phone yet. But it was the microarc oxidation process used to create the phone's unibody housing which caught our attention at CTIA wireless in New Orleans this week.

The microarc oxidation process is similar to conventional anodizing but the substrate metal, in this case aluminum, is subjected to 10,000 volts. This gives the aluminum a matte black ceramic finish with a super-dense crystalline structure that HTC says is four times harder than anodized aluminum and three times stronger than stainless steel.
And the point of all this? You don't need the extra bulk of a case to protect the phone.
The HTC promo video below takes us through the microarc oxidation process.

Samsung unveils new flagship Galaxy S III

Samsung is currently the number one Android handset maker in the world, with market researcher NPD recently reporting that one in every four smartphones sold in the U.S. bear the Samsung logo. So it comes as no surprise that the Galaxy S III has become one of the most highly anticipated phones of 2012, but does it live up to the hype?

Design

At its Mobile Unpacked event last week in London, Samsung stated that the Galaxy S III was a phone "inspired by nature." Translation - The Galaxy S3 ditches the hard square angles of its predecessors in favor of a more rounded design that shares more than a passing resemblance to the Galaxy Nexus. The case itself is being offered in "Pebble Blue" or "Marble White", and aims for a more organic feel, rather than the slab of glass designs we've seen on other smartphones such as the Droid series or the iPhone 4. The slight shift in design may also have something to do with keeping Apple's lawyers off its back this time round.

Display

One area Samsung has always excelled in is display quality, and the Galaxy S III is no different. Featuring a 4.8 inch AMOLED display with a pixel density of 309 ppi, this is easily one of the nicest Android displays out there. However, Samsung has decided to use a PenTile setup in the S III, which sees smaller subpixels sharing space onscreen with surrounding pixels to save energy. PenTile can lead to colors looking a bit over saturated and distorted, but we'd be surprised if Samsung would let its flagship device launch with a subpar screen.

Under the Hood

The Galaxy S III launches with specs that set the early pace for 2012.
Full specifications:

• Processor: Exynos Quad Core 1.4 GHz
• RAM: 1 GB
• Storage:16 GB expandable to 64GB (MicroSD slot included)
• Display: 4.8-inch Super AMOLED
• Battery: 2,100mAh
• OS: Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich
• Camera: 8 megapixel rear, 1.9 megapixel front

Software

This years Galaxy announcement was dominated by software. For starters, there's S Voice, a service that promises full control over your S III using only your voice, much like Apple's Siri. And like Apple's offering, S Voice requires a data connection as the processing is done in the cloud. There's also a new feature called Smart Stay, in which the S III uses its front facing camera to track the user's eye location, dimming the display when you look away to conserve power, and S Beam, which lets files be transferred between devices using NFC and Wifi Direct. The redesigned Touchwiz interface for the S III sees the signature dock bar at the bottom of the screen now holding five icons rather than four.

Wrap up

The Galaxy S III is an impressive device, with a screen that rivals that of Apple's retina display and is sure to win over those you see it first hand, and a CPU/GPU combo that allows it to tackle anything on the Google Play store without breaking a sweat. Set for release in the U.K on May 28th, and the rest of the world shortly after.

 

BlackBerry 10 development kits released, devices due by year's end

Research In Motion made its anticipated BlackBerry 10 platform available for developers at its annual conference in Orlando, Florida, this week. BlackBerry 10 devices are expected to be released by the end of the year.

The launch saw developers got their hands on an initial developer toolkit for native and HTML5 software development. Until now, only a select group of developers had access to the BlackBerry 10 platform as part of a beta test. The toolkit includes the BlackBerry 10 Native SDK with Cascades - a native set of user interface (UI) elements designed to make it easier to customize standard events such as a touch or click - the BlackBerry Developers blog run down is here. The Native SDK provides APIs and IDE tools including the Scoreloop SDK 2.0 for social gaming kit, Push Management, Payment APIs and Battery Monitoring and LED Control support. The toolkit also includes support for HTML5 application developers with the BlackBerry 10 WebWorks SDK. Endomondo, Gameloft, Mippin, Occipital, PixelsMags, Osis, Truphone and Wikitude were among the developers at BlackBerry World that participated in the BlackBerry 10 beta test. "RIM has got it right with the BlackBerry 10 platform. They have really streamlined the app-development process," said Adam Linford, Truphone head of labs and mobile applications in a statement on Tuesday. "The platform's support for open-source components flattens the learning curve enabling us to build a new application quickly and cost-effectively and have it ready to go with the first BlackBerry 10 devices debut." The new platform is crucial for a company that's been losing market share to Apple and Android-based devices. Many analysts have complained that the browser isn't good, and that there are few apps compared to the iOS and Android platforms. "Their platform is behind and dated, and with each passing quarter they are that much further behind," said Wayne Lam, senior analyst of wireless communications at HIS iSuppli. "RIM has been losing serious business in the last several years. When the Apple iPhone and Google Android hit the market, RIM suddenly looked like your dear old grandpa. You may love him, but he is no longer with it," said analyst Jeff Kagan. "RIM is in the process of trying to reinvent itself and recover." To rebuild its market share, RIM has some stiff goals. "RIM must focus on two things with their devices," said Kagan. "They must improve their web browser and they must get tons of Apps on the new BlackBerry 10 when it is launched later this year." BlackBerry 10 will need to get support of developers in order to create an app-filled platform to attract users again. RIM is hard at work building the community. "Developers can use this first beta of the tools to get started building apps for BlackBerry 10 and as the tools evolve over the coming months, developers will have access to a rich API set that will allow them to build even more integrated apps," said Christopher Smith, vice president of handheld application platform and tools at RIM, in a statement. "The toolkit we are delivering today also meets developers on their own terms. Whether using the powerful Cascades framework, writing direct native code or developing in HTML5, BlackBerry 10 will empower developers to create attractive and compelling apps that excite customers." It was originally said that RIM would have its next generation platform out by early 2012, but RIM is now saying the BlackBerry 10 platform will be out by the end of the year, or as early as August. And the new devices? The devices RIM used to show off the platform at BlackBerry World this week were reference devices that it will make available to developers, but will never be sold in stores - although certain features, such as a soft keyboard, will make it to stores on new devices.

Below is the company's "BlackBerry 10 Sneak Peek" from the BlackBerry World 2012 Keynote. Source: BlackBerry Developer page

Samsung confirms U.S. release for new Galaxy Tab 2 Series tablets

Samsung has announced U.S. availability for new versions of its Galaxy Tab Android tablet computer and two new portable media players. Both Galaxy Tab 2 devices run on Google's Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating platform with full access to Google Play (formerly Android Market), are powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, have built-in GPS, and both front- and rear-facing cameras. The Galaxy Players also run on Android, but it's the Gingerbread (2.3) flavor instead of ICS.

The new Galaxy Tab 2 tablets unveiled by Samsung are available in two sizes. The larger 10.1 x 6.9 x 0.38-inch (256.7 x 175.3 x 9.7-mm), 1.28 pound (581 g) device features a 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixel (WXGA) resolution TFT multi-touch display, which supports video playback at up to 1080p HD quality at 30 frames per second. It comes with 16GB of solid state storage, but the unit's microSD media card slot caters for up to 32GB of expansion.

The tablet benefits from 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0, as well as USB 2.0 physical connectivity and sports a 30-pin docking connector. There's a 3.2-megapixel rear-facing camera and a VGA webcam at the front, stereo speakers for sharing sounds and a 3.5mm audio jack for private listening. Users can turn the device into a universal remote with the integrated IR unit and the Smart Remote app.

The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 edition will be available from May 13 for US$399.99. The slightly more portable 7.6 x 4.8 X 0.41-inch (193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5-mm), 0.76 pound (345 g) Galaxy Tab 2 has the same specs as the larger model apart from a 7-inch, 1024 x 600 pixel (WSVGA) resolution TFT display, 8GB of onboard solid state storage and a 1200 mAh Li-ion battery (as opposed to the Li-ion 7,000 mAh in the 10.1-inch tablet) which promises 30 hours of audio or five hours of video playback. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 model will be available from April 22 for $249.99. The Galaxy Player 4.2, as you might expect, features a 4.2-inch, 800 x 480 pixel resolution display and comes with 8GB onboard storage with microSD expansion. There's 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity, an FM radio, and a 2-megapixel camera at the back and VGA webcam to the front. This media player features dual stereo speakers and an embedded microphone, and will be available from May 13 for $199.99.

The Galaxy Player 3.6 has the same specs as the other new addition but with a 3.65-inch, 480 x 320 pixel resolution display and mono speaker. This model is available now for $149.99.

Chrysler outs in-vehicle wireless charger for mobile devices

We've eagerly followed the evolution of the wireless charging technology for mobile devices here at Gizmag, from its very early incarnations right through to the very latest developments. Even though you can't really argue with the potential usefulness of such technology, they've almost universally been restricted to home or office use and not where most of our device batteries actually let us down - out on the road. Chrysler's Mopar Division has developed a wireless charging system that sits in the central console of a car, which juices up the battery of any mobile device placed on the mat. The technology is to make its debut in the forthcoming 2013 Dodge Dart. The new in-vehicle wireless charging system from Mopar - a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts - takes the shape of an 8.27 x 9.5 x 3.25 inch (210 x 241.3 x 82.5 mm) power bin towards the bottom of the vehicle's central console. The built-in charging grid activates when a battery-powered mobile device - such as an iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 player or Droid-based device - that's been wrapped in a specially-designed case is detected. The case comes supplied with the system and is said to be compatible with a variety of devices. Charging begins when the vehicle is started. Mopar was also the first to make it possible for a driver to create in-vehicle wireless hot spots, and the first to introduce smartphone vehicle information apps. The Mopar in-vehicle wireless charging technology is being made available for US$199.99 (not including the cost of installation) and will make its debut in the 2013 Dodge Dart that's set to hit dealerships during Q2 2012.

A brief overview of the system is given in the following video from Chrysler's YouTube channel:

Flutter brings (limited) gesture control to iTunes and Spotify

While developers are plugging away on Windows applications for Microsoft’s Kinect thanks to the release of the official Kinect for Windows SDK, Mac users can also get into the gesture control game – albeit in a much, (much) more limited way. Not requiring any additional hardware because it works using a Mac's built-in webcam, Flutter registers hand gestures – well, a hand gesture – to control playback in iTunes and Spotify. Currently in alpha and available as a free download, Flutter allows music and videos in iTunes and music in Spotify to be played and paused by flashing the webcam a “talk to the hand” gesture. The application runs in the menu bar and allows control of iTunes and Spotify even when they’re running in the background. This is probably the biggest plus of the app, at least until it gets some more functionality and compatibility with a wider range of applications – both of which are in the works. However, without the benefit of a depth sensor like the Kinect, the range of gestures will likely be limited. Nevertheless, having downloaded the app and given it a quick trial it seems to work pretty well. With no calibration required, it registers my open palm in under a second, even in low light. If I was the type to listen to music while I worked, I could definitely see myself using it to save me a few mouse clicks. Flutter is currently only available for Macs and can be downloaded here. Here’s a video showing Flutter in action.

PAL-V flying car makes successful first test flight

With the PAL-V last appearing on our pages way back in 2004, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is just another flying car concept that never made it off the ground. But Dutch company PAL-V Europe NV has been busy in the past seven years having finalized the design concept in 2008 and testing a driving prototype in 2009. Now the flying-driving prototype has been put through its paces with video of the PAL-V’s recent successful maiden flight now released.

Although the finished vehicle looks slightly different to the computer renderings available in 2004, the design remains pretty much the same. On the ground the two-seater PAL-V is an aerodynamic tilting three-wheeler that is designed to combine the handling of a motorbike with a mechanical-hydraulic dynamic tilting mechanism automatically adjusting the tilt angle of the vehicle while cornering. It is powered by a 160 kW flight certified gasoline engine – although there will also be biodiesel and bio-ethanol versions - that can accelerate the vehicle from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds, on the way to a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). In ground mode the vehicle boasts estimated fuel economy figures of 12 km/l (28 mpg US) and a range of 1,200 km (750 miles).

To convert from automobile to airplane, the vehicle’s engine must be brought to a stop – no Transformer-like transition on the go unfortunately. The tail is then extended and the rotor unfolded in a process that takes less than 10 minutes. Upon starting the engine the foldable push propeller emerges from the rear of the cabin to provide the forward thrust. To go from aircraft to automobile, the process is simply reversed. The PAL-V requires a strip (either pavement or grass) of at least 165 m (540 ft) to get airborne and just 30 m (100 ft) to land. Once in the air it can reach a maximum speed of 97 kts (180 km/h/112 mph), with a minimum speed of 27 kts (50 km/h/31 mph) required for level flight. In flight mode it has an estimated fuel economy of 36 l/h (9.5 US gph) and a range of 350-500 km (220-315 miles), depending on the model type, payload and wind conditions. Designed to generally operate below 1,200 m (4,000 ft), the PAL-V flies within the airspace reserved for uncontrolled Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic, meaning it can take off in many countries without filing a flight plan. The company points out that governments in the U.S. and Europe are examining the development of “digital freeways” that use GPS technology to provide a safe corridor for such vehicles.

Flying like a standard gyrocopter, the PAL-V’s main rotor has a slower rotation than a helicopter, making it quieter and giving it the ability to take off and land at lower speeds. The company says it is also easier to control and cannot stall and, even if the engine fails, it can be steered and landed safely as the rotor keeps auto rotating. Measuring 4(L) x 1.6(W) x 1.6(H) m (13.1 x 5.2 x 5.2 ft), the PAL-V weighs 680 kg (1,499 lb) and can carry a maximum load of 230 kg (507 lb) for a maximum gross weight of 910 kg (2,006 lb). The company says the PAL-V complies with existing regulations in all major markets making it legal for both road and air use. Obtaining a license requires only 20 to 30 hours of training. Having conducted successful test flights, the PAL-V team will now focus on the design of the first commercial model PAL-V, with first deliveries expected in 2014. PAL-V Europe says law enforcement agencies, the military, and flying doctors have already expressed interest in the vehicle.

Here’s video of the PAL-V’s maiden flight.

Scosche CellControl Disables Cell Phone Use While Driving

We all recognize how dangerous it is to be distracted while operating a vehicle, but somehow we all seem to believe ourselves to be much better drivers than we really are. Despite the implementation of laws prohibiting it, we still see way too many people on the road with their thumbs twiddling away on their smartphones or conversing without the use of a headset. Smartphone and mp3 accessory manufacturer Scosche recently unveiled a new gadget that hopes to prevent the dangerous use of cell phones in a moving vehicle. Called Cellcontrol, the device includes an application and dongle that works together to facilitate safer driving habits. The dongle plugs directly into the OBD-II port under the dash of any car made in or after 1996, while the application runs on your mobile phone.

Whenever the dongle detects that the car is in motion, it communicates with the application to shut down use of the cell phone including functions such as texting, tweeting, emailing, calling, taking pictures and more. If the application detects a handsfree headset, it will allow the driver to make phone calls using the headset. Although Scosche certainly means well with this product, we're a bit skeptical as to how effective it may be. If you are purchasing Cellcontrol to prevent yourself from any reckless phone use, you'll still have to practice some restraint not to disable the app or remove the dongle. If you happen to have a reckless teenager driving around on the streets, Cellcontrol could be a good investment, but there are still a few problems. The first problem is the lack of an emergency call function while the car is in motion, which means you'll have to either stop the car or reach under the dash and pull the dongle out if you're being chased around by a madman. The second problem is how easy it is to simply remove the dongle or disable the app, though you'll be notified via email if it has been removed or disabled. Finally, the $129.95 price tag means it might just be easier and cheaper to practice a little restraint and willpower when you feel the urge to update your Facebook status while driving.

There was a time, back in the days of film cameras, when the only ways of getting underwater photos were to buy an expensive waterproof SLR, an expensive waterproof housing for a regular SLR, or a cheap disposable waterproof camera that took horrible shots. Now, all you have to do is buy a housing like the TAT7 iPhone Scuba Case, and start snapping high-res pics – assuming you’ve got the phone to go with it.

The TAT7 is made from clear polycarbonate, and has a hinged opening on the bottom. Double gaskets on that opening help keep the water out once the phone has been slid in, down to a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 ft). Three buttons on the back allow users to access basic touchscreen photo and video controls – if you’re looking for a housing that will let you Tweet from the briny depths, look elsewhere. It’s available now, for US$84.95. Undersea iPhone photographers looking for something a little more substantial might want to check out the dual-handled FourPro.

Grace Digital launches FireDock speaker dock for the Kindle Fire

We've seen our fair share of portable device docks here at Gizmag, from the acoustic to the power-hungry and everything in between. Most of those capable of charging the docked device as well as amplify its audio tend to have been designed for use with an iDevice, which is not much use to the 14 million U.S. Kindle Fire users. Rallying to the cause, Grace Digital has launched the FireDock - one of the first speaker docks crafted specifically for Amazon's Kindle Fire 7-inch tablet and featuring full-range stereo speakers, a Class D digital amp and an additional auxiliary input for an optional secondary audio source. Although Amazon's Kindle Fire includes built-in stereo speakers, there will be occasions when the output could do with a significant boost to fully enjoy content provided by the likes of Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio or even Amazon's own audio books. Grace Digital's new FireDock speaker dock features a 16-watt Class D digital amplifier and 3-inch full-range, base-ported stereo speakers rated at 3W/8 ohms, with a frequency response of between 60Hz and 18KHz and signal-to-noise ratio of 89dB.

The cradle includes a USB port that allows the Kindle Fire to be charged while docked, whether Amazon's tablet is being used or not, and rotates for portrait or landscape viewing. Next door to this sits a strategically-positioned audio jack. In addition to operating from AC power, Grace Digital is also making an optional 7.4 V /2200 mAh Lithium-ion battery pack available (at an extra cost) to play the device on the road. The FireDock battery pack won't charge the Kindle Fire's own battery but will give mobile playback for up to six hours. The 13 x 4.3 x 3.75-inch (330.2 x 109.22 x 95.25 mm) Grace Audio FireDock comes supplied with a wireless remote and has been given a shipping date of July 2, 2012 at a suggested retail price of US$129.99.

Galileo lets you remotely pan and tilt an iPhone

With their built-in cameras, microphones and speakers, iPhones can be very handy for video conferencing. Should you be trying to talk to a boardroom full of people through a phone that’s propped up on the table, however, it can be kind of frustrating – you’re stuck with the stationary shot provided by the phone, and can’t see people who are outside of that shot unless you get someone to move the phone for you. Well, that’s where Galileo comes in. It’s a motorized iPhone holder, that allows a remote user to pan or tilt the phone 360 degrees. Galileo is the brainchild of Josh Guyot and JoeBen Bevirt, who previously brought us the popular Gorillapod flexible tripod. Guyot came up with the idea for this latest device when he was trying to have video chats with his son, while away from home. To use Galileo, the person receiving the video call would place their phone in the device. The person making the call could then use their iPhone, iPad or web browser to pan or tilt the device, using a touchscreen interface or their mouse. Because it provides smooth, motorized 360-degree pans and tilts, however, Galileo could also find use with film-makers. Guyot and Bevirt are currently working on apps that would allow users to program the device to perform complex movements, including ultra-slow ones that could be used for time-lapse videography. A Bluetooth-controlled mount for a GoPro HERO camera is also planned.

Other potential uses include baby monitoring, distance learning, or real estate photography. It includes a software developers kit, so users can incorporate the device into existing apps, or create new apps around it. Power is provided through a USB cable, or by the onboard rechargeable lithium-ion battery – anywhere between two to eight hours of use per charge is possible, depending on the activity. Like just about everything else that an iPhone can be plugged into, Galileo also serves as a charging dock for the phone. Guyot and Bevirt are presently raising funds on Kickstarter for the commercial development of their product. They have already exceeded their funding goal, however, so it looks like it should be a go. Pledges can still be made, with a minimum contribution of US$85 getting you a Galileo once they’re shipping. The estimated retail price is $129.95.

The device can be seen in action in the pitch video below.

Cardo BK-1 turns your bike helmet into a walkie talkie

Cardo Systems, Inc. has long specialized in radio communications systems for motorcycles. Now the company has turned to the bike market in building what it calls the "world's first Bluetooth communications and entertainment system for bicycle helmets." The stereotypical cyclist with his Lycra jersey and bib shorts doesn't have a whole lot of personal storage space for an electronics device. So, Cardo built a unit designed to be mounted to the bicycle helmet. The BK-1 unit is a waterproof, aerodynamic Bluetooth device that fits nearly any helmet with some simple hardware. The hardware looks a little more streamlined than the similar HIOD One system we saw last year. The BK-1 is a communications device, first and foremost. It can pair with up to two other BK-1 units, allowing you to communicate with fellow cyclists at distances up to 1,640 feet (500 m). It can also work with a mobile phone via Bluetooth, to make/receive calls. Both the intercom and phone functions are voice activated, so you can keep your hands planted on the handlebars. With its click-to-link function, you can even automatically connect to other BK-1 users in the area and have a spontaneous conversation (similar to how you could use a radio to scan for other users on the same channel). The Automatic Gain Control adjusts volume according to speed and ambient noise.

In addition to communications, the BK-1 can pair with a music player or GPS via Bluetooth or hard-wire connection, allowing you to listen to music or GPS routing. An incoming phone call will interrupt intercom audio, and an incoming intercom message will interrupt music. The BK-1 package features several components, including the main control unit, a microphone and earpiece unit, and a cradle. The cradle attaches to a helmet with an included Velcro strap, and the main unit and headphones slide into the cradle. Velcro pads allow you to customize the fit and stability of the system. The main unit has five buttons that switch between audio sources and control tracks. The BK-1 provides up to seven hours of talk time via a rechargeable battery. It comes in both solo and duo packages.

Sony releases rugged Sport HD version of its Bloggie camcorder

Mountain bikers, hikers and other adventurers wishing to record their outings on video now have another camcorder at their disposal – Sony’s Bloggie Sport HD. It’s a ruggedized (yes, that’s a word) version of the company’s existing Bloggie camera, and continues with the line’s smartphone-like form, which includes a 2.7-inch touchscreen display.

The Sport model records 1080p video, and can also capture 5.1-megapixel stills – even while shooting video. It has a dust-proof casing, is waterproof to 16 feet (4.9 meters), and is sufficiently shock-proof to survive drops from heights of up to five feet (1.5 m). It has 4GB of built-in memory, which allows for the storage of up to two hours of full HD footage. One of the camera’s more interesting features is its Underwater Mode. This automatically adjusts the white balance when shooting underwater, to compensate for the manner in which the red and green spectra of the sunlight are absorbed by the water. This filtering of the sunlight is what causes underwater footage to have a bluish tinge (if artificial lights aren’t used), and is traditionally addressed by attaching an amber filter to the lens. Other features include SteadyShot image stabilization, a flip-out USB connector, a built-in LED light for shooting in dark environments, and Face Detection technology. The Bloggie Sport HD camera is available now, for US$179.99.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell supercar

Can an electric version of one of the world's supercars be a supercar? Mercedes-AMG has answered this question with a resounding yes by announcing the SLS AMG E-Cell that was confirmed for production in Detroit in January will be available in 2013. Its electric powertrain gives the E-Cell a 0-100 km/h (63 mph) time of 4.0 seconds, compared to the SLS AMG's 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. When it comes to top speed, both cars are electronically limited. The E-Cell can hit 250 km/h (155 mph), while the SLS AMG tops out at 317 km/h (197 mph). While not quite the equal of the gas-powered SLS AMG, the E-Cell is clearly in supercar territory!

The all-electric, all-wheel drivetrain is a product of a two year long joint development effort of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, England. A one motor per wheel electric design, the four synchronous electric motors rev up to 12,000 rpm (a governor prevents operation at higher speeds) and provide a peak output of 525 horsepower and a peak torque of 650 foot-pounds.

The E-Cell has a direct drive transmission, which would be a guaranteed recipe for stalling with a gas-fueled engine. However, in the E-Cell, the peak 650 foot-pounds of torque is available up to about 4,000 rpm, so the vehicle is very sprightly at low speeds.

For comparison, the SLS AMG has an M159 engine that, like all gas engines, has very little torque at low rpm, and only builds up to its peak torque at 4,750 rpm. Similarly, while the M159 engine has a larger peak horsepower (571 hp at 6,850 rpm), the E-Cell delivers more horsepower at all engine speeds below 5,000 rpm, and is still providing about 400 horsepower at 12,000 rpm.

Each individual wheel is electrically driven and electrically braked, and each wheel's characteristics can be tuned to the driving conditions. This additional level of control helps to optimize handling in corners, reduce oversteer/understeer, increase traction, reduce the steering effort and angle, and minimize the intrusion of the electronic stability program on the driver's desires. The E-Cell is some 400 kg (840 pounds) heavier than the gas-powered SLS AMG - all those batteries do come at a cost. The 48 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery gives a range of about 145 km (90 miles). AMG is expected to provide 60 kWh batteries in the commercial version, extending the range to about 210 km (130 miles). Of course, the actual range will depend on your driving style. AMG's estimate is felt to be conservative by Jens Meiners of Car and Driver. During his review, the E-Cell was driven to its limits on a variety of surfaces and conditions, yet achieved an indicated range of about 85 miles (136.8 km). Cooling systems insure that the electric motors, the battery, and the power control electronics are maintained at a constant operating temperature. The battery can be heated for operation in winter, and can receive supplemental cooling from the air conditioner in desert driving. The E-Cell provides four driving programs, comfort, sport, sport plus, and manual. In the comfort mode, only 40 percent of the peak power is available, and handling response is damped to avoid unpleasant surprises. In sport mode 60 percent of peak power is available, and the damping on the controls is considerably reduced. Although the power is limited in these modes, flooring the throttle will provide full power for those moments when you want to pass with exuberance. In sport plus, there are no limits. Manual mode acts like sports-plus, but also turns off the regenerative braking. Speaking of regenerative braking, wherein the electric motors work as generators to slow the car while recharging the batteries, the flexible style of the E-Cell also shows here. There are four levels of regenerative braking, not including the manual driving program which turns it off entirely. The levels are controlled by paddles on the steering column. Levels one and two are quite mild, so that the E-Cell feels like a regular car coasting to a stop. Level three is more aggressive, while in level four the regenerative braking is so strong that it feels like the regular brakes are on. All modes help extend the E-Cell's range by returning some of the kinetic energy to the battery. Conventional braking of the E-Cell is provided by high-performance ceramic composite brakes direct from the F1 circuit, which boast extremely short stopping distances, consistent performance, and outstanding fade resistance. The oversized discs (front discs: 402 x 39 mm, rear discs: 360 x 32 mm) are made of carbon-fiber strengthened ceramic, and are 40 percent lighter than conventional brake discs, reducing unsprung weight and improving steering response.

The body shell is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), and includes an integral spine within which the E-Cell's battery is located. CFRP components are 50 percent lighter than steel, and 30 percent lighter than aluminum, providing weight savings which help to overcome the added weight of the lithium-ion polymer battery.

The design of the battery compartment is intended to be a zero intrusion cell, protecting the integrity of the battery cells in the event of a crash.

The front axle had to be redesigned from that of the SLS AMG, owing to the introduction of all-wheel drive. The SLS double wishbone design is replaced with an independent multi-link suspension with pushrod struts, similar to those used in F1 racing. This design allows the heavier E-Cell to attain the same levels of agility and driving dynamics as are exhibited by the SLS AMG, when combined with electrohydraulic rack and pinion steering. Now for the bad news - the SLS AMG E-Cell is likely to cost upwards of US$250,000, and the first run will be sold by invitation only. Common folks will have access to the E-Cell in the 2014 model year. Still, for an electric supercar that can outrun the Tesla Roadster, perhaps the price and wait will be bearable.