3D TVs destined for pubs

It looks as though 3D sports games could be with the general public sooner than anticipated, after a deal between satellite TV firm Sky and electronics manufacturer LG was announced.

Sky has ordered 15,000 3D TVs with the intention of giving them to pubs, clubs and bars in order to get the 3D revolution going with live sporting events popping out of the screen at punters.

Sky 3D will be available for public display from April 2010 and it is the 47 inch versions of LG’s LD920 televisions that are under order at the moment. Over the next few weeks these could therefore be winging their way to one of your local drinking establishments.

The first 3D broadcast took place in February and the journalists and fans present were in two minds as to how well the technology worked in real life. However, Sky has obviously been given confidence by this test run and 3D TV is being geared up for a full launch next month.

LG will not be selling its first batch of 3D TVs to UK consumers until May, but with Sky supporting its technology it will soon become the brand most closely associated with 3D sport by football fans everywhere.

Anyone looking to get 3D television in their own homes could have to wait until 2011 if some pessimistic observers are to be believed, although Sky thinks that it can push through its first few 3D channels by the autumn. Anyone interested in 3D TV may want to start saving up now.

US University students invent spokeless bicycle

A group of mechanical engineering students at Yale have come up with a bike that has a spokeless design, leaving a disturbing gap in the middle of the back wheel that looks suitably futuristic.

The students had to use existing technology and good old fashioned mechanical knowhow to create the bike and in its current state the design still relies on having a front wheel that is identical to the basic technology used on bikes around the world.

The back wheel is not driven by a central gear connected to a chain and then the pedals. Instead the pedals drive a second, smaller wheel which transfers its energy to the main wheel and causes forward motion.

According to the students, the only reason that they did not create a spokeless design on the front and back was the limitation of time. They had just a single term to work on the bike and this restricted them to creating just one spokeless wheel rather than two.

The students said that although the prototype requires the user to pedal in order to move forward, there is enough flexibility in the design to allow for the integration of an electric motor in future versions.

As with all good inventions, the design of the spokeless bike is relatively simple and does not require the basic shape and size of a bicycle to change in any way, so we could well see some commercial versions of this invention coming to the market in the future.

Callaway x22 Irons golf clubs review

The Clubs
First released in late 2008, the Callaway X-22 irons evolved from the X-20 irons. Following the successful X-Forged clubs, Callaway engineers have worked in close consultation with Tour professionals to produce a set of irons with the popular, thin top line and narrow sole and added bounce. However, there is no reduction in the size of the ball-striking area. The long irons are marginally heavier than their predecessors, aiding the production of a more penetrating ball flight. Callaway’s X-Series of irons, of which the X-22 is the 6th incarnation, have essentially laid down the industry performance standard for golf club manufacturers. Callaway appear to have continued this trend with the X-22 Series irons. The X-22s are designed with the maximum possible peripheral weighting, allegedly producing a moment of inertia some 10% greater than their forerunners. Coupled with a low, ideally positioned centre of gravity, this means that the X-22 irons offer a greater degree of absolution for “off-centre” shots, whilst producing the best possible trajectory of ball flight. “Precision Notch Weighting” aids in the precise positioning of more weight to the perimeter of the club to generate a higher moment of inertia for greater forgiveness and stability whilst maintaining the centre of gravity position that produces ideal trajectories and feel. The X-22s also feature the modified “Tru-Bore” design, an advanced version of the original design. A polycarbonate plug at the end of the shaft leads to improved “feel” and performance as a result of less vibration. The clubhead shape features aspects designed for professional players, such as a thinner top line and narrow sole. However, Callaway has succeeded in combining such facets with an excellent visual appearance and a large sweet spot into a highly forgiving set of irons that can be played by a wide range of golfers of varying abilities. “VFT Technology” helps to increase ball speed from the clubface for additional distance, whilst the S2H2 hosel shifts weight from the club hosel to the perimeter of the clubhead. A 360 degree undercut channel further aids peripheral weighting by making the centre of gravity lower and further back in the clubhead, making for a bigger hitting area and a stable clubhead, adding even more forgiveness. The X-22s are available in both right and left handed models, with a choice of flexes in both steel and graphite shafts.

Reviews
“Forgiving” was the word most commonly quoted amongst reviewers of the Callaway X-22 irons, the majority of whom found the irons very easily, accurately and consistently. The X-22 irons were particularly well received amongst the mid to high handicappers amongst the reviewers. It has become fashionable of late for such golfers to replace the unforgiving long irons (3- and 4- irons) with easier to hit hybrids or the more lofted fairway woods. However, the majority of this group of reviewers found that the X-22 3- and 4-irons were easier to hit consistently than some 6-irons. Those players with a tendency to slice the ball found that the increased moment of inertia and hence resistance to twisting, along with a low centre of gravity, helped produce straighter, more high flying shots. Beginners found the “grip guides,” indicating the correct hand positioning very useful.

Despite the fact that the X-22 irons are essentially “game improvement” irons, the better players amongst the reviewers were also extremely impressed by their looks and performance. Whilst they are undoubtedly easier to hit, Callaway have ensured that the design of the X-22 irons will appeal to a wide range of players. By narrowing the top line and sole, the Callaway engineers have produced an aesthetically pleasing set of irons, without the sort of hefty, thickset looks that a more accomplished player may find offputting. Furthermore, with the reduction of the width of the sole, the X-22 irons offer a level of “workability” that competitors’ irons will find difficult to match, even allowing for the truer flight of modern golf balls. The Callaway X-22s have plenty of innovative features, but retain some of the familiar technologies of previous X-Series irons, such as the variable thickness clubface and S2H2 hosel. The appearance of the X-22 irons reflects their high quality with the sole notches supporting the impression of power and stability. The Callaway X-series of irons have always been high quality products and the latest offering is no exception (though reflected in the big price tag). A Tour version is also offered with a sleeker hosel, thinner top line and progressively narrower soles that allow even the top players a high degree of flexibility.

How Might Goal Line Technology Work

There has been a lot of talk of football foul paly this week, this includes goal line technology. A huge number of football mathces have been ruined by a freak goal or by a disallowed goal. However, it is not for us to debate whether this technolgy is needed but only to show that it can be done.  So we have decided to take a look at proposed methods and gadgets that could be used to make goal line referees a reality.

The most accurate and most probable method of implementing goal line technology involves three main components: 1. A ball,  2. a signalling unit for the referee and 3. a goal equipped to sense when the ball crosses the line. Here is how each part would work:

1. The ball

Obviously the ball would have to be modified and Adidas have already come up with the answer. They have inserted multiple micro chips and sensors into a ball that can accurately identify where it is on the pitch when used with magnetic sensors strategically placed on the by line or goal line. They say that this will not affect the weight of the ball or how it moves through the air, it would be as if the footballers were using a standard football.

2. Referee signal

Obviously this sort of technology would be pretty useless if the referee had no way of using it, duh! Radio and audio links to the referee have been ruled out in the past so the unit would probably have to be sensory. Suggestions have included a wrist band with either a visual, audio or even vibrating alert when the ball has crossed the goal line.

3. The goal

This is the most important part of the whole scenario, it has to be accurateand foolproof. Thankfully the gadgets needed are very simple, the goal would need to be wired all the way around the frame. This would provide a magnetic field that would work with sensors when the ball crosses the line. The information would be sent to a central computer which would then be relayed to the referee. It is said that this type of system would be resistant to any weather conditions and wireless interference.

It has been rumoured that this type of technology will be trialed in the near future but whose to know? It is possible but does open a whole can of worms.

Instances where goal line technolgy could have been used:

The GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS does everything except make the tea

As golf gadgets go the latest GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS has got to be one of those gadgets that most golfers would consider an object of desire. Golf gadgets are unfortunately pretty much ten a penny and most golfers are thoroughly bored with the endless useless ‘new’ idea to improve their game. The regular player’s golf trolley is now mostly bogged down with all the must have gadgets that end up being dragged around for the ride and not much else.

The GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS is something else entirely, yes it is true that it is a GPS similar to others on the market, but this is all singing and all dancing in fact you have to ask yourself, why didn’t someone think of all these extras before? For a start the GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS has a much bigger screen and at 3.5” it makes this GPS much easier to read than most of the competitors out there. The larger screen allows for a better display of the full colour golf maps, with aerial view and a distance tool that provides useful information on the distance to hazards and of course that all important pin! Golfers are able to calculate easily distance to different points on the course and also will allow for the best selection of club to play the hole. There is the ability to listen to music, view pictures and an auto mode that allows for all the vital information to be displayed without having to use the touchscreen during a round.

The GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS provides access to a huge database of golf courses totalling in excess of 20,000 as well as the option to download vital information entered during play to determine how improvement can be made or alternatively have been made. There is one application that is felt to be completely unnecessary, this is the option to view movies on the GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS – let’s face it not many golfers would have the time to watch a movie whilst on the golf course without of course upsetting the other players! The GPS Golf Guru 4 GPS is priced at around the £220 to £250 range, which for such a great golf gadget is cheap at half the price.

Eyes on the side of your head with the Contour HD camcorder

If you are an adrenaline junkie or X games fan and are really into all the extreme sports action such as paragliding snowboarding, Freeskiing or maybe one of the crazy guys who love Parkour or Freerunning then you are going to really want one of the wearable Contour HD camcorders from Twenty20.

The makers of the latest wearable camcorder, Twenty20 are based in Seattle and have created the camcorder as a result of their own interest in downhill skiing. The developers Marc Barros and Jason Green were committed to finding a simple solution so that they could share their exploits with family, friends and like minded individuals. They set about developing their helmet camera in 2003 and after many improvements on the original concept have now released the very latest HD Helmet Camera.

The Contour HD camcorder could not be simpler to operate and can even be operated with gloves on, there is a large sliding control which is moved forward to record the action and moved back to stop recording. The team at Twenty20 have even though of a simple solution for perfectly lining up the shot each time by using two lasers which can be lined up horizontally ensuring that the shot is then completely aligned.

The Contour HD camcorder is so flexible and can be fixed either on goggles, handlebars, helmets or even a vehicle by using the various mounts available. The all-season, shock resistant, super strong body will withstand the worst that any extreme sportsperson can throw at it including snow, mud, dirt and the elements, as well as withstanding extreme vibration and impacts. The High Definition camcorder will record up to 8 hours and allows for 135 degree full widescreen action, filmed at 30 fps and 1280 x 720 pixel or for super fast action 60 fps. The latest microphone will reduce wind noise and distortion to allow for the best possible sound recording possible.

Priced at a tad over £200 this is an essential bit of kit for all extreme sport people, from base jumping to snowkiting, skydiving to mountaineering whatever your rush you can film it with the Contour HD camcorder from Twenty20.

Let the CaddyAid GPS golf system bring out the Angel in you!

If you have spent the last few days glued to the television set watching the golf drama unfold at Augusta, and the final Maters play off which saw Angel Cabrera finally claim victory and his second major golf championship, then no doubt you are keen to get on the greens and start practicing for your green jacket.

To help you along the way to golfing victory, one of the must-have gadgets on the golf course now must be a CaddyAid GPS golf system. The CaddyAid GPS golf system is a useful tool to allow for calculating distances to practically any point on a golf course and will also display photographs of each hole on the golf course being played.

The CaddyAid GPS golf system will show you on the green the front and carry distances on the automated readout screen. The CaddyAid GPS golf system also features a full colour 3.5” display screen, which can provide flyover movie shots of the holes to be played, distance to the pin, shows lay up distances and with full GPS capability.

Golf is one of those areas that they just cannot stop thinking up new and often useless gadgets for, however the CaddyAid GPS golf system is not one of them. The CaddyAid is used by professional golfers and caddies which in itself bears testament to the usefulness of this product.

The CaddyAid is priced around the £300 mark, which admittedly isn’t cheap however the amount of use that a keen golfer will get from this product is staggering making it well worth the price tag. The CaddyAid comes with a MIO P360 GPS enables PDA, the cables and special holder, software, free course download as well as Windows Mobile. It is possible to download up to the minute information on most of the UK golf courses.

Bushnell range finder a god send for golfers!

The Ryder Cup has been responsible for a new wave of golfing enthusiasts with attendance figures, as ever, showing a marked spike after the historic Ryder Cup of 2008. However, how do the golfers of today find their range? How are they able to calculate the yardage to the flag?

While the use of caddies and pinpoint yardage cards is common place on the professional circuit it is not as easy for the amateurs, until now!

The Bushnell Golf Tour V2 Laser Rangefinder is set to give each and every golfer in the land the chance to at least find their range – whether they hit the spot is a different matter. The V2 Laser Rangefinder does not use the latest GPS, prisms or reflectors but relies entirely on a laser system which can estimate the distance to the flag to within 1 yard. This ensures that the device can be used on any golf course around the world.

So next time you step onto the golf course you will have no excuse for ‘getting the yardage wrong’ and will instead have more time to concentrate on actually hitting your shot. Does this mean we should see more Tiger Woods over the next few years? Well, that is a whole different matter for debate……

Sensoglove Golf Grip Training Aid

If we’re going to be frank about this, there are some crap golf training aids available that have no genuine reason for being useful. We’re not really sure whether the Sensoglove falls into that category or not but we know it looks pretty futuristic… sort of. In fact, it looks like something that would have been considered futuristic in the 1980s.

Regardless of its efficacy and value, the Sensoglove aims to improve your swing, as does any discerning training aid (it’s that or putting at any rate). It does this by working very specifically on your grip measuring how tight and the position of your hand, alerting you to any problem areas that you might be displaying as you swing.

Numerous sensors and a tiny onboard computer monitor, store, and analyse the data and as well as pointing out problems, the glove gives you a rating between 1 and 18. As you improve your grip using the Sensoglove, your grip rating should naturally improve and because you can continue to test it over and over again the theory is that the perfect grip will become second nature, your swing will improve, and you’ll get better golf, winning promotion and influencing those around you.

SensoSolutions SensoGlove

We thought we’d covered just about every type of deranged golf gadget conceivable right through to the automatic ball placer that puts your golf balls on your tee for you to save all the strenuous bending over and the like. The SensoSolutions SensoGlove offers to measure and analyse the grip you have on your club (sadly not on reality) and just how well you’re doing.

The SensoGlove creators appreciate that grip is everything when it comes to hitting the perfect shot. Poor grip means poor connection and can impact your swing, but the SensoGlove will analyse your current grip and give you feedback on how close you are to achieving optimum grip conditions.

The glove features sound effects and a graphical LCD display to let you know just how badly you’re doing but I suspect the chances of altering your grip mid swing because of the quick beep isn’t really that achievable.

The SensoGlove can be purchased online and will cost you just under £50. It’s sweat proof and weather proof design ensures that it will stand the many tests it will have to face in order to be considered golf course friendly and ensures you don’t fry your hand while playing in the rain, which is a bonus with any gadget.

<Next Page » 1 2 Next Page »