Gizmodo: Alert

Smart Carpet Can Help Seniors Who Fall and Can't Get Up

Sean Fallon — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:10:53 EST

Yes, the Life Alert slogan is cliche, but how can you avoid it when talking about a "smart carpet" that can assist the elderly when they fall? The carpet is the brainchild of researchers at the University of Missouri, and it has the capability to electronically monitor a senior's location and sound an alert in the event of a fall. This is made possible using a new sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using equally flexible and inexpensive "organic ink."

These organic Ink sensors can be utilized in the thousands on a sheet layered between a room's carpet and carpet pad. Currently, the researchers are working on a system that would feed the data collected by the sensors to a computer for display and electronic analysis. Caregivers could then use this information to determine whether or not the elderly individual was in danger. If all goes well, the device could be used in real world testing scenarios inside two years. All-in-all, a device like this would have a significant advantage over other warning systems given the fact that the individual in question would not actually have to be conscious to summon help. [University of Missouri]

USB Amber Alert Child ID Kit

Jason Chen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:15:58 EST

By providing you with an easy way to keep your child's information all in one place, this USB Amber Alert Child ID kit can be a lifesaver in the hopefully unlikely event that your child goes missing. The device gives you a nice software app where you can enter in photos, emails, personal blog URLs, medical information, and other relevant data on your kid.

If your child does get abducted by some unscrupulous person—we're looking in your direction, Ransom Joe—then it's definitely good to be prepared with such a device. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Amber Alert via PopGadget]

Heightened Security In the UK Means No Laptops, Cellphones and iPods On Board

Jason Chen — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 15:36:59 EDT

The Guardian reports that thanks to today's unraveling of the "mass murder terror plot", officials are banning gadgets from being taken onboard as a carry-on item for the time being. In the UK, laptops, cellphones, iPods, and other small electronic devices need to be checked-in thanks to the terrorist's plan to use these gadgets to detonate explosives.

As of the time of this post, the US is still allowing these items onto flights. But check both the news and Gizmodo frequently if you've got a flight coming up. We'll post updates if the situation regarding gadgets changes. – Jason Chen

'Mass murder terror plot' uncovered [Guardian]
Local Travelers React To Terrorist Plot [WKTR]