Gizmodo: Infrared

Infrared Tracking R/C Car is Remote Control Toy for the Truly Lazy

Kit Eaton — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:37:00 EDT

This remote-control car has an infrared follower system built in, so you steer it simply by pointing the IR beam from the controller somewhere ahead of the car, and it works out where you want it to go. So yes, it's a simple remote control for those who can't be bothered to learn how to steer their toys with a joystick or wheel and throttle remote. Or kids. Ah... now I understand. The "magic dot" can be up to five feet ahead of the 9-inch car and it'll still work, and you get about 20 minutes of racing, cat-bothering action from one charge of its batteries. Available now for $49.95. [RedFerret]

Noveon Zaps Toe Fungus With Light, But Annoying Lamisil Commercials Remain

Jack Loftus — Sat, 17 May 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Using a first-of-its-kind direct optical energy device called Noveon, one Waltham company is hoping to stamp out toenail fungus once and for all using nothing but light. The device "utilizes two discrete near-infrared wavelengths at low power" and produces no heat, according to a rep from the manufacturer, Nomir Medical Technologies. The approach could eliminate the need for expensive meds like Lamisil or Fulvicin, which work, but can cause upset stomach and liver damage. Clinical trials are set to begin soon, and the Noveon could be zapping foot fungus—and periodontal disease (think morning breath, but forever!)—very soon.

The Noveon cooks onychomycosis (toenail fungus) using two near-infrared wavelengths, but leaves healthy tissue untouched, as seen in this diagram. [Medgadget]

NYU Student Creates Virtual Girlfriend—Shame She's Only 2D

AddyDugdale — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Created with lonely people in mind, Drew Burrows' INBED is an "infrared-sensitive" light projected virtual girlfriend. A sexy brunette, she's got about three tricks up her sleeve—and she does all of them from a supine position.

Kiss her on the cheek when you slide into bed and she'll bury her face in the pillow. Hmmm, that sounds wrong. She moves into a spoon position if you're on your side, and snuggles up beside you when you're on your back. Cute.

There are, however, two drawbacks to Drew's invention, which he was showing off at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program Spring Show at Tisch School of the Arts: first, she's only 2D, and second, she's fully clothed. Some guys may want to wait for version 2.0. [New York Magazine]

Toshiba's ApriPoko: a Remote Controller Companion Robot

Kit Eaton — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:37:49 EDT

Toshiba's new robot pal is basically a voice-operated infrared universal remote control, heavy on the cuteness. Programmed to be fairly smart, he'll wait until you use a controller for your electronics, then ask you what you were doing: the next time you want to perform the same action, you just have to tell ApriPoko to do it for you. He'll then wave his IR transmitter arm and *bing*, on goes your TV. He's even equipped with a camera to identify users, presumably to learn their habits. For now he's just an R&D demonstrator device, and is limited to simple commands. We hope we're right in expecting the technology to make its way into consumer gadgets soon. [Robot Watch]

Infrared-Beaming Helmet May Battle Alzheimer's

Kit Eaton — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:03:07 EST

Despite looking like a freaky PC case-mod for your head, researchers say this helmet may serve as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It directs low levels of infrared light at the skulls of Alzheimer's sufferers in order to combat the disease by stimulating brain cell growth.

A medical team from Sunderland and Durham Universities in the UK believe this could help combat the disease, having already tested the idea on mice. In that test, the mice gained better learning ability afterwards. A human test will go ahead in the summer.

Current therapy for Alzheimer's sufferers doesn't correct for cell-loss, which is why this technology may be promising. Infrared treatment, thought to stimulate cell re-growth, was developed first for cold sores (better known by snickering bloggers as "mouth herpes") and according to doctors at the research company Virulite, shining IR lasers at Alzheimer's sufferers led to improvements in eight out of nine cases.

The helmet design uses the same principle, and its trials on real people will use levels of IR equivalent to sunshine in the hope of reversing some of the crippling damage caused by this disease. No word yet when we'll be able to use TV remotes to try and stave off Alzheimer's at home. [BBC News and Daily Mail]

Japanese Infrared Revamp Transfers at Gigabit Speeds

Jason Chen — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:30:54 EST

While IR is still quite useful for certain things, transferring data between devices is something very few people still use it for. Japan's KDDI R&D labs, however, have managed to increase the transfer rate 250 times to 1Gbps with a semiconductor laser that blinks incredibly fast. Although 1Gbps is fast, it doesn't quite transfer a full CD of music in less than a second (which is 650MB). Point is, if they can manage to put this into cellphones, we'll finally be able to get our contacts over really really fast. [Digital World Tokyo]

IR Hacks: Some Perspective

Mark Wilson — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:00:03 EST

While much of the internet may be up in arms over Richard Blakeley's recent IR-induced video stunt, a 14-year-old boy from Poland allegedly took an IR hack to more tragic proportions this week, and has been accused of hacking a standard TV remote to override track switching at rail junctions in the city of Lodz. Four trams were derailed and (luckily) only 12 people were injured with none killed. The youth in question was described by teachers as an "electronics buff and exemplary student," according to The Register.

The lesson? From here on out, Blakeley takes a cab. And he stays the fuck away from our train set. [theregister via boingboing] [image]

Sima IR Camera Nightlight is Essential for Wildlife Watchers, Perverts

Haroon Malik — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:36:08 EST

We had you at "perverts," right? Well, here's the deal; we just had some hands on time with Sima's IR light for cameras. The device promises to shed a whole host of light in areas that are missing the sun-like goodness. Although we did not get to use it in optimum conditions, i.e. in an area with no light, we did get hold of the device and have a good grope. Check the gallery to see what the next weapon in your voyeuristic arsenal will look like.

We are waiting for a full hands on with the device before we pass judgment. I offer myself up to test the IR light peripheral; waking up with Benny leaning over me in the middle of night has become a little disconcerting. Expect to be updated when we have some new information. (About Sima's product, not Benny's sexual predation.)

Night Vision For Any Car: FLIR PathfindIR

Brian Lam — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:28:23 EST

The Bottom line: Remember that urban tale of the drug running lambo doing 200mph runs using merely night vision? FLIR, used to making commercial nightvision systems for law enforcement, marine, and airborne vehicle has trickled the tech into civilian hands. The PathfindIR is their first infrared night vision adaptable for any car, although they'll be demo'ing at CES in a BMW. The camera (below) gets mounted in a grill, and the AV output hooks into any LCD and even some dashboard nav systems. The video looks to be a relatively low res 320 x 240, with a wide 36º H x 27º V field of view. The best news: the IR system lets cars see 5x further than high beams.
The catch: Staring at a LCD on your dash sounds dangerous. Demo video after the jump.

Brando's Infrared Thermal Patch is Just a Lousy Heater

Jason Chen — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:35:32 EST

We've been lucky enough to not have to deal with carpal tunnel, but those of you who do might be interested in this Brando "Infrared Thermal Patch." We're not sure which part of it is infrared, or which part of it is a patch, but it's just a little plastic plate you place on the affected area that will warm it up to relieve stress at temperatures up to 40~45 Celsius. Or, you can just wipe your ass with a twenty and two ones and be done with it. [Brando]

USB Infrared Heating Pads

Mark Wilson — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:59:17 EDT

The USB Far Infrared Pad is pitched as a solution for those aches and pains that are the natural byproduct of ~~working~~ sitting at one's computer. We don't know the $21.99 pad actually adheres to skin, but once ~~stuck to~~ carefully balanced upon the area of pain, 1.2W of USB juice heats the pad to between 104° and 113° F. We'd be more interested if the pads served a more interesting function, like electrified nicotine transmission to help us start smoking. But go ahead, pick one up for the crazy hypochondriac at the office (and send in a picture when they use it). [usbfever via ubergizmo]

Fujitsu Launch Palm-Vein Scanning Mouse, Finally

msparkes — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:42:06 EDT

This press release from 2002 shows a Fujitsu mouse that could authenticate logins by scanning vein-patterns in a user's hand. By taking an infrared scan of a person's hand, the system can get a clear picture of their veins - the pattern is then used to authenticate users. Five years later, they have finally launched the product. So what have you been doing for 5 years, Fujitsu?

New software will come bundled with the mouse, removing the need for an authentication server, like with previous Fujitsu biometric systems. Fujitsu are calling the system Palm Secure, and it is launching at a cost of ¥30,000 (about $260). [Japan Corp]

The Wave LED Coffee Table Provides Motion-Seeking Light Show

kevinhall2 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EDT

Here's an interactive LED coffee table that refuses to simply table your coffee—it twinkles and sparkles, reacting to movement. The Wave uses 32 near-infrared sensors which observe the space above the table and any motion detected is mimicked with trails of light and color from 480 LEDs.

A cat, for instance, would be followed by LEDs as it walked across the table. Once sitting, only its moving parts would be responded to, such as its tail. It's good that the table only uses 35 Watts of power when fully active, or else mesmerized guests would run your coffers absolutely dry. Each 62" long, 31" wide, and 18" high table is made to order and starts at around $2,500. Check out the gallery if you're comfortable with the idea of a table entertaining guests better than you can. [Because We Can via coolest-gadgets]

Fujifilm IS Pro Digital SLR Camera Has Predator Vision

Wilson Rothman — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:03:02 EDT

Forget the visible light spectrum, any camera can hack that. The Fujifilm IS Pro is the most recent camera in Fujifilm's pro lineup that can shoot in the ultraviolet and infrared spectrums as well. Tooled for professional snoops, it also has such gumshoey features as one-touch black-and-white Live Image Preview, post capture face-detection that identifies up to 10 faces per image and Mirror Lock-Up and Shutter Delay to reduce image blur in a long exposure. It's simply the choicest thing to accompany your coffee thermos and box of doughnuts on those long overnight stakeouts. Jump for the details, right from the horse's mouth.

FUJIFILM LAUNCHES LATEST IN LINE OF INFRARED DIGITAL CAMERAS
Fujifilm IS Pro Makes it Easier for Law Enforcement Agencies to Enter Into UV and IR Investigative Photography

Valhalla, NY, July 13, 2007 - Following up on the success of the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR and IS-1 infrared digital cameras, Fujifilm today announced the IS Pro, the latest in a line that has proved popular with technical, law enforcement, medical research and scientific communities.

The IS Pro utilizes Fujifilm's Super CCD Pro and Real Photo Processor Pro technology to see light from the ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) portion of the spectrum (approx. 380nm - 1000nm). It also benefits from compatibility with Nikon F mount lenses and Nikon iTTL flash systems, making it a cost effective solution for law enforcement agencies that already have Nikon components.

In addition, and to accommodate the growing needs of its specialized customers, Fujifilm has produced several system packages for the IS Pro digital SLR. These system packages range from the basic camera kit to advanced full system kits, along with a new set of UV and IR filters.

Dark opaque filters that cover the lens often render the viewfinder useless, so the IS Pro carries specialized features useful for investigative photography, such as a special quick activate one touch Live Image Preview (black and white) mode that can be activated by pressing the "Display/Back" button for three seconds. This makes fast access to Live Preview mode much easier when used on forensic copy stand tables in dark room environments. Its Mirror Lock-Up and Shutter Delay features also aid in reducing image blur during long exposures. It also has a specially formulated protective CCD glass filter that was designed to help protect the Super CCD Pro from dust and general maintenance damage while maximizing its UV and IR gathering potential.

"We're very excited to be offering this highly-anticipated camera to customers here in the U.S.," said Darin Pepple, consumer and professional marketing manager with Fujifilm's Electronic Imaging Division. "With our different kits, at different price levels, we are making it easier for law enforcement agencies to achieve a quick, cost-effective solution for entering into UV and IR investigative photography."

Live Image CCD Preview
Fujifilm pioneered Live Image CCD Preview for DSLRs. The IS Pro provides a 30-second Live Image CCD preview to the camera's LCD monitor directly from the imaging sensor in color or black and white. To further improve the process, the Live Image Preview can be digitally magnified and brightness adjusted to improve focusing accuracy or to compensate for light intensity. The video image can also be viewed on an NTSC/PAL monitor, or on the PC over the camera's USB 2.0 connection directly from Fujifilm's optional HyperUtility HS-V3 software.

Fujifilm's Post Capture Face Detection
The camera can be used for conventional daylight photography by adding a UVIR cut filter to the lens. And with Fujifilm's Post Capture Face Detection, after capture faces are automatically zoomed in during playback to confirm focus and exposure of up to 10 faces per image. Skin color quality is dependent on the brand of UVIR cut filter used.

Fujifilm IS Pro Digital SLR Kits
The four kits available in the U.S. come with a free online introduction to Fujifilm Forensic Infrared Photography from BioMed Studios, with additional courses available for a fee.

1. $2599.95 Body Only - Camera Body; Battery; Charger

2. $2699.95 Basic System Kit - Camera Body; Battery; Charger; AC Adapter; HyperUtility HS-V3 Software; CCD Dust Blower

3. $3799 Forensic Filter System Kit - Camera Body; AC Adapter; Battery Charger; AC Adapter; HyperUtility HS-V3 Software; CCD Dust Blower; Peca Products 67mm Filter Kit with 7 IR, 1 UVIR (18a), 1 UVIR Blocking, three step rings: 55-58, 58-67, 62-67; 15' Combo USB/Firewire Cable (S3/S5 Compatible); Rubber Camera Body Armor by Made Products

4. $4999 Forensic System Kit with Zeiss Lens - Camera Body; AC Adapter; Battery Charger; Zeiss 50mm Macro 1:2 F2.0 Lens with IR focusing offset marking (Not suitable for UV photography. UV requires a quartz UV lens for optimal UV performance); HyperUtility Software HS-V3 Software; CCD Dust Blower; Peca Products 67mm Filter Kit with 7 IR, 1 UVIR (18a), 1 UVIR Blocking, three step rings; 55-58, 58-67, 62-67; 15' Combo USB/ Firewire Cable (S3/S5 Compatible); Rubber Camera Body Armor by Made Products

UV and IR Filters
Two of the kits listed above contain a collection of forensic UV and IR filters from Peca Products, Inc. They are the most common, yet hard to find set of filters that most forensic specialists use during investigations.

"Dealers are often asked to suggest filters for use with our cameras" said Darin Pepple. "Now that guesswork is gone, and purchasing a forensic camera system has been simplified."

For more information on Peca Products filters, please visit http://www.ir-uv.com/IR-UV%20Filters.htm

Improving Workflow
An optional IS Pro firmware upgrade due out later this Autumn will support in camera TIFF file formats in three resolutions. In addition, Fujifilm USA will offer an optional Bar Code Scanner option that allows for alpha-numeric data read by the bar code reader directly into the IS Pro's image file as part of the EXIF header in JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats. This data can later be recalled so that images are synched to databases using special software programs.

Bar codes of driver's licenses, employee IDs, automotive VIN tags, credit cards, evidence tags, or any object with a bar code can be recorded directly to the camera. The same can also be accomplished with a magnetic card reader. Fujifilm provides an optional kit ($479.95) that includes a fully programmed and ready to use Symbol/Motorola LS2208 bar code reader with RS232 Kit and AC Adapter, Nikon MC-35 GPS/Serial Camera Adapter, Kingston 2GB Compact Flash Card, Scan to Reprogram Setup Card, and Tenba carrying case.

Fujifilm's optional Hyper Utility Software HS-V3 version 1.1 enables tethered shooting direct to a MAC or PC, with control from the camera or computer via a USB 2.0 connection. This option significantly speeds image capture and quality verification. Its Split Screen Mode allows photographers to fine tune the focus through a series of quick succession shots. This feature is highly useful during very low light UV photography where Live Image Preview becomes difficult. In addition, Live Image Preview from the computer is possible via its USB connection. Using the PC Capture mode can reduce or limit the photographer's exposure to harmful UV light by placing distance between the photographer and the object being photographed. Advanced RAW file conversion to JPEG, TIFF 8 bit and TIFF 16 bit is also provided by the HyperUtility HS-V3 software.

Windows XP RobuDOG Plays Ball And Takes Pictures

kevinhall2 — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:21:34 EDT

The Windows XP-running RobuDOG is part robopet, part photographer. The dog's colorful noggin is packed with all sorts of goodies, including infrared sensors for guidance and an "intelligent, programmable" color camera. So, while using its 17 servo-powered joints and articulated ankles to run and kick a ball around—something it's supposed to be better at than your average dog—the RobuDOG will also be able to take snaps of the action.

The robomutt comes with 2GB of built-in flash memory, probably for scripts and pictures. With Windows XP and its b/g wireless capabilities, we're hoping it can just toss its snaps to Windows-based PCs around the house. What you might end up with is a cool gallery of your life as seen by your RobuDOG. That also means it will be able to use Windows programs geared toward robots, like Microsoft's Robotics Studio.

The RobuDOG uses a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor, 512 MB of internal RAM, both an Ethernet and a USB port, and a speaker allowing it to bark. Developed in France, the RobuDOG is going to cost around 3,200 Euros, so expect to pay upwards of $4,400 to get it in the States. [WindowsForDevices via GearLog]

Infrared Wine Thermometer, Corkscrew

Travis Hudson — Wed, 23 May 2007 20:00:44 EDT

I am a bit of a wine snob, if I do say so myself. Every time I am ready to crack open that bottle of Boone's Farm I have to make sure I know it is the right temperature for consuming. That stuff is pretty classy at $3 per bottle, and I wouldn't want to ruin a bottle by compromising its flavor. Checking wine temperature is even easier with this device. It uses infrared technology to check the temperature of the wine and if it is ready for drinking you can flip out the corkscrew and get drinking. It also includes a bottle opener if you want to know your beer is the right temperature and also a knife so can temperature-check that fish before hacking it open. Haven't you heard the proverb: "Those who hack a cold fish go home a warm duck"? $130. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Infrared Thermometers Give You a New Pickup Line

Jason Chen — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:30:59 EDT

Although it's not specifically used for wine, like the Nuvo Vino, there's nothing technically stopping you from taking temperatures of your drinks with these infrared thermometers.

They come in three sizes—keychain, pocket, and radar detector—and all are able to measure anywhere between -76 degrees F to 938 degrees F. Word of advice: If you're pointing this at something and it's reading 938 degrees F, back away. – Jason Chen

Largest Size [X-Treme Geek]

Pocket Size [X-treme Geek]

Keychain Size [X-treme Geek]

Infrared Soap Dispenser Makes Your Home Like a Public Toilet

Jason Chen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:40:26 EDT

Really savor the feeling of using sinks in public bathrooms? Now you can get halfway there with this infrared soap dispenser. All you need to do is add 4 AA batteries, pour in some liquid soap, spray some pee around and below the rim of the toilet, smear poop in the wall next to where you wrote your phone number in Sharpie, and voila, you're good to go.

How'd that one about George Michael's latest release go again? – Jason Chen

Product Page [Grandinroad via Red Ferret]

I.master Intelligent Wastebin - Smart Garbage Can for Smart People?

www.gizmodo.com — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:49:21 EST

The Wastecan i.Master Wesco is definitely much smarter than your trash can. It features an invisible infrared sensor at the top that senses when your hand is near, filled with stinky trash, and automatically opens the lid without the need for involvement from you other hand or your foot for that matter.

The fact that this trash can opens its greedy little mouth at your impending garbage deposit is undoubtedly cool, but don't be fooled by the photo—it does not allow you to shoot red laser beams out of the palm of your hands. And for the $430 price tag, it really ought to. –Dana Bushman

i.Master Wesco Wastecan [via Popgadget]

Nuvo Vino For Winos

Jason Chen — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:01:38 EST

Like the Vinturi, this Nuvo Vino is only designed for people who really like wine. Why? Because who else would spend $45 on a IR Wine Thermometer that's designed not to touch the wine when taking its temperature.

After getting your wine at just the right warmness or coldness, you're free to chug it down and realize you spent fifty bones on this thing. Seek help, wino. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Nuvovino via Uncrate via Crave]

Fujifilm Finepix IS-1 10.7x Infrared Zoomer

Jason Chen — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:10:20 EST

The Finepix IS-1 is a specialized shooter that lets users take infrared photos without the need for complicated DIY modding. Just use an infrared cut filter and you're good to go.

It has a 10.7x opitcal zoom, ISO of up to 1600 and ships in February for $899. Don't be surprised if you see this pop up on your favorite iteration of CSI. – Jason Chen

Fujifilm Finepix IS-1 [LivingRoom]

PervModo: CVS Nightvision Edition

Jason Chen — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:45:04 EST

Want to peek on your step-sister in the dark but don't have enough allowance money to buy real night-vision goggles? Build your own goofy-looking contraption with a CVS camcorder and some elbow grease.

First, stick a USB connector on there. Then, take out the infrared filter so you can record infrared in the dark. The last step? Buy some Radioshack infrared LEDs as a light source, glue them on the front, and you're in business.

The finished setup looks RIDICULOUS, but gets the job done. Christmas is coming early this year for this young man. Result after the jump.

– Jason Chen

CVS Camcorder based night vision [Brandfe - Thanks Elliot!]

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro UVIR Digital SLR: Infrared and Ultraviolet Camera Sees the Unseen

Charlie White — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:31:22 EDT

Fujifilm introduced its FinePix S3 Pro UVIR digital SLR camera, which the company calls the world's first production DSLR that can take photos in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrum. Fujifilm is marketing the 12.3-megapixel camera to law enforcement agencies, who can use ultraviolet and infrared photography to visualize evidence that's hard to see with the human eye, such as bloodstains and gunshot residue. The S3 Pro UVIR lets those cops and detectives preview all this stuff live in its smallish two-inch viewscreen.

Fujifilm is also targeting science, medical and fine art disciplines with the camera, but doesn't mention that infrared photography gives you the ability to see through people's clothes. Available next month, it'll cost you $1800 to become a private eye, or perhaps find your way into the poky for taking high-tech up-skirt shots. It's the first digital SLR camera that may require new legislation to be introduced along with its rollout. – Charlie White

Product Page [Fujifilm]

Infrared Sauna, Burn Calories While Doing Nothing

Gizloco — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 12:32:20 EDT

Healthmate's sauna uses infrared technology to make your sauna-going experience all the more pleasurable. Rather than having to heat the air and have steam do all the work, the infrared heats the body directly. The company claims that within 30 minutes users can lose up to 1,000 calories. Additionally, all that warming warmth has other health benefits, including an increased blood flow that may help with things like arthritis and sprains.

Compared to regular saunas, which only eliminate three percent of body toxins (which are...?), this sauna eliminates up to 20 percent of said toxins, doing so while operating at a lower temperature. It's made from spruce or cedar and costs only about 50 cents per hour to run.

The single-person version costs $3,500. For people who aren't terribly lonely, the five-person version costs $8,250. Before you know it, your house could end up like Mr. Hefner's mansion. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Healthmate via TechEBlog ]

Remote Control Jammer

Charlie White — Thu, 11 May 2006 11:09:02 EDT

TVs are everywhere, and sometimes there's even one showing something that you'd like to watch, but then along comes a bartender or someone you live with who changes the channel at the most inopportune time. For that, we present the Remote Control Jammer, a tiny device that blocks all infrared signals so that you're the only one in control.

Try it out for a practical joke or two, if nothing else. Who knows, someone might actually get up ~~off her ass~~ and walk over to the TV, changing the channel without a remote, like our forefathers used to do in olden times. Is this possible?

Product Page [The Gadget Shop]

Kaya Optics Makes Your Camera See Through Clothes

Jason Chen — Tue, 02 May 2006 01:29:22 EDT

Infrared filters like the Kaya Optics PF4 were available accidentally on Sony cameras some years ago, before being quickly taken off the market. Since then, voyeurs have developed an extensive after-market and DIY system for these types of filters that can "see" through clothes. Kaya's new filter allows you plug and play functionality into your existing recorders that use CCD (Charged Coupled Device).

The PF4 is probably either going to be banned pretty soon, or have strict restrictions placed on where and when you can use them. Until then, we look forward to seeing more mannequin nipples.

Kaya Optics [Kaya Optics via
Mobile Whack]

Hands-On: ThermoHawk 200 Touchless Infrared Thermometer

Charlie White — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 19:39:34 EDT

If you're curious about the temperature of objects in your world, the ThermoHawk 200 Touchless Infrared Thermometer by Q3 Innovations can give you instant readings of the surface temperature of just about anything. About half the size of a ballpoint pen, it has a range of between -27°F and 230°F, and uses an infrared sensor to figure out how hot or how cold something is, quickly showing you its results on a monochrome LCD within one second.

We tested this instrument in a variety of circumstances, and although it's not a body temperature thermometer, we found it to be quite handy at measuring the temperature of various things like the inside of a freezer (4 degrees), a car engine (147 degrees), and the temperature of the water at the old fishing hole (52 degrees). We came to appreciate its ability to touchlessly measure things like boiling water, a substance that we don't want to get too close to, especially for the half a minute it would take to get an accurate reading using a conventional thermometer. It's a lot of fun to play with this device—along the lines of a laser pointer—but it's a pretty expensive impulse item at $59.95.

Product page [Q3 Innovations]
Review: ThermoHawk 200 Touchless Infrared Thermometer [Consumer Electronics Net]

USB OptiCam With Infrared

gizmodo.com — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 15:48:58 EDT

If you've ever wanted to make your own Paris Hilton grainy infrared sex video, this USB OptiCam webcam has two infrared lamps and a nightvision setting. Forget hotel chain fortunes; at just $20, even the heir to a trailer park could spring for one of these.

USB OptiCam With Infra-Red [USBGeeks.com, via Red Ferret]

iAlertU MacBook Alarm Demoed

Robb — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 13:51:46 EDT

Those responsible for the iAlertU alarm application now have footage of the application in action. Though mere software, it allows the operator to use the infrared remote to set their MacBook Pro, from afar, to become a noisy public nuisance if it is moved.

This is made possible thanks to the motion sensor in the new MacBook: the villain grabs it, moves it, and the MacBook goes crazy and starts screaming and slapping its own head. Our villain yelps in surprise and drops your MacBook to the ground, where it breaks into a $3,000 pile of junk.

It's early days, with some obvious gotchas: the mute button, for example. As a first line of defence, however, it could be a boon for students and anyone else who doesn't want to have to lug their machine with them every time they want to get a coke or spend a penny.

iAlertU video [ialertu.com]

Panasonic and the Infrared Toaster

Gizloco — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:30:00 EST

It s about time somebody used all this wonderful new technology to make heating up frozen pizzas quicker. Thanks to what Panasonic dubs FlashXpress technology, the Panasonic FlashXpress Infrared Toaster Oven is able to heat up food 40% quicker. The oven uses infrared radiation to heat up food and coupled with instant heating, there s no more waiting around for the oven to pre-heat, the death knell of many an all night gaming session. It s only $119 and comes in both white and silver.

Panasonic Makes Dinner Infra-Ready A Lot Faster [OhGizmo!]

Product Page [Panasonic]

Genius Infrared Webcam

tgrumet — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:30:20 EST

Yea, we think it's pretty hot, but we're not saying it's genius. The company that makes this infrared VideoCAM Trek 310 is actually called Genius and the IR turns on automatically when lighting conditions are low or not up to standard. The camera is 1.3 megapixels and has 32-bit VGA video up to 30 FPS. I don't even want to know what you're doing in the dark with a webcam, so let's keep that under wraps, shall we?

Genius VideoCAM Trek 310: infrared webcam [gadgetreview]

One Mobile Photo

Noah R — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 14:52:17 EDT

Now that camera phones are yielding somewhat decent photos, and higher megapixel phones are definitely on the way, Fuji has announced a Digital Mobile Printer that weighs about 7 oz and uses two CRT lithium batteries to create a credit card sized image. Of course, the MP-70 only works with infrared enabled cameraphones—mainly from Nokia, Siemens and Sony Ericsson. We know most of your fave pictures are taken in low light situations (pervert) so the Fuji Image Intelligence function gives you auto exposure compensation for brighter, clearer images. You'll have to wait until end of September to pick this up, and it will cost $129.