<![CDATA[Gizmodo: Magnets]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: Magnets]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/magnets http://gizmodo.com/tag/magnets <![CDATA[ Art Lebedev Design for the Rest of Us: Pixelated Mouse-Pointer Fridge Magnets ]]> When they're not designing $1,500 OLED keyboards or hot WiMax phone concepts, it's good to know the guys over at Art Lebedev Studio like to keep the common folk in mind, sometimes. The common folk who will like to pin up printouts of Gizmodo posts to their fridge with these pixel-art mouse-pointer magnets. They're about 2.5-inches tall and will run you $4 in the Art Lebedev store. [Art Lebedev via Pocket Lint]

]]>
Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:20:00 EDT John Mahoney http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5056184&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ World's Most Powerful Magnet Under Construction in Florida ]]> You have probably heard stories about patient injuries or deaths occurring when someone introduces a heavy metal object into the same room as an MRI machine. Obviously, we are talking about some seriously powerful magnets here. However, the $10 million magnet currently under construction at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida is expected to reach 100 tesla when finished—about 67 times more powerful than a typical MRI machine.

That is just the kind of power needed to test the properties of high-temperature superconductors like iron oxyarsenide, which may result in better, cheaper MRI machines and high-voltage power lines. It could also be used for certain zero-gravity experiments and magnetic propulsion systems that could eliminate the need for traditional rockets down the line. Researchers have been able to create magnetic fields over 100 T for years, but if successful, this would be the first magnet that could repeatedly hold up to the strain. According to Greg Boebinger, director of the Magnet Lab, the magnet will have to resist Lorentz forces “equivalent to the explosive force of 200 sticks of dynamite packed into a volume of space the size of a marble.” [IEEE Spectrum Online via New Launches via Dvice]

]]>
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:20:00 EDT Sean Fallon http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5044583&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Space Invaders Have Infiltrated the Kitchen ]]> The Space Invaders magnet set—the perfect accompaniment to your refrigerator. But don't even think about reaching for that milk without a pixel blaster. Oh, you're out of ammo? Poor baby. Guess you're ordering a pizza. Dial, bitch. (Or order online, of course.) [Jlist via Random Good Stuff]

]]>
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:40:00 EDT Mark Wilson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5036525&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ How To Cure GSM Speaker Buzz ]]> Maclife suggests ferrite beads as a fix for the GSM buzz emanating from speakers when placed near a busy cellphone. I found some of the snap variety you can order from Radio Shack, but am unsure of this trick working when it comes to situations where the entire length of cable is receiving interference, or on an input cable like that on a tape adapter where the signal eventually gets amplified. [MacLife, via smashgods, Radioshack]

]]>
Sun, 03 Aug 2008 14:30:10 EDT Brian Lam http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5032497&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Neocube Is Better Than the Rubik's Cube Because There's No Right Answer ]]> Rubik's Cubes are nice if you actually want to think, but how about for those times when you're just sitting there and you want something to fiddle with? The Neocube has 216 spherical neodymium magnets that connect and make a cube, a sphere, or any other obscene shape that springs to mind. Show me a man who doesn't like playing with magnets and I'll show you a man I don't much care for. All yours for just $34.95. Bonus video after the jump.


[Neocube]

]]>
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=385802&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Sour Milk Detector Saves Your Olfactory Receptors ]]> Kelis%20Se%20Mi%20GI.jpgBoffins have developed a smart chip that indicates whether milk has turned sour at the checkout, saving you the potentially unpleasant task of deciphering the health of the white stuff when you get home. The device will be sensitive to the thickness of the container's contents, and when it passes by the cashier's scanner it will begin to vibrate. If the contents is too thick, the vibration will be slower than expected and visa versa. Any detection of irregular speed vibrations will lead to an alarm being set off at the checkout, saving you cash and hassle.

The detectors are to cost about a penny a carton, and they will have a wider implementation than just milk should initial tests work out well. Kelis was ever so confident her milkshake would bring all the boys to the yard and now we know why—she obviously had a beta sour milk detector device. Kudos, Kelis. [Daily Mail]

]]>
Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EDT Haroon Malik http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=368438&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Maglev Haptic Control Technology Could be Used for Microsurgery, Robot Control ]]> Gadget Lab got a hands-on demo with a prototype magnetic levitation haptic control unit at Carnegie Mellon University, where they experienced the artifical feel (via magnets) of 3d rabbits, hard surfaces and vinyl records. In addition to simulating the general shapes of objects, the technology can accurately reproduce qualities like texture and elasticity using an interesting dual joystick set up.

The maglev haptic control consists of two bowl shape objects, powered by electromagnets. Inside these bowls, a joystick floats around with a tracking sensor that relays its position back to a Linux Fedora-powered computer. The technology is precise to 2 microns and produces 40 newtons of force. One specific demo was the "physics playpen," where a variety of 3d shapes were displayed on screen and users could interact with them using the joysticks; moving the shapes back and forth between each hand, getting feedback of the collision, and a feel for the volume and weight of the objects.

Ultimately, the goal for this maglev haptic technology would be to have it implemented in a medical setting (microsurgery), military use (drone control), or even data visualzation (minority report, perhaps?). Just don't expect it anytime soon, as the electromagnets that power this thing cost tens of thousands of dollars alone. More pics are available over at [Gadget Lab].

]]>
Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:15:29 EST Adrian Covert http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=364370&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Magnetic Curtains Retain Whatever Shape You Put Them In ]]> I can't say that I've seen too many great innovations in the world of curtains lately, but these Magnetic Curtains actually get me excited about something I previously thought only moms cared about. They're big ol' curtains, but they have small magnets embedded throughout, allowing them to be bunched up and stay together. If I had gigantic windows in a hip loft like the example above, I would be all about these. I somehow don't think they'd be as cool on normal-sized windows though. Oh well, they seem to just be a concept design anyways. [Product Page via MoCo Loco]

]]>
Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:00:06 EST Adam Frucci http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=353266&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Hoverit Lounger: Relaxation Through Levitation ]]> The latest in relaxation technology comes to us from British company Hoverit in the form of a handmade acrylic lounger that can hover in mid air. As you might have guessed, the gravity defying aspects of the chair derive from repelling magnetic forces in both the bed and base. Hoverit also suggests that the magnetic forces can "help back, muscular problems and headaches" in addition to delivering a relaxing sensation akin to floating on air. More after the break.

The CAD designed chair pictured here is the first in what will become a series of magnetized floating chairs. Unfortunately, pricing information has not been made available—but think expensive thoughts. That having been said, the least they could do is throw in a cushion. Floating chair or not, the word "comfort" doesn't readily come to mind when I look at this thing. [Product Page via Trendhunter]

]]>
Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:52:13 EST Sean Fallon http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=346269&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ New Induction Cooktops from GE Are the Highest Wattage Ever ]]> Our cooking experience barely goes beyond "Fire. Bad. Keep. Away," but these GE Monogram and Profile induction cooktops have the highest wattage element from an induction cooktop ever. The 3700-watt cookers use magnetic fields to heat up your food, as opposed to gas or electric cookers. Induction cooking's been around for a while, but as evidenced by the small shot of a bunch of ice cubes sitting on the same plate as a tray of boiling water, this technology is fancy. Just cause they're as close to Star Trek as you're going to come in the kitchen, save for the microwave or something. [GE]

]]>
Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:30:26 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=301995&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Embotec Magnet Keyboard Floats Keys ]]> Embotec has just revealed a new concept keyboard that breaks the mold of traditional typing devices, accepting the crush of our fingers with either a spring or rubber base. Instead, the Magnet Keyboard levitates the keys from the board, and regulates the levitation through electromagnetism.

The advantage here is that the keyboard is able to measure multi-finger force and dynamically adjust the resistance. And despite the necessary calculations, response times are supposed to fast enough for gamers and business folk alike. There's no word on price yet, but expect to see the keyboard this year. We'll be sure to buy one, douse it with holy water and send the levitating demon board back where it came from. [aving via ubergizmo]

]]>
Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:30:15 EDT Mark Wilson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=283181&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Magnetic Pajama Buttons Get You From Clothed to Naked in 0.5 Seconds ]]> magnetic_pyjamas.jpgIf you're anything like us, your major complaint about pajamas is that they're just too hard to take off. That, and how urine stains never seem to wash out completely. These magnetic pajama buttons don't do much about problem #2, but they totally take the clothing-removal equation to the next level.

Of course, these magnetic fasteners are designed for the elderly and disabled, but our question is this: Why isn't this on all articles of clothing? Think about it, you could remove clothing LIKE THAT. That means perverts could go around and rip off women's clothing with minimal effort, which just leaves us with the one question: Why isn't this on all articles of clothing?

Magnetic Pyjamas [Plastic Bamboo]

]]>
Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:20:57 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=275737&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ How To: Repel Sharks with Magnets ]]>
Here's a cool trick Eric Stroud and and Michael Herrmann discovered: Sharks hate magnets. And the thing is, anyone who is a shark geek and a magnet geek can kind of mentally put it together. With the shark being able to sense weak currents in the water, this has GOT to feel like chewing tinfoil to Jaws. Next up: Magnets sewn into wetsuits.

]]>
Tue, 15 May 2007 06:49:07 EDT Brian Lam http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=260478&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Magnetic Clothes Hangers Give Your Closet Freedom ]]> Instead of racks and standard hangers—which limit the amount of clothes you can hang even in walk-in closets—Daniel To's Magneto-esque hangers seem to be the next step in hanger evolution. The idea is simple. Put magnets on hangers and hang them from a magnet-friendly surface.

Provided the magnets are strong enough, we can see some pants, jeans, and maybe even coats hanging from these. Plus, what could be cooler than maximizing the entire space of your closet and wading through a sea of clothes like a young William Wallace through dead bodies in that barn.

Designer Site [Daniel To via Freshome - Thanks Micle!]

]]>
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:30:38 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=252863&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Never Lose a Screw Again with Magnogrip ]]> magnogrip.jpgWhether you are a gearhead or a computer repair monkey, dealing with small metal parts is inevitable. The Magnogrip is a powerful, wrist strap that can hold all things metal with the help of magnetism. It may not hold a sandwich (unless you enjoy an aluminum hogie), but the Magnogrip will make sure you never lose a screw, nail, bolt or nut again. $15.

Product Page [ThinkGeek]

]]>
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:30:13 EDT Travis Hudson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=244501&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ How To Make a Strong Refrigerator Magnet ]]> diymagnet.jpgIf those dinky Pizza Hut magnets don't have the OOMPH to actually hold up Pizza Hut coupons, you'll want to try this DIY project to make your own fridge magnet. All you need is an old hard drive, some wire, and a few minutes.

A project that doesn't involve soldering or risk of death? We're so there! Remember to keep this magnet away from other hard drives. Unless, of course, you're a fan of data loss.

The best refridgerator magnet money can't buy [Instructables via MAKE]

]]>
Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:07:27 EST Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=218477&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ CrazyPC Hovering Mouse ... Hovers, Likely is Carcinogenic ]]> It's a fake. Still neat, though.

This is supposedly the first 100 percent frictionless mouse. Why no friction? Because it hovers approximately one centimeter above the mousepad. It does so with the help of "patent-pending electromagnetic hovering technology." Maybe it is just me, but having electromagnetic waves pulsating throughout your hand all day can't be safe. Also, if it hovers with magnets, you wouldn't be able to put any downward pressure on the mouse. CrazyPC claims it reduces stress on the wrist and improves accuracy gaming. The Hover Mouse is available for $75.

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

]]>
Mon, 20 Nov 2006 14:22:12 EST Travis Hudson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=216117&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Frigits Mini Rube Goldberg Toys ]]> Frigits.JPGWe've seen some pretty awesome Rube Goldberg machines in the past, but if you were too lazy or don't have enough room to build one yourself, Frigits may be the solution. This is a set of miniature contraptions that allow you to set up a Rube Goldberg-style machine on anything capable of holding magnets. Impress your friends at the office, or just set one up on the refrigerator. Regardless, it is a easier and painless solution to filling that Rube Goldberg fix. The complete Frigits Deluxe set goes for $30.

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

]]>
Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:01:22 EST Travis Hudson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=214345&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Reelight: The Motion-Powered Bike Light ]]> Giving bikers even more protection against being hit by cars, the Electrodynamic Bike Light attaches to both wheels and shines forward and backwards to improve visibility at night. Instead of being powered by batteries or friction, like rim mounted dynamos, these use electromagnetic induction. For those who skipped physics class, that means two magnets, in this case neodynium magnets, pass by each other as the wheels spin, which generates current, which then powers the lights.

The only downside is that there's no light when you're not moving, so be careful at those traffic lights. Available now for 18 ($22) for one or 34 ($43) for a pair. Ships out of Copenhagen.

Product Page [Reelight via Treehugger]

]]>
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:50:45 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=200685&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Tetris Magnets: For the Fridge ]]>
Only two minutes until your cheese meatloaf TV dinner is done. Seems like an eternity. Instead of staring at your microwave, drop some lines with these Tetris refrigerator magnets.

Tetris Magnets [Art Lebedev]

]]>
Mon, 21 Aug 2006 16:51:19 EDT Brian Lam http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=195635&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Sidekick 3 May Erase Your Credit Cards ]]>

Ah, the Sidekick 3, with its IMing, emailing, texting and credit card erasing capabilities. Wait, credit card erasing?

A couple guys started experimenting with the SK3 once they found a pen sticking to it when they removed the former from a bag. They went on to find that the magnetic latch that allows the SK to do the "cool flippy thing" is really powerful. When open, it can hold up a regular table knife. When closed, it's still able to hold up a fork.

So what does this do to that credit card sitting next to the Sidekick in your pocket? It obliterates the stored data. These guys took an expired card and ran it through a terminal to test whether it was recognized—it was. After sticking the card up next to the closed SK3's magnet, subsequent swipes produced absolutely nothing on the terminal. It wasn't even recognized as a valid card.

Someone ought to go try this with the card inside of a wallet and see how thick of a wallet is necessary to protect your cards, driver's licenses and badges. For now, you may want to keep them in separate pockets.

Sidekick 3 Warning: Sidekick 3's Magnet Will Erase Your Credit Card in Under a Second [The Internet Patrol - Thanks Phil!]

]]>
Thu, 13 Jul 2006 19:30:37 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=187223&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Timesphere Clock ]]> timesphere-clock.jpgAnother interesting clock named "Timesphere", but this one's not in Death Star black. The clock has a little magnetic ball that rotates around the clock, seemingly defying gravity.

This is similar to when you would play with magnets as a kid, placing one above and one below a table, and making the top one move by itself. Except now a machine does the movement for you, so you're free to finish up that watercolor of your dog.

Timesphere Clock [Moma via Coolest Gadgets]

]]>
Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:48:41 EDT Jason Chen http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=184710&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Body Modification Goes High-Tech: Magnet Implants ]]> remagnetized2_f.jpgWhat happens when you place a body modification artist and a neuroscientist in a room? Well besides a match made in heaven, you would get a unique body mod that give somewhat of a true sixth sense. Steve Haworth, a body-mod artist, originally wanted a magnet implant to hold metal jewelry. That idea was unsuccessful because the skin between the magnet and object would eventually die. Haworth and Todd Huffman, the Arizona State graduate student with background in neuroscience, continued with the implant idea but took a different direction.

With a magnet implanted in the skin, the body would be able to detect electromagnetic fields. In response to EM fields that magnet—implanted in the ring finger—would move ever so slightly and stimulate the nerves in the finger. Any kind of a EM field could be felt in the finger by a tingling sensation—speakers, hard drives, refrigerators, etc. Hit the jump for some more details on this unique procedure.

Huffman, who received the implant, began experiencing problems several months after the operation. The body began breaking the magnet down after the silicone coating failed. The body shattered the magnet into tiny pieces and Huffman lost sensation, but the magnet later rebuilt itself and he gained the sensation back. He discourages anyone from trying this because of the related risks. Haworth plans on continuing to work on magnet implants but using a different type of magnet and a stronger silicone coating.

A Sixth Sense for a Wired World [Wired]

]]>
Wed, 07 Jun 2006 13:25:59 EDT Travis Hudson http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=179027&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Custom Appliance Panels ]]>  - GizmodoNot sure about the overall value of these things, but if you're really bored with your washer and dryer, you could probably try this out. These things are large format magnets that stick to any metallic surface. They can be custom printed or pre-printed with apples and eggs and other fancy images.

VINÇON - Original Panel [StyleHive via BornRich]

]]>
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 07:22:11 EDT johnb http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=165336&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Bored? Bust Out The Neodymium Magnets ]]> magnets2.jpg

United Nuclear has a good idea here. They believe that all other magnets are wimpy and puny! So they make high-quality neodymium magnets for you to play with. These magnets are rated at N40, unlike other magnets which clock in at under N40. What's this mean to you? It means these are some strong-ass magnets to play with. They attract metal from over 12 inches away and if you buy the hardcore kind, they can even bruise you or break your fingers, according to the website. Sounds like the perfect thing to get your kid for the holidays so he or she can put the serious hurt on the little brother/sister.

Product Page

]]>
Mon, 05 Dec 2005 16:00:02 EST gizmodo.com http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=140914&view=rss&microfeed=true