Trends Updates

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• Apple iPhone 4G & Apple iPad Win The Coveted 2010 Engadget Awards Editors’ Choice
• DARPA Requisitions ‘Cheetah Bot’ With Quick Capture & Evade Capabilities
• Presenting The All New Luxurious ‘New Yorker’ Art Deco Keyboard
• The 3C Company Unveils A First Of its Kind Net Zero Energy Home
• Cycling Grand Tour League Initiates An Around The World Trip On Bicycles
• The Gap Between the Fashion World and the Tech Experts Must be Bridged
• Room 77 Launches A Huge Viewable Hotel Room Database

Apple iPhone 4G & Apple iPad Win The Coveted 2010 Engadget Awards Editors’ Choice Posted: 25 Feb 2011 04:13 PM PST The year 2010 was one of the most thrilling and eventful time for nearly all technology aficionados as well as online tech blogs. With the launch of Apple iPhone 4G and iPad, the previous year offered a wealth of options for consumers to consolidate their lifestyles with mobile technology, while connecting to rest of the world in a more advanced and fashionable manner. One of the most revered and highly respected tech blogs, Engadget, took this opportunity to praise and highlight some of the most awesome and delightful additions to gadget as well as the overall technology industry. After sifting through a plethora of interesting and very compelling entries, Engadget has finally declared the winners for its coveted 2010 Engadget Awards Editors' Choice. Here are the top three gadgets and innovations that took the cream of the cake at the 2010 Engadget Awards Editors' Choice: Gadget of the Year: The principal category at the 2010 Engadget Awards Editors' Choice was not surprisingly, 'Gadget of the Year'. Besides the fact that 2010 produced some of the most enthralling gadgets till date, yet the prestigious title was grabbed by none other than the world's most cherished tablet device, Apple iPad. Launched in the month of April last year, Apple iPad became an instant hit, so much so that, Apple Inc. saw a phenomenal sales rate of the device with one million units being sold out in just 30 days. Sporting a 9.7 inch touchscreen and powered by the cutting edge  1Ghz Apple A4 processor, the iPad offered users the same level of iDevice sophistication in a neat and incredible package. The iPad was introduced with an all new iOS 4 operating system and came with a variety of connectivity options including wifi, Bluetooth and 3G network capabilities. Phone of the Year: Launched in May 2010, the all new Apple iPhone 4, came as a relief for numerous iPhone 3GS users, who has been looking for a viable option to replace their old iPhone. Apple Inc. it seems made it a point not to disappoint its vast fan following by introducing the iPhone 4G, that came with the phenomenal Retina Display, that proved to one of the most astounding features of the new iPhone. Running the new iOS 4 and powered by a 1Ghz Apple A4 processor, iPhone 4G sports a 3.5 inch display with a multi-touch touchscreen. Emphasizing on video calling with Facetime and featuring a 5MP rear camera and a front camera, iPhone 4G gave its consumers exactly what they were looking for. Along with crystal clear photo shots, iPhone 4G also supports HD video recording. Though the iPhone 4G initially came under criticism for its antennae issue, still it turned out to be one of the most successful gadgets of the year. Robot of the Year: When one speaks of technology, it remains incomplete without the mention of robotics, one of the most aggressively evolving tech fields, that garnered its share of spotlight last year. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), who has been accredited with numerous cutting edge tech innovations took the world of robotics by storm in April 2010 when the U.S space agency unveiled its all new robot astronaut, Robonaut 2, or R2. This incredible was conceived from a previous project called, Robonaut and the new Robonaut 2 was the successful result of a joint project between NASA and General Motors (GM). The all new R2 weighs about 300-pounds and has been designed to work both at the GM manufacturing plants, as well as in space conducting extra vehicular activities (EVA). R2 was planned to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) performance testing in zero gravity environment. R2 was designed to mimic the human anatomy, as this incredible robot has been human-like hands and arms, that enables it to take hold of objects and work more freely like humans.

DARPA Requisitions ‘Cheetah Bot’ With Quick Capture & Evade Capabilities Posted: 25 Feb 2011 12:13 PM PST Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or DARPA, of the U.S Department of Defense has for long time been known for its ability to take the thresholds of science and technology to their limits. Keeping up to its reputation, DARPA has now reportedly awarded a contract to Boston Dynamics, where in the company has now been tasked with the creation of a faster than human robot called, Cheetah. Named after the fastest animal in the world, the all new Cheetah robot's designs calls for a Cheetah like structure with four legs, along with a flexible spine, that will not only becomes on the most astounding robotic creations, but will also be programmed to run faster than any human being on earth. The Cheetah Robot project has been inspired from Boston Dynamics's previous army contract that gave birth to the animal bot, BigDog. This highly impressive animal robot was designed and developed to carry supplies for the soldiers on the battlefield. The all new Cheetah project, envisions the development of a Cheetah look alike animal, that will be designed with such agility, that it would be able to carry out capture & evade operations flawlessly, while the animal robot will also be able to stop on a dime. Boston Dynamics has stated that along with its military applications, the Cheetah bot, will also prove to be quite  useful asset for the emergency services, while touting this incredible innovation to be highly applicable in the field of advanced agriculture and vehicular travel. Via Wired

Presenting The All New Luxurious ‘New Yorker’ Art Deco Keyboard Posted: 25 Feb 2011 12:11 PM PST In the recent times, the world has witnessed a rise in the fusion of exquisite art with current generation conventional technology, mostly revolving around computer peripherals and accessories. As the tech industry goes stronger each day, the art world has not only realized the impact of technology in their realm, but has also been stepping up to bring out products that not only have a tech edge to them, but also carry a rare and gorgeous class to them. One such product in discussion today is the all new 'New Yorker' Art Deco Keyboard from designer Richard “Doc” Nagy, who has unveiled this marvelous keyboard on his webpage, Datamancer. Mr. Nagy, is renowned for his unique artistic perspective on tech products and has already designed a long list of art keyboards, that though function as any regular keyboard would do, but carry with an essence of insurmountable panache.. The all new 'New Yorker' Art Deco Keyboard carries a constructed in polished brass and aluminum and this splendid keyboard represents a stepped and layered layout, that itself has been inspired by the incredibly famous, Chrysler Building. Apart from its association with Chrysler Building, the all new Art Deco Keyboard also resounds with one of the most cherished car models of all time, the 'New Yorker' from the renowned automobile manufacturer, Chrysler. The 'New Yorker' Art Deco Keyboard is a USB keyboard that is compatible with both PC and Mac machines. Designed with utmost attention to the ergonomic design aspects, this sensationally gorgeous keyboard provides one of the best typing experiences to be found in luxury keyboard. Designer Richard “Doc” Nagy, is currently planning to reach out to the Asian markets, with such luxury keyboards designed specifically for China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The all new 'New Yorker' Art Deco Keyboard carries a price tag of $2,800 and is available exclusively from the Datamancer website.

The 3C Company Unveils A First Of its Kind Net Zero Energy Home Posted: 25 Feb 2011 11:42 AM PST One of the foremost eco-friendly real estate developers in India, The 3C Company, has now unveiled its latest concept in environment friendly homes in the form of the all new NET ZERO ENERGY HOME.  This incredible and highly innovative energy efficient home design was unveiled at the 12th edition of the Acrex India Expo 2011, that is currently underway at the exhibition grounds in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The all new Net Zero Energy Home, has been designed to provide the common home owners with the necessary know how, enabling them to contribute towards the preservation of environment and significantly reducing their carbon footprints. The concept also aims at providing the home owners with valuable tips without having to fiddle with the décor and aesthetics of their homes. The 3C Company is best known for its innovative and dedicated approach towards a greener real estate development and the firm has already established a name as well as a renowned reputation for itself with the creation of Asia’s first Net Zero Pre Nursery School. The overall goal of the 3C Company is to spread awareness and create innovative opportunities towards the creation of sustainable and eco-friendly architectures. The Net Zero Energy Home, essentially harnesses the power the sun and creates usable energy, that provides the home to work independently, without having to be connected to any external electricity grids. According to Vidur Bharadwaj (Director, The 3C Company), "At the Three C Company we have always strived to set benchmarks in eco friendly designs. In an effort to highlight our technical excellence in creating sustainable buildings, we are showcasing a working model of a net zero energy home, here at the Acrex India Expo. The fully functional model displayed is of a self sustainable home which is environment friendly and can fulfil its energy demands through the help of solar panels and other innovative techniques.” Via India PR Wire

Cycling Grand Tour League Initiates An Around The World Trip On Bicycles Posted: 25 Feb 2011 10:44 AM PST One of the foremost cycling associations in Asia, The Cycling Grand Tour League, has now initiated an all new 'around the world' campaign, where in the organization is urging its members to journey across around the globe on their bicycles and experience the sights and sounds with a truly personal perspective. This incredible new program that is being advertised with the tag line, "Experience the vastness of the world with your own body!" is expected to be accomplished in a highly ambitious time frame of four years, and will be composed of members, who will participate separate in six different legs of the journey across the globe. The Cycling Grand Tour League is made up of Taiwan Asia Adventure Cycling Association (TACA), the Taiwan Cycling Travel Association along with a host of established tourism agencies. Due to the fact that, today's lifestyles barely give people time for themselves, let alone for a world trip on bicycles, TACA therefore segregated the entire trip in six segments, where in each group will be composed of a maximum of 20 cyclists and participants will divide the sections of the world to be covered, thus completing the entire initiative as a group effort. The first leg of this marvelous journey is scheduled to begin in the month of July this year and will cover the entire Silk Road that stretches from Beijing to the Hassock borders. The second leg of the journey scheduled for 2012, will witness the riders covering some of the most scenic locations in Central Asia to the Europe-Asia borders in Turkey. The third and the fourth years of this incredible around the world trip will take place in Europe and North America. The entire stretch of the Silk Road is measured at 6,000 km and as per TACA estimates, the Silk Road journey alone will cost the organizers about $6,700. As per the details of the program, all the riders will cover a distance of about 60 km to 100 km per day on the Silk Road, while being accompanied by a bus. According to Chen Shou-chung (Deputy Director, TACA), "There are a lot of people wanting to go around the world, but they can't find the time or lack the ability and partners to do so. The Grand Tour isn't for people who want to live in the lap of luxury and go shopping." Via Taipei Times

The Gap Between the Fashion World and the Tech Experts Must be Bridged Posted: 25 Feb 2011 07:31 AM PST The use of digital technology and social media by fashion industry is a topic for debate. Along with the New York Fashion Week, the Social Media Week was a big draw with loads of resourceful information. Interacting with the tech guys you realize the enormous possibilities that could be exploited by the fashion industry but the wide gap between the two is seemingly difficult to bridge. The fashion world's foray into social media is often limited to the elementary use of Facebook and twitter. The reluctance on their part to really commit themselves to the new medium and find innovative ways to develop long lasting relationships between the brands and their consumers is curious to say the least. The digital technology is evolving very rapidly and you have to take help from experts to master it and exploit it fully. The experts are more than willing to extend the helping hand and the fashion community has to walk that extra mile to make the connect. Brian Solis is a social media expert and author of Engage. Through his blog he regularly shares winning branding strategies and perspective on successful uses of social media and influence. Brian Stelter, a digital media reporter for the New York Times pointing you in the right direction for the most innovative happenings in social media through his tweets. Adam Ostrow writes of social media, mobile, marketing and business and advices you on the practices you can inject into your brand. The fashion industry must act and adapt. Via: lalanyc

Room 77 Launches A Huge Viewable Hotel Room Database Posted: 25 Feb 2011 01:53 AM PST Nowadays, it is extremely difficult to choose a hotel for either a business trip or vacation, because even with the internet and all its websites there is no way to figure out the services and luxuries offered at hotels  and the size and quality of the rooms cannot be anticipated by the pictures on the website. Room 77 is launching a review website and a search engine that entirely focuses on hotels. The database has already collected 425000 hotel rooms in 2500 hotels, and although this for now just includes three star hotels and above and gives information of hotels only in the North America and in the UK, it will soon include hotels and give these facilities for hotel rooms from other places in the world as well. Room 77 is also getting reviews from travelers and that adds credibility to the information on this website. Room 77 is currently accessible through a website and through an iPhone application. Details regarding the hotel like room categories, square footage, bed type, elevator proximity and if it is a connecting room can be accessed and it also allows a virtual view of the room through the use of Google Earth technology. Room 77's proprietary Room Rank algorithm ranks the best choices according to the user's requirements and "matched" based on how close they come to the requirements. Room 77 has obtained the data and created the database with the help of its own staff but now several hotel chains are willing to and working with them to expand their database. Room 77 has also been discussing this business with Starwood. Room 77 has taken over TripKick and its only competition now is TripAdvisor, which is what is most commonly used for such searches by people. Via: Techcrunch

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