Gearfuse Technology, Science, Culture & More

Some theorists worry that in the not-so-distant future, self-replicating machines will continue to reproduce until the entire world is overrun by machines. While this makes for a great addition to “The Matrix” trilogy, it’s probably not going to happen in our lifetime. If there were anything to worry about though, RepRap would be it. RepRap is a rapid-prototyping machine that ...

Alexander Gurko went and turned an old, useless computer into a poverty-stricken jukebox. Using 3.75 and 2.5 inch floppy drive and a very old hard disk, the run-down PC chooses it’s own tunes. The Catch? “BeggingBot” plays some DJ Techno/House beats but if and only if you pay it via the CD-ROM tray. We’ve seen PCs playing music with their ...

Japanese researchers have devised a prototype that renders 3D images by using pictures taken by 64 cameras placed on an 8 x 8 grid. The 3D display is comprised of a small assortment of shapes and colors.� The images taken by the cameras look three-dimensional to the naked eye and researchers say it’s, “almost real time.” By taking 60 angled ...

Ever eye over a Chumby and think to yourself, “That’s one cool gadget, but I’m not looking to spend the cash on a widget machine.” That we have and I’m sure the creators of the YBox 2 Kit have as well. This DIY kit allows you to build and create your own machine that displays customizable content. Think Chumby meets ...

Laptops are a pain in the ass to relax with if you’re not sitting at a desk. Thankfully, there are alternatives to burning a hole in your crotch. FeDom is marketing a notebook desk with built-in 2.1 speakers as well as cooling fans. The desk is compatible with a bunch of operating systems, including those still stuck using Win98 SE. ...

Here?s a delicious helping of good reads from around the ?net. Pimp My SpacecraftI don’t think it gets better than $10 for a 4GB USB flash driveGuitar-shaped key covers ROCKBetter hide, ’cause it’s Internet Week in New York CityGoogle Android phones will drop by the end of this yearJerry Yang’s a bitchYay! Free WiFi at Starbucks starts todayUgh. Time Warner ...

Straight out of the Beetlejuice film comes Dust Furniture, an acid-trip take on real furniture except for one thing: you can’t put books on it. Well, certain shelves seem straight but if you check out the gallery there are tons of these designs which aren’t practical shelving space.� That’s alright though, as Dust Furniture is completely for show. Having guests ...

Parasolar, a solar parasol, is the beach umbrella of the future. What with all this “global warming” stuff going on, mankind is pretty much screwed. You’ll have to do your part, like harnessing solar power into umbrellas. Use the Parasolar during sunny days and it will capture solar energy to recharge your gadgets and gear. Equipped with 12-volt output and ...

Designed by DjoDjo, the ORB (Time Orbit Watch) concept watch looks to deliver time in a fashion that would please anyone from Blade Runner. Rotating color lines display seconds, minutes and hours of the day and supposedly, you can touch the lines and drag them to adjust your watch. Sounds intense. Only two colors were designed, black and white, due ...

Though it’s not the first vehicle designed to ride on abandoned railroad tracks, the RailRunner is certainly the best looking. Using the power of pedaling, this two-seat vehicle can take you up and down town. Need more room? A 4-seat version is indeed available. The wheels closely resemble Skyway Tuff II wheels that were used on many BMX bikes back ...