A new software suite called Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System installed in fighter jets is designed to prevent them from crashing straight into the ground. How? By taking over when it detects that the plane is going to fly straight into the ground, usually when the pilot's unconscious. The system can avoid 98% of plane-to-ground crashes, so it's probably not a good idea to use the system to show off to your friends. There's a 1 out of 50 chance you'll end up like Goose. -Jason Chen
[Press Zoom via The Raw Feed via Sci Fi]
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If we were to grade a hack or a mod on nerdiness, this NES controller iPod remote would definitely be on the Dean's list this semester. Some guy took a PIC microcontroller, shoved it into the NES controller, and somehow got it to hook up to the 3G and 4G microcontroller port in Apple's iPod. The result: an extremely retro gadget controlling a slightly less retro gadget. -Jason Chen
[Instructables via Play Gadgets]
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Meet the new Denon AH-D5000 'Mahogany' closed headphones, designed to caress your ears and empty your bank account at the same time. The idea though is that they make music sound so good that you won’t even care.
The AH-D5000s feature polished mahogany capsule housings. Denon maintains that the “acoustic properties of the wood to add natural warmth and resonance to the music”. There are two key technologies in use in the hew headphones.
The Microfiber used in the diaphragms is 100 times smaller than natural cellulose, allowing for a denser material that increases frequency transmission rates for better sound, more detail, and lower distortion. Also, the acoustic optimiser used adjusts sound pressure balance in front of and behind the diaphragm to deliver dynamic bass sounds.
Jump now for the full specifications.-Martin Lynch
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Sony has finally taken the wraps off the 80GB PS3 for the US and Canadian markets. The new model, which bumps up the hard disk drive by 20GB, is available immediately in the big retailers and online for $599. The console will come with MotorStorm bundled as standard. According to the official material:
“The 80GB PS3 offers expanded options in the PS3 family of products for those who want to enjoy more downloadable content,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing, SCEA.
“The new model will provide ample storage space to meet the appetites of those who wish to download content today, and for many more years to come. With the expanded disk capacity and dynamic system upgrades, we have effectively created a system that is 'future-proof', providing consumers an exceptional entertainment value that will stand the test of time.”
The 60GB model now costs of $499, thanks to a $100 price cut in the US and Canada ONLY, back in July.-Martin Lynch
PS3 sony console xbox games
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Gamers on this side of the pond are just digesting the news that Microsoft has confirmed the expected $50 price drop on the Xbox 360 Premium in the US. This is the first cut since it launched in November 2005.
The cuts start tomorrow with the Premium costing $350, the Core system $280 and the Elite $450. Microsoft is refusing to confirm any cuts for here though but everyone is hoping that it’s planning to announce something at the Games Convention in Leipzig in a couple of weeks [August 20-22]. Let’s hope it’s something more impressive than Sony’s substituting of a much-needed price cut for a ‘better bundle’.
The Elite console is due to launch here on August 24 and Play.com has it priced at £329. Optimistic people are hoping to see that price squeezed down to £299, with the Premium dropping to £230. What do you think?-Martin Lynch
xbox games xbox 360 console PS3
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
