LEGO Robots Step Back In Time September 10, 2007
READ MORE Gadgets
LEGO is stepping back in time for its latest series of robotic creations with the new, remote controlled Monster Dino 3-in-1construction system. The company is a on a role these days with its ass-kicking Mindstorm Robots and now, plans for a kiddies online role-playing game based in the Lego world.
This toothy beast is aimed at 9+ old kids and, all those adults who have never grown up and are already reaching for their plastic. It has a new Power Functions System based on two interchangeable motors that allow Mr. T-Rex to move forwards and backwards with realistic looking mechanised joints. And don’t forget the “blood curdling roar”, designed to freak out your pets and rugrats.
The Transformer element is that each kit has three different build options: a tail-whipping crocodile and “scuttling deadly spider” - all controlled by remote.
Costing £70, the Monster Dino 3-in-1 construction set includes the remote control, two motors, battery box, sound brick and infrared receiver.-Martin Lynch
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MP3 Users Warned: Turn Down The Volume September 10, 2007
READ MORE Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , MP3 , Mobile Devices , Music
You should not be surprised and I don’t see too many of you hanging up your portable discos but, you may want to turn down you MP3 players. Or, because it’s for their health, do it for the annoying commuter next to you on the bus who thinks we enjoy their tinny audio overspill.
Over two-thirds of young people using MP3 players in the UK face premature hearing damage, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). The comments come after the charity found that more than two thirds of the 18-30 years olds surveyed have them turned up way too high. 72 of the 110 people tested were listening to them at over 85 decibels. At this level, more than an hour without a break is considered dangerous.
As sound levels go, a busy street clocks in at 70 decibels, a jackhammer at 100 and an aircraft taking off at 110 decibels.
The charity is calling on people to turn them down a bit, give your ears a well-deserved break 5 minute break from The Pet Shop Boys every hour, and invest in some in-ear, sound isolation earphones which means the volume doesn’t have to be so high. All good advice, which is probably why no one will listen.-Martin Lynch
[RNID]
Sky News Hunts For Virtual Reporters September 10, 2007
READ MORE Games , Online , Technology
If you happen to be a resident of online world, Second Life, and just happen to be considering a second job [well, unpaid hobby, really], then Sky News might have the answer.
The news group which recently set up a virtual news room in the Second Life online game world, is looking for some virtual reporters to chronicle the virtual ups and downs. Hell, even the BBC has bought an island there.
Sky News has partnered with video-sharing site, Skycast, and now they want virtual hacks to tracks events or make up their own video news reports.
Reports should be no longer than two minutes and reporters are asked not to be prats and to confirm to the kind of bland reporting you’re used to from the TV version. Here’s the deal:
1) You need to pick up a Sky News microphone from the foyer of their Second Life island.
2) Go out in Second Life and find a story.
3) Record it as a movie, making sure we see your avatar with the Sky News microphone.
4) Make sure your video does not exceed two minutes.
5) Add your voiced commentary and upload it to SkyCast.
6) Tag your video with the word 'SecondLife'.
7) We will put the best videos on Sky News.
And no, you don’t get paid.-Martin Lynch
[Skycast]
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