If you’re an outdoors fan, and you’re looking for a better way to get around over water and land, you have to check out the Flying Hovercraft by Universal. Most hovercraft elevate just a few inches above the water and barely skim over the surface. The flying hovercraft is different.

Leveraging the aeronautic principal known as the “ground effect”, the flying hovercraft glides over water and land at a cruising altitude of 2 to 6 feet and can fly at speeds of 75 mph and more. The good news is that operating a flying vehicle in “ground-effect” does not require a pilots license. But you will need to register the flying hovercraft as a boat.

The flying hovercraft presents interesting possibilities for many commercial applications and is a great idea for the tourism industry if you want to offer outdoor enthusiasts a new and different experience.

The integrated wings enable the hovercraft to literally fly over water and land. Powered by a 130 horsepower twin-cylinder, turbocharged and fuel-injected, liquid-cooled gasoline engine. Propelled by a 60 inch wood and carbon composite propeller and an 1,100 RPM 34 inch lift fan inflates the durable vinyl-coated nylon skirt to hover above the ground.

The flying hovercraft can operate in fresh and saltwater environments and can maneuver over sand, grass, mud, swamp, desert, ice and snow at up to 30 percent inclines. The wings and horizontal elevator allow the pilot to literally hop over land or water based obstacles with the ability for brief 20 foot high jumps. These types of obstacles are usually insurmountable for normal or typical hovercraft,

You pilot the flying hovercraft with a joystick that controls three vertical rudders and the elevator. A twist friction-lock throttle controls forward speed. And a variable drive system controls the lift fan for hovering. You break or slow the hovercraft by lowering the lift fan RPMs which will cause the vehicle to come to rest on the Kevlar composite landing skids.

The flying hovercraft, with a low center of gravity and lighter weight composite fiberglass/PVC hull, can operate in winds as high as 25 mph and can navigate waves as high as 6 feet when in flight.

The two nine-gallon gasoline tanks hold enough fuel to enable a 160 mile range, and the flying hovercraft can support pilot and passenger payloads of up to 600 pounds. Dimensions are 19 feet in length, by 7 feet 8 inches wide, by 6 feet 6 inches high, and weighs 1,100 pounds.

At $190,000, the flying hovercraft may be out of reach for most people, but if you have the budget, this fun outdoor gadget will undoubtedly draw lots of attention and place you in a class of your own.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $190,000

There are lots of areas around most people’s homes that could use a spotlight to shed some light on the situation. The spotlights that have a motion sensor are popular. When the motion sensor detects movement, such as a car driving up the driveway, the spotlight automatically turns on to light up the area.

The problem is, unless you have adequate electrical wiring already in place to provide power to a spotlight, especially in an odd location, you’re most likely looking at an expensive electrical installation job.

Battery operated spotlights are a good alternative to overcome the electrical wiring obstacle. But the problem with battery operated spotlights is achieving long enough battery life. The typical battery operated spotlights chew through batteries pretty quickly and you can find yourself constantly climbing up to replace the batteries to keep your spotlight operational. Or worse, you just let it go and your spotlight just becomes an ornamental fixture waiting for a new set of batteries.

The Mr. Beams Wireless LED Spotlight equipped with an automatic motion sensor is the perfect answer that solves these problems. The LED technology is super bright with very low power consumption. The powerful LED light provides 140 lumens of bright white light. Now you can install a spotlight anywhere you need automatic bright light such as a garage, driveway, shed, even a tree. The wireless LED spotlight doesn’t need any electrical wiring or power hookup. Absolutely no electrician necessary.

The Mr. Beams Wireless LED Spotlight is motion sensor activated. The spotlight turns on instantly as soon as any motion is detected. And the motion sensor is sensitive enough to detect movement up to 30 feet away, with a 180 degree field of vision. And an automatic shutoff after 30 seconds of no motion conserves even more battery life.

What about durability and outdoor exposure to the elements? The Mr. Beams Spotlight is manufactured with durable, weather-resistant materials and is designed with tight weather-proof seals to insure long life and trouble-free operation in all weather conditions. The spotlight is IP44 rated which means the weatherproof design will satisfy both indoor and outdoor LED light applications.

Speaking of long life and durability, the super bright energy-efficient LED never needs replacement. And it’s so energy efficient, you can achieve more than 1800 activations on just one set of batteries.

Mr. Beams Wireless Motion Sensor LED Spotlight – Technical Specifications

• Item model number: MB 360
• Bulb Type: LED
• LED light color: Neutral White
• LED Bulb Life: 50,000 hours
• LED Bulb Strength: 140 lumens
• Light Range: 350 sq ft
• Motion Detection Range: 30 ft, 180 degrees
• Power Source: 3 D-Cell Alkaline batteries
• Dimensions: 3.5″ x 6.6″ x 4.5″
• Weight: 11 oz4

Price: $24.99

Mac users have been hit recently by the Flashback trojan. I was thinking this Flashback trojan malware might perform some sort of retro wizardry that morphs your Mac back into an Apple 1, the first Apple computer that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created in the garage of their Los Altos home back in 1976.

Not that kind of flashback? OK, maybe a stretch But hey, this is a gadget site, I had to tie in a gadget somehow … and besides, the Apple 1 is pretty cool, don’t you think?

Computer malware has primarily been the scourge of Windows based PCs. You don’t often hear about Apple computers and Macs having a problem with computer viruses and malware. In fact, Apple users will often site the superior security and safety of Apple computers as one of the preferred advantages over Microsoft Windows and PCs.

Admittedly, the malicious creators of computer malware have historically focused their efforts toward Windows based PCs with a much larger user footprint out there. After all, the goal of a someone who creates a computer virus is to impact as many people as possible, so they go where the numbers are. Apple computers have only accounted for about 10% of the computers out there, although that number is climbing with the advent of iPads and the increasing popularity of Apple products.

But Apple computers are not impervious to malware. It is possible to create a Mac virus, and we’ve seen a bit more Mac malware activity recently. With the latest being this Flashback trojan. Officially called BackDoor.Flashback.39, the Mac trojan exploit originally started as a phony Adobe Flash player installer that surfaced sometime last September (2011).

In its first incarnation, Flashback was pretty harmless and easy enough to avoid. But the trojan has evolved into a more serious threat by exploiting unpatched security holes in Java which Apple has now addressed. The Flashback trojan is estimated to have infected more than 600,000 Mac computers worldwide, with most of the impact in the U.S and Canada.

 Tools to check for the Flashback Trojan on your Mac

• Online Tool from Dr. Web to check if you’ve been infected with Backdoor.Flashback.39
• FlasbackChecker from GitHub is a program you can install to check for the Flashback trojan.

How to remove the Flashback Trojan from your Mac

• CNET has provided this step-by-step guide that explains how to remove Backdoor.Flashback.39
• Flashback removal instructions from Finnish security company F-Secure.

Computer  viruses, trojans and worms are no fun. And while malware may be the familiar, almost daily occurrence for Windows PC users, it looks like Apple and Mac users will likely see more of the same in the future as well.

When your child has a fever, you want a precision thermometer that you can depend on to give you an accurate and quick temperature reading. Introducing the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer, featuring ExacTemp technology, used by more doctors and physicians than any other infrared thermometer.

As a parent of a young child, you may already know that on the average, your baby comes down with a fever seven times per year. When your baby is suffering with the discomfort from a fever, it can be really difficult to get your child to sit still long enough to take a temperature reading using conventional thermometers, digital or otherwise, either orally, rectally or under the child’s arm pit.

Ear thermometers deliver the most precise and accurate temperature readings

Here’s why …

When you take a temple or underarm reading, you’re measuring skin temperatures, not core body temperatures. Skin temperature readings can be easily skewed by outside conditions like sweating (common with a fever), or drafts in the room. Oral temperature readings can be influenced by similar factors such as drinking, eating and breathing.

However, the interesting characteristic of the eardrum is that it shares the blood supply with the temperature control center in the brain. That’s why changes in the core body temperature are reflected sooner and more precisely in the ear than other places of the body.

The Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer is designed with a pre-warmed tip that inserts easily and comfortably in your child’s ear canal. The patented pre-warmed tip feature reduces the cooling effect that a room-temperature tip will impose. And a unique guidance system enables more accurate and precise temperature taking results.

The ExacTemp infrared technology enables you to take your child’s temperature in a matter of just a few seconds, with accuracy and precision every time.

Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer Product Features

• Model# IRT-4250 infrared digital ear thermometer.
• Digital speed and accuracy. Flashing light and audible tone confirm the correct positioning of the thermometer tip.
• On/Off button provides easy control. Memory function stores up to eight temperature readings.
• Soft, flexible tip with filter detector.
• Lens Filter ejector for easy removal.
• Operates with two AA batteries, included with the thermometer.
• Comes with 21 lens filters and cap.
• Thermometer dimensions:  9.06 inches by 6.85 inches by 3.54 inches.
• Available in two colors, blue and white.
• 60 day manufacturers warranty.

The Braun ThermoScan ExacTemp technology features a unique ear canal guidance system that provides positive visual and audible feedback when you have taken a successful measurement. In addition, a light flashes during the temperature measuring process and signals when the probe has not been placed correctly in you child’s ear canal. The light shines continuously once the temperature has been taken, and an audible tone is your signal that the temperature reading cycle is complete and you have taken an accurate reading.

The memory function is another feature that is really handy when you need to monitor your baby’s temperature through the course of a fever. As you know, a fever will often result in your child’s temperature fluctuating up and down before the fever finally breaks. The Braun ThermoScan thermometer’s memory function helps by allowing you to keep track of your child’s fluctuating temperature over time by storing up to eight different temperature results.

Infra-Red Technology and Flexible Tip For Fast and Gentle Temperature Reading

Parents know that children are fussy, especially when they’re uncomfortable and don’t feel well. You need a precise thermometer that is comfortable for the child, and more important, allows you to take your baby’s temperature quickly.

The Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer uses infrared technology to measures the heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. This technology yields a precise and accurate temperature reading in a matter of just a few seconds.

Many parents find that the ThermoScan ear thermometer is so gentle and fast, they can actually take the temperature while their baby is sleeping, without waking the baby up.

To ensure temperature reading accuracy, Braun recommends that you replace the removable lens filter with a new one for each measurement. The lens filter protects the delicate temperature sensor in the tip from scratches and damage, as well as unwanted build-up of earwax which can affect the temperature reading. In addition, a fresh, clean lens filter before every reading will eliminate the risk of spreading germs, especially if you have more than one child in your family.

For peace of mind, and the most accurate, fast and comfortable way to take your baby’s temperature, consider the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer with ExacTemp Technology.

Available: Amazon

Price: $38.22

Engineering students at Drexel University showcase software they’ve developed that enables a group of HUBO robots to perform music by following a musical score, without human control or assistance.

This innovative robotic music project is an entertaining example of the ongoing research conducted at the MET-Lab, the Music and Entertainment Technology Lab at Drexel University. MET-Lab research focuses on digital media technologies that will shape the future of entertainment primarily in the area of sound and music.

Most definitely an entertaining and intriguing example that demonstrates the capabilities of current robotic technology and the ability for robots to approach the human activity of creative musical expression.

However, if you play music or enjoy music performed by humans, I wouldn’t worry about the robots taking over just yet. Trust me, you can definitely tell the difference between the robots and the humans when it comes to performing music.

Drexel along with seven other universities in the US are part of a humanoid research project in collaboration with KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), the designer of the HUBO robot. The name “HUBO” is a combination the the terms humanoid and robot.

The robotic musical demo was performed during Drexel Univerity’s  ”Engineers Week” that took place last month.

It’s certainly an interesting demonstration of robotic technology. But the Hubos obviously have their work cut out for them. Perhaps a few more years of dedicated practice and rehearsal, then lets see how they sound?

In the meantime, I think the future prospects for creative musical expression remain safely in the hands of the humans. Wouldn’t you agree?

Atmel, the world’s largest supplier touch sensing solutions, introduces XSense, a breakthrough film-based flexible touch sensor technology that can be used on curved surfaces and edges. XSense enables capacitive touchscreen applications and designs that previously have not been possible.

With XSense, smartphone, tablet, and ultrabook manufacturers will be able to design lighter, sleeker, curved and edgeless touch screen enabled solutions. XSense touch screen technology will also offers better optical clarity, thinner and lighter solutions, and lower power consumption.

Imagine a new generation of smartphone devices equipped with an “edgeless” touchscreen without the familiar bezel around the edge. Or curved devices with a touchscreen that literally wraps around the contour of the surface.

XSense Flexible Touch Screen Demonstration

Atmel is providing XSense touch sensor samples to OEM manufacturers now, and limited production quantities are expected to start shipping in Q3 2012.

Source: Atmel XSense Touch Sense

Here’s a new innovative iPad cover that harnesses solar powered technology to provide up to ten days of iPad2 usage without the need for a battery charge. The Solar Powered iPad Cover uses the latest photovoltaic ink technology to convert both indoor and outdoor light into electricity.

The solar powered iPad cover is equipped with a built-in battery. The combined solar charging panel along with the integrated battery work in tandem to enable you to use your iPad2 for as long as ten days without needing a charge.

The iPad cover also serves as a protective case and is perfect for travel and when you’re on the go. The cover’s built-in stainless steel stand allows you to pace your iPad2 at an optimal 15 degree angle for typing or watching movies. The solar powered iPad cover is also equipped with a standard USB port that allows connect and charge smartphones, MP3 players or Bluethooth headsets.

And iPad case is also equipped with an HDMI output that lets you connect your iPad2 to an HDTV. The USB and HDMI cables are not included.

The Solar Powered iPad Cover is fully compatible with both the iPad2 and the newest iPad3. Dimensions are 11 inches long by 8  inches wide and 1 inch deep. The iPad cover weighs 1 1/2 pounds.

Protect your iPad with the advanced Solar Powered iPad Cover and enjoy the smart and eco-friendly performance of up to 10 days of operation without the need to charge your iPad.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $199.95

Back when I went off to college, and that was many, many years ago, the portable notebook computer was not the standard issue that every student brought to school. In fact, that was before the personal computer was even invented (come on, I don’t feel that ancient). Nope, when I went to college, every student had to have a typewriter. I had a dandy little Smith Corona electric typewriter and I loved that thing. Sure, today, kids just use their computer equipped with a word processor application, and turn out beautiful work, spell checker and all.

But back then, there was no better way to crank out the reports and papers than with a typewriter. Otherwise, it was writing everything with pen and paper, long hand. And there wasn’t enough time in the day to get the work done by hand. While we’re reminiscing a bit, don’t forget the typewriting services for pay. You could turn in your hand written manuscript to a typewriting service, usually some gal moonlighting for extra pay, and get your papers done that way. After all, not everyone had a typewriter or knew how to type well.

And how about Ernest Hemingway, Tennesse Williams or Jack Kerouac. Do you think they would have created the same literary works on a notebook PC with a  word processor? Not likely. It had to be a manual typewriter! Some would even say that the clicking and clacking of the typewriter keys was half the inspiration for all of that creative literary invention. Well, I’m not sure about that, but it just wouldn’t feel right without the manual typewriter.

I’m glad to say, the classic manual typewriter is back! Not just a faint memory or a reminder in an old Hollywood film, you can actually get a beautiful, brand new manual typewriter. Better than ever, actually!

Let me ask you another question. Do you really think your personal computer, word processor and desktop printer is the best way to address envelopes. I don’t know about you, but it still takes me 5 tries to remember how to place the envelope in the special slot for printing to get the return address and the sender address to show up in the right place. Lets see, was that right-side up, or flush on the left, or upside-down, … oops, try again with another envelope. Definitely not green and eco-friendly wasting all that paper!

That’s where the Classic Manual Typewriter comes in handy. The manual typewriter by Royal  is perfect for addressing envelopes, creating labels, or filling out forms. It’s those simple, hit-and-run tasks that can be ridiculously tedious with a computer and desktop printer. These same little tasks are a snap and a breeze with a manual typewriter.

The Classic Manual Typewriter by Royal has all the standard functions you need.  Features include seven tab stops, adjustable line spacing, and a backspace key. The 44 keys type 88 symbols in 10-characters-per-inch Pica 87 font. Enclosed in a sleek, lightweight plastic housing and comes with a durable hard shell carrying case. And don’t forget the black/red spool ribbon (remember those).

The Classic Manual Typewriter dimensions are: 3 1/2 inches high, by 11 3/4 inches wide by 12 3/4 inches deep. Weighs about 9 pounds.

I want one, how about you?

Available: Hammacher

Price: $199.95

One of the most innovative task lights to come along, the Striker FLEXiT Light is a flexible hands-free light that’s so versatile and handy, it will work in many situations that other task lights fall short.

The Striker FLEXiT Light has an ultra-thin flexible, flat rectangular silicone pad with a series of bright LED lights arranged in a grid pattern. The flexible light is easy to bend, fold, wrap or hook around objects to position and aim the light. Magnets also allow you to secure the light to metal objects. You can wrap the flexible light around cylindrical tubes, and manipulate into tight corners or spaces for shining light on just about any situation.

The FLEXiT Light is equipped with 16 Lumen TechTM LEDs and has there light functions; low, medium and high. By bending the light into different positions you can produce a more focused spot light or a broader flood light.

The flexible task light is so versatile. Here are just a few examples.

• Use as a flood light you can hold in your hand to illuminate a dark path.
• Set on a table or surface to light up a room during a power failure.
• Easily fit inside the engine compartment of an automobile to shed light on your work area.
• Wrap around a tent pole at your camping site to light up your camping area.
• Perfect for tight areas under the sink when making plumbing repairs.
• Ideal for working in and around difficult to illuminate equipment such as computers and electronic gear.

The Striker FLEXiT Light is perfect for emergency roadside auto repairs.

Easy to position and aim in tight places makes the Striker FLEXiT Light perfect for working on computers.

Ideal for those hard to position lighting situations like making plumbing repairs under the sink.

The Striker FLEXiT Light operates with 3 AA batteries which are included. The flexible LED light dimensions are 0.85 inches thick, 7 inches wide and 13 inches tall. Get a Striker FLEXiT Light today, it’s the most useful and versatile task light you’ll ever own.

Available: Amazon

Price: $29.99

FXI Technologies has recently just released in limited availability the Cotton Candy miniaturized dual-core PC computer the size of a USB flash drive.

The FXI cotton candy is referred to as an “any screen computer” which really means it’s a tiny miniaturized fully capable PC computer that doesn’t come with a screen or monitor. These miniaturized computer devices are ideal for embeded applications including portable set top box gaming and entertainment equipment, mobile “any screen” computing, and a full range of specialized applications including medical, automotive, security, surveillance, and other dedicated solutions.

This tiny fully contained computer is packed with impressive raw horsepower and offers integrated HDMI, USB and MicroUSB connectivity for surprising flexibility in the portable market.

And let’s talk about just how how tiny and compact. The Cotton Candy miniaturized PC on a stick weighs only 21 grams. That’s just a little over 1/2 ounce. The dimensions of this super miniaturized computer are roughly 3 inches in length and a bit over 1/2 inch in width.

The cotton candy architecture will lend itself as an ideal add on to smartphones, tablet computers and notebook PCs including Macs. In addition, the device is perfect for adding intelligent computing capabilities to displays, set top boxes and gaming consoles.

 FXI Cotton Candy Technical Specifications

• ARM® Cortex™ A9 1.2GHz Central Processing Unit (CPU) with NEON extensions and Trustzone extensions.
• ARM® Mali™ 400MP Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) delivers 720p and 1080p OpenGL ES v2.0, can process 30M Polygons and 1.2 GPixels per second.
• Wifi 802.11 b/g/n network connectivity.
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
• 1GB DRAM memory.
• Up to 64GB expandable memory with microSD local storage.
• Supports standard OS’s including, Android (Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich), Linux (Ubuntu),  and includes embedded virtualization client for Windows, Linux, Mac.
• USB 2.0 port for power and connection to devices that support USB mass storage.
• HDMI 2.1 port with audio.
• Decodes MPEG-4, H.264 and other video formats, displays HD graphics on any HDMI equipped screen.

FXI Technologies (www.fxitech.com) is a Norway-based hardware and software startup with a focus on improving the world of digital screens with smart and personal capabilities. This includes initiatives

• Improving consumer access to Cloud computing.
• Accelerate the adoption and use of “smart screen” technologies.
• Easy ability to share media and content (videos, movies, photos, games, etc.) from mobile and portable devices on large screens and projectors.

FXI Cotton Candy, the PC on a stick, may very well open up even more exciting embedded computing applications around the corner, and we’ll be ready to talk about it here at Mint Gadgets. If you’re interested in learning more about the cotton candy miniature PC on a stick, you can visit the comunity website at cstick.com where development units are available now for pre-order.

Source: [FXI - cstick.com]