Here is an automotive accessory that is a good example of technological misdirection. The iXs Research Corporation has shown a prototype robotic bear that gives out GPS directions. But it is how it hands out those directions that scares me.
The bear motions as it gives you directions, enough to make you say, "Ah, how sweet", as you ignore the road you are driving on. If that wasn't enough, you rub his head for nearby landmark info, making sure that at least one hand is off the steering wheel. At least if you are speeding ( hopefully not while tending to your fake furry navigational friend), he will let you know about it.
But there is a little practicality to the bear, since it does have an alcohol detection sensor that will alert you if you shouldn't be driving. That part may be used often, since you would almost have to be drunk to buy a Robotic GPS bear to use in your car.
But with that said, the bear GPS is still an interesting piece of work, and I think I'll watch iXs Research Corporation to see what they can come up with next. So far I am impressed with their creativity.
Aloha from the Beach
The Wrist GPS tracker is the size of a wristwatch, more or less, but it is actually a full GPS unit with GPRS support. The unit can act as a sports companion, tracking your calorie expenditure.
Fujitsu is well known for its mobile computers (particularly tablets as far I as I am concerned), and to add to their wares they are offering up a brand new, if not expensive, UMPC. The outstanding feature of the U2010 UMPC at first glance would have to be its rotating 1,024 x 600 touch screen display. The little machine is loaded with features, such as an integrated 3.5G WWAN, GPS, six row keyboard and a weight of only 1.34 pounds. The bad news is the price, which comes in at around $1300. Overall it looks like a very nice UMPC , but the price may hold it out of some of the possible market.