DIY 3D scanning for US$2,495

We've heard of 3D scanners before, but never got to see one in action. Ex-CNET staff Veronica Belmont did. Lucky her. On one of her recent Mahalo Daily episodes, she hosted Dan Gustafson from Next Engine who gave her a demo of 3D scanning and its uses. Basically what the machine does is it triangulates the light against the sensors and measures the speed of light. We can't really make out the rest of the stuff, but the things that they showcased looked pretty awesome.

Just in case you think this is another one of those random, silly stuff that would never make it to the market, you are wrong. You can actually own the Desktop 3D Scanner at a cool US$2,495. Price includes the scanner, ScanStudio CORE, AutoPositioner, PartGripper, PowederPen, PaintPens and a one-year parts and labor warranty.

Hit the read more link for the video interview. They even have a 3D printer toward the end of the interview! Sweet.
Read more »

Litracon--translucent concrete

This isn't a gadget per se, but the potential of it being part of something cool is so great we had to give it some air time. Litracon is concrete that allows light to pass through. That's right, translucent concrete. It was invented by Hungarian architect Aron Losonczi in 2001, and will be in commercial production soon.

Imagine the amazing things architects will be able to do with this. No room for windows? That's fine, sunlight comes through my wall. One word of warning--it may be great to feel like Superman, looking into buildings and all, but designers of bathrooms should stick with the boring, old type of concrete.

Via Toolmonger

Soft serve ice cream in 20 minutes

Mama mia. Gelato served right at home in a soft serve ice cream maker sounds just too irresistible to miss. Mostly, ice cream machines for the home, while fun, can be a lot of hard work. You gotta freeze 24 hours ahead, slowly stir the custard, churn the mix, and freeze the whole contraption again before you even get to taste that first scoop. Nor is it a guarantee you end up with something edible.

Cuisinart, however, is not only simplifying the process further, it's loading this with fun. The US$99 appliance will make 1.5 quarts of fresh soft serve ice cream, yogurt, sorbet or sherbet--all in just 20 minutes.

There're even built-in containers for toppings you can experiment with, from Oreo biscuits to gummy bears, as well as a cone holder. Mmmm. Now all it needs is a hot chocolate dipper to dip your waffle cones in, and you have a party hit on your hands.

Via Uncrate

It's time to rise up against exercise desks

There's some kind of conspiracy in the air. A managerial one. First there's a concept to make us more productive by strapping a laptop to the waist, and now we find that there's yet another attempt to tether workers to their desks with a new built-in treadmill.

Judging by the photos, it looks as if the TreadDesk could even elevate and fire up while you're still typing away, not missing a beat on that Excel spreadsheet. This invention of the devil already has some competition, however: Just a few months ago the Walkstation made its debut, and there's also the low-end GZ PC-Sport and Power Stepper for those who prefer more of a seated StairMaster-type workout.

The TreadDesk seems to be shooting for something of a mid-range market, with prices reportedly between US$1,500 and US$4,000 depending on the model and features. The Walkstation, by contrast, has been estimated around US$6,500. Either way, all of this makes us alarmed and terribly depressed.

Via Crave CNET

Cardboard iPod Boombox

Many years ago, portable music meant carrying a heavy cassette player on your shoulder along with all the heavy D-sized batteries that went into it. Even though most of us have converted to tiny MP3 players now, you can still relive the good old days with this iPod Boombox. Made mostly out of cardboard, these speakers let you slip in an iPod classic and produce sound that could be as crappy as your 20-year-old boombox. No matter, surely no one would get this for its sound quality--but rather for its novelty.

The iPod Boombox comes flat packed from Firebox at US$39 a set. Batteries are included, but you'll have to provide your own iPod.

Via The Red Ferret Journal

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