Here are the week’s top future tech stories in regards to future airplanes, augmented reality, future cars, smart grid training and virtual reality.
DARPA’s Fastest Airplane Fails
DARPA attempted to fly the fastest aircraft ever built. The Agency’s Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 (HTV-2) is designed to fly anywhere in the world in less than 60 minutes. This capability requires an aircraft that can fly at 13,000 mph, while experiencing temperatures in excess of 3500F … More than nine minutes of data was collected before an anomaly caused loss of signal. Initial indications are that the aircraft impacted the Pacific Ocean along the planned flight path.
http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2011/2011/08/11DARPA_HYPERSONIC_VEHICLE_ADVANCES_TECHNICAL_KNOWLEDGE.aspx
Microsoft’s Version of Augmented Reality
Wired Magazine’s take on Microsoft’s AR, “We present KinectFusion, a system that takes live depth data from a moving depth camera and in real-time creates high-quality 3D models. The system allows the user to scan a whole room and its contents within seconds. As the space is explored, new views of the scene and objects are revealed and these are fused into a single 3D model.”
http://www.wired.com/beyond_the_beyond/2011/08/augmented-reality-kinectfusion/
Audi Future Car to Be Showcased Next Month
The Urban Concept sports an ultra lightweight body with minimal features, 1+1 seating position and two electric motors for zero CO2 emissions. Note that fancy outboard 21-inch wheels.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autopreview/251504/audi-urban-vision
First Smart Grid Training Center in U. S. Announced
Vivint, a home automation company, announced that it has launched the nation’s first smart grid training center … The training center will prepare technicians for full scale AMI deployment, including the installation of home area network (HAN) and load control devices, EV chargers and much more. The 10,000-square-foot facility in Texas houses two fully equipped model smart homes outfitted with Vivint’s home automation, energy and security solutions.
Sony Virtual Reality Headgear for Gaming
That 3D head-mounted display may be used for more than just viewing passive entertainment. Speaking with Develop, Sony Europe group studio manager Mick Hocking said that the company is currently researching ways to integrate the 3D headset into virtual-reality-type games.
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6323896/sony-toying-with-virtual-reality-gaming-headgear-report
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