Does passing a small current through your brain really make you smarter?

http://singularityhub.com/2013/01/14/does-passing-a-small-current-through-your-brain-really-make-you-smarter/ / smarter solve difficult puzzles learn piano half the time little shock scientists passing small current through the brain increases aptitude strap on headgear mediocrity zapped from your brain miracle boost transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS) stimulation steady current 2 milli-amps same as a 9-volt battery – delivered electrodes worn head arm mild electric current depolarize neurons cerebral cortex more receptive to new input brain primed learn more easily control group magnetic field baseline enhanced enhances training performed better threat identification altered state of awareness time passed unduly fast faster lead scientist of study Michael Weisend New Scientist feel more focused calm performance previous studies similar results improved working memory improved language learning parietal cortex brain visual information flows enhanced visual short-term memory brain imaging brain magnetic field changes response sensory stimulation sound touch light magnetoencelography MEG amplitudes six times greater baseline amplitudes anatomical changes diffusion tensor imaging DTI scans white matter fiber tracts changes in brain structure structural changes in the white matter /

iXY is the world’s first on-board, HD-quality, stereo microphone for iOS

Credit: RØDE/ The Gadgeteer

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/01/23/ixy-is-the-worlds-first-on-board-hd-quality-stereo-microphone-for-ios/ / iXY microphone RØDE add-on microphone for iPhone iPad connect directly into the charging port iOS device 30-pin connector iPhone 4/4S 1st, 2nd 3rd generation iPads.  The iXY has 24-bit/96k recording on-board high-fidelity A/D conversion so your sound is rich, smooth, and accurate  matched pair ½" half inch cardioid condenser capsules, fixed in a perfect 90 degree near-coincident alignment immersive true-to-life stereo recordings captured incredibly high detail iXY foam wind-shield outdoor recordings reinforced protective zipper case RØDE Rec app $5.99 in the Apple App Store RØDE Rec LE app free for 24-bit/96K recordings iXY $199 first production run iXY mic sold your email address iXY notified back in stock actual sound recordings /

Audi announces Matrix LED headlights with camera, sensors, & GPS

Credit: Audi/ Auto Spies

LED headlights use less power — that much makes sense. But why do headlights need a camera, GPS or other sensors?

Well, it's like this:

A matrix of LEDs pointing in slightly different directions allow light to be directed by turning LEDs in different parts of the matrix on & off as required. Headlights do this already when switching between high & low beam. Audi Matrix headlights do this too, but also can direct light to the sides to provide better lighting for turning.

Headlights can be directed by input from the steering, but with input from GPS, lights can anticipate steering inputs. Lighting used in this manner amounts to an additional GPS display: don't look away from the road to the GPS, just follow the headlights.

And the camera? With ambient light input, the system can turn headlights on at sunset & dim headlights automatically.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Audi-Introduces-Matrix-LED-Headlights-for-2013-74413/

http://www.slashgear.com/audi-announces-matrix-led-headlights-that-utilize-a-camera-sensors-and-gps-23266535/ / swivel dim low high beam turn light lighting dynamic lighting experience /

Google updating Image Search over the next few days, promises faster results

http://www.slashgear.com/google-updating-image-search-over-the-next-few-days-promises-faster-results-23266546/ / picture graphic find jpg gif png speed fewer few click clicks /

BMW i3 electric car: Motorcycle size engine (600 cc) range-extender for 250 mile range (video)

Credit: BMW/ Green Car Reports/ The Car Connection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8j_y0sjyVM&feature=player_embedded

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1081850_bmw-i3-electric-car-motorcycle-engine-range-extender-for-250-mile-range / EV electric vehicle battery charge recharge range LiIon lithium ion range extender extended range EREV serial hybrid /

HALO ZERO • A messenger bag with frickin laser beams!

Credit: Halo/ The Gadgeteer

Laser? Not quite ... but you get the idea.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/01/22/halo-zero-a-messenger-bag-with-frickin-laser-beams/ LED Kickstarter project illumination messenger bag

Audi production Diesel-electric hypercar confirmed

Credit: Audi/ Gas 2

Like the R18 e-tron race cars (photo above) they are based on, the production cars will utilize a KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) hydrid system. Don't expect it to be cheap.

http://gas2.org/2013/01/22/audi-diesel-electric-hypercar-confirmed/ / KERS kinetic energy recovery system Diesel electric /

Do you really need a suction cup viewfinder for your iPhone? (video)

Credit: Photojojo

http://www.cultofmac.com/211437/do-you-really-need-a-suction-cup-viewfinder-for-your-iphone/?utm_source=Contextly&utm_medium=RelatedLinks&utm_campaign=Interesting

http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-viewfinder/ / iPhone better photographs dedicated point-and-shoot point and shoot & traditional viewfinder view finder Photojojo screw on screw-on suction cup, sticks display Viewfinder novelty apply removed quickly without leaving marks residue camera download free Daylight Viewfinder app from Photojojo, which scales down the viewfinder into a tiny window use that to take your pictures compatible fourth- and fifth-generation iPod touch; iPhone 4/4S iPhone 5; second-, third-, fourth-generation iPad,  iPad mini /