Tech Universe: Thursday 2 December

MicroVision's SHOWWX+ pico laser projector (left) next to an iPhone 4, iPod Touch and iPad. Photo / Supplied

SEE IT; DON'T TRY TO SAY IT: MicroVision's SHOWWX+ pico laser projector plugs right in to your iPad or iPhone and projects photos and movies to a handy flat surface. It displays at 15 lumens with a 5,000:1 contrast ratio. Yup, that's the 'Show double you ex plus'. Memorable, just like 'iPod' or 'iPhone'. More at Gizmodo and video on YouTube.

OFF-EARTH TIRES: You wouldn't want a flat tire on your Moon Buggy - it'd be a long, long walk to a service station. That's why NASA and Goodyear developed an award-winning airless tire. 800 load
bearing interwoven springs contour to the ground surface and provide
traction. The springs are stiff yet flexible so the vehicles can
travel fast over rough terrain without giving you a bumpy ride. If you
bump your head there's no ambulance to fetch you either. More at GoodYear.

MISSED ON PURPOSE: The XM-25 Counter Defilade Targeting Engagement System is a big gun that shoots big rounds - 25mm high-explosive rounds. A laser sight on the weapon gives the range to the target and guides the round, via a chip, to a short distance from the target. Then the round explodes. The round could be fired into a room through a window and then explode, while a conventional round would simply be spent in the far wall. Computer chips or not, I refuse
to call any gun 'smart'. Details at the BBC and video on YouTube.

FEELSCREEN: A Microsoft patent uses pixel-sized shape-memory plastic cells to create an actual tactile surface. When ultraviolet light strikes the shape-memory plastic it deforms, creating a texture layered over the computer screen. Different frequencies of light make the polymer hard or soft. Yup, feels like plastic. More at NewScientist.

DRIVE ON WATER: The Sealegs rigid inflatable boat is a 3-wheel drive. On land each of three retractable 63 cm wheels has its own hydraulic motor and all-terrain tire. On the water a 150-horsepower outboard motor pushes the boat to 75 Kph. Add wings for an all-purpose sailing flying driving car. More at PopSci.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz