Matthew Riddle » science

Augmented Reality apps on the iPhone

Matthew Riddle — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:50:51 +0000

Apple’s inclusion of a magnometer (digital compass) inside the new iPhone 3G S could be more significant than some people think. This new app demonstrates why. Pretty soon we are going to see apps that make use of this feature to provide information about our environment embedded in the live image from the phone’s camera. So directions to the nearest train station might be even harder to mess up!

How NASA landed Phoenix on Mars

Matthew Riddle — Mon, 26 May 2008 01:02:16 +0000

Just in case you hadn’t heard, NASA just landed a probe on the arctic plain of Mars. This video is a great summary of the Phoenix landing. If you want to watch a more detailed video, including NASA control room’s response to the actual landing today, see this link.

7 Minutes of Terror – The Phoenix Mars Lander from SpaceVidcast on Vimeo

Corn Starch Holes

Matthew Riddle — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 15:39:00 +0000

"Brainport" turns tongues into eyes

Matthew Riddle — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:05:00 +0000

This is amazing. ABC News is reporting that scientists are looking at the use of a specialised device that allows you to see using sensors connected to your tongue. “By routing signals from helmet-mounted cameras, sonar and other equipment through the tongue to the brain, they hope to give elite soldiers superhuman senses similar to owls, snakes and fish.” While the research seems to be focused on military uses, they’ve also found that it can allow a blind person to catch a ball, and might be useful in treating vestibular disorders. “In testing, blind people found doorways, noticed people walking in front of them and caught balls. A version of the device, expected to be commercially marketed soon, has restored balance to those whose vestibular systems in the inner ear were destroyed by antibiotics.” Read more.