AURA from Motorola

Press Release:

Inspired by luxury watches and handcrafted design, Motorola introduces AURA™, a unique handset that breaks convention and re-establishes artistry in the design and manufacturing of mobile devices. Combining superb craftsmanship and a distinctive interface, AURA delivers a sensory experience that is second to none for those with refined tastes.

Here are the main specs of AURA:

• Quad band GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz with GPRS, EDGE
• Music & video players
• 2 MP fixed focus camera with video recording
• SMS & MMS
• POP3/IMAP e-mail
• “Open source” browser
• CrystalTalk technology
• 2GB of internal memory
• Stereo Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP and EDR
• USB 2.0
• 96.87 x 47.60 x 18.55 mm, 141 grams
• Talk time: up to 7.3 hours
• Stand by time: up to 400 hours

Motorola AURA will be released on December 4, via the Moto Store, so it will probably make a perfect gift for many rich mobile users.

Robust Bartender – Touch Magic From Microsoft

Microsoft engineers have been working on an application for their multi-touch Surface tabletop PC that detects the level of drink in your glass and automatically offers you a refill. SurfaceWare use Surface's ability to emit and detect infrared light to gauge the grog remaining in glasses fitted with a special prism. The prism only reflects light when exposed to the air, letting Surface know when you've reached the optimum level to be offered a refill. Check the video too. It’s cool!!!

From Honda Research and Development:

In 1908, 17 men dared to take on the “toughest race ever devised.”

Spanning six months, the Great Race brought these men over 22,000 miles, through three continents and around the world.

117 years later, the Great Race of 2025 is tougher than ever.

Competitors must circumnavigate the globe in 24 hours on land through the United States, by sea through Asia and by air over Europe.

The vehicle’s sonar/echolocation sensors are able to detect changes in speed, terrain, and altitude, allowing it to switch to any configuration.

With expertise in automotive, marine, robotics, and jet technologies already in place, Honda possesses a distinct, competitive advantage over its rivals, allowing it to lead in the evolution of motorsports in the 21st century.