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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Researchers at Osaka University are redefining "thought-controlled" limbs. Hailed as the first endeavor to dabble in the world of bionic phalanges by requiring open-skull surgery, the research is seeking to develop "real-time mind-controlled robotic limbs for the disabled." Of course, it's not the goal that's striking, but the means. Essentially, gurus working on the project are hoping to place electrode sheets directly on the surface of the brain in order to "obtain a more accurate signal," and amazingly enough, they're currently working to sign up willing subjects that are already scheduled to have brain electrodes added to deal with "monitoring epilepsy or other conditions." Maybe the bionic beings really aren't that far off, eh?

[Via Pink Tentacle]

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Seriously, if you buy this thing, you're an idiot. The LapStrap is supposed to save you the trouble of bagging your laptop by looping it around the hinge and closing the lid. But I have issues with this thing. I can imagine the laptop lid flying open while on the go, almost ensuring destruction. Muggers would have a field day if people used the LapStrap on city streets. And my biggest problem is that the LapStrap is nothing but marketing hype and a $25 pricetag. It's just a messenger bag shoulder strap fashioned into a loop. No thanks. [The LapStrap via Crave via BBG]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

No need to bust out one of those newfangled smartphones to get your handset-based chat on -- oh no, baby boomers and their offspring can now handle IM conversations via a landline telephone. You heard right, Vtech is getting all extraordinary on us today with the industry's first instant messaging cordless phone, and sure enough, the DECT 6.0 IS6110 features a full-fledged QWERTY keypad to keep those thumbs happy. All that's required is that the phone's base station be connected via USB to a PC, after which users can have free access to MSN Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. What better way to gently introduce your mother (hint, hint) to this millennium than by dropping $99.95 on this?

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