Scratched CD? No problem!

I am always pretty anal about making sure my CD's don't get scratched - that's because once they are, they become garbage...well, not any more.
A company called Venmill has a product out called SKIPAWAY. You simply feed your scratched CD, DVD or BluRay disc in and after a few minutes, it comes out like new...no more scratches. It spins the disc and heats the underside while polishing it at the same time. Sure it is going to cost around $250US but really, if you restore 10 $25 disks you have broken even. I want one. Details on purchasing can be found here.

CVT - the future of transmission ?

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - is not that new. I guess a patent was filed for it back in 1886. In fact, its already in some cars. But it was new to me so I thought I'd put it up here. CVT allows for an infinite number of gear ratios, so that just means smooth moving without the jerking around you get in manual cars today.
My guess is we are going to see CVT systems starting to show up more and more - in cars, bikes and maybe even blenders. I will enjoy my six speed manual while I can, since my guess is, its technology of the past.
Read more about CVT here. The video below does a great job of explaining how it all works.

Lumalive - light emitting textiles

Philips continues to blow my mind. Flexible sheets of LED's are going to transform the future of fabric. Text messages scrolling across your couch, stock ticker symbols flying across the arm of your jacket while you are on the bus and animations moving on your t-shirt are all possible with this technology. Again, I think it is still in prototype mode but this invention will probably be something that actually makes it to market.

Digital painting kit - a must have for any kid

When I came across this yesterday I found myself wishing I could be a kid growing up now instead of the 80's. A product of Philips called "Philips Drag and Draw Digital Light Painting Kit" allows you to "paint" on ANY flat surface using a special light painting stick, projector, and a light bucket of paint. Sound crazy? It is crazy. Leaving the surface unscathed you can choose any color and draw to your hearts content all over the walls of your house. With the flick of the painting stick the scene actually comes to life and animates itself. I have not been able to find out if its for sale yet or how much it might cost, but when you consider how many walls have been ruined due to kids and their crayons, parents might want to look into this product.