Daily Bits

General

The Comeback of Coupons

by

Coupon
Coupons have long been part of the people’s lives. Remember the good old days when your grandmother – or mom – spent Sundays clipping coupons from newspapers as thick as book. There was a point when people stopped spending hours on this activity, but that does not mean that coupons are gone for good. Indeed, we are seeing more and more of them once again. Sure, the popular medium may have altered slightly, but the idea remains the same, and in any society, making some savings is always a welcome thing.

Enter the comeback of coupons. [Read more…] about The Comeback of Coupons

Employers Prefer Facebook to IQ Tests

by

Facebook vs IQ Test

So you think your Facebook is locked down to the point that your employer (current and prospective) will not have access to your life. This issue has long been raised and discussed, with people making sure that “incriminating” photos are not accessible to those who are not supposed to see them. Of course, there will always be loopholes. And it really is not all about photos anymore.

With the way things are going, it seems that employers now prefer Facebook to IQ tests in evaluating employees! [Read more…] about Employers Prefer Facebook to IQ Tests

The Shut Up Gun: For When You Need Peace and Quiet

by

Speech-jamming gun
Shut Up Gun

We’ve all been in the situation where we just wish that the other person would shut the heck up, haven’t we? Whether it was a friend, a stranger in the train, or the people in the next table – sometimes people just can’t seem to know when to stop talking. Recently, I heard of stories about a senator covering his hears while a fellow senator was lashing out during a hearing. I bet that he would have given anything to get his hands on a shut up gun!

Yes, there is such a thing, although I think that its creators will not choose “shut up gun” as the official name. [Read more…] about The Shut Up Gun: For When You Need Peace and Quiet

In Japan, Waterproof Phones Are the Norm

by

Japanese waterproof phones
Panasonic Eluga Power Phone

Now aren’t you just envious of them Japanese? Waterproof phones are not a new concept. In fact, people have been thinking of ways to make sure that our favorite devices are kept safe from the harmful effects of water. Remember Liquipel? That technology is meant for existing mobile phones that are not inherently waterproof, though.

This time, Japanese mobile phone manufacturers are stepping things up a notch. They are making mobile phones which are designed to be waterproof and dust-proof. ((Source: PhysOrg)) [Read more…] about In Japan, Waterproof Phones Are the Norm

Power Felt: Fabric to Charge Your Smartphone

by

Fabric cell phone charger
Power Felt

Do you still remember those days when you could go for at least three days without having to worry about how much battery juice you still had on your mobile phone? I do, but the memory is quickly fading. Anyone with a smartphone has probably lamented, at least once, about how often he or she has to plug it in. I know people who do not last half a day without having to resort to an additional battery pack.

It sure is a “first world problem”, but having a smartphone really does make you overly concerned about having access to power. Otherwise, you’ll just have a brick in your hands.

Unsurprisingly, scientists have been looking at ways to provide solutions that will be as convenient as possible. One of these is the result of the work of some guys at Wake Forest University. [Read more…] about Power Felt: Fabric to Charge Your Smartphone

The Board of Imagination: Mind-controlled Skateboard

by

Mind-controlled skateboard
Board of Imagination

Is it just me or are people paying more attention than usual to boards? It was not long ago that we heard about Mattel’s announcement that they will be releasing hoverboards like the one Marty McFly used in the Back to the Future franchise. While that hoverboard is going to be for real, it will not be hovering as one would want it to be. Instead, it will just be skimming over surfaces. Still a not-too-bad idea.

If skimming boards are not enough to make you feel happy, how about a skateboard that rolls over surfaces like any other skateboard, but with a huge plus: a mind-controlled skateboard? [Read more…] about The Board of Imagination: Mind-controlled Skateboard