PopularMechanics.com - Blogs: Technology News

Tech Test: Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

After years without updating its QuietComfort line, Bose boldly claims that the new QuietComfort 15 headphones are "its best-performing, quietest headphones ever." We used them in a room filled with jet engine noise to hear how well they perform.

Avatar Day: James Cameron's Anticipated 3D Epic Comes Out With Extended Trailer

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On Friday, Aug. 21, audiences will get a chance to see an extended preview of James Cameron's fictional new cinematic world. IMAX theaters across the country will show 16 minutes of footage from Cameron's 3D, photo-realistic CGI sci-fi epic Avatar.

New Mini Fuel Injector Sets Pace for UAVs Next Stop, Lawn Mowers?

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The engines propelling some small UAVs might have as much in common with your home office inkjet printer as they do traditional aircraft motors.

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Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Pogoplug Makes Remote Access Easy: Tech Test

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Pogoplug promises to turn what was once an obscure magic trick for the geek elite-accessing the images, documents and music on a hard drive in your home from any computer in the world-into an idiot-proof everyday activity.

Nerf N-STrike Raider Rapid Fire Is Lightweight, With Unprecedented Capacity: Tech Test

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35 delivers a fully automatic stream of foam without the jamming issues that plagued earlier models. It also holds more ammo than any Nerf gun ever, thanks to a snap on tommy gun style 35-dart drum magazine.

Nikon D5000 Brings Impressive Sensor at Affordable Price: Tech Test

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If you looked inside the Nikon D5000 and the more expensive Nikon D90, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the two cameras apart. So what are consumers sacrificing to get a camera that is a more compact version of the D90, but for hundreds of dollars less?

iRacing Motorsport Simulator Brings Realism to Armchair Auto Races: Tech Test

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The iRacing simulator is no Mario Kart. The goal of this PC racing sim is simple: Provide professional racers with the most realistic training and track re-creation technologically possible. And if non-pros want to take it for a spin, that's fine too.

Electronic Warfare, EA-18G Growler Could Get a Funding Boost

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has told Congress that fewer F-22 Raptor attack planes are being ordered so that more electronic attack airplanes can be fielded. The plane in position to gain from this funding switch is the EA-18G Growler.

Unmanned Airdrop: Pentagon to Test Guided Parachute Drops From UAVs (With Video!)

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In August, the first UAV-to-soldier airdrop test will occur in California, using a small unmanned airplane and guided parachutes. An all-composite T-20 Arcturus unmanned airplane will drop 10-pound supply packs during a test at Camp Roberts.

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Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Wii MotionPlus Adds Much-Needed Precision to Wii Remotes: Tech Test

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Wii MotionPlus attachment clips to the bottom of the Wii controller and, when paired with compatible games, boosts its motion-sensing capability and precision.

The Navy's New 100 KiloWatt Laser Weapons

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Office of Naval Research has awarded Raytheon a year-long contract to develop the preliminary design of a 100 kilowatt experimental Free Electron Laser (FEL) for naval warships. Raytheon has 12 months to create a preliminary design.

MC-12 Liberty: The Air Force's New Eye in the Sky

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Air Force's newest intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, the MC-12 took off for its first combat mission in Iraq. This medium-altitude manned turbo prop aircraft will support Coalition and joint ground forces.

Do Metal-Detecting Sandals Work? Tech Test (With Video!)

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

These beach-friendly sandals have a built-in metal detector, purportedly allowing you to comb the beach for buried treasure at your leisure, without all the traditional beach-combing gear.

Live From Apple WWDC 2009: Apple Worldwide Developer Conference Liveblog

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

No Steve Jobs. No tablet. No musical guest. Still, there is plenty to talk about from Apple's WWDC '09, including the iPhone 3.0 OS, Safari 4, TomTom GPS and My iPhone lost protection programs. Glenn Derene was there to record all the big news.

Antique Strongbox Protects Itself With Mechanical Loaded Pistols

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Imagine a bank vault that handcuffed every John Dillinger who walked in through the door. Nothing like that quite exists, but this Russian strongbox, circa 1815, comes pretty close.