Researchers at AUT University have revealed a special robot which is commanded solely by brain signals. The researchers are part of an international group of scientists mapping brain functions and turning signals into actions. Their creation, With, is a small and squeaky machine and runs on nine rechargeable batteries. He is solely commanded by brain power. It is believed that controlling robotics through the brain could lead to life changing technology. “Brain signals can be used to control objects to help paralysed people control prosthetics and wheelchairs,” Professor… Read more

From the Author’s Blog: Recently TradeMe released their API. This is pretty great, if only because it means I can finally give up maintaining the increasingly-complicated set of scraper scripts that I’d used to do TradeMe stuff up to this point. After converting the basics of metatrade.co.nz over to the API, I was looking for a new TM-related project, and I happened to stumble across this old comic from XKCD: XKCD: “Packages” Google didn’t reveal anyone doing this already, and after asking a few people, the general opinion was that doing this was a terrible idea that would… Read more

Microsoft New Zealand launches “toolshed” to help Kiwis in recession. AUCKLAND, New Zealand – 7 April, 2009 – Microsoft New Zealand today launched a suite of tools, training and software to help New Zealanders develop the skills needed to lead the country from recession. Using a special Web site set up to resemble the classic kiwi toolshed, Microsoft expects to be part of a larger initiative within the ICT industry to step up and help Kiwis get competitive in the global economy. The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Hon Paula Bennett, said the Government… Read more