Autonomous Choppers

University of California researchers are tinkering with technology that will, ideally, let helicopters fly themselves. The Berkeley Aerial Robot (BEAR) project passed a significant milestone earlier this month, when a 130-pound model of a helicopter successfully guided itself through a course that included random obstacles that weren't on its internal map--a first, according to the university. The project, funded in part by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is part of a larger effort to create robots that can get to places too dangerous or difficult for humans to go. CNet News

Yes, yes, when can I crawl into one of these things at my home on a mountain top and say "Work please." and be whisked off, while I sleep the hour or so flight time away, to some place of business? That will be the litmus test as far as I'm concerned.

Good old Sony

This is the kind of product my parent's would like.It is a Sony video camera that records straight to a DVD (+-R or RW).

DCR-DVD7E, features an unusual round body design that provides room for the DVD-R inside, the lens and little else. The unit reportedly features a 10x optical zoom, a 2.5 in. LCD screen and weighs some 360 grams. The release said the Sony DCR-DVD7E would be available in May, but it didn't say how much it would cost. PERSONAL TECH PIPELINE BLOG