Mio’s DigiWalker line of GPS units has two newcomers: the C523 and C525 models, which will release in Japan later this month. Both have Windows CE.NET 5.0, a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 display, 2GB of internal memory, an SD card slot for expansion, handle MP4, QuickTime, AVI, 3GP, ASF and WMV. Ditto for the C525, but add a built-in extendable antenna.

All available by September 26th for around $500.

Haven’t you always dreamed of having your own private plane? You know, nothing fancy, just a little single engined low-wing tail-dragger that you could cruise around in? Imagine it: “Cubicle tower, this is USB Two-Zero-Oscar-Golf-Zulu holding short on runway Desk, requesting takeoff clearance…”

although it doesn’t quite fly, it’s still pretty cool. Soon to be available from Kikkerland.

Sharp has introduced the new slim-profile AQUOS BD player (model BD-HP20U), its first in the US market. Combining full digital 1080p video output with an AQUOS HDTV Liquid Crystal Television, the BD-HP20U allows consumers to view the latest high-definition films as well as enhanced definition titles in stunning high-definition quality.

“Consumers have become comfortable watching high-definition programming, and now they want to transform their entire home theater experience into high-definition,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “Our new Blu-ray disc player produces a breathtaking and vivid picture with enhanced audio quality that closely mimics a true cinematic experience.”

The $549.99 unit will have a "piano black finish with one of the slimmest designs in the industry."

It’s back to Nature in this vehicle called the Naturcar (and Naturtaxi, Naturvan, Naturbus). As you can see from the picture, the source of propulsion is a horse. Not to ride (that would be too much fun) but a horse on a treadmill of sorts.

The vehicle is actually made of mostly glass — let’s not talk about traffic jams caused by staring drivers or what happens in an accident). Passengers ride in the front while the horse does the work in the rear. If the horse stops walking, the conveyor belt / treadmill nudges it back into action. The same belt moves the animal’s "exhaust" out of the horse’s compartment into a holding area beneath the car.

Seems a lot extreme for an innovative idea.

I’ve been lucky enough not to be carried in a stretcher, but if I were going to be, I’d want it to be in one of these. This design for a Caterpillar stretcher looks standard at first, but can tilt up to a reclining or sitting wheelchair and glide gracefully up and down stairs. This lets the paramedics easily carry you down elevator-less buildings without risking breaking your body even more.

Awesome.