A US firm has unveiled a WiFi-enabled magnum that talks to smartphone apps and uploads shooting data to Facebook and Twitter.
TrackingPoint, an applied technology company based in Austin, Texas, launched what is likely to be a controversial adaptation of technology at the Consumer Electronics Show “ShowStoppers” event, an opulent demonstration session put on for manufacturers and gadget journalists in Las Vegas.
Boasting three onboard processors and a proprietary precision guided firing system, the TrackingPoint system takes into account environmental factors such as wind speed and calculates the positions of moving targets when firing rounds with a claimed accuracy of 1200 yards for novices, the company claims.
But its WiFi hotspot capability, including the streaming of video from the gun site to an iPhone or tablet computer, and its interfacing with social networks, makes it unusual.
Hunters can cooperate and guide mentor clients by viewing what they see though the site, and share their shot data over the net from the weapon, the firm said in a statement.
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“The networked tracking scope also records each shot sequence from tag until 10 seconds after the shot is taken and takes stills of the tag, shot and the frame 10 seconds after the shot so hunters can download using their TrackingPoint app and share their shot films and stills with friends, complete with voice and the shot data, over Facebook, Twitter and email to prove their shot.”
Other new technology on display at ShowStoppers was less controversial than the TrackingPoint rifle.
Electronic paper display provider E Ink Holdings, a maker of screens found on eBook displays, showed off colour versions of the technology that one day may make it onto next generation eBook readers.
Tethercell showcased BlueTooth-enabled AA batteries at $30 each that can be programmed by a smartphone app to switch on and off at designated times of day.
Black & Decker displayed a motion-sensing electronic screw driver, Brother displayed its latest laser-guided sewing machine, there were arm bands that monitor the body’s burning of kilojoules via smartphone apps, and electric motor skateboards with accelerators and brakes and a range of around 17 kilometres.
