Techalyzer

Believe it or not most of our coolest gadgets have been caused by war like scenarios.

A good example is the Walkie-Talkie. The Moto SCR-536 came from the idea of soldiers in a foxhole. The very first hand radio with AM radio comes from Korea and was called the Handie Talkie. It weighed just over seven pounds and you could talk on it for eight hours. It was exceptional for its time because it weighed almost thirty pounds less than the other radio advices that were around at the time. This in fact, is another good example of how Asian technology is almost always ahead of its time. It is way out in front of the other competition as usual.

The idea of the terrain map is not new at all. It is all satellite imagery. In fact many war maps look like today’s Google satellite maps. There is technology called DARPA TIGR (Tactical Ground Reporting System) that is designed as a multimedia display for soldiers. The map is continually updated with info from other patrols, historical significance of problem areas, icons, etc. Months of data is presented helping troops pick the best routes, become aware of danger zones and being as prepared information-wise for duty.

Who knew that it was the military and not Kentucky Fried Chicken that invented the spork? What is a spork? It is those little take out eating implements that are half spoon and half fork. In the original design there as also a knife attached so that the soldier could scoop, stab and fork stuff all at the same time.

At a unique trade show in Boston last October there was a big display of military style gadgets that were first seen on the battlefield. Among the things that were showcased were wearable computer gear which is not unlike a Wii system. Both U.S. Customs and U.S. Law Enforcement Agenciesalso use a very unique Palm Pilot with technology that is more specifically geared towards militant action and strategies.

Of course there are all kinds of gadgets that were “spy” gadgets that were inspired by the war. These were things like a briefcase that discharged 18,000 volts if you picked it up and hidden cameras attached to coins. Many of the watches made for agents during the Cold War actually had little cameras on the back! They are definitely the inspiration for today’s pen cameras.