The Terrafugia Transition: the first flying car

The Terrafugia Transition stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in transportation, heralded as the world's first practical flying car. This groundbreaking vehicle represents the merging of two worlds—automobiles and aviation—into a single, transformative mode of transport that has long been the stuff of science fiction.

A Vision Realized

Developed by Terrafugia, a company founded by a group of MIT-trained engineers, the Transition embodies the dream of personal flight. The vehicle is designed to function both as a street-legal car and a light sport aircraft, making it an unprecedented achievement in the field of transportation. This dual capability allows it to seamlessly transition from driving on roads to taking off into the skies, offering an unparalleled level of flexibility and convenience.

Design and features

The Terrafugia Transition is equipped with foldable wings that can extend for flight and retract for road use. Powered by a hybrid engine, it can reach speeds of up to 100 mph in the air and has a flight range of approximately 400 miles. On the ground, it drives like a conventional car, capable of fitting into a standard garage and refueling at any gas station.

Safety, a critical concern for any vehicle, especially one that flies, is a top priority for the Transition. It features a full-vehicle parachute system, advanced avionics, and a reinforced safety cage, ensuring that the driver and passengers are protected in both air and ground modes.

The impact on transportation

The Terrafugia Transition is not just a technological marvel; it represents a potential paradigm shift in how we think about transportation. By combining the convenience of driving with the freedom of flying, it offers a solution to the growing challenges of urban congestion and long commutes. The ability to bypass traffic and travel directly to a destination could revolutionize personal and business travel.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite its groundbreaking design, the Terrafugia Transition faces significant challenges before it becomes a mainstream mode of transport. Regulatory hurdles, airspace management, and public acceptance are all critical factors that need to be addressed. Additionally, the vehicle's high cost and the need for a pilot's license limit its current accessibility.

However, as technology advances and the concept of flying cars becomes more widely accepted, the Transition could pave the way for a new era of personal transportation. It serves as an early model of what could one day become a common sight in the skies and on the roads, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.

Is the current design of this vehicle truly aligned with the principles of environmental responsibility?

The eco-compatibility of the Terrafugia Transition raises serious concerns. The vehicle's reliance on traditional fuels and its carbon footprint in both driving and flying modes highlight the need for more sustainable energy solutions in the development of future flying cars.

The 10 Best Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs in 2012

Here are 10 of the best digital tools to help you launch and grow your startup:

1) Weebly
Using a simplified drag and drop engine, Weebly makes it possible to create a content rich website in minutes, with loads of features. The best part: it’s completely free. Created in 2006, Weebly has become a go-to for startups.

2) Legal Zoom
Founded by a team of legal and tech experts, Legal Zoom provides users with legal documents without the lawyers. In doing so, they’ve made it cheap and quick to get those legal papers you need for your business.

3) Rock the Post
Rock the Post is a social networking platform for entrepreneurs to fund and swap resources. The free site is a great tool for entrepreneurs to leverage their networks and reach new ones, to fill the missing pieces of their projects. With thousands of users and many success cases, Rock the Post is emerging as one of the best crowdfunding sites for entrepreneurs.

4) Square
Square, a creation of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, turns your smartphone or tablet into a credit card reader. For 2.75% of every transaction, you have the ability to accept credit card payments for your business. No card reader, no credit check, more profit.

5) Hootsuite
Hootsuite allows you to manage the social media madness by cross platform message scheduling and extensive data tracking. Seamless analytics across every platform ensures less time managing and more time growing your business.

6) Expensify
To reduce the burden of managing your business’ expenses, Expensify has provided a range of apps to monitor, track, and regulate every dollar spent. The result means more security and less hassle to manage your company wallet.

7) Asana
Asana, the brainchild of Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz is a project management program that leverages the full capacity of organizational technology so that you can be connected with your team anytime, anywhere, and in an organized way. This means less phone tag, more collaboration. And it’s free!

8) Mailchimp
Mailchimp, started in 2001, seeks to make it simple to manage even the largest of newsletter lists, which is a great tool to stay connected with customers. Besides providing extensive tracking data, the service is free for up to 2,000 subscribers.

9) Docstoc
Co-founders Alon Shwartz and Jason Nazar created Docstoc to be the repository for business documents. Ease of access for transferring large documents and unparalleled choice of templates means great business documents delivered fast, for cheap.

10) Highrise
Highrise is a user-friendly CRM software that allows you to share contacts, assign tasks and track history of correspondence. Some great features include the ability to update accounts via email and assign permissioned access. The product is free for one user, and if you need multiple accounts, it is reasonably priced.

(By forbes.com)

Giant bus which drives over cars

A giant bus which runs on wheeled "legs" that allow cars to drive underneath it has been designed by a Chinese company.

"The spnKiX" a new invention of motorized skates

The spnKiX are innovative motorized skates that attach directly to your shoes. Each skate is equipped with an 85W wheel motor and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing you to glide at speeds of up to 10 mph. The batteries take about 4-5 hours to charge and provide a range of approximately 6 miles per charge. These skates are controlled using a wireless remote, making it easy to adjust your speed while riding. Initially funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, the spnKiX have become a unique option for personal mobility.

The design of the spnKiX focuses on convenience and ease of use. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for short commutes or leisurely rides. The wireless remote control adds an element of safety and control, allowing users to manage their speed without having to bend down or stop. The skates are also designed to be durable, with sturdy materials that can withstand regular use. This combination of features makes the spnKiX a practical and fun mode of transportation.

For consumers, the spnKiX offer a glimpse into the future of personal mobility. They represent a shift towards more compact, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options. This invention can inspire innovation in various fields, such as urban planning, where integrating such devices could reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Additionally, the concept of motorized wearables can be expanded to other areas, such as healthcare, where similar technology could assist individuals with mobility issues. The spnKiX demonstrate how creative thinking and technology can come together to solve everyday problems and improve quality of life.

How to Tell Your Business Story in 60 Seconds

Communications coach Carmine Gallo offers valuable insights on how to effectively craft and present your business story, focusing on incorporating all the essential elements to make it concise and compelling. His approach is designed to help you articulate your message clearly and powerfully within just 60 seconds. Gallo emphasizes the importance of preparation, outlining four critical questions that you must answer to ensure you're ready for any elevator pitch. These questions guide you in defining your purpose, clarifying your value proposition, and engaging your audience, enabling you to leave a lasting impression in a short amount of time. By following his advice, you can confidently share your business story in any situation, whether you're networking, meeting potential investors, or simply introducing your brand to someone new.