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FOR PEOPLE OF a certain age, the year 2015 has a special significance.
That’s right, it’s the year Marty McFly travelled to in Back To The Future part II. And what did he find there? All sorts, but the one that sticks in the head most of all is the Hoverboard (skateboard that hovers, natch) that he uses to get the better of three generations of evil Biff Tannens.
Now, Lexus has come up with a an actual hoverboard – one that’s due to make its debut next week in fact. Unfortunately it’s based on a system of magnets so its usability in public is pretty limited. And in all likelihood it will cost a fortune (it does look hella cool though, we can’t deny that).
So how about this for size? The Airboard (by a company called Airwheel), a self balancing automated board (with wheels however, it’s true).
Basically, it works by the rider inclining their ankles in whatever direction they want to go.
And off you go. With a range of 14 miles and a top speed of 8 miles per hour the Airboard is quite a nifty piece of kit.
Plus it’s (relatively) affordable at £599 (€845).
Here’s a video of some (slightly uncomfortable looking) models putting the Airboard through its paces.
So we’re definitely getting there. Although it doesn’t look like the Airboard will be capable of this in its current incarnation:
You lied to us Hollywood.
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Leo is concerned someone might leak confidential information….
@Leonard O’mahony: no sure he can do that all himself.
@Leonard O’mahony: Nah, he just doesn’t want any more photos of him being caught kissing someone other than his partner ;)
@Leonard O’mahony: You mean Leo is concerned someone will get to leak confidential information before he does it.
Eamon Ryan, are you listening? It’s only the phone you put on “sleep”.
Security reasons? Russian intelligence, Chinese Intelligence, U.S. intelligence? .The plot thickens. Of course the fact Varadkar leaked confidential government documents or the fact a junior FG minister set up a sting to catch a senior FG minister who leaked information may also be a consideration in this move. Keep the circus going lads .
@Donal Desmond: certainly not British intelligence as it doesn’t exist
@Tony Doyle: Good point..
This is a very basic cyber security precaution that should have been implemented 15 years ago. Most cyber security aware military installations around the world have been doing this for ages in high level offices/meeting rooms. The cabinet of the Government of Ireland should be no different. Might cut down on a few leaks.
@Niall Mchugh: Apparently Enda Kenny brought in a few years ago but it wasn’t followed through
Sell your shares in Candy Crush
Oh the irony!!
Is leaky afraid someone might leak something before he gets a chance to leak.????
We’ve known about hacking software such as the Israeli developed Pegasus for a quite a while now. This decision is well justified and not before time.
From today?
Surely this ban shoukd always have been there?
I have never been in a meeting, where the use of a mobile phone was accetable.
have your say