In unusual but true stories this week, we have the world's first wearable high definition camera for dogs; aerial photographer capturing London from a helicopter; Alice Springs' annual boat race in a desert; world's first contactless car vending machine.
All the odd and interesting anecdotes from around the world are here in our review.
The world's first wearable high definition camera for dogs
PetNow is a comfortable, wearable pet harness designed especially for dogs. [Photo/IC]
PetNow is the world's first wearable high-definition camera for dogs giving owners the opportunity to capture a first-person perspective of their dog's life and activities when pets are home alone.
PetNow consists of three parts: a "soft, lightweight, breathable" harness, a WiFi-connected HD video camera that quick-mounts onto that harness, and an iOS/Android app. Utilizing the app, users can view the camera's live-streamed 1080p/30fps video at any time, wherever there's internet access.
With the camera harness from PetNow, an incredible dog's eye view of the world can be seen. [Photo/IC]
Users also can talk to their pet via a two-way audio system. Additionally, if the animal wanders into an unlit part of the house at night, the camera's night vision system will still show what's going on.
PetNow is made to allow free movement for pets and is available in five sizes to fit a dog of any size. For convenience, it has an on-board battery and low power consumption that keeps it running for up to three months.
Aerial photographer captures London from a helicopter
Jason Hawkes takes photos from a helicopter. [Photo/IC]
Jason Hawkes, 49, is one of the world's most famous aerial photographers. He is particularly well-known for his images of London, which he shoots at least for half a year while flying in a piloted helicopter.
Shot while hanging out of the door of an AS355 helicopter, Jason Hawkes's iconic images are normally taken from heights of 750 feet up to around 2,600 feet over London, although occasionally he has to get extra exemptions to get lower or higher.
Night aerial view of Piccadilly Circus, London [Photo/IC]
Jason said that the most difficult aspect of shooting aerial views in the UK is getting exactly the right kind of lighting. He spent many days sitting at aerodromes and heliports waiting for exactly the right conditions and often had to cancel the shoot and put it back to another day if the weather was not right.
Aerial view looking along the River Thames, with the Shard on one side and the skyscrapers of the City of London. [Photo/IC]
Alice Springs' annual boat race in a desert
The opening street parade down Todd Mall during the boat race is led by young members of a local music group. [Photo/IC]
Are you keen to see what a boat race – without any signs of water – looks like?
Locals welcome visitors to Alice Springs for the annual "Henley on Todd Regatta" around the Red Center in August. Described as fun, quirky and electric, this 'boat' race held on the dry sandy bed of the Todd River is the only one of its kind in the world.
There are people paddling canoes with sand shovels, pirates brandishing water pistols, and flour bombs being launched in the outback. The Henley on Todd Regatta is, quite possibly, the world's craziest sporting event.
Locals compete during boat race on the dry sand. [Photo/IC]
Instead of nibbling cucumber sandwiches and gracefully gliding across a rippling lake, participants in the Henley on Todd compete in 'boat' races in the style of the Flintstones: holding a metal frame and dashing for the finish line across the dry red sand of the riverbed. Some jokester has hung "no fishing" signs about the place.
The regatta has been held for 58 years on the dry riverbed of the Todd River in Alice Springs. It's a testament to the Australian sense of humor.
World's first contactless car vending machine launched in UK
The first car vending machine gives motorists a chance to buy a brand new car via contactless payment on their phone. [Photo/VCG]
Britain's first contactless car vending machine has been launched in London, offering motorists a haggle-free way to purchase a brand new car.
The installation in London's Spitalfields Market was created by Auto Trader, the largest digital marketplace for new and used cars, to illustrate its unique pre-haggled prices and transparent price offering.
The installation at London's Spitalfields Market allows purchases of up to $35,000. [Photo/VCG]
The experiment comes after 89 percent of British consumers said price haggling is embarrassing and uncomfortable in a study conducted by the brand. The bespoke car dispenser is meant to raise awareness of Auto Trader's transparent price offering and help buyers skip the dreaded price negotiation process.
A team of six engineers spent three months designing and building the contactless car dispenser. A custom-made point of sale system and key release function was created, alongside an integrated payment and door release mechanic.
