At May 13 Honda’s humanoid robot ASIMO will be conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as it performs “Impossible Dream” to open a special concert performance with renowned cellist Yo-Yo.

Honda hopes ASIMO’s appearance will draw attention to the DSO’s nationally acclaimed youth music programs, and particularly DSO’s effort to encourage and support involvement of children in Detroit.

In addition, ASIMO will demonstrate its unique capabilities for hundreds of area school children at 10:45 a.m., May 14, prior to a specially arranged master class at the DSO, where a select group of music students will receive personal music instruction from Yo-Yo Ma. Students from the Detroit School of Arts (DSA) will participate in the master class on-stage in front of the audience of area children, which will include a group of young students from neighboring Windsor, Canada.

Read more about the event in the official press release from Honda.

(Via Prylfeber)

VRX Industries, a Canadian manufacturer of leading edge simulation racing products, has launched the world’s first ever quad screen racing simulator.

The VRX MACH 4 is introduced as the “world’s most advanced racing and entertainment simulator”, featuring a triple LCD display, the Bose Acoustimass 10 series surround sound system with subwoofer, a 1500 Watt vibration feedback system and much more.

This is what you’ll get (no word on pricing):

• 4  Microsoft Xbox 360’s
• 4 Copy’s Forza Motorsport 2
• Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter
• Microsoft Force Feedback Steering wheel
• 3 Sharp Aquos 37″ LC-D62U 1080p HD LCD displays
• Adjustable rear view Power Acoustik (PTM 750) 7″ LCD display
• Bose Acoustimass 10 series surround sound system with subwoofer
• Harmon Kardon AVR-144 Surround Sound receiver
• 1500 Watt Tactile Vibration Feedback System
• 1900 Watt Tactile Power Amplifier
• Virtual Wind System powered by 2 dual Honeywell fans with chrome shroud
• 1″ CNC machined polished aluminum foot assembly that connects to the front of the VRX
• Universal triple screen aluminum mounting bracket that excepts LCD displays from 20″ to 40″
• Adjustable aluminum and tinted acrylic component shelves
• On board power bar and unique wire way system conceals cables
• Polished chrome chassis with powder coated wheel mount and pedal mount
• CNC billet aluminum  Speaker Mounts and Seat Wing  
• Front and rear non-slip aluminum vibration dampeners
• 3M automotive chrome trim concealed edges
• Italian Sparco Monza racing seat (choice of Red/Black or Black/Silver)
• Sparco automotive seat slider
• Suspension seat base
• 3/D epoxy coated graphics
• Velcro and machined rubber grip blocks “prevents wheel and pedal movement”
• 10″ diagonal and 8″ horizontal wheel adjustments
• Polished Aluminum Speaker Mounts
• LED Lighting effects
• Beverage Containment System

(Newlaunches via Geekologie)

The Canadian-made Phonofonics II ($835) is said to be able to get a 55 dB sound level out of your iPod without using any external power.

Here’s how it works:

Through passive amplification alone, These unique pieces instantly transform any personal music player + earbuds into a sculptural audio console.

Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibles* (or roughly the maximum volume of laptop speakers)

Upon connecting active earphones to the Phonofone their trebly buzzing is instantly and profoundly transformed into a warm, rich and resonant sound.

The Phonofonics II is a limited edition product at 200 units.

(Newlaunches via Gizmodo)