Those fun and wacky guys & girls at google want to take over save the world. They have shifted at least part of their focus away from creating cool computer things and towards doing good for the world. The have created a philanthropic arm which plans to curb poverty, disease and global warming. Pretty lofty stuff, but if anyone this side of Bill Gates has the cash and brains to do it, then google may be a contender.

As part of the global warming bit, google wants to develop 100 mpg cars. Apparently they are already working with hybrid engine specialists and automakers to design a platform that will run on ethanol, gasoline and electricity. Soon, we may be lining up to buy a google mobile. Maybe they should call it the moogle!

Source NYT via Kicking Tires

This may be the coolest mobility device ever! Engadget reported on this German developed off road wheel chair. This bad boy has fat tires, a hybrid engine and an on board computer. The computer combines GPS technology with medical monitoring equipment to allow people with disabilities go where they’ve never been before. Medial problems, such as a seizure or mechanical faults immediately triggers the transmission of an alert.

It’s just a matter of time before we start seeing these things on the trails. I can already envision upgraded tires and Warn winches.