The Husqvarna Automower is being advertised as the world’s first fully automated robotic lawnmower. The technology sounds similar to the robotic vacuum cleaners which have become so popular. The homeowner places a wire around the perimeter of the yard (to keep the lawnmower contained), then the mower works it’s way around the lawn in a random fashion. If the robot hits an obstacle (like a rock or tree), it reverses itself and selects a new direction.

Husqvarna claims that the final result is a ‘carpet-like’ lawn, and that it’s so quiet that it won’t disturb the neighbors. The mower is powered by a rechargeable battery, so it’s also emission free.

You can expect to pay $2300 – $2700 USD for this mower. Freedom comes with a price in this case!

The hugely popular Rock Band video game allows would-be rock musicians to perform in a virtual band without ever having to learn how to play an actual instrument. Players can customize their on-screen persona’s hair, clothing, physique and even tattoos.

Now publisher Warner Brothers Interactive has announce a new version of Rock Band based on the LEGO universe. LEGO Rock Band is under development by TT Games, makers of the popular LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Batman, in a partnership with Rock Band creators Harmonix.

Warner Brothers has revealed a sneak peak at five songs from the LEGO Rock Band playlist:
1. Blur – Song 2
2. Carl Douglas – Kung Fu Fighting
3. Europe – The Final Countdown
4. Good Charlotte – Boys and Girls
5. Pink – So What

LEGO Rock Band is slated for a Holiday 2009 release, when it will no doubt be wrapped up under the Christmas tree of many an aspiring rock star who played with LEGO not so many years ago.

Comic-Con International is an annual comic convention held in San Diego, California.  The four-day event was first held in 1970, with about 300 people attending.  This years event, scheduled for July 24-27, is expected to have at least 125,000 in attendance.

Comic-Con originally showcased comic books and science fiction and fantasy in films and on television.  The focus of Comic-Con has expanded over the years to include a wide range of pop culture topics, including animation, horror, anime, manga, video games, fantasy card games, toys and fantasy novels.

In addition to an exhibitor floor, Comic-Con features seminars, panels, workshops, film previews, celebrity appearances, a costume contest and an independent film festival.  The size of the convention is testament to the ever-growing popularity of fantasy and science fiction in pop culture. 

Learn more at the Comic-Con website.