Apple is working on an iPhone camera with optical zoom & better resolution for future iPhones & iPads

Credit: Apple/ Unwired View

Looks similar to the internal, non-protruding zoom lenses found in compacts like the Sony T1, Konica Minolta X50 & Nikon Coolpix S1 in 2005.

Even so, a real zoom lens in a smartphone would get my vote.

http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/03/14/apple-is-working-on-camera-with-optical-zoom-and-much-better-resolution-for-the-next-iphone-and-ipad/ / true optical zoom iOS iPhone and iPad digital patent application light splitter camera module with optical zoom lens /

Is it hot in here? Thermodo says “maybe so”

Credit: Robocat/ The Gadgeteer

What is the temperature?  A Thermodo! plugged into the earphone socket of your Android or iOS device, will tell you.

Thermodo is a Kickstarter project, in aluminum or black or white plastic.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/03/13/is-it-hot-in-here-thermodo-says-maybe-so/

Kickstarter page:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robocat/thermodo-the-tiny-thermometer-for-mobile-devices?ref=category / thermometer temperature passive sensor inside outside Robocat passive temperature sensor mobile devices hot cold device works plugging external sensor headphone jack mobile device plastic models anodized aluminum model funding funded scheduled ship in August 2013 iPhone /

Nissan Leaf electric vehicle reports own battery cell failure via Carwings

Carwings is Nissan's system to allow owners to communicate remotely with the Leaf electric vehicle (EV).  Facilities include state of charge check, plugged/unplugged status, start/stop charging & location of  charge stations.  It is similar to GM's Onstar for the Volt.

Apps are available for Android, iPhone & Blackberry, or it can be accessed from a browser on a computer.

More recently it has become apparent that it can be used by Nissan to check on the status of components of the car, including individual cells in the battery.

At least some of these functions require user permission, similar to the permission smart phone manufacturers require before monitoring use of your smart phone.  A difference is that while the data collected from your phone can be "anonymised", i.e. only data which  can't be associated with you personally, is collected.  In the case of a failing battery pack cell, anonymised data is useless.

Benefits of Carwings monitoring is obvious in this instance, & user permission is required.  How would you feel about enabling it in your  vehicle?

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1082848_nissan-leaf-electric-car-reports-own-battery-cell-failure-via-carwings / EV electric vehicle LiIon lithium ion battery charge recharge range General Motors Chevrolet iOS warranty warrantee collect database fuel consumption energy electricity kWh kilowatt hour plug in monitor privacy tracking analysis /

Solar powered flight • Its moment in the sun

Credit: Solar Impulse/ Jacques-HenriAdd/ The Economist

Round the world solar powered flight.

http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21572731-attempt-fly-around-world-solar-powered-plane-its-moment-sun     / LiIon lithium ion battery solar powered solar-powered aircraft Silicon Valley 747 cargo jet flight tests experimental prototype project Solar Impulse aircraft circumnavigating globe power Sun test flights prototype base airfield Payerne Switzerland Solar Impulse critical safety check main wing spar backbone aeroplane broke failed during structural tests Bertrand Piccard co-piloted Orbiter 3 first balloon to circumnavigate the globe André Borschbergline of adventurers  August first to fly a balloon into the stratosphere Jacques record depths deep sea deep-sea submersible suitable weather operating experience development technologies develop Solar Challenger flew across the English Channel 1981 built by the late Paul MacCready American aeronautical engineer 14.3 metre wing  photovoltaic cells two electric motors single propeller fly through the night circumnavigate globe non-stop for five-to-six days plan take off easterly direction  land continent Tropic of Cancer long flights across oceans cruise at just 70kph 43mph ultimate range exercise lie down autopilot system ground crew sleep deprivation take taking off in the early morning 10,000 metres above stormclouds altitude oxygen supply night descend descends land landing early evening winds light meteorologists meteorologist weather models /