Saurik gains root acces on Google Glass

http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/saurik-gains-root-acces-on-google-glass#more-36170 / jailbreak root hack Google Glass Explorer Edition unboxing report project Glass jailbroken rooted gain root access godfather iOS jailbreaking Cydia Forbes known exploit B1nary root Android 4.0 fooling emulation hardware emulations used testing permissions granted revolutionary face computer Crack Glass developer Liam McLoughlin device Google X project engineer Stephen Lau Google purposely left Glass unlocked consumer versions developer-friendly Explorer Edition unlocked show me something cool /

GIF optical illusion causes motion-induced blindness

Credit: National Geographic/ Dvice

"Look at the GIF above. Focus intently on the red dot in the middle and try not to move your eyes around too much. The yellow dots on the periphery should fade away and when you begin to shift your sight elsewhere, they have inexplicably returned to the moving orange square."

http://www.dvice.com/2013-4-26/gif-optical-illusion-causes-motion-induced-blindness / optical illusions illusion flaw human eye sight once useful evolutionary trait Geographic Braingames. three yellow dots on the rotating orange square completely disappear right before your eyes and then reappear in a flash /

Researchers propose new shape resolution metric for shape-shifting mobile devices (video)

We've already seen a little of this in mobile devices with slide out keyboards.  Didn't really take on.  Do people actually want this?  It's easy to see flexibility to absorb impacts without damage being popular.

http://www.gizmag.com/morphees-shape-resolution/27304/ / smart phone smartphone mobile portable cell screen resolution touch screen capacitative sphere fold morph morphee shape changer changing fold bend flexible change /

Link between early baldness & prostate cancer

Baldness is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.  Early onset, ethnicity & balding pattern are implicated as well.

http://healthland.time.com/2013/03/27/the-link-between-early-baldness-and-prostate-cancer/    / men man lose their hair balding starts early research researchers link between baldness risk prostate cancer studies  inflict conflicting study African-American African American men increased elevated  higher risk prostate cancer results previous study similar results group of Caucasian current study published Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers focused specifically highest rate prostate cancer united states America U.S. US twice as likely die disease participants included  similarly aged controls enrolled Study of Clinical Outcomes, Risk and Ethnicity 1998 2010 diagnosis specific type of hair loss at age 30 none frontal baldness vertex Prostate Cancer Screening any type of baldness greater risk of prostate cancer young men frontal hair loss six times as likely diagnosed advanced prostate cancer by age 60 pattern of baldness frontal hair loss associated pattern of baldness products male hormone testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT linked higher risk of prostate cancer faster-growing faster growing tumors thinning of hair follicles PSA testing /

DisplayMate declares a tie between iPhone 5's LCD & Galaxy S4's OLED display (video)

Credit: iDownloadBlog

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2013/04/26/displaymate-iphone-5-vs-galaxy-s4/

http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/displaymate-declares-a-tie-between-iphone-5s-lcd-and-galaxy-s4s-oled-display#more-36105

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2013/03/15/video-comparison-i5-s4/     / color gamut accuracy brightness power efficiency performance high ambient lighting display quality objective analysis side-by-side comparisons detailed laboratory measurements extensive viewing tests test patterns test images extensive side-by-side visual comparisons test photos images comparison table categories Screen Reflections Brightness Contrast Colors Intensities Viewing Angles Display Power Consumption run Running Time on Battery Highlights conclusions Pixels Per Inch PPI resolution o 1136 x 640 pixels Standard High Definition HD lowest screen Reflectance values measured highest Contrast Rating High Ambient Light Mobile device ever tested Color Gamut Factory Calibration iPad White Point too blue phone Smartphones Maximum Brightness shorter Running Time larger screen Color Gamut capacity battery OLED refine refined four-inch four 4 pixel resolution LCD display module assembled in-cell in cell process 326ppi retina quality pixel density IPS technology wide viewing angles angle of acceptance five 5 inch five-inch 442 pixels per inch Super AMOLED PenTile RGBG technology green pixels interleaved with alternating red and blue pixels /

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

Credit: Boy Genius Report

There's a lot of "more of everything" to this update (faster processor, more RAM, bigger screen, more pixels in the cameras & bigger battery), but there's a lot that's new.  In the hardware area, this includes barometer, RGB light sensor, gesture sensor, temperature sensor & humidity sensor.  More detail at:

http://bgr.com/2013/04/24/samsung-galaxy-s4-review-448039/     / Android phone cell mobile smartphone screen pixel density retina display glossy plastic previous model buttons technology 1.9GHz quad-core quad core processor 2GB RAM 13 megapixel rear camera 2 front camera 4G LTE, 802.11 a b g n ac NFC 2,600 mAh battery noise cancellation barometer RGB light sensor gesture sensor, temperature sensor humidity gyroscope proximity sensor accelerometer thinner lighter  stretch my hand tap targets slimmer bezel surrounding display Air View stylus hover mouse over S pen s-pen preview Air Gestures interact infrared sensor screen ear wave your hand ear proximity sensor Smart Pause head /

Space Monkey: Easy cloud storage in your own home — Update

Credit: Space Monkey/ Kickstarter

On Thursday 18 April I wrote of Space Monkey cloud storage, "It's a Kickstarter project, so it may never happen, but looks promising."  Since that time, funding has exceeded 200% of its goal, so it definitely will be happening.   Get on board at Kickstarter:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/clintgc/space-monkey-taking-the-cloud-out-of-the-datacente     / cloud secure security backup back up datacentre data centre datacenter center space complete storage subscribe subscription service little device launched launch funded fund funds funding remind support industry access share others second copy safe-keeping safekeeping safe keeping data expensive budget services can’t afford unlimited bandwidth resources heavy users cap transfer speeds upload download storage network cheaper more reliable faster environment /

NiteCore’s “Tiny Monster” is perfect for when a regular flashlight just won’t do

Credit: NiteCore/ The Gadgeteer

Well ... this is just a little bit different ...

Some amazing statistics for this light:

• 3500 lumen maximum brightness.  (A 100 watt incandescent light globe is around 1,600 lumens.)
• 3 lumens on lowest brightness for 1,000 hours.
• Costs $389.99 plus a set of rechargeable lithium ion batteries to suit for $54.99.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/04/23/nitecores-tiny-monster-is-perfect-for-when-a-regular-flashlight-just-wont-do/#comments / LiIon R123 18650 CREE XM-L LEDs LED TM26 torch /

John Voelcker: Electric cars, myths & realities

General Motors Volt
Credit: Treehugger

Electric vehicles have been subjected to an amazing level of misrepresentation & misinformation.  John Voelcker sets the record straight with a good dose of common sense & accuracy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DluM4PVtzs&feature=youtube_gdata_player / electric vehicle EV internal combustion engine ICE battery LiIon lithium ion traction Tesla Model S Roadster General Motors GM Volt Ampera Vauxhall Toyota Prius hybrid serial parallel Nissan Leaf air cooled air-cooled battery pack water lease buy government subsidy /

Camera sensor size: Why does it matter & exactly how big are they?

Credit: CNet

16 megapixels always beat 10 megapixels, right? Well, not really. Get the full story at:

http://www.gizmag.com/camera-sensor-size-guide/26684/

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7603_7-6241014-3.html / megapixel myth camera manufacturers camera consumers are dodgy images MP compact Full Frame DSLR sensor size photosites pixel light resolution more detaed images area lens /

Samsung Galaxy S3 extended battery delivers 4 days of battery life

Credit: Gotta Be Mobile

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2013/04/14/samsung-galaxy-s3-extended-battery-delivers-4-days-of-battery-life/ / NFC ZeroLemon 7,000 7000 mAh back extended battery TPU plastic case fits over the back phone wraps around to the front ergonomic feel black white blue supports NFC Google Wallet S Beam size Hyperion 4 5 four five days of use /

Film "War for Web" warns of CISPA, SOPA, & future threats

"Now, cybersecurity is important. I think the government should be finding these vulnerabilities and helping to fix them. But they're doing the opposite of that. They're finding the vulnerabilities and keeping them secret so they can abuse them. So if we do care about cybersecurity, what we need to do is focus the debate not on these kids in a basement who aren't doing any damage -- but on the powerful people, the people paying lots of money to find these security holes who then are doing damage and refusing to fix them." — Aaron Swartz, Internet activist, in his last lengthy interview, before his untimely death by suicide

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57580583-38/film-war-for-web-warns-of-cispa-sopa-future-threats/ / Aaron Swartz's struggles antihacking anti-hacking anti hacking law Hollywood lobby lobbying surveillance proposals Internet users users' rights under attack forthcoming documentary film "War for the Web" physical infrastructure of the Internet, fat underwater cables living room routers proposals CISPA Net neutrality SOPA Stop Online Piracy Act security people talk about privacy regional duopolies Cameron Brueckner, film film's director interconnected filmmaker filmmakers 17 lengthy interviews last extensive  Internet activist committing suicide in January 24 hours raw footage rough cut finished end of the year, launched a fundraising campaign Indiegogo that ends May 1 three-minute trailer charged Computer Fraud and Abuse Act criminal trial years over a decade  federal prison alleged illegal downloads of academic journal articles filmmakers interview after his indictment U.S. government posed a more serious cybersecurity threat than hackers cracked other countries' computers cracked into military installationsinitiated cyberwar cybersecurity is important /

Painful joints can be disabling, but replacement surgery can often be avoided

Credit: Consumers Union of United States/ TheWashington Post

Obesity & a more active, longer lived population causes a lot of wear in knee joints.  Result, knee replacement is now amongst the most common form of surgery.  But often, surgery can be avoided, or at least delayed.

http://washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/painful-joints-can-be-disabling-but-replacement-surgery-can-often-be-avoided/2013/04/15/359535ac-97e6-11e2-814b-063623d80a60_story.html / arthritis osteoarthritis joint wear-and-tear wear and tear cartilage knee replacement surgery /

How to: Qi wireless charging nightstand, cheap, quick & easy (video)

After completing this project, to charge your phone, just place it on your night stand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZo2pA0Qc9U&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/04/19/hack-your-nightstand-into-a-qi-inductive-wireless-charging-station/ / smartphone charge recharge battery inductive charging wireless power supply powersupply plug in plugin DIY do it yourself /

Base jumper takes you with him through tiny stone arch

Credit: Alexander Polli/ Dvice

Amazing stunt. Definitely worth a look!

http://www.dvice.com/2013-4-17/crazy-dude-wingsuit-zips-through-tiny-stone-arch / base jumper sky dive diver bat suit stunt Alexander Polli fly wingsuit narrow natural arch without killing himself accident stunt filmed Polli crew from multiple angles camera movie video mounted own helmet flight  free fall controlled flight through arch beyond Roca Foradada Mountains Montserrat Spain natural landscape arch stunt six feet wide /

Space Monkey: Easy cloud storage in your own home (video) • UPDATED

Credit: Space Monkey/ Kickstarter

Update: This Kickstarter project has been funded.

Backups: we all know we should, but most of us don't.  In brief, Space Monkey promises 1 gigabyte of backups, fast & secure, with world wide access for $US10 per month.

How does it work?

Each subscriber receives a device (shown above), which is  connected to your computer & your Internet connection.  It contains a 2 terabyte drive.  Only one terabyte is available to the subscriber.  And the other terabyte?  It forms part of the Space Monkey cloud.  I.e. it's available for storage of other subscribers' files.  Your files will be backed up to 40 other Space Monkey subscribers' devices.  Only 20 of those devices are required for you to access your files, providing redundancy.  Is this sounding like Torrent meets backups?

It's a Kickstarter project, so it may never happen, but looks promising.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/04/space-monkey-easy-cloud-storage-in-your-very-own-home/

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/clintgc/space-monkey-taking-the-cloud-out-of-the-datacente / cloud secure security backup back up datacentre data centre datacenter center space complete storage subscribe subscription service little device launched launch funded fund funds funding remind support industry access share others second copy safe-keeping safekeeping safe keeping data expensive budget services can’t afford unlimited bandwidth resources heavy users cap transfer speeds upload download storage network cheaper more reliable faster environment /

Protean launches production in-wheel electric motor

Credit: Protean/ Motor Authority

Between a motor & the road, there are several causes of inefficiency: clutch, torque converter, gearbox, differential.  Some of these are not necessary in an electric car (EV), e.g. torque converter & (usually) clutch.  By eliminating these components & their inefficiencies, an EV becomes more efficient.  Of course, weight savings achieved by eliminating these components further improves efficiency.

Including a separate electric motor for each driven wheel removes the mechanical losses & weight inherent in a differential.  Traction control & torque vectoring can also be added without additional mechanical complexity.

Drive shafts can be eliminated along with the inherent weight & mechanical losses by moving the electric motors into the wheel hubs.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1083562_protean-launches-production-in-wheel-electric-motor#100425040

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1083563_protean-in-wheel-electric-motor-to-enter-production-in-2014 / in-wheel electrification unsprung weight power sources source wheel driveshaft efficiency transfer control controlled independently control performance vehicle dynamics drive system traction control launch control torque vectoring implemented software technology concept phase production 2013 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress volume production  plant Liyang China factory 75 kilowatts 100 horsepower 735 pound-feet of torque superior regenerative braking kinetic energy recovered during braking hybrid powertrain system internal combustion engine retrofitted retrofit reduce fuel consumption traction drive /

Drive an electric car or hybrid? Remember to exercise the brakes!

Electric  cars & hybrids have regenerative braking.  I.e. when decelerating, the electric motor is used as a generator to absorb kinetic energy from the moving vehicle, slowing it down & producing electricity which is used to charge the battery.  Problem is that contaminants such as rust may accumulate on the surface of the under used mechanical brakes, reducing their efficiency.  Under used brakes are likely to take longer to bed in, further reducing their effectiveness.

Check out the linked article for advice on how to fix these problems.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1073841_drive-an-electric-car-remember-to-exercise-your-cars-brakes / plugin plug-in plug in regen disk disc corrosion oxide oxidation rust scrape clean friction pad pads reduced efficiency stand on the brakes hard accelerate acceleration deceleration /

Fuel efficient 9 & 10 speed auto transmissions coming from GM & Ford

Credit: Ford/ GM/ Green Car Reports

As has been reported here previously, one way of overcoming the abysmal efficiency of the internal combustion engine is more gear ratios.  Previously, this had reached a maximum in the ZF 9 speed auto.  Now, Ford & GM seem to be inching their way toward the extreme numbers reached in 1960s 50 cc racing motor cycles.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1083540_fuel-efficient-9-and-10-speed-auto-transmissions-coming-from-gm-ford / transmission ratio speed gear box gearbox gears speeds efficiency cars SUVs trucks crossovers car SUV truck crossover vehicle vehicles efficiency performance fuel emission pollution regulation development costs economies of scale parts commonality manufacturers software engine characteristics /

No jailbreak for iOS 6.1.3

http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/no-jailbreak-for-ios-6-1-3 / iOS Apple iPhone iPod iPad Cydia jail break Pod2g member evad3rs announced Twitter team not working iOS 6.1.3 jailbreak too much efforts effort minimal update waiting for a major release iOS 7 6.2 /

NVIDIA CEO promises next-gen mobile graphics will equal current PC games (video)

NVIDIA's CEO has told an investor meeting that their new mobile graphics chip, Kepler Mobile will deliver the same graphic performance as its desktop graphics cards, including high dynamic range lighting & active shadows.  Check out the video:

http://bgr.com/2013/04/12/nvidia-kepler-mobile-graphics-433742/ / NVIDIA executive quote quoted mobile devices perform performance outperform Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 company company’s chief executive, Jen-Hsun Huang proof statement NVIDIA investor meeting earlier this week CEO company next-generation mobile chip, Kepler Mobile mobile devices able play high-end PC games Battlefield 3 multiple years ahead of the competition worth the sacrifice VentureBeat made strategic decision delay other projects move Kepler Mobile forward iPad capable games vintage 1999 chipset can handle high-dynamic-range lighting active shadows features not found in today’s mobile games /

Gibson Min-ETune • Perfect tuning at the touch of a button (video)

Press the button, strum & the battery powered robot guitar tuner does the rest.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/04/12/gibson-min-etune-perfect-pitch-at-the-touch-of-a-button/ / new Gibson Min-ETune guitars guitar back headstock battery-powered battery powered robot tuner accurately tune six strings simultaneously standard tuning seconds press button strum you’re done choose 12 popular alternate tunings six 6 program yourself 11 eleven classic guitars Min-ETune SG Les Paul models prices price range from $1499 up to $3199 musicians lazy built in /

Tesla's Elon Musk promises more Superchargers, better service, cheaper EVs that "don't suck"

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO
Credit: Engadget

Regular readers of these pages will be aware that Tesla representatives have been making infrequent, casual references to a Tesla mass market car for some time.  Now things are getting just a little more concrete.  Elon Musk has told Engadget that Tesla will produce a, "third-gen car".  It will be somewhat smaller &, "will sell for half as much as a Model S".  When?  "Hopefully 2016, but I would say no later than 2017."

http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/05/elon-musk-interview/ / EV electric vehicle LiIon lithium ion battery  cell charge recharge performance acceleration Roadster Model S X economy halve half 50% reduce reduced price /

Take Apple out of your iPhone

Smartphones come  bundled with a selection of software that makes them a functional smartphone right out of the box.  Although functional, some of the bundled apps on the iPhone are a long way from best in class, most notoriously, Apple Maps in iOS 6.  Calendar & Safari only see service on my iPhone when they are called up by Mail.  Check out Calendars+ & the Atomic, Dolphin & Mercury browsers.

Some alternatives to bundled apps are reviewed in the linked article.  Perhaps the most intriguing app mentioned is Fleksy.  It's as close as Apple, being Apple, is ever going to let you come to a replacement keyboard under iOS.  Try typing "apple" as "sookr", (i.e. every letter wrong, 1 key to the right or left) & Fleksy will get it right.  Try the same thing, typing "banana" as "nsmsms".  Don't use it myself, but this app is an amazing feat.

http://www.techhive.com/article/2032894/take-apple-out-of-your-iphone.html / Google Maps Fantastical Mailbox Mail Calendar Evernote Notes  Camera Awesome Clear to do list Tasks  Reminders iOS iPhone iPad iPod device /

Free sample copy of Arc, the new digital magazine from the publishers of New Scientist

Cover of 4th edition
Credit: Arc/ New Scientist

Download PDF version
http://email.newscientist.com/cgi-bin1/DM/t/nCwcM0eMgLE0BcD30rrCx0EI

ePub version
http://email.newscientist.com/cgi-bin1/DM/t/nCwcM0eMgLE0BcD30rrCy0EJ

Check out the blog at:
http://arcfinity.tumblr.com/ / digital magazine /

Turn almost any lamp into a wireless speaker

Credit: Hammacher Schlemmer/ The Gadgeteer

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/04/09/turn-most-any-lamp-into-a-wireless-speaker/ / wireless speaker built-in speakers The Invisible Speaker Hammacher Schlemmer shaded lamp remove harp metal piece that the shade sits on screw lamp’s socket light bulb lightbulb shade longer shade hardware 2.4GHz base station connects connect music source smart phone smartphone player computer television audio component cables wirelessly transmit transmitter transmits music 200 feet away inch 3″ driver 25W amp remote control pair individual base station The Invisible Speaker /

Hybrid owners: still happy after 200K-300K miles (video)

Toyota Prius 1997–2003
Credit: Wikipedia

Despite the naysayers, maintenance costs for hybrids are falling & longevity, including the battery, is spectacular.

A few conversions of numbers quoted in the video:

207,739 miles = 334,323.5 km

40.4 mpg (US) = 48.5 mpg (UK) = 5.8 l/100 km.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078269_hybrid-owners-still-happy-after-200k-300k-miles

And here's another one:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1060255_does-the-toyota-prius-hybrid-hold-up-consumer-reports-yes / hybrid battery petrol gas gasoline Toyota Prius miles carbon footprint NiMh nickel metal hydride replace replacement cost dust to rust life cycle imbedded cost embedded miles per gallon litres liters per 100 kilometers kilometres Toyota Prius 1st 2nd first second generation /

The Xfire Safety Light creates a laser-generated bike lane for safer night cycling (video)

Credit: Xfire/ Inhabitat

It doesn't take much thought to realize that riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding in daylight. A 2009 study quantified the risk at 2 to 5 times. Being visible is the trick. Uniquely, the Xfire Safety Light creates a virtual bike lane.

http://inhabitat.com/xfire-safety-light-lets-you-create-your-own-laser-generated-bike-lane-for-safer-night-cycling/

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix2sNGhXJ2c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRnH1T_sZlY&feature=youtube_gdata_player / dangers riding cycle bike bicycle dark night visibility vision see Xfire Bike Lane Safety Light security battery powered power battery-powered safety light clamps bike frame project projects highly visible red laser images line lines ground on either side simulating instant bike lane that helps alert drivers presence intense laser markers visible over a mile away under headlights streetlights research lights reflectors value night cycling 2009 study researchers Irene Kwan James Mapstone The Cochrane Collaboration Night-time cycling is two to five times more dangerous than cycling in daylight Forty per cent of cyclist fatalities occuring occur during the hours of darkness most important factors collisions kinds is simply late detection of other road users value visibility devices safety lights alert drivers earlier presence of the cyclist shockproof weather-resistant weather resistant polycarbonate attaches bicycle seat post universal bracket included device includes LED flashing taillight extra visibility AAA batteries cells  light burning for 20 hours Xfire bike safety lighting systems /

Walk, or run, to lower heart disease risk: benefits are similar

Running carries risks of back, knee, ankle & other injuries.  If health benefits are similar, the choice seems clear.

http://healthland.time.com/2013/04/05/walk-or-run-to-lower-heart-disease-risk-benefits-are-similar/ / cardiovascular cardio vascular heart rate  loos pressure heart attack stroke risk fitness protective Alzheimer's disease cognitive ability quality of life meditation /

Analysis: Is there a smartwatch in your future? • Updated 00:39 09 April 2013 GMT

Credit: Sony/ Business Insider Australia

Smartwatches may be the next big thing.  Samsung, Apple & Google are claimed to have smartwatches in development.

Most existing smartwatches are essentially Bluetooth connected peripherals of smartphones. At first glance, it's hard to see such a peripheral ever being more than a technophile niche product.  However, smartphone screen sizes are increasing.  Soon to be available, the mainstream Samsung Galaxy S 4 has a 5 inch screen.  Six inches (or even 6.3) is rumoured for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, expected later this year.  Big screens are great for visibility, but make a phone heavier & harder to hold or remove from a pocket or bag.  Perhaps combined with a headset, a Bluetooth connected smartwatch which allowed checking of SMS, email & calendar could overcome the disadvantages of a large screen smartphone.


Google Glass
Credit: Google/ TechRadar

Another possibility is a smartwatch which incorporates microphone & speaker, reducing the need for a separate headset. It's not a watch as we traditionally think of it, but Google Glass could do all of the above with the added advantage that, worn like a pair of "glasses", it is better positioned than a conventional watch to provide mike & speaker.

Just today, I discovered another use of a smartwatch: detecting a phone ring in a noisy environment.  In a not very noisy shopping centre, didn't hear the ring, but felt the vibration of my Pebble smartwatch.  Listened for the ring.  Still couldn't hear it.  Took out the phone & sure enough, it was ringing.  Important call too.

Will iCloud allow Apple to produce a smart watch (iWatch?) with capabilities that other manufacturers can't match?

http://bgr.com/2013/04/04/apple-iwatch-analysis-samsung-410431/?utm_source=hitlist-sb&utm_medium=home

Some existing smartwatches
http://au.businessinsider.com/best-smartwatches-2013-1?op=1#metawatch-strata-1

Also see Evolution of the smartwatch Part 1 & Part 2 / Smartwatch smart watch wrist band Bluetooth link to smartphone phone mobile cell battery charge recharge copy Apple products patent copyright iPhone iPad Android Galaxy rumored rumor rumour MetaWatch Strata Leikr Cookoo Touch Time Sony I'm Apple iWatch analysis: Apple ready to go where Samsung can’t follow /

A high-fiber diet may make a stroke less likely, study says

Credit: Washington Post

Nothing really new here, just filling in the details: everybody knows that a healthy diet includes lots of fruit & vegetables.

Detail: one more advantage of a diet with lots of fruit & vegetables is that the fibre content is protective against strokes.

http://m.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-high-fiber-diet-may-make-a-stroke-less-likely-study-says/2013/04/01/b8005a14-9708-11e2-97cd-3d8c1afe4f0f_story.html / antioxidant anti-oxidant anti oxidant vitamin vitamins minerals nutrient /

Memory that never forgets: non-volatile DIMMs hit the market

Credit: Viking Technology/ Ars Technica

There are many ways to speed up a server.  One is fewer writes to disk.  If transactions are carried out in RAM memory, operation is faster.  Where this falls down, is if power suddenly fails.  Because RAM is volatile, all transactions not written to disk are lost.  Non-volatile RAM would remove this risk, & this is the purpose of Viking's new non-volatile RAM modules.

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/04/memory-that-never-forgets-non-volatile-dimms-hit-the-market/ / DDR4 next generation dynamic memory memory boards squeeze more performance server servers faster memory safer keep more memory disc solid state drive SSD supply supplying dual in-line memory modules DIMM DDR3 dynamic memory NAND flash memory non-volatile RAM servers storage arrays modules memory systems lose power shut down ArxCis-NV DIMM Storage Networking Industry Association's SNW Spring conference Orlando plugs standard DIMM memory slots RAID controller cards  Micron Technology AgigA Tech NVDIMM first to market shipping /

Sim-CEL has Tesla-quick performance, lasers for high beams, slug-like looks (photographs & video)

Credit: SIM-Drive

+ 324 km (201 mile) range
+ drag coefficient 0.199
+ 4 wheel drive
+ 0-100 km (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds 

- 2 seats
- non existent rear three quarter vision 
- carbon fibre & space frame chassis in this prototype will not translate economically into production
- excellent aerodynamics are unlikely to be compatible with a four door body
- excellent range is measured under the Japanese standard.  When measured under other standards, such as USA, British or Australian, results are unlikely to be as good.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1083389_sim-cel-electric-concept-quicker-than-slug-like-looks-suggest

http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/sim-cel-has-tesla-quick-performance-lasers-for-high-beams/ / EV electric vehicle car automobile auto LiIon lithium ion Cool Energy Link Sim-Drive space frame construction carbon fibre range anxiety charge recharge battery cell two 2 seat seater  prototype development aerodynamics cD drag coefficient aerodynamic /

Insulair is a stylish breath of relief for diabetics

Credit: Bang & Olufsen/ Dvice

Insulin injections are one more problem for diabetics.  What if injections could be replaced with an inhaler?

http://www.dvice.com/archives/2008/07/insulair-is-a-b.php

https://prezi.com/7mfvsqdzl4ex/copy-of-insulair-inhalible-insulin-by-theroutes-company/

http://www.cmocro.com//news_detail/Insulair+pMDI+evaluated+very+positively/26819/faq.php / Designed Bang & Olufsen Medicom Insulair attractive design inhalers diabetics treatment treat syndrome medicine delivered spray technology dose measured medicine  track meter distinct shape inhalers disposable unit mechanical counter fancier reusable digital inhaler display instructions medical warnings /

Workplace charging: employers face a maze of issues when considering EV charging

Credit: Google/ Charged EVs

Some employers are providing charging facilities for employee owned electric vehicles (EVs).  Perhaps most famously, Google.

Benefits of charging at work for employees are obvious.  For the employer, they are less obvious, but can include a desire to be seen as an organization with forward vision, & to attract & retain employees.  In at least one jurisdiction, employers are required to take steps to reduce air pollution resulting from their employees traveling to work.

http://www.chargedevs.com/content/features-inside/workplace-charging-employers-face-maze-issues-when-considering-ev-charging / charge recharge EV electric vehicle car LiIon lithium ion battery range EVSE electric vehicle supply equipment LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design South Coast Air Quality Management District AQMD Rule 2202 EV Charging Pros EV charging for employees electric vehicle car Level 1 Level 2 travel commute RFP request for proposal fee free visitor amenity complimentary service IRS internal revenue service billing system track usage charging at work taxable fringe benefit must be reported electricity gasser uprising gas gasoline petrol employee equity issue plug in free gas card payment system access control recouping all costs installation electricity gift of public funds installation costs recovery networking networked ChargePoint CEO availability ECOtality access restrictions networked smart-charging solution locate charging stations map find directions charging stations available parking garages in use enhancing customer experience ease of access monthly fees workplace network access control authentication software manual administration provide 24/7 customer support private parking RFID radio frequency identification /

Get this look for your Android: Newspaper

Credit: Burro/ Android Guys

Don't know that I would actually want to use this, but it is certainly interesting & different.

http://www.androidguys.com/2013/03/26/get-this-look-for-your-android-newspaper/ / handset mobile device smartphone smart phone tablets home screen homescreen user experience present weekly series design faded papyrus antique antiquated faded newspaper background text faded grey icons text links popular apps app application applications at-a-glance at a glance weather time alarms upcoming appointments uniform design elements font RSS news feeds displayed display touch screen theme /

The Earth at night • NASA photographs

Photo credit: NASA

http://news.cnet.com/2300-11386_3-10014780.html / space orbit satellite /

Patent wars: Google Maps facing ban in Germany as trial advances

Can't see this as good news for consumers.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57573174-93/google-maps-facing-ban-in-germany-as-trial-advances/     / patent battle between Google Microsoft  Google Maps banned Germany Florian Mueller FOSS Patents, reported from court Munich Judge Dr. Matthias Zigann Munich I Regional Court Motorola Mobility subsidiary prior to counsel's argument claim construction infringement validity MMI's German subsidiary liable liability infringement key Microsoft patent EP0845124 computer system identifying local resources method therefor European equivalent U.S. Patent No. 6,240,360 Mueller consulted for Microsoft in the past a Microsoft win big headache for Google block Google Maps web applications apps application app Google spokesman declined to comment suit confident in our position look forward to defending it in court court's decision is not expected until June both parties filing new briefs in the meantime /

No more robocalls: New tech automatically hangs up on robots

Credit: BBC/ Ars Technica

An end to those damn annoying calls? Maybe.

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/04/no-more-robocalls-new-tech-automatically-hangs-up-on-robots/ / Federal Trade Commission complaints illegal robocalls most common problem reported FTC shut down companies responsible billions robocalls  lacks lack technological solution stop robocallers dialing $50,000 prize best technology stopping robocalls three winners devised robocall blocking systems end scourge forever detect disconnect call consumers build a database bad numbers consumers report winner winners co-winners built systems focus on intercepting filtering illegal prerecorded calls using technology blacklist robocaller phone numbers whitelist numbers associated with acceptable incoming calls CAPTCHA style test to prevent illegal calls from ringing through to a user honored two Google employees Daniel Klein Dean Jackson devising crowd-sourced robocall identification blocking system financial prize none was offered for proposals from large businesses helping consumers winners split $50,000 prize Aaron Foss freelance software developer Long Island NY, computer engineer named Serdar Danis announcement press conference Nomorobo phone landline, VoIP cellular buy any extra hardware customer conditional call forwarding phone provider allowing calls to ring both number /

Lotus Mobile: A portable, affordable solar charging solution?

Credit: Monarch Power/ Green Car Reports

A few question marks over this: no details about output of the array, either in terms of output or how fast it will charge an electric vehicle.  Hard, to see Lotus Cars being happy with this use of the name Lotus.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1083312_lotus-mobile-a-portable-affordable-solar-charging-solution

Lotus Cars
http://www.lotuscars.com/gb/home / solar Sun energy light PV photovoltaic photo voltaic electricity charge battery portable transportable architecture support frame erect Lotus EV electric vehicle LiIon lithium ion recharge  /

Nokia developing phone that recharges itself without mains electricity

Linked below is an article about using energy in radio & TV waves to charge mobile devices.  Big question mark here.  Reality is likely to raise its ugly head.

It's fundamental that electricity (or any other form of energy) doesn't come from nowhere.  Radio & TV transmissions require huge inputs of energy (in the megawatt range) by the broadcaster.  At the receiver, this induces a tiny current in a tuned  circuit, which is amplified (with input of more energy from a wall outlet or battery) to produce  video &/or audio.

While this is a good system for distributing video &/or audio, it's a hopelessly inefficient system for distributing electricity.  As the owner of a mobile device, you may find "free" electricity attractive.  If this technology became widely available, one of two things would have to happen:

1. broadcasters would pay a disproportionately high price for "free" electricity for mobile devices; or
2. Nokia needs to discover a new law of physics.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jun/10/nokia-mobile-phone / Phone smartphone smart phone electromagnetic radiation battery recharge LiIon lithium ion trickle /

Solid state electrolytes could become the dominant technology in LiIon batteries by 2030

Credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences/ Charged EVs

Storage capacity of lithium ion (LiIon) cells can be increased by using a lithium metal electrode.  However, if this is done, the lithium can form dendrites (in effect wires) through the liquid electrolyte, ultimately shorting out the cell.  To overcome this problem, work is progressing on a solid state alternative to liquid electrolytes.

http://www.chargedevs.com/content/news-wire/post/oak-ridge-researchers-give-solid-li-ion-electrolytes-new-spin

http://www.chargedevs.com/content/news-wire/post/new-report-solid-state-batteries-will-rule-2030-driven-consumer-electronics / electric vehicle EV car automobile battery charge recharge Voltage Volt electrochemical window  /