Audi A3 e-tron option: carbon-free recharging (video)

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1091110_audi-a3-e-tron-option-carbon-free-recharging-in-germany

One of the more interesting parts of the item linked above is comments, such as:

"Is LichtBlick going to run dedicated electric lines from the hydroelectric power stations to the Audi E-Tron owners' homes?"

Such a comment fails to recognise that an e-tron owner (or anyone else) can contract with an electricity provider to invest in & generate green power by a buying choice in the market. The electric power provider is contracting to feed green electricity to the grid equal to the customer's consumption. It doesn't matter who uses a particular electron.

Something similar is almost certainly available in your area without the assistance of Audi. Your electric power provider can probably do it for you.

For my own part, solar PV on my roof generates almost as much power as my EV consumes. Power I generate is fed into the grid, so I don't consume "my own electrons". However, I am increasing the amount of green energy in the grid, so the effect is the same, irrespective of who consumes "my" electrons. In addition, I purchase green power to cover my other consumption. / plug-in electric car carbon footprint electricity charge recharge generated sustainable renewable sources burning liquid fuels generate carbon emissions Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid Berlin German buyers 2015 Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid drive electrically carbon footprint grid electricity carbon tailpipe emissions generating electricity charge recharge sustainable renewable sources solar wind hydro thermal geo-thermal geo thermal buyers LichtBlick SE independent energy providers plug-in hybrid hydroelectric power stations Austria Germany Switzerland kilowatt-hour kWH geothermal power plant certified electricity rainforest Ecuador carbon footprint parts assembly EV electric vehicles tailpipe emissions carbon-neutral energy charge recharge /

Cadillac ELR "poolside" commercial re-imagined (video)

Some time ago, GM released a commercial for their Cadillac ELR extended range electic vehicle. It received wide spread criticism. See what you think:



Now am interesting re-imaging has been produced using the Ford C-Max Energi plug in hybrid:



http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1091146_ford-parodies-caddys-poolside-ad-using-ford-c-max-energi-video

My take: when Slate described the Cadillac commercial as "shallowness and materialism" it was definitely in the ballpark.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2014/03/31/ford_versus_cadillac_new_ad_featuring_detroit_dirt_mocks_poolside_commercial.html?wpisrc=burger_bar

And the Cadillac ELR? It's essentially a tarted up Volt. That's to say, it's an electric Cruze with range extender & reduced rear seat room to make space for the battery. In extended range mode, acceleration 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) is one second quicker than the Volt.

Alternatives:

Tesla Model S: much better passenger room, luggage space & acceleration for around the same price.

Volt: similar to the ELR, as indicated above, without the bling, but with rear doors added, for half the price. / serial parallel hybrid electric vehicle EV LiIon lithium ion battery charge recharge mode extended range petrol gasolene gasoline parody ad advertisement C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid funny though Cadillac driven advert why do we work so hard Ford Motor Company pool fancy house dirt compost organic vegetable hard-working less narcissistic Chevrolet General Motors /

iPad keyboard case review round-up

Credit: SlashGear

http://www.slashgear.com/office-for-ipad-keyboard-case-review-round-up-28322828/

Also see the MiniSuit BluBoard Bluetooth keyboard review. Can't comment myself, but the manufacturer advertises it for use with iPad. I'm using one now to type this on Android (Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0). / tablet tablets productivity physical real keyboard Office release Bluetooth keyboard cases iPad Air iPad mini Zagg Logitech Belkin Microsoft folio keyboard laptop keyboards multi-colored backlighting easier to use low-light conditions charge typing replace replacing function keys cut paste Belkin QODE Ultimate keyboard case aluminum alloy stand magnets stand different angles single hinge tablet mode still function buttons backlit Zagg Cover Keyboard protect protecting scratch scratches dock Lightning port Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio compact docking system stand Zagg folio keyboard Logitech reduction size Microsoft wedge mobile keyboard generic option Windows iPad Android slates tablet stand portrait landscape orientation shortcut keys home office /

Tesla Model S to get titanium battery shield + deflectors

You may have read on these pages about the extraordinary response of the media to two incidents of road debris penetration incidents leading to fires in Tesla Model S electric vehicles. Another fire occurred in Mexico after stolen a Tesla smashed down a brick wall.

Tesla is now providing additional protection for the Model S battery.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1091137_tesla-model-s-to-get-titanium-battery-shield-plus-deflectors-breaking / Tesla Motors underbody components Model S electric cars protection impacts road debris fires severely damaged battery packs mounted under the floor pierced road debris caught fire stolen steal thief steel reinforced concrete wall tearing off wheels totaling car injured killed fire drivers pull over park walk warning monitoring system gasoline cars additional triple underbody shield Fremont California assembly plant retrofit shield normally scheduled service request of owners battery pack shield shielded thick armor plate ballistic-grade aluminum steel-and-ceramic firewall floorpan Elon Musk Expects NHTSA protective devices hollow round aluminum bar titanium plate shallow-angle solid-aluminum deflect absorb impacts protecting battery pack titanium plate damage range over-the-air ride height /

Tesla Model S review (video)

Tesla Model S, reviewed as only Robert Llewellyn could do it. / Tesla Model S Elon Musk LiIon lithium ion LiIon battery EV elecric vehicle 85 kWh kilo Watt hour car /

Lithium ion batteries, cheaper & greener

Lithium ion batteries contain binders (read "glue") to hold things together. Unfortunately, binders are non-conductive (& so tend to reduce battery performance), toxic & expensive.

Cue the research team from the University of Delaware, with their conductive, non-toxic, cheap binder.

Winner!

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/sticky-stuff-could-make-li-ion-batteries-cheaper-and-greener/ / components active materials conductive additives binders team researchers University of Delaware discovered sticky conductive material eliminate binder technology binders impair electrochemical performance battery insulate insulation insulating properties Professor Bingqing Wei organic solvents mix binders conductive materials expense final product toxic to humans LiIon lithium-ion cell battery /

External battery for MacBook — now there are three

First there was HyperJuice, then came CHUGPLUG, soon, there'll be BatteryBox:

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/03/26/bypass-your-macbook-airs-battery-with-the-batterybox-and-charge-your-tablet-and-phone-too/ / CHUGPLUG external battery worry running out power traveling CHUGPLUG design designer designed 45 60 Watt 45W 60W newer MacBooks up to 4 extra hours power 11 inch 13 inch 11″ MacBook Air extra hours 13″ MacBook Air MacBook Pro weigh weighs 1.1 pounds accepts 100 240 100-240VAC 1.2A 50-60Hz AC power outputs 120-250V DC power fit between MacBook’s MagSafe power adapter power cord charge internal lithium-polymer battery 2 hours power laptop Lenmar Enterprises external batteries charge phone tablet laptop 50Wh energy juice power charge mobile device double battery life MacBook Air charge recharge bypass bypasses internal battery recharge cycles extended extends life BatteryOS LiIon lithium-ion batteries increased higher capacitydegrade over time 3000 full charge and discharge cycles MagSafe2 device charged USB /

UKO stormproof matches

Wind can't stop them, bury them, stamp on them, pour water on them, they'll go right on burning:

/ camping camp fire light lighter match campfire outdoors emergency waterproof case striker strikers lighting matches submerged in water wet burn /

Jailbroken iPad triple boots iOS 5, iOS 6, & iOS 7 (video)

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/03/video-shows-jailbroken-ipad-triple-booting-ios-5-ios-6-and-ios-7/ / iOS update Apple release released update overhaul design user interface apps app designed new features update hacker boot version jailbreak winocm booting build /

Pac-Man fish tank — drivin’ fish crazy

Credit: Instructables member antoniraj/TechnaBob

http://technabob.com/blog/2014/03/24/pac-man-fish-tank/ / maze tank aquarium water gold fish project /

Forget black hats — the best hackers are going grey and getting legit

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/03/25/forget_black_hats_the_best_hackers_are_going_grey_and_getting_legit/ / bug bounty make going legit a tempting proposition report Rand Corporation increasing market software vulnerabilities sell sold legitimately legitimate tempting hackers crackers go legit vagaries black market code credentials economic seesaw market Michael Callahan VP security products Juniper Networks sell legitimate market verses selling sell online arms dealers driven economics black market lucrative drugs trade report risks police law enforcement is improving catch cyber criminals attackers upper hand double-crossing industry sellers black market bazar stolen credit cards and credentials bug bounty programs revenue security specialists legitimate source of income rewards major undiscovered vulnerabilities security organizations government buyers iOS zero-day serious Windows flaw flaw American government outspend market revenue streams malware generation exploit kits source illicit revenue market increasingly flooded dodgy practices security software /

How the ocean reins in global warming

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2014/how-the-ocean-reins-in-global-warming.html / climate change response increasing anthropogenic emissions global warming greenhouse gases gasses excess heat accumulates Earth system thermal energy goes lower atmosphere land landmass Yavor Kostov graduate student Program in Atmospheres Oceans and ClimatePAOC MIT Department of Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences EAPS saturated heat ocean’s capacity store heat global warming green house greenhouse gas CO2 carbon dioxide hot topic climate science climate models oceanic ocean heat uptake high-latitude regions North Atlantic Southern Ocean store heat different depths papers paper published Geophysical Research Letters predictions global warming over the coming centuries ocean circulation deep overturning circulation North Atlantic Ocean AMOC transports buries atmospheric heat Kyle Armour EAPS postdoc John Marshall MIT professor oceanography various assumptions major ocean feature model predictions Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC projections deeper stronger AMOC capacity store heat delay long-term global warming stronger overturning circulation climate predictions cloud responses improve predictions future warming real-world measurements geographical location depth geographical location ocean heat uptake climate change /

Google to offer Ray-Ban & Oakley versions of Glass

Credit: YouTube/Google/Mashable

http://mashable.com/2014/03/24/google-glass-ray-ban-oakley/ / Google fashionable versions Glass tech giant announced partnership Luxottica parent company Ray-Ban Oakley Glass devices device eyewear tech-oriented consumers technology push consumer pull wearable-technology products applications wearable-technology products applicationsAndrea Guerra CEO Luxottica Group expertise deep knowledge quality new generation revolutionary devices prescription-lens version device fashionable frames Glass retail stores retail debut retail wholesale distribution channels negative media reports mainstream consumers pricing availability /

Drayson B12 200 mph electric car (video)

0-100 miles per hour in 5 seconds ... 0-200 mph in 11.

Or as Paul Drayson puts it: "... & its just fab."

/ electric vehicle EV lithium ion LiIon lithium-ion record car race battery charge recharge fully charged electric racing car land speed record /

Galaxy S5’s killer feature could set a trend for iPhone 6 & beyond (video)

Credit: Gotta Be Mobile

Killer feature? Its waterproof/resistant. Is that important to you?

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2014/03/09/galaxy-s5s-killer-feature-could-set-an-trend-for-iphone-6-and-beyond// ships killer feature real consumers water-resistant water resistant design splash rugged phone average user Apple more rugged iPhone 6 Samsung Galaxy S5 rugged phone flagship consumer smartphone deliver blockbuster features specifications specs withstand water dust all major U.S. carriers carrier bigger bulkier phones old versions Android consumer friendly features amazing camera drop water rugged phone accident water water-resistant Android updates Google Apple hardware updates waterproof case pink sensor indicates water damage exposure /

Mugshots created directly from DNA

Credit: Geek

Got the DNA, but how to identify the perp without a DNA test? Now its possible to create a mug shot from DNA alone.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/03/these-eerily-accurate-mugshots-were-created-from-dna-alone/

http://www.geek.com/science/genetic-mugshot-could-make-dna-an-eye-witness-1588720/ / DNA solving crime genetic analysis generate precise mugshots criminals researchers new technique DNA analysis gene genes influence facial shape images predict looks like from biological samples Pennsylvania State University Catholic University of Leuven imaged face faces stereoscopic camera create 3D images mapped the surfaces face points statistical analysis genes sex racial ancestry shape face 76 different genetic mutations known to cause facial abnormalities researchers subtle variations affect shapes faces variants different genes sensibly predict face shape software genetic analysis predict shape face technique researchers generate face larger studies different populations variants broadly applicable dependable real-world use ancestors /

Does quick charging reduce battery service life?

Over time, the capacity of a battery diminishes. Just how fast depends on a number of factors, including battery chemistry (& there are an enormous number of variations, big & small), operating temperature, levels of maximum & minimum charge, & charge rate.

Its early days for LiIon batteries in automotive applications & nobody has all of the answers. One expression of this is the ultra-conservative approach General Motors has taken with battery mangement in the Volt: in the every first Volts, a "fully charged" battery was actually 80% of capacity, & a "flat" battery was actually 20% of capacity. I.e., only the middle 60% of battery capacity was used, with obvious negative effect on battery range.

Purpose was to extend battery service life. Reduced range is acceptable in the Volt, as the internal combustion engine+generator range extender allows unlimited range.

With relatively small changes in battery chemistry, GM has increased the useable capacity of the battery to 65%, & electric range by a few kilometers, in more recent Volts.

Tesla manipulates charge levels for battery durability in the Model S, by allowing two levels of charge: one for commuting & a slightly higher level when maximum range is required.

For electric vehicles (EVs) without a range extender, quick charging is virtually essential when operating beyond maximum battery range, or even close to. Downside of quick charging has been concern about its effect on battery life. Little hard data has been available. Now, the Idaho National Laboratory is running trials with 4 Nissan Leaf EVs:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090954_does-quick-charging-hurt-battery-life-total-miles-are-more-important / EV electric vehicle car makers Nissan Leaf recommend recommendations owners charge frequency frequently using quick-charging stations chemical processes rapid rapidly charging cell battery degrade faster regular charges reduce reduction reducing range recharge experiment Phoenix Arizona overall mileage Idaho National Laboratory Simanaitis Says evaluate evaluation evaluating electric cars Level 2 220 Volt 40 Amp recharging DC quick charge 80 percent capacity 30 minutes climate control results lost capacity fast charging degraded fast charged winter high summer temperatures report driving /

Backblaze cloud storage — unlimited for $5 per month (or less)

● just one simple plan: unlimited
● as little as $3.96 per month (if you pay two years in advance)
● that's backing up just one device
● data available to all of your devices
● apps for OSX, Windows & iOs (Android in the works)
● no free service, but a free 15 day trial is available

http://www.findmycloudstorage.com/backblaze-review/

http://www.tuaw.com/2014/03/19/backblaze-now-storing-100-petabytes-of-data-announces-storage-p/

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/backup/fl/backblaze-review.htm / back up backup personal documents photographs photograph photo photos secure online location personal budget priced backup service review CEO Gleb Budman CTO Brian Wilson MailFrontier serial entrepreneurs product purchase company headquarters San Mateo California USA game-changing technology market value MacUser’s Labs Winner ease-of-use Cnet TechCrunch Ars Technica TUAW startup years fund profitable bootstrapped company technology proprietary storage configuration open source open sourced technology 40 petabytes file space datacenter Mission Critical Facility staffed 24/7 biometric security measures N+1 UPS power system independent telecom providers datacenter securelye easy cheap cloud storage your data is automatically backed up to a cloud server on a continuous basis free trial email address password your choice install files on your hard drive external hard drive military-grade encryption SSL connections your data compressed encrypted AES military grade encryption cloud server secure SSL connection private encryption key back up any kind of file /

Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch announced (video)

Credit: Motorola/Geeky Gadgets

Motorola has joined a growing crowd, with the announcement of their take on the smart watch. On sale this (northern) summer

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/motorola-moto-360-smartwatch-announced-video-19-03-2014/ / new smartwatch Motorola Moto 360 launch Google Google’s new version Android wearable devices device Android Wear feature features a round design traditional watch photos video Moto 360 on time up to date subtle alerts notifications just a twist of the wrist who’s emailing calling time next meeting friend’s latest social post responds to your voice say Ok Google ask questions game what time your flight leaves scheduling appointment send sending text set setting alarm taking note new Moto 360 go on sale this summer available in a range of different styles style launch US first roll out globally /

New Rubik's cube world record: 3.253 seconds

What do you need to solve a Rubik's cube in 3.253 seconds?

So far, the only solution involves a Samsung Galaxy S4 with ARM processor, Lego Mindstorms EV3 bricks & custom software running on the S4. This all came to fruition at the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham, UK, on 15 Mar 2014.



Earlier video, even shorter, but with better views of some off the hardware:

/ Guiness World Record solve solving Rubix Rubik Rubik's cube record recording recorded time Big Bang Fair in Birmingham UK robot ARM-powered Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone smart phone analyze instruct four robotic hands manipulate manipulations ARM processors power eight LEGO bricks perform motor sequencing control design designed designer designing built and programmed Mike Dobson David Gilday creators Android Speedcuber CubeStormer II custom app developed develop developer development phone's camera capture images each face process processor processing processes solution advanced two-phase algorithm dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 based processor SII optimise optimize optimizations octocore eight-core big.LITTLE processor configuration four Cortex-A15 Cortex-A7 processors human speedcubers' solve times physical manipulation image capture software solution calculation physical solve /

Smog emergency in Paris — vehicle bans implemented — electrics exempt

Credit: Charged EVs

Two thirds of cars on Paris roads are diesel powered. Combined with continued warm, windless weather, air pollution levels have risen to the point where vehicle bans are being implemented. An odds & evens licence plate system is in use, with exemptions for electrics, hybrids, taxis, buses, emergency vehicles & cars with three or more passengers.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090906_half-of-all-cars-banned-from-paris-roads-over-smog-electric-cars-exempt / hazardous levels of pollution license plates pollution levels 80 micrograms of particulates per cubic meter Parisian pollution less polluting than gasoline at the time tax taxes taxed diesel engines latest generation of diesels particulate filters urea injection emissions-scrubbing systems diesel emissions emission gasoline petrol high levels of particulate matter various respiratory diseases higher oxides of nitrogen nitrogen oxide smog voter vote diesel taxes tax of cars car French roads fuel Paris reduce reduction reducing levels pollution gas-guzzling SUV reduce pollution greenhouse gas bus city's city residents resident bus underground services rail railway offering free mass transit ban banned cars car electric vehicle EV road traffic level density increase French capital ban pollution polluting electric vehicles vehicle /

Samsung may be having production difficulties with the Galaxy S5

Credit: Boy Genius Report

Samsung has promised the Galaxy S5 for 11 April 2014. Rumour has it that they are having diffculty producing the 16-megapixel rear-facing camera module & the finger print sensor.

http://bgr.com/2014/03/17/samsung-galaxy-s5-camera/ / Galaxy S5 production Korean publication ETNews manufacture manufacturing cameras device launch April 11th mass production yield yields camera lens module 20% 30% range 16-megapixel camera modules module thin enough fit Galaxy S5′s frame quality lens lenses camera module thin lensslightest flaw considerable optical distortion plastic lens thinner more accurate mold technology Galaxy S5 components Korean publication Daum improve production of the Galaxy S5′s fingerprint scanner third-party manufacturer Circletec production fingerprint scanner 16-megapixel cameras launching Galaxy S5 150 countries April 11th /

Flight 370 mystery: How can a jetliner drop off the radar?

Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777
Credit: Shutterstock/Live Science

Disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is very puzzling, with no hard evidence at the time of writing. The nearest thing to good news in this matter, is NextGen, a satellite-based aircraft navigation system under development by the FAA. Better tracking, with more accurate navigation in the air & it will get you to the gate faster.

http://www.livescience.com/44012-malaysian-airlines-mystery-radar-tracking.html / mystery missing commercial airliner vanish Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 took off Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur Friday afternoon March 7 U.S. Eastern time Beijing air traffic controllers lost contact plane flying over the Gulf of Thailand just disappeared from the radar Boeing 777 jet carrying 227 passengers 12 crew members Sid McGuirk associate professor air traffic management Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida aircraft altitude Air traffic controllers track commercial jets using two types of radar Primary" radar plane's position analyzing signals bounce back aircraft secondary enhanced interrogate requests information from each plane transponder radar facilities range 200 miles 320 kilometers passenger jets transoceanic flights radar map flight crews high-frequency HF radio satellite-based voice communication text-data networks ATCair traffic control exact time position flight level crossing Emily McGee Flight Safety Foundation nonprofit organization Alexandria Va ATC voice text progress reports defined geographic locations time intervals airlines file flight plans airplane crew check in checkpoint alarm raised technologically advanced aircraft commercial jets fly low altitudes radar relies on line-of-sight contact mountains landforms block signals radar stations curvature of the Earth low-flying track continuously transponder disabled terrorists target lands stolen vanished jet black box tracked by radar /

Is the United States an enemy of the Internet?

Reporters Without Borders thinks so. Every year, they publish a list called "Enemies of the Internet". In the latest list, the US joins such champions of freedom as China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Cuba & Iran.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/web/u-s-branded-enemy-internet/#!z8mna / free press uncensored Internet USA United States countries United Kingdom Russia India 2014 list assessment Reporters Without Borders NSA revelations leaked Edward Snowden country of the First Amendment undermined confidence standards of security surveillance practices decryption activities direct threat investigative journalists sensitive sources confidentiality under pressure secrecy lack of transparency Project Bullrun operation decrypt communications security software firms damaging journalism Web anonymity guaranteed James Risen Barrett Brown Jacob Appelbaum developers Tor journalists U.S. government online surveillance operations Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg President surveillance practices United Kingdom Electronic Great Wall China digital tyranny authorities Uzbekistan full report freedom of expression online /

Amazing monumental public art from Vancouver – Kickstarter (video)

Credit: Moshi/The Gadgeteer

Kickstarter makes amazing things happen by connecting people with an idea to people who want to support it financially. Total recently passed $US1 billion pledged by 5.7 million people. Projects have included plays, books & hardware. I was a backer of the Pebble smart watch. Very happy with it.

To quote Neil Gaiman, it has "... a sort of weird & lovely magic ..."

Speaking of which, have a look at this:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/burrardarts/janet-echelman-in-vancouver?ref=NewsMar0614&utm_campaign=Mar+06&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

More about the Kickstarter billion dollar milestone:

https://www.kickstarter.com/1billion / make monumental public art project happen valuable artwork world renowned world-renowned artist Chris BAF arts non-profit awesome public City of Vancouver excited co-presenter project initiativemonumental public art experience fellow urban dwellers Vancouver Sculpture public art installations world-renowned artist Janet Echelman's biggest public sculpture yet massive aerial sculpture stretched suspended roof Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Vancouver Convention Centre celebrated 30th Anniversary TED Conference Vancouver B.C. public art installations awe inspire urban sculptures talent passionate her work borrowing funds support installation costs project photographic postcard prints t-shirts signed limited edition fine art screen prints beautifully crafted etched wood pieces pledges support cover costs world-renowned artist t-shirts design artist /

Life expectancy: Country vs. City

You may have read in these pages, in July 2013, about lower life expectancy in country areas of the United States.

Something similar happens in Australia too:

http://theconversation.com/unravelling-why-geography-is-australias-biggest-silent-killer-23238?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+13+March+2014&utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+13+March+2014+CID_3ee2d53f04d8b9b06fcc1d2f5e13ef2f&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Unravelling%20why%20geography%20is%20Australias%20biggest%20silent%20killer / Lesley Barclay
Professor of Rural Health University of Sydney big city dangerous place worry they might get murdered being killed on purpose more likely in town according to new research researcher study rare compared die dying in an accident more likely die unexpectedly countryside United States of America US USA U.S. U.S.A. cars guns firearms fire arms drugs causing majority injury deaths US Dr Sage Myers University of Pennsylvania risk of homicide higher big cities risk unintentional injury death 40 percent higher most rural areas most urban overall rate unintentional injury dwarfs risk homicide rate unintentional injury more than 15 times homicide among the entire population results massive study directed most common causes of injury death motor vehicle crashes leading to 27.61 deaths per 100,000 people in most rural areas and 10.58 per 100,000 in most urban areas risk firearm related firearm-related death difference across rural urban rural-urban spectrum entire population whole age subgroups studied firearm-related deaths found significantly higher rural areas children people 45 years and older people 20 to 44 risk firearm-related death significantly lower rural areas mean streets not so mean risk being run over wrapping your motor around tree telegraph pole mean compared open road country possibility probability likely get shot countryside too accident suicide opposed person most likely to shoot an American is himself more most likely die in a car crash fall accidental poisoning intentionally kill himself awful dangers posed computer equipment fearful engine of death the hot tub Annals of Emergency Medicine National Health Performance Authority life expectancy at birth avoidable deaths death population avoidable deaths death metro areas area regional hubs rural places years of completed education lower incomes income disability smoke drink alcohol risky degrees degree access Internet mobile phones /

VW researching new battery chemistry that could quadruple range

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/vw-researching-new-battery-chemistry-that-could-quadruple-range/ / LiIon lithium ion battery cell charge recharge range Volkswagen bench test testing new battery chemistry store 80 kWh energy similar volume eGolf 26.5 kWh battery pack VW board member Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser Geneva Auto Salon Auto Show test tested lithium-ion batteries cell supplier Sanyo capacities develop developing developer under development technology power package lithium-air EV electric vehicle second car maximum performance fuel cell /

Formula 1 – major revisions for 2014 (video)

Red Bull 2014 F1 car — notice the lower nose
Credit: Red Bull

This weekend, the first Formula One race for 2014 will be held in Melbourne Australia. Major revisions to the cars for 2014:

● 1.6 litre 90 degree V6
● turbocharged
● restricted to 15,000 rpm
● tightened regs for crankshaft design, including 3 pin crank — purpose, aparently, is to restrict R&D in this area, & ultimately, cost
● 8 speed semi automatic gearbox — restricted to one set of ratios plus one change through the season without penalty
● individual engines must last for at least 4,000 km (2,485 miles) — 2013 engines had to last for just 2,000 km (1,242 miles)
● lower nose & other body changes to increase safety & reduce downforce
● an additional Energy Recovery System (ERS), turns waste heat energy in the exhaust into electricity, which is available to power the vehicle
● KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) is retained & will be renamed ERS-K

http://www.redbull.com/en/motorsports/f1/stories/1331638258301/new-f1-rules

http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2014/3/15534.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Formula_One_season#Regulation_changes / capture captures waste heat exhaust turbocharger electrical device Heat Motor Generator Unit waste heat stored electrical charge Kinetic Motor Generator Unit drive train drivers electronic braking devices brake bias gear ratios circuiteight gear ratios first race of the season Grand Prix grid penalty /

How wind helps Antarctic sea ice grow, even as the Arctic melts

Credit: Mark Brandon/Flickr/The Conversation

Both the atmosphere & the oceans are heat engines. I.e. heat from the Sun provides energy to drive winds in the atmosphere & currents in the ocean. By these means, heat is redistributed around the globe. E.g., the climate of Western & Northern Europe is warmer than it would otherwise be, due to the North Atlantic drift, one of the branches of the Gulf Stream.

In the Antarctic, winds, intensified by global warming, are driving an expansion in sea ice:

http://theconversation.com/how-wind-helps-antarctic-sea-ice-grow-even-as-the-arctic-melts-24209?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+13+March+2014&utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+13+March+2014+CID_3ee2d53f04d8b9b06fcc1d2f5e13ef2f&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=How%20wind%20helps%20Antarctic%20sea%20ice%20grow%20even%20as%20the%20Arctic%20melts / global warming climate change greenhouse effect green house CO2 carbon dioxide gas strong winds climate change hole in the ozone layer steady increase in Antarctic sea ice Arctic shrink ice coverage released Hobart yesterday Position Analysis report Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre co-operative confusion polar differences driver drive driving frozen seawater surface ocean cools cool cooling freeze freezing Southern Ocean sea ice cover surround surrounding surrounds Antarctic continent Dr Jan Lieser marine glaciologist Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems centre researchers physical driver wind warmer atmosphere increases convection greater wind speeds Southern Ocean stronger westerlies sea ice is growing more ice coverage ice factory Professor Ian Simmonds climate scientist University of Melbourne School of Earth Sciences new resource El Nino Australian rainfall Dr Sharon Stammerjohn University of Colorado impact marine life seasonal change summer minimum winter maximum ecosystem rate of change /

Life with Tesla's Model S: One year & 15,000 miles later

Credit: Car And Driver

Consumer Reports says its the best car they've ever tested, & continues to say so after a year of ownership.

David Noland of Green Car Reports has had a similar experience:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090685_life-with-tesla-model-s-one-year-and-15000-miles-later / LiIon lithium ion battery charge EV electric vehicle range year Tesla Model S ownership mile miles tire tyre tyres tires impressed mild irritations car Ratings road test road-test score 99 100 point 100-point scale highest rated highest-rated extended test tested last five years accolades highest ever highest-ever marks mark owner satisfaction latest annual auto survey reliable average reliability score based experiences 637 CR subscribers good early production niche luxury vehicle California start-up start u company Tesla’s thoroughly rewarding driving experience rocket rocketlike launch feel supreme quietness overlook drawback drawbacks notable quirks have emerged range cruise cruising range Tesla’s major drawing draw cards top spec top-spec 85 kWh version 300 mile 300-mile range charged normally maximum max range manufacturer company maker advice advises 225 miles electric vehicle EV EVs 245 EPA calculated electric car indicated range drops drop freezing weather cabin heat remaining miles remaining-miles calculator display displays software update Model S Teslas vampire losses off charger for 24 hours Supercharger stations 30 minutes reduce range anxiety commuter car Updates via cloud software updates road debris penetrated battery pack from below ride height highway speeds road debris /

Robert Llewellyn talks to the Merseyside Skeptics Society about electric cars (video)

Robert Llewellyn (Fully Charged, Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge) gave an entertaining talk to the Merseyside Skeptics Society. Generous coverage of a diverse range of topics, including:

● parallels between the behaviour of climate deniers & patients given a terminal diagnosis (in the Kubler-Ross model, denial, anger, bargaining, depression & acceptance);
● Top Gear test of the Tesla Roadster;
● New York Times test of the Tesla Model S; &
● the fossil fuel industry funded researcher who discovered that the Nissan Leaf electric motor contains 90 kg of copper (a little like the TARDIS it has more mass on the inside than the outside).

Note: 1 hour 52 minutes running time. No video, as such, just audio with a series of stills from the night, so download size is less than you might expect.

/ electric vehicle EV car auto automobile charge recharge LiIon lithium ion lithium-ion battery BEV Tesla Model S Roadster Sport Nissan Leaf Mitsubishi iMieve Toyota Prius hybrid miles per gallon fuel consumption petrol General Motors Chevrolet Volt Opel Vauxhaul Ampera Fully Charged Scrap Heap Challenge war drove around in circles cold weather range /

Solar pushing electricity costs down in Australia (infographic)

Credit: Australian Solar Council / PV photovoltaic solar hot water renewable energy sustainable green cost price expense photo voltaic photovoltaic PV renewable green non-renewable finite resource clean energy solar reliable source electricity average electric power electricity investment generated generate generation power reduce environmental impact cleaner clean energy source carbon footprint energy greener sustainable renewable energy alternate alternative /

Schmidt: Not even the US government can get at Google user data

Google has had a long term project to encrypt user data stored on its servers against all comers. Eric Schmidt recently told a conference crowd in Austin, Texas, that that project is now complete.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57620078-93/schmidt-not-even-us-govt-can-get-at-google-user-data/ / Google's chief executive Eric Schmidt packed house Austin Texas company completed secure user data against unauthorized access annual South by Southwest Interactive conference panel moderator Stephen Levy Wired solution government governmental intrusions encrypt data more info information data Google safe from prying eyes USA US government company subject to the Patriot Act secret US courts stage Jared Cohen author co authored co-authored book The New Digital Age published last year book examined how technology Internet change changing society US government intrusions NSA National Security Agency intrusion intrusive access accessing Google user data without Google's knowledge similar incursions by other governments attacked Chinese 2010 attacked NSA 2013 hero heroism actions leak leaking leaked leakers shock shocking shocked Julian Assange leaked transcript conversation what information available to the public topic of discussion book on stage free and open Internet for all people skeptical motives people leak information anonymously anonymous cited cite Google executive biggest adversary to privacy coming improvements to encryption technology Internet safe country countries Iran Internet tech companies solution embrace technology hold back technology more education openness entrepreneurship capitalism capital /

Flow cell battery in a (kind of) practical car

Credit: La Vecchia/Green Car Reports

Flow cells can be recharged by connecting to a charger or by replacing the liquid electrolyte. These, & other characterisics, make them very attractive for automotive applications. To date, size & weight have restricted flow cells to stationary applications.

La Vecchia claim to have overcome these problems in their Quant e-Sportlimousine, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. Claims of Tesla levels of range & performance have yet to be demonstrated, but plans for 4 prototypes for real world testing should answer the questions which their very big claims imply.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090746_quant-limousine-concept-pioneers-flow-cell-power-unit-at-geneva

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2014/3/7/Quant-e-Sportlimousine-Unveiled-with-Staggering-Performance-Claims-7719058/

More flow cell progress:

http://www.green-energy-news.com/nwslnks/clips813/aug13033.html

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/524781/a-battery-with-liquid-electrodes-can-be-recharged-or-refilled/ / show concept car power powered fuel cells battery batteries debut La Vecchia's Quant e-Sportlimousine energy power system technology flow cell powertrain developed develop development nanoFLOWCELL German company technical ties Bosch flow cells electrochemical electro-chemical accumulator cells fuel cells liquid electrolytes stored two tanks circulated through circulate circulation cells membrane separates two electrolytic solutions fuel cell electrical charge passes flows cell produces power drivetrain benefits high charge density high performance density light weight contain no harmful substances chemicals no moving parts energy efficient efficiency energy-efficient electric cars car recharge liquid refills lithium ion LiIon electric vehicle EV greater performance-by-weight current lithium-ion cells greater range than a regular battery same weight storage capacity 120 kWh 85 kWh Tesla Model S 372 mile 372-mile driving range lighter Model S battery weighs several hundred pounds charge e-Sportlimousine no details here show car concept car four prototypes prototype real-world real world testing show-car styling gull wing gull-wing doors body /

Military drones: Shaving costs

Credit: The MITRE Corporation/The Economist

Expensive hardware meets off-the-shelf hardware & 3D printer – becomes cheap.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2014/02/military-drones / military armed forces best toys America information technology information-technology industry powered military budgets budget consumer electronics e;ectronic unmanned aircraft Razor Raven American armed forces workhorse small drone wingspan reconnaissance built conventional techniques AeroVironment Californian firm controlled bespoke software cost costs Razor experimental vehicle designed design MITRE Corporation not for profit not-for-profit organisation manages government research programmes program programme University of Virginia 3D printer controlled control Android smart phone loaded available apps costs brainchild Michael Balazs Jonathan Rotner project Dr Balazs rebuild old military robot machine’s proprietary electronics custom software standardising military robots using off-the-shelf components open-source open source programs leading source smart phones phone smartphone global positioning system GPS built navigation video camera drone mobile phone radio transmitter receiver app apps electronic devices steer operate robot breakout board Dr Balazs Dr Rotner colleagues University of Virginia David Shefler radio-controlled toy cars Android communicate instruments programming tweaking Android-powered drone military-grade drone hardware expensive redesign fly reconnaissance capability aerial pictures stitched together high resolution high-resolution map free software testing 3D printers becoming commonplace Pentagon massive procurement budget MITRE /

Apple Carplay demo in Volvo Concept Estate (station wagon/shooting brake/whatever) – at the Geneva Motor Show

Apple Carplay demo in Volvo Concept Estate (station wagon/shooting brake/whatever) – at the Geneva Motor Show



As previously forshadowed in these pages, Apple's Carplay has been demonstrated at the Geneva Motor Show. Bad news appears to be that it has to be designed into the car. So no option to retrofit it to your existing vehicle.

http://www.gtspirit.com/2014/03/05/apple-introduces-carplay-at-geneva-motor-show-2014/ / infinite number monkeys infinite number typewriters rapidly type works Shakespeare videogame videogames people attempting to play Pokémon Red at the same time one game of Pokémon Red 150,000 people controlling it at once Twitch Plays Pokémon half art project half reality show 21st century idea is relatively simple 1996 Game Boy hit kickstarted Pokémon franchise running emulator hooked up to Twitch website which lets gamers broadcast video games live viewers enter button commands chat window pass passing passed onto into emulator which enters enter them order in theory harness harnesses wisdom crowds crowd find best way through the game play playing 24 hours day seven days a week game currently been running looks like this players all entering commands at once coordinated action nearly impossible worse still footage delayed delay around 20 seconds leaving players voting on actions they haven’t actually seen decision is obvious viewers deliberately disrupt events nothing quite goes to plan the Ledge event ledges one way one-way barriers player can jump off not climb up one particular ledge stream began just below a wall players press right for a few seconds walk twelve paces east then up pressing back to the start it took them seven hours to walk those twelve paces creator conditions of strict anonymity very popular concurrent viewers sitting at a computer all day dealing with servers anyway messages TPP opened on a secondary monitor all day democracy mode replaced original anarchy mode system of votes generated fanatical community devotion Internet /

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Apple iPhone 5s

Credit: PC Advisor

PC Advisor – Its which is best for you:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phone/3504991/galaxy-s5-vs-iphone-5s-smartphone-comparison-review/

Laptop Mag is having a bit each way:

How Galaxy S5 beats iPhone 5s:

http://blog.laptopmag.com/galaxy-s5-beats-iphone-5s

How iPhone 5s beats Galaxy S5:

http://blog.laptopmag.com/iphone-5s-beats-galaxy-s5 / 2014 edition smartphone wars Galaxy S5 iPhone 6 Samsung’s iPhones top seller built in built-in fingerprint reader device dimpled textured finish back slightly larger screen Galaxy S4 micro USB microUSB port covered annoying flaphandset water-resistant water resistant phone splash eject a flap charge S5 feels nicer metal and glass metal-and-glass iPhone 5s more premium vibe aluminum gold over plastic gold LTE 4G 3G touch screen metal plastic 5 inch screen retina 4 inch Mobile World Congress Samsung fans take taken the wraps off Galaxy S5 surprises specifications specs phone go design perspective Samsung same winning formula Galaxy S III Galaxy S4 new device home button designed design designer maximize screen real estate Samsung’s gorgeous display technology water resistant water-resistant feature features fingerprint scanner similar Apple iPhone 5s four different colors color colour colours charcoal Black shimmery White electric Blue copper Gold S Health 3.0 fitness related fitness-related software personal fitness tracker user users monitor manage behavior additional tools pedometer diet exercise records new built in built-in heart rate monitor pricing price device announced press release /

Apple's CarPlay: What we know so far

Credit: Apple/Mashable

Apple has a new in-car control system for your iPhone. Details are a little scant for now, although it seems to be iPhone 5 & up only. A public demonstration is expected at the Geneva Motor Show on 06 March.

http://mashable.com/2014/03/03/apple-carplay-need-to-know/ / Apple took the wraps off in-car software platform CarPlay new mobile environment consumer consumers driver drivers automakers car manufacturer manufacturers automaker iPhone users content at their fingertips Greg Joswiak Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS product marketing statement CarPlay driver drivers use iPhone car minimum minimal minimized distraction driver safety motorist road We won't see a public demonstration of the system until March 6 at the Geneva Motor Show details CarPlay's performance scant information available iPhones Lightning port connector older than iPhone 5 CarPlay iPad doesn't list it approved devices iPhone only iPhone-only service how it works transfer basic functions iPhone your car's dashboard iOS system tools Siri iTunes Maps Messages user make hands-free phone calls hands free listen to voice mails access features touch dashboard screen directly minimize visual distractions voice control button steering wheel /

Twitch Plays Pokémon: live gaming's latest big hit

Credit: Twitch/The Gardian

Tens of thousands of people play just one game of Pokémon, simultaneously, 24/7.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/24/twitch-plays-pokemon / infinite number monkeys infinite number typewriters rapidly type works Shakespeare videogame videogames people attempting to play Pokémon Red at the same time one game of Pokémon Red 150,000 people controlling it at once Twitch Plays Pokémon half art project half reality show 21st century idea is relatively simple 1996 Game Boy hit kickstarted Pokémon franchise running emulator hooked up to Twitch website which lets gamers broadcast video games live viewers enter button commands chat window pass passing passed onto into emulator which enters enter them order in theory harness harnesses wisdom crowds crowd find best way through the game play playing 24 hours day seven days a week game currently been running looks like this players all entering commands at once coordinated action nearly impossible worse still footage delayed delay around 20 seconds leaving players voting on actions they haven’t actually seen decision is obvious viewers deliberately disrupt events nothing quite goes to plan the Ledge event ledges one way one-way barriers player can jump off not climb up one particular ledge stream began just below a wall players press right for a few seconds walk twelve paces east then up pressing back to the start it took them seven hours to walk those twelve paces creator conditions of strict anonymity very popular concurrent viewers sitting at a computer all day dealing with servers anyway messages TPP opened on a secondary monitor all day democracy mode replaced original anarchy mode system of votes generated fanatical community devotion Internet /

NASA releases a set of breathtaking "Gravity"-inspired images just ahead of Oscars (slide show)

Credit: NASA/Digital Trends

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/nasa-releases-awesome-gravity-inspired-images-just-ahead-of-oscars/ / gravity Oscar Oscars glitzy event Los Angeles LA NASA release released awesome Gravity-like shots real astronauts astronaut high above Earth altitude titled title Gravity NASA’s Real Life Photos from Space high hi res high reolution stunning hi-res images image astronaut astronauts work Earth blue planet Hubble space telescope critically acclaimed Gravity starring George Clooney Sandra Bullock incredible views from space entire movie actually filmed Pinewood Studios Shepperton Studios London England United Kingdom UK special effects outfit Framestore create highly realistic visual imagery movie film Mark Uhran retired NASA director International Space Station first reaction cinematography spectacular realism Hollywood filmmaker capture clarity resolution space station shuttle ISS International Space Station far away from terra firma gallery NASA’s special Flickr page images image /

LECHAL launches haptic based footwear

Credit: Lechal/The Gadgeteer

Originally aimed at helping the visually impaired find their way around by providing haptic directions from satnav, Lechal now includes fitness tracking. Available as complete shoes or as sole inserts for your existing shoes, as shown above.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/02/28/lechal-launches-haptic-based-footwear/ / develop development developer developed help visual impairments navigation navigating navigate Ducere Technologies launch launching launched LECHAL interactive haptic based footwear Hindi LECHAL footwear hands-free navigation system feet guide guidance guiding wearer destination vibrations shoes insoles exploring bluetooth phone find walk destination shoes vibration vibrate sign signal walk destination Bluetooth pair smart phone smartphone LECHAL footwear track fitness information steps walked calories burned Ducere Technologies initial motivation visually challenged /

How to make a diesel more efficient & cleaner? – Run it on petrol (gasoline) (video)

All other things being equal, diesels get better fuel economy than petrol engines. This is due, in part, to very high compression ratios – 18 or 20 to 1 or higher. Less widely known is that a litre of diesel contains more energy than a litre of petrol. Greater energy density equals less litres for the same trip, but gives an exaggerated impression of energy efficiency.

Also less well known is that a litre of diesel contains more carbon than a litre of petrol. This is responsible for the obvious particulate matter in diesel exhaust. High carbon level also causes elevated carbon dioxide emissons.

So, although the fuel cost of running a diesel vehicle will be less, air quality will be inferior.

Professor Bengt Johnasson at Lund University, Sweden has in development a diesel engine which uses petrol & a modified injection system to improve both emissions & efficiency. Sixty percent fuel efficiency, & emmissions so low that a catalytic converter will not be required, are hoped for.

Caveat emptor: fuel efficiency figures quoted above & in the linked movie & article are for laboratory conditions. Expect lower efficiency in real world driving.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090617_gasoline-fueled-diesel-truck-engine-cuts-fuel-use-emissions / diesel engine more efficient efficiency gasoline research researching researchers Sweden Sweden's Lund University reduce reduced cut fuel use emissions heavy duty heavy-duty trucks truck Lund's experimental engine different combustion process Partially Premixed Combustion PPC researchers increase large truck's fuel efficiency 50 percent two fuel injections injection each combustion ratio varied changed behavior of the combustion control of ignition delay time between fuel injection combustion fuel is burned more efficiently tough tractor trailer Bengt Johnasson Lund professor internal combustion engines ICE process particulate NOx emissions production engine catalytic converter current test engine operates operation 50 percent efficiency 40 percent standard diesel engines further testing 60 percent efficiency more efficient more-efficient engine large trucks truck big impact overall emissions vehicle fleet produce disproportionate amount of emissions Environmental Protection Agency EPA develop new fuel-efficiency rules medium heavy duty heavy-duty trucks efficiency class vehicle rules new standards big trucks truck Corporate Average Fuel Economy CAFE standards passenger vehicles /