Self cleaning paint from Nissan (video)

If the video didn't convince you, compare the two sides of the car below:


Credit: Nissan/Wired

http://www.wired.com/2014/04/self-washing-car/

http://www.dailytech.com/Nissan+Testing+SelfCleaning+Car+Through+the+Use+of+Oleophobic+Paint/article34796c.htm / washing wash car Nissan develop deveopment developing paint repel repels water oil self cleaning car paint developed engineers Nissan Technical Centre GB UK hydrophobic oleophobic repels water oil gunk goo stick sticks slides right off wax engineer surface finish Ultra-Ever Dry Nissan Note repel repelling rain spray frost sleet standing water mud literally slides right off hydrophobic oleophobic coating Rust-Oleum hydrophobic spray iPhone smartphone smart phone oleophobic coating reduce fingerprints screen test testing standard equipment option /

The surprising medical value of poop

Credit: luchschen/Shutterstock.com/Exact Sciences/SingularityHUB

http://singularityhub.com/2014/04/26/the-surprising-medical-value-of-poop/ / next-gen next gen DNA sequencing bio analysis Raymond McCauley Singularity University genetics track sequence prohibitive price point range health issues brute force tool price has continued to drop improvements sequencing methods researchers identify DNA versatile toolkit flush it down the toilet traces of intestinal lining blood stool sample cell-free DNA feces people colorectal cancer third most common cause of death in the United States leading cause of cancer deaths screening rates colonoscopy invasive patient fast sedation this shit is serious study The New England Journal of Medicine FDA committee hearing stool test Cologuard non-invasive screening colorectal cancer scientific findings food and drug administration FDA committee approve test Exact Sciences cancers pre-cancers FIT study blood painful probe analyzes hemogloblin DNA methylation markers mutations KRAS gene total amount of DNA in the stool sample pre-malignant polyps methylation markers diagnostic /

Researchers extend battery life with dual-function electrolyte

Credit: DoE/Charged EVs

Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have a lithium ion battery in development, with a new solid (!) electrolyte which promises to extend battery life & improve storage capacity.

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/ornl-researchers-extend-battery-life-with-dual-function-electrolyte/ / researchers DOE Oak Ridge National Laboratory develop developing developed unique battery chemistry extend battery life electrolyte two functions study Pushing the Theoretical Limit of Li-CFx Batteries bi-functional Electrolyte published Journal of the American Chemical Society ORNL researchers electrolyte ion conductor cathode supplement cooperative chemistry enabled ORNL developed solid electrolyte extra boost battery cell capacity extends lifespan bi-functional electrolyte revolutionizes revolutionary concept conventional batteries design batteries energy density ORNL’s Chengdu Liang team demonstrated concept lithium carbon fluoride battery researchers solid lithium thiophosphate electrolyte generated 26 percent higher capacity theoretical maximum cooperative interactions electrolyte cathode discharge battery discharges generates lithium fluoride salt catalyst catalyzes electrochemical activity electrolyte capacity active battery engineered /

Hand held lithium ion battery pack charges your phone & starts your car (video)

Slightly larger than the battery in my previous post, this one starts a Toyota V6 six times by my count. Notice that one cable of the conventional car battery is disconnected, so no possibility of it helping.

No indication of wires or battery pack overheating.

Similar items or sale now:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Speicial-offer-Auto-Jump-Start-Emergency-Battery-Firefly-MST-SOS2-Easy-quick-jump-starter-for-cars/1331365975.html

http://antigravitybatteries.com/microstart/ / portable backup batteries battery smartphone smart phone tablet USB devices device backup battery jump start car backup battery provide 12 Volts peak power 300 Amps 4 cylinder 6 cylinder engines automobiles restarted dead car battery minutes JUMPR 6000 6,000 mAh lithium polymer battery  5V 2.1 Amp USB output mobile devices built in flashlight electric torch /

Samsung Galaxy S5 owners hit by fatal camera error problem

Credit: International Business Times

May be restricted to the Verizon version.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/04/25/samsung_s5_problem/

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/04/verizon-and-samsung-acknowledge-galaxy-s5-camera-issue/ / Samsung's latest phone the Galaxy S5 fatal flaw Warning: Camera Failed flaw some owners report smart phone smartphone error message high quality camera owners perform force stop clear the cache factory reset settings through recovery US carrier Verizon flaw post Twitter replace device GS5 XDA Developers forums Samsung Experience Rep Flashed factory binaries image Odin Factory reset camera failed camera app force close clear cache hardware related replace phone Samsung spokesperson customers carrier service Samsung’s standard limited warranty dim light gradation handily /

10 breakthrough technologies 2014

Credit: SPL/simplycells.com

1 agricultural drones

2 brain mapping

3 neuromorphic chips

4 ultraprivate smartphones

5 microscale 3-D printing

6 mobile collaboration

7 oculus rift

8 genome editing

9 agile robots

10 smart wind & solar power

Can't wait!

http://www.technologyreview.com/lists/technologies/2014/ / create powerful new ways of using technology breakthrough breakthroughs relatively cheap drones advanced sensors imaging capabilities farmers increase yields reduce crop damagebuilt security privacy priority prioritized new map structures of the brain greater detail neuroscientists guide immense complexity microprocessors configured more like brains traditional silicon chips computers more astute sensors create primates intentional mutations powerful new ways study complex genetically baffling brain disorders inks ink printed smartphone era productivity software virtual reality goggles immersive virtual worlds technology widespread use computer scientists created machines balance agility walk run across rough uneven terrain useful navigation navigating navigate human environments big data AI artificial intelligence ultra accurate forecasts integrate more renewable energy into the grid /

Now your smartphone’s backup battery can jump start your car too — UPDATED

Credit: Junopower/The Gadgeteer

Take a careful look at the leads coming out of the JUMPR. Compare them with the leads connected to the battery in your car or motorcycle, or a set of jumper leads. I don't believe the leads pictured will pass enough current to start a car or motorcycle in the way that you may have done between two motor vehicles with jumper leads.

What the JUMPR is probably intended to do is, "in minutes" (as it says on the Junopower web site), charge the battery of the vehicle to a level where it can start the vehicle.

UPDATE Saturday 28 April: I have an eye witness account from an electronic technician: "I've seen one actually crank over a V8 engine with no other car battery connected. It was a little bigger than this, but not much bigger. It was rated for 200Amps. It had a 12v (3s) lipo. Hard to argue when you see it able to crank a big car."

No word on the wires/cables used, which is the part of the original story I queried. I've asked for clarification, so check back soon.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/04/24/now-your-smartphones-backup-battery-can-jump-start-your-car-too/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheGadgeteer+%28The+Gadgeteer%29&_m=3n.002i.681.bg0ao004ub.w4j

Junopower web site:
http://junopower.com/collections/automobile/products/jumpr-cars-best-friend-jumpstart-cars-on-the-go / portable backup batteries battery smartphone smart phone tablet USB devices device backup battery jump start car backup battery provide 12 Volts peak power 300 Amps 4 cylinder 6 cylinder engines automobiles restarted dead car battery minutes JUMPR 6000 6,000 mAh lithium polymer battery  5V 2.1 Amp USB output mobile devices built in flashlight electric torch /

115-year-old woman's blood hints at limits to longevity

Credit: Discovery Magazine
Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper (1890-2005) was at one time, the oldest woman in the world.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2014/04/24/115-year-old-womans-blood-reveals-limits-on-longevity/#.U1m-pNB_W2c

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25458?cmpid=NLC%7CNSNS%7C2014-2404-GLOBAL&utm_medium=NLC&utm_source=NSNS&#.U1m_U9B_W2c / death is the one certainty in life analysis blood old world world's oldest healthiest women clues 1890 Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper oldest woman in the world health crystal clear cognition death blood circulatory system free of disease died 2005 bequeathed her body to science living relatives outcomes of scientific analysis made public researchers examine examined blood tissues affected by age lifespan limited capacity stem cells keep replenishing tissues stem cells reach state of exhaustion imposes a limit on their own lifespan body's capacity body regenerating vital tissues cells blood twilight of her life white blood cells stem cells blood stem cells stem cell divisions limit to human life Henne Holstege VU University Medical Center Amsterdam the Netherlands research team replenishment cells saved from earlier in your life evidence stem cell fatigue observations worn down telomeres telomere chromosomes burn down like wicks each time a cell divides division brain cells replicate life team white blood cell generating stem cells pattern of mutations blood cells cell researchers conclude mother stem cells born 20,000 blood stem cells active to replenish blood telomeres stem cell exhaustion mutations blood cells lifetime somatic mutations studied old healthy person disease cancer suggest repair abort repairing aborting cells dangerous mutations study investigate accumulation somatic mutations tissues old individual Chris Tyler-Smith Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Hinxton UK germ line mutations birth studies selection somatic mutations cancer Tyler-Smith normal non-cancerous tissues health consequences Holstege results rejuvenating ageing bodies injections stem cells saved birth early life long telomeres genes protect against Alzheimer's disease genome succumb abnormally early disease /

First it was, "Who Killed The Electric Car?", now it's, "Who Drove The Electric Car* Across The United States?" (video)

* + electric motorcycle + electric scooter + electric bicycle

Answer: These guys:


Credit: Kick Gas/Jonathan Becker

And these guys:


Credit: Kick Gas/Jonathan Becker/Green Car Reports

http://kickgas.vhx.tv/

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1091568_kick-gas-movie-driving-across-u-s-in-electric-cars-motorcycles

Kentucky - New York - Los Angeles & New York - Florida, have both been done in Teslas. / Nissan Leaf Zero Motorcycles electric vehicle EV motorcycle scooter bike bicycle LiIon lithium ion battery charge recharge range Zero S electric motorcycle, a Xenon electric scooter A2B Alva electric bicycle Guinness World Records longest trip spread the word traveled Charleston South Carolina Google Headquarters Mountain View California batteries charging vehicles 240 Volt Level 2 charging stations wall outlet South Carolina Georgia Tennessee Mississippi adapters Aerovironment charging cord to air conditioner outlet 50 Amp connections 120 Volt outlet Grand Canyon Las Vegas Terrapin Brewery Big Bear Pacific Coastal Highway Newport Beach people we met journey drivers /

This backup battery will let you use a USB keyboard with your tablet

Credit: Cerevo/The Gadgeteer

Image above largely tells the story:

● 6000 mAh battery with a clamp to hold tablet (almost all fit)
● high output USB port for charging tablet or other device
● low output USB port to connect USB keyboard
● Bluetooth to connect tablet to keyboard
● micro USB port for charging battery

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/04/02/this-backup-battery-will-let-you-use-a-usb-keyboard-with-your-tablet/

http://enebrick.cerevo.com/en/ / EneBRICK Cerevo 6000 mAh internal battery two USB ports charging mobile devices stand smartphone smart phone tablet pad adjustable clamp adjusters hold 70 degree angle comfortable viewing Bluetooth transmitter USB keyboard full size cramped undersized key layout /

Health Check: when is "the flu" really a cold?

Credit: Chris Bickel/Science/IFPMA

For many people, a severe cold is "the flu", i.e. infuenza.

In fact, a cold & influenza are quite different:

Cold
● a cold & influenza are caused by different viruses
● just to complicate things, colds are caused by over 200 different viruses
● colds are characterised by upper respiratory tract symptoms — some or all of: sneezing, running &/or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, slight fever, headache
● on average, expect to have 3 colds per year
● no immunisation available

Influenza
● much more serious disease
● upper respiratory tract symptoms are less prominent
● high fever, chills, shaking, muscle & joint pain, lack of energy, headache, cough
● may lead to pneumonia
● frequency is more like 3 cases of influenza in a lifetime

No immunisation is available against colds — seasonal immunisation is available against influenza. Immunisation provides protection against the 3 influenza viruses which are most likely to be causing infections in that season. I.e. immunisation is required each year.

Contrary to common expectation, a "flu shot" (i.e. influenza immunisation) provides no protection against colds.

https://theconversation.com/health-check-when-is-the-flu-really-a-cold-25150?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+22+April+2014&utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+22+April+2014+CID_7292b5082a3d522480d894271b5512ad&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=But%20as%20Frank%20Bowden%20points%20out / flu cold mild illness resolves without treatment sneeze sneezing runny running blocked nose sore scratchy throat cough low-grade fever headache malaise lack of energy doctors doctor upper respiratory tract infection URTI common 200 different viral subtypes cause colds rhinovirus coronavirus respiratory syncytial virus RSV metapneumovirus parainfluenza bronchus bronchiole small airways lungs hyper-reactive trigger asthma attack post-viral cough whooping cough complication complicated ear infection sinusitis viral antibiotics illness influenza virus less common severe disease nasal symptoms sore throat sicker high fever chills shaking severe muscle aches malaise headache cough /

Marvel selfies

Credit: Butcher Billy

https://www.behance.net/gallery/Marvel-Selfies-Avengers-Project-by-Butcher-Billy/15782791 / Marvel comics self image photograph portrait Captain America Hulk Thor Spider Man Spidey Iron Man Avengers arrow /

Passwords you need to change now because of Heartbleed (infographic)

Well ... some of them at least.

http://bgr.com/2014/04/15/heartbleed-checker-passwords-change-list/

More important, is to understand that until the particular site is patched for the Heartbleed bug, your password & other data remain at risk. If you change your password today, on a site which has not been patched, your new password may be hacked tomorrow.

Take home message: most important is to change your password after the site in question is patched.

More about Heartbleed & how it works. / vulnerability vulnerable exploit exploiting hack hacker hacking theft OpenSSL sensitive data server revealed attacker usernames passwords credit card numbers dangerous allow access server's digital keys impersonate servers decrypt communications major new security vulnerability severe implications entire Web Internet bug server server's memory sensitive user data stored private data usernames passwords credit card numbers extremely serious issue Netcraft Internet research firm information protect protected security experts log into accounts afflicted sites patch patched problem confirm fix progress customer service teams information John Miller security research manager TrustWave security compliance firm Yahoo OKCupid sites caution red flag change passwords security experts confirmation fix further activity vulnerable site security patch change passwords sensitive accounts banks email first two-factor authentication another piece of identifying information /

Get rich, live longer — the ultimate consequence of income inequality

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/04/more-money-more-life-the-depressing-reality-of-inequality-in-america/360895/ / Brookings economist Barry Bosworth crunch data income lifespan rich people live longer lifespans growing grow faster rate problem worse for women men gender rich man live 10 years longer after he turns 55 poor man longevity gap one generation women live longer than men inequality gap getting worse rich woman 55 can expect to live a decade longer than a poor woman money chart expected lifespan middle and lower income women causality higher quality health care smoke cigarettte smokercultural tax reasons smoking kills geography policy morality /

"If all cars were electric, charging them would crash the grid" — Wrong (video)

/ grid load shedding time of day electric avenue charge recharge off peak offpeak rate LiIon lithium ion battery cell range night cluster electric vehicle EV load balancing balance Nissan Leaf /

How to fold a shirt in under 2 seconds (video)

/ pack short sleeved T shirt luggage right left handed practice /

Samsung Galaxy S5 finger print scanner hacked within days of release

Credit: Security Research Labs/BBC

At the time the iPhone 5 was released, the security of its finger print scanner & the security of finger print scanners in general, was queried. In practice, it was hacked soon after its release.

Despite the example of the iPhone 5, Samsung's new Galaxy S5 smartphone includes a finger print scanner. Now, within days of it's release, it too has been hacked.

Surprised?

http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/galaxy-s5%e2%80%b2s-fingerprint-scanner-already-hacked-video

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27050779

Take home message: Don't use fingerprint scanners if security is important. / researchers researcher research fooled new handset mould glue fingerprint sensor Samsung Galaxy S5 handset hack hacker hacking hacked device on sale Berlin based Security Research Labs fooled equipment mould created spoof sensor Apple iPhone 5S researchers thief thieves exploit flaw Samsung's device trigger money transfers PayPal payments firm risk SRL SR Labs fingerprint authentication secure pay mobile devices passwords credit cards losses screen create mould glue graphite spray fake lock out thieves /

Google buys solar-powered drone company Titan Aerospace

Credit: Titan Aerospace/Google/Cnet

What would Google want with a solar-powered drone company? Try low-cost fast Internet.

Picture this: a big glider with all available surfaces covered with solar cells. Fly it high enough, & sunlight is available 365 days a year. Add power storage & the big glider (read "drone") can stay aloft indefintely. Such a drone can provide fuctionality similar to a communication satellite at a fraction of the cost.

That's the theory. Depend on Google to turn it into reality.

http://www.cnet.com/news/google-buys-solar-powered-drone-company-titan-aerospace/ / technology company Internet Net solar-powered drones beam broadband Internet access developing world Web users startup unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs drones site 20-person startup New Mexico former Symantec CEO Vern Raburn Facebook Google's Project Loon moon shot facility Google X Glass self-driving car deliver Internet via air balloon wing-mounted solar panels aircraft batteries aircraft developed countries State of the Internet report imaging technology Google initiatives Maps high-resolution imaging Earth atmospheric sensors cellular functions data voice call connection technology developing atmospheric monitor environmental damage oil spills deforestation /

Has the NSA been using the Heartbleed bug as an Internet peephole?

http://www.wired.com/2014/04/nsa-heartbleed / government contractor Edward Snowden exposed expose NSA’s eavesdrop encrypted encrypt encryption spy agency snooping whistleblower strong crypto systems properly implemented endpoint security existed for two years spy agencies exploit exploiting discovery caveat researchers security hole OpenSSL software websites encrypt traffic vulnerability encrypted connection your computer cryptographer Bruce Schneier security vulnerabilities catastrophic core of SSL encryption protocol trusted protect their data vulnerability SSL Matt Blaze, cryptographer computer security professor University of Pennsylvania hack hacking hackers steal usernames passwords sensitive services banking ecommerce web-based email private keys vulnerable web sites encrypt your traffic private key Nginx server busy website /

Piracy — more compex than it looks at first sight

Credit: HBO

Fact: when music was first played on radio, content providers complained that it would be the end of live performance. Did it happen?

Fact: when Monty Python decided to stop suing the people who were posting their content on YouTube & created their own Channel, sales went up 23,000%.

Fact: In Australia, the only way to see Game of Thrones before it is released on DVD is to subscribe to the Foxtel cable TV service & pay for a lot of other content you may not want. Result: Australia is number one in Game of Thrones torrents

Discussion at the links listed below. Some of the comments are worth a read too:

http://www.choice.com.au/blog/2014/april/watching-game-of-thrones-in-australia.aspx

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/time-warner-cable-ceo-admits-game-of.html

http://www.cnet.com.au/australia-number-one-in-game-of-thrones-torrents-339347038.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/technology/articles/2014/04/08/3980980.htm / DVD Foxtel copy Torrent download radio tape pirate piracy pirating hack hacker hacking Internet copying copyright copyleft intellectual property rights IP patent CD music movie video file upload download media content creator produce production /

How the Heartbleed bug works

Credit: xkcd

As usual, xkcd is right on the money. / vulnerability vulnerable exploit exploiting hack hacker hacking theft OpenSSL sensitive data server revealed attacker usernames passwords credit card numbers dangerous allow access server's digital keys impersonate servers decrypt communications major new security vulnerability severe implications entire Web Internet bug server server's memory sensitive user data stored private data usernames passwords credit card numbers extremely serious issue Netcraft Internet research firm information protect protected security experts log into accounts afflicted sites patch patched problem confirm fix progress customer service teams information John Miller security research manager TrustWave security compliance firm Yahoo OKCupid sites caution red flag change passwords security experts confirmation fix further activity vulnerable site security patch change passwords sensitive accounts banks email first two-factor authentication another piece of identifying information /

Solar Impulse 2: First airplane to attempt a round-the-world solar-powered flight!

Credit: Solar Impulse & Jean Revillard/ Rezo.ch/Inhabitat

http://inhabitat.com/meet-the-solar-impulse-2-the-first-plane-to-attempt-a-round-the-world-solar-powered-flight/ / adventure Solar Impulse solar power sun-powered airplane night flight in 2010 intercontinental journey cross-country trip Swiss André Borschberg Bertrand Piccard Solar Impulse 2 aircraft solar airplane journey five consecutive days nights continent fuel prototype broke world records solar-powered flight Borschberg Piccard next big challenge world around entire planet bigger Solar Impulse difficulties arduous trip across America USA design complex simulations test flights first prototype new technologies electrolytes energy density batteries nanotechnologies carbon fibers lighter in weight Solar Impulse website /

Boostcase for iPhone 5/5s

http://www.cultofmac.com/232558/boostcase-for-iphone-5-is-a-do-it-all-case-with-a-ton-of-attachments-review/

Attachments include:

● 1500 & 2200 mAh batteries

● card holder back (2 cards)

● fold over leather wallet which covers both the back & screen & has 5 card slots & 2 cash slots

http://boostcase.com/shop/ / Boostcase iPhone 5 charge battery back up backup removeable case attachments slide grooves back extra functionality kickstand hand strap external battery pack card holder a wallet case clutch case remove colours colors patterns attachments holes snap-on iPhone attachments test /

How to protect yourself from the "Heartbleed" bug

Credit: Cnet

Heartbleed is a bug in open-source software called OpenSSL. It's widely used to encrypt Web communications. 500,000 servers world wide are potentially vulnerable. The most sensitive data on a server can be revealed to an attacker, including usernames, passwords & credit card numbers. Perhaps even more dangerous is its potential to allow access to a server's digital keys which can be used to impersonate servers & decrypt communications.

http://www.cnet.com/news/how-to-protect-yourself-from-the-heartbleed-bug/

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/heartbleed-bug-explainer-2014-4 / major new security vulnerability severe implications entire Web Internet bug server server's memory sensitive user data stored private data usernames passwords credit card numbers extremely serious issue Netcraft Internet research firm information protect protected security experts log into accounts afflicted sites patch patched problem confirm fix progress customer service teams information John Miller security research manager TrustWave security compliance firm Yahoo OKCupid sites caution red flag change passwords security experts confirmation fix further activity vulnerable site security patch change passwords sensitive accounts banks email first two-factor authentication another piece of identifying information /

How to find Wi-Fi link connection speed in Mac OS X

http://osxdaily.com/2014/04/02/find-wi-fi-connection-speed-link-mac/ / Macintosh Apple fast wi-fi link speed Mac connection connected wireless router data Network Utility app bundled version Mac OS X fastest link speed interface Wi-Fi ethernet Network Utility system folder move Network Utility easy access use usage launch launching Spotlight tool link speed troubleshooting sluggish wifi connections optimize optimizing network channel network connection speed network interface Mac Wi-Fi wireless router link speed Command Spacebar Spotlight Network Utility Return key launch Network Utility Info tab network interface pulldown menu en0 en1 active wi-fi connection speed Link Speed megabits per second300 Mbit/s Network Utility panel interfaces vendor model protocols supported WiFi wi-fi card 802.11a b g n encryption OS X rather connection link speed maximum throughput particular network interface Internet network Internet connection speed computer command line app service SpeedTest /

StoreDot promises 30 second phone charging by 2016 (video)

http://www.androidauthority.com/storedot-flash-charge-battery-365628/ / phone battery capacity full HD display power hungry components battery life capacity charging rate Israel startup StoreDot develop development developing technology breakthrough battery design storage display manufacturing tiny particles organic material peptides molecules amino acids Tel Aviv University self-assemble tiny spheres 2 nanometers store energy organic quantum dots toxic expensive battery organic quantum dots conventional lithium electrodes supercapacitor organic layers store energy release lithium layers limited terms capacity size flash-charging batteries /

Microsoft pulls the plug on XP

http://amuno.hubpages.com/hub/The-New-Life-Of-Windows-XP-Service-Pack-3-After-2014-And-The-End-Of-Patch-Tuesday

Open source gives new life to old Windows XP machines.

http://theconversation.com/open-source-gives-new-life-to-old-windows-xp-machines-25317?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+8+April+2014&utm_content=Latest+from+The+Conversation+for+8+April+2014+CID_6d78353ab23d4cd5bf44f32d9ca5d942&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Open%20source%20gives%20new%20life%20to%20old%20Windows%20XP%20machines / Windows XP service pack 3 unleash zero day exploits retirement Patch Tuesday XP S3 end extended support security updates patches enterprise Windows XP SP3 provide security patches experts Arkon France rolling out ExtendedXP expansive security solutions legacy OS operating system Windows 2000 registered 4 service packs SP Windows XP variants daily anti malware definition updates flagship antivirus software Microsoft Security Essentials enterprise customers daily anti malware definition updates System Centre Endpoint Forefront Client Security Forefront Endpoint Protection Free and Open Source Software FOSS operating system PC older hardware newer versions of Windows 7 8 8.1 dispose potential security threats software components distributions users download Linux kernel robust\ performance security broad support low cost dominant operating system Internet sites Google Facebook YouTube Android phones tablets televisions,\ home routers devices /

Pressy — the almighty Android button

Credit: Pressy/Wikipedia
Update 30 May 2014 — broken link replaced

Pressy is a programmable button for Android devices that fits in the earphone socket. Available actions include take a photograph, start recording voice or video, turn on the flashlight function, send current location, toggle WiFi or Bluetooth. Pressy can respond to patterns (14 in total) including click & long click, so several actions can be available simultaneously.

Two of the more valuable uses I see for Plessy are:
● restore use of a non-functional hardware button
● quick photograph from standby mode

Kickstarter is no longer an option, but you can pre-order from the same production run at:

http://get.pressybutton.com/

Get more detail from the Kickstarter website:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/556341540/pressy-the-almighty-android-button?ref=live / touchscreen touch screen flashlight photograph photo send your location simple actions flashlight wake your screen unlock exit current running app app you want to use launch action actions maintain eye contact screen perform action device perform action smartphone most intuitive input click clicking button saving time effort tiny physical button connect your phone headphone jack free Pressy app easily customize favorite everyday actions set click-combination plug headphone jack download free app 3 pre-set actions customize clicking behavior quality assurance production process test each button several devices designed /

Racing hybrids in the Le Mans 24 Hours

Credit: Toyota/crash.net

Like Formula 1, Le Mans racers are hybrids now.

Audi R18 Etron Quattro

http://www.wired.com/2014/03/audi-r18-etron-quattro-2014

Nissan Electric ZEOD Racer

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089942_nissan-reveals-tiny-engine-for-electric-zeod-le-mans-racer

Porsche 919 & Toyota TS040

http://gas2.org/2014/03/30/2014-lemans-lmp-super-gallery/ / LMP battery capacitor lithium ion LiIon charge dynamic braking energy recovery kW kWh prototype efficiency World Endurance Championship regulations fastest car F1 efficiency efficiently energy lap Porsche Toyota Audi’s podium governing bodies endurance racing WEC Automobile Club de l’Ouest innovation cylinder counts air restrictors restrictions gasolene gasoline petrol gas diesel fuel empty energy storage batteries hybrid flywheel megajoules energy 2.0-liter V4 8MJ hybrid 6MJ 3.7-liter V8 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 2MJ diesel engine Audi Sport head Wolfgang Ullrich flywheel energy recovery system store braking energy rear axle front wheels energy recovery system power exhaust gases weight distribution /

Getting more done

Scott Hanselman, a program manager at Microsoft has an interesting take on how to get more done: "Dropping the ball is sometimes the right answer. Let a ball drop. Tell people, 'I'm just not going to do that.'"

https://zapier.com/blog/scale-yourself-scott-hanselman/?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits / don't worry drop the ball counterintuitive advice productivity practices author blogger speaker right answer encourage discourage burning the midnight oil day job balance blog record podcast engage Twitter and attend speak speaker speaks conferences author co-author books productive productivity I must dance can't stop little boy excitement excited the less that you do the more of it that you can do standard law of scale scale yourself South by Southwest Interactive productivity practices one email rule reasoning for reading Robert Scoble's blog tips immediately actionable productivity practices share shares /

VW e-Golf review — updated 06 April 2014

Robert Llewellyn reviews the soon-to-be released VW e-Golf.

Something for the future: brief mention of the 204 hp (152 kW) Golf GTE plug-in hybrid at the 8:30 mark. Likely to put an end to the, "slow & boring", tag on hybrids.

Update 06 April — John Voelcker of Green Car Reports takes a look too:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090855_2015-volkswagen-e-golf-drive-report-first-u-s-sale-details / Volkswagen electric vehicle EV LiIon lithium ion charge range anxiety recharge Fully Charged quick-charging stations chemical processes rapid rapidly charging cell battery charges range recharge mileage electric cars Level 2 recharging DC quick charge 80 percent capacity fast charging fast charged winter high summer temperatures driving /

Nissan Leaf second generation

Robert Llewellyn reviews the second generation Nissan Leaf in Norway.

A couple of things to note:

At the 0:30 mark, Robert is parking the test Leaf. Count the number of other parked Leafs & iMieves in that shot.

Norway has 98% renewable electricity!¹ Big news for the renewable energy doubters.
__________

¹ Some authorities claim 98.5 or 99%: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_Norway / Nissan Leaf electric vehicle EV LiIon lithium ion charge range anxiety recharge Fully Charged quick-charging stations chemical processes rapid rapidly charging cell battery charges range recharge mileage electric cars Level 2 recharging DC quick charge 80 percent capacity fast charging fast charged winter high summer temperatures driving /

Why residential solar dominates in Australia

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2014/4/4/solar-energy/why-residential-solar-dominates?utm_source=exact&utm_medium=email&utm_content=649135&utm_campaign=cs_daily&modapt= / chart Australia solar PV market concentrated residential rooftops business Green Energy Markets SunWiz SolarBusinessServices solar business services residential systems capacity installed Green Energy Markets residential rooftops markets Europe USA America US China installations business premises mounted ground utility scale utility-scale power stations installed mega Watt MW ground mount utility-scale installations business rooftops homes analysis analyses solar PV output match demand peaks industrial zones offset offsetting network capacity better overall value government subsidies residential installations market policy support upfront rebate small-scale renewable energy certificates STC key factor residential sector structure electricity tariffs households small businesses set rate per kilowatt-hour STC rebate financing cost kWh retail electricity rates industrial plants households kiloWatt kilo Watt bill /

Quicksand Mat — sand free at the beach (video)

Sand falls on it, falls through & doesn't come back up.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/04/01/keep-that-pesky-sand-at-bay-with-this-mat/

http://quicksandmat.com.au/ / beach sand free Sun surf sand designed design multi-weave multi weave technology Quicksand Mat beach uses and falls straight through patent patented multi weave layers trap sand underneath sand free day beach soft meshing four colours colors baby blue lime ruby red turquoise /

Keep everything wrapped around your finger with The Ring

Credit: Logbar Inc./Kickstarter/TechHive

New take on wearable tech: The Ring, is a Kickstarter project.

http://www.techhive.com/article/2137341/expo-notes-keep-everything-wrapped-around-your-finger-with-the-ring.html / \smartphone send SMS text messagesr receive alert wristwatch lights wearable tech Macworld iWorld South by Southwest Kickstarter campaign silver silvery ring wear index finger analog jewelry connect Bluetooth LE iOS Android smartphone developers Google Glass Pebble smartwatch connected connect preform tasks waving finger messages trace letters vibrate flash LED lights incoming alerts mobile payments GPS iBeacon checkmark gesture mobile app iOS Android customize gestures SDK developers add Ring support rechargeable battery recharged preorders /

Flux Capacitor phone charger for your car (video)

Credit: Think Geek

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1ba1/?cpg=60790943&msg_id=60790943&et_rid=998668740&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thinkgeek.com%2fproduct%2f1ba1%2f / GREAT SCOTT Marty McFly back to the future travel traveller travelled back in time Flux Capacitor Doc Brown specific point in time cigarette lighter power port 88 mph fast Flux Capacitor Car Charger charge USB-powered USB power powered two USB ports charging almost device 2.1 Amps Mr. Fusion future /

Forget LED lights, LG is already making OLED lights

Credit: LG/Digital Trends

OLED lights aren't just another type of bulb: they're flat & so create a huge range of new possibilites.

http://www.cnet.com/news/led-lighting-is-so-2012-lg-bets-on-an-oled-lamp/ / efficiency efficient smartphone-controlled smartphone smart phone LED lightbulb Light + Building show Frankfurt Germany ultra-thin table lamp LEDs ultra-slim OLED sheet produce light Smart Lamp LED bulb OLED Table Lamp interface mobile devices device smart control iOS Android app Bluetooth range wirelessly turn lamp on off adjust brightness activate preset light modes OLED lamp major manufacturer lighting business traditional light fixtures /