Wednesday, 31 December 2014

Laptop won’t boot? Maybe you should try drilling some holes & cook it in the oven

hhg2Tech Workspace


Credit: Stirling Hirsh/iFixit

Worked for Stirling Hirsh (kinda).

Be sure to check out the comments :)

http://ifixit.org/blog/6882/why-i-drilled-holes-in-my-macbook-pro-and-put-it-in-the-oven/ / Apple iMac computer laptop MacBook Pro reflowed solder logic board drilled 60 holes bottom case heat issues my model of MacBook Pro run runs running too hot programmer tech iFixit game gamer electronic music laptop hovered between 80ºC 90º C simple fixes blow blew out inside of my laptop compressed air laptop stand lap top lap enabled smcFanControl program run fans max speed 6200 rpm still ran hot died screen suddenly went black powered it off and on again power light lit boot chime glitchy logic board temperatures board flex knocking solder loose ball grid arrays reflow reflowed professional reflow outfit reapplied re-applied thermal paste boot booted reboot died again disassembled scrape thermal pads Thunderbolt controller system hub heat spreader chip oven treatment heat gun infrared thermometer aluminum foil drill 1/16” bit drilled holes under fans blades dust pattern increased airflow /

Tuesday, 30 December 2014

Macro photos of snowflakes show impossibly perfect designs


Credit: Alexey Kljatov/TreeHugger/Flickr

“No two snowflakes are identical." – not among these:

http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/macro-photos-snowflakes-show-impossibly-perfect-designs.html

https://www.flickr.com/photos/chaoticmind75/with/10823897423/ / true wonders of the world snow flake snowflakes tiny designs ice unique detailed spectacular Alexey Kljatov photographer photograph photography special talent capture capturing beautiful ice creations snowflake photos photographs Flickr capture snowflakes open balcony glass surface lit lighting lighted LED flashlight opposite side of glass sometimes natural light dark woolen fabrics background impressive work crystal growth freeze freezing frozen temperature melt cold freezing /

Monday, 29 December 2014

Free media for your new mobile device

Did you receive a new mobile device, such as an ereader, tablet or smartphone, during the recent festivities? Alternatively, if you are still using whatever device you had before, you may none-the-less find the articles linked below useful to provide you with sources of free ebooks, movies, audio books & other media:

http://www.openculture.com/2014/12/fill-your-new-kindle-ipad-iphone-ereader-with-free-ebooks-movies-audio-books-online-courses-more.html

http://gizmodo.com/thousands-of-free-ebooks-movies-and-more-for-your-kin-1675277847

http://bgr.com/2014/12/26/free-movies-for-iphone-ipad-android/ / fill new Kindle iPad iPhone ereader ebook movie film video audio books online courses Kindle Fire read great works collection classic writersDickens Dostoevsky Shakespeare Tolstoy contemporary writers F. Scott Fitzgerald Philip K. Dick Isaac Asimov Kurt Vonnegut collection 51 volume Harvard Classics iPad iPhone iOS Android Apple Google Gutenberg Project Kindle Nook users click Other Formats links link download ebook files watch watching instructional videos listening listen greatest books ever written free audio books texts Arthur Conan Doyle James Joyce Jane Austen Edgar Allan Poe George Orwell contemporary more recent writers Italo Calvino Vladimir Nabokov Raymond Carver download classic books gadgets Audible.com free online courses leading universities Stanford Yale MIT UC Berkeley Oxford University of California textbooks audio books /

Sunday, 28 December 2014

Which is the fastest Android browser?

What is most important to you in a browser? High on everyone’s list is speed. MakeUseOF benchmarks some of the most popular:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fastest-android-browser/

Joy of Andorid:
http://joyofandroid.com/fastest-browsers-for-android/

It would be interesting to see Dolphin benchmarked with Jetpack enabled.

Phone Arena looks at other performance criteria too:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/The-best-Android-browsers-2014-edition-design-features-and-performance_id58350 / Firefox mobile 29 Gecko 29 performed perform perfroming noticeably slower slow slowest fast faster fastest WebKit-based WebKit based browsers browser Gecko rendering engine Android quite slow first introduced improved falls behind other Android browsers performance Mobile Opera Next 21 Webkit 537 result margin of error based some differences under the hood affect performance Google Chrome 30 Webkit 537 not representative run ran test Dolphin Jetpack disabled enabled browser benchmark failed encountered same problem each time Jetpack should help Dolphin perform faster Dolphin its own rendering engine built into Android faster in real use performed in this test slow performance version number Dolphin performed similarly modern WebKit engine Google Chrome fastest browser tested stock Android browser last upgrade interface features work faster desktop work workflow work flow same bookmarks open tabs extensions /

Saturday, 27 December 2014

Apple to return to 4 inch screen?


Credit: Macworld

Much discussion has been generated over the base-line-trend towards larger screen sizes in smartphones. At 5.3 inches, the original Samsung Galaxy Note, & more recently, the new, bigger iPhones have generated a furore.

If you find the new iPhones too big, you may just be in luck. Predictions of a new, 4 inch iPhone are all over the ‘Net:

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/21559/20141205/apple-iphone-mini-4-inch-display-set-replace-5c-rumor.htm

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/23019/20141225/iphone-6s-mini-launch-rumored-apple-following-samsungs-steps.htm

http://www.macworld.com/article/2863067/if-the-iphone-6-is-too-big-for-you-just-wait-an-iphone-mini-may-be-coming-in-2015.html / Apple finally caved in gave customers bigger screen launch iPhone 6 rumor mill buzzing backtrack re-introducing new phone return to a 4-inch display rumor originated Taiwanese site smart phone smart-phone smartphone target women find bigger phones too cumbersome little small petite hands announcement Electronic Times designed design easy use one hand sale second half of 2015 iPhone 6 6s 5 bigger screen size smaller screen rumor 5c retain budget market re-releasing smaller screens 4-inch displays cheaper iPhone 6c iPhone 6 mini redesign iPhone 5c launch new line of phones Apple Watch iOS screen size /

Friday, 26 December 2014

Hotels at it again – application to FCC to start jamming personal WiFi – update

You may remember a post in October of this year about the Marriot chain being fined $600,000 after its hotel in Nashville, Tennessee was found guilty of blocking guests' mobile WiFi. Apparently the purpose was to encourage use of the Marriot’s own WiFi at between $250 & $1,000.

Now a group of hoteliers, including Hilton & Marriott, are asking the US Federal Communications Commission to grant permission for them to recommence disruption of guests personal WiFi. Claims include that personal Wifi can, “cause degraded service, insidious cyber-attacks & identity theft."

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/23/us_hotel_chains_and_tech_firms_square_off_with_fcc_over_wifi_hotspots/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-wi-fi-problem-for-hotels-1419812931?mod=LS1 / hotel sells dedicated wireless services custom networks convention prices access point Gaylord Opryland hotel Nashville Tennessee block guests' personal hotspots Marriott Hotel Services $600,000 agreement penalty Federal Communications Commission settle allegations hotel chain interfered disabled Wi-Fi networks consumer consumers conference facilities Nashville hotel March 2013 nine-page jamming mobile hotspots convention space FCC employees containment features WiFi monitoring system prevent consumers connecting to the Internet personal WiFi networks personal portable Wi-Fi WiFi device data leakage violation advisories forbids blocking jamming interference authorized radio communications Jeff Flaherty Marriott spokesman hotel chains want permission disrupt guests guest personal Wi-Fi hotspots force people use expensive hotel wireless hoteliers including Hilton Marriott watchdog FCC cripple mobile hotspots devices interfere wireless networks on-site security risk Wi-Fi ncreasingly popular connecting Internet Commission rules network operators petition network operators manage networks secure reliable Wi-Fi service de-authentication packets /

Thursday, 25 December 2014

Best wishes


Credit: Inhabitat

http://ngamuk.xyz/christmas-lights-2015/christmas-lights-2015-amusing/

Whatever your beliefs, all the very best from Hitchhiker's Guide 2 Tech!

Wednesday, 24 December 2014

Taller, narrower tyres for your next car?


BMW i3 takes advantage of taller, narrower tyres
Credit: BMW/The Telegraph

Recently, a few trends in cars have been:
• wider tyres
• larger diameter wheels
• improved fuel efficiency

All other things being equal, & within reasonable limits, for each centimetre increase in tyre diameter, rolling resistance reduces by 1%. This happens because the tyre suffers less deformity in the contact patch (the part of the tyre in contact with the road) & sidewalls, as it rolls.

Increased tyre diameter is consistent with the other current trend toward improved fuel efficiency.

Odd man out in this equation is wider tyres, which increase rolling resistance & aerodynamic drag. Taken together, these two factors reduce fuel efficiency of a vehicle.

Wet weather performance of a tyre is substantially determined by it’s ability to displace water. A tyre which displaces more water, effectively drives on a drier road. As the tread rolls into contact with the road, it begins to displace water sideways, to be expelled from the sides of the contact patch.

A narrow tyre has a relatively long, narrow, contact patch. On a wet road, water has a shorter distance to travel to be expelled at the sides of the tyre. A long contact patch has more patch-length in which to displace water. The rear edge of a long, narrow contact patch has more contact patch ahead of it to dry the road, & so has more grip.

Wide tyres have the reverse situation: a short, wide contact patch, which displaces less water.

Taller, narrower tyres offer a range of advantages, but raise a question about grip in dry conditions. At least in part, this will be compensated for by an increase in the length of the contact patch in the larger diameter tyre.

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/skinny-tyres-the-new-fashion-20141004-10qelg.html?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=outbrain_amplify / tyre design larger diameter skinnier tyres bigger wider narrow narrower tyres larger large diameter reduce fuel use carbon dioxide CO2 emissions Damien Hallez Michelin head technical communications improve energy efficiency use less fuel internal resistance slows rolls reduce rolling friction improved improve improves aerodynamics reduces rolling resistance increasing diameter rolling resistance security aspects wet dry grip less deformation tyre compact patch touching road at any time less deformation side walls gain in energy efficiency narrow narrower skinny skinnier tyres dissipating water aquaplaning aquaplane more efficient efficient Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker larger diameter skinnier more energy efficient tyres designers big wheel engineers aerodynamicists narrow wheels less resistance braking performance aesthetics technology tyre manufacturers BMW production car i3 electric vehicle EV performance luxury cars concept cars Citroen Cactus 18 inch tyres /

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

Smartwatches – wide choice available


Apple Watch Sport
Credit: Apple/Macworld

Smartwatches have achieved a degree of popularity, with many major players showing an interest. Single most popular smartwatch OS is Google's Android Wear operating system.

Manufacturers include HTC, Sony, Pebble & Motorola. Apple will be releasing early next year.

Major coverage from all of the tech sites, including the special-purpose The Smart Watch Review
http://www.thesmartwatchreview.com/

Best smartwatches 2014
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-smartwatches,review-2156.html

2014 smartwatch comparison guide
http://www.gizmag.com/compare-best-smartwatches-2014/34880/pictures#48

Samsung has been cranking them out – no less than 6 different models on the market at the moment

L to R: Gear S, Gear 2, Gear Live, Gear 2 Neo, Galaxy Gear, Gear fit
Gear Live uses Android Wear OS – all others run Samsung's Tizen
Credit: Samsung/Gizmag
http://www.gizmag.com/samsung-gear-s-vs-gear-live-gear-2-neo-gear-fit-galaxy-gear/33602/

Android WearGoogle’s watch OS – by someone who’s not having any
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/android-wear-too-skimpy,news-20048.html

Android Wear – a bit more enthusiastic
http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/03/android-wear-review/

If nothing above attracts you, have a look at Martian Notifier
http://www.gizmag.com/review-martian-notifier-smartwatch-wearables/32667/ / smartwatch smart watch peripheral smartphone smart phone Bluetooth low power 4.0 battery life batterylife capacity charge recharge devices pocket notifications your wrist calling texting handset control music playback fitness tracking tracker track workouts options apps make calls Pebble Steel injection molded CNC-machined 316 stainless steel resistant corrosion watch face attractive band brushed stainless steel black matte color options steel wristband installed leather band Corning Gorilla Glass pixel LED backlit e-paper screen three navigational buttons scrolling selecting branding newer model heavier lighter Samsung Galaxy Gear Pebble Steel paired metal band new charger waterproof 5 ATM submerged water 165 feet setup
compatible Android iOS devices testing App Store Google Play store data nearby devices to create account for the appstore email address creating a password location Pair to sync it with our phone firmware up-to-date Enable Notifications sending sample texts phone calls successfully paired appstore load watch faces enable notifications lock screen Bluetooth turned on interface simple minimalist user interface tech timepieces Samsung Galaxy Gear Sony Smartwatch 2 Pebble Steel music notifications alarms watch faces settings menu Gear S Gear Live Gear Fit Gear 2 Gear 2 Neo Galaxy Gear Tizen /

Monday, 22 December 2014

Vessyl – the cup that knows what you are drinking – update



Vessyl has sensors that can detect what you’ve poured into it, & how much. Through the day, it can track such things as water, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, & protein in what you’ve drunk, plus your hydration level.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/12/5801106/vessyl-smart-cup-that-knows-exactly-what-youre-drinking

TechHive has a highly critical article. Check the comments – turns it into an interesting discussion.
http://www.techhive.com/article/2457644/why-have-consumers-spent-1-million-on-vessyl-an-absurd-calorie-counting-cup.html

Are the TechHive criticisms justified? Obviously, there are limits to what the device can measure. Limitations include:
• anyone who expects Vessyl to count all of their consumed calories is going to be disappointed
• users it will have to be prepared to change their habits – e.g. always carry the device & use it for all liquids consumed
• hydration: obviously, the user's water intake can be measured. Water loss, the other half of the hydration equation, is quite complicated. Caffeine & alcohol intake have a bearing, & Vessyl measures those, but water loss due to perspiration depends on the temperature of the day & exercise. Some fairly vague claims are made about, "your unique hydration needs", in the faq at https://www.myvessyl.com/faq, under the heading "How does my Vessyl help me stay hydrated?"

Vessyl is the only practical means I know, of measuring caffeine consumption. Caffeine content of coffee is not a standard unit. Variables include:
• type of coffee bean
• instant generally contains less caffeine than fresh
• grinding
• how the coffee was made e.g. filter verses percolated
• where the cup of coffee was made. A few years ago, a university study measured the caffeine content of over 90 97 short blacks from restaurants in Melbourne on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The strongest sample contained nearly nine times as much caffeine as the weakest*.

Its a well-known principle that, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." Google found over 46,000 matches to the preceding statement. Anyone who has an activity tracker has seen the value of this principle**. Vessyl is another measuring tool to help manage health & fitness.

Vessyl is available at the pre-order price of $99 for a few more days.

Manufacturer’s web site
https://www.myvessyl.com/
––––––––––––––––––––
* Ben Desbrow et al: "An examination of consumer exposure to caffeine from retail coffee outlets"
http://www.academia.edu/1879395/An_examination_of_consumer_exposure_to_caffeine_from_retail_coffee_outlets
** Dena M. Bravata, MD, MS et al: "Using pedometers to increase physical activity & improve health"
http://web.mit.edu/mobilehealth/www/House_n/Readings/BravataETAL07.pdf / biomedical computing student Queen’s University Justin Lee internet of things device computer tumbler cup Yves Béhar designer Jawbone OLPC 13 ounce cup recognizes recognises any beverage pour into it display displays nutrition nutritional content synchronise syncs drinking habits smartphone smartphone smart-phone app Vessyl prototype beverages successfully identified all of them 10 seconds Thermos recognized recognised Crush orange soda Vitamin Water XXX Tropicana orange juice Gatorade Cool Blue plain old water beverages by name knows the difference Gatorade Cool Blue Glacier Freeze Vessyl tell the difference between strong weak coffee caffeine sugar protein calories fat caffeine beverage track tracks drinking ship preorders pre-order track our movement provide transparency carry water bottle Nalgene bottle Kleen Kanteen consumption track exercise sensor instantly analyze nutritional content contents constituents beverage molecular level sensor analyse analyze analyzes liquid quality control non-contact sensor processor algorithms match your beverage beverages tested with Vessyl measures displays nutritional content displays nutritional data better habits syncs back to your smartphone Bluetooth low energy metric total mg of caffeine consumed today hydration measurement how hydrated you are Vessyl app small blue light will illuminate above it accelerometer gestures charging coaster smart cup stay better hydrated /

Sunday, 21 December 2014

Driving the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle


Not quite so ugly from this angle
Credit: Green Car Reports

In June of this year, I wrote of Toyota’s Mirai fuel cell vehicle, “So, how big is the market for a vehicle with all the disadvantages of a fuel cell, performance of a Prius & a price similar to a Tesla Model S?”

At that time, neither performance nor price were certain. Unfortunately, the speculation has largely proven to be accurate.

To quote the Green Car Reports article linked below:

“But what's it actually like to drive, as a car?”

“Perhaps not surprisingly, the answer turns out to be rather like a Prius, only quieter.”

“0-to-60-mph time of just under 10 seconds” – unfortunate similarity to a Prius too.

Price:

Arguably, this is Mirai’s strength. At $US57,500, it will undercut the cheapest Tesla Model S. However, there is reason to believe that this price is only possible because Toyota will lose $US60,000 to $US120,000 on every Mirai it sells.

Green Car Reports test drive:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1095985_2016-toyota-mirai-first-drive-of-hydrogen-fuel-cell-sedan / 2016 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car promotion attention very low numbers built Toyota Prius hybrid divisive design styling polarizing unappealing perceived cacophony of shapes accents curves swoops angles best view relatively small 16 inch wheels rear end styling aerodynamic purpose most extreme concept cars four seats comfortable weight range performance seating position fairly upright like a Prius interior materials hard plastic soft surfaces three separate color display screens dashboard slightly less Space Age vehicle information center Start it like a Prius three drive modes available Normal Eco Power powered by an electric motor gasoline engine under harder acceleration energy battery pack electric mode dominant sounds noise whine 4,056-pound Mirai feels heavy from behind the wheel electric motor driving the front wheels power electronics compressors plumbing hydrogen and oxygen fuel-cell stack under the front seats pair of hydrogen tanks hydrogen compressed to about 10,000 psi smooth comfortable ride relatively tall sidewalls of its tires electric power steering vague relatively numb little feedback from the road prototype fuel cells don't instantly spool their power output to match demand 1.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack maximum output of 114 kilowatts 153 horsepower 2-ton vehicle weigh more than a conventional gasoline car won't win any drag races noise aside /

Saturday, 20 December 2014

It's bendy, it's flexible, it's durable, it's virtually unbreakable, it's – glass

Gorilla Glass was a major breakthrough in phone durability. It is quite likely protecting your smartphone from damage right now.

Further developments promise stronger, safer, more durable & lighter vehicle windscreens in the near future.

Bendy flexible, durable, virtually unbreakable glass in these videos is definitely worth a look!



/ slow motion shatter laminated glass windscreen zone toughened tension compression Corning Glass Corning Wear pyrex optical fibre flexible light data low attenuation bend bent voice and data communication Internet data transport bend strain pane willow glass /

Friday, 19 December 2014

Make it easier to read text on your phone


Credit: Gizmodo

Even a 6 inch phone screen is small by any other standard – how big is your desktop, laptop or TV screen? Background lighting is often far from ideal – all struggle to cope with direct sunlight.

For these, & other reasons, text can be difficult to read on a phone screen. Below are some things you can do, on iOS & Android, to improve the situation.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/12/make-it-easier-to-read-text-on-your-phone/ / software running smart phone smart-phone smartphone pocket options improve readability serious problem eyesight squinting big difference usability text looking bigger sharper latest versions iOS Android accessibility options iOS 8.1 opening Settings General Accessibility Larger Text option toggle on off Bold Text feature device restart tap through Larger Text set your preferred text size applied system-wide system wide new setting affect all Apple’s apps Mail, Messages App Store third party third-party apps settings each individual app fully support iOS’ accessibility features Safari increase size text websites activate Reading Mode feature icon URL field accessibility settings applied improve legibility text device Zoom Increase Contrast options accessibility menu Display Zoom feature Display & Brightness section Settings app switch this on home screen icons text larger Android slider on/off switch bigger text Settings app select Accessibility Large text switch it on new setting applied lock screen Gmail third-party app accessibility menu colour inversion high-contrast text options experimental latest Android build high contrast text occasionally add light or dark outlines text home screens Magnification gestures triple-tap on the screen app enlarge text hold pan around the screen display /

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Looking into the future: Samsung Gear VR review


Credit: Oculus/Samsung

At the moment, both software & functionality are extremely limited & it requires a Galaxy Note 4 for processing power & display, but it works & works well. And the software library … can only get bigger.

http://www.cnet.com/au/products/samsung-gear-vr/

http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/17/samsung-gear-vr-review/

https://www.oculus.com/blog/introducing-the-samsung-gear-vr-innovator-edition/ / can finally buy a virtual reality headset use it in your home cost accessible impressive virtual reality headset software Facebook's recently acquired Oculus VR team virtual reality very exciting a new medium technologically possible wireless consumer grade virtual reality Samsung's Gear VR feat illuminating vision near future palatable consumer experience dream completely realized incredibly accessible light comfortable attractive impressive visuals limited functionality extremely limited software library Samsung Galaxy Note 4 very expensive Oculus VR Samsung Gear VR virtual reality headset a new medium light comfortable accessible Gear VR most usable virtual reality headset first to market hype extremely limited selection software functionality Innovator Edition early adopters virtual reality enthusiast Gear VR headset strap review experience tech demo consumer product a few games experiences game demo mainstream consumer device test balloon world's largest electronics manufacturer gauge of success did people who bought it like it return 100 percent of them existence-proof John Carmack make it better review units to press on sale evangelize build virtual reality market demonstrative device distribute perspective for the VR enthusiast latest firmware your carrier insert 16GB microSD card powers VR computing power cpu central processing unit Gear VR's screen setup attach your Note 4 front of the shell docking area for the phone front micro USB microUSB micro-USB plug screen facing inward latch secure securing downloading operating system OS Oculus Home video player Gear VR Video Velcro straps run through a quick tutorial how to use the headset swipe wiping touchpad headset pause pausing movies in-game actions single back button ridged for quick location volume rocker pair a Bluetooth controller analog stick setting up setup set up Oculus Samsung bare-bones bare bones goal accessibility easy easier setup short recent history virtual reality headsets calibration calibrate calibrating cameras testing resolution settings download install firmware hardware restart headset's software suite Bluetooth gamepad headphones Maximum Immersion Experience one-eighth-inch audio jack translucent plastic functionality other electronics usage smartphone smartphone answer phone calls functionality text messages emailsnotifications VR Gallery Oculus Cinema /

Wednesday, 17 December 2014

Battery flat? You need a Plan V



We’ve all been there: you need to make a call, & your battery is flat. There’s a Plan V for that.

Plan V attaches to you keyring, so you can’t leave home without it. When the need arises, attach a 9V battery, plug it into the charge port of your phone (microUSB & Lightning supported) & you have 800mAh of charge, around 4 hours of talk time on most phones, such as an iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S5.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1838401618/plan-v-the-failsafe-charger-you-cant-leave-home-wi?ref=category_location / Plan V battery back-up back up backup leave at home forget to charge failsafe charging device always on you small key size you need it your phone is flat need urgently call navigate meeting get out of a dangerous situation Plan V failsafe device don't need to charge small keyring like a car jumper cable connect a 9 volt battery Plan V device hook it up plug in insert connector square batteries smoke alarms widely available car jumper cable design production funds raised costs of production optimization optimizing product field trials performance tweaks marketing product wider availability design development working prototype mass production experience consumer electronics industry designed product manufacturing avoid cost schedule blowouts launch shipped on schedule safety environmental certifications Apple MFI certification iPhone international shipping /

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Ad blockers under threat from Google, Microsoft & others


Credit: NetClean Development/Google

Do you enjoy advertisements interfering with your Web content? If not, you’re not alone, judging from the success of ad blocking software. Not surprisingly, advertisers are less enthusiastic, & there are claims that some of them are planning to do something about it in court.

http://www.itproportal.com/2014/12/09/ad-blockers-come-fire-internet-giants/

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Google-Others-Threaten-to-Sue-Adblock-Plus-Creator-467035.shtml

Hard to see how the complainants have a case.

Underlying this is the fact that, in the end, someone has to pay for Web content. Anything that doesn’t come at a direct cost, comes at an indirect cost. Usually, “indirect cost”, means advertising. If you have an alternative, there is a huge audience out there anxious to listen.

If Google is going to sue publishers of ad blocking software, what will they do about such software on their own sites?

AdBlock Plus for Chrome
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus-for-chrome/kcobmjifdimfbihnbnafhcpmifgmjlka?hl=en

AdBlock
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom?hl=en / Internet giants media publishers Google Microsoft Le Figaro newspaper threatening legal action developers develop developer software block ads advertisement consumer websites rely advertising Japan Today $545 billion spent global advertising digital ads ad blocking software apps general public handful tech-savvy individuals Adblock Plus most popular ad blocking browser add-on active users in France United Kingdom Spain Adobe software developer Adblock 144 million active users worldwide publishers revenue alarming considering legal action no small matter affects all publishers advertising revenue Laure de Lataillade CEO GESTE association of web publishers gaming media music Sean Blanchfield CEO PageFair campaign against ad blockers Napster’s demise Google launch alternative web advertising Google Contributor charges users websites tested sites Mashable The Onion Science Daily /

Monday, 15 December 2014

Apple Maps Vs. Google Maps


Credit: TechRadar

After a squabble with Google, Apple released its own Maps app for iOS. As you may remember, & can see in the image above, it was less than perfect. Not only were the 3D renders inaccurate, but the the directional content was lacking, to the point that one state police force in Australia warned that it could get users killed.

Since that time, Apple has made changes, to staff (head of the iPhone software & Maps teams let go), & to the app itself. so how does it fare now?

Apple maps: how Google lost when everyone thought it had won
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/11/apple-maps-google-iphone-users

An update on the Google Vs Apple Maps war
http://www.nucloud.com/blog/an-update-on-the-google-vs-apple-maps-war/

Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: The most comprehensive design comparison you’ll ever see
http://bgr.com/2014/12/12/google-maps-vs-apple-maps-design-comparison/

And, a look back at some early mistakes:
http://theamazingios6maps.tumblr.com/ / Apple Maps hit iPhone iPad users US USA first appeared in September 2012 Google refused give Apple access voice-driven turn-by-turn map navigation lost 23m mobile users huge fall against 81m Google Maps mobile users ComScore market research company produced figures regular polls thousand of users statistics introduction Apple's maps iOS 6 software September 2012 littered with errors location Ireland named Airfield marked as an airport Paddington station had vanished Helsinki railway station park Tim Cook public apology Google Maps users Android base have not cannot upgrade to iOS 6 data MixPanel stand-alone app gained little traction with iPhone users Google has lost access very important data channel North American America market Ben Wood mobile analyst CCS Insight research company based in London had problems war of attrition Europe European other regional data mirror map data is hugely valuable monitoring traffic flows offer information on traffic jams determine determining user location fed back anonymously provide location-related advertising search important source of income search revenue desktop sites flattens default application average user Waze /

Sunday, 14 December 2014

Stopknot – stop earbud tangling

Another solution to earbud tangling.




Credit: RadTech

Only just seen this, so haven’t had a chance to try it out, but it looks like a small rubber band could be adapted to the same purpose.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/12/11/stop-wasting-time-untangling-your-earbuds-with-the-stopknot/ / earphone ear bud earbud ear phone cable cord controller tangle knot coiling into a knotted mess pocket bag wind StopKnot RadTech slide earbud cable once control knotting quick step install StopKnot grips both earbuds 3.5mm audio plug StopKnot stops knotting use earbuds slide length adjuster flop around exercising working iPhone Samsung Bose Skull Candy Android smartphone mp3 player /

Saturday, 13 December 2014

Formula E, round 3, Punta del Este, Uraguay, Saturday 13 December 2014 (video) – updated

Practice (0:38:18)


Qualifying (1:12:35)


Race (1:30:33)

Credit: AutoMotoSportTV

Complete results, including the race & qualifying:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/results/punta-del-este-eprix.aspx / Formula E all electric racing series second race Putrajaya Malaysia ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers identical cars Spark-Renault SRT_01E built French company Spark Racing Technology carbon fiber aluminum chassis Dallara electric powertrain electronics McLaren Electronics Systems Williams Advanced Engineering building 200 kiloWatt battery pack batteries powertrain generate 270 horsepower five-speed paddle shift gearbox fixed gear ratios Michelin 18 inch tires wet dry conditions sound 80 decibel whine full grid 20 cars FIA Formula E strategy street courses dedicated circuits tire wear grip management battery life charge prematurely testing drivers learn knowledge teams construction constructors constructing FanBoost pit stop second fully charged car advances in battery technology battery swaps charging battery Renault Michelin DHL Qualcomm Richard Branson Virgin Racing team Leonardo DiCaprio Venturi team lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range battery management system BMS /

iPhone photographer


Foggy Forest Creek
Credit: Kevin Russ/society6.com

“My name is Kevin Russ & I take pictures with my iPhone & I live in my car … non-stop road trip, pretty much.”

“Anywhere I haven’t been is my favorite.”



http://iphonephotographyschool.com/kevin-russ/

http://society6.com/studio/blog/society6-presents--photographer-kevin-russ / photograph photography picture pictures photographer chase light art print landscape misty work document documented process behind the lens trip trips expansive expanse Alaska wild wilds life on the road wilderness nature iphotographer hegely talented makes a living iPhone photos living on the road travelling documented live Portland Oregon central coast California shooting pictures Instagram share platform fun see light and composition differently hobby income nomadic lifestyle sell selling licenses images iStockphoto Stocksy mobile native camera app VSCO Cam lock white balance Average Camera Pro slow shutter water post processing post-processing experiment light composition style develop complete solitude Angel Dorr /

Friday, 12 December 2014

Formula E, round 3, tomorrow, Saturday 13 December 2014 – update


Credit: Engadget

Next Formula E race, round 3:

Punta del Este, Uraguay
Round 3 - Saturday 13 December 2014
Practice - 08:00 Uraguay local time
Qualifying - 12:00
Race - 16:00

FIA, Formula E web site is down at the moment, but give it a try later:

http://www.fiaformulae.com/

In the meantime, have a look at

http://www.electricautosport.com/events/formula-e-punta-del-este-eprix/

http://www.racedepartment.com/threads/formula-e-round-3-%E2%80%93-punta-del-este-eprix-preview.97640/ / Formula E all electric racing series second race Putrajaya Malaysia ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers identical cars Spark-Renault SRT_01E built French company Spark Racing Technology carbon fiber aluminum chassis Dallara electric powertrain electronics McLaren Electronics Systems Williams Advanced Engineering building 200 kiloWatt battery pack batteries powertrain generate 270 horsepower five-speed paddle shift gearbox fixed gear ratios Michelin 18 inch tires wet dry conditions sound 80 decibel whine full grid 20 cars FIA Formula E strategy street courses dedicated circuits tire wear grip management battery life charge prematurely testing drivers learn knowledge teams construction constructors constructing FanBoost pit stop second fully charged car advances in battery technology battery swaps charging battery Renault Michelin DHL Qualcomm Richard Branson Virgin Racing team Leonardo DiCaprio Venturi team lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range battery management system BMS /

Tesla Model S P85D AWD with auto-pilot

On 10 October, I reported on these pages about the announcement of Tesla D all-wheel-drive system & auto-pilot.

Below is a video of a Tesla Model S P85D AWD, with auto-pilot, in action:
• following a road with no assistance from the driver
• reading & obeying speed signs
• changing lanes when instructed with the turn indicator
• following another vehicle at a safe distance

/ luxury electric car maker Tesla Motors Model S sedan upgrade faster safer all-wheel-drive CEO Elon Musk something else dual motor rear-wheel-drive power front wheels powering rear heavy less efficient optimizing optimise optimize top speed 155 mph 130 mph rocket SpaceX safety features steer itself lane brake automatically move the car over a lane when driver turn signal use cameras read speed limit signs adjust car's speed auto pilot drive itself driver-assist features Raj Rajkumar pioneer self driving self-driving car Carnegie Mellon University /

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Red fire ant infestation in Sydney, Australia


Credit: www.orkin.com

Fire ant bites cause a severe burning sensation in humans, & a small number of deaths have occurred. They also pose a risk to crops, animals, farm equipment & native flora & fauna.


Yes, you do want fire ants eradicated.
Credit: Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Natives of South America, fire ants first appeared in Australia in Brisbane, Queensland in 2001. At least in part, due to an inadequate response by successive governments, that infestation continues to this day. In their defence, where a fire ant infestation has been established, fire ants have not been eradicated from any country in the world. To date, in Australia, federal, state & local governments have spent $281 million trying to eradicate them. In 2009, a government report estimated the cost of the infestation to Queensland, at $43 billion over 30 years.



Genetic testing indicates that the Sydney infestation is not related to that in Queensland.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/red-fire-ant-outbreak-in-sydney-could-cost-economy-billions-20141208-1212nb.html

Identification:

Fire ants are small, ranging in size from 2-6 mm, with a variety of sizes within each nest. Head & body are coppery-brown & the abdomen darker.

Fire ant mounds may be found in open fields, & can be up to 40cm high, but may also be flat, like a patch of disturbed soil. Nests may also found under timber, logs, rocks, pavers, bricks or other objects on the ground. Infestations of buildings can occur.

Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry fire ant website:
https://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animals-ants/invasive-ants/fire-ants / feral pest highly serious incursion red fire ants Port Botany Sydney New South Wales Austrlaia cost economy billions eradicated eradication efforts Department of Primary Industries colony arrived cargo ship Brazil Argentina genetic tests emergency response team of biosecurity pest experts odour detection dogs ants highly aggressive serious exotic pest inflict painful bites people pets livestock NSW Minister Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson Invasive Species Council chief executive Andrew Cox outbreak threat community contain containment contained disaster environment transform our way of life spread other parts of the country open areas grassy areas DPI director invasive plants and animals Dr Andrew Sanger outbreak contained one colony at intensive surveillance conducted within 2km initial discovery contain exotic ants outbreak spread suburbs first outbreak funding eradication efforts stop the ants spreading investigation red fire ants arrived foreign cargo ship bite bites severe burning sensation deaths reported small number of cases damage crops farming equipment threaten native flora and fauna Exotic Plant Pest Hotline /

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Fast charging the Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Samsung has introduced Adaptive Fast Charging in its new Galaxy Note 4: 0-50% in 30 minutes is claimed. To make it work you need three things:

• the charger that came with the phone. Clearly labelled:


Credit: Android Central

On the other side is a clue to how this works: Output: 9.0V – 1.67A or 5.0V – 2.0A

• the cable that came with the phone. Not so clearly labelled.

• Fast charging option enabled:

Settings > System > Power saving > Fast charging



Some other manufacturers are making similar claims.

If your battery is low, & you only have a short time to charge, Zap&Go or Pronto will give you a better result. / removeable battery mAh LiIon lithium ion charge recharge fastcharge micro USB cable adapter /

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Steve Wozniak talks about the garage, the Apple I, ][, Steve Jobs

Designing the Apple I: “I worked for a couple u’ weeks every night ‘till 4 in the morning … it had to be that artistically perfect … it represents yourself when you do a great design.”

“Steve Jobs … he’d pop into town, see what I was up to – the latest thing I’d designed for fun, & then he’d somehow turn them into some money for both of us.”

“The garage is a bit of a myth.”

Original price of the Apple ][: “The retail price was six hundred & sixty six dollars & sixty six cents because I, as a mathematician, liked repeating digits.”

/ Apple Computer revolution board component layout design designer top 10 most disruptive ideas in recent history co-founder interview origins company Steve Jobs debunked breadboarding prototyping planning products manufacture manufacturing co-founder Steve Jobs first computer to sell over 1 million units high school brink computer revolution create things design new show future technology The Woz host /

Monday, 8 December 2014

Parrot Bebop Drone (video)


Indoors is OK too!
Credit: DIY Drones

Parrot has created a new level of performance for the dollar, with their Bebop Drone. Like their other drones, control is via WiFi using an app on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android). Range is 200 metres, or with the purpose-built Skycontroller, 3.2 km. Augmented reality glasses supported too.


Skycontroller & augmented reality glasses
Credit: SlashGear

Parrot promo video – definitely worth a look, even if you have no interest in the drone!



http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/sneak-peak-of-parrot-s-amazing-new-bebop-drone

http://au.pcmag.com/robotics-automation-products/26213/news/hands-on-with-the-parrot-bebop-drone

http://techcrunch.com/2014/11/19/parrots-14mp-bebop-drone-to-take-flight-in-december-for-500/

Manufacturer’s website

http://www.parrot.com/au/products/skycontroller/?gclid=CjwKEAiAkpCkBRCtstKQo5ia5nESJACsCikRZbra08ESGIhm8hSCQ5J6e1fdWA9D7XZj2O7h9xBrSBoC4i_w_wcB / Parrot price drop dropped price high definition drones starting price of $US500 DJI entry level Phantom drone quality camera novel tricks controllable control smartphone tablet big upgrade cheaper AR Drone serious drone technology keep price down safe to fly indoors inside flight capabilities range extender controller range 2 kilometer limit stream streaming captured video smartphone built in GPS downward facing cameras keep drone in place high altitude flying f2.2 fish-eye lens 180 degree angle of view 14 megapixel sensor 1080p full-HD resolution; the AR.Drone 2.0 is limited to 720p. Video is recorded to the Bebop's 8GB of internal storage (there's no microSD or SD card slot) in MP4 format. Photos can be captured in JPEGs or Adobe DNG raw format digitally digital pan zoom picture stability stabilize three axes cut costs light weight 410 grams 14.5 ounces compact software based 3 axis image stabilization Bebop’s sleek body dedicated controller extend extends Bebop’s range 200 metres meters 2 kilometers pilot view drone’s camera output VR AR glasses goggles Oculus Rift controller amplifies connected smartphone tablet wifi signal analog joysticks buttons more precise control standard SkyController GNSS chipset with GPS Glonass Galileo built in /

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Waka Waka Power Charger


Credit: Off-Grid Solutions /The Gadgeteer

Because you are reading this, you are probably not one of the people the Waka Waka Power Charger was originally designed for. Waka Waka ("Shine Bright" in Swahili) Power Charger was developed for the energy poor. People who have no household electricity. Their homes are illuminated with lamps or naked flames. This is both dangerous, & increasingly expensive. Wakk Wakka Power Charger was developed to provide electricity & light in such circumstances. It includes a solar charger & lithium ion battery so that it can be operated with no ongoing costs.

Energy poor communities, often leap-frog a wired telephone network, straight to mobile (cell). Mobile phones need to be charged, which is typically difficult &/or expensive for the energy poor. Wakka Wakka Power Charger is offered for sale on credit. Typically, repayments for the Wakk Waka are less than owners were previously paying for lighting fuel.

Although developed for the energy-poor, Wakka Wakka Power Charger can provide light & phone charging for you too:

Review

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/06/14/waka-waka-power-charger-review/

Manufacturer’s website

http://us.waka-waka.com/ / device Kickstarter portable personal solar charging station lamp light humanitarian efforts Off-Grid Solutions WakaWaka Power energy poverty solar light dangerous kerosene sale donated micro-loans assistance in need hand-up model communities build their own economic futures OGSbuy one give one promotion Clinton Global Initiative distribute programs conservation USB cable electronic devices USB input port microUSB micro USB bright light reading study grades reader level light intensity levels flashlight lighting needs reader SOS S.O.S. flashing beacon Morse code black power button self-charging battery status check charge charging solar charging indicator photovoltaic panels exposed to light propriety solar panel system 200% more efficient /

Saturday, 6 December 2014

Will Toyota lose money on its hydrogen fuel cell car?


Credit: Autoblog Green

It is widely accepted that Toyota lost money on every Prius is sold for a number of years. Something similar happened, & is probably continuing, with cars such as the Nissan Leaf & GM’s Volt.

Pat Cox of TransEuropean Networks has estimated that Toyota will lose €50,000 to €100,000 on its fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai. Thats $US60,000 to $US120,000 – more than the asking price of $US57,500.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1095773_how-much-money-does-the-2016-toyota-mirai-lose-a-lot-perhaps / All automakers expect to lose money at first when they launch expensive new powertrain technologies European official experience alternative fuel infrastructure 2016 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell sedan losing maker manufacturer lot of money Challenge Bibendum green car competition Chengdu China panel discussion fueling recharge charge charging infrastructures for different green vehicles included some cost estimates Pat Cox, a former president of the European Parliament. Cox currently works with TransEuropean Networks agency promoting better connection and coordination among businesses and infrastructure in the European Union 2016 Mirai sell sells federal state incentives sale fueling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles first mover advantage costs carmakers fueling companies government support kickstart hydrogen infrastructure Autoblog Green parties agreed commercially viable for profit sector /

Friday, 5 December 2014

OnePlus One phablet


Credit: Know Your Mobile

• 5.5 inch, 1080 x 1920 screen
• Snapdragon 801 quad core CPU at 2.5 GHz
• 3 GB RAM
• 64 GB flash storage
• 13 megapixel rear camera – Sony Exmor IMX214, f/2.0 aperture
• 5 megapixel front camera
• 4G
• 3100 mAh battery
• CyanogenMod version of Android
• enthusiastic reviews

And the price? $US349. If that’s more than you want to pay, there is a $299 version, which is identical, except for 16 GB flash storage & white rear cover, rather than black.

There are a couple of negatives:

• non-removeable battery
• no flash storage expansion

So, what’s the catch?

Buying one – apparently supply is limited – which may explain the, “This product requires an invite to buy”, policy.

Reviews:



http://www.techradar.com/au/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/oneplus-one-1244307/review

http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/08/oneplus-one-review/

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/07/oneplus-one-review-an-unbelievably-fantastic-smartphone/

OnePlus website:

https://oneplus.net/ / OnePlus One smart phone smartphone flagship killer made in China beat Nexus 5 so dirt cheap high quality Cyanogenmod Nexus 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 801 400 PPI screen Shenzhen Google low cost unlocked hardware giant high quality device Google apps Gmail preloaded hardware buttons modified operating system design low price tag soft touch plastic Sandstone Black fabric texture style charging micro USB cable cloth coated cable cables untangleable tangle contrast deep blacks AMOLED display hardware buttons Settings Home Back reversed software buttons settings button default app settings menu Cyanogenmod multitasking button operating system OS core forked modified version engineers spirit of stock Android user interface UI design stock Android Profiles option pre-sets presets app shortcuts on the lock screen customisation tiles pull down menu pan performance hardware fastest phone chip performance issues Snapchat charger camera image stabilisation autofocus speed low light performance Cyanogenmod camera app fully customisable interface burst fire mode HDR stock Android device big phone ergonomics swipe down notification bar biggish hands longish fingers smaller option new features from Google invite invites /

Thursday, 4 December 2014

A gearbox without gears!

Huge amounts of energy are wasted in gearboxes around the world. Losses occur in bearings, but more so between the teeth of the gears themselves. With this in view, the MAGDRIVE project has produced prototype gearboxes in which both conventional toothed gears & bearings are replaced with magnetic alternatives.

In space, cold & a near perfect vacuum create a unique set of problems for lubrication. Superconductor magnets make one prototype of MAGDRIVE a perfect match.



http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/12/this-maglev-gearbox-doesnt-need-teeth/ / inefficient gearing system gear teeth friction frictional losses heat mechanical wear magnetic levitation repulsion developed collaboration seven European nations built two working prototypes magnetic gear reducer frictionless magnetic axles transmission system tooth researchers UC3M research centre Madrid cryogenic temperatures -210C superconductors axles floating stabilise rotating prototype works at room temperature toothed cogs permanent magnets repel attract force coupling physical contact railways railroads oil industry lubrication sterile environments food drug industries /

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

How a jet engine works


Credit: 3D Printer Plans

What is a swirler? Afterburner? Why is a tubofan more efficient than a turbojet? Why don’t jet fighters use them? High bypass? Low bypass?

Find the answers in the the amazing animation at:

http://animagraffs.com/inside-a-jet-engine/ / jet core gas generator compress compressed mixed with fuel combustion efficient efficiency trubine compressor compression stage stages combustion engine size rotor core stator vane vanes annular combustor fuel injector exhaust gas commercial aircraft /

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Expand your laptop storage – update

Some laptops have limited storage:
• older laptops
Chromebooks typically have only 8 or 16 GB of flash storage
Apple’s MacBook Air starts at 128 GB of flash storage – older models had even less

Most obvious solution would be to replace the existing storage, but this can be expensive. Plus, some laptops, particularly the ultra-compact, such as the MacBook Air, are difficult to disassemble or modify.

Much simpler is to plug in a flash drive. A 128 GB flash drive would increase the storage in many Chromebooks by 800%. This would be OK in a desktop machine, but in a laptop on a lap, or dropped into a backpack, a typical flash drive sticking out of a USB port is an accident waiting to happen.

Brando have a flush fitting microSD adapter which fits in the SD slot. It’s aimed at MacBooks, but will probably work with other devices with SD card slots, depending on just how deep the slot is. Only $10.


Credit: The Gadgeteer

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/11/17/expand-your-macbook-pro-or-macbook-airs-file-storage-with-a-micro-sd-card/

Brando also have an almost flush fitting microSD to USB adapter that will work with any laptop:


Credit: The Gadgeteer

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/05/21/usb-microsd-card-reader-that-is-almost-microscopic/

http://usb.brando.com/usb-microsd-hc-card-reader-with-easy-eject_p00933c031d15.html

SanDisk Fit is a USB flash drive of similar physical size, & up to 64 GB capacity.


Credit: PC Mag

http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb/drives/cruzer-fit/

PKparis have a USB 3.0 flash drive of similar size.

http://gizmodo.com/youll-barely-notice-the-worlds-smallest-usb-3-0-flash-1446986913

Update 06 December 2014: Leef


Credit: Leef

Up to 64 GB.

http://www.leefco.com/supra-usb-3.0-flash-drive / MB/s tiny LED activity light lap top USB 3.0 port slot adding more file storage MacBook Pro MacBook Air external hard drive USB port USB flash drive insert inserting SD card dangling external drive mobile USB flash drives SD cards snagged MacBook Pro Air Micro SD HC card adapter adapter XC 64GB adapter turns MBP MBA SD card slot solid state flash drive Netbook Chromebook disc disk /

Monday, 1 December 2014

Modular phone

Choosing a phone is all about compromise. Big screen & battery have obvious advantages, but not when it comes to fitting into a tight pair of jeans. But what if you could tailor your phone for different applications? Big battery & screen for watching movies on a long plane flight; smaller, for sightseeing at your destination? Or tight jeans verses cargo pants?

Modular phone concepts have been around for some time. Phonebloks was first. When Motorola showed interest, it looked like it just might make it to market.

Apparently a development of Motorola’s interest, is Google’s Project Ara:

http://www.projectara.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Ara

And most recently, Puzzlephone:



http://www.puzzlephone.com/

http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/1/7312763/puzzlephone-modular-cellphone-concept /electronics ddd lifetime decade users outdated earlier Puzzlephone module modular personalize personalized OS operating system hardware levels charge health enthusiast enthusiastic sensor sensors designer enough RAM phone calls one part phone needs repair upgrade need to replace the entire device future of hardware development and manufacturing will look more like mobile application development future release standard standards hardware developers manufacturers open hardware unnecessary industry barriers hinder innovation WiFi Bluetooth standard standards click together plug supreceded cheaper cost saving module modular lifetime cycles lifecycle green recycle modular smart phone smartphone open hardware software Advanced Technologies and Projects team Motorola Mobility phone hardware manufacturers /