Flowing water on the surface of Mars

NASA has announced new evidence of liquid water flowing on the surface of Mars. Why is this important? Because life as we understand it on Earth, requires liquid water. Places with liquid water, therefore, are the best place to search for signs of past or present life on Mars.

Note that the water discovered is not pure water. It is in fact, so salty, that it’s freezing point is lowered so that it can continue to flow at temperatures significantly below 0^oC.

So, little green men? No, but just possibly, little green slime.



http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/28/9408645/nasa-mars-water-flow-discovery-proof

http://www.wsj.com/articles/trickles-of-salt-water-may-flow-on-mars-1443452400?mod=WSJ_TechWSJD_moreTopStories / first direct evidence of a long-suspected theory liquid water exists on the surface of Mars planet's warmer seasons new research published Nature Geosciences new spectral data NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter MRO spacecraft studies planet from orbit orbiter analyzed chemistry dark streaks appear and disappear seasonally Martian surface analysis confirms streaks formed briny salty water flowing downhill Mars NASA major Mars mystery Red Planet liquid water surface researchers know known water exists ice form Mars confirmed water liquid state space agency first study suggest liquid water present Mars scientists theorized Mars large ocean Mars Curiosity rover liquid water exists just underneath Martian surface discovery water Mars planetary scientists Alfred McEwen planetary geologist Planetary Image Research Laboratory studies discovered water on Mars direct evidence liquid water than most study confirms NASA has long suspected flowing liquid water dark streaks observed on Mars recurring slope lineae first observed MRO spacecraft lines blackish narrow less than 16 feet across warmer seasons streaks grow thicker longer fade shrink Mars colder dark narrow streaks recurring slope lineae walls Garni crater on Mars NASA JPL University of Arizona scientists water salt streaks temperatures right liquid water study author Lujendra Ojha graduate student Georgia Tech average temperature Mars frigid -80 degrees Fahrenheit summer day near equator temperature 70 degrees Fahrenheit warm enough liquid water filled perchlorates salt flow downhill planet's sloping geological features water perchlorates brine solution much lower freezing point than pure water liquid state temperatures grow colder leftover salt deposits briny flows direct evidence liquid water MRO's imaging spectrometer researchers chemical makeup recurring slope lineae visible-infrared spectrometer determine composition of minerals observing them in different light wavelengths dark streaks composed of hydrated salts molecular water crystal structure water /

Electric end to Mattara hill climb

Brett Sutherland will be competing in the Mattara Hill Climb in the electric Radical SR8. Here seen at Wakefield Park, Goulburn NSW.
Credit: Electric Vehicle News

Mattara is Newcastle’s city festival (that's Newcastle on Hunter, NSW, not Newcastle on Tyne, England). Part of the festival is the Matara Hill Climb, held in the scenic King Edward Park. Hill climbs were first held at King Edward Park in 1951. In 1957, a government ban called a halt. At the time, governments around the world were banning motor sport events as a result of the accident at Le Mans in 1955¹ & the de Portago accident at the 1957 Mille Miglia². Switzerland did not lift its motor racing ban until 2007³.
​
In Newcastle, the King Edward Park event was reborn as part of the 1963 Matara Festival.

Next week's Mattara Hill Climb will be the last at King Edward Park. Roads through the park are being re-designed & will no longer be suitable.

The last event will also be the first to include electric vehicles.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3383816/electric-end-to-mattara-hill-climb/

Brett Sutherland's electric Radical SR8 at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, John Bowe driving

__________

¹ Le Mans, accident 1955





² "Alfonso de Portago", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfonso_de_Portago

³ "Switzerland lifts ban on motor racing", https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Switzerland_lifts_ban_on_motor_racing / Brett Sutherland battery electric vehicle BEV EV electric race car electric cars in next week Mattara Hill Climb last King Edward Park Tesla Roadster owned by Matt Higgins Mattara Hill Climb last power up King Edward Park two electric cars scenic course ending an era with future hill climb organiser Rob Rowe Novocastrian Brett Sutherland battery powered Radical SR8 won two races against petrol powered NSW SuperSports State Championship astounding acceleration electric cars major advantage hill climb event braking are weighed down with batteries electric pioneer will be a road registered Tesla Roadster compete event long weekend October roads paths King Edward Park hill-climb event first competition 1951 1957 government motor sport 1963 Mattara Hill Climb held every October long weekend historic hill climb winning cars Newcastle MG Car Club moving future events new course Ringwood near Raymond Terrace electric cars Smart City Initiative forum free public event City Hall encourage discussion technology innovation smart city Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes /

Tesla Supercharger opens in Goulburn, NSW

Long distance road trips for Model S owners just became easier. The Goulburn Supercharger station is now open. pic.twitter.com/ilPeGoZP0E

— Tesla Motors (@TeslaMotors) September 17, 2015

Tesla has plans for a Supercharger network from Melbourne to north of Newcastle this year, & north of Brisbane in 2016. / battery charge recharge electric vehicle battery BEV EV LiIon lithium ion cell travellers car park resides panel solar grid newly constructed car port electric revolution charging stations electric cars petrol bowsers driving longer distances electric cars the way of the future electric vehicle EV new car sales figures demand for electric cars, Australia big infrastructure investment technology American electric car company Tesla 16 high-powered supercharger stations between Melbourne Brisbane 2016 stations Tesla customer travel supercharger network exceeding 140 stations established luxury brands BMW local electric market rollout free electric charging stations build it and they will come Tesla spokesman Heath Walker supercharger network hotel partnerships high powered wall units motles hotels single three phase Darling Hotel in Sydney Marriot Melbourne range anxiety high purchase prices infrastructure charging at home barrier 40 amps of power home house charge overnight up to 500km of range next morning forward thinking Elon Musk design range car charging station free for public use /

Tesla in talks with other automakers about sharing Supercharger network

Credit: Teslarati

Imagine it is 2017. As promised, General Motors has the 200-mile-range, sub $US40,000 Bolt pure electric vehicle (EV) for sale¹, & Tesla has its Model 3 with similar range & price.

For long distance travel, Tesla has its Supercharger network, free to use for the life of the vehicle².

GM has — a marketing problem.

Tesla’s Model S & Model 3 are only half of the solution to sustainable personal transportation. The Supercharger network is the other half.

Other fast chargers exist, but their availability is patchy, some are only available to paid subscribers & all are slower than Teslas’s Superchargers.

In 2017, which would you buy, a GM Bolt with a partly pay-to-use, relatively slow, patchwork of chargers, or a Tesla Model 3 with an integrated, free-to-use, Supercharger network?

Other manufacturers with plans for 200-mile-range EVs, in similar time frames, take note.

Tesla has offered to make its Supercharger network available to other manufacturers in the past & is apparently in discussions at the moment.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/elon-musk-tesla-is-in-talks-with-other-automakers-about-sharing-the-supercharger-network/
__________

¹ “GM 200-mile-range electric vehicle”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/gm-200-mile-range-electric-vehicle.html

² “More about the third generation Tesla electric vehicle”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/more-about-third-generation-tesla.html / Competing fast charging standards electric road trips Tesla Tesla’s vast Supercharger network used by other automakers EV remove roadblock Elon Musk recent press conference Germany Supercharger network walled garden intended available other manufacturers requirements cars take the power output Superchargers pay proportion usage system in talks manufacturers general philosophy Tesla accelerate advent electric cars Electric cars key sustainable future transition away from fossil fuels world’s leader in solar power Germany generates solar energy supply outstrips demand sold to neighboring countries solutions solution more electric cars absorb buffer power stationary storage Power Wall Powerwall /

New global data suggests air pollution kills 10 million people per year

Credit: Casual Science

Pollution & other environmental problems are typically evaluated in terms of the natural systems. More recently, some scientists have looked at its direct influence on human mortality:

http://arstechnica.com/science/2015/09/new-global-data-suggest-air-pollution-kills-10-million-people-per-year/

Recently, an International Monetary Fund working paper said something similar, while quantifying it in monetary terms:

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/fossil-fuel-subsidies.html / scientists global atmospheric chemistry satellite data understanding global spread of air pollutants seven emission source categories urban rural environments more realistic prediction health effects very high concentrations particulate pollutants main contributors air pollution ozone fine particulate matter particles diameter less than 2.5μm air pollution developing diseases air quality monitoring particulate matter different countries building a more global perspective dying pollution affect an individual's health air quality guidelines national regulatory policies World Health Organization exposure response functions mass particles toxicity chemical differences chemical composition pollutants toxicity mortality rates researchers enhanced toxicity carbon-containing carbonaceous fine particulate matter five times more toxic inorganic particles chemistry health impacts fine particulate matter particle pollutants strokes cerebrovascular disease heart attacks ischemic heart disease analysis ozone related mortality revealed people dying prematurely deaths per year indoor air pollution solid fuels coal scientists areas of high air pollution globally air pollution hotspots large cities India China air pollution top causes of death more deaths India premature deaths air pollution Southeast Asia premature mortality rate global mortality air pollution energy small sources heating cooking waste disposal diesel generators premature deaths globally Asia toxicity heart disease aerosols toxicity level global air pollution mortality heart disease agriculture global premature deaths agriculture leading pollution source contributing mortality Europe Russia Turkey Korea Japan USA pollution-driven premature deaths European nations agricultural pollution ammonia fertilizers domesticated animals atmosphere chemical reactions air quality dust dirt northern Africa Middle East Central China air pollution mortality premature deaths power generation by fossil fuel fired plants toxic chemicals SO2 NOx power plant emissions USA Russia Korea Turkey mortality industry iron steel chemical pulp and paper food solvent manufacturing sectors oil refineries fuel production cars automobiles air pollution /

KEYKLIP — key holder with carabiner

Slim in your pocket, jingle free, attaches to a belt loop if you prefer.



Built in bottle opener too.

KEYKLIP is a kickstarter project. As of this writing there are still a few left at $25:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2129772055/keyklip-carabiner-keyholder-clip / key organizer clutter free elegant practical solution carrying keys smart key holder carabiner clip KEYKLIP little tool keep keys organized neat fits in all pockets clip on to your belt loop carabiner clip solid anodized aluminum key holder functional everyday every day carry EDC sleek minimal gets the job done bottle opener adding keys KEYCLIP easy fast screw them on tight coin thumb extender key fob slot slim profile improved steel hardware will not fail most rugged uses built in bottle opener clip pockets standard rubber spacers set of extenders rubber spacers washers rotate smoothly without loosing the screws assembly easy car key remote design first production run raising funding manufacturing packaging logistics leading professional manufacturer construct assemble keyholder not our first rodeo production KEYKLIP end of the funding period 50 days finish manufacturing to packaging fulfillment packaging shipping pledge rewards campaign /

BYD 200 mile electric car

Thriev (pronounced “thrive”) is “UK's First All-Electric Chauffeured Service”. They are importing BYD e6 crossover electric vehicles into Britain, for their Thriev consumer “Chauffeured Service” & for supply to other similar services.

BYD’s e6 190 mile range has just been upgraded to 240 miles. Battery capacity is "around 70 kWh" .

Robert Llewellyn test drives for Fully Charged:


Thriev Web site:
http://www.thriev.com/ / electric vehicle EV battery charge recharge LiIon lithium ion BYD build your dreams electric bus second life battery storage manufacturer vehicle to grid vehicle-to-grid charge at work charge at night off peak cents per mile time of use sustainable mini cab taxi hire car public hire vehicle PHV /

Online privacy & downloads

Lifehacker has recently posted a number of items about online privacy & downloads. Together, they provide a good starting place for what you need to know.

What evidence does using BitTorrent leave behind?
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/04/what-evidence-does-using-bittorrent-leave-behind/

How to choose the right VPN in Australia
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/06/lifehacker-101-how-to-set-up-a-vpn-correctly/

How to completely anonymise your BitTorrent traffic with a proxy
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/08/how-to-completely-anonymize-your-bittorrent-traffic-with-a-proxy/

What evidence do my illegal downloads leave behind?
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/09/ask-lh-what-evidence-gets-left-behind-when-i-illegally-download-movies/ / pirate digital seizing movies TV shows unfair pricing unavailable content like free stuff evidence BitTorrents sites leave behind received letter safe walk the plank advocates online piracy litany of excuses justify questionable behavior pirate honest movies Dallas Buyers Club decision proved rights holders Australia update copyright laws go after individuals case-by-case basis companies online piracy theft punish deterrent to others Australian ISPs industry-wide copyright notice scheme introduce tougher measures suspected copyright infringers piracy user perspective sites The Pirate Bay download seed torrent connecting other users swarm see each other’s IP addresses connect evidence online recently published in-depth article topic Robert Merkel software engineer lecturer Monash University identifying IP addresses members BitTorrent swarm simple new client connects swarm IP addresses members swarm transferred client existing clients updated new clients enter leave identify trading infringing file write modified BitTorrent client connects swarm records list participants mask your tracks make prosecution trickier Virtual Private Network VPN encrypted tunnel Australian computer proxy country legal framework copyright infringements signing up VPN provider problems cheap foreign one never assume foreign VPN provider committed privacy subject laws operate locally VPNs log your data turn it over our guide picking best VPN Australia favourite VPN providers. guide anonymising your BitTorrent traffic advocating your actions ISP download VPN virtual private network copyright download /

Meeting small diesel emissions standards — a mystery story — update

2012 Audi A3 TDI
Credit: Green Car Reports

To meet small diesel emissions standards in the USA, most manufacturers use urea injection.

Except Volkswagen.

Mazda had a small diesel under development which would also meet emissions standards without urea injection. They have missed a number of deadlines & have gone quiet on the matter.

So how is Volkswagen able to do what no-one else can?

USA's Environmental Protection Agency has discovered that software in Volkswagen’s TDI four-cylinder diesel is able to detect emissions testing cycles & reduce emissions in response. In short, Volkswagen has been cheating.

Mystery solved.

Over 480,000 VW & Audi vehicles recalled. Cost may reach $18 billion.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100101_vw-audi-tdi-diesel-cars-had-defeat-device-that-violated-epa-rules-500k-cars-recalled-breaking

Update — Volkswagen has authorized an external investigation:

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/09/20/vw-external-probe-diesel-emission-scandal/ / announcement U.S. Environmental Protection Agency major automaker German carmakers Volkswagen Audi ordered recall half million popular TDI four-cylinder diesel vehicles sold U.S. 2009 to 2015 EPA TDI detect emission-testing cycles significantly reduce emissions cars software turns off emissions controls driving normally turns on emissions test Cynthia Giles EPA enforcement officer teleconference reporters defeat device software cars emit 40 times maximum level nitrous oxides permitted EPA regulations regulations Tier 2 Bin 5 carmakers sell diesels regulations urea injection more complex emission-control systems control nitrous-oxide emissions Volkswagen system separate tank holding urea injected aftertreatment system small four-cylinder TDI diesel VW's vehicles EPA limits urea injection Mazda high-efficiency diesel engine U.S.A. USA market urea injection several missed deadlines Mazda engine cost recall Volkswagen $18 billion Volkswagen America EPA investigation defeat device TDI diesel engines owners affected vehicles investigation European studies passenger-car diesel engines emitting far more Volkswagen Beetle Golf Jetta Jetta SportWagen Audi A3 TDI /

Solar energy — everywhere

Solar panels on roofs in a car park
Credit: Abbey Solar

Where can you place solar collectors? Everywhere — roofs, obviously — all roofs — houses, sheds, car parks.


Transparent solar cell
Credit: Ubiquitous Energy/Extreme Tech

Lots of other places too, windows, roads, parkas, backpacks, abandoned golf courses, waste water treatment ponds & other water bodies (yes, really — read the article) …

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2015/09/150918-solar-pops-up-in-unexpected-places/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=link_tw20150918news-solar&utm_campaign=Content&sf13222872=1

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/188667-a-fully-transparent-solar-cell-that-could-make-every-window-and-screen-a-power-source / solar installations Sakasamaike Pond Kasai Hyogo Prefecture Japan good real estate for sun power desert expanses panels mirrors solar energy's growth renewables' next wave researchers new ways to make solar smaller see-through adhesive sticky any surface under the sun clean power solar photovoltaic capacity wind solar parkas wearables phone charging power wearing solar-powered watches panels parka solar pocket Dutch designer Pauline van Dongen charge smartphone prototype designs parkas solar backpack golf course in Japan Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster solar array golf courses close solar developers open real estate densely populated places Japan solar plants abandoned golf courses solar productive environmentally friendly defunct golf courses Kyoto solar system maker Kyocera high sun exposure low concentration of shade trees Solar Roadways Idaho replace asphalt solar panels development solar pavers Amsterdam SolaRoad photovoltaic cells topped with tempered glass generated kilowatt hours electricity future applications generate power pavement energy generated footsteps piezoelectricity footpath sidewalks Toulouse France shopping center Sydney dance clubs generate electricity feet footstep water panels float installations wastewater treatment plant reservoir Tokyo Japan latter array generate electricity power households panels withstand corrosion panels tests simulating high wind conditions extreme weather strikes waterborne solar Japanese plant renewable energy powerhouses Bridgeport Connecticut solar panels old landfill 2.2 megaWatts electric capacity environmentalists New Jersey brownfield gas plant solar farm power windows phones solar energy new materials capture sun's power transparent windows phones small electronics transparent solar startup Ubiquitous Energy /

Patent wars: Apple wins another round — kind of

Another appeals court decision has found that Samsung has violated Apple’s patents on slide-to-unlock, autocorrect & quicklinks. It’s something of a hollow victory though, as the case is being sent back to a lower court to reconsider an injunction.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/17/apple-patent-victory-puts-samsung-devices-in-jeopardy/ / Apple won small victory patent war row Samsung war wars no winners only losers another appeals court decision went in favor Apple ruling force Samsung stop using particular features cellphones mobile phone tablets ruling relatively narrow in scope significant consequences Samsung other device manufacturers right to exclude competitors using property rights specific individual features technologies complex device ruling future devices delayed even removed from the market minor features slide to unlock phone Apple won initial trial Samsung had violated its patents slide-to-unlock autocorrect quicklinks judge Samsung change designs awarded Cupertino monetary damages victory in the court system end of the fight Samsung appealing decision original decision violated Apple's patents case is being sent back to a lower court reconsider an injunction court systems constant skirmishes patent skirmishes Apple / Samsung peace accord best case scenario collateral damage consumer choice /

BlueIndy electric car sharing service opens in Indianapolis

Credit: IndieStar

Bolloré BlueCar electric car sharing service, in operation for some time in France, is principally notable for use of solid-state batteries. Plans to begin operations in Indianapolis, have just come to fruition, under the name, Blue Indy.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/electric-car-sharing-service-opens-in-indianapolis/

A similar service in London, is planned for 2016.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/bollores-electric-bluecar-with-novel-solid-state-batteries-coming-to-london/ / BlueIndy Indianapolis Indiana Paris France better battery chemistry EV electric vehicle electric cars more competitive internal combustion solid-state cells replace liquid electrolyte LiIon lithium-ion cells solid material numerous potential advantages emerging technology battery pack solid-state cells Indianapolis electric car sharing BlueIndy BlueCar France Bolloré BlueCar developed car-sharing service cities France Indianapolis London launch short-term rentals access electric cars Bolloré develop promote solid-state batteries BlueCars built Renault Bolloré manufactures lithium-metal-polymer batteries battery Bolloré BlueCar compete established lithium-ion cell manufacturers Panasonic LG Chem supplier carmakers Bolloré solid-state design safer doesn't use flammable liquid electrolyte eventually higher energy density electric-car projects Blue Solutions Bolloré division electric cars battery batteries long-term advantage solid-state cells Sakti3 Quantumscape working on developing solid-state batteries electric cars General Motors Volkswagen Group integrating batteries cars car-sharing service /

Luminoodle — portable area lighting solution

Credit: Power Practical/Kickstarter

Luminoodle is a portable area lighting solution. It consists of a 5 foot, waterproof, string of twenty six 7 lumen LEDs, with a USB plug at one end for power. Flexibility is added by reusable ties & magnets to add hanging options.

Final item in the kit is the bag it comes in. Made of white rip-stop nylon, with the Luminoodle wrappeded inside, it becomes a lamp.


Luminoodle — lamp mode in the bag
Credit: Power Practical/Kickstarter



Luminoodle is a Kickstarter project:
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/004/497/410/9f90b3a6f3db8b284ef49b1473e970bc_original.jpg?v=1442265276&w=680&fit=max&auto=format&q=92&s=76da4a2ea3386e23f2931aeb2d1f8424 / Luminoodle versatile USB lighting solution portable USB LED light sticks ties hooks or hangs Luminoodle 5-foot strand ultra-bright waterproof USB-powered LEDs mounting solutions bag Christmas lights adaptable intuitive portable string lighting system lantern lanterns Luminoodle completely waterproof flexible ultra-bright ambient lighting solution hung strung hooked stuck to wrapped around lantern mood lighting take it out of the bag wrap unwrap 5 ft LEDs wrap strap magnet loop Custom Noodle Ties Noodle Ties tie wrap around heavy duty magnets magnet magnets magnetic magnets snap tangle-free bag lantern storage utility loop on one end loop over a nail loop around itself hang Luminoodle lantern diffusing light spreading 360 degrees mood lighting wrap Luminoodle Lithium 4400 battery pack portable USB battery pack turn it on Luminoodle water LED strip completely encased high quality single-piece silicone tube capped and glued silicone IP67-rated waterproof light IP67 withstand submersion in water portable battery upgrade Luminoodle Plus rechargeable battery pack Lithium 4400 Power Practical /

Prosthetic robotic hand with feeling

Credit: DARPA/The Guardian

Hands are not only mechanical devices, but sense organs too. Touch-sensitive nerve endings are more tightly packed in the fingers, particularly the ends of the fingers, than almost any other part of the body. These tightly packed nerve endings serve a number of purposes, but one of them is feedback (sense of touch) to allow an appropriate amount of force when gripping.

A good example is holding a grape. Feedback supplied by the sense of touch facilitates a controlled gripping force, which neither drops the grape, nor turns it into mush.

Now, touch has been added to a prosthetic robot hand.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/14/robotic-hand-wired-directly-into-brain-feel-again-darpa / new advanced robotic hand wired directly into the brain successfully tested paralysed man feel hand developed Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins university research project advanced replacement limbs funded US military Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Darpa DARPA paralysed spinal-cord injury electrodes prosthetic hand sensory motor cortexes control hand thought sense fingers hand touched individually sensors hand detect pressure applied fingers create electrical signals mimic touch sensations blindfolded volunteer finger hand touched nearly 100% accuracy pressing one finger feelings perceiving robotic hand near-natural prosthetic limbs controlled by thoughts showing great promise feedback from signals brain level of control perform precise movements wiring a sense of touch mechanical hand directly into the brain potential seamless biotechnological restoration near-natural function completed the circuit hand neurotechnologies lost limbs gain fully functioning replacements level of control only be offered with sensation /

How the Tesla Model S is made — a trip down the production line

Short version — 15 seconds


Longer version
/ Tesla Motors electric vehicle EV battery electric vehicle BEV charge recharge regen regenerative braking dynamic braking lithium ion LiIon Supercharger network /

5 quick tips for using Kickstarter & other crowdfunding sites

Some ideas on how to find projects that interest you on Kickstarter:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/09/13/5-quick-tips-for-using-kickstarter/

And the principles are applicable to other crowdfunding sites.

Unfortunately, crowdfunding has a dark side, so here are a few more things to be aware of before laying out your hard-earned:
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/crowd-funding-some-successes-some.html / crowdfunding crowd funding campaigns Kickstarter crowdfunding site the Web gadget freak bleeding edge Kickstarter newest most exciting tech products Kickstarter newbie Kickstarter Jedi find new projects save money buying searching projects Kickstarter site quickest most simple find new projects search help newbies kickstarter.com search field search different keywords watch wallet thumbnails projects match that keyboard problem Kickstarter’s built in search tool click on a project more details click back button browser main Kickstarter page start over with your search click Discover link Kickstarter logo choose a category interest interested change sorted by Newest click drop down menu category title filter your search choose choosing another category main category bookmark URL go back find the newest projects category press refresh browser find new Kickstarter projects automate Using RSS find latest projects Kickstarter offers notification features send emails selection of projects promote projects CrowdFunding RSS easy to use site create your own personalized daily or weekly email notifications RSS feed based on crowdfunding sites topics interested in tweet unlock sub-categories small price to pay make an RSS feed constantly updating use the feed Feedly browser based RSS feed reader check for projects several times a day Kicktraq view trends other project info http://www.kicktraq.com/ site great info easily find projects categories you’re interested in keep track of those projects the life of the project lists show how the projects are doing funding goals days are left on the project news associated with the project Kicktraq browser plug-in overlay graph see trends project Kickstarter campaign page use Twitter find new projects find new projects launched using Twitter new projects announced Twitter free easy way get the word out new campaign find them use your favorite Twitter client searches hashtag #kickstarter saves money Kickstarter projects early bird special save money your pledge give you extra goodies not offered other pledge points early bird specials usually limited very small handful backers find a project you’re interested as soon as it is launched really important cancel if things don’t look good Kickstarter won’t charge credit card until project fully funded if you change your mind cancel your pledge campaign has not yet ended cancel your credit card will not be charged take advantage of early bird specials save money still have time decide go ahead with the pledge tips are helpful tips using Kickstarter /

SteadXP video stabilization system

SteadXP device fitted to a Lumix GH4
Credit: SteadXP/Kickstarter

SteadXP adds an amazing level of stability to handheld video on almost any digital camera. It works by recording the camera's movements on 3 axes during filming, using its built in accelerometer & gyroscope.

In post processing, SteadXP software uses motion data recorded by the SteadXP hardware to stabilize the video. SteadXP software is also able to correct rolling shutter distortion.

Check the video:



Kickstarter project page, with more SteadX-stabilized video
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1091165875/steadxp-the-future-of-video-stabilization?ref=category_popular

http://petapixel.com/2015/09/11/steadxp-on-kickstarter-an-external-motion-recorder-for-video-stabilization/ / limitations current video stabilization technologies developing solution SteadXP 3 axis stabilization lightweight easy to use package device devices compatible nearly all digital cameras GoPro DSLRs cinema cameras combining our custom hardware software SteadXP shoot action shots without bulk hassle steadycam gimbal SteadXP's built in accelerometer gyroscope camera camera's movements accurately recorded shoot connect SteadXP your computer software stabilizes reduces unwanted artifacts footage stabilization advanced software features handheld shot perfect cinematic move free to film without hassle mechanical structure camera crazy camera movements decide only later how smooth shot plug SteadXP on your camera immediately ready start shooting in practice camera records unstabilized video device saves all camera movements post-treatment software automatically upload extract process datas compensate unintentional movements choose between different trajectories optimized for shot pick profile quick preview algorithm automatically builds new virtual camera trajectory freed from geometrical distortions vibrations rolling shutter deformations distortion artifact artifacts film handheld without gimbal glidecam steadycam shoulder rig SteadXP traditional stabilization solutions added value horizon lock reframing mechanical stabilization system major advantage SteadXP technology compared 100% software solutions fast robust processing camera movement first pass analysis video computation time significantly reduced GPU support real time correction even in a 4K workflow unique workflow SteadXP new filming opportunities professional filmmakers perfect framing athletes filming with POV mounted cameras developed 2 versions SteadXP SteadXP@ made specifically GoPro cameras SteadXP+ is designed fit any other video camera no compromise stabilization quality SteadXP models share key components powerfull 32 bit ARM processor 3 axis gyroscope 3 axis accelerometer microSD card slot FAT16 FAT32 class 4 min 32 GB max USB connectivity Mass Storage Device /

Small, fast, cute — Samsung T1 Portable SSD

Samsung T1 Portable SSD
Credit: GadgetGuy

Small (71 x 53 x 9 mm), fast (450MBps read & write according to Samsung), cute (see photo), 250, 500 & 1000 GB versions.

But … not cheap, no TRIM, no RAPID.

http://www.cnet.com/au/products/samsung-portable-ssd-t1/

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/05/samsung-t1-portable-ssd-australian-review/?dclid=CIip3tn48McCFVebvAod2fAMEg

http://www.gadgetguy.com.au/product/samsung-portable-ssd-t1/

My take: wait for the USB-C version — reversible connector, probably faster & cheaper. / fast small cheap pick two technology products portable hard drives Samsung’s new portable SSD solid state drive T1 faster fastest mechanical hard drive USB flash drive smaller portable hard cheap expensive Samsung T1 portable hard drive extended credit card shape portable mechanical hard drive laptop-grade solid state drive smaller than credit card smaller than the Seagate Seven engineering marvel Samsung T1 850 Evo solid state drives 850 Pro first portable SSD market Sandisk Extreme PRO USB 3.0 traditional USB thumb drive T1 USB 3.0 flash drive blistering fast speeds 625MBps maximum SuperSpeed USB 3.0 standard reach speeds 450MBps read write Samsung real world testing 250GB 500GB 1TB capacities a dollar per gigabyte for 250GB 500GB 1TB Samsung 5-inch microUSB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable T1’s packaging three-year limited warranty expected service life laptop desktop PC setup software out of the box partition first boot up the T1 format for either Windows or Mac OS X fast flash drive Sandisk Extreme PRO Lexar Jumpdrive P10 benchmark benchmarked Samsung’s TurboWrite software firmware layer initially safe file transfers fastest flash segments distributing data single layer T1’s flash memory maximum speed moves files buffer slower larger capacity memory segments background real world test Samsung Portable SSD T1 average write speed read speed Samsung T1 Portable SSD encryption Windows Mac OS X PC initial software setup AES 256-bit encryption encryption strong your password your password security procedures secure portable hard drive most important files T1’s design dimensions smoothly rounded shape super small storage plug it into your PC included short-length microUSB 3.0 cable T1 Samsung SSD support Samsung’s Magician management software doesn’t support the RAPID performance-boosting mode Magician 850 Pro 850 Evo RAPID caches data system RAM transferring it back and forth improving small medium-size transfers portable drive USB 3.0 interface TRIM isn’t supported Windows Mac OS X not issuing TRIM commands USB 3.0 interface Samsung developing brute-force workaround SSD’s drive performance taper off as it gets full garbage collection a tiny bit slower over time T1 portable Windows boot drive password software T1 SSD Windows PC Mac log in unlock your hard drive encrypt your data external mass storage device hanging off a router password feature Samsung T1 solid state drive drives more expensive per gigabyte comparable performance USB thumb drive storage lowest cost-per-gigabyte flash drive solid state drive small enough as fast as the best SSDs initial price tiny USB storage drive ridiculously fast transfer speeds Samsung Portable SSD T1 /

Canon’s 250-megapixel sensor — clue to the future of photography

Credit: Canon/BBC

Something like this has long seemed to me to be the future of photography — large pixel-count sensor combined with digital zoom.

Two times digital zoom on a 250 megapixel sensor yields a 62.5 mp image. Or 15 mp with a 4x digital zoom. If 4x zoom isn’t enough, add a moderate optical zoom, say 3x, for a 12x combined digital plus optical zoom, yielding the same 15 mp image.

Pixel counts, pixel density, processing speed & storage capacity continue to increase, while cost continues to fall.

Don’t expect to buy a camera with a sensor like this any time soon, but extrapolating from the history of digital photography, expect a consumer camera producing 10 mp images with an 8x digital zoom inside ten years. Implementation could be with no, or a more conservative digital zoom in the camera. Bigger files would be saved in the camera's storage. "Zoom" could be done later by cropping. This alternative would depend on the cost of camera storage at the time.

Remember, you read it here first.

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-34173423

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/213596-canons-250-megapixel-sensor-can-read-the-side-of-a-plane-from-11-miles-away

http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/6/9270865/canon-announces-250-megapixel-sensor / electronics optics company Canon developed 250 megapixel sensor digital cameras Canon sensor sensitive read lettering side of an aircraft 18km 11.1 miles away domestic cameras smartphones ultra-high-resolution sensor find role surveillance systems other specialised applications slow shooter Canon overcome several technical hurdles sensor functioning signal timing problems introduced reading data from 250 million pixels 19,580 x 12,600 on board data read chip speed 1.25 billion pixels per second Canon improved signal processing systems ensure picture taking well coordinated sensor measures 29.2mm 1.15in by 20.2mm 0.79in smaller sensors 35mm digital cameras individual pixels sensor about 1.5 microns across approximately the same size consumer cameras Dr Konstantin Stefanov senior research fellow Open University Centre for Electronic Imaging impressive technical feat sensor how useful sensors made bigger bigger more problems large size read once every few seconds specialised applications astronomy surveillance Canon sensor shoot video five frames per second slower rate needed film movies video clips captured 125 times more dense standard HD video 30 times resolution of 4K video Dr Stefanov build bigger sensors very specialised applications hospital X-ray machines sensor replaced photographic plate capture captured image improvements elements imaging system made large sensors unnecessary do not need big sensors use smaller better optics simply increasing the number of pixels is not the only way forward /

This is the ’droid you’re looking for — Star Wars BB-8

That unbelievably cute 'droid from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, is available for purchase. Believe it or not, it works just like the one in the movie — arguably better, given that the one in the movie is more prop & puppetry than robot. But it’s not cheap.



http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/3/9253461/star-wars-bb8-droid-toy-video-price-release-date

Physics of how that Star Wars BB-8 toy works
http://www.wired.com/2015/09/physics-star-wars-bb-8-toy-works/?mbid=nl_9415

Star Wars BB-8 toy torn apart to see how it works
http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/04/star-wars-bb-8-teardown/ / searchkeys /

LG’s roll-up keyboard for tablets

Credit: The Gadgeteer

Folding keyboards for phones & tablets are not new, but one with excellent typing response, that rolls up into a rectangular prism, is.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/09/hands-on-with-lgs-rolly-keyboard-for-tablets/

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/09/04/the-lg-rolly-keyboard-rolls-into-a-stick/ / LG’s IFA 2015 booth gadget tech geek attention compact portable LG Rolly Keyboard super-convenient contrivance tablet smartphone typists sending long emails responding writing stories touchscreen portable Bluetooth keyboards Logitech BLOK Pro Tablet Case cases annoying troublesome case your smart device attached keyboard accessory standalone keyboards bulky cumbersome rarely useful Rolly Keyboard solves bag long enough to store it tablet pairing folding keyboards folds itself after each row of keys controller built-in stand forms a cute little rectangular prism unfurled four rows of QWERTY keys function map additional number input Rolly Keyboard magnetic tabs hold it in place when it’s rolled up break with one hand quick flick unfurls Rolly flat layout key layout a little unconventional any Android-compatible Bluetooth keyboard Rolly is made for Android work with an iPad too tested with LG’s new G Pad II 10.1 perfectly responsive quick to mirror typing onscreen app Bluetooth keyboards a second lag fast typing almost impossible key travel OK shallow travel depth two little fold-out prongs Rolly genuinely useful and versatile stabilise keyboard whatever flat surface you’re using it on prongs will hold a tablet 5-inch-plus phone landscape mode securely
international shipping cheap /

Samsung Gear S2 pricing leaked

Credit: The Verge

Samsung’s Gear S2 smartwatch has been reviewed with enthusiasm:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/4/9260263/samsung-gear-s2-smart-watch-ifa-2015

And now its pricing has apparently been leaked by a German retailer — right in line with Apple’s cheapest Watch Sport:

http://9to5google.com/2015/09/07/samsung-gear-s2-pricing/ / perfectly round smartwatch smart watch porthole into the future electronics company diversity of awkward smartwatches smart watches too big unwieldy compromised Samsung launched immediately convincing wear worn first smartwatch consider buying Samsung’s Gear S2 unlike any other smart watch smartwatch size and weight of a regular watch works like a watch by show shows showing the time all the time smart watch smartwatch Android Wear Pebble always-on screens weight loss plastic surgeon Apple Watch iconic appearance big obsidian information-less block on the wrist jewelry jewelery mobile computer watch basic fundamentals regular watch useful to people unobtrusive utility comfortable fit unnoticeably light weight make smartwatch appealing Samsung’s Gear S2 handsome light watch beautiful and bright display AMOLED screen recessed slightly Gorilla Glass covering the front attractive halo effect light display internal walls of the watch delightful glow animations signal reach end of a menu list of items austere dark background natural a fit watch familiar round face rotating bezel sensible satisfying navigating Gear S2 interface ingenious obvious rotating bezel watches rotating bezels free control dial watch dramatically improves usability Gear S2 1.2-inch screen user’s finger touchscreen navigating navigation implemented rotating bezel just the right amount of resistance scrolling radial app menu hardly any lag Tizen-based UI Apple’s digital crown similar function offloading controls away from the touchscreen tactile input scheme more intuitive more satisfying experience instant synergy rotating app menu controlling bezel wraps around it hands wrist apps can take a while to load software expertise engineering prowess framework user experience intelligent simple PIN code required watch taken off the wrist Apple Watch recruited partners apps S2 integrated 3G radio smartphone plug into the Nike+ ecosystem smartwatches layer smart functionality Samsung’s integrated health tracking Gear S2’s heart rate sensor comfort watch smart smart watch smartwatch compromised design ergonomics appalling battery life smartphone-dependent software Gear S2 Tizen operating system potential /

Is your phone interfering with your life?

Mobile (cell) phone overuse (aka dependence syndrome or addiction), is a recognised condition which is negatively impacting people’s income, sleep, safety, relationships, & other aspects of their lives.^1,2

http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/addicted-your-smartphone-what-to-do

Paradoxically, there’s an app for that:

http://www.nickjrparents.com.au/2015/05/17/adults-app-review-self-control
______________

¹ “Cell Phone Addiction Is So Real People Are Going to Rehab for It”, http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/cell-phone-addiction-so-real-people-are-going-rehab-it

² “Mobile phone overuse”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_overuse / self-control ruled by your smartphone there’s an app for that exercise a bit more restraint checking your phone recent study parents spend too much time smartphones more negative interactions their kids difficult warning to ignore smartphone habit just that bit hard to break there’s an app for that download app smartphone spending too much time smartphone Self Control for Study app originally designed for students lock out lockout smartphones times programmed diminish study distractions great for students bit of help managing smartphone habit Google Play store more than just study helps me to get off my phone do something productive choose pre-enter timeframes throughout your week open the app immediate lock out lockout locks out of all apps phone function help with self-control programming exception apps lock out time self control help setting boundaries smartphone use /

Android phone General Test Mode

Credit: Samsung/Mashable Australia

Samsung Android Phone General Test Mode has a range of functions, including an IR remote for Samsung TVs, to test the IR LED. Other functions include indicator LED, screen colours (reveals stuck or dead pixels), & sensor test.

Can’t say how many Samsung phones this works with, but I have tested it with a few, including Ace, S3, Note 3 & 4. The number of buttons depends on the capabilities of the phone. Some tests, such as “S-pen Hovering” are applicable only to particular models.

To try it, start the phone app, call up the keypad & type:

*#0*#

No spaces — type just as you would for a phone number.

More about Samsung Android Phone General Test Mode:
http://mashable.com/2014/10/27/samsung-galaxy-hidden-menu/

More useful codes at:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/galaxy-s3-useful-codes-to-test-hardware-t1896748

This item indicates that the above works with all recent Android phones:
http://www.redmondpie.com/hidden-android-secret-codes-for-samsung-htc-motorola-sony-lg-and-other-devices/

Thanks to Bryan for this item. /58 key codes Samsung Galaxy S3 SGS3 Samsung Android phone key general test basic current state of phone’s LCD touch-based smartphone Google hidden menu access dialing specific string of characters troubleshoot hardware issues check your phone's functionality tool first spotted Android Central Samsung Galaxy owners menu host of service checks hidden menu open dial pad enter *#0*# no spaces like any phone number this screen pop up numerous buttons run tests vibration RGB colors touch-screen sensitivity speaker output color checks could be useful single out dead pixels menu functions technical ordinary user perform sensor checks accelerometer sensor ensures photos aligned correctly on your phone displayed upright off-axis slanted test phone displays picture sensor button hidden menu screen display raw data your phone's sensors image test function touch-screen tracker traces path your finger speaker test plays song loudly testing /

The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz

Unjust laws exist;
shall we be content to obey them,
or shall we endeavor to amend them, & obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once?
— Henry David Thoreau

Just saw this — definitely worth a look.

Spoiler — evil wins — unless we are all prepared to do something about it.



One more good thing that Kickstarter has done
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/26788492/aaron-swartz-documentary-the-internets-own-boy-0/description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Internet%27s_Own_Boy:_The_Story_of_Aaron_Swartz

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3268458/ / programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz, who took his own life at the age of 26 director Brian Knappenberger writer stars Aaron Swartz Tim Berners-Lee Cindy Cohn Gabriella Coleman Cory Doctorow Peter Eckersley Brewster Kahle Lawrence Lessig Zoe Lofgren Carl Malamud Quinn Norton Tim O’Rielly Elliott Peters Alec Resnick David Segal Stephen Shultze David Sorota Christopher Sogholan Bryan Stevenson Taren Karen Stinebrickner-Kauffman Matt Stoller Ben Swartz Noah Swartz Robert Swartz Susan Swartz Trevor Timm Ben Wikler Ron Wyden Reddit Stop Online Piracy Act SOPA) United States bill introduced U.S. Senat Congress Representative Lamar S. Smith Republican Texas R-TX U.S. law enforcement online copyright infringement online trafficking counterfeit goods conservative engine under the Internet hood world wide web reddit the front page of the Internet /

Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.)

Credit: The Gadgeteer

And … the latest version of Android Wear will be compatible with iOS.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/09/03/motorola-launches-moto-360-2-smartwatch/

http://www.androidauthority.com/motorola-moto-360-2nd-gen-specs-price-features-638975/

Vs Huawei Watch
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCkQqQIwAWoVChMI9LjPydzcxwIVwaumCh342Qj6&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gizmag.com%2Fmoto-360-2-vs-huawei-watch-comparison%2F39250%2F&usg=AFQjCNFREyIajSWu9z-KS-Qw1NA5g0YLcw&sig2=xAlZ0O6SGS9y9ln3qVRhrw / Android Wear compatible with iPhones Apple Watch smartwatch revolution Motorola availability pre-ordering second-generation Moto 360 smartwatch new version men’s version two different sizes women’s version sport model Motorola Web site new Moto 360 offer something for everyone men’s version two sizes 46 mm 42 mm ordered with metal bands leather band women’s version smaller 42 mm size sports model silicone band Motorola Web design watch parameters design Moto 360 designed your choice rose gold silver black case yellow stainless steel black gunmetal leather bands battery life estimated 1.5 days mixed use 42 mm version watches are water resistant activity fitness applications heart rate sensor wireless charging wi-fi connectivity ambient light sensor prices range $299.99 to $429.99 /

98% of Tesla P85D owners would buy this car again — Consumer Reports

"98% of Tesla P85D owners would buy this car again.” @ConsumerReports http://t.co/mmrrtPQA6q pic.twitter.com/FFud7lq86k

— Tesla Motors (@TeslaMotors) August 31, 2015

Test driving my new Tesla with dealer Dan. Love it!! https://t.co/LHLroJ6Acl

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 1, 2015

Oprah — probably in the 98%. / Tesla Motors electric vehicle EV battery lithium ion LiIon charge recharge regenerative braking Supercharger sustainable sustainability Consumer Reports road test testing all wheel drive Elon Musk /

One more reason not to jailbreak your iPhone

Apple’s tight* control over its iOS platform is not without advantages.

One of them is security. Tight control over the hardware, operating system & applications which can be installed, confers a unique level of security.

Some iOS users who evaded two Apple security measures:
1. operating system — by jailbreaking their devices
2. applications — by installing an app from an unauthorized source
have found this out the hard way:

https://recode.net/2015/08/31/malware-targets-jailbroken-iphones-steals-some-225000-apple-accounts/

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-34114487
__________

* some would say paranoid, others megalomaniacal, egotistical ... / malware targets jailbroken jailbreak jailbreaking jailbreak iPhones steals stolen theft thief thieves 225,000 Apple accounts another reason not to jailbreak your iPhone 225,000 Apple accounts stolen malicious software installed unlocked jailbroken iPhones largest known thefts of its kind Palo Alto Networks malicious software KeyRaider pilfered Apple account usernames passwords device IDs intercepting iTunes traffic device victims China made themselves vulnerable to attack jailbreaking device removing hardware restrictions Apple’s iOS operating system OS installed an application from an unauthorized store student Yangzhou University discovered attack earlier this summer amateur technical group investigating reports some users’ accounts unauthorized purchases examining various jailbreaks version collected user information uploaded suspicious site security analyst non-issue small fraction of iPhone users affects jailbroken phones using alternative app stores advise advice advising against jailbreaking devices allowing jailbroken devices corporate environment Chris Camejo senior vice president NTT Com Security Apple did not comment /