Internet-tech, computer-tech, mobile-tech, energy-tech, eco-tech, green-tech, bio-tech, tech-tech, every day. That pretty much sums it up!
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Android Nexus 6P bend tested
Consumer Reports settled the question with objective testing of the forces required to bend the iPhone 6 & 6+, as well as a range of other phones, including HTC One (M8), LG G3, Apple iPhone 5 & Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Short answer was, “... any of these phones should stand up to typical use.”
Now a claim has surfaced, that the Nexus 6P (built by Huawei, to Google’s specification) has bending problems too:
… actually, no scratch that – seems it doesn’t:
As was demonstrated with the iPhone 6, the problem with most of the evidence is that it is unmeasured. Further, in the first 6P test, above, before the phone is bent, it is first subjected to a number of other destructive tests. Perhaps the take home message is, don’t scratch, burn, bend, or break the glass of, your phone. / iOS Apple iPhone 6 Bendgate video claimed to indicate that the iPhone 6+ bending bend bent users’ pockets Consumer Reports objective test forces required bend iPhone 6 6+ range other phones HTC One M8 LG G3 Apple iPhone 5 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phones stand up typical use Nexus 6P built Huawei Google’s specification Google Andorid OS operating system bending problems scratch demonstrated iPhone 6 problem evidence unmeasured first 6P test bend test phone subjected number destructive tests before being bent don’t scratch break glass burn bend phone smartphone smart phone /
Friday, 30 October 2015
Non-destructive drone countermeasure
For government agencies there is a less destructive (but apparently no less effective) counter-measure available:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/10/28/new-defense-against-drones-is-available-but-only-for-law-enforcement-and-the-government/
http://www.battelle.org/our-work/national-security/tactical-systems/battelle-dronedefender / new defense against drones law enforcement office police LEO military security government drones drone quadcopters popular fun to fly people misuse fly flying sensitive airspace security privacy hunting them down firearm guns blazing government law enforcement Battelle Drone Defender drone defender defensive weapon directed-energy directed energy weapon UAS unmanned aircraft systems countermeasure remote control drone disruption GPS disruption seize remote controls drone land safely without damage averting any threat performed consistently well in field trials Battelle website DroneDefender cold start time continuously operate for five hours effective diameter cone of 30° point and shoot Battelle website device authorization authorize authorization FCC Federal Communications Commission approval obtained fun drones fly Battelle website Battelle science technology solve solving major technology center centre national laboratories Battelle research and development R&D designs manufactures delivers critical services government commercial customers national security sciences /
Thursday, 29 October 2015
iOS 9 Jailbreak now available
Credit: Pangu/Lifehacker
Windows
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/10/the-ios-9-jailbreak-is-now-available/
OS X
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/10/the-ios-9-jailbreak-app-is-now-available-on-os-x/
Only works for iOS 9.0.2 or below to date./ iOS 9 jailbreak was released available Windows jailbreak’s available Mac Macintosh jailbreak works Windows pretty straightforward straight forward process iOS 9.0.2 or below upgrade upgraded 9.1 jailbreak jail break jailbroken jailbreak your iPhone iPad add new features Apple doesn’t support iOS 8.1 iOS 8 iOS 8.1 jailbroken Windows Mac version is on the way jailbreak compatible all devices run iOS 9 including iPhone 6 and 6 Plus guide jailbreaking iDevices why jailbreaking is awesome reasons not to jailbreak how to jailbreak just follow the steps jailbreak iDevice video demonstration back up backup iOS device Settings iCloud Backup select Back Up Now disable passcode device Settings > Touch ID & Passcode disable passcode Enable Airplane Mode swipe swiping up screen open Control Center tap tapping plane icon download Pangu 1.1 jailbreak tool iTunes 12 install it now open Pangu tool download downloads right-click right-clicking run as Administrator Windows plug in iOS device your device recognised Pangu select Start Jailbreak option Click Already Did tool run complete iPhone reboot close Pangu tap Cydia icon prepare file system /
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Judge says drone was invading the privacy of the man who shot it
Video shot by the drone was claimed to be relevant to the claim & counter claim about whether the drone came below tree height. Surprising that the judge chose not to look at the video, when presented in evidence.
Perhaps this video sheds some light:
/ William Merideth Kentucky shot down drone WDRB vindicated district judge dismissed charges against him accuser take case before grand jury charged firing gun within city limits judge drone invaded privacy right to shoot it invasion privacy private judge conclusion two witnesses testified unmanned aerial vehicle UAV flew below tree line Merideth's property Phantom 3 drone owner operator pilot David Boggs video showing machine was flying 200 feet above the ground Boggs judge didn't bother looking video provided decision claimed shocked police officers involved case happened court unbelievable hearing dismissed wanton endangerment charge anybody's life danger dismiss ruling didn't look video didn't look telemetry data no witnesses called behalf state video said neighbor said drone was below tree line judge didn't look at the video paid no consideration video shocked police officers shocked news helicopter flies over your house you can shoot it down no regard none file civil lawsuit shooter lies Merideth neighbors saw drone making previous flights over his land right protect family property video doesn't show which flight footage WDRB doesn't encourage people start blasting stuff for no reason similar cases future refer this lawsuit authorities legal groundwork for drone use /
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Apple tells judge it can’t unlock new iPhones
Apple CEO, Tim Cook
Credit: Seattle Times
‘Apple Inc. told a federal judge that it “would be impossible” to access user data on a locked iPhone running one of the newer operating systems, but that it could likely help the government unlock an older phone.’ – Wall Street Journal
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/10/20/apple-tells-court-it-cant-unlock-new-phones/?mod=ST1
Tim Cook (Apple CEO) told NPR: ‘But the reality is that if you have an open door in your software for the good guys, the bad guys get in there too.’
And who do you think is he talking about below, later in the same interview? ;)
‘But what they [the customer] don't want to do, they don't want your email to be read, & then to pick up on keywords in your email & then to use that information to then market you things on a different application that you're using ... If you're in our News app, & you're reading something, we don't think that in the News app that we should know what you did with us on the Music app — not to trade information from app to app to app to app.’ – Apple CEO Tim Cook, interviewed by NPR
http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/10/01/445026470/apple-ceo-tim-cook-privacy-is-a-fundamental-human-right / Apple Inc. federal judge would be impossible access user data locked iPhone running newer operating systems government unlock older phone brief filed most cases unable assist government unlocking password-protected iPhone brief filed U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein request Justice Department order Apple help government investigators access seized iPhone most cases government’s requested order substantially burdensome impossible perform running iOS 8 higher Apple not have technical ability government requests possession password protected device extract unencrypted user data device government security features iOS 8 feature prevents without device’s passcode accessing device’s encrypted data includes Apple brief mirrors Apple’s public comments debate law enforcement phone encryption 16 prosecutors sent letters Senate Judiciary Committee back doors backdoor devices law enforcement iPhone older operating system iOS 7 Apple technical ability extract certain categories unencrypted data Apple access user-generated files Apple’s native apps phones running iOS 7 older operating systems can’t extract email calendar entries third-party app data Justice Department seeking access iPhone details case remain under seal Apple could help government iPhone working order substantial costs burden prefer not to forcing Apple extract data legal authority threaten trust Apple customers tarnish Apple brand brief Apple’s outside counsel Ken Dreifach, Marc Zwillinger Jeffrey Landis reputational harm longer term economic impact cost performing single extraction at issue Judge Orenstein earlier ruling case authority force Apple help government Justice Department case federal judges power All Writs Act 18th-century law power design devices world's most valuable company feature privacy users store important private data devices account numbers personal messages photos Apple CEO Tim Cook NPR's Robert Siegel protects customers' data, information government requests customer text messages government correct through courts information design products privacy designed into product security designed in most personal data phone financial data health information conversations friends family co-workers data Apple data on phone encrypted you control national security encryption back door backdoor national security matters open door software good guys bad guys Washington, D.C. employees government data stolen customers help keep their data safe National Security Agency NSA back door backdoor FBI everyone's coming around to some core tenets encryption is a must in today's world any back door means back door for bad guys good guys backdoor back door government Apple's recent emphasis customer privacy help keep lives private privacy fundamental human right maintain trust values point of view commercial interest people right to privacy customers collect your data understand every detail your life customer purchasing history buy App Store bought from App Store customers trade information app to app /
Monday, 26 October 2015
Sixteen lens compact camera with performance of an SLR
Light L16 camera – 40+ megapixels, 35-150 mm zoom1
Credit: Light/Wired
5 x 35mm smartphone cameras1
+ 5 x 70mm cameras with smartphone sensors1
+ 6 x 150mm cameras with smartphone sensors1
+ clever software
= 40+ megapixel, 35-150mm optical zoom1 camera about the size of a smartphone, about twice as thick, with no protruding lens.
Two times digital zoom, either in-camera, or by cropping after-the-fact, would yield the same effect as a 300mm lens in a 10 megapixel image. This is enough for an A3 print.2
A wide angle variant, with around 18-80mm zoom,1 could fit into a smartphone with little size penalty.
http://www.wired.com/2015/10/light-l16-camera/
––––––––––
1 full frame 35mm equivalent
2 "How many megapixels do I need for a specific print size?", http://www.disturbancesinthewash.net/journal/how-many-megapixels-do-i-need / multiple lenses unique Light L16 four spiders 16 cameras arranged haphazard fashion tiny mirrors thin sheet glass shoot pictures bizarre multi-camera Light executives fully operational version camera develop developing development software editing tools custom circuitry put camera in the hands of the masses performs as advertised sample gallery images taken L16 impressive revolutionary new type professional-level camera high-resolution images adjust depth of field your pictures after take shot excels low light nothing bigger smartphone sensor expensive plastic lens embedded phone-like face no moving parts optical zoom range 35mm 150mm front L16 flat multiple lenses embedded behind transparent glass pane panel optical porthole feeds light separate 13-megapixel sensor camera capture images three discrete focal lengths five sensors five 35mm lenses point straight out 11 cameras lens arrangement Light team folded optics like periscopes sensors tucked behind five 70mm lenses six 150mm lenses perpendicular front camera little robotic mirrors visible through front L16 deflect photons right angles toward sensors long-zoom lens barrels positioned sideways ample room pack more lens elements in each barrel Light co-founder CEO Dave Grannan extra room makes huge difference camera’s optical oomph big heavy lenses conventional camera 15 glass elements flourite element some exotic material spherical elements slight asphere aspherical very expensive process glass lens molded-plastic technology cellphones been perfected lenses so good diffraction limited aspherical on each surface five both sides 10 aspherical surfaces incremental cost aspherical zero plastic mold punch them out glass very expensive five barrel Android iPhone at volume costs dollar camera need 16 sensors 16 multi-element lenses 11 mirrors take photograph holy grail Light L16 slim compact camera performs like bulky DSLR without expensive interchangeable lenses large sensor success camera’s internal infrastructure change the way smartphones take pictures today’s smartphone cameras already excellent small sensors poor performance low light pleasantly shallow depth of field bokeh DSLR larger-sensor camera optical-zoom lens zoom digital zoom image negatively impact detail image quality definition smartphone cameras creative solutions Nokia Lumia 1020 crammed 41 megapixels sensor crop and digitally zoom without destroying image detail. Panasonic’s Lumix CM1 larger sensor smartphone body image capabilities dedicated compact camera more megapixels small sensor better image quality large sensor optically zoom multi-camera multi-lens approach complex computational imaging Light big-sensor image quality very high resolution big-lens zoom flat-fronted futuristic brick power 16 smartphone sensors Light co-founder CEO Dr. Rajiv Laroia sensors Light camera tandem mimic benefits very large sensor sensors Light relatively cheap amount computational magic unites them all small sensors very unpredictable pixel level cramming tiny sensor full pixels size of those pixels smaller number of photons pixel level accuracy image bucket collects photons pixels sensors modern cellphone sensors 5,000 photons Laroia explains pixel sensing on/off signal sensing shades construct image sense shades photons light energy quantum mechanics level light energy statistical probabilistic small sensors record grain noise low-light settings DSLRs more detailed pictures dark larger sensors Light L16 distributed array smaller sensors spread out the work mimic much bigger pixel using multiple sensors Laroia says effective sensor area becomes lot larger noise goes down significantly dynamic range increases significantly dynamic range increases tenfold how many sensors take a photo L16 photo depending focal length cameras capturing shots stitching together create single high-resolution image 35mm widest-angle field of view five 35mm cameras fire images captured sensors slightly overlap camera stitch together seamless image lining up shots additional five-camera capture 70mm 35mm shot 150mm one quarter 70mm slightly overlapping geometry parallax mirrors deflecting photons 70mm 150mm aren’t static actuators slightly tilt adjust each photo mirrors seated front 70mm lenses quickly adjust capture image more detail 52 megapixels detail file size between 30 and 50MB 70mm pointed center image upper left quadrant 13-megapixel picture quarter scene upper right quadrant one stays middle image quality best there 13 megapixel sensors one 52-megapixel image 70mm 150mm modules camera takes 70mm photo 150mm 52 megapixels image resolution room crop digitally retain detail dynamic range crop light energy edges tradeoff 70mm 52 megapixels 40 megapixels DSLRs cameras capturing so much data different aperture values focal lengths post-shot retouching options groundbreaking time exposure set at the time take picture depth of field ISO dynamic range adjusted after the fact 11 PhDs computational optics depth map great 3D information developer write indoor mapping app leverages that information facial recognition precise information 3D-printing app non-removable battery 128GB fixed internal storage touchscreen manual controls While Light ship L16 earliest pre-orders response camera slimmer versions camera in the works smartphones smartphone Light’s imaging technology internal components can get slimmer design modified eliminate 150mm lenses 18mm focal length DSLR quality low-light performance shallow depth of field zoom /
Sunday, 25 October 2015
Formula E, round 1, Beijing, China, Saturday 24 October 2015 (video)
Complete results, including race & qualifying:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/beijing-eprix.aspx / Formula E all electric racing series fourth 1st race Beijing, China ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers 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 /
Saturday, 24 October 2015
Formula E, season 2, round 1, today — Beijing
Beijing, China
Round 1 - Saturday 24 October 2015
Practice 1 - 08:15-09:00 Beijing local time
Practice 2 - 10:30-11:00
Qualifying - 12:00-13:00
Race - 16:00
Circuit guide:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/calendar/2015-beijing/beijing-circuit.aspx
Season 2 technical developments:
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/formula-e-season-two-technical.html
FIA, Formula E web site:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en.aspx / Formula E all electric racing series fourth 1st race Beijing, China ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers 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 /
Thursday, 22 October 2015
How to backup SMS messages on your Android phone
Credit: Jan Berkel/App Brain
Why backup your SMS messages? For the same reason you should backup everything: computer data, including SMS, can & does become lost by any number of means, including: finger trouble, new phone, hardware failure.
SMS Backup+ backs up every SMS sent or received on your Android phone to the Gmail account you specify. All SMS messages are saved in a folder named, appropriately enough, “SMS”.
Other benefits:
1. phone calls logged
2. attached images backed up
3. backed up SMSs become searchable, using all of the tools available in Gmail
SMS Backup+ has been backing up my SMSs since 26 May 2013, judging from the dates on the backups in Gmail.
Contrary to information in the How-To Geek article linked below, SMS Backup+ developed by Jan Berkel, is available as I write this. Options to separately manage MMS messages are not available in the current version.
SMS Backup by Christoph Studer can also be found on Google Play.
Keep in mind that emails (including backups created by SMS Backup+) count toward your 15GB of free storage in your Google account.
SMS Backup+ by Jan Berkel – video tutorial at the top of the page
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
SMS Backup by Christoph Studer
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.studer.smssync
How-To Geek tutorial
http://www.howtogeek.com/112852/how-to-backup-your-text-messages-to-your-gmail-account/ / back up backup backing your text messages SMS Android phone Gmail account no reason not to back them up search-friendly process your Gmail account SMS vault lose your text messages switching phones fumble fingers drop your messages digital reaper accidently delete massive SMS thread delete a single message send backing up your SMS Gmail account simple tutorial three things Android phone free copy SMS Backup SMS Backup+ changed link Gmail account advanced settings SMS Backup+ reconfigure work any IMAP-enabled email server designed Gmail Gmail’s search threading starring functionality SMS Backup+ IMAP access Gmail account Gmail account application check the status login log in your Gmail account navigate Settings Forwarding and POP/IMAP Check Enable IMAP click Save Changes configuration your Gmail account Gmail account IMAP toggled on install SMS Backup+ Google Play Store download app application installed configuring config configuration configure launch application first screen connection your Gmail account tap Connect default browser your Android phone launch prompted prompt login log in Gmail account backing up your messages authorize SMS Backup+ your Google account click Grant Access begin a backup immediately skip initial backup click Backup Skip messages on your phone flagged already backed up ignored backup process will start minute half hour to complete a message per second process is finished Gmail account check progress login log in Gmail account web browser new label sidebar SMS SMS Backup+ automatically backs up SMS messages MMS messages pictures backup up to Gmail advanced options advanced SMS Backup+ configuration tutorial turn on automatic backup manual backup forget main screen tap Auto backup Auto backup settings configure frequency default configuration frequency of backups only backup one Wi-Fi mobile data quota set up automatic backup main screen Advanced settings settings backing restoring notifications backup settings toggle MMS backup save on data consumption creating whitelist contacts backed up every single message backed up Restore settings Gmail-centric trick SMS Backup+ stores messages Gmail creates a thread each contact SMS Backup+ restore contacts starred threads quickly select conversations important enough restore star system in Gmail all your text messages including multimedia attachments backed up within Gmail easily search restore handset /
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Apple's Magic Mouse 2 – design abomination?
Charging Apple’s Magic Mouse 2
Credit: Macworld
So, when the built in battery goes flat, you – wait until it’s charged. Other rechargeable mouses have the charging socket at the front so they can continue to be used while charging.
Not the problem it may appear to be – the Magic Mouse 2 is a fast charge device & can accept enough charge for 9 hours use in around 2 minutes. Charge overnight for around 2-3 months of use. Plus it gives a warning approximately 1 week before it goes flat.
betanews – “Apple's Magic Mouse 2 is a design abomination”
http://betanews.com/2015/10/18/apples-magic-mouse-2-is-a-design-abomination/
Macworld – “Apple Magic Mouse 2 review: Mouse unable to conjure up any innovation”
http://www.macworld.com/article/2994798/input-devices/apple-magic-mouse-2-review-mouse-unable-to-conjure-up-any-innovation.html / Apple company synonymous good design thoughtful design Magic Mouse 2 unbelievably wrong defies belief absurdity name Magic Mouse 2 wireless mouse wireless mice power rechargeable battery plug Lightning cable juice up peripheral Apple gets it wrong charging port underside mouse bottom Magic Mouse 2 charges up connect a charging cable base mouse rendered completely useless runs out of power rechargeable mice get around problem charging port front mouse mouse corded mouse charges Apple Magic Mouse 2 dies middle something wait charge again connect another mouse absurdly stupid mouse base-mounted charging port new Magic Mouse 2 original Magic Mouse new built-in battery Magic Mouse 2 ditch current mouse original Magic Mouse exterior design Magic Mouse 2 white plastic sliver aluminum case no visible buttons scroll wheel Magic Mouse 2 built-in rechargeable lithium-ion LiIon battery removable battery cover Lightning port recharge battery charging port bottom of the mouse Magic Mouse 2 plugged in design decision Magic Trackpad 2 Magic Keyboard fast-charging devices mouse nine hours battery life about two minutes charge last a typical working day charging port bottom mouse problem fully charged battery last month more Apple changed plastic rails bottom mouse lighter weight smoother faster feel move Magic Mouse 2 vast improvement predecessor rough grinding feel extremely low profile palm Magic Mouse 2 two buttons power users right left buttons click button top mouse presses down audible click sound Multi-Touch Magic Mouse 2 Multi-Touch scrolling forward or back iPhoto or Safari zooming gestures Multi-Touch mouse OS X El Capitan Bluetooth Yosemite Mac Force Touch El Capitan MacBook Pro models MacBook Force Touch trackpad MacBook Air Force Touch trackpad upgrade force touch sensors new device input devices personal computer personal ergonomics Logitech Performance MX /
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
3D printed pills
Now add production of pharmaceuticals to the list.
How to 3D-print a pill:
Dissolves faster:
http://thenextweb.com/insider/2015/10/11/were-all-about-to-start-taking-3d-printed-drugs/
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/10/19/first-3d-printed-fda-approved-medication/
__________
1 “What is the plural of prosthesis?”,
http://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-plural-of/prosthesis.html / 3D printing originally quickly producing cost-effective inexpensive cheap affordable prototypes manufacturing industry researchers amazing healthcare biological applications 3D printing technology custom prosthetics living tissue 3D printing versatile means cost effective individualized care patients game-changing technology giant leap forward pharmaceutical industry Aprecia pharmaceuticals U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA approved SPRITAM drug treatment epilepsy claims SPRITAM first drug ever approved FDA manufactured using 3-D printing technologies technology Aprecia Pharmaceuticals announced epilepsy drug SPRITAM FDA manufactured 3-D printing technologies combining 3D printing technology highly-prescribed epilepsy treatment SPRITAM designed fill need patients struggle with current medication experience Don Wetherhold Aprecia CEO central nervous system products Aprecia commitment transform patients experience taking medication SPRITAM available first quarter 2016 customized for high dosage treatments developed Aprecia’s ZipDose technology originally developed Massachusetts Institute of Technology new type of tablet made by 3D printing layers powdered drug binding layers powder together blowing away excess powder advantage process drug’s unique structure dissolve considerably faster average pill capability provides relief seizure sufferers prescription prescribed large hard-to-swallow pills 3D printing medications doctors medicine prescribing delivers exact dose intended each pill will be completely uniform tailored individual patient capability distribution options printing personalized medicine at home /
Monday, 19 October 2015
Clean up your photographs with Photo Noise Reducer for Android
There’s an app for that: Photo Noise Reducer – & it’s free, “for a limited time”.
http://betanews.com/2015/10/19/clean-up-your-pictures-with-photo-noise-reducer-for-android/
Get it on Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.systweak.noisereducer
You might also like: Fix Photo Blur
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rawzor.fixphotoblur / modern smartphones good excellent great cameras generally deliver good results can’t change laws of physics photographic basics not enough light insufficient low light your pictures ruined by noise Photo Noise Reducer Pro free-for-personal-use Android app denoise smooth clean up your images app works with images in your gallery use Camera function take a pictures denoise viewing source image tap tapping Light Medium apply applies preset smoothing level choose Custom use slider select intensity you need separate slider applies apply smoothing filter clean up any remaining issues zoom in important area quickly switch between original denoised images compare results your source material presets deliver more smoothing expect Light Custom option generally worked well current Google Play rating 4.5 stars smoothing noise reduction interesting side effect drastically cutting size image files quality Photo Noise Reducer Pro available now Android free for a limited time /
Sunday, 18 October 2015
Driving (or kind of not driving) a Tesla Model S with Autopilot (update)
Autopilot 1.01 coming soon: curve speed adaption, controller smoothness, better lane holding on poor roads, improved fleet learning!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 23, 2015
Tesla’s self driving Model S is a work in progress, which is working its way toward autonomy. Version 7.0 of its Autopilot system provides radar-guided cruise control, (also capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary), line guidance (keeps the vehicle in a lane), turn-signal initiated lane switching, & automatic parallel parking. Tesla is just a little different in that, unlike other systems it doesn’t require the driver to control the throttle & brakes when parallel parking.
Any Model S sold since October 2014 has the sensors & associated hardware to take advantage of the features of the 7.0 update.
Although the system is designed for highway use, Ars Technica tested it in New York City, but none-the-less thought it performed, “pretty well”.
Much longer video of multi-lane & country road driving showing Autopilot in a range of different situations:
http://arstechnica.com/cars/2015/10/driving-or-kind-of-not-driving-a-tesla-model-s-with-autopilot/ / driving in New York City traffic bored extremely stressed out I wasn't doing much driving Tesla Model S Tesla pushing out Version 7.0 update OS operating system Model S assistive driving features Tesla Autopilot Ars recently test the new system Tesla's computer on wheels busy New York City traffic Tesla's Autopilot update handle radar-guided cruise control bring the car to a complete stop line guidance steer keep car in a lane turn-signal initiated automated lane switching changing automatic parallel parking autonomous semi-autonomous driving Autopilot suite of sensors embedded in car camera on top windshield forward-looking radar grill GPS sensor ultrasonic acoustic location sensors front rear car ultrasonic sensors car detect immediately around 360 degrees radar look farther into the distance see in front of the car combo turn signal wiper second control stalk left side assistive driving features detecting everything well enough Autopilot work steering wheel icon appear driver's display icon pulling assistive driving stick toward you twice engage Autopilot system geared highway driving New York City driving stress test system performed pretty well majority driving tasks short period of time time to get comfortable with it trust always ready to take control Tesla's system camera read street signs speed limit speed cruise speed up or slow down tapping up or down assisted driving stalk twist end of the stick set follow and braking distance Tesla's assistive driving features customizable your preferences Autopilot adaptive cruise control lane keeping seen other cars before automated driving revolution Model S level 2 automated vehicle can't navigate stop for pedestrians traffic lights stop signs 360 degree sensing feature Tesla's cars learn from each other Internet connection /
Saturday, 17 October 2015
Natural gas looking for a boost from carbon tax
Credit: www.examiner.com
At the World Gas Conference in Paris earlier this year (1-5 June), six major oil & gas companies (BP, Shell, Total, BG Group, Eni S.p.A. & Statoil) called for a price on carbon emissions.
Why would oil & gas companies propose a tax which would increase the price of their product?
Gas releases less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal for each unit of heat energy produced. A relatively low price for CO2 emissions would give gas a price advantage over coal.
http://www.nature.com/news/natural-gas-stands-to-get-a-boost-from-carbon-tax-1.17705
http://www.statoil.com/en/NewsAndMedia/News/2015/Pages/01Jun_carbon.aspx/ major European oil and gas companies BP Shell Total call price carbon emissions World Gas Conference Paris carbon tax limit global warming shift away from coal high-carbon fossil fuels renewable energy boost demand natural gas cleanest-burning fossil fuel carbon price positive development Mark Lewis energy analyst Paris-based investment firm Kepler Cheuvreux effect global greenhouse gas emissions gas price price shadow price emissions evaluate profitability proposed oil gas projects pay tax carbon dioxide CO2 emissions refining executive French oil giant Total price €35 US$39 per tonne worldwide levy attractive petroleum companies price primarily gas more competitive than coal power generation global temperatures 2 °C two degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels official goal United Nations climate negotiators carbon price high enough drive fossil-fuel emissions almost nothing second half 21st twenty-first century International Energy Agency IEA price on carbon ramp up quickly US$20 $20US $US20 tonne 2020 $100 tonne 2030 $140 2040 stimulate development carbon capture and storage CCS technology removes CO2 emissions factories power plants sequesters deep underground 2°C two degrees Celsius two Celsius degrees goal IEA director Nobuo Tanaka conference CCS capture all coal emissions half gas emissions produced power sector 2050 IEA CCS costs $50–80 per tonne CO2 carbon tax offset that cost unacceptable to petroleum companies lower carbon prices effect energy markets non-profit Union of Concerned Scientists United States moderate carbon price $12 per tonne CO2 rising 10% per year boost renewables push out coal costs renewable energy resources wind solar falling dramatically resources would also get a big boost modest price on carbon Rachel Cleetus senior economist Union of Concerned Scientists Cambridge Massachusetts carbon price natural-gas use policies mandate use renewable energy improve energy efficiency cuts in emissions petroleum industry gas renewable energy reduce carbon emissions natural-gas power plants turned on and off quickly coal plants gas could power disruptions solar wind cloudy calm days advent batteries Christopher Delbrück chief executive E.ON Global Commodities Düsseldorf Germany trading arm of power company E.ON. batteries using stored energy renewable electricity customers cloudless windless periods Tesla Motors Palo Alto California reduced-cost battery systems homes industry
Michael Stoppard analysis firm IHS Energy improved batteries battery technology /
Friday, 16 October 2015
Yahoo offers password-free login for email
For these & other reasons, passwords have been widely criticised for some time. Their replacement has been widely discussed, & now, at last, Yahoo has done something about it.
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/10/15/yahoo-offers-password-free-login-for-email/?mod=ST1 / Yahoo Inc. YHOO new pitch email users your password Yahoo Mail sign in inbox user name smartphone blog post Yahoo new password-free login authenticate device main smartphone improve security eliminate biggest hassles facing Web users daily basis introduced new version email service Web mobile phones featuring more robust tool searching messages contacts Yahoo Mail users access messages AOL, Hotmail Microsoft Outlook accounts Email Yahoo’s most popular products Chief Executive Marissa Mayer Internet portal smartphones Yahoo’s daily email usage mobile devices Jeffrey Bonforte senior vice president communications Yahoo poured resources into communications group headed Mr. Bonforte building new technology improve email password-free login feature improved search feature computing power users sign Yahoo account key receive push notification smartphone log in email account from desktop mobile notification location computer requesting access account computer password-free access account in perpetuity until Yahoo detects unusual behavior indicate different user two-factor authentication competitors Google Inc. sends code user’s mobile phones enter Web browser first ones roll out account key refreshing apps Google Gmail Web mail services Google Yahoo email users comScore Google Yahoo U.S. users Yahoo’s new mail apps email search technology developed Xobni Corp Yahoo acquisition users two letters search box new Yahoo Mail service uses algorithms person message find /
Thursday, 15 October 2015
How police track your mobile phone
How stingray works
Credit: WSJ
StingRay (the brand name) & stingray (generic) devices can trace your mobile (cell) phone by effectively doing a, “man in the middle”, attack on it. Perhaps most surprising is evidence that versions of this technology have been available for over 10 years.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/cellphone-tracker-stingray,news-21718.html
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/184597-stingray-the-fake-cell-phone-tower-cops-and-providers-use-to-track-your-every-move
http://www.wired.com/2015/09/feds-need-warrant-spy-stingrays-now/
http://www.wired.com/2015/03/feds-admit-stingrays-can-disrupt-cell-service-bystanders/ / covered his tracks Daniel Rigmaiden arrested FBI filing tax returns dead people collecting refunds authorities FBI foolproof system avoid detection always anonymous Internet used fake IDs prepaid debit cards loopholes exposed cellular broadband modem AirCard his computer connect Internet court access documents pretrial research strangenew investigative techniques cellphone mobile towers device called Stingray U.S. government secretly using Stingray military use law enforcement locate track suspects cellular connections first civilians technology case public knowledge more information about Stingrays IMSI catchers cell-site simulators fake cell towers use devices law enforcement routinely obscured in court records major manufacturer requires police departments never disclose they use devices Department of Justice DOJ agencies FBI U.S. Marshals Service Drug Enforcement Administration DEA Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives ATF routine cases warrant before using Stingray agencies destroy data collected non-suspects targeted suspect located pleaded guilty several counts tax fraud sentenced time served court probation research electronic surveillance consultant Stingray technology use Stingrays commonplace United States all levels of law enforcement widespread surveillance tool never heard Stingray mounted car van law-enforcement agencies intercept your cellphone cell phone mobile phone signal middleman between you nearest cell tower protocols built into cellular networks your phone's location determined telephone calls logged target device located allow text messages phone calls deciphered StingRay brand name Harris Corp. Melbourne Florida IMSI catchers Stingrays 10 years ago StingRay device complete target tracking location solution low-power system designed for vehicular operations The American Civil Liberties UnionACLU FBI DEA Secret Service National Security AgencyNSA U.S. Marshals Service Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE ATF U.S. Army Navy Marine Corps use Stingrays law-enforcement cases IMSI catchers federal agencies technology 9/11 Department of Homeland Security DHS funding programs cost $150,000 affordable state local police forces force DOJ's new law-enforcement agencies federal departments deputy U.S. attorney general DHS Border Patrol Secret Service agency DOJ rules military intelligence agencies NSA CIA state local law-enforcement agencies use Stingrays federal government constitutional use of the devices recent cases U.S. Supreme Court ruled cellphone-tracking methods violated Fourth Amendment warrant Stingray impersonates cellular tower cellphones try connect forward incoming outgoing calls texts legitimate cell tower mobile phone cell phone cellphone users tries to connect cell tower identifies itself track suspect's cellphone any cellular-enabled device within range cellphone signal Stingray's signal find devices vehicles buildings Stingray forces all cellphones range connect broadcasting signal stronger signal transmitted real cell towers telling cellphones signal strongest connected Stingray requests phone identifying serial number serial numbers law-enforcement International Mobile Subscriber Identity IMSI SIM card cell tower electronic serial number ESN mobile equipment identifier MEID device identifier IMSI numbers phones mobile cellular-service providers investigators Stingrays collect IMSI numbers target device located serial numbers suspect's cellphone interrogation send signals response geolocation techniques measuring angle direction signal strength distance signal time of flight distance targeted device identification data innocent civilians' information phones identify themselves leaked documents IMSI catchers IMSI catcher 3G 4G connections unavailable phones downgrade to 2G Hailstorm intercept 4G connections forced downgrade capabilities U.S. cellular carriers Airplane Mode app SnoopSnitch detect Stingray activity Android devices Qualcomm chipsets apps CEO ESD America Cryptophone encrypts detects Stingrays phone's baseband radio stack CryptoPhone remotely control phone malware spyware under attack warning within half a mile IMSI catcher switch SIM cards read phone's International Mobile Station Equipment Identity IMEI number IMEI IMSI SIM cards broadcast ESN MEID search warrant tracking devices shut off users maintain anonymity /
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
At last – a representative debate on climate change (video)
__________
1 “Scientific consensus: Earth's climate is warming”, http://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/
2 “The 97% consensus on global warming”, https://www.skepticalscience.com/global-warming-scientific-consensus.htm
3 “How to Determine the Scientific Consensus on Global Warming”, http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-determine-the-scientific-consensus-on-global-warming/
4 “Survey finds 97% of climate science papers agree warming is man-made“, http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2013/may/16/climate-change-scienceofclimatechange / anthropically caused climate change anthropic climate change global warming carbon dioxide CO2 carbon oxide atmosphere green house green-house greenhouse effect scientist scientific consensus political debate climate skeptic climate denier drought el nino el nina heat stress health future generations dehydration drought flood cyclone hurricane burning fossil fuel hydrocarbon energy renewable sustainable green photovoltaic PV solar cell solar energy hydro electricity wind turbine climatologist /
Tuesday, 13 October 2015
Re-inventing the wheel – why not?
The wheel re-invented
Credit: Mike Zaia/DigBoston
“Don't re-invent the wheel” – how many times have you heard this advice?
GeoOrbital have rejected that oft-heard advice, & actually have a product that works. Check the video:
http://www.geoo.com/ / wheel design reinventing the wheel Michael Burtov founder CEO Cambridge-based GeoOrbital project engineering training movie Tron space inside the wheel motorcycle wheel film’s light cycles components empty space create wheel spin around hub orbits around a central mass business background funding engineers Venture Cafe networking event Cambridge Burtov Gideon Coltof GeoOrbital VP product senior engineer experience robotics renewable power program product design management product development Roomba iRobot Department of Defense Dakota Decker chief technology officer experience working US Air Force project leadership Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX first prototype mechanical work Artisan’s Asylum Somerville prototype developed assembled tested pre-production prototype existing models tweaks GeoOrbital’s production model electric wheel turn any bike into an e-bike Coltof battery motor control built into the wheel itself parts that spin rim tire remain static install throttle clamp onto handlebars pedaling front wheel 700c size wheel most popular size bikes 26-inch wheel rim tire tube standard sizes interchangeable e-bikes cheaper retrofitting kit tools low-level electrical engineering GeoOrbital kit standard bike urban commuter GeoOrbital prototypes commute regular bike shower get to work bicycle commuter urban bike commuters damp sweating no sweat /
Monday, 12 October 2015
Worst car ever built?
If not the worst car ever built, at the very least, a leading contender.
http://jalopnik.com/what-its-like-to-drive-the-worst-car-ever-built-1735448480 / worst car ever built Yugo may as well be a Maybach Hoffmann actual worst car ever built astounding Hoffmann Lane Motor Museum worst cars unanimous vote 1951 Hoffmann wildly interested strange, streamlined zeppelin robotic tortoise odd asymmetrical curves details mis-aligned parts trim shape laws of physics Hoffmann made in Germany war M. Hoffmann real skill beautifully built lots of difficult metalwork fabrication laws of physics mechanics engineer hand-made few identifiable off-the-shelf-parts front axle Kubelwagen front axle lower torsion tube engine ILO 200cc single Hoffmann build-quality design decision absolute worst decision gas filler goes through the inside of the car fume-leaky rubber cuff rear-wheel steering design usable space inside the car awful car almost flips even when parked passenger seat roll fumes little two-stroke pumped terrible chemicals two-stroke oil Hoffmann Mobile Suicide Booth little silver nightmare /
Sunday, 11 October 2015
Battery verses petrol — the lawn mower test
Electric motors on the other hand are at least 80% efficient.
Fully Charged has done a side-by-side comparison of the efficiency of internal combustion engine & electric lawn mowers.
/ electric internal combustion engine ICE efficiency efficient battery charge recharge energy efficiency lithium ion LiIon cell charger fuel petrol four stroke 4 stroke rotary mower cycle cycles charge recharge cycle discharge tall grass mow mower /
Saturday, 10 October 2015
Tesla Model S vs Australian performance cars (video)
1960s General Motors Holden 327 Monaro performance production car
Credit: Shannons
General Motors entered into some markets around the world, by buying up existing, local companies. In Britain, that was Vauxhall, in Germany, Opel. In Australia, they bought up a motor body manufacturer called Holden.
In the 1960s, when GM forbade factory support for motor racing around the world, Holden went racing anyway. Not quite that blatant: they called it the Holden Dealer Racing Team, financed it through advertising, & produced road cars with engines, gearboxes, suspensions & brakes which provided an effective foundation on which to build a circuit racer.
1960s General Motors Holden 327 Monaro production racer
Credit: bringatrailer.com
These days GM is a bit more relaxed about its cars being raced. One of the contenders for fastest production car in Australia is the Walkinshaw Performance Products W507. This is a Holden Special Vehicles GTS powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre LSA V8 with $8,000 of modifications by Walkinshaw to increase power & torque:
http://www.motoring.com.au/reviews/2014/large-passenger/holden-special-vehicles/gts/walkinshaw-w507-2015-review-48154
You've seen the videos of Teslas drag racing fast cars from around the world. CarAdvice set out to see how a Tesla Model S P85D compared to a W507 & then they ran it against a modern Holden production racer:
More about these races from CarAdvice:
http://www.caradvice.com.au/386305/drag-race-model-s-p85d-v-v8-supercar-v-walkinshaw-w507/?yt_desc / drag race Model S P85D insane mode P90D ludicrous mode V8 Supercar Walkinshaw W507 Supercheap Auto Racing’s V8 Supercar racer takes on world’s fastest four-door production car drag race motoring journos Supercheap Auto Racing drag race challenge Supercheap Auto Racing team competes V8 Supercars Championship Australia’s premier motorsport category track Victoria Winton Raceway team ace driver Tim Slade 650hp+ Holden Commodore V8 Supercar challenger world’s fastest four-door sedan supercharged turbocharged V8 V10 fully electric Tesla Model S P85D Insane Mode superseded Model S P90D Ludicrous Mode Model S P85D combined 567kW power over 750hp 0-100km/h 3.3 seconds Supercheap Auto Racing V8 Supercar over 480kW power 3.4-seconds V8 Supercar weight advantage 1400kg Model S P85D over 2000kg all-wheel drive 4 wheel drive track-specified V8 Supercar road fastest series-production four-door sedan built in Australia HSV GTS Walkinshaw Performance Walkinshaw Performance W507 tuned HSV GTS 507kW 680hp 6.2-litre supercharged V8 W507 challenge world’s fastest four-door sedan fastest Australian-built four-door sedans drag race Walkinshaw Performance W507 Tesla Model S P85D start line supercharger whine exhaust noise six-speed automatic gearbox throttle 850Nm torque rear tyres tyre smoke ease on the throttle standing 400 metre straight Insane Mode maximum current draw batteries creep off loud pedal torque Tesla Model S P85D 1150Nm torque all four wheels technical advantage off the line race starter drops his hands throttle Model S P85D rockets ahead traction fully-electric Tesla tapers off sprint four car lengths ahead stupendous acceleration off the line Tesla gains traction relentless push starts slowing 100km/h supercharged V8 road car full-blown race car slick tyres Slade warm up laps track noise side exhaust outlets almighty roar gear change naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine uses Holden 308 cast iron block control cam shafts aluminium dry sump race seat three pedals gearbox trick six-speed sequential transaxle integrated spool differential triple-plate carbon 7 1/4 inch clutch giant AP Racing brakes 900 degrees Celsius under race conditions car weighs just 1400kg Model S P85D idle race fires up V8 Supercar Model S dead silent revving the car countdown starts vehicle’s launch parameters manual brake engine perfect rev band race-starter releases clutch rocket away from the line hot cold tyres traction off the line Tesla Model S P85D half way marker clear lead V8 Supercar locks full traction reeling in the electric Tesla I scan my rear-vision mirror just metres behind me finish line tight two car lengths hit the brakes travelling at almost 170km/h 47 metres per second V8 Supercar taking the racing line first corner fury and power under the bonnet V8 Supercar loud machine backfires drag race finish line Tesla Model S P85D straight-line speed road car and full-blown race car Supercheap Auto Racing rematch battery LiIon Lithium on charge recharge /
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Did you get the best chip in your iPhone 6S? (update)
Credit: iDigitalTimes
Apparently, Apple is sourcing the A9 processor in its iPhone 6s from two different manufacturers. One is slightly faster, runs cooler & has longer battery life than the other.
World wide, chances are 60/40 in your favour.
This app will tell which chip you have:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/lirum-device-info-lite-system/id591660734?mt=8
Open the app & check the Model field. N66mAP or N71mAP is the chip you want. N66AP or N71AP is the also-ran.
More:
http://www.itworld.com/article/2990485/mobile/did-you-get-the-best-chip-in-your-iphone-6s.html
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/10/iphone-6s-benchmarks-suggests-bad-cpu-can-give-20-lower-battery-life/?utm_source=Gizmodo+Australia&utm_campaign=4c9ad68c72-gizmodo_2015_10_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a0c493e18-4c9ad68c72-278887065 / release 6S Apple splitting manufacture A9 processor Samsung hated rival business partner TSMC leading chip manufacturing company Asia split 60/40 favor of TSMC chips two firms not identical Chipworks teardowns reverse engineering devices Samsung uses 14nm TSMC uses 16nm TSMC chip a bit larger 104.5 square millimeters vs. 96 square millimeters Samsung chip A9 processor design Apple Samsung smaller chip Reddit user tests pair of 6S Plus phones TSMC chip eight hours of battery life six hours Samsung Reddit iPhone board Chinese site MyDrivers ran series JavaScript tests video playback tasks rates battery depletion Google Translate MyDrivers measurably faster battery drain Samsung powered phone TSMC version tests TSMC chip slightly faster Samsung chip benchmark tests Samsung chip runs hotter packaging phone buying Samsung or a TSMC processor download free app Lirum Device Info Lite app basic device info main page Model N66MAP N71MAP TSMC chip N66AP N71AP short straw Samsung chip 6S quite hot batteryquick to drain slow to charge compared iPhone 6 Mac boards /
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Drones in space
Astronauts with drone helpers
Credit: NASA/The Economist
Drones have been on the International Space Station (ISS) since 2006. Because the ISS is a microgravity environment, they have no need to generate lift to maintain position. However, they do need to generate thrust to move around. Drones currently in use generate thrust using CO2 canisters. Planned replacements will use battery powered motors to compress ambient air for thrust.
How are drones useful in space? Current & planned uses include:
3D maneuverable camera mount
virtual eyes for ground controllers
lost property tracker/finder
sound level checker
http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21666115-crew-space-station-will-soon-be-getting-new-factotum-astrobusybee
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/311.html / crew space station new factotum Earth drones experimental 22cm across Synchronised Position Hold Engage Reorient Experimental Satellites SPHERES truncated rhombic dodecahedrons buzzing around International Space Station since 2006 new more advanced version Astrobee designed Ames Research Centre NASA laboratory Mountain View California Astrobee scheduled deployment 2017 30cm cube more complex SPHERES rely on beacons position positional information Astrobee computer vision orient itself navigate around powered propelled thrust space drone airborne space station free-fall appears to float with respect to the station’s walls need motors move itself around jets of carbon dioxide propel themselves canisters gas stored shipped station changed by the astronauts returned to Earth for refilling Astrobee compress air on board using battery power propulsion batteries steer several recharging docks astronauts are busy people new drone relieve them several routine tasks set of virtual eyes ground controllers station Chris Provencher Astrobee’s project manager astronauts regularly check sound levels noise damage the crew’s hearing full sound check two hours task easily automated Astrobee help keep station neat and tidy tracking down floated away proper places station’s managers radio-frequency identification RFID tags found go missing pressurised portion station looking for missing items RFID-tagged time-consuming Astrobee crew new drone flight controllers camcorders fixed arms high-definition camera controllers position /
Tuesday, 6 October 2015
Printer case to test patent rights for refurbished goods (update)
Does anyone question your right to do this?
Does it make a difference if you repair it before sale?
Does it make a difference if you have the skills to return it to "as new" condition?
Does it make a difference if you buy second hand for the purpose of repair & resale?
Does it make a difference if you employ others to help with the work?
Refurbishment is frequently described as returning an item to “as new” condition, or even "remanufacturing" & in some cases, resold with new warranty. Some manufacturers claim that sale of one of their products after it has been refurbished infringes their patent(s).
Lexmark International Inc & printer cartridge refiller Impression Products Inc are fighting it out before a dozen judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals. Drug, biotech & medical device industry representatives, smartphone & computer manufacturers have joined in.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-02/printer-case-to-test-patent-rights-for-revamped-car-parts-drugs / Court hears appeal dispute refilled printer cartridges Silicon Valley Big Pharma Pharmaceutical companies lawsuit used printer cartridges proxy fight consumers buy refurbished resold goods car parts computers case argued dozen judges U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit dispute inkjet cartridges sold Lexmark International Inc refilled sold Impression Products Inc. Lexmark infringe infringed infringing patents cartridges paid once patented inventions cartridges were first sold exhausted its patent rights multifront effort scale back manufacturer’s rights control who repairs refurbishes products after sale Jacob Kramer antitrust lawyer Bryan Cave Washington not involved case drug biotech medical device industries representing Pfizer Inc Johnson & Johnson filing briefs restrictions resale products safety reasons smartphone computer manufacturers Google Inc Samsung Electronics Co arguing limits confusion paid supply chain complex electronics refurbished goods appeal consumers lower prices more choices innovation Kramer case U.S. US overseas trial judge Ohio agreed argument cartridges initially sold U.S. sold overseas refurbished cartridges effectively deemed new product infringed U.S. patent rights appealing argument lost closely held company Charleston West Virginia appeal 2013 Supreme Court decision allowed resale copyrighted materials initially sold abroad no difference between patent and copyright law argue drugmakers ruling in favor overseas sales issue open the door firms buying cheaper medicines overseas shipping U.S. Government price controls economic issues lower costs other countries HIV medicines Circuit Judge Pauline Newman questioned drugmakers lose their rights selling medicines HIV drugs court should overturn older ruling medical device makers restrict use products single use restrictions sales contracts regulatory means resorting patent law lawyer Edward O’Connor Avyno Law Encino California sell it hearing technology companies Google Intel Corp Samsung LG Electronics Inc drug maker’s concerns U.S.Food and Drug Administration strict rules limiting re-importation medicines manufacturer electronics companies components modern devices mobile phones computers patent owner multiple bites at the same royalty apple complicate negotiations higher prices consumers patent exhaustion sale patent rights exhausted Andrew Pincus Mayer Brown Washington arguing computer companies retailers victory Impression boon $318.2 billion after-market after market refurbished auto parts industry re-sterilizes repairs orthopedic devices Lexington Kentucky Lexmark printer companies makers razors sells product low cost relies sale essential replacement parts ink cartridges blades profit business model at stake Lexmark program charges less money agree return used cartridges judge unenforceable medical device manufacturers limits single use products purchasers chose bundle of rights buy Lexmark lawyer Constantine Trela Sidley Austin Chicago user right reuse cartridge buy it printers biotechnology crop science industries restrict use inventions recoup billions dollars research new medicines plants printer cartridges software smartphones Barbara Fiacco Foley Hoag Boston biotech agriculture companies Federal Circuit heard case argue lawyers representing arguments Obama administration decision Lexmark International Inc. v. Impression Products Inc Patent Law Lexmark International Inc Tech Alphabet Inc Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Washington Law U.S. Court of Appeals Products Inc Pfizer Inc /
Monday, 5 October 2015
How much can you store in your Google Drive?
1. “Anything you’ve made with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides doesn’t count toward your storage limit.”1
2. Photographs stored at “High quality”.2
Google allows 2 options for storing your photographs —
● “High quality”, which will, “Save high-quality photos and videos while reducing size.”2 Photographs stored this way don't count against your free allocation.
● “Original”, “Stores your photos and videos exactly as you captured them.”2
Probably amounts to: “High quality” compresses images less than 16 megapixels with little or no loss. Larger images stored at "high quality" are reduced to 16 megapixels before compression.2
https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/how-to-maximise-your-free-storage-space.html
http://www.cnet.com/au/how-to/how-to-free-up-google-drive-space/
Thanks to Anne for this item.
__________
1 Google: "See your storage limit", https://support.google.com/drive/answer/6558?hl=en
2 Google: "Choose the upload size of your photos & videos", https://support.google.com/photos/answer/6220791 / Between Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive services cloud storage best ways to get extra free space service cloud storage provider promos extra storage space promotions new customers freebies providers bonus storage extra space invite a friend up to 16 GB extra storage adds 500 MB of space your account complete get started guide 250 MB bit of extra space install Carousel 3GB bonus for enabling auto upload your photos promo installing the Carousel app Android iOS install Mailbox 1GB similar promotion Mailbox app logging in once space permanently Apple store deauthenticate device link your Facebook Twitter accounts 125MB each social networks extra space little extra space connecting your accounts invite other users social sites device bonuses promotional offers 48GB of space for two years log in new Samsung HTC phone get more space page link check your personal account settings Google Drive your data syncing folders your desktop default 15GB upload data doesn’t count against your storage limit use play music store audio Play Music Google’s storage locker for your music bumped storage limit up to 50,000 tracks convert your documents Google Drive format Drive store your documents converting automatically convert documents upload Google Docs uploading crop photos below 2048×2048 upload an unlimited number of photos rule video below 15 minutes check your storage settings taking up space delete or convert some of your files purchase certain devices complete tasks Security Checkup promo Box 10GB of free storage basic plan pad that out OneDrive Microsoft’s OneDrive bonuses earn Camera Roll bonus link Office 365 subscription 1TB work school personal use refer a friend activated OneDrive backup photos with Camera Roll 3GB OneDrive app Android iOS Windows Phone automatically backup your pictures service enable disable integrated directly most-used desktop operating system sync unlimited space BitTorrent Sync service just launched 2.0 software folder workaround space on a server Amazon Cloud Storage Prime unlimited photo backup MEGA MegaUpload security end-to-end encryption Wuala breaks files into segments stores different servers combined over 100GB storage /
Sunday, 4 October 2015
Apple releases OS X 10.11 El Capitan — new features
Appleinsider
http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/09/30/apple-releases-os-x-1011-el-capitan-with-safari-9-new-spotlight-search-split-view-more
Lifehacker
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/10/top-secret-features-in-os-x-el-capitan/
ExtremeTech
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/215243-the-best-new-features-in-os-x-10-11-el-capitan
Macworld
http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/mac-software/os-x-el-capitan-best-new-features-video-3616306/ / Apple on Wednesday released public OS X 10.11 El Capitan enhancements features Safari Spotlight ramping up Macintosh performance Spotlight search files content natural language information weather stocks public transit schedules system-wide features Split View fullscreen full screen mode streamlined Mission Control upgrades Chinese Japanese language support new fonts better keyboard trackpad input Safari pinned tabs Web video AirPlay muting tabs Smart Search field Apple Maps search public transit info transport push directions iPhone Google Maps Mail iOS swipe gestures marking deleting items quickly add contacts Calendar events message content new Notes app checklists attaching photos videos URLs map locations application app share webpage note Safari Photos app improved support third-party editing extensions options sorting albums tagging faces locations games graphics-intensive apps run faster Apple's Metal technology speedier performance improvements app launch task switching PDF viewing El Capitan upgrade free download available Mac App Store Safari 9 OS X Yosemite version /
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Aerobic fitness in just 6 minutes per week
Actually, it gets better — the programme outlined in the video below also prevents or reverses aging of the skin.
Other benefits include prevention or reversal of insulin insensitivity & many effects usually attributed to aging.
Transcript at:
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4319131.htm
Thanks to James for this item. / aerobic fitness oxygen mitochondria mitochondrion VO2 max measure of the maximum volume of oxygen interval training athlete can use measured millilitres per kilogramme body weight per minute ml/kg/min inactivity related metabolic syndrome intensity Wingate test all out effort for 30 second recovery low volume high intensity training HIT doubling endurance capacity improve fitness just a few minutes of exercise per week stationary bike bicycle physiological adaptations insulin sensitivity fast twitch slow twitch intermediate muscles sugar diabetes mitochondrial function exercise muscle high intensity exercise fast critically important to health mitochondrial disease biological filter effects of aging skin statum cordeum elderly menopause estrogen visceral fat cytokines subcutaneous fat liver inflammation pedal fast intermittent receptors hormones fat cells overweight sprints menopause increase increased muscle mass arterial stiffness age feel better hot flushes sleep better sleeping Professor Martin Gibala evidence Professor David Bishop Professor Mark Tarnopolsky Professor Stephen Boutcher Anja Taylor Professor John Hawley Professor David Bishop Professor Martin Gibala /
Friday, 2 October 2015
Blindsight — like "a black shadow moving against a completely black background"
‘Importantly, the participant claimed that not only was he not aware of having seen anything; he was not even aware of having moved out of the way of the objects. He insisted he had just walked straight down the hallway ... he was “at a loss to explain or even describe his actions”.
More at:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150925-blindsight-the-strangest-form-of-consciousness / London National Hospital ophthalmologist Michael Sanders human consciousness half blind healthy eyes brain operation cure headaches destroyed region crucial for vision everything left of his nose was invisible to him blind spot second sight guiding his behaviour beyond conscious awareness psychologists Elizabeth Warrington Lawrence Weiskrantz clever tests screen blind spot point at a circle take a guess almost always right single line screen decide horizontal vertical nothing had appeared accuracy 80% guess guessing randomly blindness healthy eyes watching the world passing information unconscious guiding behaviour blindsight fractured conscious state sceptical accepted phenomenon fundamental questions human mind decisions awareness illusion of control conscious mind direct our actions purpose vivid internal life zombies acting without awareness parts of the brain normally not visible Marco Tamietto Tilburg University view functions difficult to observe consciousness minds vivid sense of awareness feeling being experiencing the world close to consciousness subjective experience Christopher Allen Cardiff University blindsight participant is still perceiving lack awareness of perception tasks test what blindsight patients are capable of without conscious visual awareness sense emotion happy sad angry surprised unconsciously mimic expressions conscious level change in attitude synchronisation of emotional expressions pictures blind field mirroring expressions show physiological signs of stress see a picture of a frightened face pay attention bodily reactions in danger bodily changes understand what’s going on in the world something interesting problematic blindsight patient blind across the whole of his visual field normally walked with a white cane corridor furniture trip him up not aware seen anything aware distinguish movement fast high-contrast film sense of knowing vision controversy truly reflect visual experiences experiments Allen’s lab Cardiff UK /