Omega 3 fish oil – new evidence

Credit: Skeptical Raptor

You may have read recently on these pages, why omega-3 fish oil supplements appear not to work, & what can be done about it.¹ In summary:

● cold water oily fish, such as salmon & tuna, in the diet, is protective against a large & diverse range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, dementia ...¹

● benefits have been attributed to the omega-3 fatty acid which they contain
● omega-3 supplements have, as a result, become popular
● subsequent research has found that omega-3 supplements are ineffective

● only one third of the contents of a typical supplement is actually omega-3

● omega-3 in a typical supplement is oxidised, which makes it ineffective

● omega-3 is easily oxidised, which makes production of un-oxidised supplements difficult & expensive

● all of the above suggests that supplements would be effective if a pure, non-oxidised, source of omega-3 was available

● omega-3 supplements from “algal sources” are claimed to be suitable

Some of the material presented above has been questioned by Professor Peter McLennan of the Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health at the University of Wollongong:

● many studies are flawed

● “main effect is not in preventing heart attacks, preventing the atherosclerosis, but indeed preventing that from causing fatal arrhythmias”

● “anti-inflammatory effects do take high doses, & it is quite effective in that.” – for arthritis 10 millilitres – 10 capsules per day

● fish oil is typically 30% omega 3 – this does not interfere with the therapeutic effect

● “It's very difficult to actually oxidise fish oil … had to bubble it with oxygen for 30 days or more to get a significant degree of oxidation.”

Podcast & transcript at:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation – “Following up on fish oil”
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/following-up-on-fish-oil/8349732
__________

¹ “Can omega-3 fish oil supplements work?”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2017/03/can-omega-3-fish-oil-supplements-work.html
/ algal sources Something fishy in the oil U.S. study replicates findings USA New Zealand Australia what's really in that fish oil capsule Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC Health Report Dr. Norman Swan reducing your risk of heart attack stroke US study replicates findings New Zealand Australia far from what you think you are paying for Preston Mason pharmacologist Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School in Boston huge industry local stores very popular brands omega-3 dietary supplements laboratory lab capsules examine them for their content interesting observations omega-3 fish oil supplement a third of the overall product two-thirds other fats significant levels of saturated fat saturated fat source preparations remove other fats put it in as it's harvested problem omega-3 fatty acids generally oxidised interacted with oxygen like biological rust no longer effective test them oxides had no benefit biological activity important omega-3 fatty acids Cochrane collaboration trials of fish oil cardiovascular effect effect from fish oil oxidised quality issues confidence in any of these studies well-characterised well qualified product trials don't involve such products how can a manufacturer avoid oxidisation inevitable low-cost product extraordinary efforts isolate unoxidised forms omega-3 production of omega-3 by-product formation of proteins for poultry farmers large study New Zealand Auckland 30 different products over 80% had higher than accepted levels of oxidation parameters high levels of oxidation confirmed other labs Canada other parts of North America poor consumer industry that's not carefully regulated consumer beware lack of oversight levels quality omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils Preston Mason Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston research group Liggins Institute University of Auckland published extensive analysis fish oil capsules authors Professor David Cameron-Smith New Zealand. Welcome Health Report broadly the same results research fish oil study ability of fish oil to mitigate the risk of diabetes oxidative effects inflammatory effects of diabetes mitigation of diabetes inflammatory events elevated blood glucose fish oil participants in that clinical research same results saturated fatty acids capsules doses omega-3 fatty acids very high rates of oxidation gone off long chain omega-3 fatty acids one of the most unstable compounds on earth long very complicated very prone to oxidation start to go rancid very quickly just like leaving fish on the bench starts to go rancid taste awful very quickly CSIRO researcher saying published a similar study in November David Cameron-Smith data anomalies research journal authors Omega-3 Centre mouthpiece propagating benefits omega-3 commercial laboratory analysis analyses performed using techniques commercial in confidence best efforts supplements methodologies results methodologies are confidential consumer fish oil supplements by-product huge industry food stock most fish oil is farmed from ocean fish off the coast of Peru and Chile large trawling vessels processed onshore conditions ship shore processing can't verify the quality high throughput processing fish oil feeding fish meal single biggest product fisheries smaller by-product less valuable by-product fish oil reliable products market advice source abundant supply of fresh oily fish omega-3 reliable source manufacture omega-3s from algal sources unoxidised source of omega-3 algal sources Health Report Norman Swan Professor David Cameron-Smith human nutritionist Liggins Institute at the University of Auckland /

Nissan is making progress with vehicle autonomy too – Robert Llewellyn takes a ride

Video below, claimed to be provided by Elon Musk, shows a Tesla Model S driving unaided to an office building, dropping off its passenger, & finding a parking spot. While finding the parking spot, the Model S stops for a pedestrian. If this video was not sourced from Tesla, the parking lot contains a surprising number of their products.



Tesla gets the biggest share of the publicity, but most, if not all, car manufacturers are working on an autonomous vehicle. Robert Llewellyn, was recently a passenger in a Nissan Leaf with substantial autonomy. A Nissan engineer was in the driver’s seat & had to take over briefly, but an impressive demonstration, none-the-less.

/ Tesla Model S Autopilot autonomy autonomous Autopilot Nissan Leaf electric vehicle first ride fully autonomous car public roads UK United Kingdom Nissan Tetsuya Iijima not driving car vehicle ride in Nissan’s self-driving electric Leaf all-electric Leaf made by Nissan rolled to a stop combination 12 cameras four side panel laser scanners computing power detailed mapping data self piloted car mostly drive itself Nissan general manager automated driving tech sit hands off the wheel short ride future of driving handful of companies develop autonomous car technology freeway next car heads toward Highway 237 passengers test drive first public Nissan's self driving electric Leaf U.S. U.S.A. United States combination of sensors configuration first time Tokyo immature technology Nissan brought self driving car Silicon Valley start testing on U.S. roads company's Silicon Valley Research center hosted a media event unveiling technology projects Nissan research artificial intelligence connected cars Leaf success self driving cars more cautious methodical manner Google electric cars Nissan self-driving features mass market introduce self driving features autonomous driving traffic jams hands-free lane changing cost low enough safe enough bulk mainstream car lineup sensor computing technology self driving Nissan LEAF costs many times more building autonomous technology beta-tested Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn Nissan partner French automaker Renault add incremental autonomous features ten vehicle models next four years replacing the driver empowering the driver self driving cars hottest technology Silicon Valley automakers Ford Toyota Volkswagen General Motors GM latest technologies Nissan car companies research centers Silicon Valley attract most talented Bay Area engineers leading tech players /

Samsung Galaxy S8 revealed

Samsung Galaxy S8 is being revealed at the moment. A few things predicted on these pages on 10 March:

☑ 5.8 & 6.2 inch screens

☑ S8 & S8 Plus are much smaller than screen sizes would suggest because bezels are largely eliminated

☑ fingerprint sensor at the back, next to the camera
☑ no physical home button

/ Samsung Galaxy S8 release date specifications specs rumours price explained Samsung Galaxy S8 Olixar Ultra-Thin Case - 100% Clear Samsung's Galaxy S8 flagship is coming on March 29 Galaxy S8 reveal date revealed by Samsung apologizing to fans yet again for its disastrous drama recalling 3 million fire explosion Galaxy Note 7 phones teasing the Galaxy S8 design and announcement date safe buyable Galaxy S8 South Korean company giant mobile show Samsung characteristically launches its Galaxy S phones Samsung's profits are soaring chips S7 and S7 Edge phone sales $5 billion lost on the Note 7 impending lawsuits Samsung truly great phone most impressive phones Samsung ever made Galaxy S8 can Samsung win back buyers' trust Galaxy S8 rumors leaks rumour rumor speculation Samsung official Galaxy S8 announcement Galaxy S8 could start selling mid-April Samsung will reveal the Galaxy S8 March 29 in New York City Samsung's revised eight-point battery testing procedure more space inside for the battery Galaxy S8 Plus Galaxy S8 + Galaxy S8 Edge curved screen Galaxy S8 Samsung's flagship phone dual-curved screens scaled the production process curved screens two phones Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus Galaxy S8 could still come in two sizes Galaxy S8 Edge Galaxy S8 Plus sizes hardware specs S8 /

Tesla Model 3 spotted – high quality video

Grainy, short video of a black Model 3, in poor light, recently shown on these pages is now all over the ’Net. Here’s a video that fixes all of the shortcomings listed above:



Once again, the centre screen is visible for a few frames (0:08 mark), no sign of a heads up display (HUD).

Some thoughts re HUD:

● if HUD was fitted to the Model 3 in the video, it might be invisible due to an angle of acceptance issue

● volume of HUD speculation suggests that if Tesla doesn’t fit one, after-market will supply

This inexpensive HUD uses your phone display:

Boy Genius Report – “This $24 head-up display has more features than the HUD in a $100,000 Mercedes”
https://bgr.com/2017/01/25/smartphone-hud-car-projector-iphone-android/ / $24 head-up display has more features than the HUD in a $100,000 Mercedes electric vehicle EV battery lithium ion LiIon charge battery electric vehicle BEV Elon Musk released very first images very first Tesla Model 3 release candidate Tesla started production release candidate Model 3 vehicles cars made almost entirely production machines test production process vehicles themselves video of the Model 3 no visible changes we can see the cameras for the Autopilot sensor suite see the camera in the Tesla badge front fender pillar on the side slight adjustments front fascia headlights video is very low-res Model 3 another color than silver red matte black spot other changes release candidate definitely significant difference front end Model 3 release candidate live streaming Tesla Model 3 unveil event on Tesla.com beginning at 8.30pm PDT March 31st reservations Model 3 worldwide two ways to make a reservation queue visit your local Tesla make a reservation online Tesla.com live unveil starts 8:30pm PDT March 31st 8:30 pm PDT 31 March 2016 3:30 am Friday 01 April 2016 GMT Tesla model 3 III electric car mass market car electric vehicle EV /

ZeTime – smartwatch with mechanical hands & touchscreen – update 13Mar2018

A major problem with smartwatches is short battery life. Two days is generally considered good. Some struggle to make it through a typical day. A major culprit is the display – power-hungry screen technology taken directly from phones.

E-ink displays are much more energy-efficient, but provide fewer, less intense colours. Pebble watches used E-ink displays to provide battery life of a week or longer. But Pebble is no more.¹

ZeTime has another idea for a low energy time display – conventional analogue mechanical hands.


ZeTime smartwatch – analogue mechanical hands draw much less power than the phone screen technology used in most smartwatches
Credit: MyKronoz Switzerland/ZeTime

Mechanical hands draw very little power – operating this way, ZeTime is claimed to have a battery life of 30 days. Another advantage is that it answers the claim that some people object to the appearance of smartwatches.

But ZeTime is not just another dumb watch:


ZeTime smart watch – digital display with numbers, heart rate monitor & step counter – other options available
Credit: MyKronoz Switzerland/ZeTime

Naturally, using the screen reduces battery life – “In traditional Smartwatch usage (used regularly throughout the day), the battery will last around 3 days with a single charge.”²

Other smartwatch functions include:
● notifications of incoming phone calls, SMS & email
● control music
● camera remote
● find phone
● step counter – sync with fitness apps
● heart rate monitor
● custom watch faces
● water resistance to 30 metres

How to prevent the hands from obscuring notifications? Move them out of the way:


ZeTime smart watch – SMS displayed – contact details in the top half – content in the bottom half of the screen – hands temporarily moved for easy reading
Credit: MyKronoz Switzerland/ZeTime

Most existing smart watches have a short battery life. Power management options are:
● have that power-hungry screen on all the time, or
● extend battery life by only turning it on to check the time, or for notifications

ZeTime extends battery life by not having to switch the screen on to check the time. Another battery extender is the absence of a battery-killing GPS.



Update 13 March 2018:

ZeTime is available through Kickstarter for as little as $US139.

ZeTime watch projects have over $US5 million in funding on both Indiegogo & Kickstarter. Although the conventional funding period ended in April 2017, it appears that it is still possible to secure a watch, for $US159, from either of the crowd funders. Contrast this with prices starting at $US177 on Amazon as of this writing. Check prices at:

Indiegogo – “ZeTime: hybrid smartwatch with hands over screen”
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zetime-hybrid-smartwatch-with-hands-over-screen-watch/x/9010251

Kickstarter – “ZeTime: World's first smartwatch with hands over touchscreen”
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1282890542/zetime-worlds-first-smartwatch-with-hands-over-tou
__________

¹   HitchHiker's Guide 2 Tech: “Pebble is no more – what next?”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2017/03/pebble-is-no-more-what-next.html

²   ZeTime: “Frequently Asked Questions”, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1282890542/zetime-worlds-first-smartwatch-with-hands-over-tou/faqs

/ ZeTime world's first smartwatch with hands over touchscreen designed in Switzerland perfect always-on smartwatch blending classic design smart features affordable price first smartwatch no compromises ZeTime world first hybrid smartwatch combining mechanical hands full round color colour touchscreen groundbreaking technology mount watch hands through center high-resolution TFT color display ZeTime blends classic design traditional timepiece most advanced features smartwatch classic analogue mechanical watch hands powered by patented Smart Movement technology ZeTime automatically update time your location up to 30 days on a single charge tradition meets high tech ZeTime innovation multi-layer technology combining TFT color display mechanical hands touch panel ultra-resistant Gorilla glass hands get in the way of the screen solved Smart Movement technology mechanical hands controlled by the watch CPU move them if necessary maximize visibility screen hands reading your emails instant messages elegantly separate the screen in two horizontally landing in a different time zone ZeTime automatically synchronization with your smartphone hometown time zone custom watch faces smart wearable devices changed the way we organise our day connect with the world limitations compromises design quality materials toughness water resistance battery life accessible price point /

Tesla’s Model 3 may be 10x safer than other cars

Tesla’s Model 3 – first deliveries planned for the end of this year
Credit: YSSN

Tesla has a strong record in safety:
● best crash safety rating of any car ever tested¹

● semi-autonomous versions of Tesla Autopilot have improved safety² – e.g. when Autosteer was enabled, crash rate of Teslas was reduced by 40%³

Tesla analyst with Morgan Stanley, Adam Jonas has claimed that the Model 3 will be 10x safer than most other cars on the road.

Electrek – “Tesla Model 3 will give ‘superhuman’ safety to driver & be ’10x safer than current cars’, says Tesla analyst Adam Jonas”
https://electrek.co/2017/03/23/tesla-model-3-superhuman-safety/

Business Insider – “MORGAN STANLEY: Tesla's Model 3 may be 10x safer than any car on the road today”
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/tesla-stock-price-update-after-morgan-stanley-note-2017-3

Boy Genius Genius Report – “Tesla’s Model 3 may be 10x safer than regular cars, analyst claims”
https://bgr.com/2017/03/23/model-3-safety-autonomous-driving-software/

As a small-volume car, the Tesla Model S appears to have prevented many accidents, & by implication, saved many lives. Single-car-accidents aside, an avoided accident prevents injury &/or death &/or damage in more than one vehicle. However, the Model 3, as a mass-market car, means a larger number of cars on the road preventing accidents. A substantial number of Model 3s on the road will make the roads safer for everyone.
__________

¹ Hitchhikers’ Guide 2 Tech: “Tesla Model S achieves best crash safety rating of any car ever tested”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2013/08/tesla-model-s-achieves-best-safety.html

² Hitchhikers’ Guide 2 Tech: “Tesla Autopilot predicts an accident before it happens”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/12/tesla-autopilot-predicts-accident.html

³ Hitchhikers’ Guide 2 Tech: “NHTSA report on fatal Tesla crash makes a strong case for Autopilot safety – update”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2017/01/nhtsa-report-on-fatal-tesla-crash-makes.html
/ Tesla Autopilot predicts an accident before it happens Tesla Model 3 will give superhuman safety to driver 10x safer than current cars Tesla analyst Adam Jonas Model 3 score 5 stars in every safety category Morgan Stanley’s Tesla analyst Adam Jonas vehicle’s safety underrated feature give the vehicle a competitive edge Model 3’s safety features ah-hah moment car will launch later this year consumer surveys safety often ranks as the top feature considered by car buyers Jonas says Model 3 order of magnitude 10x safer than the average car Tesla Model 3 hardware and software provide a level of active safety significantly lead all other cars on sale today an order of magnitude 10x safer than the average car on the road every OEM we talk to safety is the number 1 determinant of car purchases car due to launch this year star rating system used by NHTSA crash tests Tesla recently announced performed encouraging crash tests Model 3 active safety features enabled Tesla’s suite of autonomous driving and safety features collision avoidance automatic emergency braking Model 3 enhance capabilities across the range Model S Model X automated driving fully autonomous driving driver has a legal obligation to keep hands on the wheel at all times driver is still human superhuman assist Tesla active safety features reliable new Autopilot 2.0 suite Model S Model X Tesla Vision image processing system significant improvements Model 3 enters production later this year level 4 level 5 autonomy not ready legally available Tesla suite of sensors software always-on safety features prevent more accidents several examples first generation of Tesla’s Autopilot new suite 360-degree camera coverage ultrasonic sensors better range potential to be much more efficient examples first generation Tesla Autopilot new radar technology predicts an accident caught on dashcam a second later Tesla’s new radar technology Autopilot saving owners from accidents Tesla owner Autopilot’s side collision avoidance system prevented highway accident dashcam video Tesla Model S collision shows the Autopilot helping prevent an impact Tesla Autopilot prevented serious injury saved the life of a pedestrian in DC /

Tesla Model 3 – 4WD option, performance, battery size (video)

First Model 3s delivered won’t have 4WD

@FredericLambert @JimPengelly No, we are minimizing configuration complexity to keep the production ramp on schedule. RWD only for early production, just like Model S.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017

First 4WD will have to wait until …

@TimShelton @FredericLambert @JimPengelly First in line for dual motor as soon as we can make it, which is probably in 6 to 9 months.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017

There will be a performance version

@dr_angus Yeah, probably a year from now. S will still win on acceleration though, due to having more space for a larger battery.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017

75 kWh is biggest battery that can fit within Model 3 wheelbase

@kryniog The shorter wheelbase only allows for a 75 kWh pack in Model 3 at current cell/module energy densities

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017

Notice the landscape format central screen is clearly visible through the driver's window for a few frames. No sign of the head up display (HUD) in front of the driver which has been widely speculated. My guess is that there will be no HUD – driver in the video in my report on the Model 3 reveal seems sure:

HitchHiker's guide 2 Tech – “Tesla Model 3 event (video)”
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/04/tesla-model-3-event.html / electric vehicle EV battery lithium ion LiIon charge battery electric vehicle BEV Elon Musk released very first images very first Tesla Model 3 release candidate Tesla started production release candidate Model 3 vehicles cars made almost entirely production machines test production process vehicles themselves video of the Model 3 no visible changes we can see the cameras for the Autopilot sensor suite see the camera in the Tesla badge front fender pillar on the side slight adjustments front fascia headlights video is very low-res Model 3 another color than silver red matte black spot other changes release candidate definitely significant difference front end Model 3 release candidate live streaming Tesla Model 3 unveil event on Tesla.com beginning at 8.30pm PDT March 31st reservations Model 3 worldwide two ways to make a reservation queue visit your local Tesla make a reservation online Tesla.com live unveil starts 8:30pm PDT March 31st 8:30 pm PDT 31 March 2016 3:30 am Friday 01 April 2016 GMT Tesla model 3 III electric car mass market car electric vehicle EV /

Did Neanderthals know about antibiotics? Aspirin?

Part of a Neanderthal skull
Credit: Paleoanthropology Group MNCN-CSIC/Twitter

See the brown marks on the Neanderthal teeth above? They're dental calculus (tartar). I.e. calcium deposits formed while the former owner was alive. Preserved within the calculus is material from inside the mouth during life. DNA remains from bacteria & components of the diet. In life, the individual whose teeth are shown above had been eating wooly rhino, mouflon sheep & mushrooms.

Examination of the skull of another Neanderthal has revealed:
● dental abscess
● diet high in poplar bark – a source of salicylic acid (aspirin)
● penicillin mould

Aspirin + penicillin – sounds like a sensible treatment for a dental abscess. Does this indicate that Neanderthals had a knowledge of pharmacology? More in the podcast & transcript at:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/did-neanderthals-know-about-antibiotics/8363970 / Neanderthals antibiotics Professor Alan Cooper University of Adelaide South Australian Scientist of the Year analysed calcified tartar teeth of Neanderthals tartar reveals microbiome diversity of bacteria on the teeth bacteria can be associated with vegetation eaten health Neanderthal from Spain nasty abscess nasty gastro parasite gastrointestinal parasite further analysis revealed diet high in poplar bark source of salicylic acid aspirin home remedy for pain other samples penicillin mould vegetation covered in white mould Neanderthal consciously eat the mould aware mould’s antibiotic action Neanderthal antibiotic effects of penicillin 50,000 years before it was discovered by western science Neanderthals Professor Alan Cooper Adelaide carry evidence what they had for dinner calcified bacteria teeth Neanderthal specimens examine their microbiome complete diversity of bacteria carrying around with them look at health our relationship kind of diseases shared picked up from them whole bunch of information about their diet their behaviour bacteria key findings Neanderthals very nasty dental abscess very nasty gastro parasite we picked up in his tartar calcified bacteria eating large amounts of poplar source salicylic acid aspirin willow poplar bark and the buds using home remedies for pain tartar diet penicillin mould actual fungus that makes penicillin fungus Penicillium mould relatively widespread environment by-catch that particular Neanderthal young male from Spain had four different types of plant moulds in his mouth in the diet eating moulded vegetation mountainsides of northern Spain pine forest white mould growing on the pine needles eating Neanderthals his mouth is sore dental abscess eat moulded vegetation antibiotic action speculative 50,000 years before western medicine discovered antibiotics Neanderthals history of using plants chimpanzees Richard Wrangham in Harvard selected certain leaves ate stomachs were empty had a greater effect upset chimpanzees Spain tradition ancient humans Neanderthals animals all of our ancestors hunter gatherer ancestors plant pharmacogenetics pharmacology Neanderthals from Spain were almost vegetarians diet teeth pine nuts bark mushrooms Neanderthals from Belgium on the edge of the mammoth steppe grass plain stretches all the way back through Siberia into Alaska eating rhino mouflon sheep mushroom Neanderthals big red meat eaters preying scavenging mega-fauna DNA dental calculus tartar local environment traditional Palaeolithic diet edge of the mammoth steppe vegetarian pine nut occupation northern Spain mountainous forest food adapted to the local environment Palaeolithic diet tartar thousands of years intact could analyse it perfect fossil study the microbiome important thing our lives animals controls fossilise fossilize coprolites fossilised fossilized poo faeces biological warfare bacteria and fungus bacteria coprolite tartar on your teeth constantly fossilising all the time bacterial plaque growing on your teeth covered in the calcium from your saliva fill holes in your teeth at night when you die you already have a fossilised set of bacteria sitting on your teeth nicely laid down in calcium Professor Alan Cooper University of Adelaide South Australian Scientist of the Year /

Best number plate on an electric vehicle ever!

Credit: Renew Economy

Never seen any point in spending money on a something as useless as a number plate, but give this one a tick :) / Vanity plate number plate license plate licence plate battery electric vehicle EV BEV index lithium ion LiIon /

Superscreen – your phone with a 10.1 inch screen – update 5

Update – Funding has passed $US1 million in just 7 days – still available at $US99.

Update – Funding has passed $US1.5 million – $US99 price still available until 12 noon Monday 03 April EDT

Update 11 April – Funding has passed $US2 million – still available at $US119 for 8 more days

Update 15 April – Funding has passed $US2.2 million – still available at $US119 for 5 more days

When the original iPad appeared, some said, “It’s just a limited phone with a bigger screen.” True of course, but it ignored the fact that some tasks that are impractical on a phone screen, are practical on a ~10" screen. Examples include word processing, watching video, & reading magazines (as opposed to books). This was even more true at the time, when the iPhone had a 3.5" screen & phone screens in general were smaller than they are today.

Many users find a phone & tablet combination userful. Add to that full size computer(s) (laptop &/or desktop) for a substantial & expensive computing establishment. Each component with its own expenses & maintenance requirements for software & ongoing updates.

There’s a Kickstarter project that can eliminate virtually all of the expense & maintenance requirements for an entire level of such a computing infrastructure for just $US99 – Superscreen



Why is Superscreen better than a tablet?

● cheaper than a tablet

● as powerful as your phone – low-spec tablets are available for not much more money – but if you have a top-of-the-line phone, Superscreen becomes a top-of-the-line tablet

● similarly, Superscreen can make use of all of the storage in your phone – built in, or in a microSD card

● can use your phone’s mobile data – separate SIM/account not required

● Superscreen gets a hardware update every time you upgrade your phone

Oversubscribed more than 1,000% on Kickstarter – works with Android or iPhone.

Kickstarter – “Superscreen – Supercharge your phone with a 10.1" HD display”
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brentmorgan/superscreen

ZDNet – “Superscreen puts your smartphone in the body of a tablet”
http://www.zdnet.com/article/superscreen-puts-your-smartphone-in-the-body-of-a-tablet/

Pocket-lint – “Turn your Android phone or iPhone into a tablet with the Superscreen”
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/140592-turn-your-android-phone-or-iphone-into-a-tablet-with-the-superscreen / Superscreen supercharge your phone 10.1 inch HD display features $600 iPad $99 device Superscreen benefits tablet power & convenience your phone Superscreen new way experience digital world you have set-up on your phone does everything a tablet can do everything a casting product can do everything in your phone in one affordable great looking device Never stretched or zoomed smartphone 4x bigger and better Superscreen perfectly scales your content full HD nothing gets blurry or chopped familiar touch full multi-touch multi touch orientation control plus support for a stylus faster than Wi-Fi Superscreen patent pending technology transfers data between your phone industry leading speeds Bluetooth range obstructions cross compatibility Superscreen full control of your smartphone's native operating system Use Superscreen exactly as you would use your phone /

Is the US government violating the constitution by failing to take action on climate change? It's about to be tested in court

One of the inequities in the way that climate change is being addressed (or not) is that the people who are making the choices are, by-&-large, older. Youth, on the other hand, has a bigger stake in a future impacted by climate change.


Tia Hatton
Credit: Green & Grey

Someone who appears to be acting on this inequity is Tia Hatton, who has been described as, “a global citizen of America who's suing Trump over climate change.” More precisely, she's one of 21 people aged 9-20, who are suing the federal government for violating the constitutional rights of future generations by failing to regulate the environment. Not without success – in 2015, they filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration,¹ claiming that the United States government had failed to take sufficient action on climate change, & that this failure was unconstitutional. In November 2016, US District Judge Ann Aiken wrote in a judgement, “Exercising my ‘reasoned judgment,’ I have no doubt that the right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life is fundamental to a free & ordered society.”²

Big Think – “Trump May Face Lawsuit from America's Children over Climate Change”
http://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/kids-are-taking-the-government-to-court-over-climate-change

Global Citizen – “Meet Tia Hatton, a Global Citizen of America Who's Suing Trump Over Climate Change”
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-of-america-tia-hatton/

Pacific Standard – “Can a Surprise Lawsuit in Oregon Save American Climate Policy?”
https://psmag.com/can-a-surprise-lawsuit-in-oregon-save-american-climate-policy-2339f386b13f#.qu4ugtio8
__________

¹ Pacific Standard: “Can a Surprise Lawsuit in Oregon Save American Climate Policy?”, https://psmag.com/can-a-surprise-lawsuit-in-oregon-save-american-climate-policy-2339f386b13f#.qu4ugtio8

² Global Citizen: “Meet Tia Hatton, a Global Citizen of America Who's Suing Trump Over Climate Change”, https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-citizen-of-america-tia-hatton/ / Tia Hatton Global Citizen of America suing Trump over climate change environmentalists called on the world abandon fossil fuels for decades emissions keep rising climate change gets worse each year Our Children's Trust lack of meaningful action those in power emboldened them try new tactics historic Juliana et Al. V United States lawsuit August 2015 case waged 21 young people aged 9-20 suing USA federal government violating constitutional rights future generations failing to regulate the environment 2016 appeals court ruled in their favor legal system monumental legal battle US District Judge Ann Aiken wrote exercising my reasoned judgment no doubt climate system capable sustaining human life fundamental free and ordered society Tia Hatton one 21 plaintiffs lawsuit part broader group youth advocates Earth Guardians lawsuit Tia Hatton activism uphill battle environmental advocacy Bend Oregon developed abiding passion for nature studying environmental international studies University of Oregon /

Seizure-inducing Twitter attack – FBI apprehends perpetrator

Still from the alleged epileptic seizure-inducing GIF
Credit: Breaking 911

“For about 3 percent of people with epilepsy, exposure to flashing lights at certain intensities or to certain visual patterns can trigger seizures. This condition is known as photosensitive epilepsy.”¹

Journalist Kurt Eichenwald, who is a photosensitive epileptic, had a seizure after received a tweet containing a flashing, auto-playing image. A single frame from that image is shown at the top of this post.

Understandably, law enforcement was not impressed, & the perpetrator has been apprehended by the FBI. Charges are expected to be laid by the FBI & Dallas district attorney.

I want to thank Dallas Police, Dallas DA, US Attorney in Dallas, the FBI & the Dept of Homeland Security who all played a role in this case.

— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) March 17, 2017

C|Net – “FBI arrests Twitter user who sent seizure-inducing GIF”
https://www.cnet.com/au/news/kurt-eichenwald-twitter-epileptic-seizure-fbi-arrest/

Huffington Post – “Man Arrested For Tweeting Seizure-Inducing GIF To Reporter With Epilepsy”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/arrest-seizure-gif-reporter-kurt-eichenwald_us_58cc850ae4b00705db4fc429
__________

¹ Epilepsy Foundation: “Photosensitivity & Seizures”, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/photosensitivity-and-seizures
/ Donald Trump critic had seizure Twitter troll sent flashing image senior writer Newsweek magazine Kurt Eichenwald epilepsy detractors tried to exploit his condition intending cause him physical harm publishing article about President Donald Trump's conflicts of interest received video Twitter user named Mike's Deplorable AF contained strobe lights flashing circles picture Pepe the Frog flying at the screen images designed to trigger an epileptic seizure Eichenwald Trump critic frequently ridicules the Republican businessman supporters online Kurt Eichenwald journalist writes for Vanity Fair Newsweek tweeted FBI arrested man suspected purposely purposefully sending GIF triggered epileptic seizure rapidly flashing GIFs posted replies to that link Department of Justice confirmed statement John Rayne Rivello 29 Salisbury Maryland arrested Friday federal charges cyberstalking Dallas victim victim Eichenwald identity Eichenwald written openly epilepsy years past December 2016 Twitter user handle @jew_goldstein sent strobing GIF induced a seizure Eichenwald You deserve a seizure incident appeared on television criticized President Donald Trump's incident Eichenwald short break Twitter press charges against those who sent similar images more than 40 strobe images were sent to him FBI Dallas Police Dallas County District Attorney US Attorney in Dallas Department of Homeland Security involved in the case complaint Rivello's initial appearance in US District Court in Maryland affidavit, Rivello's Twitter account direct messages Rivello's account Twitter users concerning victim Justice Department direct messages I hope this sends him into a seizure let's see if he dies I know he has epilepsy Justice Department Rivelo's iCloud account screenshot Wikipedia page for the victim altered fake obituary date of death listed Dec. 16, 2016 screenshots Epilepsy.com list commonly reported epilepsy seizure triggers Dallas observer.com Dallas Police Department identify Twitter user Justice Department confirmation from the Justice Department defendant's name details affidavit /

Electric GT circuit racing series – lighter, quicker Tesla Model S P100D (video)

Tesla Model S P100D modified for the Electric GT racing series – note lightweight biocomposite roof & bonnet (hood)
Credit: Electrek

Originally, the Electric GT circuit racing series was to run Tesla Model S P85+ only.¹ Now it has been decided to use P100D.

Why the change of policy? A significant problem with electric vehicles in circuit racing is battery temperature.¹ P100D has a substantially redesigned battery cooling system which is better suited to circuit racing.²

Among the modifications allowed under the regulations is weight reduction. The racer which has recently been revealed (above) is 500 kg (1,100 lbs) lighter than a production P100D. This is due in part to replacement of some panels with a lightweight biocomposite, which has apparently been chosen for its environment-friendly, biodegradable properties, in addition to its light weight.³

This Model S is credited with a 0-60 mph time of 2.0 seconds (0 to 100 km/h 2.1 seconds) – that's 0.3sec better than a stock P100D.

Races will be run on conventional race circuits, such as Silverstone & Nürburgring. Events will include 20-minute practice, 30-minute qualifying, & two races of 60 km (37 miles) each. First event is planned for August of this year.


Credit: Electric GT

If the video above (however briefly) is any indication, Electric GT has a drama that Formula E has so far lacked.

Electrek – “Electric GT unveils stripped-down Tesla Model S P100D with 2.0-sec 0 to 60 mph acceleration”
https://electrek.co/2017/01/14/electric-gt-tesla-model-s-p100d/

Electrek – “Electric GT reveals how it reduced Tesla Model S P100D’s weight by 1,100 lbs with biocomposite”
https://electrek.co/2017/03/17/electric-gt-tesla-model-s-p100ds-weight/

Electric GT – official series web site
https://www.electricgt.co/
__________

¹ HitchHiker’s Guide 2 Tech: “Tesla Model S racing series”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/03/tesla-model-s-racing-series.html

² Electrek: “Teardown of new 100 kWh Tesla battery pack reveals new cooling system & 102 kWh capacity”, https://electrek.co/2017/01/24/tesla-teardown-100-kwh-battery-pack/

³ Manufacturing Terms: “Biocomposite”, http://www.manufacturingterms.com/Biocomposite.html

“A biocomposite is a material formed by a matrix (resin) & a reinforcement of natural fibers (usually derived from plants or cellulose). With wide-ranging uses from environment-friendly biodegradable composites ...”

/ Tesla Model S racing series Electric GT World Series grid modified Model S zero-emissions GT road car based racing championships begin 2017 car grid Tesla Model S P85+ new championship Electric GT World Series seven-race season 2017 races Europe America Asia organisers tracks used Barcelona Spain Donington UK Mugello Italy Estoril Portugal 10 teams team two modified Tesla Model S P85+ road cars power unit control software unchanged standard road car 416hp horsepower 601Nm torque changes aerodynamics suspension brakes more suitable for racing car's weight reduced tearing out unneeded upholstery battery's cooling system improved drivers foot on the throttle longer Agustin Paya professional racing driver promoter Electric GT World Series P85+ rear-wheel-drive newer P90D all-wheel-drive chosen more suitable for racing easier to fix in a pinch drivers prefer RWD track future Formula E plan Electric GT World Series allow range different cars grid Tesla Model S one of the best cars ever made best 100 percent electric cars luxurious super tourer made for racing weight distribution low centre of gravity considerable mass more than two tons allows unbelievable cornering speed unending torque add up great racing car testing Barcelona Catalunya F1 Circuit Madrid Jarama circuit Model S GT champion Electric GT pull in the punters Formula E engine noise Model S much larger battery Formula E cars car-switching battery back swapping races last more than 100 or 150 miles Tesla racing exciting techies Teslaphiles tune in favourite car electric race car racing car lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range Electric GT Holdings race series Tesla Model S electric car electric vehicle EV Electric GT Formula E fastest longest-range longest range electric road car production Model S Model S P85+ high performance Model S dual motor all wheel drive D variants Tesla Model S racing series Electric GT World Series grid modified Model S zero-emissions GT road car based racing championships begin 2017 car grid Tesla Model S P85+ new championship Electric GT World Series seven-race season 2017 races Europe America Asia organisers tracks used Barcelona Spain Donington UK Mugello Italy Estoril Portugal 10 teams team two modified Tesla Model S P85+ road cars power unit control software unchanged standard road car 416hp horsepower 601Nm torque changes aerodynamics suspension brakes more suitable for racing car's weight reduced tearing out unneeded upholstery battery's cooling system improved drivers foot on the throttle longer Agustin Paya professional racing driver promoter Electric GT World Series P85+ rear-wheel-drive newer P90D all-wheel-drive chosen more suitable for racing easier to fix in a pinch drivers prefer RWD track future Formula E plan Electric GT World Series allow range different cars grid Tesla Model S one of the best cars ever made best 100 percent electric cars luxurious super tourer made for racing weight distribution low centre of gravity considerable mass more than two tons allows unbelievable cornering speed unending torque add up great racing car testing Barcelona Catalunya F1 Circuit Madrid Jarama circuit Model S GT champion Electric GT pull in the punters Formula E engine noise Model S much larger battery Formula E cars car-switching battery back swapping races last more than 100 or 150 miles Tesla racing exciting techies Teslaphiles tune in favourite car electric race car racing car lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range Tesla Model S P100D modified Electric GT racing series lightweight biocomposite roof bonnet hood Electric GT circuit racing series run Tesla Model S P85+ Tesla Model S P100D change of policy significant problem BEV battery electric vehicles circuit racing battery temperature P100D substantially redesigned battery cooling system better suited circuit racing modifications allowed regulations weight reduction racer recently been revealed 500 kg 1,100 lbs lighter production P100D stripped interior replacement panels lightweight biocomposite environment-friendly biodegradable properties light weight Model S 0-60 mph time 2.0 seconds 0 to 100 km/h 2.1 seconds 0.3sec better than a stock P100D races run conventional race circuits Silverstone Nürburgring 20 minute practice 30 minute qualifying two races of 60 km 37 miles first event August this year Electric GT video Electric GT Formula E Electric GT stripped-down Tesla Model S P100D 2.0-sec 0 to 60 mph acceleration Electric GT reduced Tesla Model S P100D’s weight 1,100 lbs biocomposite Electric GT Tesla Model S racing series new cooling system /

Spinning sail to cut fuel costs & reduce pollution caused by shipping

RoLo cargo ship made its first voyage in August 2010
Credit: Nick's Cruise Corner/Blogger/Google

International shipping is responsible for a significant portion of atmospheric pollution.¹

From time-to-time, sail has been trialled to reduce emissions. The spinning sail was invented by the German engineer Anton Flettner & demonstrated in 1925.




How a spinning sail can produce thrust
Credit: MarineLink

Now a number of shipping companies are trialling rotating sails.



The Guardian – “‘Spinning sail’ rebooted to cut fuel & make ocean tankers greener”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/14/spinning-sail-reboot-cut-fuel-make-ocean-tankers-greener

New Atlas – “Century-old rotorsail design gets modern makeover”
https://newatlas.com/norsepower-rotor-sail-shipping/48435/
__________

¹ Wikipedia: “Environmental impact of shipping”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_shipping

“Of total global air emissions, shipping accounts for 18 to 30 percent of the nitrogen oxide & 9 percent of the sulphur oxides.”

“3.5 to 4 percent of all climate change emissions are caused by shipping, primarily carbon dioxide.”

/ spinning sail cut fuel consumption make ocean tankers greener Maersk tanker Norsepower rotor sails technology first invented German engineer Anton Flettner trialled Atlantic crossing 1926 spinning sail can produce thrust direction of thrust can be reversed by reversing the direction of rotation international shipping substantial portion of atmospheric pollution sail trialled reduce emissions rotating sails spinning sail produce thrust direction of thrust reversed reversing direction of rotation MarineLink Flettner Rotor test 1925 ECO FLETTNER spinning sail cut fuel make ocean tankers greener rotorsail design environmental impact of shipping total global air emissions shipping accounts for 18 to 30 percent nitrogen oxide 9 percent of the sulphur oxides climate change emissions caused by shipping carbon dioxide CO2 climate change global warming ocean-going tanker fitted with a type of spinning sail invented almost a century ago more environmentally friendly tankers worldwide unusual sails rotating columns fixed deck of the ship interaction with the wind provides forward thrust trial is backed by Maersk one of the world’s biggest shipping companies Shell’s shipping arm international shipping highly polluting bunker fuel industry coming under increasing pressure play its part in tackling climate change reducing emissions technologies explored cut pollution include kites batteries biofuels spinning or rotor sail invented German engineer Anton Flettner put it into practice on two ships crossed the Atlantic in 1926 propels the ship when wind passes spinning rotor sail air flow accelerates on one side decelerates opposite side creating thrust force perpendicular to the wind direction rotor sails installed 240 metre-long Maersk tanker modern lightweight versions produced Finnish company Norsepower 30 metres tall 5 metres in diameter largest rotor sails ever deployed first to be used on a tanker favourable wind conditions rotor sail produce 3MW of power 50kW of electricity needed to turn it Norsepower’s CEO Tuomas Riski wind direction reverses rotation of the sail reversed overall fuel savings 7-10% expected equivalent 1,000 tonnes of fuel a year deployed rotor sails on roll-on/roll-off ferry saving of 6% technology improvements environmental regulations rotor sail compete with diesel power wind renewable energy available at large scale in the ocean new sails fitted during the first half of 2018 analysed at sea until the end of 2019 few fuel-saving technologies offer double-digit percentage improvements Andrew Scott UK’s Energy Technologies Institute industry-government partnership helping fund the trial shipping moves much of the world’s goods significant source of air pollution carbon emissions deal agreed by the UN’s International Maritime Organisation 2016 cut sulphur emissions from 2020 heavily criticised postponing any action on greenhouse gases IMO International Monetary Organisation acting Kyoto Protocol IMO’s latest greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan envisages collect data no commitment to act NGO Transport & Environment shipping companies exploring cleaner energy systems cruise liner firm Hurtigruten ordering pair hybrid powered ships battery system power them waste heat ship’s diesel engines produce electricity German company SkySails large kites provide wind power modern shipping Enercon fitted four rotor sails transport ship 2010 Norsepower’s rotor sails will be larger /

Porsche Mission E – first of a family of all-electric cars

Porsche Mission E concept car
Credit: Porsche/The Express Tribune

Porsche announced its intention to produce an electric car, over a year ago.¹ At the Geneva Motor Show (9rd to 19th March 2017²) , company chairman Oliver Blume expanded on their plans:
● development program (Mission E) is on track to meet its 2018 deadline
● on sale towards the end of 2019³
● 4 seats, 4 doors
● battery under the floor
● over-the-air updates of software
● over-the-air upgrades – e.g. more horsepower
● autonomous driving – Level 4⁴
● over 600 hp (450 kW)
● 500 km (311 mile) electric range
● 15 minutes to 80% charge using Porsche proprietary 800v charging system⁵

● no intention to create an equivalent of the Tesla Supercharger network, despite developing a proprietary 800v charging system⁵

● 0-100 kph (62mph) in less than 3.5sec

● Mission E will be the 1st of a range of fully electric vehicles which will extend beyond 2025, probably including an SUV

With sales planned to begin, “towards the end of 2019”, well over 2 years from now, there is nothing ambitious in this schedule. The only remarkable claims are:

● 800 Volt charging, which Porsche claimed to have available in December 2016⁶

● 500 km range, which production Teslas & existing prototypes can do today⁷ – range is largely a matter of adding battery capacity – not a problem at Porsche prices

Drive – “Porsche to build family of electric cars”
https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/porsche-to-build-family-of-electric-cars-20170308-gutwjf.html

Wheels – “2017 Geneva Motor Show: Mission E to spawn electric Porsche range”
https://www.wheelsmag.com.au/news/events/1703/mission-e-to-spawn-electric-porsche-range

Autocar – “Porsche Mission E: electric car to have wide range of variants”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/porsche-mission-e-electric-car-have-wide-range-variants
__________

¹ HitchHiker’s Guide 2 Tech: “Porsche EV plans confirmed”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/12/porsche-ev-plans-confirmed.html

² Geneva International Motor Show: http://www.gims.swiss/en/

³ Autocar: “Porsche Mission E: electric car to have wide range of variants”, https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/porsche-mission-e-electric-car-have-wide-range-variants

⁴ Wikipedia: “Autonomous car”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_car
“Level 4: The automated system can control the vehicle in all but a few environments such as severe weather. The driver must enable the automated system only when it is safe to do so. When enabled, driver attention is not required.”

⁵ Drive: “Porsche to build family of electric cars”,
https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/porsche-to-build-family-of-electric-cars-20170308-gutwjf.html
"I think this car will have a big potential as it has over 600 hp (450 kW), the range is over 500 km & charging time is 15 minutes for 80 percent charging – it will depend a lot on the electric infrastructure & the charging systems [in different regions] but the car will have a big success." – Porsche Chairman Oliver Blume

⁶ HitchHiker's Guide 2 Tech: “Porsche EV plans confirmed”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/12/porsche-ev-plans-confirmed.html

⁷ HitchHiker's Guide 2 Tech: “Lucid Motors claims 400 mile range for its luxury electric car”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/12/lucid-motors-claims-400-mile-range-for.html

/ Porsche Mission E concept car Porsche produce electric car Geneva Motor Show company chairman Oliver Blume plans development program Mission E on track 2018 deadline on sale towards end 2019 4 seats 4 doors battery under the floor over-the-air updates software over-the-air upgrades more horsepower autonomous driving Level 4 over 600 hp 450 kW 500 km 311 mile electric range 15 minutes 80% charge Porsche proprietary 800v charging system Tesla Supercharger network develop development developing proprietary 800v charging system Mission E range of fully electric vehicles SUV Mission E EV electrically powered Porsche German sports car sportscar manufacturer project called Mission E launching new EV Porsche expansion upgrades Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen plant expanding expand existing engine factory production of electric motors Mission E concept Frankfurt Motor Show four-door car four door car power output 600 hp 440 kW floor-mounted battery pack range over 500 kilometers Porsche 800-volt charger electric vehicle EV demonstrated demonstrate wireless charging system Mission E Dr. Wolfgang Porsche chairman Supervisory Board sports car electric mobility Chairman Executive Board Dr. Oliver Blume solely battery-powered sports cars Porsche sportiest technologically most sophisticated battery lithium ion LiIon charge recharge range /

Lucid Air electric car will start at $US60,000

Lucid Air electric car
Credit: Lucid Motors/Financial Review

Remember the Lucid electric car?

HichHiker’s Guide 2 Tech – “Lucid Motors claims 400 mile range for its luxury electric car”
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/12/lucid-motors-claims-400-mile-range-for.html

Specs, including 1,000 horsepower & 130 kWh battery (biggest battery in the Tesla Model S is 100 kWh), suggested a high price. However, Lucid has just announced a more modest version with 400 horsepower, RWD, 240 mile range, & hardware for autonomous driving. Asking price for the lower-spec version is $US60,000 – which becomes $US52,500 after deduction of the US $7,500 federal tax incentive.

Road & Track – “Lucid Air Electric Car Starts at $52,500, Gets 400 HP & 240 Miles of Range”
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/news/a32938/lucid-air-electric-car-starts-at-52500-gets-400-hp-and-240-miles-of-range/

Engadget makes much of, “The ‘entry’ car will offer all the hardware [emphasis mine] you need for autonomous driving … a big deal when Tesla makes you drop about $10,000 (for Enhanced Autopilot & full self-driving support) for similar features.” This is quite misleading. Tesla includes the hardware for fully autonomous driving in every vehicle.¹ Standard Model S makes use of the autonomous driving hardware for, “Active safety technologies, including collision avoidance & automatic emergency braking, have begun rolling out through over-the-air updates.” Extra charges are made for enabling the software for, “Enhanced Autopilot”, & “Full Self-Driving Capability”.²

Engadget – “Lucid's luxury electric car will start at $52,500”
https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/15/lucid-air-pricing/

C|Net/Road|show – “The Lucid Air electric luxury car will start at $52,500 ... sort of”
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/the-lucid-air-electric-luxury-car-will-start-at-52500-sort-of/

The Verge – “Lucid Motors’ electric car will cost $60,000” http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/16/14944068/lucid-motors-air-electric-car-price-range-specs
__________

¹ Tesla: “Performance & safety refined”, https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/models#battery-options

“All Tesla vehicles produced in our factory, including Model 3, have the hardware needed for full self-driving capability at a safety level substantially greater than that of a human driver.”

² Tesla: “Model S”, https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/models/design?redirect=no / Lucid Air 1,000 HP electric Tesla-killer 400 mile range luxury mobility Lucid Motors Tesla rival Lucid prototype shop Fremont California automaker formerly known as Atieva Lucid Air luxury sedan Lucid Air perfect commuter vehicle power of a sports car 1,000 HP 1,000 horse power modern car start-up automaker fully-electric powertrain bodywork VP of design Derek Jenkins poached from Mazda MX-5 Miata completely different strategy mainstays of the auto industry game-changer model EV heavyweight Tesla market Lucid Tesla former Model S chief engineer Peter Rawlinson Lucid’s chief technology officer Tesla Model S luxury Model X SUV mass-market car Tesla Model 3 Tesla brand Lucid’s first car sports car electric drive powerful seamless makes traditional engines feel antiquated interior space similar Mercedes-Benz S-Class blending sublime luxury modern design relax spread out new space in the luxury vehicle market amazing commuter vehicle right size for urban conditions small city garages same size Mercedes E-Class connected technology autonomous features range commuters Lucid’s homegrown electric motor hardware 600 HP 600 horsepower 600 horse power space traditional Tesla-style battery slung between the wheelbase front suspension condensed system integration engineers HVAC blowers ahead bulkhead reducing cabin noise second power bundle at the rear multi-link rear suspension switchable volume inverted air-springs active damping Lucid’s solution increasing cabin space reducing external dimensions inter-systems spatial optimization optimisation executive jet-style reclining rear seats fit into the footprint of a car this size range launch initially 100 kilowatt hour battery pack 300 miles of driving Peter Rawlinson 130 kilowatt hour option up to 400 miles charge through a port on the nose Lucid paving the way car to drive itself autonomous driving Autopilot enabled at the start whole range of sensors built-in standard performance Tesla increasingly squeezing more power out of its cars Lucid deliver same sort of grunt total 1,000 horsepower 2.5 second 0-60 mph time cabin 29-speaker audio system 12 beam-forming microphones dashboard multiple displays touch-friendly centre center display more storage space Lucid Alexa-style voice controlled assistant automatically adjust settings who identifies inside at the wheel Lucid’s headlights high-intensity LEDs 9740 micro-lens array lenses per headlight dynamically angled production Casa Grande Arizona late 2018 brand new $700m manufacturing plant was announced late November produce up to 130,000 cars each year /

iPhone – what is Apple planning for the 10th anniversary year?

iPhone turns 10 this year – witness this advertisement from 2007:



Expect a big effort from Apple for the new iPhone – including perhaps skipping the 7S name for 8, or maybe 10 or X.

● 5.8" OLED screen
● curved
● edge-to-edge display
● USB-C
● no physical home button – imbedded in the display
● wireless charging

● more power efficient processor, together with OLED display will give better battery life

iPhone 8 – Wireless charging, edge-to-edge curved display, USB-C
Credit: Stock News USA

MacRumors – “iPhone 8”
https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-8/

Macworld – “iPhone 8 rumours: goodbye Lightning, hello USB-C”
http://www.macworld.com.au/news/iphone-8-rumors-goodbye-lightning-hello-usb-c-145060/#.WMlYJnR95E4

Business Insider – “These are the 12 most believable iPhone 8 rumors we've heard”
http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-8-2017-rumors-features-2017-3/?r=AU&IR=T/#1-there-will-be-an-s-model-of-the-iphone-7-1

Macworld – “Should Apple dump Lightning from the iPhone 8? The cases for & against”
http://www.macworld.com.au/news/should-apple-dump-lightning-from-the-iphone-8-the-cases-for-and-against-145079/#.WMlgGnR95E4 / iPhone 8 wireless charging edge-to-edge display USB-C 5.8" OLED screen curved edge-to-edge display USB-C no physical home button imbedded in display wireless charging more power efficient processor OLED display better battery life MacRumors iPhone 8 goodbye Lightning hello USB-C most believable iPhone 8 rumors Should Apple dump Lightning from the iPhone 8 die-hard iPhone fans AMOLED displays other phones Samsung look better than LCD screens iPhones rumors iPhone fans phone screens OLED display next iPhone OLED expensive rumors latest scuttlebutt Apple's next iPhone Barclays report Apple would skip the S model this year Apple from iPhone 7 to iPhone 8 iPhone 10 2017 tenth anniversary iPhone S models iPhone 7 updates processor new red color option Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Japanese Apple blog MacOtakara third high-end iPhone Apple release high-end iPhone larger 5.8-inch screen premium phone Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge release new high-end iPhone model radical design tweaks feature curved screen flat implementation OLED design special iPhone model special 10th anniversary iPhone different technology Touch ID fingerprint reader OLED display rumors The Korea Herald high-end iPhone AMOLED display iPhone 7S 4-inch iPhone SE LCD displays like past iPhone models OLED displays superior to LCD displays almost every way more power efficient better colors better contrast better brightness /

VPN Internet security for mobile use

Black oval to the right of the laptop is a Keezel – mobile VPN in-a-box
Credit: Tom's Hardware

Public WiFi networks are far from secure.¹ Free WiFi at that coffee shop may not be the bargain it appears. A VPN represents a substantial security upgrade.²

Keezel is mobile VPN-in-a-box for WiFi networks – with single button operation.

HitchHiker's Guide 2 Tech – “Keezel: easy-to-use privacy & security for every online device, everywhere”
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/07/keezel-easy-to-use-privacy-security-for.html

Indiegogo crowd funding closed on 23 August 2015. Estimated delivery at that time was December 2015. As of this date, few have been delivered. Contributions are still being taken, with delivery estimated as April 2017.

In the interim, there have been a number of changes, including:
● battery upgrade, from around 5,000 mAh to 8,000 mAh+
● announcement of VPN provision by PureVPN, proXPN, & Le VPN

While Keezel have been making little apparent progress, alternatives have appeared.

InvizBox Go



Ars Technica – “Invizbox Go aims to make mobile privacy painless over any Wi-Fi”
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/09/invizbox-go-aims-to-make-mobile-privacy-painless-over-any-wi-fi/

InvizBox was crowdfunded through Indiegogo & Kickstarter. They can still be ordered on Indiegogo, with a range of VPN support packages provided by IP Vanish, ranging from 2 months ($US99) to lifetime ($US399).

Interesting point, a small VPN support package can be updated to lifetime after the InvizBox is delivered, if the supporter likes the device. Check this exchange in the comments earlier in March.

Darrylstp 12 days ago
Hi. Pledged Early Bird last night. Is there a potential upgrade route to lifetime or extended length if I find I really like the product, or do I have to buy Lifetime up front?

Paul Canavan [Campaigner] 11 days ago
@darrylstp – You can upgrade later. Just drop us a line!

Indiegogo Project – “InvizBox Go - Privacy.Security.Stream.Extend.Block”
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/invizbox-go-privacy-security-stream-extend-block-wifi-security/x/9010251#/

Kickstarter – “InvizBox Go - Privacy Made Easy”
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/683682172/invizbox-go

InvizBox manufacturer Web site
https://www.invizbox.com/

Betterspot



Betterspot is different in a few ways

● Keezel & InvizBox were built by engineers who then had to go looking for other organisations to provide their VPN backend – Betterspot was built by Betternet VPN as a mobile front end for their existing VPN service

● in addition to WiFi connections to the Internet & the user's device, Ethernet is also available

● no internal battery – powered by USB – for mobile use, a powered USB port on a laptop, or an external battery is required – this may be better in the long run, as the batteries in Keezel & InvizBox are not replaceable

BestVPN – “Betterspot VPN Router Review”, https://www.bestvpn.com/betterspot-vpn-router-review/

Indiegogo – “Betterspot: A Smart VPN Router for All Devices”
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/betterspot-a-smart-vpn-router-for-all-devices-security/x/9010251#/

Kickstarter – “Betterspot: A VPN Router for All Devices & Platforms”
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/betterspot/betterspot-a-vpn-router-for-all-devices-and-platfo
__________

¹ Digital Trends: “How dangerous is public Wi-Fi? We ask an expert”, http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-dangerous-is-public-wi-fi/

² “A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet.” – How to How-To Geek: “What Is a VPN, & Why Would I Need One?”, https://www.howtogeek.com/133680/htg-explains-what-is-a-vpn/ / public WiFi networks far from secure free WiFi VPN security Keezel mobile VPN-in-a-box WiFi networks single button operation Keezel easy-to-use privacy security online device everywhere Indiegogo crowd funding estimated delivery delivery battery upgrade mAh VPN provision PureVPN proXPN Le VPN alternatives InvizBox Go Invizbox Go mobile privacy painless Wi-Fi InvizBox crowdfunded Indiegogo Kickstarter range of VPN support packages IP Vanish IP Vanish IP Vanish 2 months lifetime small VPN support package can be updated to lifetime Campaigner InvizBox Go InvizBox manufacturer Web site Betterspot built by engineers provide their VPN backend Betterspot was built by Betternet VPN mobile front end for their existing VPN service WiFi connections Internet device Ethernet is also available no internal battery powered by USB for mobile use powered USB port on a laptop external battery BestVPN Betterspot VPN routerone device fits in your pocket changes online world control your Internet world’s first portable on line see what you are doing online visit blocked websites all over the world geographically locked region locked secure all your devices one keezel no software installation needed required growth intelligent worldwide keezel network provider provided best providers keezel switch it on with 1 button one button operation privacy feel secure connect to whatever you want control crowdfunding unique server network worldwide keezel chooses best available connection everytime you connect Keezel partners partner world class VPN providers servers worldwide combining multiple VPN networks provide largest most resilient network keezel automatically selects best connection best service simple big worldwide server network working for you keezel online freedom protecting your privacy security free and open internet WiFi networks all WiFi devices VPN technology simple campaign perks 1 year 2 year lifelong access our world class VPN network free basic service protect your privacy security on WiFi networks free WiFi connect to WiFi expose yourself to identity theft data leakage colleagues at work on the company network keezel protects your privacy security online coffee shops hotels airports at work at home encryption encrypts encrypt your connection all connected devices without having to install software app application many governments censor Internet blocking voices opposition Facebook Twitter other websites blocked Internet widespread problem websites TV shows watched in certain countries episodes your favorite show unavailable when travelling watch a sports game race inaccessible in your country or region connect keezel country of your choice keezel creates your own secure WiFi network Keezel connects to WiFi networks your favorite coffee shop creates a secure WiFi network open source encryption technology big companies government organizations protect their data doesn't require installation laptop phone smart solution works with all your WiFi devices connect your personal keezel WiFi online freedom without screens keezel's VPN service high quality resilient server network all over the world partners partner world class network providers best service super competitive price Indiegogo perks least one year of this service premium service limited speed locations secure browsing emailing encryption change location country great battery life charge charges your phone keezel powerful battery almost three times the capacity of your iPhone 6 use keezel charge other devices service subscription only limited speed locations 8000 mAh 7000 mAh 5000 mAh /