Keeping your phone safe in an uncaring world

Credit: N-Tech

The Gadgeteer – “What is the worst thing to happen to your mobile phone?”
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2016/03/17/what-is-the-worst-thing-to-happen-to-your-mobile-phone/

Take home message from the article above, is that the major dangers to your phone are being dropped onto a hard surface, or submerged under water.

Part of the problem arises from the materials used in making phones. If I'm carrying hundreds of dollars worth of hardware, that I depend on for a large & growing list of functions, I'd prefer something with the resilience of a basketball. That's not going to happen, but a minimum of glass, & replacing metal with shock-absorbing plastic would be a good start.

On the other hand, for most people, functionality dictates a minimum of a 3.5 inch diagonal screen, & probably the most popular size is around 5 inches – either way, that's quite a lot of glass.

Manufacturers & reviewers seem to have agreed that a, “premium”, phone should contain as much glass & metal as possible – in some cases, including metal covered with glass at the back.

Look at the image above – there's a good chance that a case would have prevented the carnage. Problem with cases is that for many people, after choosing a phone with skinny-jeans-compatibility, making the phone bigger by adding a case doesn’t appeal. If this sounds like you, take another look at the image above …

If you are still committed to the skinniest phone, you may be interested in the Naked Case – essentially the plastic used in plastic screen protectors extended to cover the entire phone. Such a case won't absorb an impact, but will reduce the chance of screen breakage & provide protection against scratches.

The Gadgeteer – “Naked Case for the iPhone 7/7+ review”
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2016/10/24/naked-case-for-the-iphone-77-review/

Naked Cases web site
https://nakedcases.com/

Another type of minimal, “case”, protects just the corners. Check this:



Bumprz don't appear to have made it to production, but Rmour seems to apply the same principles. Crowd funding has closed, but your can pre-order.

Kickstarter – “Rmour: Silver case for Your iPhone 7 & 7 Plus”
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/48548502/rmour-silver-case-for-your-iphone-7-and-7-plus/description

Rmour manufacturer's web site
http://www.rmour-creatio.com/

Rmour is only available for the iPhone 7 & 7 Plus, but it does illustrate two important principles in protecting any phone in a fall:
● protect the corners

● prevent the screen from touching the ground – in addition to covering the corner, each Rmour covers a small part of the front & back of the phone – if it falls face down, the phone is supported at the corners, & the screen doesn't actually impact the ground

If you are looking for a minimal phone case, look for something with:
● good corner protection

● a ridge in front of the screen that will touch down before the screen – this will protect the screen in a fall & any time you put it face down – check the image below

Credit: Otterbox

If your are serious about protection, a good place to start is to buy a phone from Apple or Samsung, as they are generally best supported by case manufacturers. It's early days, but support for Google's Pixel is looking good too.

Some rules of thumb
● more popular phones are better supported by case manufacturers (surprise!)
● more expensive phones are better supported by case manufacturers

● older phones are poorly supported – manufacturers generally do one, or a small number of production runs, & then sell from stock

● its worth checking cases before you buy the phone

In my experience, the most protective cases come from LifeProof & OtterBox. (LifeProof was acquired by Otterbox in 2013,¹ but, at least at the design level, they operate as separate entities, with no overlap in their catalogues.) Check their sites for cases offering a range of protection, bulk & price. If you want waterproof, LifeProof is your best bet. This is becoming less important, though, as there is a growing trend for phone manufacturers to make the phones themselves waterproof.

Otterbox
https://www.otterbox.com/

LifeProof
https://www.lifeproof.com/

Best way to protect your phone from a fall is to not drop it in the first place. A case can help here too – grippy is better.

Why it's importance to place your phone face down
Look at the image at the top of this post again – notice that the cracks all radiate from a central point – the point of impact – either from the phone falling on something – or something falling on the phone. You can protect your screen from something falling on it by placing it face down – but check the surface. Paper, desk top, carpet, bed, all OK, but something more abrasive, no. Once again, a case with a ridge in front of the screen that will touch down before the screen, helps.

Lifehacker – “Five Foolproof Ways To Protect Your Phone's Screen”
https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/02/five-foolproof-ways-to-avoid-a-cracked-phone-screen/
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¹ Wikipedia: “LifeProof”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LifeProof / Naked Case iPhone 7 iPhone 7+ Rmour silver case what is the worst thing to happen to your mobile phone major dangers to your phone dropped onto a hard surface submerged under water underwater mobile phone cell phone hardware large growing list of functions glass metal shock-absorbing plastic functionality 3.5 inch diagonal screen most popular size 5 inch diagonal screen premium phone glass aluminium metal glass phone skinny-jeans-compatibility case skinniest phone Naked Case plastic screen protectors absorb an impact reduce the chance screen breakage protection against scratches The Gadgeteer Naked Case iPhone 7 7+ Naked Cases web site minimal case protects corners Bumprz production Rmour crowd funding pre-order Kickstarter Rmour silver case iPhone 7 iPhne 7 Plus Rmour manufacturer's web site Rmour illustrate important principles protecting phone fall protecting the corners prevent screen from touching the ground Rmour covers front and back phone falls face down phone supported corners screen impact ground minimal phone case good corner protection ridge above the screen touch down before the screen protect the screen fall put it face down Otterbox if your are serious about protection buy phone from Apple or Samsung best supported by case manufacturers support Google's Pixel most protective cases LifeProof OtterBox LifeProof Otterbox protection bulk price waterproof LifeProof growing trend phone manufacturer make phones waterproof Otterbox LifeProof place your phone face down cracks radiate from a central point point of impact phone falling on something something falling on the phone protect your device something falling ways to protect your phone's screen /

Sweet Case for iPhone 7 & iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone with Sweet Case – just 4 mm thicker at the back, plus 1 mm for screen protection at the front
Credit: Eli Imani/Sweet Case/Indiegogo

Apple deleted the 3.5 mm earphone socket from the iPhone 7. And iPhones have never had a microSD flash memory expansion.

Sweet Case on an iPhone 7 adds:
● 3.5 mm earphone socket
● microSD slot
● battery – doubles total capacity
● kickstand

Indiegogo project – “Sweet Case: World's Best iPhone 7 & 7 Plus Case”
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sweet-case-world-s-best-iphone-7-7-plus-case/x/9010251#/

Fuze case for the iPhone 7 is similar, but without the memory expansion or kickstand
https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/10/add-headphone-socket-to-your-iphone-7.html / Sweet Case world's best iPhone 7 Plus case case extra battery flash memory audio jack kick stand kickstand slim case developed desired iPhone case protects your phone memory capacity HQ audio jack high quality audio jack 3.5 mm audio socket sound extra battery power back stand hands free case 4mm thick Sweet Case iPhone 7 iPhone 7 Plus iPhone 7+ thinnest protects iPhone microSD card Micro SD card slot Sweet Case external SD card slot memory expansion flash memory expansion more storage memory your phone storage more movies songs pictures apps iPhone additional capacity up to 256GB Sweet Case integrated card slot iPhone 256GB internal memory up to 512GB amazing storage managed Sweet Case app complete Sweet Case development production HQ audio jack Sweet Case produce high quality sound 24 bit sampling CD quality HQ audio jack delivers better performance lightning port card readers battery charger smartphones charge charging charged case internal battery power specs iPhone's internal battery Sweet Case pass through technology first charges your phone case transfers data phone computer while charging battery status checked 5 rear LEDs lights button Sweet Case app development slim and elegant design slim design designing developing Sweet Case thickness weight case iPhone 7 iPhone 7 Plus 7.1mm thick thickness Sweet Case slim and elegant design 4mm thick 1mm screen protection at the front /

Tesla Autopilot – still need to keep your hands on the wheel!

Tesla’s Autopilot is not yet truly autonomous (but coming soon). It requires the person in the driver’s seat to keep hands on the wheel. If it detects non-compliance, it beeps warnings. What happens next?



If you look carefully at the 1:57 mark, the message at the bottom of the screen reads, “Autosteer Unavailable for the Rest of This Drive”. / Tesla updated radar camera ultrasonic sensors electric cars CEO Elon Musk new hardware's capabilities would lag behind cars on the street already Musk has projected Hardware 2.0 cars surpass older generation Hardware 1.0 vehicles fully self-driving 3 to 6 months news owners Hardware 2.0 cars rollout Autopilot features over-the-air updates over the air updates bringing those models closer functionality older-hardware cars full self-driving capability features enhanced autopilot features Elon Musk arrival Autopilot newer cars behind schedule series tweets Musk slow rollout Autopilot features camera calibration software update buyers Tesla cars built after October 2016 newly updated hardware start surpassing old hardware soon Musk's plan two-tiered Autopilot system Hardware 1 cars capable of running Autopilot Hardware 2 cars feature Enhanced Autopilot Hardware 2 cars offer a fully self-driving system Autopilot Hardware 2-equipped cars fully self-driving option installed half of their sensors enabled possibility running Autopilot two different sets of cars Musk goal driverless Enhanced Autopilot fully self-driving trip Los Angeles New York small delay Autopilot rollout Autosteer Autosteer /

Fingbox monitors your network for security & troubleshooting (update)

Fingbox
Credit: Fingbox/Twitter

Fing is a free smartphone app (iOS & Android) that lets you keep an eye on what’s happening on your WiFi network. It’s been around since 2009. Here’s a LifeHacker review from 2014:

“Fing Shows You All the Devices Connected to Your Network”
https://lifehacker.com/fing-shows-you-all-the-devices-connected-to-your-networ-1655438240

Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overlook.android.fing&hl=en

App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/fing-network-scanner/id430921107?mt=8

Now Fing has been imbedded into a piece of hardware that can monitor your network 24/7, rather than whenever you think to take a look on you phone.



Because it’s permanently attached to your network, it can do a few things that aren’t practical with your phone, such as monitor 24/7, & produce logs.

Fingbox is an Indiegogo project. Funding has closed (over $US544,000 raised), so the backer project price is no longer available, but you can pre-order at the MSRP.

(Pssst – check out the “super secret discount”, which you can access in the free app.)

Update 10 April 2017 – “Super secret discount”, has been downgraded to, “secret discount” :(

Manufacturer’s web site
https://www.fing.io/ / simple device secure troubleshoot your home network Fingbox tools keep your home network safe Wi-Fi working Fingbox secure and troubleshoot your home network controlled entirely within Fing app Fingbox alerts you senses anything out of the ordinary new devices on your network changes in your Internet performance unidentified devices unwelcome intruder find out who's home block devices make your Wi-Fi work Fing number 1 network scanner now in a box Fingbox evolution of the Fing app popular network scanner iOS Android 15 million users additional security troubleshooting features home network solution Fingbox block any device from accessing your network see what devices are hogging broadband find best Wi-Fi spots in your home when a family member gets home Fingbox designed able to work with any home network configuration simply plug it in Ethernet port your primary router no manual configuration needed Fing app developers Fing app superior device recognition ease of use network scanning technology app 15 million downloads 7 million active users positive reviews App Store Google Play iTunes Fingbox /

Highest radiation reading since 3/11 detected at Fukushima No. 1 reactor

Sea water being pumped into the damaged reactor building at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in an attempt to cool the molten cores. Contaminated water escaped into the Pacific Ocean.
Credit: peaceandjustice.org.uk/Twitter

Claims by vested interests, that no-one died as a result of the Fukushima melt down^1,2 were given a new perspective with the discovery of radiation levels of at least 370 sieverts³ per hour.

To put that in perspective, 1 minute of exposure to such radiation would kill over 50 percent of the population. Even a radiation-hardened robot would have a projected operational lifetime of around 2 hours.

Science Alert – “Radiation levels in the Fukushima reactor are soaring unexpectedly”
https://sciencealert.com/radiation-levels-in-the-fukushima-reactor-have-started-unexpectedly-climbing

Japan Times – “Highest radiation reading since 3/11 detected at Fukushima No. 1 reactor”
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/03/national/fukushima-radiation-level-highest-since-march-11/#.WJcv7rZ95E5
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¹ Conveniently ignoring contamination of the land & the Pacific Ocean, the on going exclusion zone, & the elevated levels of cancers in survivors.

² The Ecologist: “‘No one died, no one's health was damaged’ - Fukushima's big lie”,
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2306129/no_one_died_no_ones_health_was_damaged_fukushimas_big_lie.html

³ Encyclopædia Britannica: “Sievert (Sv)”, https://www.britannica.com/technology/sievert / image analysis two-meter hole metal grate under pressure vessel reactor No. 2 containment vessels Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant highest radiation reading since 3/11 detected Fukushima No. 1 reactor radiation level containment vessel reactor 2 crippled Fukushima No. 1 power plant reached maximum 530 sieverts per hour highest since the triple core meltdown March 2011 Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc. blazing radiation reading taken near entrance space just below pressure vessel reactor core high figure indicates melted fuel escaped the pressure vessel 530 sieverts person could die from even brief exposure difficulties ahead government and Tepco grope dismantling all three reactors crippled March 2011 disaster Tepco analysis of images taken remote-controlled camera2-meter hole metal grating under pressure vessel reactor’s primary containment vessel grating is warped hole caused when the fuel escaped pressure vessel mega-quake massive tsunami triggered station blackout crippled plant’s ability cool the reactors searing radiation level described experts unimaginable far exceeds previous high 73 sieverts per hour reactor Tepco calculated figure analyzing electronic noise camera images caused by radiation estimation method margin of error plus or minus 30 percent official National Institute of Radiological Sciences medical professionals never considered dealing with this level of radiation 4 sieverts radiation exposure kill 1 in 2 people 1,000 millisieverts 1 sievert infertility loss of hair cataracts exposure doses above 100 millisieverts increases risk of cancer Tepco surface radiation inside normally operating pressure vessel several thousands sieverts per hour discovery difficulty removing fuel debris decommission plant government Tepco locate fuel start removing 2021 utility deploy remote-controlled robot check conditions inside containment vessel utility change its plan reconsider route robot takes into interior hole in the grating extraordinary level of radiation robot operate for less than two hours destroyed designed withstand exposure up to 1,000 sieverts calculation 73 sieverts per hour robot run for more than 10 hours 530 sieverts per hour rendered inoperable less than two hours /

Ping – the world’s smallest global GPS locator

There are a lot of Bluetooth devices out there that claim to track your keys, bag, laptop etc. I've tried some of them. None have performed to spec. Claimed performance is Bluetooth range (up to 30 metres – 100 feet). Beyond that, location depends upon a collaboration involving other same brand locators & connected phones.

Ping solves all of these problems by using its own GPS & cellular connection. Apps for iOS & Android. Cellular connection costs just $US36 per year – first year free. Add coverage in 157 countries for just $US10 per year. All in a package just 34 x 34 x 12 mm & 28 grammes (1.3 x 1.3 x 0.5 inches & 1 ounce).



IndieGoGo project – “Ping - The World’s Smallest Global GPS Locator”
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ping-the-world-s-smallest-global-gps-locator-bluetooth/x/9010251#/

Digital Trends – “Ping's Bluetooth tracker has GPS & cellular connectivity, too”
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ping-bluetooth-cellular-gps-tracker/

Manufacturer’s web site
http://pinggps.com/ / Ping world’s smallest global GPS locator global range long battery life instant locating for kids pets luggage anything that moves world's smallest longest range longest battery life global GPS locator kids pets bikes drones luggage anything important that moves included Ping GPS locator clip attachment 1 year free service charging cable Bluetooth trackers like Tile TrackR finding things fall behind cushions car seats GPS trackers large have expensive data plans simpler solution instantly locate anything important low battery notifications remind recharge expensive replacements batteries Ping True GPS range phone work check-in button loved ones send location simple push double tap button send SOS alerts emergency Ping anyone anything that matters stay connected no matter how far away they are full list of global countries world wide Ping requires cellular plan bundle first year of service Ping pre-order annual renewal $36 per year per device global coverage 157 countries additional $10 per year global coverage is not included in your Ping pre-order bundle know where your child find your wandering pet locate your loved one locate missing luggage find your bike instantly never forget where you parked again backers additional free color clip campaign Ping Bluetooth cellular data mobile data GPS provide most accurate possible location for each device BTLE Bluetooth Low Energy used locate device within 35 feet of your location cellular networks satellites locate devices farther away cellular triangulation Ping can't see the sky Ping located receive notification application mobile phone app Ping will find what matters to you /

Electricity prices could double with new coal-fired stations

Credit: Twitter

Unsubsidised renewables have been cheaper than new coal in many parts of the world for some time.^1,2,3,4

Opponents of renewables frequently remind us that wind & solar are intermittent, but ignore the fact that a large grid allows electricity supply from those places where the sun is shining &/or the wind is blowing.⁵ Also, modern, accurate weather forecasting makes renewables predictable so that they can be scheduled properly.⁵

Coal consists substantially of carbon, so that its use for power generation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.⁶

In light of the above, it is surprising that the conservative Australian Federal Government recently suggested that new, coal-fired power generation plant, is feasible – & attempted to head off concerns about the resulting carbon emissions with suggestions of, “clean coal” technology.⁷

Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Electricity prices could double with new coal-fired stations, energy experts say
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-02/coal-power-stations-could-double-the-cost-of-electricity/8234240

Renew Economy – “Clean coal” most expensive new power supply, says BNEF (& not all that clean)
https://reneweconomy.com.au/clean-coal-most-expensive-new-power-supply-says-bnef-and-not-all-that-clean-74531/

Queensland Government – “Electricity prices to double under Turnbull’s new coal-fired power stations plan”
https://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/2/2/electricity-prices-to-double-under-turnbulls-new-coalfired-power-stations-plan
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¹ Giles Parkinson: “Renewables now cheaper than coal & gas in australia”, 7 February 2013, http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/renewables-now-cheaper-than-coal-and-gas-in-australia-62268

² Beyond Zero Emmissions: “In Australia, Wind Power Is Already Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels, & Solar Is Right Behind”, http://bze.org.au/media/newswire/australia-wind-power-already-cheaper-fossil-fuels-and-solar-right-behind-130211

³ Solar Market: “Renewable Energy Now Cheaper than Coal”, https://www.solarmarket.com.au/renewable-energy-now-cheaper-than-coal/

⁴ Mike Calise, Head of Electric Vehicle Solutions for North America at Schneider Electric, interviewed by Michael Kent on Charged EVs: “Unsubsidized solar is already cheaper than retail electricity prices in many markets around the world: Australia, Chile, Germany, Italy, India (according to Seba’s book, Clean Disruption).” http://chargedevs.com/features/evs-renewables-energy-storage-the-unstoppable-trio-of-energys-future/

⁵ Hitchhiker’s Guide 2 Tech: “Renewable energy & the national grid”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/11/renewable-energy-national-grid.html

⁶ Hitchhiker’s Guide 2 Tech: “A 100% renewable electricity grid is not just possible, but essential”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-100-renewable-electricity-grid-is-not.html

⁷ Parliament of Australia: “Clean coal”, https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/Browse_by_Topic/ClimateChangeold/responses/mitigation/emissions/clean / renewable sustainable energy electricity power generation renewables solar wind turbine photovoltaic photo-voltaic PV solar hydro electricity hydro-electricity storage battery pumped hydro carbon dioxide CO2 methane Ch4 carbon carbon monoxide greenhouse gas greenhouse gases greenhouse gasses greenhouse effect global warming climate change fossil fuel radiation pollution acid rain Alternative Technology Association ATA coal fired power station fully renewable electricity grid provide long-term economic climate social benefits new discussion paper Alternative Technology Association ATA ATA’s 100% Renewable Energy Grid fully renewable energy grid Australia grid doable play an important part fight climate change paper COAG meets Finkel Review security stability national electricity market ATA not-for-profit sustainability organisation reviewed evidence recent developments previous studies Australian Energy Market Operator all experts agree 100% renewable grid will be reliable and stable appropriate mix renewable generation sources energy storage upgraded infrastructure Andrew Reddaway author ATA energy analyst periods of calm cloudy weather electricity sourced sunny windy parts of the country supplemented energy stores hydroelectric dams molten salt heat storage batteries renewable gas pelletised woody waste grid robust smarter renewable generators batteries automatically injecting extra electricity grid stability Mr Reddaway smart appliances detect disturbances grid independently adjust power level to compensate grid would be manageable transition energy costs slightly higher business as usual BAU in the longer term downward pressure on electricity bills renewable energy generation cheap to run building 100% renewable grid Snowy Mountains Scheme many jobs would be created capital costs spread over the project’s duration span at least a decade widespread energy efficiency measures further offset costs /