Thursday, July 07, 2016

Facebook reveals open-source wireless platform, OpenCellular

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/06/facebook-opencellular-internet-access-remote/

OpenCellular is Facebook's open-source wireless access platform designed to provide internet to remote areas around the world. OpenCellular is roughly the size of a shoe box and it can support up to 1,500 people as far as 10 kilometers away with a range of connectivity options, including wireless services and everything from 2G to LTE. By the end of 2015, more than 4 billion people across the globe didn't have access to basic internet services and 700 million people lived outside the range of cellular connectivity -- making it difficult to log into Facebook, of course.

The initial version of OpenCellular's software platform will be available in the summer, and Facebook is testing out the boxes at its headquarters right now.

OpenCellular will eventually be open source, allowing researchers, telecom operators, tinkerers and anyone else to build on its design. Facebook will work with other Telecom Infra Project members to build and support an active community around OpenCellular.

"With OpenCellular, we want to develop affordable new technology that can expand capacity and make it more cost-effective for operators to deploy networks in places where coverage is scarce," Facebook engineer Kashif Ali writes. "By open-sourcing the hardware and software designs for this technology, we expect costs to decrease for operators and to make it accessible to new participants."

OpenCellular joins Facebook's other global connectivity initiatives, including its internet lasers and Aquila, the company's unmanned, solar-powered, internet-distributing plane.

This month, the United Nations reaffirmed internet access as a human right in a resolution that stated, in part, "The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression." The non-binding resolution condemned governments that disrupted their citizens' internet connections, and it noted disparities in access among certain nations and between women and men across the globe.

Via: Mark Zuckerberg

Source: Facebook

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Samsung's world-first UFS memory cards are blazing fast

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/06/samsung-ufs-removable-storage/

We've heard arguments for and against removable storage on smartphones, but we can all agree on the fact that the more the merrier. And we're not just talking about memory space here, as the speed becomes more crucial when it comes to capturing higher video resolutions on our smartphones and drones. To satisfy our need for speed, Samsung is the first to announce a series of UFS (Universal Flash Storage) removable memory cards, with its 256GB flavor boasting an SSD-like sequential read speed of 530MB/s -- that's about half a gigabyte per second and almost five times faster than the top microSD cards these days. It can also do 170MB/s sequential writing, which is almost two to three times faster.

More importantly, Samsung claims that its upcoming 256GB card is rated with a random read rate of 40,000 IOPS, which is 20 times higher than that of a typical microSD card; and likewise, it has a random write rate of 35,000 IOPS, which is a whopping 350 times higher. But of course, we'll believe it when we see it, which may be a while since we've yet to come across devices that support this new standard. It's also worth noting that even though UFS cards closely resemble their microSD counterpart, you can see that the new pin layout means the two aren't cross-compatible. We'll just have to keep an eye out for future announcements -- here's hoping that the upcoming Galaxy Note 7 will be one of the first devices to support these awesome memory cards.

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Fujifilm's X-T2 camera pairs a familiar design with 4K video

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/07/fujifilm-x-t2/

Based on recent conversations with Fujifilm camera users, I know many of them couldn't wait for the X-T1 successor to be announced. And well, that day is finally here. Today, Fujifilm introduced its new X-T2 mirrorless shooter, a major upgrade over the X-T1 from 2014. The X-T2 features a 24.3-megapixel (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III sensor without a low-pass filter, which should help capture sharp, DSLR-like images. Additionally, there's an X-Processor Pro chip that, according to Fujifilm, uses improved algorithms to produce a more accurate autofocus system (325 single points, 91 zone).

What's more, in a first for the X Series line of digital cameras, Fujifilm's X-T2 can shoot 4K video at 24, 25 and 30 fps. That's something fans of the brand had been asking for, but we'll see whether the UHD quality (3,840 x 2,160) meets people's expectations. For now, we do know recording in 4K is limited to up to 10 minutes at a time, though this could change later with a firmware update. That said, you also have the option to shoot for longer periods in 1080p (15 minutes) or 720p (30 minutes) at 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps.

Like its predecessor, the X-T2 comes with a weather-resistant design, as well as an OLED electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch tilting LCD screen and WiFi for remote control and sharing pictures to mobile devices. The X-T2's continuous shooting mode is a decent 8 fps, while the ISO range clocks in at 100-21,600 (52,000 with the High setting). And don't forget you have Fujifilm's trademark physical dials at your disposal. All told, the X-T2 is a solid alternative to the X-Pro 2 -- at least on paper.

The X-T2 won't be cheap when it arrives in September. You'll need to pay $1,600 just for the body, or $1,900 for a kit that includes an XF 18-55mm lens. Stay tuned, as we'll have hands-on pictures and impressions of the camera in a few hours.

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Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Lasers and microwaves lead to better quantum computing circuits

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/04/quantum-circuits-controlled-with-lasers-and-microwaves/

If you're going to craft a quantum computer, you need to corral lots of quantum bits (qubits) to perform calculations... and Penn State researchers have found a way to make that happen. They've developed a technique that relies on lasers and microwaves to steer a tightly packed, 3D grid of atoms that serve as qubits. When you want to change the state of these atoms, you hit them with crossed laser beams and then bathe them in uniform microwaves. In a test, scientists had enough control to spell out "PSU" across a three-layer array of 125 atoms.

The tech has a long way to go. You'd need many more qubits to make a fully functional computer, to start with. Penn State's team also wants to improve the reliability (it's at 99.7 percent now) and create quantum entanglements that have particles react to each other. If all those pieces fall into place, though, you could see truly complex quantum computers (not just ones with a few atoms) that pull off calculations which are impractical or impossible for today's machines.

Via: PCWorld

Source: Penn State, Science

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Sunday, July 03, 2016

This 'Hourglass' Liquid Battery Runs on Gravity

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-hourglass-liquid-battery-runs-on-gravity-1781824481

Scientists at MIT have designed an ingenious new concept for a battery that operates on the same fundamental principal as an hourglass—it relies on gravity to generate energy. They described the device in a recent paper for Energy and Environmental Science.

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Thursday, June 30, 2016

AI lawyer shoots down 160,000 parking tickets

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/29/ai-laywer-shoots-down-160000-parking-tickets/

Who said that chat bots were gimmicks? Certainly not DoNotPay's Joshua Browder. He recently noted to VentureBeat that his service's AI-driven virtual lawyer has successfully contested 160,000 parking tickets in London and New York City in nearly 2 years of service, saving drivers millions in the process. It's not the most complicated bot, as it's really just asking simple questions about the circumstances of the ticket and walking you through the appeal. However, it's both effective (it successfully challenged 64 percent of tickets) and, importantly, free -- you don't have to pay a real lawyer to dish out advice.

Browder plans to make a habit out of cutting red tape with his technology. He has bots in progress that would get travelers compensation for long flight delays, explain legal rights to people with HIV and even help refugees apply for asylum. The DoNotPay service should expand to other cities, too, starting with Seattle in the fall. This won't completely eliminate paperwork, court dates or lengthy phone calls, but it might help you minimize or even avoid that drudgery when it really isn't necessary.

Via: The Guardian

Source: VentureBeat

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Your NVIDIA Shield now plays Netflix videos in HDR

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/29/nvidia-shield-netflix-hdr-update/

NVIDIA just underscored one of the advantages of having a high-powered streaming media hub: you can roll out new video features before anyone else. It's delivering an update to its Shield set-top box that introduces high dynamic range Netflix video on supporting TVs -- a first for a stand-alone device, NVIDIA claims. You can also watch YouTube videos at both 4K and 60 frames per second, while Vudu 4K support is equally new. And if you're an audio junkie, you'll be glad to know that Dolby Atmos' extra-immersive audio gets a direct pass-through when you're using apps like Vudu, MX Player and NVIDIA's own media gallery.

There's broader software support, to boot. You're getting that promised Plex media server feature, so your Shield can share media across the whole home. You can tune into WatchESPN for live sports, or listen to tunes through Spotify. Voice search now extends to Netflix, Spotify and Vudu. And to top it all off, you can both drag-and-drop files from your computers as well as mount network-attached storage. All told, this is a huge upgrade even if you don't have a cutting-edge home theater setup.

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Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Your iPad can double as a smart home hub with iOS 10

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/14/ipad-as-smart-home-hub-in-ios-10/

No inclination to get the latest Apple TV just to give yourself a hub for your HomeKit devices? If you have a reasonably recent iPad hanging around, you won't have to. Apple tells SlashGear that iOS 10 can use your iPad as a smart home hub as long as the tablet is both plugged in and connected to your network. It seems like an odd move, but Apple says it's all about increasing HomeKit's reach -- you can't buy the new Apple TV in countries like China, so the iPad offers that remote home automation instead. Either way, you probably won't want to try this in a multi-person household. You don't want to lose out-of-home control over your thermostat just because Junior wants to play Hearthstone.

Source: SlashGear

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Friday, June 10, 2016

Philips camera monitors baby vitals from afar

Source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/10/philips-camera-monitors-baby-vitals-from-afar/

Sure, junior looks fine sleeping on the baby-cam, but do you know her or his oxygen level, heartbeat and breathing rate, you monster? Of course not (don't worry, you're a good parent), because there's no way of monitoring such things short of hooking the poor tyke up to a pulse oxymeter. At least, until now. Philips has revealed a camera that can detect all those things from afar, without touching the patient. The fruit of the companies contactless monitoring project, it can get a pulse rate, breathing rate and blood oxygen level by detecting changes in skin color that are invisible to the naked eye.

Monitoring breathing and heartbeat (even through walls) isn't new, but Philips says it knows of no other studies focused on remote blood oxygen monitoring. The results are accurate to within two percent of traditional measuring methods, according to Philips, though it depends on several factors including the patient's skin color. "For patient populations with specific conditions, managing their care in a less intrusive way is critical in order to avoid unnecessary distress," says Philips Patient Care CEO Carla Kriwet. So far, the company hasn't revealed any plans for a product, but calls the results "promising" for the future of contactless monitoring.

Via: CNET

Source: Philips

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Monday, June 06, 2016

ASUS' ZenBook 3 vs. the updated MacBook: Which packs more punch?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/04/asus-zenbook-3-apple-macbook-compared/

The 12-inch MacBook is attractive and compact, but not without compromises. When the original came out last spring, our reviewer Dana Wollman took issue with its lackluster performance and lack of ports outside of a USB-C connection. Still, the MacBook was good enough to warrant a refresh in 2016 that delivered more battery life and improved performance. Now, ASUS is getting in on the minimalist act with its new ZenBook 3. At a glance, the new MacBook and ZenBook 3 seem quite similar indeed, with small, lightweight designs and, well, not many ports. While we'll certainly put the Zenbook 3 through its paces in a full review, a quick peek at the specs reveals two machines similar in profile, but with the potential for very different performance.

ASUS ZenBook 3 Apple MacBook (2016)
Price $999 / $1,499 / $1,999 $1,299 / $1,599
Dimensions 296 x 191.2 x 11.9mm (11.65 x 7.53 x 0.47 inches) 280 x 196.5 x 13.1mm (11.04 x 7.74 x 0.52 inches)
Weight 910g (2 pounds) 920g (2.03 pounds)
OS Windows 10 OS X El Capitan
Display 12.5-inch LED-backlit LCD 12-inch LED-backlit LCD with IPS
Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 2,304 x 1,440
Processor Intel Core i5 6200U or Core i7 6500U Intel Core m3 (1.1GHz) or Core m5 (1.2GHz)
Memory 4GB / 16GB 8GB
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 520 Intel HD Graphics 512
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB SSD 256GB / 512GB SSD
Ports USB-C USB-C
WiFi 802.11ac with WIDI 802.11ac
Battery 40 WHr 41.4 WHr

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Friday, June 03, 2016

MSI's Backpack PC is an imperfect solution to VR wires

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/03/msi-backpack-pc-hands-on/

One of the problems with the current crop of non-smartphone VR headsets is that they need to be connected to PCs via thick, heavy cables. These might hamper your movements when you're busy playing a game, or worse, you could trip over an errant wire and fall face flat on the floor. Well, a few companies have come up with an interesting solution: VR backpacks that carry a full-fledged PC, enabling you to move around unencumbered. MSI's version is called the Backpack PC. Since it was on display here at Computex 2016, so I took a few minutes to try it out for myself.

Equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and a GeForce GTX980 graphics card, the entire rig weighs in at around 10 pounds. That sounds pretty hefty, but to my surprise it actually didn't feel too heavy when I strapped it on. This particular backpack was attached to a HTC Vive, which the helpers at the MSI booth then fitted to my head. I then played a game demo that had me shooting at flying robots, which shot back tiny red energy balls that I was supposed to avoid. If I didn't dodge those bullets, my "ship" would be destroyed.

As a result, I found myself moving around a lot, bobbing and weaving as much as I could. Compared to the normal Vive experience, I have to admit the lack of wires feels pretty freeing. Instead of worrying on whether I was about to wrap myself around in cables, I could just enjoy the game. Still, wearing a backpack feels pretty silly, plus its battery life is only around an hour before you have to charge it again.

MSI hasn't announced pricing or availability for its Backpack PC just yet, but the company says it should be out later this year. I don't imagine this will be too popular for normal home use, but I could see it being useful for perhaps in-store demonstrations or amusement parks where wires lying around could be a real hazard. Or, you know, if you want to feel like you're one of the Ghostbusters.

Stay on top of all the latest news from Computex 2016 right here.

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Thursday, June 02, 2016

Google's new software lets anyone make interactive displays

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/02/googles-new-software-lets-anyone-make-interactive-displays/

Google has created an intriguing new piece of open-source software in the form of AnyPixel.js, where anyone can create their own large, interactive displays. "Big and unusual" are the key operators here, and that seems to be exactly what Google has done as its first project.

While brainstorming ideas for something interesting to put in the NYC office, Google came up with an interactive light-up arcade button installation, taking over six thousand buttons and coordinating control via web page, opening up the panel of buttons to developers to create something fun. The result is an awesome-looking set of light-up buttons that you can press on your own for colorful, swirling designs or patterns you can watch over and over.

Google wants to put that kind of power in your hands, so you can create your own similar setups, whether you choose balloons, lightboxes, or a myriad of other components to bring your ideas to life. Before you get started you can take to Google's browser previewer as well to get some sort of idea of how your project will look when it's completed, so you don't have to be in the dark throughout the creative process.

If you're interested in working with AnyPixel.js, you can grab it from GitHub right here.

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Wednesday, June 01, 2016

AMD's 7th generation laptop chips are stronger Intel competitors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/amd-7th-gen-laptop-processors/

AMD has always been the cheaper alternative to Intel's processors, but with its latest generation of mobile chips, it's also aiming to close the performance gap. Announced at Computex today, the new high-end FX chips are 56 percent faster compared to AMD's previous generation of laptop processors, while its entry-level chips are 52 percent faster compared to the last-gen. And compared to Intel's fastest Core i7 mobile chip, the 7th gen AMD FX offers 53 percent faster graphics and a 51 percent bump in compute performance. Basically, these are the laptop chips AMD fans have been waiting for.

As is usually the case with major processor upgrades, AMD also focused on power efficiency for the new chips. The company claims its high-end FX chips now use 12 percent less power than the last gen, and the latest A9 processors use 41 percent less power when playing local 1080p videos. At the lower-end, AMD added "Excavator" cores to the new A9, A6 and E2 processors, which gives them a decent performance bump and makes them more efficient at playing HD video.

AMD says its new manufacturing process also allowed it to reach faster clock speeds with the chips. Its high-end FX 9830P offers 3GHz base speeds (with maximum speeds of 3.7GHz), while the lowest end E2-9010 is clocked at 2GHz (max up to 2.2GHz). The new A9 chip, which is being positioned as an Intel Core i3 competitor, gets max speeds 1.5GHz faster than the i3-6100U.

While AMD isn't talking about specific pricing details for these chips (it's not like you can buy them on their own), partners including Dell, HP, ASUS and Lenovo are already using them in new system designs. And of course, you can expect them to reach even more laptops (and some all-in-ones) throughout the year.

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AMD's Radeon RX480 GPU is VR ready for just $199

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/31/amds-radeon-rx480-gpu-is-vr-ready-for-just-199/

For its upcoming Polaris GPUs, AMD doesn't just want to entice hardcore gamers. Instead, it's aiming to bring virtual reality-capable PCs to just about everyone with its new Radeon RX480 video card, which will retail for a mere $199. The RX480 is capable of more than 5 teraflops of computing power, whereas NVIDIA's new GTX 1070 packs in over 6 teraflops for $380, and the high-end GTX 1080 sports around 9 teraflops for $600. On paper alone, AMD's new card is an astounding value (and one that NVIDIA can't yet counter without lowering prices).

The RX480 is based on AMD's new Polaris architecture, and it'll be available in 4GB and 8GB memory configurations. It'll support AMD's Freesync technology to smooth out frame rates, as well as HDR gaming with DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 support.

Really though, the key selling point of the RX480 is its cost. Currently, the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift require video cards costing around $300 at the minimum. By delivering a $199 card that's VR capable, AMD has dramatically lowered the cost of entry to VR for consumers. It's also a smart strategy for AMD, since NVIDIA has currently sewn up the high-end and mid-range market with the GTX 1080 and 1070.

Still, it's not as if the RX480 won't be good for gamers. In a remote video, Id developers praised its ability to run the new Doom remake (though we didn't get exact frame rate numbers). You could also run two RX480 units simultaneously, a configuration that managed to beat out NVIDIA's GTX 1080 while playing Ashes of Singularity. (And better yet, that configuration would only be around $400, compared to $600 or more for the 1070.)

The RX480 clocked in 62.5FPS, while the GTX 1080 was a bit lower at 58.7FPS. AMD's Radeon head Raja Koduri proudly pointed out that the dual-RX480 system only reached around 50 percent of its computing capacity, while the NVIDIA card was maxed near 100 percent.

The RX480 will hit store shelves on June 29th, and we're aiming to get our hands on it soon for testing.

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Double Robotics turns its telepresence robot into a VR rig

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/06/01/double-robotics-360-camera-dolly/

There's one big problem with trying to capture virtual reality video while moving... those pesky humans. Even if you have stabilizing gear, the person carrying the camera will still limit what and how you shoot. Double Robotics has a simple answer to that, though: its newly-launched 360 Camera Dolly robot transforms the company's telepresence bot into a remotely controlled, silent VR camera rig. If you want to record a cinematic tracking shot or college campus tour, you don't need any people or noisy equipment on the scene.

The dolly has an attachable mount that accepts virtually any VR camera array weighing less than 5 pounds, including those built for action cameras and smartphones. It's not a trivial purchase at $3,000 for a full kit (the same as the regular telepresence robot), but that's still reasonable for pro VR productions. And if you only need the mount, you can buy it by itself for $249.

Source: Double Robotics

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