NASA crashed another Cessna to improve emergency locators
Engineers at NASA’s Langley Research Center have completed the second phase of a project that aims to improve the reliability of Emergency Location Transmitters (ELTs). These devices are meant to send your coordinates to emergency responders after a plane crash but are often so damaged by the impact that they don’t ever turn on. That’s why NASA is working with its industry partners to design an ELT system capable of taking a punch without getting knocked out.
Drop tests, like the one above, provide NASA with invaluable impact data. The first test, held on July 1, examined the forces involved with crash landing on tarmac. This second test dropped a Cessna 172 from a height of 100 feet onto dirt, which unlike tarmac, doesn’t really allow the plane to skid, meaning that the airframe and occupants take a larger brunt of the impact. “With this one, we’re trying to push the envelope,” Chad Stimson, NASA Langley Emergency Locator Transmitter Survivability and Reliability (ELTSAR) project manager, said of Wednesday’s test in a statement. “It’s severe, but survivable.” And that’s exactly the kind of accident that demands more robust ELTs.
Filed under: Science
Source: NASA
Most 2016 Volkswagen cars can avoid crashes and talk to your phone
You normally have to spring for higher-end cars to get semi-autonomous features that could save your hide, but Volkswagen is aiming to make them relatively commonplace. The automaker has started shipping its 2016 model line, and most of it will at least make crash avoidance features an option, if not include it as a matter of course. The majority of Golf, Jetta and Touareg models will have the choice of smart cruise control and emergency braking technology that could keep you out of an accident even if you can’t react in time; they’re standard on Executive trim levels for the CC and Touareg. You’ll also find a lane departure system on the CC, Golf, and Touareg, and parking assistance on the Golf.
The in-car infotainment systems are also getting the upgrades promised at the start of the year. If you get a ride with VW’s new MIB II unit installed, you’ll have support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connections — if your phone can’t talk to an equipped car, there’s something wrong. There’s also an optional Car-Net subscription service that brings remote control, security notifications and real-time data (such as fuel prices and weather). Most of VW’s lineup won’t get MIB II until later in 2015, but it’ll probably be worth holding out if you want in-cabin tech that should be relevant for more than a hot minute.
Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Mobile
Via: Reuters
Source: Volkswagen (1), (2)
Most 2016 Volkswagen cars can avoid crashes and talk to your phone
You normally have to spring for higher-end cars to get semi-autonomous features that could save your hide, but Volkswagen is aiming to make them relatively commonplace. The automaker has started shipping its 2016 model line, and most of it will at least make crash avoidance features an option, if not include it as a matter of course. The majority of Golf, Jetta and Touareg models will have the choice of smart cruise control and emergency braking technology that could keep you out of an accident even if you can’t react in time; they’re standard on Executive trim levels for the CC and Touareg. You’ll also find a lane departure system on the CC, Golf, and Touareg, and parking assistance on the Golf.
The in-car infotainment systems are also getting the upgrades promised at the start of the year. If you get a ride with VW’s new MIB II unit installed, you’ll have support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connections — if your phone can’t talk to an equipped car, there’s something wrong. There’s also an optional Car-Net subscription service that brings remote control, security notifications and real-time data (such as fuel prices and weather). Most of VW’s lineup won’t get MIB II until later in 2015, but it’ll probably be worth holding out if you want in-cabin tech that should be relevant for more than a hot minute.
Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Mobile
Via: Reuters
Source: Volkswagen (1), (2)
Android security flaw puts your phone into a near-coma
Android has more than one video-related security hole on its hands at the moment. Trend Micro has found a flaw that uses a malformed Matroska (MKV) video in apps or websites to crash Android’s “mediaserver” service, effectively turning the target device into a paperweight. It’ll not only render your phone’s interface mostly or completely unresponsive, but silence all calls and notifications. You might not even get past the lock screen, if your phone is locked during the incident. An intruder could take advantage of this seemingly brain-dead state to hold your handset for ransom, threatening to shut you out unless you pay up.
Trend Micro says it told Google about the exploit in mid-May, but that it was marked “low priority.” A spokesperson tells Engadget that a “future version of Android” will patch things up and that there’s “no evidence of actual exploitation.” We have a hunch that Google may want to move more quickly than the priority level suggests, though. The recent Stagefright flaw has drawn a lot of attention to video-related attacks, and the Matroska glitch exposes every device running Android 4.3 or newer — that’s about half of the hardware using the platform. Even though it’s possible to uninstall offending apps and avoid malicious websites, that’s not much comfort if your phone becomes at least a momentary paperweight.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Google
Via: Ars Technica
Source: Trend Micro
Some of the cars on Uber’s maps don’t really exist
If you’ve ever wondered why Uber will show you a horde of available cars but still quote you an oddly long wait time for a ride, you now have an explanation: some of those cars don’t exist. Motherboard has learned through a study that the app’s map activity doesn’t correlate that well with reality, even in those areas where you simply can’t get a lift. Why? That depends on who you ask. A spokesperson insists that the number and location of cars is “generally accurate,” but the company’s help staff disagree. One claims that it’s a glitch stemming from map zooming, while another says that the cars are purely there for a “visual effect” that indicates the presence of cars looking for fares.
Those drivers get a more accurate view, but even they don’t get as much help as they’d like. While it’ll say whether or not they’re in surge pricing areas, it doesn’t tell them how many other drivers know about the surge and how long it’s likely to last. They could easily end up hovering around a busy area without realizing that the surge is over, or finding out that there are already hordes of Uber cars headed into the region.
The company does have reasons to be cautious about giving you accurate data. Theoretically, Lyft or another rival could use these maps to find weak points in Uber’s coverage. However, the concern is that neither passengers nor drivers have proper insight into how Uber actually works — the only ones that do aren’t on the street at all.
Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Internet, Mobile
Via: SFist
Source: Motherboard
‘Guacamelee’ studio’s next game needs a few extra months
Before you ask: No, it doesn’t have an adorably perfect food pun for a name. Severed, the next stylish game from Guacamelee studio DrinkBox, won’t launch in the summer as planned. The game needs “a few additional months,” though the alpha version will definitely be done in a few days. DrinkBox is taking the extra time to go all-in on “play-testing and tuning,” the studio says. “We also need sufficient time to add more memes and dumb jokes.” In that case, please take all the time you need, DrinkBox.
Severed is exclusive to Sony’s Vita handheld and it will take advantage of the system’s touchscreen capabilities. It stars a one-armed, sword-wielding heroine on a quest that involves defeating nasty beasties, collecting new abilities, and exploring a non-linear, surreal world. So far, it looks like classic DrinkBox — bright, cartoonish art and intricately designed environments.
Also before you ask: At this point, the game isn’t slated to hit Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC or mobile devices. DrinkBox founder Graham Smith said in December that he “felt Severed’s combat and exploration mechanics were a perfect match for the Vita.” Done and done. On the game’s FAQ page, DrinkBox answers platform inquiries with, “No comment.” Also of note, it answers, “Are you going to make Guacamelee 2?” with, “At some point in the future.” Rejoice, mashed avocado fans. Rejoice.
EE power bar explodes leaving medical student with serious burns
Katy Emslie, a 26-year-old medical student from Aberdeen was asleep in her bedroom when suddenly her EE power bar that was left to recharge overnight blows up across her room on Thursday night. In a moment of panic, the student tried to extinguish the flames caused by the explosion with her bare hands fearing that the flames would burn her bed.
Ms Emslie said she was “terrified” after the EE power bar that was plugged to her laptop to recharge blew up like a “firework” across the room. Ms Emslie told BBC’s Newsbeat that once the loud noise had woken her up, the next thing she remembered was seeing flames underneath her bed;
“I panicked because there was actual flames as opposed to embers”
“I was terrified because I thought it was going to either burn through the floor or catch fire onto the bed”
She then immediately called her mother who grabbed a wet towel to extinguish the flames.
“My hands smelt of firework, my clothes smelt of firework, my hair smelt of firework. My pillow has black soot on it, so it obviously went past my pillow and missed my head by about six inches. It could have landed on my bed and I might not even be here”
Ms Emslie was taken to a hospital to treat her hand that was left blisters and burns.
EE power bars are portable charging devices that are offered to EE, Orange and T-Mobile customers to charge their phones on the go.
In response, a spokesperson for EE told The Independent;
“We’re sorry to hear about Ms Emslie’s experience”
“All of our products undergo stringent safety tests. This is an isolated incident and we’re in contact with the customer to investigate the cause of this issue as a matter of urgency”
Source: The Independent
Come comment on this article: EE power bar explodes leaving medical student with serious burns
AT&T request all 2016 Android phones have a working FM radio chip
AT&T is strongly requesting that all 2016 Android powered phones come with a working FM radio chip. Many phones already ship with FM chips inside them, but the manufacture doesn’t turn them on. AT&T is also asking if manufactures turn on any old phones with the chips inside as it is simply a software update.
There is no exact reason on why AT&T has taken this stance, but I am sure it will be welcome among many Android users. FM radio uses far less power and no data to listen to music. Of course you can’t pick the song you want, but for free you can’t complain.
Source: Engadget
Via: Radioworld
Come comment on this article: AT&T request all 2016 Android phones have a working FM radio chip
DU Battery Saver Power Doctor is the Best App to Get the Most Out of Your Device’s Battery
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Battery consumption in our phones has been a problem since we have taken the leap from those bricks we used to carry, to the pocket computers we use now. OEMs do their best (or so we hope) at providing strong, long-lasting batteries in their new devices, but let’s face facts: we are constantly on our phones, and since we aren’t going to stop, we must find other ways to conserve our batteries. In comes DU Battery Saver. Easily the best Android app for battery consumption.
The DU Battery Saver app has been around for a bit, but with each update it seems to get better and better. The management it provides for your device is easy to use, and organized in such a way where you will not be screaming at your device because you can’t find a certain feature you want to use. One of the biggest complaints that have plagued the Android OS is the fact that you technically can’t close an app after using it, unless the app gives you the option, or you go into your application’s settings to force the app to stop. Of course Android has gotten better at closing your background apps, but there are still going to be some apps that will still be remain running. DU Battery Saver makes it easy to optimize your battery, but allowing to just touch your thumb to your screen and bam, background apps are closed and your battery’s life gets extended.
When first opening the DU Battery Saver app, you are met with a battery statistics screen that gives you the time left on your battery, temperature, voltage, and technology your battery is using. On this screen you will also see the button to optimize your battery. This is how easy they make it to close those background apps. It will actually show you which apps are currently running in the background, close them, and give you advanced saving. It shows you the apps that will always be running in the background and give you the choice to shut them off. The app also will show you systems like GPS and Bluetooth, that are currently running, giving you the option to toggle them off. If you’re not using it, why have it on.
The Saver option within the app gives you a choice of different saver modes that will also help increase your battery’s life. Prolong, General, and Sleep, are the different modes you can choose for whatever situation you may be in. You can also create your own mode if these modes are no use for you.
When charging your device, you can head to the charging screen, where it will let you know that a fast charge is happening to your device, and it will give you the time left your device has to charge. It even shows you a “trickle charge wait” because when it reaches that 99% it slows down. We have all been there when it just seems like that 99% takes forever, but that is just something your phone has to do before being fully charged.
Finally the last screen you can access in the DU Battery app is the monitor screen. These simply gives you an idea on what systems and apps are consuming the most out of your CPU and battery. You can stop any of these systems or apps by clicking the stop buttons, but I believe it’s just an easy way to monitor those pesky apps that go rogue on you.
Now here is where the app truly shines. There is a is a Battery Cooling feature within DU Battery that will help save your battery or CPU from overheating. We have all had that problem where we are playing games, posting on social media, and texting someone, all at the same time, and your phone starts going into a heated rage mode. This feature will notify you that your phone is getting entirely too hot, and once you click the Phone Cooling Widget, the app will show you a CPU chip, then a snowflake. It will then notify you how much your phone has dropped in temperature, and all will be right in the world again. Other battery saving apps will not give you this option, which makes the Du Battery Saver app stand out, and is definitely best Android app for conserving battery life.
There is a reason why the DU Battery Saver app is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, because it is simply the best. I can’t see myself not using this app, and I hope everyone out there will utilize the app as well to get the most out of your device. They provide a PRO version as well as a free version, so do yourself a favor and try out the free version to see if you like it. Check out my video review of the app below to see it in action.
The post DU Battery Saver Power Doctor is the Best App to Get the Most Out of Your Device’s Battery appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Meizu M2 announced: awesome deal for under 599 Yuan ($96)
Meizu is normally associated with quality work and low prices, but this time they are really hitting the ball out of the park. The Chinese manufacturer has just announced the Meizu M2, a phone that is to launch soon for only 599 Yuan, which would translate to about $96 USD! We know there are plenty of devices at this price point out there, but we can promise you the vast majority of them won’t even get close to offering what the M2 packs.
This new smartphone comes with that sleek, yet colorful look Meizu is so well known for. Sure, it’s made of plastic and doesn’t utilize premium materials, but remember… this thing is worth under $100. Not to mention, Meizu phones have never been infamous for bad build quality, either. These phones won’t break apart on you, and I happen to like their design and build quality. But what really matters is what you will get out of this handset.
The Meizu M2 packs a 5-inch 720p display, a Mediatek MT6735 processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP front camera and a 2450 mAh battery. All things considered, this is one hell of a deal! The phone looks to compete with other lower-end handsets like the Moto E and Moto G, but they have undercut the competition significantly enough to make some of us ignore brand names.
Meizu videos!
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As it usually goes with Meizu handsets, the M2 will first be released in China. This should be happening very soon. What about the rest of us? Sadly, we probably won’t see a direct release in the USA. The company has been making plans to enter the USA market for a while, but nothing has quite panned out yet. For now, all you can really do is leave a comment below, telling us how much you wish you could buy one of these. You can also try to get it imported if you like it enough!
AIVAnet 