Pentagon dives into advanced wearables with Apple, Harvard and others
The Pentagon wants to use wearables for more than just tracking steps. It’s pouring $75 million over the next five years into the FlexTech Alliance — a group made of 162 separate organizations, including Apple, Boeing and Harvard — to create a “Manufacturing Innovation Institute for Flexible Hybrid Electronics.” That may sound like a mouthful, but basically it will explore new ways soldiers can use advanced wearable tech. The findings could even make their way to military ships and aircrafts to monitor their structural integrity in realtime, Reuters reports. Additional funding from other companies and local governments will bring the total investment of the project up to $171 million. “I’ve been pushing the Pentagon to think outside our five-sided box and invest in innovation here in Silicon Valley and in tech communities across the country,” US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement today. “Now we’re taking another step forward.”
[Photo credit: Digital Vision/Getty]
Filed under:
Wearables
Via:
Reuters
Source:
TheStreet
Tags: AshCarter, Pentagon, wearables
Here’s our first look at Cliff Bleszinski’s ‘LawBreakers’ in action
We’ve already been introduced to the world of Lawbreakers, the next shooter from the Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski, but now we’ve got our first look at some actual gameplay. And while the science behind the game’s setting may be suspect (it’s a fantastical take on Earth after we’ve blown up the moon), the game’s mechanics seem solid. It’s a class-based multiplayer shooter, similar to Titanfall and Team Fortress, that will also be free-to-play on a variety of platforms (we still don’t have specifics). The trailer introduces some of those classes (and their respective characters): there’s the swift Assassin Kitsune, who can double-jump; Breacher, a gunner who has the unique ability to shoot behind him; and a jetpack-wielding Skirmisher named Maverick. One character, a Titan named Cronos, can also rocket-jump, bringing back fond memories of Bleszinski’s work on Unreal Tournament. Judging from this trailer, Lawbreakers looks like plenty of other shooters, but its unique take on character classes and Bleszinski’s pedigree make it one to keep an eye on.
Filed under:
Gaming
Tags: Bosskey, CliffBleszinski, F2P, FPS, Lawbreakers
Boeing’s portable drone-destroying laser uses an Xbox controller
Drones are playing an ever-expanding role in modern warfare, so it’s no surprise companies like Boeing are developing news ways to shoot them out of the sky. Its last laser was the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD) — a huge weapon mounted to the top of a truck — and now it’s touting something more portable. The Compact Laser Weapons System fits in four suitcase-sized boxes and can be mounted onto a tripod. It looks like a giant camera and, like the HEL MD, uses an Xbox 360 controller for targeting. As soon as you’re in range though, the system can automatically take over and track the UAV, making sure you get a clean shot. Wired reports that, in one of Boeing’s demos, it only took two seconds at full power to set a drone aflame.
It’s not the most powerful weapon in the defense contractor’s arsenal though. The idea is that an operator would use it to quickly burn a small, targeted spot on the UAV. In theory, this would be enough to deter the drone’s pilot, or maybe cause it to crash without damaging all of its internal parts. (You could then track it down and potentially find out who was flying it in the first place.) Another upside is its potentially unlimited magazine. Unlike missile systems, which have a finite amount of ammunition, a laser can be used as long as there’s a suitable power source. It can be hooked up to a standard 220 volt outlet, a generator or a battery pack. The latter sounds perfect for a laser like this, although Boeing’s solutions reportedly have enough charge for just a few shots right now. If you’re still intrigued like we are though, check out the video below to see it all in action.
[Image Credit: Boeing]
Filed under:
Misc
Source:
Boeing
Tags: boeing, defence, drone, laser, quadcopter, UAV, UnmannedAerialVehicle
US Cellular offering the Moto G (3rd Gen) for $130
US Cellular is the latest wireless provider to carry the third generation Motorola Moto G smartphone. Available immediately, customers can pick the device up for a mere $130 without contract. Alternatively, the handset runs a mere penny if you agree to a two-year service contract.
Running Android Lollipop, the Moto G features a 5-inch qHD display and comes with 8GB internal storage. Power comes from the 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 1GB RAM while external storage is available via a microSD expansion card slot.
In terms of cameras, the Moto G offers a 13-megapixel rear shooter capable of 1080p HD video; a front-facing 5-megapixel sensor is ready for your selfies and video chat.
Be sure to read our review of the Moto G!
Purchase the Moto G from US Cellular
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You can now pre-order the Huawei Watch through Amazon
A product page for the Huawei Watch has finally made its way to Amazon, and it’s available to pre-order right now. In the past, we’ve seen leaked images showing just how premium this upcoming smartwatch will be, but fortunately, there are options for those that want one on the cheap.
There are four different models available, costing as little as $349 or as high as $799, giving consumers a wide array of options.
- Stainless Steel with Black Suture Leather Strap for $349
- Black Stainless Steel with Black Stainless Steel Link Band for $449
- Gold Plated Stainless Steel with Brown Suture Leather Strap for $699
- Gold Plated Stainless Steel with Gold Plated Stainless Steel for $799
The Amazon page says the smartwatch will be officially available on September 2, so it shouldn’t be long before customers begin to see the Huawei Watch on their doorstep.
Anyone picking one up?
source: Amazon
via: Android Central
Come comment on this article: You can now pre-order the Huawei Watch through Amazon
Inbox by Gmail updated with some much-needed text formatting features
Inbox by Gmail is receiving a small update, bringing with it some much-needed text formatting features. There are a lot of basic features in Inbox by Gmail missing that you will find on almost any email client out there, and Google is slowly adding these missing features.
In its latest update, those using Inbox by Gmail on the web can now insert text formatting, such as numbered lists, bullet points, bold, italics, underline, and more. There’s even keyboard shortcuts available for these abilities, making it quick and easy to insert any formatting you might need.
While it sounds like a small update, bringing text formatting to Inbox by Gmail actually makes it a better viable option to other email clients, as users will now be able to craft professional and organized emails not only personally, but professionally as well.
Inbox by Gmail still has a long ways to go, but this is a step in the right direction.
source: Inbox by Gmail (Google+)
Come comment on this article: Inbox by Gmail updated with some much-needed text formatting features
Deal: Pick up a pair of MMOVE Bluetooth Stereo Earbuds for just $31.99 (34% off)
Going for a run? Commuting to work? Don’t let troublesome headphone cables slow you down. If you’d like to listen to your music worry-free while you’re on the go, you may want to try the MMOVE Bluetooth Stereo Earbuds – currently 34% off in the AA Deals Store.
Since these are Bluetooth-enabled, you no longer have to worry about accidentally pulling your earbuds out of your ears while you’re being active. But just because they’re Bluetooth headphones, doesn’t mean you’re skimping out on quality, either. They feature isolated sound with CVC 6.0 Noise Reduction for distraction-free listening, and you can even listen for up to 6 hours at a time on a single charge. They also have a durable, sweat proof design that allows you to control volume and song choice, take or reject calls and more with the convenient on-ear controls. The earbuds also come with three different sized eartips, comfort fit earhooks, and active fit earhooks, so you won’t have any problems fitting them in your ears.
Right now, the Android Authority Deals Store is offering these earbuds for just $31.99, which is 34% off the suggested retail price. Don’t miss out on this awesome deal! Head to the link below if you’re interested.
Go pre-order the Huawei Watch from Amazon NOW
For those itching to try and get your hands on the new Huawei Watch, the wait is almost over. The official Product Page on Amazon went live this morning, and allows everyone to start pre-ordering the devices today.
Previously, we weren’t really sure of an exact date as to when the new smartwatch would hit the streets, however, the Amazon page states that it will be available on September 2nd.
There are a few different models to pick and choose from, so be sure to pry open those wallets:
- Stainless Steel with Black Suture Leather Strap for $349.99
- Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Mesh Band for $399.99
- Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Link Band for $399.99
- Black Stainless Steel with Black Stainless Steel Link Band for $449.99
- Gold Plated Stainless Steel with Brown Suture Leather Strap for $699.99
- Gold Plated Stainless Steel with Gold Plated Stainless Steel Link Band for $799.99
As for what the Huawei Watch will be sporting under the hood, we have the specs here as well:
It’s worth making note that the Huawei Watch should be compatible with both Android 4.3 or later AND iOS 8.2 or later. This is pretty awesome for someone who uses both Android and iOS and wants something other than a Pebble. Let us know what you think about the Huawei Watch in the comments down below and whether you’ll be picking one up or not.
Source: Amazon via: Android Central
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Google introduces new mobile search results for better app discovery
Some Android users are finding that the Google search widget is bringing up a better set of results for apps. Specifically, searching for terms such as “camera apps” yields a clean and clutter free set of results that offers up Android apps and links to the Play Store.
It appears it hasn’t completely rolled out to every just yet. We tried it on two different devices and found one pulling up the new layout while the other was the standard fare of old.
Your mileage may vary when it comes to search terms. Among those we found to work were “baseball apps”, “camera apps”, “fitness apps” and “Star Wars” apps.
It makes sense that Google would adjust its mobile search results with an eye toward apps. Really, we’re surprised it’s taken this long to get this into place.
Via Android Police
The post Google introduces new mobile search results for better app discovery appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple Joins Massive Pentagon Partnership to Develop High-Tech Military Wearables
The Pentagon today announced a partnership with 162 companies and universities — including Apple, Boeing, and Harvard — to develop and produce a line of high-tech military gear designed to be flexible enough to be worn by both soldiers and even be “molded onto the outside of a jet” (via Reuters). The forward thrust of consumer technology is generating more trust for the Pentagon in the companies of Silicon Valley, a move that Defense Secretary Ash Carter has been attempting to guide for a few years.
“I’ve been pushing the Pentagon to think outside our five-sided box and invest in innovation here in Silicon Valley and in tech communities across the country,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in prepared remarks on Friday.
“Now we’re taking another step forward.”
The new technology would use advanced printing processes to produce “stretchable electronics” that would be outfitted with an array of sensors to be able to track everything from the vitals of the soldier wearing it to the structural integrity of the ship or warplane to which it is attached. All told, the United States government has confirmed it will contribute $75 million over the course of five years for the project, with the partnered companies offering another $90 million, and local government contributions bringing the grand total to just north of $171 million.
AIVAnet 