Nevada gets first FAA-approved urban drone drone delivery

Flirtey, the startup that did the first FAA-sanctioned drone delivery in a rural area, has replicated the feat in an urban setting. It sent out an autonomous hexacopter on a half-a-mile flight to an empty house in Hawthorne, Nevada on March 10th, carrying food, water and a first-aid kit in a box attached to a rope. It’s probably not the most secure way to transport fragile objects, though, so Amazon might have to devise another method to deliver TVs or anything breakable. The drone flew with zero human intervention — there was a pilot on standby in case things go awry, but the team programmed its flight path beforehand.

Flirtey CEO Matt Sweeny told Fortune that it was able to convince the FAA due to its previous experience delivering textbooks and car parts in Australia and New Zealand. Hawthorne doesn’t exactly have the maze-like skyscraper complexes of big cities, but the flight did prove that the startup’s machines are capable of navigating more crowded locations with buildings and power lines. It brings Flirtey closer to doing actual drone deliveries in the US. Before that, though, it plans to kick things up a notch and do another sanctioned flight in an “urban populated area.”

Today, we’re thrilled to announce @Fly_Flirtey successfully completed the first fully autonomous FAA-approved urban drone delivery in the US

— Flirtey (@Fly_Flirtey) March 25, 2016

Via: Fortune, Popular Science, GeekWire, ABC News

Source: Flirtey (Twitter)

The Public Access Weekly: What planet are you from?

Obviously this week’s big news was Monday’s Apple announcement (or non-announcement if you prefer), wherein they announced a 4-inch iPhone, a 9.7-inch iPad Pro and some additional bands for the Apple Watch. While these offerings are not exactly shocking new advancements in the hardware line up, some of the developments on the OS side were more intriguing to our editors — for example, CareKit which is designed to help people manage their health, illnesses and medications.
In non-Apple news, this month we’ve seen ten new contributors publish their first posts on Public Access — which is outstanding. An official tip of my hat to: Lovisa Alvin, Andrei Mircea, Cassie Phillips, David Balaban, Ari Shohat, Jamil Bryant, Elizabeth Kartini, Sherry Gray, Neal Cotton, and Maheshwor Bhattarai. Welcome and thanks for all your stories!

If you haven’t given a read through some of the newest Public Access stories on the home page yet, take some time to do so! There are some really interesting pieces going up — I was particularly excited to see that Neal Cotton has written about Syfy’s The Internet Ruined My Life, a show I’ve been watching with intentions on reviewing it for Public Access.

Honestly though, I’ve found it hard to get into TIRML; the reenactments come off as cheesy to me, and there doesn’t seem to be much to really say about it other than the obvious “Watch what you say and do online” lesson. If you’re looking for a show that really examines the harms and pitfalls that may lie in technology, I personally think that Black Mirror is a better, more imaginative — and more chilling — show. I’m still reeling from some of those episodes.

It took me days to recover from this episode.

Also, if you’re a Public Access member and you haven’t filed out your profile page yet, let me take this moment to encourage you to upload an image and add your social links — not only does this make it easier for us to give you a shout-out on social media, but it also makes your author page look hella professional.

Looking for something to read? Check out:

Starting today, we’re taking a week-long break from comments. I detail why in this post.

If you have an Android smartphone, you need to know what Stagefright is. If you’re not running Android 6.0 Marshmellow, then you really need to know what Stagefright is.

LED lights for bicycle wheels seem like such a cool idea, but do they work as well in practice? Andrew gets some hands-on time with Balight’s offerings.

One of the panels at GDC discussed the representation of Muslims in video games; this article highlights the panelists examples and suggestions on how to improve.

Looking for something to write about? Mull over:

There are times, as a writer, that you see a headline and think “I wish I’d written that.” This story on Danny Trejo, tacos and VR is fine example. It’s another instance where a truly novel approach was taken to a developing technology, and made me wonder: What’s your best idea for how VR should be used? Do you have a unique idea to what VR would be best for, that pushes it past the boundaries of roller coasters and games? Tell us what you see as the future of VR.

It was recently announced that Android Pay will soon be rolled out to UK customers, meaning that users will have options other than Barclays’ bPay. The comments discussed the fragmentation of payment systems and how it could hurt overall adoption. What are your thoughts about mobile payments? Is it detrimental to users to have so many different options? And does this type of fragmentation extend to other aspects of technology as well — say streaming services?

Between my commute on public transportation, and working in an open office, I spend a significant amount of time listening to music. Lately when I’m working I find myself leaning towards instrumental and ambient tunes which has resulted in me getting really into video game soundtracks (namely Dead Island and The Last of Us). What your favorite video game soundtrack and why?

Rumor: Google’s Android camera will get smart with Goggles

Google might be working on a new feature for Android cameras that allows smartphone photo-snappers to search for information directly from their pictures, SlashGear reports. This tech would essentially combine Google Goggles, a visual-search app that’s been around for years, with your Android camera (or Google Camera, if you’re really into brand-name apps).

Google Goggles lets users take pictures of recognizable or famous objects and instantly discover more information about those things. Plus, it can read text in eight languages and translate it. SlashGear reports (citing one anonymous source, it should be noted) that Google’s new tech would let users trace an outline around the object they want information on, getting rid of background noise and clutter.

So far, this functionality has been tested in mobile devices and wearables, SlashGear says. Something like this would work well in an augmented reality headset, we bet.

Source: SlashGear

Amazon’s Alexa controls Nest thermostats

Beginning today Amazon’s digital assistant Alexa can control Nest thermostats. If you’re home is too warm or too cold, just shout at the voice-activated helper and it’ll adjust the temperature. It’s going to be incredibly helpful on those summer days when it’s too hot to move.

Amazon announced that Nest thermostats would support Alexa voice controls when it launched the Amazon Dot and Tap earlier his month. Like the Echo, the new devices will also control the Nest.

Amazon has been working with multiple companies to make its Alexa platform a central part of the home. Nest has also been reaching out to other companies with Works with Nest system. So hopefully most of your connected home will work together in the near future.

Source: Nest

DARPA thinks it has the solution to satellite longevity

The government’s mad science wing has an eye on lowering the cost and extending the lifespan of the geosynchronous Earth orbit satellites that follow our planet during its rotation. DARPA has proposed a system dubbed Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS if you’re a fan of brevity) that’d essentially act as a lifeline for the satellites up above us. The program is still in its infancy but would “radically lower the risk and cost of operating in GEO,” according to the firm.

The RSGS units sound like they’d cure a lot of issues plaguing current satellites. DARPA says that correcting “mission-ending mechanical anomalies” that include problems with how their solar arrays and antennas deploy are among those fixes. The system would also deliver new upgrades to antennas currently in space. It’d do so with a robotic arm that the agency is calling “FREND” that will be capable of swapping to whatever tools are needed for the task at hand. Additionally, it’d also be capable of machine vision and delivering “high-fidelity spatial orientation information” that’s intrinsic to keeping the DARPA craft in orbit.

DARPA and the government would cover the cost of the launch, but after that it’d be up to the commercial service that needed the help to pick up the tab:

“Under the RSGS vision, a DARPA-developed modular toolkit, including hardware and software, would be joined to a privately developed spacecraft to create a commercially owned and operated robotic servicing vehicle (RSV) that could make house calls in space. DARPA would contribute the robotics technology, expertise, and a Government-provided launch.

The commercial partner would contribute the satellite to carry the robotic payload, integration of the payload onto it, and the mission operations center and staff. If successful, the joint effort could radically lower the risk and cost of operating in GEO.”

Program manager Gordon Roesler says that this is the sort of thing that both commercial and government have been clamoring for for decades and that the RSGS initiative would address that need. When can we expect this to happen? That isn’t clear yet as DARPA is still looking for the necessary commercial partner, but it estimates RSGS should be in place within five years time. For a better idea of what this would all look like, see the infographic below, or the video up above.

Source: DARPA

Amazon Echo can now control your Nest thermostat

In the latest update to the Amazon Echo platform, the connected speaker and digital assistant can now interact with your Nest thermostat. Once you’ve linked your Nest thermostat to your Echo through the Alexa app, you can control the temperature in your home with your voice by simply asking Alexa.

Amazon is also highlighting some sports-focused aspects of the Echo this week. Specifically, soccer (or football, if you prefer) fans can now keep track of English Premier League games by asking Alexa for scores and schedules for their favorite teams. Similarly, if you’re afflicted with March Madness, you can ask Alexa about your favorite teams as the NCAA tournament progresses.

Amazon Echo

• Read our updated review
• Get the latest news
• Join the discussion
• Download the Echo app

Amazon

Pranksters scammed Nintendo fans with 3D printing and Photoshop

It’s getting tougher and tougher to determine what’s real on the Internet. Thanks to Photoshop and 3D printing you can create nearly anything. That’s exactly what two pranksters did using the upcoming Nintendo NX as a subject.

Last week a fuzzy photo of an unannounced Nintendo controller that resembles a Nintendo patent filing appeared on Reddit. Then a few days later crisper photos from a second user appeared. While redditors and newsrooms tried to determine if these were actually leaks of an upcoming console (Engadget decided not to cover the photos because they looked sketchy), the two folks responsible for the fakes decided to come clean.

The original image was created by David Im. He just added a 3D model to a photo in Photoshop. That’s it.

The second fake was created using Im’s original photo as inspiration. Frank Sandqvist who just happens to be the co-founder of CNC Design in Finland 3D printed the majority controller and used laser-cut black acrylic for the screen and front-facing camera. After hitting it with some black spray paint, adding the “display,” and adding a few labels he took a few photos and posted them to Reddit.

The guys actually worked independently of each other. One created the first fake and the second elaborated on the ruse. While some Nintendo fans might have gotten their hearts broken (or were relieved to know that the awkward controllers will never see the light of day), it’s nice to know the internet still brings people together.

Source: Polygon

Recently patched security flaw managed to beat OS X’s new defenses

Theoretically, the System Integrity Protection introduced in OS X El Capitan makes it very hard to completely compromise a Mac. The feature prevents software from modifying protected files even if you have root access, preventing most software-based attacks from working. However, it’s now clear that even this safeguard isn’t airtight. SentinelOne’s Pedro Vilaça has discovered a security flaw that — combined with access gained via another method, like a phishing attack or browser vulnerability — lets you run any code you like on a Mac, even with SIP in effect. The vulnerability takes advantage of a corruption bug in OS X to give a program full control over your system; since certain programs need full privileges for OS X to work (you couldn’t update your system otherwise), the intruder just has to target the right file to hijack your computer.

It’s more dangerous than some exploits, to boot. The technique is “extremely reliable,” and won’t give things away by crashing the computer. That’s potentially useful for state-sponsored attacks where stealthiness is important.

The good news? If you’re the type who updates software as soon as an upgrade is available, you’re safe. SentinelOne let Apple know about the bug in January, so OS X 10.11.4 and iOS 9.3 (conveniently released this week) both contain patches for it, although if you’re on an older version of OS X you are still potentially vulnerable. Having said this, the flaw remains a warning that SIP is merely another layer of defense, not a catch-all — it still helps to be vigilant and prevent this rogue code from touching your device in the first place.

Via: ZDNet

Source: SentinelOne, (PDF)

Fitbit Alta review – CNET

The Good The Fitbit Alta is a stylish fitness tracker with swappable bands, basic phone notifications and week-long battery life. The new “Move” alerts bring something new. Fitbit’s software is still one of our favorites, and has the largest social base as well.

The Bad There’s no heart-rate sensor, and it’s not water-resistant. The tracker is expensive for what it can do and so are the accessory straps. The display is difficult to see outdoors and is susceptible to scratches, and notifications are hard to read.

The Bottom Line While ultimately a more stylish (but heart-rate free) version of the older Charge HR, the Fitbit Alta is a winning fitness tracker with solid style appeal.

You can spot a Fitbit from across the room. The Fitbit Charge HR and Surge, the company’s two most popular trackers, aren’t exactly jewerly, and I would never be caught wearing one to a wedding or another formal event. But Fitbit is changing.

In addition to the new Fitbit Blaze smartwatch, the Alta is the company’s most visually appealing tracker thus far. It’s slim, has a nice big display, supports a variety of interchangeable bands and does all the basics (tracks steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and sleep).

It would be my favorite Fitbit or quite possibly favorite tracker overall if it was a bit cheaper. The Fitbit Alta costs $130 (£100, AU$200). Initially that doesn’t sound too bad, but when you consider the older Charge HR is often discounted to around the same price, it makes you stop and think.

While the Alta can display calls, text message and calendar alerts from your iPhone or Android device, it doesn’t include a heart-rate sensor (like the aforementioned Charge HR), which can help provide a better estimate on calorie burn and sleep tracking. And it’s not water-resistant, so you can’t wear it in the shower or pool.

But for those who want a Fitbit that isn’t an eyesore, the Alta is worth a look, especially if you can find it on sale.

Hands-on with the Fitbit Alta (pictures)
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Stylish, but at what cost?

The Alta doesn’t discriminate against wrist size or gender. It looks nice on just about everyone, which can’t be said about the Charge HR and Garmin Vivosmart HR. It’s not as stylish as the Jawbone Up2, but it does add a display for showing real-time data on activities and notifications

The tracker features a quick-release mechanism that make it easy to swap out the bands. Fitbit offers multiple options that help you personalize the Alta. There’s a basic rubber strap in a variety of colors for day-to-day use, while the leather and metal options add some extra flair for a special night out.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

Unfortunately like the tracker itself, the accessory bands feel a bit overpriced. The rubber straps cost $30 (£20, AU$50), while the leather one goes for $60 (£50, AU$100) and the metal for $100 £80, AU$170). That would bring the total price of the Alta to $230 (£180, AU$370), which is absurd. At that price, you’re in Apple Watch or Fitbit Blaze territory.

All of the wristbands (with the exception of the metal bangle) have a two-button clasp rather than the watch-like buckle of the Charge HR. I’ve worn the Alta for more than a month and never had an issue with it falling off, but I still find myself constantly checking my wrist to make sure it’s actually there.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

There are no buttons on the Alta. It’s pretty sleek. The screen will turn on when you raise your wrist or when you tap the top of the strap. I have heard reports of some users having issues with the tapping gesture, but I haven’t experienced any.

But the screen isn’t perfect. It can be difficult to read when outdoors on sunny days. It’s nice and big, but unfortunately that has made it susceptible to scratching. There’s currently a small, yet noticeable scratch on my display, which is annoying.

What’s new?

The Alta can display notifications for incoming calls, text messages and upcoming calendar events from iPhone and Android phones. (Sorry, there’s no support for email.) Notifications are accompanied with a gentle vibration. That same vibration can also be used as a silent alarm to wake you up in the morning.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

I really liked being able to see who was calling, but this isn’t new. The Charge HR also has caller ID, as does the Vivosmart HR and a few others. I’m a big fan of text message notifications, but not the way Fitbit implemented it. Messages would simply scroll across the screen once and then never reappear. It was incredibly frustrating and difficult to read.

Oculus reduces latency with shiny new tech

Today Oculus announced that its SDK for the Rift supports Asynchronous Timewarp (ATW). While that sounds like something that keeps the TARDIS from smashing into a star, it’s actually going to make virtual reality seem so much smoother.

ATW not only renders a scene before it hits your eyes, but it also takes into account head movement and shifts that image before you see it. The result is lower latency, smoother movements and improved efficiency.

Oculus says it also reduces judder (shaking and vibration) that’s produced when a frame is displayed out of sync because the hardware was unable to render a frame quick enough. The company worked with Microsoft, NVIDIA and AMD to maximize GPU preemption (rendering a scene before it’s needed) for its updated SDK.

The best part for users and developers is that they won’t have to do anything to support ATW. But Oculus still recommends companies continue to target 90 frames-per-sec with their games. ATW will makes things smoother, but game makers still need to step up.

Source: Oculus