3D models offer a detailed look at Mary Rose artefacts
In 1545, the Mary Rose warship drifted to the bottom of the Solent, a slither of sea that separates the Isle of Wight from mainland England. It was rediscovered in 1971 and carefully salvaged in 1982, triggering a major preservation project in the city of Portsmouth. Now, you can examine some of the vessel’s remains — including the skull of a thirty-something carpenter — in your browser, for free. The 3D models are part of a project called Virtual Tudors, which hopes to challenge the long-held belief that osteological bone examinations need to be conducted in person.
The new site is split into public and research sections. In addition to the spooky craninum, you can look at some old rope rigging, a leather shoe and a knife handle. Each artefact is displayed in Sketchfab, giving you precise control over the camera’s position. You can left-click and drag to orbit the object, or right-click and swipe to pan from left to right. A double-click or pinch triggers a zoom, while a few numbered keys change the set lighting.
The detail is remarkable — 120 photographs were captured in total, with an effective resolution of 39 pixels per image. The high-res photos were shot with a Sigma DP2 Quattro camera and then stitched together using Agisoft PhotoScan, a specialist piece of photogrammetry software. Each reconstruction was then compressed into a roughly 15-megapixel file, to ensure it could be uploaded and easily viewed by the public.
The project’s creators — the Mary Rose Trust, Swansea University and Oxford University — hope the quality of the models will appeal to scientists. They’ve set up a special section with 10 human skulls and challenged researchers to perform an osteological analysis. Normally, these sorts of examinations would be conducted in person, however it’s possible the 3D models will be of sufficient quality. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire based on their observations — they’ll then be compared with the notes conducted by a set of osteologists in person.
Dr Richard Johnston, a materials scientist and engineer at Swansea University, said: “This technology, and the appetite of museums and researchers to open their collections to larger global communities, including the public, can have huge implications for both the investigations that can take place, and speed that science is done. It also opens valuable resources to researchers from diverse backgrounds.”
Even if the models prove to be inadequate for deep osteological research, they’re an effective tool for explaining and promoting Tudor history to the public. Even if you’ve never heard of the Mary Rose, it’s undeniably cool to peek inside an eye socket from a nearly 500-year-old human skull.
Via: BBC News
Source: Swansea University, Virtual Tudors
Dolphin emulator now supports every GameCube game
The open-source Dolphin emulator has been able to run nearly every GameCube title since 2009, but one title has stumped it — Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It turns out that the 14-year-old game used some pretty clever, tricky-to-implement memory tricks. However, the team says it finally cracked the game with a more accurate memory emulator, which had the added benefit of other GameCube titles more stable.
More than any other GameCube title, Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes advantage of the GameCube’s mappable memory to set up its own custom RAM structure. Unfortunately, it can change those on the fly in mid-game, crashing the emulator.
To fix the problem, the Dolphin team had to rewrite a large chunk of the code that deals with so-called “block address translations (BATs).” The result is an emulator that can run every single official GameCube title with fewer crashes, but is a tad slower (8-15 percent) with those that use a different type of memory addressing. So, even though you can run the Dolphin software on a Mac, PC, Linux or Android machine, the team recommends as fast a computer as possible for certain titles.
The Dolphin emulator was created as a software research experiment to do retro gaming, but because it runs Wii games (which Nintendo still sells), it has been exploited for piracy. You can still legally run GameCube titles on a Wii console, but the last one, Madden NFL 08, was released in 2007. Since they’re now moving into a preservation phase, the updated emulator is good news for gaming history geeks, despite the potential for misuse.
Source: Dolphin
Geekbench Scores Suggest iPhone 7 Outperforms Current 12.9-Inch iPad Pro
Another set of Geekbench results claiming to be from an iPhone 7 have appeared online, just a day before the device is set to be announced.
We’ve seen alleged Geekbench reports before – screenshots that turned out to be fake – but emerging so close to the phone’s unveiling and appearing on the PrimateLabs site, this one may have more legitimacy to it.
The device is identified as an “iPhone9,3”, which may refer to a third model of iPhone 7, given that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus carry the hardware strings “iPhone8,1” and “iPhone8,2”, respectively. And yet the RAM for the device is stated as 2GB, whereas previous rumors imply that the iPhone 7 Plus will get 3GB RAM, suggesting this is a 4.7-inch device.
The scores indicate significant performance gains owing to the A10 chip expected to feature in the iPhone 7. If the results are legitimate, a single-core score of 3379 and multi-core score of 5495 show that a 400MHz A10 processor easily beats the performance of the A9 in the iPhone 6s Plus, which scores 2490 and 4341, respectively.
On these results, the A10 also outperforms the 2.2GHz A9X chip powering the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which returns Geekbench scores of 3224 and 5466, respectively.
Interestingly, the report says the handset is running a future version of iOS 10 (10.1) that has yet to be seeded to developers, implying that the test was conducted internally, apparently with full knowledge that the results would become public.
As noted, suspension of belief is advised without any official confirmation, but we shouldn’t have to wait long before more concrete results begin appearing in the wild.
Apple is expected to reveal its new iPhones tomorrow, along with a second-generation Apple Watch, and refreshed Beats products. Apple should also provide final release dates for iOS 10, macOS Sierra, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3, and it may have other product and service updates to announce. Check back with MacRumors.com for live coverage and through the @MacRumorsLive account on Twitter.
Related Roundup: iPhone 7
Tag: Geekbench
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Masimo’s ‘MightySat’ Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Now Available From Apple
Masimo has announced that its MightySat fingertip pulse oximeter can now be purchased from Apple.com and select Apple retail locations in the U.S. and Canada.
The pulse oximeter uses Bluetooth LE to provide noninvasive measurements of oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and perfusion index, allegedly with greater accuracy than over a dozen other hospital-grade pulse oximeters.
In a study of 70 healthy volunteers during conditions of movement and low blood flow, Masimo SET was the most accurate pulse oximeter when compared to 19 other hospital-grade pulse oximeters. SpO2 accuracy was defined as being within 7% of the reference value and pulse rate accuracy as being within 10%.
The measurements and trends are stored in the Masimo Personal Health app available in the App Store, while the data can also be shared with Apple’s official Health app if the user grants permission.
MightySat is $299, while a premium version that also measures respiration rate and pleth variability index is available for $399.
Tag: Apple retail
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Intex launches Aqua S7 in India in partnership with DragonTrail
Intex Technologies has launched the Aqua S7 in collaboration with DragonTrail to augment its 4G product portfolio with VoLTE support.
The stylish Aqua S7 sports a 5-inch display and is powered by a 64-bit quad core Mediatek processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. The phone runs Android Marshmallow and supports 4G VoLTE. The 5-inch HD IPS display is supported with a 2.5D curved glass display with DragonTrail glass for protection. There’s also the fingerprint sensor for biometric security and additional functionality like clicking photos or scrolling.
Intex Aqua S7 Specifications
| Operating System | Android Marshmallow 6.0 |
| Display | 5-inch HD (1280 x 720) | DragonTrail Glass |
| Processor | 64-bit 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB; expandable up to 64GB with microSD card |
| Camera | 13MP AF rear camera with single LED flash| 5MP front camera |
| Battery | 3200mAh |
| Dimensions | 142.5 x 72.5 x 8.7mm |
| Weight | 150 grams |
According to Takuzo Mikawa, Asahi Glass’s Deputy General Manager of Applied Glass Division, the damage-resistant Dragontrail has already been adopted as cover glass for several global major brands, and the company is now looking to offer more and better products in the Indian market.
Priced at ₹9,499, the Intex Aqua S7 is available in three colors – Champagne, Rose Gold, and Dark Blue. The Aqua S7 packs in the Matrabhasha service that enables communication in 21 regional languages, including Hindi. There are also several pre-loaded apps like FOTA, Intex Service, Follo, Opera Mini, Clean Master, Daily Hunt, and more.
5-inch Moto G4 Play lands in India for ₹8,999 ($135)
Lenovo launched the Play variant of the Moto Z series, and the company is now doing the same for the budget Moto G4 lineup. The Moto G4 Play is targeted at the entry-level market, and will go up for sale exclusively on Amazon India starting later today for ₹8,999 ($135).
The Moto G4 Play shares the same design as the larger Moto G4 and G4 Plus, but the internal hardware is more in line with that of the Moto G 2015. The phone features a 5-inch 720p display, Snapdragon 410 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage with microSD slot, 4G with VoLTE, 8MP camera, 5MP front shooter, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, and a 2800mAh battery. On the software front, you’ll get Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
The larger 2800mAh battery is an upgrade from the Moto G 2015’s 2470mAh battery, but in other areas, the Moto G4 Play is identical to last year’s budget phone. In doing so, Lenovo is able to launch the phone for under ₹10,000, with the phone retailing for ₹3,500 ($50) less than the ₹12,499 price tag of the Moto G4.
If you’ve invested in the Moto G 2015, there really isn’t a whole lot of reason to consider the G4 Play, as both handsets feature identical specs. But with the sub-₹10,000 segment seeing increased competition, the G4 Play is Lenovo’s push to make the Moto G series accessible to more buyers.
Apple iPhone 7: Seven things to expect
The Apple iPhone 7 is expected to be announced at the company’s event on 7 September in San Francisco.
With so many rumours floating around as to what the iPhone 7 will or won’t have, we have rounded up seven features that have been consistently speculated upon over the last couple of weeks.
That’s not to say they are a given, far from it, but these are the rumoured features that continue to surface from multiple sources, time and time again, giving us a strong indication of what to expect.
Apple iPhone 7: iOS 10
This we do know. Apple’s new version of its operating system iOS 10 will be coming out for all iPhones (that can run it) this month, and in particular the new iPhone.
The new OS brings a number of new features including improvements to the lock screen, messages, Homekit, Photos, and Siri.
Apple iPhone 7: No headphone jack
Apple is expected to ditch the headphone jack on the iPhone and replace it with a second speaker.
Those that want a wired connection will be able to do so via a dongle through the Lightning port, but the suggestion is that Apple will recommend you connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to the phone. Who needs wires.
Apple iPhone 7: A new home button
It’s the only physical moving part on the iPhone, so changing it to a touch sensitive button makes a lot of sense.
It’s one less part to worry about, and it could mean a simpler design. It should also help if Apple want to make the iPhone more waterproof.
Apple iPhone 7: Some form of Waterproofing
With the headphone socket gone and a physical home button removed, according to the rumours, Apple could make the iPhone waterproof to some degree.
It would mean that the SIM tray would have to be protected, but all the rumours suggest this could happen. If the iPhone 7 had an IPX7 rating, like Apple Watch, it could withstand incidental exposure to water of up to one metre for up to 30 minutes.
Apple iPhone 7: New processor
A new iPhone always brings a new processor and in every Apple iPhone launch so far we’ve always seen a speed enhancement for the new device.
The iPhone 6s range uses Apple’s own A9 chip so it’s expected that the new iPhone 7 will use an A10 processor. Still speculation for now though.
Apple iPhone 7: New camera
A lot of the rumours have focused around a new dual-lens camera for the iPhone to help its users get even better pictures, though it’s been claimed it might only appear on the Plus model.
With the invite featuring a camera technique called bokeh, that allows greater depth of field normally only associated with DSLR cameras, a camera upgrade is almost a given.
Apple iPhone 7: Tweaked design
We’ve enjoyed the current iPhone design for two years now with the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6s, meaning if history repeats itself, we are up for a completely new design.
That said, rumours also claim that Apple is holding off on a complete refresh for two reasons. The first is that it’s the 10th anniversary of the iPhone in 2017, and secondly that the current design has been very popular.
Still we suspect, and if the rumours are accurate, some tweaks like a new Piano Black colour and the removal of the plastic antenna lines on the back might appear.
Hot Wheels AI is the love child of slot cars and Roomba
Model cars and track racing are the bread and butter of Hot Wheels, but they might look a little long in the tooth compared to flashy console games like Gran Turismo and Need for Speed. With the new Hot Wheels AI set, toy autos get a bit of a boost — not just in speed, but in intelligence. Now you can race against a computer in the real world, right there on your living room rug.
Each Hot Wheels AI set comes with two cars, 20 pieces of track and two controllers. The 1/32 scale models look like normal toy cars, with snazzy shells not based on any existing real world vehicle — the blue design is called “Fast Fish” and the orange one is “Spin King.” Flip them over and underneath you’ll find two infrared sensors similar to the ones on a Roomba. They allow the computer inside to “read” the gradient pattern on the vinyl track, so it knows exactly where the car is and can adjust the steering to stay on course even in the middle of a heated race.
The track pieces can be arranged in over 40 layouts, allowing you to add turns and straightaways to your hearts’ content. That’s not the only thing about Hot Wheels AI that can be customized — the shells can be swapped out for new designs, and the wheel rims are interchangeable as well (gold-plated and spinning options not yet available).
Once you’ve got everything to your liking, it’s time to race. There’s no app or anything like that — Hot Wheels AI comes with special controllers that connect at 2.4GHz to each car. They have a very video game flair to them: The shape resembles an Xbox gamepad, and the controls include a directional joystick on the left with two shoulder buttons up top. But that’s where the similarities end. The triggers on the back are designed more like those you’d find on a slot car control, and the front has an array of colorful buttons for choosing game modes.
There’s an autodrive mode where the cars zip around the track on their own. But let’s face it: You want to be the one doing the driving. There’s a freeplay mode that puts you in full control and lets you take it anywhere, including off track. On the track you might want to try the practice mode. That’s just a basic run which lets you try for your fastest time while you get used to the controls. Once you’re done practicing, though, it’s time to race against another player or an AI in championship mode. That lets you set up a race with a certain number of laps, like 10. The computer will then track the relative position of the cars, with the controller speakers announcing the standings on each lap and eventually calling a winner.
Both the practice and championship settings allow you to select from three skill levels: Beginner, Advanced and Expert. The first difference is how much assistance you get from the computer — beginners just need to hit the gas, and the system will do the work of keeping your car on the road. Expert puts you almost in full control of acceleration and steering. The other big difference in skill level is how fast you’re able to go. Beginner putts along at a steady but unexciting pace, while expert takes advantage of the cars’ ability to travel up to 5.6mph, the scaled down equivalent of 180mph.
Besides the controller, another distinctly video game twist to Hot Wheels AI is the ability to deploy hazards against your opponent during a championship race. These road mishaps are activated with the touch of a button, but there’s no actual oil stick that appears on the track — the affected car will skid or stall out on its own, with the speaker on the controller announcing the cause of the problem. It’s a lot like Mario Kart — in fact, the hazards can only affect the lead vehicle, so it’s exactly like the accursed blue shell. (Oh, how I hate you blue shell.)
The number of sabotages you have is limited by the difficulty level selected: beginners get nothing, advanced racers get two and experts have four in their arsenal. They can be reloaded by driving your car into the “pit area” of the track. It’s an optional bend you can add to the side of the track for “repairs,” but the AI won’t guide you there automatically — you have to switch to the RC assist function and manually drive your vehicle in. It’s not easy, so you’re definitely earning that refill.
I’m infamously bad at games like Mario Kart (just ask my coworkers), but I still found beginner difficulty to be a little too constraining. I do think it’s great for younger kids still trying to figure out the basics. Advanced mode was a little more my speed — you get enough guidance to keep you on the track, but it’s still possible to maneuver around a bit and it’s not annoyingly slow. I still ran off the track a few times, especially after being rammed by my human opponents. The AI is a fair enough driver, and a good way to learn the ropes. But for a real challenge you’re going to want to play this with a friend or a competitive family member.
In fact, the varying difficulty modes make it great for groups of kids. If you have younger siblings, then you know the pain of being told to “go easy” or even let them win. With Hot Wheels AI, an older child can choose the advanced or expert setting and drive to their full potential, while the littler one can still feel like they’re participating without getting frustrated by their lack of skill. They might eventually notice their car isn’t fast enough, but hopefully by that point (and age) they’ll have improved enough that it’s time to graduate to another skill level.
Hot Wheels AI might be aimed at ages “8+,” but it really does reach across age groups. The controllers can be handed off to younger kids, or older adults with fond memories of slot cars and plastic tracks. It’s the same classic combination of speed and style that Hot Wheels is known for — but now it’s got some brains on the inside. The basic set goes on sale this October for a sweet $100.
EE begins rolling out a faster 4G network
Like any four-year-old, EE’s 4G network hasn’t yet fulfilled its potential. For its last major upgrade, the carrier flipped the switch on Cat 6 LTE-Advanced two years ago; and today, EE has announced it’s begun rolling out even faster Cat 9 technology (the first UK provider to do so, it seems). This increases the maximum theoretical download speed on EE’s “4G+” network from 300 Mbps to 450 Mbps, though real-world testing puts the max at more like 360 Mbps. The catch? Only a handful of phones can take full advantage.
The jump to Cat 9 is down to a blend of 20MHz of spectrum from the 1800MHz band and 35MHz from the 2600MHz band. Right now, though, only the Galaxy S6 Edge+, S7, S7 Edge and HTC 10 can make use of all that bandwidth. Oh, and the Note 7 too, if it hadn’t been recalled. If you don’t have any of those handsets and aren’t planning to pick up the next iPhone, which’ll undoubtedly support Cat 9, you will still benefit somewhat, thanks to a general increase in network capacity.
The Cat 9 network is already live at EE’s Wembley Stadium testbed, and will be spreading to other parts of London, as well as Manchester and Birmingham later this year. And by the end of 2017, EE expects to have Cat 9 up and running on over 500 masts.
Source: EE
Europe’s free roaming law comes with an asterisk
In June 2017, the European Commission will get its wish and scrap roaming charges for travellers across the continent. Phone calls, text messages and data downloads abroad will be treated as if they originated at home, but there will be a catch. In new plans set out this week, the Commission will instruct operators to let consumers roam for in Europe up to 30 days at a time, for a total of 90 days per year.
To stop abuse, representatives had called for a fair use policy to stop travellers from buying cheap SIM deals in one European country and then abusing those benefits in another. The new plans are a first look at how the Commission intends to deal with that issue. They appear to lean on existing free movement agreements made by Member States that require some citizens to register their residency if they stay for a period of more than 90 days in a year. It’s determining whether a person can a considered a traveller or a (semi-permenant) resident — the latter of which would possibly need to buy a local mobile SIM.
Since April 2016, operators have capped roaming charges at €0.20 per MB, €0.06 per SMS and €0.05 per minute. The new plans will lower call and text message prices to €0.04 cents per minute and €0.01 per SMS, but data usage may rise to 0.85 cents per MB. To help people who regularly travel between countries for work, the Commission says that as long as they log onto their home network once a day, they will not be included in the 30-day and 90-day limits.
This is not to say that carriers cannot be more lenient with their roaming restrictions. These limits are effectively a basic right for all Europeans, and you can expect to see operators continue to differentiate themselves by offering better deals.
Representatives will now invite member countries and the EU’s telecoms regulator to comment on proposals before they’re adopted on December 15th. Overall, it looks like consumers who enjoy “unlimited” data plans at home will be offered the same opportunities abroad, as long as they don’t exceed average their carrier’s domestic usage limits.
Via: Express
Source: Europa
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