This machine crushes empty beer bottles into sand in just 5 seconds
Why it matters to you
Everyone cares about saving the planet, but making recycling an exciting message can be a tall order. This beer bottle crushing machine offers a solution.
How do you dispose of a bottle of beer once you’re done drinking it? You crush it into fine-grain sand, right?
Well, thanks to a smart new promotion created by New Zealand brewers DB Breweries — working alongside the ad agency Colenso BBDO New Zealand — it’s possible to do exactly that.
“Two thirds of the world’s beaches are retreating as people across the world use non-renewable beach sand for construction, roading and other uses,” Simon Smith, brand PR and digital manager for DB Breweries, told Digital Trends. “We had some [conversations] over beers, and came up with an idea to crush glass bottles into a sand substitute that can be used in things such as construction, roading, even golf bunkers; meaning that we can keep our beautiful beach sand where it belongs: on our beaches.”
More: How to recycle your old computer
New Zealand, Smith said, has a pretty impressive recycling rate, although there’s always room to do more. To that end, DB Breweries has built several machines able to take empty bottles and turn them into substitute sand. All a drinker needs to do is deposit his or her bottle in the machine, which then uses miniature steel hammers to crush it into 200 grams of sand in only five seconds — after extracting the plastic labels with a vacuum system.
“Our sand will be processed through a screener which sorts it into a fine grades between 1.1 – 0.4mm particle sizes,” he continued. “Over the next few months, we’ll be creating up to 100 tons of sand, which is the equivalent of 500,000 DB Export Bottles. The resulting sand substitute will then be given to our construction and retail partners to use in place of beach sand.”
The ultimate goal is to provide a way of prompting people to recycle by giving them an image of what exactly it means to do so, rather than leaving it as an abstraction. “Our ambition for the campaign is for people to have something tangible to think about, such as the love of our beautiful beaches, as a reminder to recycle,” he said.
Hey, if it means we get to drink and save the planet, who’s losing out? Aside from our liver and bank balance, that is…
Make the most out of Google with this list of ‘OK, Google’ voice commands
One of the most useful things about using Google is the voice commands. Using just your voice you can command your device to do many things on your behalf. It’s fast, convenient, and still feels a bit like the future. The complete list of “OK, Google” commands and compatible apps has grown considerably over time, meaning there are likely things you can do with Google that you’re not even aware of.
More: How to get the most out of Google Now
If you own an Android device, you might want to turn on “OK, Google” so that you can start using this feature without having to tap the microphone icon. The first thing we need to do is make sure this feature is turned on, so let’s see if it is.
Turning on “OK, Google”
Open your App Drawer, and open the Google app.
Tap the Hamburger menu (
) in the upper-left corner, and go to Settings.
Go to Voice > OK, Google detection, and turn on From any screen.
Follow the instructions to train your phone to respond to your voice.
If you’re having trouble when you say “OK, Google,” and it doesn’t seem to be working for you, then you can turn off Trusted Voice in the ‘OK, Google’ detection settings. The software may be having a hard time recognizing your voice.
Now that it is turned on, we can start using “OK, Google.” Let’s take a look at all the different commands you can use with your device. All you have to do is say “OK, Google,” and Google will start listening for your commands. You can always tap the microphone icon and issue a voice command, if you prefer not to use the “OK, Google” feature.
The Beoncam is a crazy 360-degree camera you strap onto your wrist
Why it matters to you
Spacemap’s Beoncam may just be the world’s most portable 360-degree camera: You can wear it on your wrist.
Cameras that shoot in 360 degrees are practically a commodity. There’s the Insta360, the Allie 360, the Nico360, the Insta360 Pro, to name a few. And that’s not counting the 360-degree cameras from Nokia, Samsung, LG, Huawei, and even Kodak. But none of those cameras fit inside a wrist-worn wearable.
Enter Singapore-based Spacemap’s Beoncam, the world’s first 360-degree cameras housed inside an “elegantly designed, sleek wristband.” The 46.6mm x 24.5mm sensor, which boasts a splash-proof body and a gyroscope sensor that orients the position of the camera when a photo is taken, captures 5-megapixel images and video up to 1,200 x 1,200 in resolution. It switches between 190-degree and 360-degree orientation, and shoots in modes including burst, time lapse, and loop recording.
More: Facebook makes good on promise to open-source its 360-degree camera
The Beoncam is more than just a 360-degree camera. When clipped into the wristband’s housing and paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it doubles as a notification screen. A smartphone companion app for iOS and Android lets users access and remotely control the Beoncam. And built-in sharing tools let users share images and videos to apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
“With Beoncam, we wanted to create wearable technology that plays a meaningful part in people’s lives,” Rick Wong, director at Spacemap, said. “Because it’s always on, users can truly tell their stories — anytime, anywhere — and all without having to carry around bulky pieces of equipment. The wide range of features offered with Beoncam emphasizes our commitment to seamlessly working in all aspects of people’s daily living, whether it’s leisure time or during physical activity.”
Spacemap may be on to something. In November 2016, the New York Times launched The Daily 360, a daily series of 360-degree videos chronicling Saudi airstrikes, violence in Syria, and more. Twitter supports live-streaming 360-degree video capabilities, as do Facebook and Google. And analysts at Greenlight Insights forecast that by 2020, the 360-degree video market will balloon to $5 billion.
More: Insta360 Pro is an 8K, 360-degree camera for true professionals
The Beoncam is launching on IndieGogo with a funding goal of $30,000. Limited early-bird specials include a $130 package, or half off retail. Later this year, accessories including a wrist strap and strap ring, a cradle with tripod adapter mount, a bicycle handlebar ring, a flat clip, a helmet clip, a USB cable, a lens cloth, a carry pouch, and a $40 waterproof casing will begin shipping direct from Spacemap’s website.
These Smart Stamps validate a concert ticket by stamping your phone
Why it matters to you
Forget scanning: Smart Stamps validate tickets and loyalty cards by the physical act of stamping.
If you’re like us, it’s been ages since the last time you printed out a concert ticket and had to have it stamped. But in some regions (and theme parks) of the world, the ink-drenched rubber stamping contraptions serve as the only means of validation. If the folks at Echoss have their way, though, you might start seeing a lot more around — but not how you might remember them.
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Japan-based Echoss showed the Echoss Smart Stamp, a stamp that’s compatible with smartphones. Just like an off-the-shelf stamp at your local Staples, it doesn’t pack a battery, processors, or any electronics that require power, works offline, and springs back slightly when pressed against a surface.
More: Happy birthday cell phone! Here are 10 of the oddest phones from over the years
But unlike conventional stamps, the Smart Stamp validates tickets and coupons with “capacitive point technology.” Each unit packs a pattern of stylus-like points concealed beneath a conductive sheet, and when the stylus-like points make contact with a touchscreen and Smart Stamp-compatible app, the phone registers with Echos’ certification center. After a second or so, the ticket holder is good to go.
We asked Echoss about the potential for fraud — it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that a determined hacker could disassemble a Smart Stamp and produce copies of the geometric pattern. But a company rep told Digital Trends that once a virtual ticket has been stamped, Echoss records the location and time, and each stamp’s pattern actuates at very specific angles on the smartphone screen. Simply put, if someone were to take one apart, they wouldn’t necessarily be able to produce a duplicate.
The standard Smart Stamp comes in blue and white, but a customized version, the Paper Stamp, lets brands create designs of their own. Echoss envision performers distributing collectible stamps for buzzy promotions, and sweepstakes holders awarding Paper Stamps as prizes. “[They] can create a unique fandom culture,” Echoss said.
More: 16 trends from Mobile World Congress that will reshape the year ahead
That’s less of a stretch than you might think. Smart Stamps are apparently quite popular overseas — Echoss’s partners include Samsung, NEC, Huawei, and WeChat. One of the most popular apps, Echossbook, lets users collect stamps in exchange for a coupon. Another, Cevly, rewards hair studio customers for rebooking stylists.
And it might not be long before they make their way to the U.S. — Echoss plans to announce new partners in the coming weeks.
So don’t freak out if the barista at your next coffee stop stamps — not scans — your digital loyalty card.
These Smart Stamps validate a concert ticket by stamping your phone
Why it matters to you
Forget scanning: Smart Stamps validate tickets and loyalty cards by the physical act of stamping.
If you’re like us, it’s been ages since the last time you printed out a concert ticket and had to have it stamped. But in some regions (and theme parks) of the world, the ink-drenched rubber stamping contraptions serve as the only means of validation. If the folks at Echoss have their way, though, you might start seeing a lot more around — but not how you might remember them.
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Japan-based Echoss showed the Echoss Smart Stamp, a stamp that’s compatible with smartphones. Just like an off-the-shelf stamp at your local Staples, it doesn’t pack a battery, processors, or any electronics that require power, works offline, and springs back slightly when pressed against a surface.
More: Happy birthday cell phone! Here are 10 of the oddest phones from over the years
But unlike conventional stamps, the Smart Stamp validates tickets and coupons with “capacitive point technology.” Each unit packs a pattern of stylus-like points concealed beneath a conductive sheet, and when the stylus-like points make contact with a touchscreen and Smart Stamp-compatible app, the phone registers with Echos’ certification center. After a second or so, the ticket holder is good to go.
We asked Echoss about the potential for fraud — it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that a determined hacker could disassemble a Smart Stamp and produce copies of the geometric pattern. But a company rep told Digital Trends that once a virtual ticket has been stamped, Echoss records the location and time, and each stamp’s pattern actuates at very specific angles on the smartphone screen. Simply put, if someone were to take one apart, they wouldn’t necessarily be able to produce a duplicate.
The standard Smart Stamp comes in blue and white, but a customized version, the Paper Stamp, lets brands create designs of their own. Echoss envision performers distributing collectible stamps for buzzy promotions, and sweepstakes holders awarding Paper Stamps as prizes. “[They] can create a unique fandom culture,” Echoss said.
More: 16 trends from Mobile World Congress that will reshape the year ahead
That’s less of a stretch than you might think. Smart Stamps are apparently quite popular overseas — Echoss’s partners include Samsung, NEC, Huawei, and WeChat. One of the most popular apps, Echossbook, lets users collect stamps in exchange for a coupon. Another, Cevly, rewards hair studio customers for rebooking stylists.
And it might not be long before they make their way to the U.S. — Echoss plans to announce new partners in the coming weeks.
So don’t freak out if the barista at your next coffee stop stamps — not scans — your digital loyalty card.
Google partners with Bharti Airtel and SK Telecom to improve connectivity
Why it matters to you
Google’s going to help Bharti Airtel and SK Telecom improve their networks. It could be the start of a trend.
Google’s making it easier for mobile networks to roll out improvements to their networks. At the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona, the search giant inked partnerships with India’s Bharti Airtel and South Korea’s SK Telecom to help the respective networks build out “next-generation” networking.
In a blog post, Google said that it would tap technologies like software defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization, and site reliability engineering to “deliver services reliably.”
More: Google’s simple and elegant Google WiFi makes home networking easy
“Over the year, we’ve built and managed networking infrastructure to help us provide Google services to people around the world,” Google Principal Ankur Jain wrote in a blog post. “As people increasingly access the Internet through their mobile devices, mobile operators are now designing their next-generation networks based on many of the same principles we’ve adopted to power our own networking infrastructure.”
The SDN framework will enable the networks to adapt to new services and traffic patterns, Jain said, and simplified workflow management and automated testing will provide network engineers with the tools to deploy and iterate on new features. New APIs, meanwhile, will hasten the development of subscriber-facing benefits like Smart Offline, a YouTube feature that lets users take advantage of cheaper overnight data rates offered by Airtel and Telenor.
More: Google’s dark fiber plan bucks trends, leases fiber lines from other networks
In addition to the new networking initiatives, Google’s joining CORD (Central Office Re-architected as a Datacenter), an open-source project that counts “leading mobile ecosystem” partners like AT&T, SK Telecom, Verizon, China Unicom, and NTT Communications among its active members.
“We look forward to collaborating with Google on this exciting initiative. It’s great to see Google bring the benefits of their networking technologies to carriers. This will bring greater efficiencies and capabilities to mobile networks and enable us to rapidly innovate on new user experiences.”
The news follows reports concerning Google’s other big telecom effort this week: Rich Communication Messaging, or RCS. Last week, the search giant said that Vodafone Group, Globe Telekom, Orange, and Deutsche Telekom will now support RCS, the follow-up to SMS and MMS that lets users send higher-quality pictures messages, participate in group chat, share their current location, initiate voice calls, see typing indicators, and read receipts, and share media and other information while in a telephone conversation.
More: Samsung doubles down on RCS, brings next-gen messaging to Marshmallow devices
They’ll adopt Google’s Jibe service, which aligns with the universal RCS profile to provide cloud and hub services to make it easier for carriers to adopt and roll out. About 27 manufacturers and carriers are launching RCS with Google.
Best app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers make paid apps free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.
These apps normally cost money, and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged.
More: 200 Awesome iPhone Apps | The best Android apps for almost any occasion
Voice Recorder Pro
Ideal for students, business people, journalists, teachers, doctors, and anybody who makes voice notes and reminders. Taking lecture notes, conducting an interview or just immediately jotting down a good idea has never been easier.
Available on:
iOS
Moment Mix Pro
Moment Mix is a powerful and fast collage maker with a lot of customizing and editing tools, as well as import and share options.
Available on:
iOS
Adrian James High Intensity Workout
Adrian James High Intensity Interval Training is the fat-burning workout that has become an international hit. Download the app and take your fitness to the next level.
Available on:
iOS
Epica Pro
This isn’t like your other photo apps — Epica Pro is one of the funnier editing apps around. Create a collage and become an instant comedian.
Available on:
iOS
Vantage Calendar
Just a simple and easy calendar app. Built to be highly visual and customizable for the best possible view of your life. Welcome to a new perspective.
Available on:
iOS
Weblock
Not a fan of ads? This ad-blocking app will let you ban advertisements from any app you select, with multiple options for a personalized blocking service.
Available on:
iOS
Zero to 100 in 20 minutes: Meizu’s new tech supercharges your smartphone battery
Why it matters to you
Charging a smartphone battery is a pain, but Meizu’s new Super mCharge technology may have taken a bit step toward making it a lot less painful.
Chinese smartphone maker Meizu made a lot of people stand around in a busy hall at Mobile World Congress and watch a battery charge from zero to 100 percent. That sounds like the tech equivalent of watching paint dry, and also, due to the usual amount of time such a process takes, a very long demonstration. Except this was Meizu’s new Super mCharge technology, and the cell went from zero to 100 in just 20 minutes.
It was never going to be the most visually exciting demo, but it was compelling for a simple reason — fast charge systems are usually promoted as giving a chunk of power in that same 20 minute window, rather than filling the entire battery up. The gathered crowds had no idea whether the Meizu charging system would just do the same. Instead, it rocketed to 30 percent in five minutes, and continued on. The chunky 11v/5A charging block feeds 55 watts of power to the phone.
More: Our review of the Meizu MX6
Now, you may be concerned about safety standards, given recent battery-related explosions in the smartphone industry. Meizu says Super mCharge uses some clever circuitry inside the phone and charger to maximize efficiency, and the temperature won’t go beyond 39 degrees Centigrade (102 degrees Fahrenheit). This means it’s safe, and more reliable, too. Additionally, pushing the battery so hard during charging can reduce its longevity, but Meizu says a 3,000mAh battery with Super mCharge still has a lifetime of more than two years, and will still have 80 percent of its capacity available after 800 cycles.
While systems like OnePlus’s Dash Charge and Motorola’s TurboPower make charging less of a pain, neither completely fill the battery. Meizu’s Super mCharge has the potential to beat both, but it’s still in prototype stage, and we were told to expect a phone using it to be released before the end of the year. Great news, but we have also seen these tech demonstrations at Mobile World Congress before — Oppo’s Super VOOC battery charging for example — and are still waiting for the final product to arrive more than a year later.
One other thing: While we watched a battery charge up in 20 minutes, it’s difficult to assess whether it really worked, because we didn’t get to use the phone at either time.
Like most other fast charging systems, Super mCharge requires you to use a particular charger and cable, plus the phone and battery have to be Super mCharge compatible, meaning it’s a complete package that will only be available on Meizu’s hardware.
T-Mobile is hoping to go all in on LTE by 2019, turning off 2G and 3G
Why it matters to you
Do you even remember 2G and 3G networks? T-Mobile certainly doesn’t want you to, and is seeking an all-LTE future by 2019.
T-Mobile wants to leave the past in the past, and that includes 2G and 3G networks. At an Ericsson press conference during Mobile World Congress, T-Mobile CTO Neville Ray spoke of T-Mobile’s all-LTE future, which could be happening as soon as 2019. T-Mobile and Ericsson are already joining forces to bring gigabit LTE to the Un-carrier’s customers, and as they invest more in this technology, they may be turning some other older tech off.
“By 2020, we’d love to have GSM turned down, if not before,” Ray said. “What do we do first, 3G or 2G? That’s primarily driven by what you can do on voice.”
Currently, around 70 percent of T-Mobile’s phone calls are made on voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), and all of T-Mobile’s newer phones support VoLTE. But of course, Ray doesn’t want to leave any customers who are still attached to their dinosaur handsets in the dust. That said, the CTO noted that the company will be looking at ways of getting their customers to make the switch to more modern handsets so they can provide more modern technologies across the board.
More: T-Mobile is handing out a free extra line to its customers, and it could save you $40
“With handset refresh cycles, you look at 2019, and I think it’s an opportunity to move to an all-LTE network,” he said. T-Mobile certainly wouldn’t be the first to begin moving away from 2G and 3G. In fact, PC Mag points out, AT&T has already disabled its 2G network, and eliminating 3G could have far-reaching benefits. Ray noted that some of the spectrum used by 3G could be used for LTE instead.
“We found a very cost-effective and low-taxing spectrum methodology to run GSM for more time,” he said.
In the near future, however, Ray is focused on moving phone calls completely to newer networks. “I want to get that last 30 percent [of phone calls to VoLTE],” he said. Look out, 2019. T-Mobile is coming in hot.
You can now apply to beta test the Honor 6X Nougat update in the U.S.
Be the first to try EMUI 5.0 on the Honor 6X.
Honor has announced that it will roll out the Nougat-based EMUI 5.0 update to the Honor 6X sometime in the month of March, and the company is now kicking off the beta test for those located in the U.S. If you’re using an Honor 6X in the U.S., you can sign up to test the update by sending your device’s IMEI number to huaweifut@huawei.com.
Wanna be the first to test out EMUI 5.0 on your #Honor6X? Sign up to be a beta tester now. Email your IMEI to huaweifut@huawei.com now. pic.twitter.com/dbquir7yey
— Honor USA (@Honor_USA) February 28, 2017
As we’ve seen on the Mate 9, EMUI 5.0 brings several much-needed improvements, including a notification panel that actually works, multi-window mode, and an optional app drawer.
Honor made its name on the back of its hardware prowess, but the software limitations with previous iterations of EMUI made it difficult to recommend its handsets. With the company now looking to expand its reach in Western markets, it finally pared down on customizations and is offering a cleaner implementation of its interface with EMUI 5.0.
AIVAnet 