Harnessing magnetic fields could allow phones, cars to charge on the move

Why it matters to you

This ambient charging-environment technology could end the tyranny of wires.

A bit like the way that products marketed as hoverboards don’t actually hover, today’s wireless charging technology is not all that wireless. Sure, you do not have to physically plug your phone in to get it charging, but placing your phone on a charging pad to juice up its battery still is not quite the wire-free dream we have been hankering after.

A new piece of research from researchers at Stanford University could make that dream a reality, however. In a paper published in the journal Nature, investigators describe a kind of ambient charging environment that would allow devices to start charging whenever you walk into a room — a bit like a Wi-fi setup you instantly connect to when in close proximity.

“What we’ve demonstrated is robust wireless power transfer,” Professor Shanhui Fan, a researcher on the project whose work involves computational and experimental photonics research, told Digital Trends. “It’s a system in which the transfer efficiency remains high as the receiver moves over a range of distances, without need for any external tuning. It means that you could walk around in a room, with your phone continuing to get charged.”

The method the team developed involves a large magnetic field “amplifier” that can power a device wirelessly. In their proof-of-concept demonstration, the simple device the researchers chose to focus on was an LED light which they moved further and further away from its power source. The work built on research developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007, which showed that it is possible to transmit electricity wirelessly over a distance of several feet to a stationary object. This time, however, the Stanford researchers augmented the setup with a voltage amplifier and feedback resistor. As Fan noted, the result is a system that can work out the correct frequency for variable distances without a human needing to fine-tune it along the way.

The idea of true wireless charging phones is certainly exciting, but Fan said there is another larger goal involved: Wirelessly charging electric cars. “If you’re driving on the road, and somehow energy can be sent into your electric car, that would be very useful,” he said. “It’s also an example of a situation in which it wouldn’t be practical to do plugged-in charging, since you would be driving at the time.”

There is still more work to be done on increasing the amount of electricity that can be transferred using the method, but — provided this research advances as planned — this could turn out to be the start of something very significant.

“I think it’s a fairly practical technology, but it’s always difficult to predict commercialization,” Fan said. “What we’ve currently done is to file a patent application, which takes us one step closer.”

Google Backup & Sync app will help you maintain all your computer files

Why it matters to you

If you’re a Google Drive user, you likely want it to be as easy as possible to sync your files across different platforms.

Google wants to be better at backing up your computer’s files. While the company already offers a Drive folder that can be installed on your computer, soon Google will be able to back up and sync any folder that you point it to on your computer. If you want, it can back up your desktop, entire documents folder, and more. Or, you can get more specific and tell it to only back up a specific set of files on your desktop.

The new feature will begin rolling out to users starting on June 28 in the form of an app called Backup & Sync, and it will incorporate features from both the Google Drive and Google Photos backup apps. The app is aimed at regular consumers rather than business users — and Google recommends business users stick with the already available Drive app.

Not too much is known about Backup & Sync just yet, and we don’t know the full extent of what it will be able to do. One thing, however, is for sure — syncing your entire computer will likely count pretty quickly toward your Google Drive storage limits, which sit in at 15GB for the free version — although you can buy more.

It’s nice to see Drive getting some upgrades. The Drive app has been around for some time now, and while it has gotten minor upgrades over the years it has also gotten a little outdated. Another nice touch — and a necessary one — is that Google says your settings from the Google Drive app will remain untouched after the upgrade, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any of your files being lost or deleted during the switch. The integration with Google Photos is also a nice touch — and means that users should be able to more easily manage their photo libraries.

As mentioned, the Backup & Sync app will begin rolling out to customers on Wednesday June 28.

Google Backup & Sync app will help you maintain all your computer files

Why it matters to you

If you’re a Google Drive user, you likely want it to be as easy as possible to sync your files across different platforms.

Google wants to be better at backing up your computer’s files. While the company already offers a Drive folder that can be installed on your computer, soon Google will be able to back up and sync any folder that you point it to on your computer. If you want, it can back up your desktop, entire documents folder, and more. Or, you can get more specific and tell it to only back up a specific set of files on your desktop.

The new feature will begin rolling out to users starting on June 28 in the form of an app called Backup & Sync, and it will incorporate features from both the Google Drive and Google Photos backup apps. The app is aimed at regular consumers rather than business users — and Google recommends business users stick with the already available Drive app.

Not too much is known about Backup & Sync just yet, and we don’t know the full extent of what it will be able to do. One thing, however, is for sure — syncing your entire computer will likely count pretty quickly toward your Google Drive storage limits, which sit in at 15GB for the free version — although you can buy more.

It’s nice to see Drive getting some upgrades. The Drive app has been around for some time now, and while it has gotten minor upgrades over the years it has also gotten a little outdated. Another nice touch — and a necessary one — is that Google says your settings from the Google Drive app will remain untouched after the upgrade, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any of your files being lost or deleted during the switch. The integration with Google Photos is also a nice touch — and means that users should be able to more easily manage their photo libraries.

As mentioned, the Backup & Sync app will begin rolling out to customers on Wednesday June 28.

New algorithm predicts how faces can change, could help find missing persons

Why it matters to you

More accurately predicting how faces change over time could help locate long-missing people.

When someone goes missing, their friends or family can provide a photo for police to circulate in case they are recognized by a member of the public. When it comes to longer-term missing person cases, however, police can take an image of the person as they were when they disappeared, and then age it to show how their appearance might have changed over time. The results can be extremely helpful — but also subject to plenty of imprecise guesswork.

That is something a new research project from the U.K.’s University of Bradford aims to improve. What researchers there have developed is a method for — or so its creators claim — more accurately aging facial images, courtesy of some smart machine-learning technology.

“In our work, we teach the computer by presenting hundreds to thousands of face images and the corresponding ages,” Ali Maina Bukar, a researcher on the project with expertise in facial analysis and synthesis, told Digital Trends. “Thereafter, having learned the human aging process, the machine explicitly progresses images on the fly. This is a faster and less subjective technique.”

The algorithm the team developed captures the nonlinear shape and muscular variations of the human face as a way of “learning the pattern” of aging. Given an image, it first extracts the identity of the person and then maps it to the aging pattern it has learned, thereby modeling an age-progressed realistic image.

In their test case, the researchers used the algorithm to generate aged images of Ben Needham, who disappeared on the Greek island of Kos in 1991, at the age of just 21 months. Needham has never been found, but the algorithm enabled the investigators to create images of him as he may have looked at various ages. They believe that these images are more accurate than the ones used by the police; based on how well the algorithm has performed in other demonstrations.

However, while the hope is to eventually roll this AI-aging algorithm out as a police tool, Bukar notes there is still more work to be done. At the moment, the algorithm works on cropped images only, meaning that it doesn’t currently consider the subject’s hair in the same way that it does the face.

“We are working on enhancing it such that both face and hair can be generated,” Bukar said. “We hope this project gets accepted by the public and the police so it can be applied in real world. This is the main reason why we chose a popular subject — Ben Needham — in our experiment. It illustrates to the world our algorithm’s applicability and potential in the search for missing loved ones.”

A paper describing the work was published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.

NSFW: Everything you need to know about porn on the Gear VR

What’s not to like about a private viewing booth you wear on your face?

Just about as soon as Gear VR became available as a household device came a very serious question: Can you watch porn in VR? We can happily answer “Yes” to that question. It’s probably not the only question you have about porn in VR, though, and that’s why we’re here to help. Whether you’re not sure what to expect, or where to find it, we’ve got you covered.

Read more at VRHeads.com

Amazon’s voice-ordering Dash Wand is now almost free for Prime users

If you live in the US and subscribe to Amazon Prime, you can now get the Dash Wand for free (or almost free, anyway).

Amazon in 2014 unveiled a Wi-Fi wand with a built-in microphone and barcode scanner. Called Dash, it looked like a Nintendo Wii remote, but it let you add items to your shopping list with your voice. All you had to do is press the mic button to say the name of an item, like “chocolate chip cookies. Dash would automatically add it. You could also go around house and scan things with the barcode scanner.

Whether it be an oatmeal container or a bottle of dish soap, you could add it to your Amazon cart. Amazon suggested you keep Dash in your kitchen or hang it on your refrigerator so you could grab it at anytime to restock household goods. Dash connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network and recognised millions of items available on AmazonFresh and Amazon. Now, you can get the new one for free.

Amazon

• Amazon’s Dash wand lets you scan and shop from home
• Amazon Alexa calling: How to block calls and messages to your Echo
• Amazon Echo gets cool new features, check out what Alexa can do now

Amazon has reduced its latest Dash Wand, which is an Alexa-enabled device, for all Prime subscribers in the US. The second-generation version originally had a $49.99 price, but now, it costs $20. And if Prime subscribers do get it, they will receive $20 credit back in their Amazon accounts, making the purchase free, basically. They will also get a free 90-day trial of AmazonFresh grocery service.

AmazonFresh costs $299 per year (or $14.99 per month). It includes all the benefits of Amazon Prime, but it uniquely offers access to fresh groceries for home delivery.

Microsoft Office is now available in the Windows Store for the first time

If you bought the new Surface Laptop, you can now grab Office 365 for free from Microsoft’s Windows Store.

When Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop recently, it glossed over a major announcement about Microsoft Office; You see, the Surface Laptop runs the Windows 10 S operating system, which can only install apps from the Windows Store. But Microsoft is pitching Surface Laptop as sort of a higher-end Chromebook for students, so the device needs to run software that students require and use.

Now that Surface Laptop is available in stores, Microsoft has made its Microsoft Office suite available in the Windows Store for the first time. That means students can go to Microsoft’s official storefront and load up on the productivity programs. Microsoft also offers web versions of the Office apps, which are powerful and work with the Surface Laptop. But the new desktop apps offer offline access. 

• Which Microsoft Surface device is best for you?
• Microsoft Surface Pro event: What was launched and how to watch
• Microsoft Build 2017: All the announcements that matter

Office in the Windows Store is technically in a “preview” (specifically, the install and update processes are in preview), so because of that early release status, Microsoft is doling out free one-year subscriptions to Office 365 personal if you have a Windows 10 S device. Those of you not using a Windows 10 S device can’t install this new 32-bit version of Office via the Windows Store until it’s out of preview.

One other caveat is that the OneNote 2016 desktop app isn’t ready yet. Check out Microsoft’s support article if you need more details.

• Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: Everything you need to know
• How to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro from Windows 10 S

The key to better wireless charging lies in quantum mechanics

Wireless charging is a great idea in theory: You can just place your device on a charging mat without having to mess with any wires. But it still doesn’t solve the main hassle of charging in the first place, which is the requirement to leave your device in one place. But now, scientists may have found the answer to that problem using principles from quantum mechanics.

Currently, wireless, or inductive, charging uses an electromagnetic field to transmit energy over very short distances. That’s why your phone, or whatever device you’re charging wirelessly, must remain near a wireless pad in order to actually charge. But Shanhui Fan and his team at Stanford University have published an article in Nature that details a wireless charging system that works even when the charger and device are a meter apart. You can also move around the device while it’s being charged without interrupting the power transfer.

It works by using a principle of quantum mechanics called parity-time symmetry to create a charger with a self-adjusting power flow. A connected amplifier automatically controls the flow of power between the transmitter and receiver. As a device moves further away from the charger, the power levels adjust automatically to ensure an even and uninterrupted flow of current.

There’s a long road ahead before this technology will be viable for consumers. The research team’s experiments only involved powering an LED light bulb; it’s going to take some work to charge an actual phone or similar device. However, it’s an encouraging first step. Eventually this technology could be fine-tuned to work over broader distances. According to New Scientist, the team eventually hopes to use this technology in solar panels above the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing the amount and efficiency of solar power generation.

Via: New Scientist

Source: Nature

Engadget at E3: Why Konami has high hopes for ‘PES 2018’

Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 promises to be the franchise’s best title in years, thanks to a combination of smoother gameplay and improved life-like graphics. Then there’s the fact you’ll be able to play My Club matches as Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist. Sure, it’s a pure marketing move, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun to have him play for your team. We had the game’s global brand product and manager, Adam Bhatti, join us on our E3 stage to talk more about these features, as well as whether or not Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 will be getting a Nintendo Switch version. Spoiler alert: That’s not a yes-or-no question.

Follow all the latest news from E3 2017 here!

The Wirecutter’s best deals: The Apple Watch Series 1 (42mm) drops to $230

This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here.

You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.

Audioengine A2+ Speakers

Street price: $250; MSRP: $250; Deal price: $200

This is one of just a few sales we’ve seen on the the updated A2+ model of this small speaker set and drops the price a full $50 to $200 in cart. The $200 price is available on the Red, Black, and White models. Shipping is free.

The Audioengine A2+ speakers are our small stylish step-up pick for the best computer speakers. Brent Butterworth said, “At just 6 x 4 x 5.25 inches (HWD), it’s only one-third the size of the AV 40, so it’s more practical for the average desktop. The midrange and treble sounds at least as good as the AV 40’s, maybe slightly better. But it can’t play as loud or as deep as the AV 40, mostly because each A2+ has a 2.75-inch woofer. (The AV 40 has 4-inch woofers.) However, you have the option of adding a subwoofer if you like because it has the line outputs you need for connection to a powered subwoofer like Audioengine’s S8.”

Apple Watch Series 1 (Aluminum) 42mm

Street price: $300; MSRP: $300; Deal price: $230

We’ve seen more deals on the Series 1 Apple watches this year (as you might expect with the presence of the Series 2), but this still approaches some of lowest prices we’ve seen on both the 38mm version at $200 and the 42mm version at $230. That’s $70 off respectively, and you can save 5% more with REDcard. A variety of colors are available in each size. Shipping is free.

The Apple Watch Series 1 is our top pick in our guide to the best smartwatch for iPhone users. Kevin Purdy and Dan Frakes write, “If you want a smartwatch for managing your phone notifications, tracking activity and recreational exercise, and doing the gee-whiz things you can accomplish with apps (like texting, checking sports scores, and adjusting your smart thermostat), the Apple Watch Series 1 is your best bet. It has most of the same components as the Series 2, including the same stainless steel and ceramic body options—it only skips the newer model’s built-in GPS and swim-ready waterproofing—and it can use any of Apple’s many watchbands. We also think the base aluminum model is fine for most people, and especially those who want to try out a smartwatch: Unlike with most Apple products, buying the higher-priced models of the Apple Watch doesn’t get you more power or features—just different materials and style.”

Logitech Harmony Elite

Street price: $300; MSRP: $350; Deal price: $250

A new low on a remote for the hardcore home theater enthusiast. While we’ve seen recent bundle deals that get the Harmony Elite roughly this low when you break them down, until this point we hadn’t seen a standalone Elite selling new for quite this low. We’re unlikely to see this $250 price hang around for long. Shipping is free.

The Logitech Harmony Elite is our theater enthusiasts pick for the best universal remote control. Darryl Wilkinson and Grant Clauser write, “If the relative ease of programming, vast control database and smart activities of the Companion just isn’t enough for you, and what you really want is a cool touchscreen to let you tap your home theater into action, and you’d like to integrate even more of your smarthome devices into your system, then you’ll want to investigate the Harmony Elite, the top dog remote in the Logitech lineup.”

Wilkinson and Clauser continue, “The Elite is a pleasure to use, and has the responsiveness and polish of a professionally-installed control system, but it also costs around $200 more than the Companion. It’s the king of do-it-yourself remotes, but it comes with a kingly price.”

OXO On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker

Street price: $200; MSRP: $200; Deal price: $160

Here’s another nice drop in price on our top coffee maker, matching last month’s deal. We’ve seen some pretty big sales on this coffee maker in the past, but unfortunately the last exceptional deal price we saw ended during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals last year. Since then, it’s been sitting at its $200 street price and has only recently started to see drops again, with the first coming last month around this time. This $40 drop makes for a pretty good deal price on the OXO On 9-Cup. Shipping is free.

The OXO On 9-cup Coffee Maker is our top pick in our Best Coffee Maker guide. Cale Guthrie Weissman writes, “In the past, you had to choose between a coffee maker that makes good coffee, or one that has all the features you might want. The OXO On 9-Cup Coffee Maker is the first machine that successfully combines the best of both worlds. Simply put, the OXO On makes it easy to brew a really good cup of coffee. If you grind your beans to the correct particle size (which is extremely important) and weigh the grounds so they extract just enough, the OXO will take the reins from there. Operation is very simple—just spin a dial to indicate the number of cups and press the button. Once that’s done, all you have to do is wait about 6 minutes and the coffee will be ready.”

Because great deals don’t just happen on Thursdays, sign up for our daily deals email and we’ll send you the best deals we find every weekday. Also, deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.