Researchers want astronauts to put their biological waste to work

Researchers at Clemson University are presenting work at the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society that could change how astronauts handle waste in the future. For long trips — to Mars, for instance — astronauts will need to maximize the utility of everything they bring on board. Extra weight means more fuel is required, so keeping stocks low while being able to recycle waste into something useful is going to be necessary for these sorts of trips. “If astronauts are going to make journeys that span several years, we’ll need to find a way to reuse and recycle everything they bring with them,” Mark Blenner, one of the researchers on the project told Phys.org. “Atom economy will become really important.”

Blenner’s work focuses on taking biological waste like urine and even exhaled air and putting it to good use. The research team is using the waste to fuel a certain type of yeast — Y. lipolytica — that requires nitrogen and carbon to grow. And those yeast strains can produce useful chemicals like omega-3 fatty acids and monomers that can be linked to create polymers. Those polymers could in theory then be 3D printed into plastic parts. Overall, the work shows that human waste can be used to create necessary products for spaceflight while minimizing what’s stored on board. “Having a biological system that astronauts can awaken from a dormant state to start producing what they need, when they need it, is the motivation for our project,” said Blenner.

Right now, the yeast can only generate small amounts of product, but the team is working to increase their output. And they’re exploring how this method can be used on Earth as well. “We’re learning that Y. lipolytica is quite a bit different than other yeast in their genetics and biochemical nature,” Blenner said. “Every new organism has some amount of quirkiness that you have to focus on and understand better.”

Source: Phys.org

Verizon’s new unlimited plans throttle video all the time

Verizon’s revival of the unlimited data plan was supposed to be a good thing: it was bringing back worry-free service that let you use your smartphone as much as you like. Unfortunately, the carrier is making things complicated again. In the wake of tests that capped streaming video speeds, Verizon is splitting its unlimited access into multiple plans that face new restrictions. As of August 23rd, the standard Go Unlimited plan costs $5 less than before at $75 per month (if you use AutoPay), but you’re limited to streaming video at 480p on phones and 720p on tablets — shades of T-Mobile, anyone? The $80 prepaid plan and the Business plan cap you at 480p, too.

The bigger issue is with the $85 Beyond Unlimited plan. Despite paying a premium, you’re limited to 720p streaming on phones and 1080p on tablets. Yes, that means that 1080p phone streaming (and any streaming higher than 1080p) is off the table regardless of how much you’re willing to pay. The carrier says there’s “no visible difference” in quality at those resolutions, but, well, that’s just not true. It might not be a night-and-day quality change, but you’re bound to notice if you have a large device like a Galaxy S8 Plus or a newer iPad Pro.

The basic plan gives you unlimited hotspot access, but only at a pokey 600Kbps. You can spring for the business or Beyond plans to get LTE speeds, but only for the first 10GB or 15GB, respectively. And if you regularly visit Canada or Mexico, you’ll need to go to Beyond to use your service in those countries as you would at home.

You’re grandfathered into a previous unlimited plan if you have one, and you’ll actually get 5GB more data at LTE speeds (15GB total) than you did before. However, even those older plans will be subject to the same throttling as new customers, so the only reason to hold on is to save money over the Beyond Unlimited plan.

The carrier explains its move to Ars Technica as “managing our network” in a way that lets bring unlimited data “to more people.” That’s not completely unwarranted: OpenSignal found that average LTE speeds on Verizon dropped after the move to unlimited, so it’s clear that some people are using data so often that they’re bogging down the network. It’s still a step backwards for many customers, though, and the throttling at all tiers means you’ll still have to hunt for WiFi to get the best possible quality. It’s technically unlimited service, but it sure won’t feel like that in practice.

Via: TechCrunch, The Verge

Source: Ars Technica

Latch Announces First Enterprise-Certified HomeKit-Compatible Smart Lock

Latch, a company that designs locks for use in apartment buildings, today announced the launch of its latest product, the Latch C. Latch C is compatible with HomeKit and according to Latch, is the first HomeKit smart lock designed for enterprise use.

The Latch C will let apartment dwellers unlock their doors with their iPhones, via the Home app, Siri, or a dedicated Latch app, eliminating the need for a physical key. It connects to a HomeKit system using WiFi and Bluetooth, and it includes a touchscreen.

Because the lock comes equipped with a wide-angle camera and digital log, it can be used to check who’s at the door and keep track of who’s coming and going. Users can also generate one-time access codes to share with guests and delivery services as needed.

According to Latch, apartment buildings that install support for Latch C will be able to provide residents with access to the HomeKit functionality as a standard feature from the moment they move in. Along with access via Siri and the Home app, HomeKit support also allows the Latch C to be included in Scenes for automation purposes.

“We are focused on improving every detail of the user experience at the modern building, and the Latch C with Apple HomeKit extends our ability to provide new access and delivery opportunities to customers,” said Luke Schoenfelder, Latch Co-Founder and CEO.

Latch C is available for purchase from the Latch website for $299, with the purchase price including a two-year service contract along with installation and support. Latch C can be combined with existing Latch M and Latch R locks.

Latch is an enterprise solution designed for entire apartment buildings and sold to property managers, so it is not available for individuals to purchase.

Tag: HomeKit
Discuss this article in our forums

DJI Announces Battery Optimizing Update for Spark and Back-to-School Promotions on Drones

DJI this week announced an incoming update for its newest drone, the DJI Spark, which will further enhance the drone’s battery management system to “optimize power supply during flight.” DJI was unclear by how much this might extend the Spark’s flight time beyond its original ~16 minutes of in-air time.

Additionally, the firmware update offers better stability for the Spark’s Palm Launch feature, improves the accuracy of controls in the QuickShot Dronie mode, and enhances the compatibility of DJI’s additional remote control accessory. Users will now also be able to fully integrate the Spark with DJI Goggles.

The company warned that if users don’t update their Spark by September 1, their drone will not be able to fly until the firmware update is performed. Updates can be performed through the DJI GO 4 app on iOS or the DJI Assistant 2 desktop software.

DJI will be releasing a new firmware update this week to further enhance flight safety and performance of the DJI Spark.

If the firmware of either the aircraft or the battery is not updated by September 1, Spark will not be able to take off. DJI decided on the option of a mandatory firmware update in order to maximize flight safety and product reliability which we consider as top priorities.

DJI also announced a series of discounts on its drones and handheld products as part of a new back-to-school promotion for students, educators, and academic research staff with an approved educational email address. The DJI Spark Fly More Combo pack is marked down by 12 percent ($615) for those who apply between August 22 through August 24, and drops down to 10 percent off ($629) after that period of time.

There are also discounts for the Osmo Mobile, Mavic Pro Fly More Combo, DJI Goggles, and more. For the full list of the products on sale during DJI’s back-to-school promotion, as well as how to apply for the discount, check out DJI’s website.

Last week, DJI announced another update coming to its drones soon, which will allow users to fly a drone without needing an internet connection. Called “local data mode,” the feature will stop a DJI drone from communicating with a connected smartphone, so maps, geofencing information, and newly-issued flight restrictions will no longer be updated during flights. DJI pointed out that the upside is an increase to user security and privacy when the mode is enabled.

Tag: DJI
Discuss this article in our forums

AccuWeather’s iPhone app may track you even if you opt out

AccuWeather on iOS might be deceiving users and violating Apple’s developer terms of service, security expert Will Strafach has discovered. If you deny it access to location info, the popular app reportedly still sends WiFi data, namely your router name and BSSID, to a third-party ad firm called Reveal Mobile. Furthermore, the app can even track you when it’s not open by using Bluetooth beacon data.

Strafach, well known for his early iOS jailbreak hacks, notes that he was actually researching a separate security problem on Accuweather’s iOS app. However, during testing he discovered that the app sent data 16 times to Reveal Mobile, installed as a third-party SDK on AccuWeather. According to the company’s own PR, it works as a way “to help app publishers and media companies extract the maximum value from their location data.” That can generate a lot of money both for Reveal Mobile and AccuWeather, he notes.

example: the value of your personal data to some app developers.https://t.co/XPgJUyvIYC

— Will Strafach (@chronic) August 19, 2017

Furthermore, Reveal Mobile’s SDK may also collect user location data via Bluetooth beacons, Strafach believes. According to Reveal Mobile’s own product description, when you’re near one, it can figure out your location and turn the info into data it can sell. “While traditional lat/long audiences require the app to be open and running, detecting or ‘bumping’ beacons can occur when apps are not in use,” the company writes. “This allows Reveal Mobile to build larger, and more accurate, location-based audiences.”

Obviously, the company can generate more revenue if an app collects data even when users opt out. However, that “violate[s] user trust,” Strafach notes, and seemingly Apple’s developer agreement as well.

You may not track an end-user’s WiFi network usage to determine their location if they have disabled location services for your application. –Apple developer agreement.

Though tracking WiFi BSSID names may seem innocuous, the FTC is investigating a company called InMobi about that same thing, he adds. “By collecting the BSSID (i.e., a unique identifier) of the WiFi networks that a consumer’s device connected to or was in-range of, and feeding this information into its geocoder database, InMobi could then infer the consumer’s location,” the FTC says, adding that InMobi also did this when users opted out of geolocalization.

On Twitter, Strafach replied to users who say that app tracking is expected nowadays. “Most app analytics are usually quite tame … this case goes further than what most apps do.” Tracking such information doesn’t appear to be possible on Android, as Google has been aware of the potential for WiFi tracking abuse for a while now. Since version 6.0 (Marshmallow), applications must obtain user permission before they can access a network’s BSSID. We’ve reached out to Apple and AccuWeather for more information.

Via: 9 to 5 Mac

Source: Will Strafach (Medium)

NHS could trade free cinema tickets for hitting fitness goals

Just as insurers are looking to wearables to motivate people to lead healthier lifestyles, the NHS is now also exploring a scheme that would reward active participants with discounts on shopping, fitness gear and gym memberships, as well as free cinema tickets. The concept programme would use a mobile app to track exercise and encourage people to hit targets in order to earn such bounties. The end goal being, naturally, to promote healthier lifestyles and thus “reduce pressure on the NHS.”

The proposal forms part of a winning bid in NHS England’s “Healthy New Towns” programme, launched last year. The NHS is working with ten new housing developments with the aim to “put good health at the heart of urban design and planning.” The rewards scheme is one of several ideas cooked up by the city planning researchers at Citiesmode for the Halton Lea site in Cheshire. Other facets to the plan include public gym equipment, running tracks marked out on pavements, healthy cooking lessons for locals, free bicycles, and potentially even an outdoor cinema and community space to encourage people to get off the couch and socialise.

The final proposal and implementation strategy for the Halton Lea site is expected to be published in January next year, so it’s all very much in the concept stage at this point. The activity-related rewards scheme would also need retail partners to get off the ground, but that’s not inconceivable. UK insurer Vitality already offers discounted fitness trackers and a tradable points system for meeting exercise goals, for instance. Similar schemes exist elsewhere, too, showing that it’s not a great stretch to imagine an NHS-backed version could also work.

Via: Huffington Post

Source: NHS England, Citiesmode

Comcast tries using Roku to hook college kids on cable

A few years after launching the Xfinity on Campus service, Comcast says it’s now available for over 100 schools — up by 60 percent from last year. Originally, its streaming TV setup only worked through phones, PCs and tablets, but this fall new and returning students can also watch via Roku. That should work via a stick, box, or even a TV with the system built-in — like the TCL set included in our Back to School buyer’s guide — with live TV, video on-demand and a cloud DVR setup.

Of course, getting college students used to cable service is a big deal for Comcast too, as it tries to stem the tide of cord-nevers who graduate and avoid traditional TV service altogether. Even if it leads to another internet-delivered service like its planned Xfinity Instant TV or DirecTV Now, getting the kids a taste of cable now could keep them from sticking to antennas and Netflix in the future.

Source: Xfinity on Campus

Fixed-wing drone lands on vertical surfaces like a bug

Scientists have borrowed a few tricks from Mother Nature in order to create a drone capable of landing flush against a wall. The Multimodal Autonomous Drone (S-MAD) looks like a small airplane and flies like a glider, but on approaching a flat surface is able to change configuration to make a smooth, ricochet-free vertical landing — much like a graceful bird or a large, unpleasant insect, depending on how this unsettling robotic behavior makes you feel.

Created by researchers at Canada’s University of Sherbrooke, the S-MAD uses microspines to attach itself to rough surfaces. These are commonly used on quadrotor drones, where landing is generally less of a problem. Fixed-wing landing presents more challenges, even before you throw perching into the mix, as the device needs to have slowed almost to a stop to prevent it from bouncing off the surface it’s trying to land on. And if the device is moving too slowly, it’ll stall. The researchers observed birds’ take-off and landing manoeuvres and installed similar mechanisms, and now the device will land successfully on vertical surfaces 100 percent of the time.

The S-MAD is a proof of concept creation, but the team is now working on further features, such as sensors to help with wall contact and thrust-assisted repositioning. It’s hoped that with a bit of refinement, the device could become to go-to drone for data gathering in logistically-challenging situations, such as inspecting a building or monitoring an area after an earthquake.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: SpringerLink

The eclipse caused people to look away from their screens

Turns out all it takes for people to put down their phones is a once-in-a-lifetime event. In case you missed it, the eclipse took over the sun (and our lives) yesterday. Flocks of people headed to the towns and cities within the path of totality to catch it in full. As a a result, smartphones, laptops, and even streaming services went unnoticed — for a little while. People bonded, Trump somehow didn’t go blind, and (for a brief moment) the horrid events of the past weeks were drowned out as we took in the awe-inspiring sight.

The exodus was picked up by a number of web giants. Netflix, for example, claims it witnessed a 10 percent drop in plays during the eclipse. Maybe, it was just a case of everyone binging The Defenders and moving on. More likely, however, people got off their asses and went out. Or switched over to livestreams of the event on Twitter and Facebook.

but really, there was a 10% drop in plays during the eclipse today. Well played, Moon

— Netflix US (@netflix) August 22, 2017

Speaking of President Trump’s fave platform, it seems the eclipse wasn’t anywhere near as popular as other events on Twitter. The six million tweets it generated were completely overshadowed (ahem) by the likes of the 2015 Super Bowl (28.4 million tweets) and the 2014 World Cup final (32.1 million tweets). Facebook fared better with 240 million interactions, but it has 2 billion members.

update: Over 6 million Tweets about #Eclipse2017 the past day https://t.co/nahOUt0Aje

— Twitter Data (@TwitterData) August 21, 2017

Instead of sharing status updates, it seems people were actually more interested in the news. While social media saw a minimal uptick in visitors, media outlets witnessed a 113 percent traffic spike, according to data from Fastly.

Ultimately, it seems we used our phones (and other screens) to read more than post. And, to blare out Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart.

VMware Fusion 10 Coming in October With macOS High Sierra and Touch Bar Support

VMware today announced the upcoming release of VMware Fusion 10, its popular virtualization software for Mac.

VMware Fusion 10 includes full compatibility with macOS High Sierra, integration with the Touch Bar on the latest MacBook Pro models, and support for Apple’s Metal 2 graphics acceleration technology for improved graphics performance, power efficiency, and accuracy of rendering.

Fusion 10 also features a redesigned user interface, including improved Installation and Migrate Your PC wizards.

Fusion 10 can run hundreds of operating systems, ranging from the latest Windows 10 versions to lesser-known Linux distributions. It will be able to run the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update expected to launch in October.

VMware will also be releasing Fusion 10 Pro, targeted at IT professionals and developers. The premium version features enhanced vSphere and networking controls, support for REST APIs, integration with VMware PhotonOS, and support for Microsoft’s new virtualization-based security features such as Credential Guard.

VMware Fusion 10 and Fusion 10 Pro are expected to be available in October for $79 and $159 respectively. Fusion 8.5 customers will be able to upgrade to Fusion 10 for $49 or Fusion 10 Pro for $119.

Additionally, customers who purchase Fusion 8.5 or Fusion 8.5 Pro between August 22 and November 1 this year will be eligible for an upgrade to Fusion 10 or Fusion 10 Pro, respectively, at no additional cost.

Fusion 10 will be accompanied by Workstation 14 Player and Workstation 14 Pro with enhanced data center management capabilities.

Related Roundups: MacBook Pro, macOS High Sierra
Tags: VMware, Fusion, Touch Bar
Buyer’s Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums