Hundreds of drones will fly like birds above Miami Beach at Art Basel

Earlier in 2017, Lady Gaga’s drone-backed Super Bowl halftime show left audiences in awe, many of them marveling at the state of the technology and wondering where the future was headed. But while Gaga’s aerial performance was a first in the public’s eye, it was clear it wouldn’t be the last. Drones are entertaining, and they are here to stay.

Now, Dutch artists Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta, who head the Amsterdam-based Studio Drift, have teamed up with BMW to bring a drone-based performance piece to Miami Beach during Art Basel, one of the world’s premier art fairs. Called Franchise Freedom, the airborne sculpture will consist of hundreds of illuminated drones in what will be one of the largest demonstrations of its kind.

As good art tends to do, Franchise Freedom is meant to ask questions, rather than provide a mere spectacle for bougie beachgoers. Gordijn and Nauta wonder whether freedom and individuality can exist in our age of technology and hyper-connectivity. And they arrived at this question by observing the natural world.

“Our fascination started with the starlings and the beauty of their swarm behavior and then the questions that came up,” the artists told Digital Trends. “Why are these birds behaving like this, what is driving them? We see birds as a symbol for freedom, but while spending more time looking at these swarms of starlings, we started wondering if they are really free. Each bird will have to react to the movements of all their neighbors instantly, to function within the swarm. At the same time, every individual is trying to get to the middle of the group.”

The drone performance is designed to imitate these starlings in flight and, if all goes as planned, it’s sure to stand out from other pieces at the fair, not least because its staged in the sky.

But what will make Franchise Freedom stand out from other drone performances like Gaga’s, which featured drones flying in a programmed formation? It’s all in the algorithm.

“Our drones fly with autonomous behavior, like a swarm of starlings will do,” the artists said. “Every show is unique, as our murmuration algorithm creates a different flight path for our individual drones. It is the first time that a natural phenomenon will be imitated by machines working with decentralized algorithms at this scale.”

The performance is set to take place in the skies over Miami Beach on December 6 at 9 p.m.

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Between brain-controlled VR and karaoke, HTC has wild plans for the Vive

Given how many competing products and startups there are in the space, it’s easy to forget that we’re still in a relatively early stage with virtual reality technology. But companies are now starting to truly invest in the wealth of applications and industries that will be revolutionized by VR.

The latest example? HTC Vive, which this week announced that its Vive X accelerator program is investing in 26 new companies, all with different ideas and approaches to building and advancing the global VR ecosystem.

These companies include innovative startups like Neurable, which is developing brain-computer interfaces for VR control — with the goal of making “mind-controlled” virtual reality a, ahem, real reality, using the latest machine-learning technology to interpret electroencephalography (EEG) signals.

“Neurable is a brain-computer interface company with propriety machine learning technology that allows people to interact — click, type and manipulate — in the real and virtual world using brain activity in real-time with unparalleled speed and accuracy,” a spokesperson for the company told Digital Trends. “Our first product is an EEG brain recording strap for the HTC Vive that leverages our software developer kit, and allows developers to start creating next-generation brain-based applications.”

Another startup receiving investment is the intriguing-sounding eLoupes, focused on providing a real-time surgical imaging system for the operating room. Combining light-field rendering and head-mounted displays, the hope is that hospitals can incorporate HTC Vive VR into their workflow in a way that both saves costs and improves patient outcomes.

We won’t list all of the startups in the accelerator here, but they seemingly cover everything from tools to allow fashion designers to create and test clothes in VR to (as a personal favorite of ours) a VR karaoke experience.

“We look for companies that would typically be considered to be too advanced for accelerators,” Marc Metis, vice president of HTC Vive, told us. “The reason we can attract such talent and technology is the value we add, as well as our open and agnostic approach. Vive X can leverage resources and expertise in many areas of the overall Vive business — including hardware, software, and services, and do this globally.”

Watch this space in 2018! It seems that some exciting innovations are coming down the track.

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How long do appliances last? It depends on the type and the brand

Whether you’re buying a home or just thinking about replacing an appliance, it’s always smart to know how long that expensive piece of equipment will keep running before the chances of a break down skyrocket. How long do appliances last? Here’s some helpful information.

As a general rule, times are changing when it comes to today’s more complex appliances – meaning that they don’t last as long as they used to. Scott Garrett, an appliance technician in Connecticut, told The Hartford Courant that you can expect most to go strong for a decade.

“What I like to see is 10 years,” Garrett said. “But that isn’t every appliance, not every time. I’m seeing some last three to four years depending on what it is, what brand it is; some brands last longer than others. The life expectancy isn’t there anymore.”

Note: more expensive does not necessarily equal longer lasting. You may pay a lot more for bells and whistles that don’t change the durability of your appliance, and in some cases make it even more fragile. Read reviews thoroughly before getting dazzled by technology. And remember, nothing improves the life of your washing machine, fridge, or dishwasher like regular maintenance and cleaning.

Dishwashers: 9 to 13 years

The average dishwasher lasts for about nine years, but can make it 10 to 13 years with proper maintenance. In this case, “proper maintenance” means running the dishwasher regularly and cleaning out the filter whenever it gets dirty. When dishwashers break down, it’s frequently because of a worn-out seal or gasket, which causes further internal problems. Regular operation helps keeps these rubberized parts happier.

Dishwashers in particular have little relation between price and durability. Sometimes the more electronics and components you add, the more things can break down. For the most durable dishwasher, look for those with high-quality parts that resist rust and wear in the pump and piping components, where operation matters more than style.

It’s worth noting that companies like Sebring Services put appliances such as dishwashers a bit lower at around 9 years, based on their industry data.

Oven ranges: 13 to 15 years

The oven range is just the first appliance on our list where the fuel type matters a lot. Electric ranges use heating elements that are more likely to crack and break down over time. Gas ranges, meanwhile, have simple ignition systems and can typically weather the years more easily. American Home Shield , which collects insurance information, reports that electric ranges typically last around 13 years, and gas ranges around 15 years. Gas parts tend to be a little more durable.

Microwaves: 9 to 10 years

Microwaves will last between 9 and 10 years for most kitchens. While a microwave is a fairly complex gadget, there’s not much you can do to help it last other than keep it clean… and be gentle with the door. Yale Appliance reports that, in the company’s service and repair experience, microwaves are some of the most durable and least repair-prone appliances thanks to their technology. Oven hoods, often closely associated with over-range microwaves, also last a long time according to Yale.

Refrigerators and freezers: 11 to 19 years

With the refrigerator, it’s all about what kind you have. A fridge with the common side doors – one for cooling, one for freezing – actually has the worst life span at around 14 years. Those with a top-door freezer can last 17 years. A refrigerator with only one door, while a rare sight these days, has the best life expectancy of all with 19 years. As you can imagine, the harder the fridge has to work at cooling, the more quickly important components like the compressor will wear out.

A freezer, understandably, has to work a lot harder to cool than a refrigerator. That’s why the average lifespan of a freezer-only unit is about 11 years.

Garbage disposals: 12 years

Most garbage disposals will last around 12 years. However, maintenance is particularly important when it comes to disposal longevity. We know you can’t control how your disposal was used before you moved in, but always remember to only dispose of proper foods and never dump in anything like coffee grounds, rice, grease, or thick vegetable fibers. These can ruin your disposal and lead to its untimely death.

This may be why some companies like Sebring Services report that garbage disposals typically only last around 9 years. Meanwhile, companies like Yale Appliance study  sales generated vs. warranty service calls within the first year, and report that garbage disposals are actually one of the most dependable appliances they’ve come across. The secret is probably in the maintenance!

Since we’re moving on from kitchen appliances it’s worth nothing that Yale Appliance’s study also found that the most dependable brands on the market included Wolf, Thermador, KitchenAid, and Maytag.

Washing machines and dryers: 10 to 14 years

We grouped the washer and dryer together because their life expectancies are similar, and most people think about them as a package deal, anyway. A washing machine will typically last 10 to 14 years, while a dryer will last 10 to 13 years. (Those heating components tend to be a bit more fragile.)

Two things matter when it comes to your cleaning appliances. The first is how often they are used: If you have a family with half-a-dozen members and are doing lots of laundry every week, you’ll probably only make it to around 10 years. The other important factor is, surprisingly, front loaders vs. top loaders: While there is some disagreement about this, top loading washers appear to last longer than front loaders.

Water heaters: 10 to 25 years

The key question here is: What kind do you have? A tankless water heater designed to heat water only as it is needed can easily last over two decades. An electric gas heater will typically last around 10 years. A gas heater is a bit more durable, but life expectancy isn’t too much longer.

The type of water you have in your area is also important. Hard water has lots of minerals that can precipitate out in the heat and cause problems with scale clogs and buildup that may slowly ruin water heaters over time. If a heater is dealing with well water, the extra sediment could cause additional problems and lower the life span even more.

Furnaces: 15 to 18 years

Furnaces also have life spans based largely on type – in this case, fuel source. A gas furnace will generally last around three years longer than an electrical furnace (and it will use far less energy). As with oven ranges, this happens because gas is generally a more efficient heating fuel with fewer breakable parts involved.

This is also one occasion where newer appliances tend to outlast older models. This is because newer furnaces tend to be far more efficient and can do the same amount of heating in less time, with less wear and tear.

Heat pumps: 15 to 20 years

A good heat pump can easily last 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. Every heat pump should occasionally be checked to make sure the coils and fins are clean (a do-it-yourself job) and that refrigerant levels are good (a professional job). Changing air filters regularly is also important. Like furnaces, newer heat pumps tend to be more efficient and able to last longer than older, clunkier models.

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Google’s Santa hub has you taking ‘elfies’ around the world

Google has brought back Santa’s Village for another year, and this time it’s particularly trendy. Fire up the Santa Tracker app on your Android phone and you can play Santa Snap, a game that has you flying around Google Maps to take “elfies” at famous landmarks around the world. Basically, it’s Amélie with Santa’s helpers in place of gnomes. Other activities will pop up daily between now and December 24th, including a equally of-the-moment AI drawing game (a festive take on Quick, Draw), an elf dance coding game and a virtual snowball fight.

Naturally, Google is keeping up its tradition of launching a ‘live’ Santa tracker on the 24th (complete with a “where is Santa?” question in Google Assistant), and it’ll help schools get into the spirit by offering lessons focused on the educational games. Although there’s no guarantee that you’ll keep coming back, Google is clearly going out of its way to keep things fresh.

Source: Google, Google Play

BlackBerry will pay Nokia $137 million to resolve contract dispute

Today, BlackBerry accepted an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) decision that the company pay Nokia $137 million due to a contract dispute. The latter allegedly accused the smartphone maker of failing to make payments on patent license contracts and brought the matter to the ICC’s arbitration panel. While BlackBerry bowed to the ICC’s ruling, the company affirmed that it is still bringing two patent infringement cases against Nokia in US and German courts.

“BlackBerry is disappointed that the Court of Arbitration did not agree with our arguments in the case but we accept their decision. This ruling does not change BlackBerry’s assertion that Nokia is infringing on our intellectual property and we are continuing to vigorously pursue legal remedies in both the U.S. and Germany,” BlackBerry said in a statement.

Both companies are attempting to bring their brands back into the consumer forefront. While BlackBerry started the year with effectively zero market share in smartphones, it’s been licensing out its name to more products. Likewise, this year Finnish company HMD started producing Android phones under the Nokia name, including a middling ‘flagship’ device released back in September. To complete the nostalgia train, Nokia also re-released its 3310 dumb phone in a slim(mer) package a few months ago.

Source: Market Wired

Uterus transplant recipient gives birth for the first time in the US

A woman who received a uterus transplant has given birth to a baby — a first in the US, Time reports. She is part of an ongoing uterine transplant clinical trial taking place at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and she, like the other women in the trial, has a nonfunctioning or nonexistent uterus. Her uterus was donated by another woman, Taylor Siler, who wanted to be able to give someone else the opportunity to have a child. The trial, which accepts both living donations, like Siler’s, and donations from deceased individuals, will complete 10 transplants. Eight have been completed already and while at least three have failed so far, a second trial participant is now pregnant following a successful transplant.

While this is a first for the US, it’s not the first ever. A group in Sweden achieved the very first post-transplant births, a total of eight, and the birth that just took place at Baylor is the first to replicate the Swedish team’s success.

The birth was a big moment for everyone involved in the trial. “We do transplants all day long,” Giuliano Testa, head of the clinical trial, told Time. “This is not the same thing. I totally underestimated what this type of transplant does for these women. What I’ve learned emotionally, I do not have the words to describe.” Gregory McKenna, a transplant surgeon at the hospital said, “Outside my own children, this is the most excited I’ve ever been about any baby being born. I just started to cry.”

Once a uterus is transplanted, the recipient must wait to achieve menstruation, which if the transplant is successful, usually occurs around four weeks later. Then, to get pregnant, they must go through in vitro fertilization since their uterus isn’t attached to their ovaries.

The Baylor team says that many more uterine transplants will need to be done before this can become an approved treatment, but these initial successes are promising. “For the girl who is getting the [infertility] diagnosis now, it’s not hopeless,” Kristin Wallis, a uterine transplant nurse at Baylor told Time. “There’s hope.”

Source: Time

Magnesium batteries could be safer and more efficient than lithium

It’s still early days for the promise of safer, energy-dense solid-state rechargeable batteries. However, a team of scientists at the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research have just discovered a fast magnesium-ion solid-state conductor that will go a long way towards making non-flammable batteries with more capacity.

In current commercial batteries, a liquid electrolyte transports the charge back and forth between cathode and anode. This is part of what can make them explode, according to the post from Berkeley Lab, where the discovery was made. The team was working on a magnesium battery, which can hold more charge than lithium-ion batteries, but they weren’t able to find a workable liquid electrolyte. “Magnesium is such a new technology, it doesn’t have any good liquid electrolytes,” said the lab’s senior scientist Gerbrand Ceder. “We thought, why not leapfrog and make a solid-state electrolyte?”

The researchers settled on magnesium scandium selenide spinel, which has an ion mobility comparable to electrolytes found in lithium ion batteries. The team included scientists from MIT and Argonne, who provided computing resources and experimental confirmation of the new solid electrolyte’s mobility, respectively.

Via: Berkeley Lab

Source: Nature

The best Xperia XZ1 cases to keep your Sony phone shiny and intact

Keeping a phone clean and protected can be tough. Our smartphones are with us through most of our daily lives; they accompany us to work, to the bathroom, and when we go shopping. Keeping your stalwart companion safe can be difficult when you whip it out multiple times a day, but it’s not impossible. Having a protective layer between your phone and the elements is one of the easiest ways you can protect it and keep it clean. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Xperia XZ1 cases that you can buy, so you can keep your new Sony Xperia XZ1 safe, clean, and as gorgeous as the day you bought it.

Olixar Ultra-Thin Gel Case ($8)

If you’re not too worried about heavy-duty drop protection, or don’t like the look of the some of the bulkier cases, then a clear gel case might be your bag. This gel case from newcomer Olixar is thin, adding barely any bulk to your phone, and protects against dirt and grit that would otherwise damage vulnerable areas. The shock-absorbing TPU is easy-to-clean, and has been treated with a non-slip coating, helping you to keep your grip on your fragile device. Inside the case is a series of dots that help to prevent inner moisture and the appearance of bubbles. A raised bezel helps to protect areas like the camera and display.

Buy one now from:

Mobile Fun

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear Case ($15)

Clear cases are among the most popular types of case — they offer protection against immediate bumps and scrapes, defend against dust and dirt, and they don’t obscure the view of your phone, or add any bulk to it. The Ultra Hybrid from veteran case-maker Spigen fulfils all of those needs, adding only 0.3 inches in width, and boasting raised edges that lift the camera and screen away from surfaces (and away from dirt and grit). A combination of TPU and polycarbonate (PC) defends your phone from drops and damage. The blend between hard and soft provides great protection. The extra grip it affords helps keep your phone in your hand, and Spigen’s usual high quality means that the price is a steal.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Niilkin Nonslip Case ($9)

There’s something to be said for the simple and stylish look of Niilkin’s nonslip case. Made from hard polycarbonate that clips onto the edges of your phone, it’s tough and protective, while also being slim and lightweight. A nonslip matte coating helps to keep your phone in your hand and away from the floor, and provides fingerprint, dust, and dirt resistance. It also looks good, with an understated and sleek style that’s perfect for any occasion.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Ringke Fusion Bumper Case ($11)

We’ve long been fans of Ringke’s stylish yet protective cases, and the Fusion case for the Xperia XZ1 is no exception. Like the Spigen Ultra Hybrid, the Fusion case is made of two layers that work together — a shock-absorbent TPU bumper is paired with a transparent polycarbonate shell that protects the device’s back. Ringke has stepped up this protection with MIL-STD 810G – 516.6 Certified Military Grade Drop Protection. Raised bezels protect your phone’s screen and camera, and it comes with dust covers for all of your ports, keeping those areas clean. We chose the rose gold option because it looks great, but you could also get the clear or smoke black options.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Roxfit Standing Touch Book Case ($30)

Folding folio cases offer double the protection of normal cases, thanks to the cover that folds around the front of your phone when not in use to protect your screen. It’s most useful when you don’t have a screen protector, but you can’t use your phone while it’s covered, right? This folio case from Roxfit actually does just that by using touch-sensitive material to allow you to use your phone through the front cover of the case. You can answer calls and texts, and browse the internet with the case still fully covering your phone. It also folds into a horizontal stand when uncovered — perfect for media viewing on the go — and it comes in colors that match your Xperia XZ1.

Buy one now from:

Amazon Roxfit

StilGut Genuine Leather Case ($40)

Nothing feels quite as luxurious and sumptuous as real leather. StilGut’s folio case is made from a fine-grain cow leather that’s durable and long-lasting. If well maintained, this case will age with your device, gaining a new beauty as it ages. A plastic shell holds your XZ1 inside the case, while an inner lining of microfiber protects it against dirt and scratches. Handmade in Germany by master crasftmen, this case is slim, light, utterly gorgeous, and adds a ton of elegant protection to your device. It’s expensive, but if you want a really luxurious case for your Xperia XZ1, then look no further.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Taitou Mirror Shell Case ($5)

This is something a little different. Made from hard and durable PC, this case has been polished to the point where it can be used as a mirror. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to check their hair at a moment’s notice, or who appreciates the reflective shine. This case is also slim, light, and the tough polycarbonate should keep your device protected against all but the worst drops. With a raised lip to protect the vulnerable areas of the device, it’s a bargain at this price.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Noreve Vertical Leather Flip Case ($65)

After something truly unique? Noreve’s cases tend to be on the expensive side, but its massive range of customization options ensures that you’re getting the perfect case for your needs. Do you want real leather, or a synthetic PU leather? Nubuck leather or Saffiano leather? How about adding a belt clip for extra utility? The choice is yours. These cases are amazingly luxurious, come in a huge range of different colors, will protect your device while looking really good doing it. Even if you don’t fancy buying one, playing with the case builder is fun in itself.

Buy one now from:

Noreve

MoKo Dinosaur Case ($10)

It might not have the major protective qualities of some of the other cases on this list, and it might not be as luxurious as a genuine leather case, but we just couldn’t say no to that adorable little dinosaur. If none of the other cases have tickled your fancy, and you have a flair for the cute, then this case might be right up your alley. It’s still protective — raised edges keep your phone from potentially hazardous surfaces, and the tough acrylic will keep it safe from bumps, scrapes, and drops — just not to the degree of some other options on this list.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Looking for ways to get your Xperia XZ1 up and running as soon as possible? Check out our lists of the best Android apps, and the best Android games you can grab this month. If you want some more smart technology to go with your new phone, check out our favorite Bluetooth speakers and our favorite smartwatches as well!

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Customize your smart thermostat with the sleek Lux Kono Smart

The temperature of your home is a personal preference and now the design of your smart thermostat can be as well. Meet the new Lux Kono Smart thermostat from Lux, which promises to be as affordable as it is aesthetically pleasing. Coming in at $149, the Kono Smart is about $100 cheaper than the original Nest thermostat (and $20 less than the new version), which may be enough to convince some customers to go with a different smart home system.

Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, the Kono Smart can be easily controlled regardless of what platform you may use in your home. Like other smart thermostats, the Lux thermostat comes with a companion app that allows users to set different temperatures depending on whether or not a home is occupied, switch between cooling and heating modes, and check current indoor and outdoor temperatures. Of course, if you’re at home, you can also talk to your thermostat to set the temperature. But if you’re on vacation and need to turn the AC on or the heat off, you can do that remotely, too. The app also sends seasonal tips to help folks save money on their energy bills.

But what Kono Smart hopes will serve as its differentiating factor is its Décor-snap cover design. These interchangeable decorative faceplates can be easily swapped out to match your unique interior. While the square-shaped Kono Smart comes with a standard lack stainless cover, there are five additional colors available for purchase, including hibiscus red, sea green, and deep blue. And if none of those strike your fancy, there is also a paintable cover option.

“Most smart device purchases are driven by price, value, and ease of use. Kono Smart is the trifecta of smart thermostats, and we’ve also focused on design,” Lux Products CEO Rob Munin said in a statement. “The Kono Smart’s simple knob interface, coupled with its sleek design, high-end finishes and on-the-mark features, offers homeowners a smart solution to their home comfort that is easy to use and great to look at. We’ve gone beyond affordability; we’ve added the element of personalization with our Décor-snap covers in a range of designer color options.”

You can buy the Kono Smart from Home Depot or the Lux website for $149.

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‘Settlers of Catan’ board game fans can sign up for the ‘Catan VR’ beta

In September, a version of the popular board game Settlers of Catan was announced for virtual reality headsets. Now, developers Asmodee Digital and Experiment 7 have released the first in-game visuals from the adaptation, alongside some new details of what fans can expect.

Catan VR will offer a faithful representation of the enormously popular board game, which can be played with distant friends online. It also offers computer opponents that players can use to hone their skills.

Opponents are represented by expressive character portraits, while the player can see a ghostly visualization of their own hands in order to help them pick up cards and perform other actions. The game’s user interface seems to be fairly clean, complementing the crisp game board and the sunny cabin where gameplay takes place.

The setting for Catan VR is a neat nod to the original board game. Outside the limits of the cabin, it is possible to see the winding road that graces its box art.

Experiment 7 has plenty of experience crafting this kind of experience, having previous released Magic Table Chess and Dungeon Chess, according to Road to VR. It’s very clear that the studio has made a real effort to capture the aesthetic of the physical board game, which should please its passionate fanbase.

VR offers the chance to explore new worlds in a more immersive way than ever before — but there is something to be said for a more sedate experience, like the chance to play a board game with friends. Donning a headset and sitting in a virtual room adds a different element to the overall experience when compared with earlier attempts to adapt Catan.

Anyone interested in trying out Catan VR for themselves ahead of its official release is encouraged to sign up for a closed beta via the Experiment 7 website.

Catan VR is scheduled to support both Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR headsets at launch and will offer cross-play functionality between the two sets of hardware. Experiment 7 indicated that further devices will be supported after its launch, but there are no further details on which headsets will be included.

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