To the naked eye or even to powerful telescopes, it may well look like a flying insect or bug. But it is much more than that: it is a tiny unmanned microvehicle. PhD candidates are working on different prototype designs for artificial flying creatures which will blend innocuously into the atmosphere.

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base at Dayton, Ohio is the scene of this activity. There are many people working on such micro machines which have been inspired by nature. Major Ryan O’Hara created a carbon filter tobacco moth wing which can flap 30 times a second. O’Hara is basing his bugs on bioengineering, by using very thin carbon fibers, much thinner than the human hair, putting them in epoxy resin, and laying them in different orientations so that they look and act as wings.

Steve Ross, another PhD candidate has built a small quad-rotor helicopter which has four motors to keep it moving. This one, however, is big, being the size of a laptop. Ross is concerned about the battery power and so is exploring means to allow the microvehicles to ‘steal’ power from utility lines. These bugs would have a hook so that they can anchor themselves to the lines and get more power.

These covert gadgets have many potential applications, but the Air Force has still not decided how they will be used. While possible visual surveillance is one application, another one is audio surveillance. These microvehicles may even be used to carry chemical weapons.

The parallels between fiction and real life have always been amazing. Science fiction and futuristic fiction gadgets have often predicted gadgets which have actually found expression in real life years later. So now Brazilian police are getting sunglasses inspired from the movie, RoboCop. These sunglasses use face recognition technology to scan faces and pick out criminals.

The sunglasses actually have a high speed camera which can scan as many 400 people in a second and compare the biometric features wirelessly with a data base of known criminals. If there is a positive match, a red light will come on, telling the officer of the fact and he will also receive instructions as to what to do next.

What’s more the sunglasses can be used up to 50 yards away and scan up to 46,000 biometric points on each face. If the crowd is thinner, then the camera will work over a larger distance – even 12 miles away.

Brazil is gearing up for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic games and it is a known fact that criminals are usually present at such events. It can also be used to spot known terrorists or even small time criminals like pickpockets. In the initial trial stages, the cops will probably use them at crowded events like concerts and sporting events and then iron out any bugs apart from becoming familiar with the technology.

Kristie Macrakis’ “Seduced by Secrets: Inside the Stasi’s Spy-Tech World” (Available at Amazon.com) is the study of Stasi or Ministry for State Security for East Germany. After East Germany’s fall, 4 decades of confidential records of Stasi became available for everyone and this gave an opportunity to analyze and understand the presently defunct but once powerful intelligence agency. The author of “Seduced by Secrets: Inside the Stasi’s Spy-Tech World” went through thousand of files of those records as well as interviewed some of the former agents of East Germany to write this book about the foreign and domestic intelligence operations of Stasi. Kristie successfully illuminates the laymen, intelligence professionals and historians about the accomplishments and challenges of high-tech espionage of the modern world, which otherwise is a world behind the Iron Curtain – aloof and unknown!

“Seduced by Secrets: Inside the Stasi’s Spy-Tech World” has two distinct parts. Each part takes a different route to explain the role played by technology in espionage during the Cold War. “High-Tech” – the first part is about the efforts of East Germany to secretly acquire technological information and technology from West so that the R&D cost for the domestic companies can be saved. Since humans were primarily responsible for gathering intelligence, the first part is about people like the agents, defectors, SWT (Sector for Science and Technology) elite, their goals and their operations.

“Spy-Tech” is the second part which is far more technical and dense. It includes the description of the various technologies created by OTS (Technical Operations Sector), which were used for spying. The application of those technologies is described in the second part. There are separate chapters about different gadgets and the containers which concealed those gadgets, radio intelligence, smell science, tracking people using radioactive and chemical substances, secret writing and invisible ink, surveillance and observation photography etc. Though the second part contains stories as well but Macrakis emphasizes more on the technologies and their applications used by Stasi for their intelligence operations.

The West knew that the Stasi was responsible for domestic spying but, the “Seduced by Secrets: Inside the Stasi’s Spy-Tech World” turned out to be an eye-opener for everyone. The international and foreign intelligence operations of Stasi are revealed in this book by Kristie.

Kristie Macrakis is a Harvard University Grad with a PhD in history/ science. Currently she is working as an associate professor at Michigan State University which she joined after spending one postdoctoral year in Berlin, Germany. Two of her other popular books are “Surviving the Swastika: Scientific Research in Nazi Germany” and “Science under Socialism: East Germany in Comparative Perspective”. Kristie has received awards and grants from Fulbright and Humboldt Foundation, National Science Foundation and Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Secretly recording videos can often become essential for the purpose of surveillance and monitoring or for acquiring recorded proof of an incident or an event. There are several spy cameras available in the market but they need to be installed in proper location ahead of exact timing of the event. This is impossible to do in public places like malls, theatres or other public places. This is where the Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR becomes handy. You can make the recording preparations back at home. This provides ample time to make proper adjustments before the actual action!

Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR allows covert style hands-free video capturing. This spy cam is camouflaged as a button of a shirt and works as a hidden surveillance Spycam. The camera comes with a DVR which is pocket sized and can easily glide into a pocket without others being able to notice the device. Every necessary piece of cable is provided with the camera to make it a complete kit.

The best thing about the Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR is that the camcorder is high tech and is capable of directly recording onto a mini-SD DVR (digital video recorder). The recorder has a viewing LCD screen of 2”, which helps in experimenting with the set up before the field activity. Color video recording along with audio is allowed with a frame rate of 30 FPS.

Installation: This camera can be installed by the buyer on any jacket or shirt. The Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR comes with multiple buttons which are matching and these buttons also have different sizes. Buttons of different sizes are included to ensure that modifications to the jacket or shirt can be made accordingly. The buttons can also be painted to get the perfect blend which can deceive the surrounding people.

Specifications of Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR:

• Video recording at 30 FPS.
• Recorded video format is AVI.
• Capable of recording audio and color video.
• 1/3” color CMOS imaging sensor with audio capabilities.
• 45 MB inbuilt flash memory.
• miniSD card slot is available but external memory chip is not included.
• A rechargeable battery (Li-ion) is included with the whole unit.
• Overall dimensions: 65mm x 53mm x 16mm.

Things included in the kit:

• Camera and LCD Screen DVR unit.
• Buttons for attaching to the shirt or jacket.
• In/Out AV cables.
• Instruction manual.
• Li-ion battery.
• Cradle for charging battery (100-240V 50/60Hz).
• Driver CD included for old systems.
• Mini-USB.

The Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR is a perfect spy surveillance camera that can help in capturing video footages with the notice of other people. This is a must have spy gadget for those who want to record videos in public places like malls, bars, casinos etc. You can view the product for purchase here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/bef2/

The form factor is exceptionally small for this device and has a very long battery life. The device can provide ultra-fast GPS tracking even in extreme weathers. The     Enduro GPS Tracking System is extremely small and is only 66 millimeters long. It is highly sensitive, waterproof and lightweight and this A-GPS device provides real-time tracking using the internet. The Enduro GPS Tracking System is compatible with GSM and GPRS and is equipped with emergency status alarms and geo-fencing.

Specifications:

• Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900MHz.
• Phase 2/2+ GSM compliant.
• It remains operational between -10 degree Celsius and +50 degree Celsius.
• Weighing pills online 76gm, the overall dimension is 66x36x20 mm.
• 1250mAh backup battery is available.
• SiRF Star III GOS chipset.
• 20 channel tracking.
• Average time for reacquisition is 0.1 sec
• Average time for hot start is 1 sec.
• Average time for warm start is 38 sec.
• Average time for cold start is 42 sec.
• Provides A-GPS position, fixed time reporting, alarms for emergency, remote control, geo-fencing and low power.
• Mini USB connectivity.
• LED for GPS, GSM and Power.
• Reset, function and power on keys are present.

The Enduro GPS Tracking System has an optional battery pack. Without the pack, the device will last for 4 days to a maximum of 6 days when set with a reporting interval of 5 minutes. However, the optional pack with a Li-ion battery of 8 cells will continue tracking for 6 consecutive months at a stretch. The tracking service plan to be bought has a one-time $89.95 activation fee and a monthly payment for 6 months or 12 months with $59.95 per month. 6 months unlimited tracking with activation will cost $449.65.

The other two GPS tracking devices are GPS Asset Tracking System and GPS Personal Location Device. However, the Enduro GPS Tracking System is the best suited GPS tracking for your child and all you need to do is to purchase the service plan and the equipment and get it activated.

Stylish and sleek, suitable for both men and women, the Spy Camera Glasses are all that you need for secretly recording videos in public! Guess what? The subject will never even come to know about your deeds and you can have ample recorded proof against someone! The only thing that could have been a factor for concern was your inability to see without the lenses prescribed for you! The best thing about the Spy Camera Glasses is that you can fit your own prescription lenses to the Spy Camera Glass that you own!

They look like ordinary glasses but they are excellent for covert video recording. These Spy Camera Glasses are made for law enforcement undercover agents, secret shoppers and more. The design being simple plug and play, extra wires and battery packs are no longer required. You can test the camera before the actual recording with the portable DVRs or you can also use an existing DVR that has AV input! All you need to do is to attach the AV adapting cable and the 9 volt battery pack and you are ready!

These Spy Camera Glasses are the best surveillance video cameras available in t he market and they have high resolution for clear recording. The features and specification of the Spy Camera Glass is given below:

Features at a glance:

• High grade sunglasses and eyeglasses.
• Suitable for both male and female. These glasses look sharp on both male and female agents.
• They can be fitted with prescribed lenses in any optic shop.
• They are super stealth and super attractive.
• Available in high resolution video.
• PV500 Digital Video Recorders are used to power up the cameras.
• The Spy Camera Glasses are capable of functioning in the dark as they have a low Lux rating of 0.05 LuxF1.2.
• They work really great with PV500ECO and PV500EVO DVRs.
• The subject can be right next to you but still the camera cannot be noticed.
• Glasses have Optometrist type quality.

Specifications of Spy Camera Glasses at a glance:

• 480 TV lines video resolution.
• PAL: 720 X 625 max, 640 X 480 (standard).
• NTSC: 720 X 525 max, 640 X 480 (standard).
• Illumination sensitivity is 4V.
• Focal lens is 0.99mm.
• Viewing angle is 60 plus 2 degrees and 60 minus 2 degrees.
• Lens F/No is 2.8.
• Field Depth is 1-10 cm.
• Power supply (current): 110 mA.
• Power supply (Voltage): DC 5V.
• Dimension: 5.75mm x 43.5mm
• Overall weight is 20 gm.

The Spy Camera Glasses in Sunglass Style or Eyeglass Style Law-mate Covert Video. Both sets have combo offers and offers are available with PV500ECO and PV500EVO DVRs. User manual, adapters and chords are also available.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/c3eb/

Spy cameras as well as security cameras play a major role in home security system or business security system. The Spy cameras are available at affordable prices and are widely used by private individuals, law enforcement agents and private detectives. These spy cameras are capable of capturing videos, jamming signals, recording conversations and taking footage and can play a crucial role in surveillance. Spy cameras work in a similar fashion to their conventional counterparts which are none other than the Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras and are popularly known as security cameras. The CCTV cameras are generally found in business and commercial establishments. However, there is a huge difference between the spy cameras and security cameras.

Security cameras:

Security cameras can be very often seen in banks, malls, buildings, houses and groceries. These cameras can be wired or wireless. If wired, they will use wires to connect to the monitoring consoles. If wireless, they will make use of Wi-Fi or radio signals and the video footages will be broadcast to DVR (digital video receiver) or PC located at a huge distance from the installation point of the camera.

For outdoor use, the security cameras are provided with weather-proof and vandal-proof surrounding so that the external elements can be kept away from the main components. They have an electric outlet to power them up without any delay and a DVR or PC can be used to directly download the video footage. These cameras are really useful for monitoring irresponsible employees, burglars and shoplifters.

The drawback of these cameras is that the innovative burglars can work around them because of the apparent installation location of the cameras. For wired cameras, the monitoring stations and the receivers need to be installed in close locations. In case of wireless versions, there can interruptions to signals and interference can increase as the distance of the monitoring station increases from the camera.

Spy cameras:

Once majorly used for covert operations, the spy cameras can be hidden from the view of others or they can be camouflaged as different objects or devices which can never be associated with a camera. These spy cameras allow secret video and audio recordings because they can be placed very close to the subject without notice.

The advantage of spy camera is that they can be installed in places where wires are unpractical and these cameras are capable of detecting motion so that they turn-on on their own whenever physical movements are detected. They are also GSM/Wi-Fi enabled so that the owners can be alerted through mobile phones.

The major disadvantage of spy cameras is that they run on batteries and hence, they can be used for a limited period of time. They come with built in memory chip to record the footages and clips. Lengthened outdoor use is not suitable because of their dependence on battery and also because they are not weather-proof. They also have limited camera resolution and hence, they cannot properly record faraway videos and images. In case of the absence of proper lighting, they are not properly functional. Most of the spy cameras do not have night vision capabilities.

A comparative study of security cameras and spy cameras

It is very difficult to say which one is better. This is because of the fact that both of them have their specific application and their performance will depend on the situation at hand. However, they can be compared on the basis of their price. Spy cameras with the basic video and audio recording can be priced as low as $25 and yet they are bundled with wireless receiver and transmitter. On the other hand, security cameras with equivalent features can be priced at $100 and they come bundled with wireless transmitters, infrared LEDs and weather-proof casings.

Spy cameras in mid-range can cost $40-$60 and the security cameras can have a price tag of $150-$350. The exact price will depend on parts which are included and the features which are available.

The most expensive spy cameras can be priced at $120 and they can detect motions and are night vision enabled. The high-range security cameras can cost up to $1700 and they are generally wide-angle hi-def cameras and are capable of digital video and image recording and they are completely wireless!

Buying spy cameras and security cameras:

Both CCTV cameras and spy cameras are available at a number of outlets as well as online store. The prices are generally cheap when bought from online retailers and the products can be acquired from international or local sources. Chinese products can be another alternative because of their low prices and also because, over the years, the quality of Chinese products have increased considerably.

Both spy cameras and security cameras can enhance the security of your house and business. Even though local vendors can supply the cameras, you can actually get the best quality products at competitive prices from international manufacturers and vendors using the internet.

Sensors for Glass and Window:

Glass and window sensors are the most common forms of sensors used. The sensors are capable of detecting vibrations whenever the doors and windows are opened and the house alarm system is triggered off. Glass Break Detectors are designed to pick up the vibrations and sounds cause by breaking of glasses. When this sensor is attached to a window, the alarm is triggered if a glass is broken.

Heat Detectors/Thermal Sensors:

This device is designed to detect the boost in the thermal energy when a fire breaks out. There are two variations of this device. The first is the fixed temperature device which is set to a fixed temperature. It triggers the alarm only when the thermal energy reaches that set temperature. The other form of a heat detector is capable of detecting the rate of rise in thermal energy. When the thermal energy augments at a rate of 12-15 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius per minute, the device will trigger the alarm.

Motion Sensors:

Motion sensors are devices which detect the movements within a range of 50-80 feet (15-25 meters) and transform them into electric signals and send them to a base. Once a movement is detected, the sensor will trigger the alarm. Motion sensors have three broad categories. They are briefly discussed below:

• PIR sensors: PIR or Passive Infrared Sensors work on the principals of heat. They are designed to detect the body heat.
• Microwave sensors: These sensors are capable of detecting the frequency changes sent back to them after microwave pulses are sent out by the sensors.
• Ultrasonic sensors: These sensors are designed to look for echo changes received back. The sensors use radio or sound waves for the purpose.

Technological advances have ensured that these motion sensors do not trigger the alarm by the movements of pets and bugs in the house at night. Even if you wake up at night for using the bathroom, the sensors will not trigger the alarm.

To maximize the utility of the home alarm systems, it is imperative to select the right type of home security sensors and this can be done only when the homeowners are fully aware of the different kinds of sensors available.

The features of SPYERA GOLD are:

• Viewing Call Logs: This software allows you to look at the call logs and find out the people who are being called and the people who call.
• All incoming and outgoing text messages can be read secretly using SPYERA GOLD.
• This software allows reading all the incoming and outgoing emails as well!
• The software has a feature called Stealth GPS Tracking to secretly track all the movements made by the person you are spying on.
• SPYERA GOLD can convert any BlackBerry phone into a listening device which can be used remotely.
• SPYERA GOLD also allows you to secretly listen to any live call conversation from both sides.
• BlackBerry Messenger Chat logs can be secretly read using this software.

The SPYERA GOLD is priced at €349 which is approximately $425 (USD). Though the software is not cheap, it is the price that you will need to pay in order to spy on the BlackBerry Messenger Chat Conversation. The cost may well be worth while in the event that you find what you are looking for. Many parents use the feature to monitor their children to ensure that they are safe.  So cost may or may not be a factor

Life in a big city can be full of dangers and they can come in any form. They can come in form of unknown visitors at your door. You will never know the intentions they have and you need to secure your family and your property from criminals. The Video Intercom Door Bell has been designed to keep your family safe from those suspicious visitors.

Unlike the general peep hole of the front door, the Video Intercom Door Bell can help you to not only identify the visitor at your door but also, you can closely monitor each and every action made by the visitor before you actually open the door of your house. This system has an indoor station and an outdoor station. Whenever a visitor presses the button of the outdoor station, a chime is heard from the indoor section and the video of the visitor appears on the monitor of the indoor section. The monitor has a black and white screen. You can select to talk with your visitor by picking up the phone or you can simply listen to them and watch them by pressing the monitor button.

The Video Intercom Door Bell hardware is very simple to install. The outdoor station has a black and white 1/3 inch camera with an angle of 92 degrees. This helps to monitor the visitor on the front step of your door. The camera is equipped with night vision capabilities to capture videos in the dark. The indoor station has a CRT screen 4 inches in size and has a warning button, a monitor button and an unlock button. Volume, contrast and call controls are also accessible.

The Video Intercom Door Bell is easy to install and use and your children can monitor the visitors in your absence. This will keep your children safe when you are not at home as they will know not to answer the door for a stranger.