Tecnologia

An invisibility cloak to protect buildings from earthquakes

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Mathematicians at the University of Manchester are working on the theory of invisibility cloaks that covered developing progejan buildings and structures of vibration and natural disasters such as earthquakes . As announced William Parnell and his colleagues in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A , camouflage certain structural components with rubber pressure allow large seismic waves do not "see" the building and "long pass" so that it does not suffer any damage.

This "invisibility" may be very important to protect key structures such as nuclear power plants, electrical towers and government buildings in the destruction of natural disasters and even terrorist attacks, as it would provide invisibility to light waves, sound or vibration. Research into invisibility cloaks and the ability to hide objects or persons to light waves began about six years ago, but so far very little work had been done with other types of waves, such as those produced by earthquakes. "This research has shown to actually have the potential to control the direction and speed of elastic waves . This is important because we want to direct these waves in many contexts, especially in nano-electronics applications, for example, "explains Professor Parnell. "If the theory can be applied to larger objects, then it could be used to create layers to protect buildings and structures, or perhaps more realistically, to specifically protect important parts of these structures."

Create a "gun" that makes you shut up

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Mandar silence someone might be much easier thanks to an original and controversial Nippon invention. Two Japanese researchers have created SpeechJammer , a gadget that when "triggers" can cause a person to stop talking in seconds , interrupting his speech in midsentence.

The creators of this invention, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology of Japan and Ochanomizu University, say in an article in arVix that the device does not cause any physical discomfort and stop acting as the speaker stops talking . Its operation is based on the psychologists discovered years ago that it is almost impossible to talk about when we hear our own words with a delay of only a fraction of a second. Kurihara and Tsukada have created a portable device with a built-in microphone, you record a snippet of conversation, and a speaker that plays 0.2 seconds later.

Both elements are directional, so it can be activated remotely, as if "disparásemos" a weapon, although in this case only beeps. In the article, the authors assert that this mill could improve the dynamics of communication in discussions and debates , especially when one party gets heavy. O silence someone who speaks out loud in a library or a movie theater and even a fellow chatters incessantly office phone into a high voice annoying his colleagues. So far, there have been references to the ethical and legal issues that would have a machine that forces people to stop talking.

A smart material is self-healing

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:19:00 +0000

A team of Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California at San Diego (USA) has developed a hydrogel that adheres in seconds , with the same ease as the velcro, and could have numerous applications in the field of medicine for sealing wounds, as well as engineering. Hydrogels are intertwined chains of polymers that form a flexible gel material similar to the soft tissues. The team, led by Shyni Varghese, has developed a material whose molecules come together like the fingers of one hand.

"Self-healing is one of the fundamental properties of living tissues allowing them to overcome the ongoing damage," says Varghese, adding that this is the first time you get to develop a synthetic material services itself. The gel works especially well in a acidic environment similar to the stomach, making it into the adhesive suitable for treating holes in the wall of the stomach or controlled drug release in gastric ulcers , the authors explain in the journal PNAS . However, the researchers hope to apply it in sutures and wound healing . On the other hand, the new material could be useful in engineering, since the self-repair of breaks could help reduce industrial waste and consumer products. In addition, rapid self-repair has been shown that the hydrogel makes it a promising candidate to seal the leaking vessels containing corrosive acids .

Headphones for depression and jetlag

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Patients suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD acronym in English) and show symptoms of depression every winter are in luck. The Finnish company has created Valkee Ltd. headphones, instead of sounds, bright light sent directly to the brain through the ear canal. In this way, say from the company, you may " prevent and cure depression, mood swings and circadian rhythm disorders such as jet lag .

"In the first clinical trials of the invention, which has been developed with the participation of neurologists and physiologists at the University of Oulu (Finland), the headset Valkee reduced or completely eliminated the symptoms of SAD in 90% of patients after 4 weeks use, with a daily dose of 8-12 minutes. Also used to treat anxiety, reducing the symptoms up to 60%. "Valkee increases the amount of light reaching the brain to natural levels when external light is not sufficient and there is a safe and natural recharge," the researchers say. not the first gadget that is created to fight depression with Light . A team of engineers from Denmark has recently created the "sunglasses" SEQUINETIC , which provide light equivalent to natural daylight.

Now what Android can do?

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:11:00 +0000

The announcement of a new iPad requires manufacturers of Android tablets to catch up. It is possible that ASUS, as stated in your Twitter profile , offering more cores or tablets that Samsung allowed to choose between screen sizes, but no one can compete in two aspects: the definition of the screen and the catalog of Android, still far from wealth of iTunes.

Not that Google will wait but last week it was ready for the upheaval caused by a new iPad. John Lagerling, director of alliances operating system, confessed to El Pais that Apple has it easier than Android for making hardware and software . The Android world is more open but also more complex. There are all kinds of gadgets that use it: media players, phones, tablets, devices to connect to the TV ... Part of its strengths but also weaknesses. Theoretically you can buy the same hardware and have a totally different experience. More and more manufacturers will often add a selection of programs and display options to differentiate themselves.

Google has tried to put some order with Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest operating system whose value is to unify the interface and application compatibility for all. Great for screens of all kinds, large and small. Lenovo has even made a TV that works with Android 4.0.

Fire Kindle, the 'best seller'

Amazon also has entered this war, only in America, but steadily. There Fire Kindle is already the best selling tablet after the almighty iPhone. The landing in the world depend on the agreements.

His strategy is the same you have with the Kindle for reading, a very low price, low-only 6 gigs storage-and great store to buy any digital content, whether books, movies, applications ... Jeff Bezos The store has many advantages in addition to its advanced technology, know synchronize shopping as any other competitor. If you leave a film or book on a particular item, you can continue where it left off in another device provided that gives the user key. Fire Kindle only costs $ 200, is somewhat smaller than the iPhone and are thinking to abuse, it is assumed that does not scratch.

Apple makes war on Google maps

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:10:00 +0000

FourSquare, a service where friends say where they are and get rewards for exploring places, gave the first warning. During the Mobile World Congress Barcelona announced they were leaving Google maps . On Wednesday, during the presentation of the iPad was known , in fact, that Apple does without the services of Google Maps in one of its star applications, iPhoto.

FourSquare and Apple have both opted for Open Street Map , a website that is gaining more followers. Firstly because it is easy to use. Second, it maintains the philosophy of Wikipedia. They have over 400,000 registered volunteers that are updated as changes occur in streets.

A FourSquare has been particularly useful to be as open as they have exploited to revamp their icons and indications. He has been embraced with such force that is committed to actively participate in its improvement.

In Apple's case there has been a spokesman and its operating system, by default, the map application of Google. However, iPhoto, just released in iPad and iPhone, has chosen to follow the trail of FourSquare. Open Street Map has welcomed them in his blog and clarified that Apple was using a year ago, but internally.

This move Apple seems transitory, until you list your own version. Buying Poly9 Placebase in 2009 and in 2010 indicate that soon could dispense with services outside the apple company.

Anyway Open Street has its dark spots. It works very well in areas with high population density. If a place is very busy is amended as soon as a change, but has dark areas in rural areas and no satellite images help both in the version of Google.

Google's strategy is quite logical, but also aggressive. When they launched their service attracted many customers by allowing free access to consumers and businesses. Opened its application programming interface for other services, as mentioned Apple and FourSquare, integrate maintaining the aesthetics of your website. That's how successfully harvested into almost standard. According to ComScore estimates, measuring Internet traffic, 49% of mobile applications and tablet mapping using the browser.

The price of GoogleMaps

In April 2011 reported via his blog that he was still free to queries on the web, but with a limit of 25,000 requests to their servers. Search pages from hotels or apartments, they need to show clearly how to get there, they must pay more than three euros (four dollars) per 1000 additional consultations . This figure does not seem too high, unless you have to pay for the use that is made from 180 million iPhone distributed worldwide and 60 million iPads. The Spanish subsidiary has refused to discuss the matter and has not provided access to a spokesman for Google Maps that, since birth has had privacy issues. Google Maps added a layer at street called StreeView that recorded both buildings and people.

Peter Fleischer, chief privacy Google, acknowledged in an interview this means that in Europe had given them some headaches . The usual procedure to disappear from it was to fill a form with the request. That is, a posteriori. More than likely that many citizens in the most remote, ignore that are cause for derision .

In Germany the commotion was such that they had to choose to take a period prior to the publication of images for users to officially denied permission to leave home.

The movement of Apple and Google FourSquare gives some of his own medicine. When they broke into this field NavQuest dethroned, the leading map provider until then, and still continues to operate in much of the car GPS navigators.

The TV also want applications

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:08:00 +0000

Samsung has long been betting on the Internet connection in their high-end TVs. What we have called Smart TV, smart TV, begins to reach a larger part of the catalog. The Korean manufacturer has completely banished LCDs (liquid crystal). Henceforth all televisions will be light emitting diode (LED).

In 2012 begin to market devices with applications priced between the 300 and 3,000 euros for the more luxurious models. These are by far the most interesting, not only for image quality and dual-core processor, but above all, to include a front camera which serves both to use Skype to turn your TV into a giant mirror , to handle the device with voice and gestures.

The system, which is strongly reminiscent of the Xbox Kinect, works with 36 voice commands. To ensure compatibility have been used as a standard speech than 140 different Spanish regions. They do not provide data on the number of voices taken, but the company says it is configured for 20 languages.

The front camera is also used to follow exercise programs and fitness and to recognize the family member is before them and adapt content to your tastes, or in the case of minors, at their age.

The number of applications continues to grow: YouTube, or MyMadrid Antena 3 (the official Real Madrid) Yomvi to subscribers of Canal +, or MyTele (Telecinco). They can do with their key channel, and another through a normal TV through the decoder. For now, all applications are free.

One of the sensations that the consumer is more concerned about finding the right time to buy a unit. "Is it worth waiting for the next generation?" is the question most often do. To encourage the sale of more expensive models in the catalog, Samsung has included an expansion slot that allows you to upgrade the TV, either with more processing power or memory. The so-called Evolution Kit will be released in 2013, no specific price and without a more accurate description.

Samsung is not alone in the idea that television is the gateway to the Internet at home. Apart from being a claim for renewal of equipment, manufacturers see that they can make agreements with other technology sectors, as the software or hardware. Apple TV or Google TV can be converted, at the same time, partners and competitors.

"Films set in position. Video games make you live"

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Philip Tan (Singapore, 1976) is director of the gaming lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Your job is to explore the game from multiple viewpoints. On the one hand as a source of wealth to Asia, in fact, although formed in the U.S., the center is headed home. The other as a form of communication and narrative vehicle. "Video games are good for encouraging certain mental processes. They are a very powerful means of communication. " So the difference between active and passive consumption of media: "Films set in position. Video games make you live it, put your brain to work to understand complex systems and get into the role. "

The gamificación is a trend that promotes use of game mechanics for non-recreational to increasing the motivation, effort and concentration. It has become the latest craze to promote productivity in companies. This mechanism, incidentally, often not achieved in their own games. Yet Tan has put quite hopeful: "Humans have the ability to make the ordinary special."

An example of how the dynamics of the games can be applied is FourSquare , a service that blends social networking, mobile and location. "Nobody's mind until they started to medal, simple, simple, in recognition of special places to discover and recommend."

Faced with the threat of gamificar all, So is cautious: "I think it may promote some changes, but not very deep and prolonged. I think últil to reinforce previous ideas, but not to change behavior in profound ways. " He also sees some restrictions: "Football, for example, or tennis, or any game already in place, especially if we refer to the sport and have their own design aspects that are to be promoted."

After a moment of reflection is released to list titles that in his view have evolved in the industry. No appointment or Sonic or Mario, but Sim City, a simulator that combines urban planning with political skills. Portal, a mixture of puzzles and action, known for his wit. Dark Souls prefer the need to seek complicity with the character and learn to be patient. It is noteworthy that only highlights a logic-based securities 'oriental' games based on an experience rather than reaching a goal. They are more thoughtful, but less competitive.

The video game industry is at a crossroads. Electronic Arts, the strongest independent study, said in March that as more money enters mobile gaming consoles and tablets. "This is not what is better or worse, but to think what the public wants. I think the key is in the distribution. People do not want to go to a store to buy a disc or wait until you get home, but the download instantly. If you want to play just five minutes, do sets of 5 minutes, you have to fit your lifestyle, "says Tan In his opinion, Apple is not competition because" does not play, but has created a better system, as did with music. "

Nintendo's latest creation is a handheld, 3DS, which lets you view images in three dimensions without glasses. Despite the technological despligue believes that fails at something. "There's always going with me, just when I go to conventions. He thought with a social use that only occurs in very specific cases, until they reach a wider audience will not show all its splendor "he says. Maybe that's why, a few months of dating Nintendo cut the price by 40%. Despite this reduction, has not taken off.

Sony, the other Japanese giant highlights its nods to the user-generated content, "Do not stay in the passive, but leave an open door to creativity. Sony understands their machines almost like a computer. Microsoft leaves it as something reserved for experts. " In his view, this openness extends the life of games and creates community around them. "Here Little Big Planet is a masterpiece."

"Kinect will not kill the controls, but extending the options."

As has been seen since his first experience in an Atari 2600 to today have evolved controls. Would he die command with buttons? "I think not. Kinect not going to kill, but are extended options. In Rock Band for example do not learn to play guitar, but I think you're capable of it. To get into the role you need the piece of plastic that simulates what is the reference. "

In the past 30 years some companies have fallen by the wayside. The most famous case was that of SEGA. "The mistake was not open enough for developers. Last console, Dreamcast, was very special, but were unable to compete. "

After relating the benefits of video games as part of learning a question arises: How fit when cheating? "All we do is part of learning and well. Say that while you do not fool yourself and know that it does is good. I see only bad if used as a competitive advantage to play against someone but if you get stuck in one place how could you not find the solution if you spend 60 euros? "He concludes.

What if one day drop the iPhone?

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:01:00 +0000

It's true: the Nasdaq 100 shoots. Flirts with 3,000 points and he does a very good start and good background. And if you do, basically, is that Apple will cover their backs. The feeling is unanimous: erased from the memory stick earlier this century, the U.S. technology and are postulated as a safe haven. Who seeks security, invest in Microsoft, Google, in the upcoming actions of Facebook or Apple. Spanish analysts have it clear. "This is a good opportunity to buy technology," says Nicholas Waterman, chief investment officer of Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. "All the Nasdaq is advisable," he confirms José Manzanares, a professor at the Institute of Securities Studies (IEB) and director of Capital EAFI Skipper.

Although they all agree on that aspect, that does not mean things will get out shot as always. It outlines some problems with the world of technology. Namely, this is too many of Apple in the Nasdaq 100. The signing of the block already has a 17% volume of the index, a fact that contradicts the most basic investing rules: security is diversification.

What will happen if sales of the iPhone or iPad collapse from one day to the other, they ask analysts. ¿Will last the index then?

"Apple gives you plenty of brightness to the index," says Alejandro Vidal, Department of Banking Market Strategies March. "It is therefore an investment opportunity. However, it is also a risk, because their relative weight is excessive." "The problem with Apple, and especially of its smartphone , which adds five years is monopolizing a large market share, he adds Celso Otero, fund manager at Renta 4 -. But this has happened before. At the time, Motorola was number one. And so was Nokia. And even BlackBerry, much as his leadership had been shorter. That's where fears arise. Will the iPhone lead the future as well as this is leading? ".

The truth is that the weight of the iPhone and the Apple iPad is as intense as the weight of Apple in the Nasdaq 100. The cast is disproportionate. iPhone accounts for 43.5% of Apple's revenue. The iPad tablet, 20% computers, 20%. IPods have lost strength: now account for 7% of their income. "Among the top three account for 83.5% of Apple's revenue, says Otero. If one of these three legs, and especially if it fails iPhone, the project could falter ...".

In media and economic terms, the iPhone has been overwhelming effect. In 2007, a year after its release, the company entered the block $ 630 million annually through sales of iPhone. Now the figure is around 47,060 million ...

Through this flood of data, speech leads to a domino effect. If sales plummet iPhone and iPad (no mistake, it seems unthinkable in the near future) sales slump Apple. And if Apple falls, with 17% in volume in the Nasdaq 100 (worth 72,000 million dollars in 2007, when she weighed 2%, total about 500,000 million today), the index would plunge, much as The following companies are listed as definitive as Microsoft, Oracle, Intel and Qualcomm.

"It's true: it may be that some day the iPhone fall. And if that happened, it would be because there have been a smartphone best-Otero says, a product that would take him ahead. It is also true that the emergence of this new firm could revitalize the index: a new smartphone would have replaced the old. What happens is that the revitalization takes time. does not happen overnight. And in that process, the index had been deflating. " "The Nasdaq raises doubts as such me because of the high weighting of Apple," he insists Vidal.

"Still, this is not a bubble. It has nothing to do with the prick of 2000," interjects Manzanares. Refers to overestimates of the time, early in this century: at that time, Apple was trading 60 times its actual value. "It was total speculation," said Otero. Today, its price remains high, although much closer to its real value: about 12.5%.

Broadly speaking, apart from vagaries of fashion, the future is promising index. "This is one of the least evolved Barquero says. It is global in nature, is present in developed countries and is well exposed in emerging countries. This is one of the fastest growing sectors of benefits."

"All the Nasdaq is advisable," he insists Manzanares. Among other reasons, because the crisis has not beaten the mobile telephony, sales have continued to grow, and that is a global phenomenon. There are iPhone in the U.S., there are in New Delhi and is in Dakar.

The portable phone sets a new record in January

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Madrid. (MarketWatch). - A total of 539,599 numbers phones have changed operator in January which is a new record and the trend of 2011 that ended with 5.6 million changes throughout the year, according to data provided today by the Telecommunications Market (CMT).

In the first month of the year also underscores the 266,928 drop in residential fixed lines have been offset by the high 267,547 business sector, who have ended the month with a total fleet of 19,418,515 fixed line numbers.

In mobile telephony have released new numbers 162,992, of which 88,142 were prepaid and 82,901 datacards lines to connect to the computer via mobile phone and postpaid lines have fallen in 8051, while the automatic communication between 7,569 machines have added numbers to 2,528,177.

The month ended with 58,880,647 mobile lines, including automatic communication between machines, 3.2% more than last year.
Telefónica is the only operator that has been lost with the changes porting mobile numbers less than 77,211; while Vodafone has won 4,818, Orange, 19,589; Telstra, 15,557, and network operators with no (virtual), 27,527.

If these data are added to livestock numbers and low, the result is that Vodafone has won 72,290 lines, Telstra, 46,470, and MVNOs, 124,690. Orange has lost 44,180 numbers and Movistar, 44,180.

These results imply that the mark of Telefónica has the 39.89% of the market, Vodafone, 28.25; Orange, a 20.08, Telstra, to 5.25, and the virtual, 6.53%.

Fixed broadband has added 40,363 lines, due to the thrust of the alternative, to have scored 35,450 high. The park is located at the end of January at 11,188,297, 4.7% more than a year ago.
of all new fixed broadband lines, 27,938 are DSL, cable 2519 (2,051,311 total) and 9,906 fiber optic FTTH that has already reached 181,083.

Yahoo! Sues Facebook for violating ten patents

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:59:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO, 13 (Reuters / EP) The company Yahoo! sued yesterday to Facebook for violating 10 patents that include methods and systems for Internet advertising, in which is the first major legal battle between the two tech giants.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, highlights a significant increase in patent litigation that has already reached the industries of 'smartphones' and 'tablets', as well as technology giants like Apple, Microsoft and Motorola Mobility Holdings. Yahoo! demand follows the announcement of plans to launch a Facebook IPO (IPO) that could give the company a value of around 100,000 million (75,970 million euros).

The spokesman for Facebook , Jonathan Thaw, said the social network has knowledge of the demand through the media. "We are disappointed that Yahoo! , a business partner of Facebook a long time and a company that has been substantially benefited from its partnership with Facebook, has decided to appeal to the courts, "he said.

In an emailed statement, Yahoo! said it is confident he will prevail in court. "Unfortunately, the matter remains unresolved with Facebook, and we are forced to seek redress in federal court," the company said in a statement. Yahoo! said in late February that it was demanding payment of license fees to Facebook for its patents, and that other companies had already agreed to such licensing agreements.

In the lawsuit, Yahoo! said that Facebook was considered "one of the worst performing sites for advertising" before adapting the ideas of Yahoo!. "Mr. Mark Zuckerberg , founder and CEO of Facebook, agreed that the design of Facebook is not new and is based on the ideas of others, "the suit said.

Several companies involved in social networking sites including Facebook, have experienced an increase in patent claims against them as they progress in their process to go public. However, most of these lawsuits have been filed by "patent accumulators" that buy intellectual property rights to extract juice through licensing agreements and so far, none had been submitted by a technology company as important as Yahoo!

The new iPad sweeps before going to market

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Apple expects to sell one million units tomorrow, launching the new tablet in ten countries. In Spain not arrive until Friday March 23 | The sale of 'tablets' grew 254% in 2011 and increase by 54% in 2012, according to research firm IDG

Los Angeles (USA), March 14 (EFE). - The third generation of the popular Apple tablet, the iPhone will arrive Friday at the shops Mañan a dozen countries amid unprecedented demand, according to California-based advanced , which could eventually sell over a million units of the device on the day of its release.

Apple confirmed this week that it had exhausted its inventory intended for sale in advance through their website . Is predicted to be repeated the usual queues at the gates of the company stores, which begin shipping new iPhone in the U.S. in the early birds beginning at 8 am.

The tablet will release on Friday in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and United Kingdom, while customers in countries like Spain or Mexico will have to wait until March 23 to acquire the new tablet: "The consumer response to the new iPhone is unprecedented," said a spokesman for Apple. An analyst at Piper Jaffray & Co. estimates that Apple will sell over 1 million of its new tablets on the same day 16.

Should this forecast, Apple would beat a new record of business. In 2010, the company took a month to exceed one million units sold, a time that was reduced to just one weekend in 2011 after the release of iPad 2. Just as with the iPhone, the iPhone has become a commercial phenomenon and the interest of users is multiplying with every new version.

The tablet will be released in the same price range as did their predecessors: $ 499 in its cheapest version and 829 the most expensive. The new iPhone features a faster processor, a screen with high resolution, improved their cameras to photograph and video recording and compatibility with the 4G mobile Internet network.

The sale of 'tablets' grew 254% in 2011 and increase by 54% in 2012

Worldwide sales of tablets increased 254.12% in 2011, to 68.7 million units sold. The estimate is that 54% increase in 2012, to 106.1 million units sold, according to tech consultancy IDC .

After finding the strength of this market in the fourth quarter, and the strong demand expected for 2012, IDG has increased its previous sales estimates for this year by 21% to. The previous forecasts were at the 87.7 million units. In the fourth quarter, sales of 'tablets' amounted to 28.2 million units sold worldwide, representing a growth of 56.1%.

IDC has stated that despite the "impressive" debut of Amazon, which sold 4.7 million Fire Kindle , Apple continued to experience strong quarterly growth, with sales of 15.4 million units in the last quarter, compared with 11.1 million units the previous quarter, representing a market share of 54.7% worldwide.

In Europe, the fastest growing market where the iPhone is the Reido Kingdom (115% dentre February 2011 and January 2012), followed by France (95%), Italy (75%), Germany (50%) and Spain (37%), according to comScore .

For its part, Amazon stood at second with a market share of 16.8% followed by Samsung, with a share of 5.8% in the last quarter of 5.5% over the previous quarter.

Four students of robotics champions can not contest the world finals for 9,000 euros

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:57:00 +0000

The youths, Sant Pere de Torello, can not afford to go to the U.S. | Young people have spent seven months in the design of a magnifying glass water treatment.

Four boys from Sant Pere de Torello are a step of keeping honey on the lips. After passing the qualifying Catalan team Pamplona The Santperencs swept a couple of weekends, in the Spanish round of the First Lego League, a robotics world championship organized by the popular brand of toys. The adolescents gained from this Thus, establishing itself among a lot of schools and colleges dumps with their equipment, the right to travel to the U.S. within months and participate in the finals of this tournament aimed at promoting scientific talent among the young. The problem of kids in the Osona do not have enough money to cross the pond. So settle for participating in the European version of the competition in Germany, because it is cheaper. "I says Matthew Daniel, the leader of The Santperencs , the largest of the group, which already has sixteen years as I have learned from this whole experience is that the effort, good work, perseverance ... always worth it, just coming to fruition and results.

"The other members of the group, Marc Famada, Biel Jimenez and Thomasz Sydor, every twelve years, are also unable to be disappointed. "Surely in Germany we are also an incredible level and learn a lot, continues Daniel. addition, the United States and were last year, and it was great. There are NASA scouts looking for talent. And you can manage unmanned military robots. The truth is we did not expect to win again and win a second time and was a reward in itself, quite a recognition. " Yes, The Santperencs and the Americas did last year, and despite the intimidating and pompous that there was any, were tenth in the world. They became ambassadors of their small town. Heat after heat, were imposed on dozens of seasoned teams in the laboratories of their institutions, supported by their cloisters ...

Then the de Sant Pere with Lego bricks designed a mechanical arm that can operate remote warts, thanks to a webcam. The free time of the last seven months the kids were dedicated to the design of a magnifying glass water treatment , without more help than that of the sun's rays can boil water in less than an hour. The idea is to apply it in the third world. The competition theme this year is food hygiene. The Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineers of Barcelona d'have been invited to give a talk. defrayed Last year the trip dodging a breadbox and with the support of various public institutions in the area and with the help of the sponsors of the event. But as explained by Charles Matthew, the father of Daniel, a retired postman who manages to tutor the kids, "although sponsors are helping us a lot, much as in 2011, and again give two thousand euros, This year things are much worse.

"And although it is possible that a group of traders in the region will yield a computer to navigate back to the basket, and perhaps even a ham, it seems that the final collection covers only stay in Germany. "Between tickets, transportation and material-hotels calculate Carlos in a unit of the former municipal library, where the group has its own laboratory-the German option we would go for about 4,500 euros, and yes I think we can assume with the help of all families of the kids ... But is that the U.S. is double, and parents as we are very normal people, humbly. "

Retrotecnología: the triumph of modern appliances looking 'vintage'

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:54:00 +0000

No, not all electronics brands struggle to launch the thinnest TV screen, or the more sophisticated stereo. For more people, it is delightful daze a little smart phone ( smartphone ), by installing a music player that takes us back to days of analog music: as sung by Radio Futura (thirty years), the future is already here, but may be more helpful if you dress up in old .

IPhone or cassette?

Apple's phone, for many, synonymous with modernity, also has a retro face. For example through a rubber boot. We are seeing more cases, in addition to protect the unit, to mimic old cassette tape , the kind that were invented in 1963 and put music our youth, our shelves filled embarullaron student and the glove compartment of our first car. This is a simple costume: for just over 10 euros , the modern mobile becomes, seen from behind, on one of those legendary TDK, Maxell and BASF.

To complement this, nothing better to install a retro software. One application, called That's my jam , makes the display of the mobile or iPhone in an old cassette player . How? The control keys mimic old buttons, and see how a virtual tape moves before our eyes. Another fun application is Calcopac , you enter on our phone one of those old calculators , Casio style, someone who always gave First Communion.

Enough? For many, no. Because the phone is used mainly for talking. And that is iDial and a retro handset universal: the first is an app that allows us to dial numbers in the old way, by moving your finger to dial with melancholy, and the second one we have seen Lenny Kravitz and more and more people down the street: the famous earpiece becomes a full color handset, such as holding the girl in the picture.

In the fifty

Fascinated by series like Mad Men, many have fallen rendered the so-called vintage chic , which calls for decorating the houses in the style of the fifties . To achieve this, lamps, sofas or chairs are not enough: perhaps the final touch comes through a television classic look or a retro stereo misleading.

If you want the first, visit the website of Predicta ( www.predicta.com ) will keep the mouth open. The brand uses modern technology and compatible with any current peripheral, but advocates a futuristic aesthetic ... half a century ago.

As for the sound to the big brands to look askance designs for decades. Sony, for example, has in its catalog several new models (take a look at the SRF-18 and XDR-S16DBP ) with more than casual resemblance to the radio when we were kids. It is not the only one: the Teac SL-D900 seems from another era, but includes a CD player and USB input, and pages of gifts on the Internet as yoloflipo.com offer dozens of vintage stereo

Images of the past

We still have the picture: teaching chambers filled with buttons, menus and options is no longer cool . A few years ago, seduced complexity: now takes the simple, basic and sturdy.

The cameras also have the appearance of old models good example are some new camera models, as presented throughout the years by reference marks. Fuji has in its catalog number. The X-Pro 1 offers all the advantages of current technology, but its appearance is that of the cameras with which our fathers immortalized our vacation . In two other cameras of the same brand, the FinePix X100 and its little brother the X10 , supports a long history of trade, Olympus has just demonstrated the OM-D MS-5 and many dream of getting the beautiful Leica X1 .

Do you remember Polaroid ? Yes, the very famous brand of instant cameras is still fighting to survive more than the available 300 . See if is cool, that is responsible for its aesthetics, nothing more and nothing less than Lady Gaga .

Thailand closes 5,000 sites in three months to protect the king's image

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Authorities Thai blocked during the last three months access to over 5,000 sites or sites of Internet to consider grievances containing the monarchy, police said this week.

Blocking these web pages is part of the campaign by the Thai government to protect the image of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and members of the Royal Family, which is also covered by the law of "treason" .

The police spokesman, General Piya Utayo, said at a news conference that the special brigade closed the thousands of locations in the first quarter for "inappropriate and insulting" , but said, without giving figures, the number of pages with this content type has declined over the previous year.

In November last year, the Thai authorities sought help from the social network Facebook to eliminate over 10,000 sites with content deemed offensive to the monarchy, as stated by the Ministry of Information and Communication.

The number of prosecutions brought by the alleged crime of "treason" has soared in recent years to more than several hundred, when the 90's barely a dozen denounced as Group Awareness Section 112, organization that campaigns against the use of this law.

Several groups of group intellectual Thais have spoken against the law of "treason" and order that can be discussed constructively on the monarchy, but the government has rejected any reform in this regard

Since entering into force until January 2011, the number of sites blocked by the courts using the Act, amounted to 75,000 , including 57,330 for contents against the monarchy, according to a report by the Thammasat University in Bangkok.

There comes a smart floor

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:27:00 +0000

Can you imagine a city where streets are digital ? With the Smart Way, more than 50,000 citizens and tourists who walk every day for the city center may receive information tourist and commercial area with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth : city maps, maps of public transport, access to entertainment or information about events and more. All these digital services come from a "virtual cloud" installed on the pavement.

The City of Madrid and ASEPI (Innovative Business Group Smart Pavement Spain) presented the first such installation in the Puerta del Sol consists of a natural stone pavement made of calcium carbonate that integrates all the electronic equipment necessary for the digital services. It also incorporates a podotáctil routing adapted to the blind.

This initiative aims to make ASEPI Spanish cities in pioneering digital pavement and create a smart city model exportable to the rest of the world.

China tested a train capable of traveling at 500 kilometers per hour

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:24:00 +0000

The China Railway Construction CSR has just launched its first train test capable of reaching 500 kilometers per hour , the highest speed attained by these vehicles, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The new series of CRH (China Railway High Speed, for its acronym in English), is gray, has six cars and has a capacity of 22,800 kilowatts , compared to 9,600 kilowatts of current "CRH380 bullet train", which reaches over 300 kilometers per hours. The technical manager of the company, Sansan Ding says that this device is super-fast "was inspired by an ancient Chinese sword," and that the plastic body of the vehicle is reinforced with carbon fiber. For the Asian country, the expansion of this kind of transportation is of great importance in the economic, cultural and social development of different regions.

Nanotechnology to turn your mobile phone submersible

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:23:00 +0000

A Southern California company has created Liquipel , one of the most revolutionary inventions for smartphones . It is a chemical protector, manufactured using tiny nanoparticles , which isolates the circuits and other components of the mobile phones of any liquid that may fall on the apparatus. Thus, claim to have achieved one of the most common accidents with any gadget, get wet-no longer a concern for users. According to its creators, the terminal continues to operate normally when falling into a pool or a river . It is not a housing or a physical barrier, but a treatment that apply to your own only in the company headquarters Liquipel. The isolation of the phone has a cost ranging from 47 to 62 euros depending on the type of transport by which the device is sent to the offices and for it to be delivered back to the user. Devices from HTC, Motorola, Apple and Samsung are those who, for the moment, you may receive this treatment.

Arrival of the first magnetic soap

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Scientists at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) iron salts dissolved in a liquid to create a new soap that can be controlled by magnets . The discovery could be used to manufacture revolutionary products of household and industrial cleaning and to remove oil stains from the oceans and to treat contaminated water , among other applications. To obtain the magnetic soap, the researcher Julian Eastoe and colleagues dissolved iron in a soap rich liquid chlorine and bromine , similar to that used in products in mouthwash or fabric softeners. The traditional soap dissolves dirt, grease and other chemicals, but does not eliminate the environment. However, applying a magnetic field the magnetic soap, the debris that accumulates can be attracted and removed completely. Although Eastoe had tried to create soaps sensitive to light, temperature and pressure, this new method appears to be magnets more effective for controlled cleaning of any means or surface, by activating or deactivating the magnets.

Virtual Reality through bionic contact lenses

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Imagine being able to check email without a screen? This science fiction could become a reality, thanks to contact lenses bionic that will receive computerized information directly into the eyes. These modern contact lenses have been developed by researchers at the Universities of Washington and Aalto (Finland), and although still in prototype stage, have already been tested in rabbits without showing adverse effects.

The lenses, which have many applications in the development of devices for computers and virtual reality will also be very useful in the field of health. As he explained to SINC Praviz Baba, one of the researchers on the project, the device "could also have medical applications such as biosensors connection to provide information on levels of glucose and lactose."

For transmit images directly in the eye, the energy emitted by the source is contained in a circuit that transmits a transparent sapphire chip. So far, the lens contains only one pixel and the team also works to shorten the focal length so that the projections are not perceived by the eye is blurred. It also notes Praviz, "the next goal is the incorporation of a standard text in the contact lens."

Glasses to replace the computer and the mobile

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:18:00 +0000

In the future need not look down at your computer or mobile device, because we can see all the information through glasses. Robocop style This technology is not science fiction, many companies are already working on it. Some of them presented their progress at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (USA), a huge market where small and large companies give their ideas and innovations in electronics.

One of the prototypes of glasses, presented by the company Lumus Optics (Tel Aviv, Israel), gets the images from a computer or mobile device via Bluetooth. Ari Grobman, company manager, told Technology Review of the multiple possibilities offered by these technologies. For example, adding a camera to goggle systems could be used facial recognition as those who already use Facebook and Google that helps users in tasks like tagging photos.

For its part, the company Vuzic (Rochester, New York), has developed an industrial version designed to work like overlapping planes of a machine in the vision of a mechanic. The device is very useful in facilitating the work of any technical support team, they will be able to obtain images in your field of vision to guide them.

Other companies are working on augmented reality applications, similar to those that already exist in some smartphones . Aurasma, a division of Autonomy software company, has developed a device that can recognize images of reference and add virtual 3D objects. It is also possible to recognize hand gestures, which facilitates the interactivity of virtual content in smart glasses.

much more futuristic, the Smart Goggles Sensics Company (Columbia, USA) covering the eyes and ears of a person and completely immerse you in a virtual world 3D . This is possible thanks to 11 mobile phone cameras and a video screen in front of each eye.

In the not too distant future this type of innovation will change things so much that he said Matt Mills, a member of Aurasma, the most often to get information is through smart glasses need to go to a web browser Internet , as this procedure is much faster than even take a photo.

Nokia launches smartphone with a 41-megapixel supercámara

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:02:00 +0000

The Nokia 808 Pure View, the first mobile technology that gives it its name, is the "bombshell" of the Finnish company at MWC

Nokia has just published its strategy for 2012. New devices based on Windows Mobile , improved terminal and a classic "monster" , the Nokia 808 Pure View, with a 41-megapixel camera.

On the one hand, the Finnish firm has expanded its range with the new Benjamin Lumia family, the Lumia 610 . Furthermore, today announced the arrival in Europe of 900 Lumia , an evolution of Lumia 800 with 4.3-inch screen and long battery life, announced in January at CES and so far only sold in the United States.

The Lumia 610 will be available in four colors, will cost € 189, and is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2012.

But the real bombshell came with the new Nokia 808 Mashed View , the first smartphone technology with which it is named and that in the traditional Carl Zeiss optics, adds a high resolution sensor of 41 megapixels. The result is truly spectacular. The terminal also also can record CD-quality sound and playing video at 1080p . This is possible thanks to the technology Recording Richter, included in PureView.

LG Optimus 4x HD

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:59:00 +0000

The MWC has also served as a stage for the debut of the LG Optimus 4X HD, with the performance of a desktop computer, but on a mobile. Combines power and high-definition screen. It is the first smartphone from LG Quad-Core processor. Give the latest version of NVIDIA Tegra 1.5GHz 3 in a display True HD IP. About consumers experience mobile multimedia HD format.

The NVIDIA Tegra 3 is the only mobile processor quad-core technology 4-PLUS-1. It is created to have a high-level multimedia performance while using one fifth core for control and battery saving, which is responsible for less demanding tasks such as active standby and music player. At full capacity, the graphics processing unit (GPU) on Tegra 3 ensures a great experience on a visual level and can play with the same quality standards as a console.

True HD IPS screen ensures the best viewing experience with high resolution, clearly and without distortion of color and form. It also includes an internal memory of 16 GB and incorporates the latest version of Android OS, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It also has a camera with an 8 megapixel sensor BSI (Backside Illumination) with LED flash.

The finish is elegant. With a thickness of only 8.9 mm, has a design "prism-edged", a bevel on the side designed with micro, which provides the same aesthetic effect that some high-end watches.

LG says goodbye to the 3D glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:58:00 +0000

In the path of smartphone 3D glasses LG launched last year, the company has taken advantage of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona to present the LG Optimus 3D Max , with a powerful 3D technology and a sleeker design. It offers a complete entertainment platform 3D without glasses . It is "bringing entertainment to the highest level" in the words of Park Jong-seok, president of LG.

Boasts a superb performance with cutting edge of latest technology. It is a powerful smartphone, both in 2D and 3D. Its unique display shows brilliant colors. The 3G network speed has been increased to HSPA + 21Mbps. LG Tag + redefines NFC (Near Field Communication) to promote a more practical use. Another advantage is the automatic change settings by creating predefined tags that are customized in some modes, such as car-mode, mode-mode-office or sleep. Depending on the location, the labels will automatically adjust to various phone settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS or sound volume.

It has True 3D Entertainment features improved compatibility with 2D-3D. Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other applications to 3D Converter 3D with improved. Photos and videos taken with the LG Optimus 3D Max can be enjoyed in "single-screen" in 2D, 3D, thanks to the key located on one side of the phone, allowing you to easily move from 2D to 3D.

The design starts from the premise of maintaining the essential and eliminate the superfluous. With only 9.6 mm thick and weighing 148 grams, his body, with metal edges and rounded, incorporates the best features 3D. It also includes unique 3D style icons that are customized with photos of the users through the Icon Customizer.

The MWC has also served to present the future benefits that will be available through software updates or applications in SmartWorld LG:

- Converter HD for HD quality on a TV connected via MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), transforming OpenGL games and applications 2D to 3D, and viewing of Google Earth in three dimensions.

- Range Finder to find the distance between camera and subject, but also the dimensions of an object through triangulation.

- Shot Out-focusing, which improves the quality of the camera.

The LG Optimus 3D Max will launch first in Korea in March and will gradually in other markets. The device will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Android 2.3 Gingerbread shortly after launch.

ASUS presents its PadFone and new tablets

noreply@blogger.com (Publisher) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:56:00 +0000

Jonney Shih, Chairman of ASUS , has introduced the revolutionary PadFone and new ASUS tablets at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona . "Now is the time that any screen can become a gateway to your digital world in real time," Shih said as he introduced the ASUS PadFone, a device that thanks to the sophisticated accessories (PadFone PadFone Station and Dock Station) is able to deliver the functionality of a smartphone, tablet and a laptop.

The ASUS PadFone is a smartphone that features a Super AMOLED QHD, the new dual-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, an 8 MP camera with ultra-sharp image processor and Fuji. The optimized design is aimed at the Android 4.0 operating system from Google. When attached to the Station PadFone optional tablet becomes a 10.1 ", multiply by 5 and autonomy allowed to use the oversized screen PadFone Station.

ASUS also made available to users a docking keyboard that allows transform it into an ultraportable laptop. It also offers the PadFone Headset Stylus , a stylus Bluetooth acts as a wireless headset.

ASUS has also presented its latest tablet sector. Next to the famous Prime Transformer , premiered the Infinity Transformer and Series ASUS Transformer 300. Prime Transformer

Prime Transformer
ASUS has created a new concept in 2011 with the TF101, a product that besides providing content allowed their creation. It is a tool for entertainment. Designed for users with dynamic, the Transformer Prime features an ultra-slim finish with metallic concentric weighs only 586G, has a screen Super IPS + with 600 nits allowing outdoor use and is also the first tablet quad-core support AndroidTM 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS).

It presents a range of 12 hours, but if the keyboard is coupled Docking extends its range to 18 hours. It also incorporates ASUS SonicMaster technology, which extends the frequency response offers improved vocal range and reproduces a crisp, lifelike sound. 1.2MP front camera enables video conference and later with 8MP features an LED flash, autofocus, illuminated CMOS sensor, touch control depth of field, aperture F2.4 and noise reduction for environments with limited lighting .

Infinity Transformer
The series includes the first Transformer tablets Infinity Full HD, 4G LTE/3G/Wi-Fi. With a screen 1920 x 1200 Full HD + Super IPS with 600 nits of brightness and sound progress SonicMaster technology, ensure a portable theater experience without compromise. To deal with possible accidents, the series features the second generation of resistant glass Corning ® Gorilla ® 2.

4G LTE model has the new dual-core Snapdragon Qualcomm MSM 8960 S4 and is able to provide an upload speed of 50Mbps data and 100Mbps download. The 2MP camera front allows you to perform video conferencing and back, with 8MP, has a lens with 5 elements, F2.2 aperture and an LED flash that makes taking photos even in darkness. The thickness is only 8.5mm and carries a concentric metallic finish.

Transformer Pad 300
Designed for lovers of the latest trends, Transformer Series 300 is available in blue, white and red. 4G LTE model is the first quad-core tablet with 4G connectivity LTE / 3G / Wi-Fi. It also has the NVIDIA ® Tegra ® 3 and SonicMaster audio enhancements, ensuring a streamlined experience for gaming and browsing online. 1.2MP front camera enables video conference and later with 8MP features an LED flash, a lens with 5 elements and aperture F2.2. The Transformer 300 has a battery life of 10 hours extending to 15 hours when docked to the keyboard docking.