SIGNAL MAP: The BBC want to map the UK's 3G coverage. They've asked people to install and use a special Android app that tracks the presence or absence of a signal and its type: 2G or 3G. The app ignores any signal boosted by a femtocell. It doesn't measure signal strength or throughput though. The published map should help others work out where their best chances of a good signal are. Cafes and tourist spots: beware! eWeek has details.
GOOD VIBRATIONS: People in the upper part of a 39 story building in Korea thought they were in an earthquake. They weren't though: the shakes were caused by 17 people in the 12th floor gym doing a Tae Bo workout. Scientists established that the folks doing Tae Bo created a vibration cycle that collided with vertical vibration cycle unique to the building. Their exercises amplified the building's natural vibrations. Nothing to get excited about. JoongangDaily has more.
SOS PHONE: The Russian Just5 Space phone is designed for the elderly and children. It handles only phone calls and SMS messages and offers a simple user interface with large buttons. It also amplifies sound and has a special SOS button on the back that calls a programmed number. Surely a GPS for tracking the phone would be an essential feature too. Springwise has details.
DIGITAL PILL: Intel and GE have created a social network based around a touchscreen tablet specifically to help Seniors either living in their own home or in a care facility. Care Innovations Connect provides brain exercises, daily surveys and medication reminders, access to community news and social networking. The touchscreen device also allows healthcare providers and Wellness Coaches to easily monitor the Seniors for problems. It seems daily checkins are required. More information here.
SECRET STREAMS: US computer scientists are working on software called Telex that hides data streams from banned websites inside data from 'acceptable' sites using public key cryptography. It's intended to allow users in countries that filter web sites to access banned sites without detection. The stream requires a private key to be able to see the markers that allow the data to be hidden. Telex is not yet available to the public, but the developers have been using it successfully for a while. It's all good until the government makes it illegal. BBC.
