A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.
TRIBRID CARS: EcoMotors aim to increase combustion engine efficiency by up to 50%. They use modules with opposing pistons and opposing cylinders (OPOC) that create power on every stroke rather than on alternate strokes. Engine modules can be stacked, could run on petrol, diesel or hydrogen and could be paired with electric motors too. The best of all worlds. More at Xconomy.
TWO-HANDED TABLET: The Pocket eDGE dual touchscreen tablet Entourage has 2 screens hinged together. One screen is a monochrome E-ink panel, while the other is a colour resistive touchscreen. It's an e-reader, tablet, notepad, audio and video recorder and player. Jack of all trades... More at Electronista and video on YouTube.
SNIFF TYPIST: Israeli scientists used a sniff-enabled device to allow quadriplegics to control wheelchairs and completely paralysed people to type letters on a keyboard. The device is a thin plastic tube with two short prongs that are inserted into the nostrils. The wearer quickly learns to control their nasal pressure enough to trigger a command to a computer. Hayfever could be a huge hindrance. Details at ScientificAmerican.
SLIDING SOUND: UK researchers have a new sound sensor system to predict landslides. As ground becomes unstable the soil moves beneath the surface and creates sound. A network of buried sensors record acoustic activity and send the data to a computer that can alert authorities by SMS of imminent collapse. Sounds useful. More at LBoro.
PHONE CHECK: A pilot project at a Stockholm hotel lets guests book, check in and out, and open the door to their room using their smart phone. The phones use Near Field Communication technology, short-range wireless communication for exchanging data between devices up to 10 centimetres apart. Guard that phone like your wallet. More at DiscoveryNews.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
