A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.
RHINO ALARM: More than 200 rhinos have been slaughtered in South Africa this year, so game wardens are testing out embedded GPS units. They insert a GPS chip and alarms connected to satellite and cellphone systems into the animal's horn. If the rhino behaves in unusual ways, such as sleeping for too long, the alarm alerts a warden to investigate. Once the poachers know about the chips I imagine they'll
start dehorning the rhinos. More at the BBC.
ONYA BIKE: The Front End Loader is a 3-wheeled electric bicycle specially designed to carry heavy loads: up to 90 kilos at up to 30 Kph. A special steering assembly and tilting wheels improve cornering without spilling the load. The bikes are intended to replace short local car trips. Are they allowed to use the bike lanes? Details at TreeHugger and OnyaCycles.
TO EACH THEIR OWN MAP: Map World is China's own online satellite
mapping service. Within the borders of China maps of rural areas
resolve to 2.5 metres, while 300 cities enjoy 0.6m resolution. Updates
are expected every 6 months. Do you ever feel like you're being
watched? More at the BBC.
BYE BYE TANGLES: Who knew the Walkman cassette player was still being manufactured! Well, not any more as Sony have finally just stopped production. More than 200 million Walkmans were sold since 1979. Hmmm, cassette tapes ... I think I last used one this decade, or maybe it was in the 90s. More at Dvice.
DOWN TO THE DOG: The US Military have spent around $17 billion in the last 6 years to find the best way to detect Improvised Explosive Devices - roadside bombs. And they've come up with loads of sensors and gadgets, including surveillance aircraft, robots, ground-penetrating radar and multispectral sensors. In their latest report they've revealed their most efficient sensor: a dog's nose. Dogs and their well-trained handlers can detect 80% of IEDs. We still can't outsmart Nature. More at NationalDefenseMagazine.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
