During the Meta Connect 2023 event, Facebook’s mother company Meta presented today its highly-anticipated Meta Quest 3, a next-generation virtual and mixed-reality headset set to launch later this year. The innovative device boasts several noteworthy enhancements, including superior resolution, enhanced performance, groundbreaking Meta Reality technology, and a sleeker, more comfortable design.

The Quest 3 pre-orders start today, with the device set to be available in all countries where Meta Quest is currently supported in the upcoming fall season, with a starting price of $499.99 for the 128GB version, along with additional storage options like the 512 GB version starting at $649.99. It is hailed as a wireless, all-in-one powerhouse, delivering a remarkable visual experience with its high-resolution display and cutting-edge pancake optics.

It’s the first headset to feature a next-gen Snapdragon chipset developed in partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, providing over twice the graphical performance compared to its predecessor, Quest 2, which can result in smoother gameplay and sharper details in immersive games.

Asgard’s Wrath 2 is included for free when you buy any Quest 3 model. A 6-month trial to Meta Quest+ is included when you upgrade to the 512GB model.

A standout feature of Quest 3 is its Meta Reality technology, which integrates the physical world with the virtual one, going beyond the capabilities of current mixed reality — Through intelligent object recognition and spatial understanding, users can interact with both virtual and physical elements simultaneously, offering endless possibilities for exploration and interaction.

In addition to technological advancements, Quest 3 has been redesigned for comfort and control. It boasts a 40% slimmer optic profile compared to Quest 2 and redesigned Touch Plus controllers for a more ergonomic and immersive experience. Hand tracking is also supported out of the box, enabling users to interact with virtual objects using just their hands.

Over 500 VR Games, Apps, and Experiences

Furthermore, Quest 3 maintains compatibility with the extensive Quest 2 catalog of over 500 VR games, apps, and experiences, promising an expansive library of immersive content from day one.

Speaking about Meta’s previous VR Headset, the Quest 2 got a price drop (now starting at $299.99), making it even more accessible to the masses. An upcoming software update for Quest 2 and Quest Pro will bring significant performance improvements, including enhanced CPU and GPU performance, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive user interface.

Infineon Technologies AG has introduced a single-chip solution for NFC (Near Field Communication) lock applications, enabling Keep It Simple Storage (KISS), a US-based self-storage solutions provider, to enhance its secure locking system.

This NFC-powered smart lock solution eliminates the need for traditional keys and adds a new level of convenience and security to self-storage facilities.

KISS’s smart locks can now be remotely controlled using a smartphone.

KISS’s smart lock system leverages Infineon’s NAC1080 microcontroller (MCU), a single-chip solution designed for passive NFC lock applications. The key features and benefits of this innovative smart lock system include:

• Battery-Free and NFC-Powered: The smart lock operates without the need for batteries, Bluetooth, or cables. It is powered by NFC technology, making it highly efficient and eco-friendly.
• Remote Control and Troubleshooting: Owners and operators of self-storage facilities can remotely manage and troubleshoot the smart lock system. This feature eliminates common inconveniences like auctions, lost keys, and lock replacements, reducing operational costs.
• Integrated H-Bridge: The NAC1080 MCU integrates an H-Bridge, simplifying the system design and reducing the number of components required.
• Energy Harvesting: The MCU supports energy harvesting, allowing it to be powered passively by the NFC field, reducing the need for external power sources.
• Enhanced Security: The NAC1080 MCU includes features like an integrated AES128 accelerator and true random number generator for data encryption and decryption, ensuring data security in a low-power environment.
• Smartphone Control: Users can control the smart lock system directly from their smartphones via the NFC interface. This allows for the management of multiple storage units through a mobile app.
• Eco-Friendly Focus: KISS emphasizes sustainability and aims to reduce e-waste and carbon footprints through its innovative technology.

Infineon’s NAC1080 microcontroller enables owners and operators in the self-storage industry to switch from manual locks to smart locks without the need for disruptive add-on devices such as batteries, Bluetooth, or cables.

Doris Keitel-Schulz, Vice President of Contactless Power and Sensing at Infineon’s Power & Sensor Systems Division, highlighted the significance of this technology in creating eco-friendly living environments.

Infineon’s NAC1080 MCU not only brings convenience and security to the self-storage industry but also demonstrates the potential of NFC technology in various applications beyond lock systems. Its energy-efficient and remote-controllable features aim to transform how self-storage facilities operate, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing user experiences.

An innovative Icelandic company called Flygildi just revealed their latest product, something called Silent Flyer; We’re talking about a pioneering wing-flapping drone designed to mimic the flight of birds, making it an ideal choice for security and surveillance applications. Unlike conventional drones, the Silent Flyer offers a unique set of features that address some of the key challenges in current drone technology.

One of the primary issues with existing drones is the noise generated by rotors, propellers, or jet engines. In contrast, the Silent Flyer operates almost silently due to its bird-like flapping wings and gliding capabilities. This low noise emission is particularly advantageous for covert surveillance operations.

Another challenge faced by traditional fixed-wing drones is their inability to hover, maneuver in confined spaces, or take off and land without specific ground infrastructure. The Silent Flyer, however, combines the benefits of both fixed-wing and multirotor systems while avoiding their drawbacks. It can glide smoothly, hover when necessary, and perform take-offs and landings without the need for specialized ground infrastructure.

Silent Flyer Prototype. (Image: Flygildi)

Key Features

• Bird-Like Flight: The Silent Flyer’s wing-flapping and tail movement closely mimic natural avian flight, enhancing its ability to blend in with local bird species, reducing visual detection, and minimizing the impact on indigenous wildlife.
• Customizable Appearance: The drone can be customized to resemble different seagull-sized bird types, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various environments.
• Quiet Operation: Its low noise emission level during gliding and hovering makes it ideal for discreet surveillance missions.
• Endurance: The Silent Flyer’s gliding capabilities contribute to increased endurance, enabling longer missions and reduced operational costs.
• Adaptive Sensors: It can host user-specific sensors or payloads weighing up to 200 grams, facilitating real-time data collection and enhancing work efficiency.
• Versatility: The drone can operate in windy conditions, reach altitudes of over 300 meters, and achieve a flying speed of 55 km/h.
• Portability: The Silent Flyer’s wings can be folded to its body, making it easily transportable to different locations.

In summary, the Silent Flyer represents a significant advancement in drone technology, offering a quieter, more adaptable, and nature-blending solution for surveillance and security applications, all while reducing environmental impact.

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed an innovative fabrication technique for 3D printing metal objects at the nanoscale, with dimensions as small as 150 nanometers (comparable to the size of a flu virus). This innovation builds upon their earlier work of printing microsized metal parts with features as thin as three or four sheets of paper.

What sets this development apart is that the atomic arrangements within these nanosized metal objects are disordered, which, at a larger scale, would typically render them weak and of low quality. However, at the nanoscale, this atomic-level disarray actually makes the parts three to five times stronger than similar structures with more orderly atomic arrangements.

A nanoscale lattice was prepared using a new technique developed by the lab of Julia R. Greer. Credit: Caltech

How Does the Process Happen?

The process begins by creating a photosensitive “cocktail” mainly composed of a hydrogel, a polymer capable of absorbing multiple times its weight in water. This mixture is selectively hardened with a laser to form a 3D scaffold mirroring the desired metal objects’ shapes, such as tiny pillars and nanolattices.

The hydrogel parts are then infused with a solution containing nickel ions, followed by baking to burn out the hydrogel, leaving behind metal ions now oxidized and bound to oxygen atoms. In the final step, the oxygen atoms are chemically removed, converting the metal oxide back into metallic form.

This process creates a messy microstructure full of defects, which, counterintuitively, strengthens the nanoscale parts. In typical metals, defects weaken the material, but in these nanosized structures, defects disrupt the propagation of failure, making them more resilient.

A Diverse Set of Applications

The applications of this nanoscale 3D printing technique are diverse, including catalysts for hydrogen, storage electrodes for chemicals like carbon-free ammonia, and essential components for devices such as sensors and microrobots. It represents one of the first demonstrations of 3D printing metal structures at such a small scale, offering a promising avenue for creating robust and functional nanoscale components.

This innovative approach challenges conventional notions about the relationship between atomic-level structure and material strength, opening up new possibilities for designing and manufacturing advanced materials and devices.

Tinder has introduced an exclusive subscription service called “Tinder Select” priced at a staggering $500 per month, targeting its most active users. Initially launched in 2017 as an invite-only tier for “hotties and celebrities,” Tinder Select was free, but it will now cost users $6,000 per year, as reported by Bloomberg News. This high-cost subscription service is offered to less than 1% of Tinder’s user base.

Tinder Select is just one of four paid tiers that the dating app provides, with prices starting as low as $24.99 per month. According to Mark Van Ryswyk, Tinder’s Chief Product Officer, the new offering is the result of extensive testing and feedback with highly engaged users who prioritize more efficient ways to find connections.

Match Group, Tinder’s parent company, had previously acquired The League, an exclusive dating app focused on career-oriented users seeking serious relationships. The League offers a VIP plan costing $1,000 per week. The success of The League seemingly inspired Match Group to introduce a new, exclusive tier for “high-intent users” on Tinder.

While Tinder Select is not expected to attract a large number of new paying users, Match Group anticipates that it will contribute to revenue growth. The company has faced a decline in subscriber numbers in the past three quarters, although average revenue per user has increased year-over-year — Match Group’s stock price has also experienced a 15% decrease in the past year.

Tinder’s move into the high-end subscription market reflects a broader trend among dating apps, where exclusive features and services are being offered to a select group of users willing to pay premium prices. This approach aims to diversify revenue streams and boost profitability in a competitive industry.

Xiaomi has introduced a range of innovative smart devices, including the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Xiaomi Smart Band 8, designed to provide users with a comprehensive connected experience alongside their flagship Xiaomi 13T series smartphones. These devices aim to enhance health and wellness, optimize sports performance, and improve daily convenience. Let’s learn more about them.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

Powered by Wear OS by Google, the same platform found on the Galaxy Watch 6 (check out our review), this smartwatch offers a stylish and efficient experience. It integrates with popular Google applications like Google Wallet, Google Maps, and Google Assistant, enhancing connectivity and productivity.

The device operates with speed and energy efficiency thanks to the next-generation Snapdragon W5 + Gen 1 wearable platform. It also supports LTE watch connectivity, allowing users to stay connected without their smartphones.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the precision of the dual-band GNSS, ensuring accurate workout tracking across 150+ sports modes. The watch also provides valuable insights into sleep quality. With its stylish design featuring a durable stainless steel casing and a high-resolution AMOLED display, users have access to more than 20 pre-installed watch faces and customizable functions.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8

This fitness band also offers 150+ sports modes, as well as real-time monitoring, and conditioning statistics. It even includes a ‘Pebble Mode’ for detailed running data and posture assessment. Health and wellness tracking features include all-day SpO₂ and heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, pressure monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking.

Powered by the Apollo 4 Blue Lite chipset, it ensures a smooth user experience with up to 16 days of typical usage on a single charge (it also features fast charging, reducing downtime). With its 5ATM water resistance rating, it suits various environments and activities. Its design includes a high-resolution AMOLED display, a CORNING GG3 glass cover, and a metallic texture frame.

Just like in the Smart Band 7 Pro (check out our review), users can personalize their devices with numerous watch faces and strap options, making them adaptable to different occasions — Speaking of which, a Smart Band 8 Pro version might be launched later in Q4 2023.

Availability and Price

Both the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 will be available through Xiaomi’s official channels, with pricing starting at EUR 329 (~$347)  for the e-SIM version of the watch, EUR 269 (~$284) for the Bluetooth version, and EUR 39.9 (~$42) for the Smart Band 8.

In a Similar Fashion to iOS and macOS’ Continuity camera feature, Android users can now transform their smartphones into webcams for their computers or even other Android devices with the latest beta version of Android. This feature allows users to connect their Android phones to Windows, Mac, Linux, or another Android device and use their phone’s camera as a webcam.

To enable this feature, users need to access the USB Preferences menu in the Android beta, where they can select the “webcam” functionality instead of the default “file transfer” option. Once activated, the phone’s camera is recognized as a webcam, enabling users to use it for video calls on platforms like Zoom.

Allowing Android phones to work as webcams via USB can be very useful when using Wi-Fi at hotels with bad wireless connectivity.

This functionality is part of the “Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1” build, which is currently in beta testing. It’s worth noting that Android’s beta program has become somewhat complex, with multiple overlapping beta versions.

The stable version at the time of this feature’s introduction is Android 13, while Android 14 is in its 10th beta/developer preview, expected to be released in October. Android 14 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1) is anticipated to arrive around December and typically includes feature updates.

Android’s 14 webcam settings. (Credit: Ron Amadeo)

More Versatile Than Apple’s Implementation

Even though this feature resembles Apple’s “Continuity Camera”, Android’s implementation is more versatile, presenting itself as a generic USB webcam that should work with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and possibly Linux — Users can even connect one Android phone to another and use the first phone’s camera as a webcam for the second device.

One advantage of using a smartphone as a webcam is that most phone cameras offer better image quality than the integrated cameras in thin laptop screens. However, users will need to find a suitable phone mount to position the camera correctly, and an external microphone may be necessary as the phone’s built-in microphone may not be usable with this feature at the moment. It is hoped that such issues will be addressed before the stable release of Android 14.

NASA’s humanoid robot, Valkyrie, has embarked on its first real-world mission as an oil rig worker in Australia, marking a significant step towards turning science fiction into reality. This endeavor is part of a Space Act Agreement between NASA and Woodside Energy, an energy company based in Perth, Australia, and it’s aimed at testing the robot’s capabilities in handling hazardous conditions.

The collaboration between NASA and Woodside seeks to develop “remote mobile dexterous manipulation capabilities” that will enable the remote maintenance of crewless offshore energy facilities. By deploying Valkyrie in this real-world industrial setting, Woodside Energy will be able to evaluate the resulting software’s performance and provide essential data and feedback to NASA. This cooperative effort is expected to accelerate the advancement of robotic technology.

ASA’s Dexterous Robotics Team and U.S. State Department representatives with NASA’s Valkyrie robot at Woodside Energy. (Credits: NASA/JSC)

This project marks the second partnership between NASA and Woodside, highlighting the growing importance of robotic technology in enhancing the efficiency and safety of offshore and remote energy facilities. The insights gained from this collaboration could also have implications for NASA’s Artemis missions and other terrestrial robotic endeavors.

To carry out this project, NASA’s dexterous robotics team from the Johnson Space Center traveled to Woodside’s headquarters in Perth. There, they prepared Valkyrie for its mission and provided training to the Woodside team on its operation. The deployment received recognition from representatives of the Western Australian government and the United States Consul General in Perth.

Woodside Energy team receiving orientation and training from Woodside trainer Harley Pritchard with NASA support from Alex Sowell and Misha Savchenko. (Credits: NASA/JSC)

NASA’s goal is to leverage the experience gained from Valkyrie’s operation in challenging conditions to refine the design of robots capable of working in harsh environments — Such robots could prove invaluable for future lunar and Martian missions as they enable remote operation and tasks like infrastructure inspection and maintenance, even in the absence of astronauts.

Shaun Azimi, who leads NASA’s dexterous robotics team at the Johnson Space Center, emphasized the potential impact of advanced robots on Earth, stating that they can enhance safety in hazardous environments and extend human reach. Both NASA and Woodside envision these robots as valuable assets for supervising dangerous work while allowing humans to focus on higher-level tasks.

This collaboration underscores the growing role of robotics in shaping the future of remote and hazardous work environments.

Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest smartphone, the Xiaomi 13T Series, aimed at a global audience seeking to explore their creativity and photographic skills. Developed in collaboration with Leica (a brand renowned for its iconic camera technology), the new phones promise to deliver Authentic Leica Imagery, capturing the essence of the Leica experience.

Photography enthusiasts will find professional-level capabilities in both the Xiaomi 13T Pro and Xiaomi 13T models. The models boast a triple-camera setup with Summicron lenses co-engineered with Leica, including a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. These lenses, according to Xiaomi, are designed to capture stunning images, with a wide color range (100% DCI-P3).

Xiaomi 13T series (Black).

Xiaomi 13T series (Blue).

Xiaomi 13T series (Green).

The Xiaomi 13T Series debuts with two distinct Leica photographic styles: Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look. These styles offer several imagery possibilities, with the brand promising natural color reproduction, strong contrast, and shadow definition. Additionally, six Leica filters pay homage to legendary Leica imagery, including the latest Leica Sepia and Leica Blue.

For those who like to fine-tune their photography, the brand includes features like the Pro mode, that allows users to adjust Tone, Tonality, and Texture at the pre-set stage, preserving more details and colors for post-processing. Also, Xiaomi offers in its new devices the ProFocus technology, enabling the capture of more details, even in fast-moving subjects.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro series is able to record video at 8K resolution and supports importing custom LUT styles, allowing users to add their unique touch to videos. The rear cameras support 4K video recording at all focal lengths, with an included video editor for easy editing and captioning.

In terms of display, both devices come with a 6.67″ CrystalRes Display featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. It offers high brightness and HDR10+ compatibility for enhanced contrast and color saturation. The phones also feature Dolby Atmos and dual speakers for immersive audio.

Performance-wise, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, offering nice speeds and improved image processing. The Xiaomi 13T, on the other hand, is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra, optimized for power efficiency. Both feature fast charging (with the Xiaomi 13T Pro supporting 120W HyperCharge). IP68 water and dust resistance is also present, for better longevity.

Specs

• Display:
  • 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate (FHD+)
• Soc:
  • MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ (Mi 13T Pro)
  • MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra (Mi 13T)
• Storage:
  • 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage (Mi 13T Pro)
  • 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage (Mi 13T)
• RAM:
  • LPDDR5X RAM 12 GB, or 16 GB (Mi 13T Pro)
  • LPDDR5 RAM8 GB or 12 GB (Mi 13T)
• Camera (front): 20 MP front-facing camera
• Camera (back):
  • 50 MP primary lens
  • 50 MP telephoto lens
  • 12 MP ultra-wide lens
• Connectivity: 5G connectivity, USB-C, IP68 rating, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, Dual-SIM, Wi-Fi 7 (Mi 13T Pro), Wi-Fi 6 (Mi 13T)
• Battery:
  • 5000mAh with 120W HyperCharge (Mi 13T Pro)
  • 5000mAh with 67W turbocharging (Mi 13T)
• OS:  MIUI 14 based on Android 13
• Dimensions:
  • Meadow Green, Black: 162.2mm x 75.7mm x 8.49mm
  • Alpine Blue: 162.2mm x 75.7mm x 8.62mm
• Weight:
  • Meadow Green, Black: 206g
  • Alpine Blue: 200g

Price and Availability

Users can choose from three color options: Alpine Blue, Meadow Green, and Black. The Xiaomi 13T Pro starts at EUR 799 (~$845), while the Xiaomi 13T starts at EUR 649 (~$686). Xiaomi also commits to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for both models. For more information about the products, visit the official website.

Gold nanoclusters are emerging as a potential solution to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production through water electrolysis, a crucial process in the development of hydrogen energy as a sustainable power source. While hydrogen energy holds promise as a renewable resource when generated from clean sources, several challenges, including infrastructure, economic viability, and technical hurdles, need to be addressed for its mainstream adoption.

Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The key advancement lies in the use of gold nanoclusters as nanocatalysts in electrochemical water splitting, also known as water electrolysis. This process involves breaking down water (H2O) into its constituent elements, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), using electricity, driven by a reaction called the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Gold nanoclusters have garnered attention due to their potential as highly effective nanocatalysts in promoting the HER and improving water electrolysis. Zhenghua Tang, a researcher at the New Energy Research Institute at the South China University of Technology, noted the challenge of achieving uniform catalysts at the atomic level and believes that atomically precise gold nanoclusters have the potential to address this issue.

Photo CC by 2.0: “Wasserstoffspeicher / Hydrogen tanks” by DLR_de

These gold nanoclusters have demonstrated remarkable catalytic properties in various chemical and electrocatalytic reactions. However, challenges persist in determining the optimal quantity of gold for practical applications, understanding the behavior of nanocatalysts under adverse conditions, and refining theoretical models.

The Objective: Make it More Commercially viable (and Environmentally Sustainable)

Researchers are committed to addressing these challenges in future work, aiming to enhance the electrical conductivity of cluster-based composite catalysts and explore their suitability for a wider range of reactions beyond HER. The objective is to make electrochemical water splitting technology more commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.

The concept of a “hydrogen economy” envisions a future where hydrogen powers heating, industry, and transportation. To realize this vision, overcoming technological barriers is essential. Gold nanoclusters offer a promising avenue toward efficient hydrogen production and utilization. Research in this field is expected to expand, as scientists and engineers work towards clean and renewable energy solutions.

The study highlighting the potential of gold nanoclusters as catalysts for hydrogen production is published in the journal Polyoxometalates.

Cera, a social care provider and health-tech company, is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the number of elderly people falling in their homes — consequently leading to a decrease in hospital admissions among this demographic.

Their AI platform, known as the Fall Prediction AI, has shown promising results during a pilot program; The platform utilizes information input by caregivers through a smartphone app to assess the risk of a patient experiencing a fall. Based on this assessment, caregivers can take proactive steps such as ensuring hydration and clearing pathways to minimize the risk of falls.

During the pilot program, which took place in the North West, Yorkshire, and central Scotland, 134 patients who had experienced a total of 29 falls in the preceding fortnight were included. After implementing the Cera Fall Prediction AI, the number of falls decreased to 23, representing a significant reduction of 20.69%. This achievement has been well-received by staff who appreciate the ability to prevent falls and improve the quality of care they provide.

Cera’s Fall Prediction AI aims to reduce the number of falls for elderly people, therefore, reducing their hospital admissions.

Cera’s success in developing AI solutions for healthcare is attributed to its extensive dataset, which tracks patients’ well-being in their home environments. This wealth of data enables Cera to create AI products that effectively address real-world challenges, setting them apart from other healthcare companies lacking access to such comprehensive datasets.

Beyond fall prediction, Cera has ventured into other AI applications, including Cera Voice, an automated AI phone call service that assesses patients’ health and identifies potential issues. The platform adapts its questions based on patient responses, aiding in the early detection of health concerns. Cera’s overarching mission is to empower individuals to live better lives in their own homes by harnessing the capabilities of AI.

Innovative Approaches

Additionally, Cera employs AI, including ChatGPT (which got an official Android app in July), to automate administrative tasks and optimize worker scheduling. By using AI to streamline scheduling, caregivers can travel more efficiently between patients, resulting in a 30% reduction in travel time. Cera also explores innovative approaches such as using avatars for staff training, offering a scalable solution to address challenges in the social care sector.

Overall, Cera’s pioneering use of AI in healthcare has the potential to improve the lives of elderly individuals by reducing falls and hospital admissions while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency and quality of caregiving services.

The iconic MS Paint has been undergoing significant updates and improvements over the past few years, aiming to enhance its utility for users. In the latest development, Microsoft has introduced two noteworthy features: support for image layers akin to those found in Photoshop and the capability to open and save images with transparent PNG backgrounds.

Layers play a fundamental role in advanced image editing by allowing users to control the arrangement of elements within an image — For instance, when working on an image with multiple components (like a blue sky background, an airplane, and a cloud) layers enable you to add elements without altering the existing ones. This preservation of individual elements makes it easier to edit and reposition objects within the image.

Microsoft has added support for layers in MS Paint. (Image: Microsoft)

The addition of transparent PNG support complements the inclusion of layers by enabling users to extract and reuse specific objects from images. This feature aligns perfectly with the recently introduced automated background removal tool in MS Paint, offering greater versatility in image editing.

While it’s evident that MS Paint now supports layers, the specifics regarding the number of layers permitted in a single image and the file format used for saving works-in-progress with editable layers remain unclear. Microsoft has yet to provide clarification on these aspects.

Exclusive to Windows 11

The updated version of MS Paint is currently available for Windows Insider testers in the Dev and Canary channels, both known for receiving cutting-edge updates. However, it’s important to note that this revamped Paint application appears to be exclusive to Windows 11, with no plans for backward compatibility with Windows 10.

A Microsoft employee’s inadvertent mistake led to the exposure of a massive 38 terabytes of sensitive data on GitHub, a popular platform for open-source projects. This security blunder was discovered by Wiz security researchers, who promptly reported the issue to Microsoft.

The incident occurred when the Microsoft employee was publishing a repository containing open-source AI training data on GitHub. Within this repository, there was a URL linked to an internal Azure storage account owned by Microsoft. Unfortunately, the URL was equipped with an overly permissive Shared Access Signature (SAS) token, granting full control over the Azure storage resources.

The exposed data contained personal computer backups, reportedly belonging to two former Microsoft employees.

The Leaked Data Included Sensitive Information

This lapse in security not only allowed the Wiz security team but potentially malicious actors as well, to access, modify, or delete files within the storage account. The compromised data included sensitive information such as passwords for Microsoft services, secret keys, and over 30,000 internal Microsoft Teams messages exchanged by 359 Microsoft employees.

Additionally, the exposed data contained personal computer backups, reportedly belonging to two former Microsoft employees.

Despite the magnitude of the breach, Microsoft downplayed its severity, emphasizing that no customer data or internal services were compromised, and no further action was required from customers. The company took swift action by revoking the SAS token on June 22 and fixing the leak by June 24.

“Additional investigation then took place to understand any potential impact to our customers and/or business continuity […]” “Our investigation concluded that there was no risk to customers as a result of this exposure.”

In response to the incident, Microsoft recommended best practices for managing SAS tokens to minimize risks, including restricting URLs to essential resources, limiting permissions to the minimum necessary, and setting shorter expiration times for SAS URLs.

This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures and proper configuration of access controls, even within large organizations like Microsoft. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding sensitive data and the need for continuous improvement in security practices. Microsoft pledged to enhance its detection and scanning tools to proactively identify and address similar issues in the future.

A puzzling situation has emerged in South Carolina as an F-35B pilot ejected from their aircraft, leaving the advanced stealth fighter missing. The incident occurred north of Joint-Base Charleston, with the pilot landing safely in a Charleston neighborhood under a parachute and in stable condition. However, the whereabouts of the ejected F-35B remain unknown.

The F-35B originated from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and was part of a two-ship flight, with the other F-35B safely landing at MCAS Beaufort. The circumstances leading to the ejection are undisclosed. The search for the missing aircraft is currently underway in the Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion areas.

Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion.

— Joint Base Charleston (@TeamCharleston) September 17, 2023

Not the First Time it Happens

Remarkably, fighter aircraft continuing to fly autonomously after a pilot ejects is not unprecedented. Historical cases include the “Cornfield Bomber” and a Soviet MiG-23. These occurrences often result from the aircraft’s momentum and weight distribution:

The missing F-35B, despite being shorter-ranged, could have covered significant distances on autopilot depending on its fuel state. The lack of reports of a crash suggests it may have gone down in a sparsely populated area, making detection challenging. Additionally, issues with the jet’s avionics and its stealthy configuration may complicate tracking efforts.

The absence of a working transponder on the F-35B further hinders locating the aircraft. Joint Base Charleston has solicited public assistance in finding the jet, which has garnered surprise and criticism.

In response, an Air Force Special Operations Command HC-130J is conducting a search pattern from Lake Marion to the North Carolina border, with state police helicopters also involved in the search. The U.S. Marine Corps has initiated a safety stand-down for its entire aviation fleet following recent aviation mishaps to address safety protocols and operational standards.

Additional aircraft are searching to the northwest of lakes, these include Cessna 182 with the Civil Air Patrol and a DoD King Air 200: pic.twitter.com/RXcxsAxiZL

— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) September 18, 2023

Both the Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin have pledged support for the investigation into the missing F-35B. While the pilot’s safety remains paramount, the search for the advanced fighter continues, raising questions about its configuration, avionics, and the challenges of tracking a stealth aircraft in these circumstances.

HONOR has just introduced the HONOR V Purse in Shanghai, China; This cutting-edge outward foldable smartphone was planned for fashion fans who also want the latest tech, measuring 8.6mm when folded and 4.3mm when unfolded. We’re talking about a new record for the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone released so far, which emerged from a concept first unveiled at IFA fusing fashion and technology, creating a unique category of stylish tech products.

George Zhao, CEO of HONOR, emphasizes the brand’s commitment to catering to the demands of consumers seeking fashionable digital lifestyles — The HONOR V Purse, he states, blends innovation and chic design, pushing the boundaries of smartphone form factors and introducing runway-worthy smart products.

Carry it as a Purse or Wear it Over the Shoulder

The device boasts an innovative hinge system, featuring 1.2mm-thick super springs and miniature gears with a diameter of just 1.73mm. Despite its extreme thinness, the brand promises robustness and durability. It transforms into a fashionable accessory with customizable always-on display (AOD) designs and interchangeable straps, enabling users to carry it as a purse or wear it over the shoulder.

Cameras

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 50MP main camera, which can serve as a wearable photo studio. The large screen can function as a fill light for portrait shots, and it can be folded for use as a digital viewfinder. Additionally, a 12MP ultra-wide and macro camera adds versatility for various photography scenarios.

Display

The device sports a 7.71-inch 2K flexible OLED display with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and advanced eye protection features. HONOR has also designed the V Purse for durability, passing rigorous tests for screen protection and impact resistance.

Battery

The HONOR V Purse relies on Silicon-carbon batteries, providing a total capacity of 4,500mAh, and incorporates low-voltage charge-gathering technology for extended battery life.

Operational System

MagicOS 7.2 enhances the user experience with new features and multi-device connectivity options, including the ability to separate work and personal data securely.

HONOR V Purse in Gold, Blue, and Black.

Full Specs

• Display:
  • Unfolded: 7.71 inches Flexible OLED, 2348×2016 pixels (10.5:9), 1600nit
  • Folded: 6.45 inches Flexible OLED, 2348×1088 pixels (19.4:9), 1600nit
• Soc: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (4 × Cortex-A78 2.4GHz + 4 × Cortex-A55 1.8GHz)
• GPU: Adreno 642L
• Storage: Internal storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB
• RAM: 16 GB
• Camera (front): 8 MP front-facing camera  (f/2.0 aperture)
• Camera (back):
  • 50 MP primary lens (f/1.9 aperture)
  • 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2 aperture)
• Connectivity: 5G, USB-C (2.0), Wi-Fi 802.11 ax (2×2 MIMO, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), Beidou/GPS/AGPS/Glonass/Galileo, NFC
• Battery: 4500mAh (35W wired fast charging)
• OS: MagicOS 7.2 (based on Android T)
• Dimensions:

• Weight: 214 grams

Availability and Price

The HONOR V Purse is available in Gold, Blue, and Black, with preorders starting from September 19 in China, priced at 5,999 (~$822) RMB for the 16GB + 256GB model.

HP Inc. has unveiled a unique foldable PC known as the Spectre Foldable PC, offering a versatile computing experience that can transform between various form factors. This innovative device boasts a 17-inch, 1,920 x 2,560 OLED touchscreen display with a built-in kickstand for stability.

One of its standout features is the ability to fold the screen in half, at which point a Bluetooth keyboard can be attached, creating a compact 12.3-inch laptop. The keyboard has its hinge, allowing it to tilt down partially, resulting in a one-and-a-half-sized laptop for different usage scenarios. Additionally, the device can be utilized as a standalone 17-inch tablet.

Under the hood, the Spectre Foldable PC is powered by an Intel Core i7-1250U processor, part of the Alder Lake family, with ten cores comprising two performance cores and eight efficient cores. It comes with 16GB LPDDR5-5200MHz RAM, a one-1TB NVMe SSD, Intel Iris XE graphics, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports with USB Type-C support, including DisplayPort capabilities.

Talking about portability, when folded, the device measures 277.05 x 191.31 x 21.4 mm and weighs 1.354kg without the keyboard or 1.624kg with it.

Price And Availability

All of these cutting-edge features come at a price, as the Spectre Fold came with a $4,999 price tag — for now, the machine is available for pre-order on HP’s website in the US, with limited quantities set to ship in October. International sales are expected to commence later in the fall.

This price point might seem steep for a PC, especially one powered by a previous-year Intel CPU. However, it’s important to note that foldable devices, such as this one, often command premium prices, especially in the smartphone market. HP Inc.’s approach offers a unique blend of versatility and style, potentially setting it apart from conventional PCs.

Blackmagic Design, renowned for its high-end digital movie cameras and video editing software, has introduced a free iPhone app designed for advanced video shooting, one that caters to users seeking enhanced creative control over video capture on their iPhones.

The app’s interface is touted to be as user-friendly as the company’s award-winning cameras, making it an attractive choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Users gain comprehensive control over critical settings like frame rate, shutter speed, white balance, and ISO.

Blackmagic Camera App

The app’s display provides essential information such as status and recording parameters, histograms, focus peaking, levels, and frame guides, all of which can be easily cleared with a swipe gesture.

Aspect Ratio, Formats, and More

In terms of aspect ratios, the Camera app supports both 16:9 and vertical orientations, even allowing 16:9 shooting while holding the phone vertically for discreet filming. Advanced settings, including monitoring, audio, camera setup, and recording options, are conveniently accessible in the settings tab.

Users can select video resolutions and formats, including industry-standard Apple ProRes or efficient H.264 and H.265, with professional audio capabilities and support for external microphones.

Cloud Integration

After capturing footage, users can browse, review, search, and sort clips within the app. Blackmagic Cloud integration facilitates collaborative media sharing with video editors worldwide and integration with DaVinci Resolve streamlines post-production workflows. Despite its extensive feature set, the Camera app occupies a mere 37MB of iPhone storage, leaving ample space for storing video content.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, describes the Camera app as a “truly revolutionary workflow for creating feature film quality content using an iPhone.”

Interested in trying the app? Tap here to download it for free.

An innovative camera capable of capturing an astounding 4.8 million frames per second has been developed by Canadian scientists. What sets this camera apart from its commercial counterparts is not just its remarkable speed but also its significantly lower cost, thanks to the utilization of off-the-shelf components. This achievement is detailed in a study published in the journal Optica.

The primary objective of this research was to devise a cost-effective means of capturing clear images of ultrafast movements, such as falling water droplets and molecular interactions, which typically require expensive camera equipment exceeding $100,000 in cost.

Compressed ultrafast photography — CUP. (Image: Dr. Jinyang Liang)

The research team, composed of experts from the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Concordia University in Canada, and Meta Platforms Inc., introduced the diffraction-gated, real-time ultrahigh-speed mapping (DRUM) camera. This camera can capture dynamic events in a single exposure at a remarkable 4.8 million frames per second.

The key breakthrough enabling this extraordinary speed is the “time-gating” method known as time-varying optical diffraction. In essence, this technique controls when light reaches the sensor by rapidly opening and closing a gate multiple times before capturing the image. Dr. Jinyang Liang, an Assistant Professor at INRS, conceived this method by leveraging the space-time duality of light.

Xianglei Liu and Jinyang Liang working on the optical setup. (Image: Xianglei Liu and Jinyang Liang, Institut national de la recherche scientifique)

The construction of the camera relies on digital micromirror devices (DMDs), commonly used in projectors, in an unconventional way. DMDs, being mass-produced and requiring no mechanical movement, contribute to the camera’s cost-efficiency and stability.

The applications of the DRUM camera are vast, including real-time drug delivery monitoring and hazard detection for driverless cars using high-speed lidar systems. Moreover, the camera’s potential extends to biomedicine, automation-enabling technologies, nano-surgeries, and laser-based cleaning applications.

Dr. Liang envisions that DRUM photography could revolutionize various fields with its exceptional imaging capabilities, delivering high-speed performance at a fraction of the cost of existing ultrafast cameras.

Ring, renowned for its doorbell cameras and home security solutions, has introduced a new product to alleviate the distress of losing a beloved pet. Priced affordably at $10, the Ring Pet Tag offers an effective means of ensuring your furry friend’s safety.

Ring Pet Tag. (Image: Amazon)

The pet tag features a user-friendly QR code, prominently displayed, which, when scanned, directs the rescuer to a shareable pet profile containing all essential information about your cat or dog. Even if the rescuer doesn’t have the Ring app, they can access this vital data. Moreover, the Ring Pet Tag provides real-time alerts when someone scans it, granting owners immediate awareness of the situation.

Lost Pet Mode

In the unfortunate event of your pet going missing, the Ring Pet Tag includes a “Lost Pet Mode.” This feature alerts other Ring users within your community to be vigilant and keep an eye out for your lost companion.

Importantly, the Ring Pet Tag offers the convenience of contact without the need for microchip implantation. Rescuers can easily reach out to pet owners without accessing their phone numbers or personal information. This visible tag simplifies the process for those who find a lost pet, eliminating the need to visit a veterinarian’s office to connect with the owner.

For a $10 investment, the Ring Pet Tag provides an additional layer of protection when your pet unexpectedly ventures beyond the confines of your home or yard.

It offers peace of mind to pet owners, knowing that their cherished animals can be swiftly identified and returned home, making it a valuable asset for any pet-loving household. Are you interested in getting one? You can do it by accessing the Amazon Store.

Researchers at Cornell University in New York have developed a remarkable frog-like robot that employs tiny explosions as a power source, enabling it to jump 20x its own length and carry a load 22x its weight. Unlike traditional robots relying on electric motors and batteries, this innovative creation harnesses methane as a chemical fuel, offering higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries and enabling miniaturization to insect-sized proportions.

The core of this invention is a 3D-printed combustion chamber, weighing a mere 325 milligrams, containing a mixture of methane and oxygen. A spark generated by a pair of electrodes ignites this mixture, resulting in a controlled explosion that exerts a force of 9.5 newtons on a flexible membrane.

The membrane rapidly expands during each explosion but safely confines the gases, which are vented as it contracts. Remarkably, the actuator can generate up to 100 such explosions per second, exhibiting impressive durability during extensive testing.

The research team then integrated two of these combustion chambers into a four-legged prototype robot, linking them to expanding membranes on one of its feet. Fuel was supplied remotely through thin pipes. The tests demonstrated that the robot could move loads 22 times its weight, offering the potential for onboard fuel storage in the future.

Measuring just 29 millimeters in length and weighing 1.6 grams, this robot possesses astonishing capabilities — It can achieve a jump height of 56 centimeters, hop forward 16 centimeters, crawl or hop on various surfaces at speeds up to 16.9 centimeters per second, and navigate in different directions by triggering one combustion chamber at a time.

The versatility and compact design of this explosive-powered robot make it suitable for diverse applications, from search-and-rescue missions to planetary exploration. Its low-cost production potential and impressive performance highlight the promising future of explosive-powered robotics in a variety of fields.