gizmag

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
The best of MWC 2016
	2016 was the year when the world's biggest smartphone expo went beyond the smartphone. We've seen VR headsets, 360-degree cameras, home security robots, convertible tablet/laptops and more: read on for our picks for the best gadgets of the show together with our overall impressions of MWC 2016.  read more
ROBOTICS
Volvo's robot refuse collectors ROAR into life
	In both an impressive display of innovative technology and a glimpse of a future in which humans could be redundant, Volvo has shown off its Robot-based Autonomous Refuse handling (ROAR) project. The system uses drones to locate refuse bins and robots to collect and empty them.  read more
ARCHITECTURE
Carlo Ratti's mile-high park in the sky would be world's tallest building
	If Carlo Ratti's newly-announced observation tower comes to fruition (and it's a big "if"), it will be as much a sight to behold as the views it provides. The proposed structure is a mile high, which would make it the tallest observation tower in the world.  read more
ARCHITECTURE
Gomos Modular Home takes 3 days to install
	The "Gomos System" consists of a series of singular reinforced concrete modules (gomos) which are entirely prefabricated off-site (inside and out) and simply join together, providing a fully livable home in a matter of days.  read more
MUSIC
Steampunk effects unit powered by a single tea candle
	ZVex Effects created a candle-powered guitar effects unit for Winter NAMM 2016, and has now made it available to buy. The Candela VibroPhase is a guitar effects unit like no other and creates a rotary speaker effect without the need for a battery or power brick. read more
ARCHITECTURE
Irish county makes Passive House construction mandatory
	We cover a lot of Passive Houses here at Gizmag, but they're still relatively rare. Which is why it's exciting that Ireland's Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has reportedly passed a law requiring that all new homes be built to the green standard.  read more
ELECTRONICS
Passive Wi-Fi more energy efficient than conventional Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Bluetooth LE
	University of Washington researchers have developed Wi-Fi transmissions that use 10,000 times less power than conventional methods. Known as Passive Wi-Fi, the system also uses 1,000 times less power than current energy-efficient wireless communication platforms, like ZigBee and Bluetooth LE.​  read more
GAMES
Father.IO turns the world into a laser tag playground
	Father.IO is the latest real-life take on laser tag uses augmented reality, a small infrared peripheral, and your smartphone's Internet capabilities to put you at war with people both in your area and around the world.  read more
MEDICAL
Ordinary skin cells turned into brain tumor predators
	In what it labels as a first, a team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has built on previous technology to transform adult skin cells into cancer-killing stem cells that seek and destroy brain tumors.  read more
AUTOMOTIVE
Pagani develops its most technologically advanced Huayra ever
	More than a simple Pagani Huayra special edition, the Huayra BC that will appear at the Geneva Motor Show is a reimagined, reengineered masterpiece. That means more power, less weight and bespoke equipment.  read more
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Google Fiber is heading to San Francisco
	Google announced Wednesday that the company will bring gigabit Internet service to certain apartments and condos in San Francisco.  read more
AUTOMOTIVE
The 570GT: McLaren's most luxurious car to date
	The McLaren 570S, 650S and 675LT are great performance cars, but not necessarily the right choice for a cross-country jaunt. The 570GT should change all of that, thanks to some extra luggage space, a more luxurious interior and unique suspension tune.   read more
BICYCLES
Hide‐A‐Ride bike takes the high road to bike storage
	Cycling and city living go well together for a number of reasons, but ease of storage isn't one of them. Hide-A-Ride is a mechanical rack designed to make things a little easier by suspending bikes against the ceiling and out of the way, leaving valuable floorspace free of their clunky frames.   read more
AUTOMOTIVE
Mercedes-AMG brings new life to C-Class with C43 4Matic Coupe
	While the new C43 4Matic coupe that Mercedes-AMG will introduce at the upcoming Geneva International Auto Show may still be in the C class, its performance numbers make this C anything but a baby.  read more
SPACE
Gravitational wave black holes may have formed inside a single titanic star
	​The detection of a gamma-ray burst a fraction of a second after the first ever recorded instance of a gravitational wave has led scientists to theorize that the dual black holes at the heart of the phenomenon formed inside a single star.​  read more
MEDICAL
Electronic system takes the guesswork out of respiratory diagnoses
	​Listening to a patients' breathing is certainly a key part of diagnosing their respiratory problems. However, doctors' individual observer bias does come into play. That's why scientists have created an electronic system that objectively matches lung sounds to specific maladies.​  read more
ENVIRONMENT
E. coli bacteria produce a "green" blue dye
	The textiles industry isn't exactly a poster child for eco-friendliness, due to its use of toxic dyes. An alternative has recently been developed by scientists who discovered that E. coli bacteria can produce a blue dye known as indigoidine.​  read more
DIGITAL CAMERAS
Sigma’s sd Quattro mirrorless cameras are a quirky duo
	The sd Quattro and sd Quattro H are a pair of newly-announced mirrorless cameras from Sigma. The duo will feature APS-C and APS-H sized versions of the firm’s Foveon X3 (Quattro generation) image sensor and use the SA lens mount.  read more
SPACE
Striking submillimeter image reveals Milky Way in unprecedented detail
	ESO has completed the ATLASGAL survey, releasing the stunning new imagery to mark the occasion. The survey covers the full area of the Galactic Plane as seen from the southern hemisphere, revealing it in submillimeter wavelengths for the first time ever.  read more
AUTOMOTIVE
New BMW Mini Convertible launches in the UK with less "mini"
	Entering showrooms in March 2016, BMW has unveiled a new MINI Convertible with an automated top and four trim lines. Highlights include a fully electric retractable roof, more cargo space, and new exterior design. These come thanks to the car gaining dimensions in all three directions.  read more
HEALTH & WELLBEING
This "intelligent coaching space" lets you see your crummy exercise form from all angles
	Researchers at Bielefeld University in Germany have developed a projection coaching system that promises to help athletes improve performance and treat mobility issues due to injury or illness.   read more
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
Samsung Galaxy S7 vs. Galaxy S7 edge
	Last year the only major difference between Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 edge was the Edge's curved screen, but this year the Edge is now a bigger phone. Let's compare the many similarities and few differences of the GS7 and GS7 edge.  read more
ARCHITECTURE
Student living goes Nano with 140-sq ft suites
	We've featured some small apartments on Gizmag before, but they've typically been borne of physical constraints. The University of British Columbia's (UBC) planned 140 sq ft (13 sq m) student "Nano" suites, however, are purpose-designed to be affordable.​ read more
AUTOMOTIVE
Mitsubishi adds a hint of outdoor adventure with new Geoseek concepts
	Mitsubishi plans to get a little outdoorsy at this year's Geneva Motor Show, where it will debut two matching Geoseek concepts. The L200 Geoseek pickup and ASX Geoseek crossover wear equipment and styling inspired by the great outdoors.   read more
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