Android-powered smart hard hat comes with augmented reality features

Android-powered smart hard hat comes with augmented reality features

Mariella Moon

Engadget

In Los Angeles, a startup called Daqri has designed a different kind of hard hat: an Android-powered one that's capable of augmented reality. As such, it really looks more like a bike helmet than a hard hat, equipped with sensors, cameras and a transparent visor that functions as a head-up display.
Unlike Google Glass that was designed with all kinds of consumers in mind, though, this high-tech hat was meant for industrial environments, to be used by engineers or blue-collar workers. It can show instructions and other digital elements superimposed against real-world equipment and objects without having to be manually operated. The hat can also give out early warning signals in case it catches anything that could be dangerous, or perform thorough quality checks on expensive machinery like satellites. If needed, it can pair up with smartwatches, phones and other devices, as well.

Daqri president Andy Lowery told the Wall Street Journal the company's sparing no expense building the high-tech hat. Couple that with the fact that it's going to need a lot of processing power -- it runs on two Snapdragon processors and will save data on flash cartridges -- and it's easy to guess that it'll be more expensive than other AR headsets. According to Lowery, it'll probably be priced closer to laptops with military capabilities, but we won't know how much for sure until its launch in October.

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GM to offer connected car, automated driving technology in 2016

GM to offer connected car, automated driving technology in 2016

By Ben Klayman

Reuters

DETROIT - General Motors Co (GM.N) will introduce in two years its first car that can communicate with other vehicles to help avoid accidents and ease traffic congestion, Chief Executive Mary Barra said on Sunday.
In the same time frame, GM also will introduce more advanced technology allowing hands-free driving in some cases, she said.
"I'm convinced customers will embrace (vehicle-to-vehicle) and automated driving technologies for one simple reason: they are the answer to everyday problems that people want solved," she said in a text of a speech delivered at a conference here.
Auto companies, academics and government agencies globally are working to develop cameras, sensors, radar and other technologies that allow vehicles and surrounding infrastructure like stoplights to alert each other about nearby driving conditions.

The industry is rolling out such features as adaptive cruise control, crash-imminent braking and semi-automated, hands-free driving like GM's 'Super Cruise' feature to make roads safer.
However, GM and other automakers have emphasized that even with hands-free driving, drivers will be responsible and need to maintain attention on the road. Meanwhile, Internet search company Google Inc (GOOGL.O) is working to develop fully autonomous vehicles.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has made developing connected car technologies a high priority, a view shared in Japan and Europe. And when cars can also talk to surrounding infrastructure, the gains will be exponential, Barra said.

However, she said commercializing a fully automated vehicle may take until the next decade.
Congestion causes urban Americans to travel 5.5 billion more hours and purchase an extra 2.9 billion gallons of fuel each year, she said, citing outside data.
In 2016, GM will sell a 2017 model Cadillac CTS sedan standardly equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle technology. However, the car can only communicate with similarly equipped vehicles and it will take time for the industry to introduce the technology broadly, GM officials said before Barra's speech.
They added that U.S. regulators still need to finalize requirements for these technologies and cyber security protections need to be developed.

Also in 2016, GM will roll out Super Cruise as an option allowing hands-free highway driving at both highway and stop-and-go speeds, as well as lane following, speed control and braking in a new, unidentified 2017 Cadillac model in a segment where the company does not currently compete.
GM did not disclose either feature's cost, or timing on offering them on the No. 1 U.S. automaker's other brands.

GM will introduce the connected CTS sedan and the unnamed Cadillac with the Super Cruise feature in the United States.
In 1956, GM showed the Pontiac Firebird II concept that included a system to work with an electrical wire embedded in the highway to guide the car. Three years later, the rocket-like Cadillac Cyclone concept boasted an autopilot system that steered the car, and radar in front nose cones that warned of a collision and automatically applied the brakes.

Barra said the U.S. Congress can help develop vehicle-to-infrastructure communication with funding in the next federal transportation bill.

She also said GM is joining the University of Michigan and the state of Michigan to develop vehicle-to-infrastructure driving corridors on 120 miles (193 km) of metro Detroit roadways. State officials said Ford Motor Co (F.N) is also part of the effort.

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Google Glass can tell if you're stressed out

Google Glass can tell if you're stressed out

Jon Fingas

Engadget

It's not always easy to tell when your stress levels are through the roof, and you may not always want to break out a heart rate sensor just to find out when it's time to relax. You might not have to, if researchers at Georgia Tech and MIT have their way; they've developed BioGlass, an Android app that uses Google Glass to determine how frazzled you are. The software measures your heart and breathing rates by checking for tiny movements picked up by Glass' accelerometer, gyroscope and front-facing camera. In theory, you'd only have to wear the smart eyepiece to know when it's time to calm down.

The existing project doesn't do more than record data, but future software could do a lot more. You could get instructions on stress-relieving breathing exercises, for example, or even queue up soothing songs at the very moment you need them. Glass also isn't strictly necessary, if you'd rather not wear a $1,500 headset that occasionally causes stress. Any wearable with the right sensors would do the trick. The biggest challenge is getting an accurate reading while you're moving. BioGlass currently requires that you stand still, but the hope is that it will eventually warn you when you're literally hopping mad. If all goes well, you may always know when it's time to chill out -- and hopefully avoid a ton of health problems.

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Apple courts fashionistas as smartwatch expectations mount

Apple courts fashionistas as smartwatch expectations mount

Christina Farr

Reuters

Apple Inc has invited top fashion editors and bloggers in unprecedented numbers to its Tuesday launch gala, further evidence that the iPhone maker is preparing to take the wraps off a smartwatch.
Apple is forging closer ties to the fashion world as it plots its foray into the fertile field of wearable technology, trying to win over a critical crowd that may prove crucial to the success of consumer gadgets worn around the body.

A smartwatch would represent Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook's first real new product since taking the baton from Steve Jobs. Several fashion media editors told Reuters they received invitations for the first time to an annual September product-launch, which they took as confirmation of a wristwatch in the wings.

"I assume it's because they are unveiling a wearable," said Lea Goldman, features and special projects director for Marie Claire magazine, a first-time invitee. "This suggests Apple is serious about tapping into the fashion world, which often sits on the sidelines."
Apple declined to comment.

The iPhone maker, known for its sleek aesthetic, has made overtures to the fashion press in the past. It typically opts to host a separate event in New York where editors meet the team and review products, two fashion editors say.

That courtship has grown more aggressive. Last month, the company hosted what it called a "first-of-its-kind event" at an Apple Store in New York to showcase fashion and retail apps to a group of style editors, according to an invitation seen by Reuters.

Fashion site Refinery29's health and science director Kelly Bourdet said the decision to include fashion editors on the invite-list is a "nod to the fashion crowd."

Apple seems poised to network with the who's who of the industry. In the past year or two, it has hired Patrick Pruniaux, former vice president of Tag Heuer's global sales and retail; Angela Ahrendts, former chief executive of Burberry Inc; and former Yves Saint Laurent CEO Paul Deneve joined as vice president of special projects.

It is not just Apple. From Google Inc to LG Electronics Inc and Intel Corp, technology companies are beginning to forge fashion ties. On Friday, Intel announced a tie-up with Fossil Group on wearable technology.

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3D Printed Hands Just Got Better Thanks To These DIY Wolverine Claws

3D Printed Hands Just Got Better Thanks To These DIY Wolverine Claws

John Biggs

TechCrunch

What could be better than giving disabled kids a new pair of hands? How about slapping a set of claws on those hands!
Aaron Brown, a maker and volunteer for the group Enabling The Future, has been building 3D printed prosthetic hands for kids who are missing fingers. These hands are given away for free and the group has made countless children quite happy.
Now they can be happier. Brown built a set of Wolverine claws that are compatible with the free prosthetic hand plans available on Thingiverse.

“The Comic loving nerd inside of me (along with some Facebook friends) said there is no way I can make a Wolverine hand without CLAWS…so I modeled some in Sketchup the morning before the makerfaire, printed ‘em, spray painted ‘em silver and velcro’d ‘em on there. Turned out pretty darn cool!” said Brown.

“I worked for about 7 years in nightclub security, with a few less exciting factory jobs before that. Playing around with technology has always been a passion and hobby on the side and when my grandfather passed away unexpectedly last year, I was left with a small amount of funds in his will – just enough to start building my own business,” he said. Now he is working on a small 3D print shop and has been building Wolverine-themed hands for kids since he showed the first hand at the Grand Rapids Maker Faire.

It’s great to see 3D printing become truly useful and it’s even more exciting to see folks who can move from part-time nightclub bouncer to full time maker with a little time and effort.

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4 Christian Louboutin Shoe-and-Nail Polish Pairings Perfect for Brides

BY BRIDES 

Glamour

The only thing better than wearing Christian Louboutin heels for your wedding day? Wearing Christian Louboutin heels and Christian Louboutin nail polish for your wedding day. Christian Louboutin Beauté, which officially launches on Sunday, encompasses three collections: the Pops (bright colors), the Noirs (dark tones), and the Nudes (your new go-tos for classic big-day shades). At $50 a bottle, they might be a bit pricey, but the bottles are practically works of art themselves: At eight inches, they're as tall as the tallest heel he ever created. Here, we've put together five shoe-and-nail polish pairings that brides-to-be will love

Nude Nail Polish + Laser Cutout Pumps = Classic Wedding With a Modern Twist
Neutral, glossy nail polish? Check. Pretty white heels? Check. Everything about this has the makings of a traditional bridal look, except for one detail: the shoe's cutouts. Whether you go for a classic ball gown, sophisticated sheath, or short dress, this heel-and-nail pairing will fit in perfectly

Berry Nail Polish + Red Satin Pumps = Black-Tie Wedding
You don't always have to pair a neutral with a color; we love mixing it up with complementary palettes. For a glamorous wedding, berry and deep red is one of our favorite combos. Just imagine how elegant you'll look when a bit of satin red slippers peek out from underneath your gown

Shimmery Navy Nail Polish + Black Lace Pumps = City Wedding
Cool city brides will love this take on something blue. After all, there's no rule that it has to be light blue, right? We won't blame you if you can't help but take this pairing for before the wedding

Red Nail Polish + Gold Stilettos = Holiday Wedding
Nothing says festive quite like red and gold. And don't you kind of love how the red nail polish coordinates with the red sole? It's matchy-matchy in the best way possible. We'd keep the rest of this wedding-day look subtle, so these glitter heels can be the stars

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Is Niall Horan Jealous of Liam Payne's Shaved Head

YOUTUBE

Is Niall Horan having a serious case of hair envy? Just after revealed he has trouble keeping his unruly hair under control during an interview, his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne jumped into the conversation to show off his buzzcut and share how easy it is to maintain.

"I haven't got any hair at the moment," Liam joked, getting Niall's attention. "I would do that," Niall said, pointing to Liam's head. "How does it feel?"

"It's great, mate: you just get up, have a shower, and get out, you're ready to go," Liam explained. "No problems with wind... it's a simple life." Niall was clearly fascinated by the concept. "That's great, I wish I could do that, I've got too much [hair]," he said, shaking his head and looking totally jealous

If you were wondering what Niall would look like with Liam's buzzed hairstyle, please consider the following photo:

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Hands On With The Moto 360, The First Round Smart Watch

Hands On With The Moto 360, The First Round Smart Watch

John Biggs

TechCrunch

As we approach Peak Smart Watch at the Apple event next week, manufacturers are racing to offer product to those who might not want to bow down to Cupertino in the coming months. The latest contender is the Moto 360, a steel and leather beauty that launched today alongside the new Motorola X.

Although I’ve been duly impressed by the Samsung Gear series, you will immediately notice that the design language of the 360 is far more chic. Made of a round piece of coated steel and featuring a nice leather band and Gorilla Glass crystal, the watch looks more like a Misfit Shine than a nerd accoutrement.

How does it work? Well, if you’re not familiar with the vagaries of Android Wear, not very well at first. The interface consists of notifications that appear over the various watch faces available as well as a voice activated screen that allows you to ask for various pieces of information. You can ask Google for directions (delivered indirectly by your phone). You can ask it to take a note or send a text. You can look things up. You can also tell the time just by lifting your wrist.

Unfortunately, the interface tends to dump back to the default time screen if something isn’t understood, which is quite frustrating. Voice recognition has been consistently good, but sometimes it will activate too soon, resulting in something like “OK Google Text OK Google” appearing on the screen.

I’ll have a full review of the new gear next week but we recorded a quick hands-on with the watch today in anticipation of many long hours spent talking to my wrist.

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Facebook ready to spend billions to bring whole world online: Zuckerberg

Facebook ready to spend billions to bring whole world online: Zuckerberg

Christine Murray

Reuters

Facebook is prepared to spend billions of dollars to reach its goal of bringing the Internet to everyone on the planet, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Friday.

"What we really care about is connecting everyone in the world," Zuckerberg said at an event in Mexico City hosted by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

"Even if it means that Facebook has to spend billions of dollars over the next decade making this happen, I believe that over the long term its gonna be a good thing for us and for the world."

Around 3 billion people will have access to the Internet by the end of 2014, according to International Telecommunications Union (ITU) statistics. Almost half that, 1.3 billion people, use Facebook.

Facebook, the world's largest social networking company, launched its Internet.org project last year to connect billions of people without Internet access in places such as Africa and Asia by working with phone operators.

"I believe that ... when everyone is on the Internet all of our businesses and economies will be better," Zuckerberg said.

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Niall Horan Admits He Can't Style His Own Hair

Crredit: Twitter

One would think that a guy with hair as perfectly coiffed as Niall Horan's would have expert tips for how to style your own locks just as expertly, but it turns out that the One Direction cutie is stumped when it comes to grooming his own hair.

"I'm the worst," Niall admitted in a new interview. "I can never do my own hair. I'm terrible at it. If I have to go out, I usually end up having to wear a hat. I stay away from that problem." We wonder if that's the technique Harry Styles has been using lately to keep his own mane under control!

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Find Out Who Called Miranda Cosgrove a Liar

Even though Miranda Cosgrove has been slowing down her acting and singing to attend college, she's still facing some major public drama. After suing a truck driver for leaving her "disfigured and disabled" from a car crash, the driver is claiming that Miranda is majorly exaggerating her medical expenses and injuries!

The incident happened back in August 2011, when Miranda's tour bus slammed into an overturned tractor-trailer on the highway. She got a broken ankle, had to cancel the rest of her tour, and claims that she also lost her Neutrogena sponsorship because of it.

We're definitely surprised that someone would call out Miranda, and we're interested to see how this drama plays out. We never thought anyone would call her a liar!

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Getty Images sues Microsoft over new online photo tool

Getty Images sues Microsoft over new online photo tool

By Joseph Ax

Reuters

NEW YORK - A new Microsoft Corp product that allows website publishers to embed digital photographs on their sites is a "massive infringement" of copyrighted images, Getty Images Inc [GETTY.UL] claimed in a lawsuit filed in federal court in New York on Thursday.
The "Bing Image Widget," released on Aug. 22, gives publishers the ability to create a panel on their websites that displays digital images supplied by Microsoft's Bing search engine, according to the lawsuit.

Rather than draw from a pool of licensed images, the lawsuit claimed, the product grants access to the billions of images that can be found online, without regard to whether the photos are copyrighted.
"In effect, defendant has turned the entirety of the world's online images into little more than a vast, unlicensed 'clip art' collection for the benefit of those website publishers who implement the Bing Image Widget, all without seeking permission from the owners of copyrights in those images," the lawsuit said.

Getty, which produces and distributes photos, video, music and multi-media products, is asking a judge in U.S. District Court to block the widget immediately and award an unspecified amount of damages. The actual injury to Getty is "incalculable," according to the lawsuit.
In a statement, a Microsoft spokeswoman said the company would consider whether Getty's claims had merit.

"As a copyright owner ourselves we think the laws in this area are important," the spokeswoman said in an email. "We'll take a close look at Getty's concerns."

The widget is already in use by websites around the world, the lawsuit said. Getty owns or represents more than 80 million unique digital images, according to the lawsuit.

The case is Getty Images Inc v. Microsoft Corp, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 14-7114.

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