An activity sensor for each body part

In the pond the quantified self, bracelets connected type Fitbit and FuelBand can be practical to assess its regular physical activity. However, the data do not provide details on specific body movements. It is in this context that the concept of Notch has been developed.

It is a discrete sensor that will intrude into clothing to detect movement in specific points of the body.The aim is to address the motion tracking with a modular approach. The advantage of this mobile technology therefore lies its ability to offer more precision in its analysis through a combination of accelerometer and gyroscope.

The user can know exactly the body part that requires more work. Through a dedicated mobile application, the collected data can be viewed in real time on a smartphone.

In theory Notch must help athletes of all kinds to improve their movement. But we can also use it to monitor your posture at work. In addition, it can provide a haptic feedback of light emitting vibrations to correct the user.

Notch is currently at the prototype stage. The project will be launched soon on a crowdfunding platform for its implementation.

Read More

The aircraft of the future will be environmentally friendly and efficient

A designer unveils its vision of the future of air transport for the benefit of the general public.Concept redefines the design and functionality of the aircraft conventional line for a greener and powerful version.

Called Sky AWWA Wale , this futuristic aircraft can accommodate 755 passengers. It features a bunch of systems to reduce weight and drag, but also the consumption of nitrogen oxide emission and noise.

Made from a lightweight alloy, an aircraft electric hybrid to further reduce pollution. It is distinguished by the design of its wings slightly bent at each end. They are provided with a control system of air flow.

Equipped with windows virtual reality, his body is adorned with solar cells to harvest energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. This subsequently feed the electric motor. Finally, the engine can be rotated 45 ° in the vertical position to facilitate the take-off and landing maneuvers.

Designed by Oscar Viñals , AWWA Sky Wale is currently only a concept yet to remote applications. 

Read More

Movea G-Series bracelet connected who wanted to be precise

The connected bracelets have their tenfold as time progresses features, but all still suffer from a real problem for some a lack of precision in the calculation system of steps and calories burned.That of Movea precisely the intention to do away with these differences. The firm, which specializes in tracking software movement has partnered with Texas Instruments for the material and part Xm-Squared for the design to create the world's most accurate watch, exhibited for the first time during the CES 2014 . In terms of functionality, it is to kick on par with its competitors, since it is essentially a measure distances traveled and calories burned. But where also different is the detection of the posture of the wearer . The bracelet can detect if the user is sitting, standing, walking or running if. By the fact, the software will interpret these differences to derive an activity, eg: jogging if the pace is accelerating. Sleep will also be passed through the mill of the sensor, which will analyze the different cycles. rates of error in the measurement not, according to the company, would be less than 1.7%, against 6.3% on average its competitors. If the veracity of this figure can be questioned, such precision should interest most minute sports. Unfortunately, it is just as a reference design and it will be a manufacturer decides to produce on a large scale before seeing it happen wrists.

Read More

Microsoft said it sold 3 million Xbox One

Since November 22, Microsoft has sold three million copies worldwide of its new console, the Xbox One.

The match between Sony and Microsoft raging in the video game. First to unsheathe new statistics, the U.S. group said Monday it sold three million copies of its new Xbox console One. Both consoles are more than ever in direct competition because both sold in November.

For now, the Xbox One was launched in thirteen countries, including France and the United States. But neither Microsoft nor Sony have wished to divulge the details of sales by country.

"We are very pleased with the launch, and even more so that this almost simultaneous launch with our competitor was unprecedented, responded to AFP Ouvrard Hughes, director of Xbox France. Us, we had not launched console for seven years and the market has changed considerably with the emergence of smartphones and tablets, but this figure clearly shows that consumers eagerly awaited Xbox One. "

Hugues Ouvrard said that for every console sold, customers buy an average of two video games, but that they are included in a pack. According to him, the next Microsoft's goal is to "provide enough consoles to meet demand" and prepare for the launch of "Titanfall" an exclusive title for Xbox One and its predecessor the Xbox 360 and which is now one of the the most awaited by players productions.

Read More

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact for smaller hands & pockets

Sony has announced the small version of its flagship for a prompt global launch. The Xperia Z1 Compact (the nomenclature is thus even a little easier to understand with us when Z1 f (Japan) or Z1 s(T-Mobile/USA)) is in the UK as well as in this country already pre-order. The retail price is 499 €. Available colors are white, black, pink and yellow. Who has not noticed yet, the features are, in contrast to the "mini-versions" of the competition, the same as in the great Xperia Z1. Only the display resolution and battery capacity has screwed down Sony. 1280 x 720 pixels means 4.3-inch but a completely sufficient pixel density of 342ppi. At the same time, of course, the battery is strained less what 2,300 mAh (700 less than the Z1) moves in the right light. In initial tests with the Japanese version, the Z1 Compact has at least as cut good, if not kept even longer than the "big" competition. The IP55/58-certificate got the smaller model on the way. A minor drawback is there yet: To start the Xperia Z1 Compact yet with the already somewhat shopworn firmware (Android 4.3 Jelly Bean) will be the big brother to the market. However, a KitKat upgrade should follow quickly.

Read More

Parrot introduces two new drones

The CES is traditionally the living room where Parrot unveils new products. Last year, it was the Flower Power that created the surprise, a dedicated plant care object. For the year 2014, the French brand revives one of its greatest successes: the drones. Four years after the first AR.Drone, followed two years later a new version, the rhythm is quite regular. But this time, it is not one but two new developments that are presented. The first is the Mini Drone . This greatly reduced the AR. Drone (70 grams!) Version shows the outline. It is always a quadricopter that is controlled with an app for smartphone and tablet, but it still displays some notable differences with his big brother.Where it is intended more for large spaces, Mini Drone favors interiors. An enabling environment to fly, but also roll. Two large wheels are attached to each side of the drone with a double interest: protect propellers during impacts, but more importantly, allow the unit to roll on the ground, even on the walls and even the ceiling! Autonomy is planned for the moment 6/7 minutes, while connectivity is provided by the latest standard Bluetooth Low Energy 4 , which limits the scope to ten meters (enough for an indoor environment).

Jumping robot

The second is even more intriguing because it really leaves the beaten track. the Jumping Sumo .This little robot is able to move quite conventional, that is to say while driving, but can also jump. Its spring and two independent rubber wheels provide him a range of about 1 meter in height while the pace is more swift: it can take corners at high speed and can even turn on itself. On the same principle as other drones of the firm, the Jumping Sumo driver using an implementation , but this time connectivity is ensured by WiFi . The scope is larger suite, up to 50 meters. Autonomy is also larger, about 20 minutes. Especially, a small QVGA camera is placed on the robot to track its evolution. Neither of these drones is not yet completely finished, which is why we do not have precise launch date or price, although Parrot dares to speak of arrival in the current year.

Read More

Corning Gorilla Glass: In the future, also for curved screens

Corning, probably the best known manufacturer of scratch-resistant glass display moves with the times and now has production-ready 3D Shaped Gorilla Glass announced. The company wants to meet the increasing demand of curved display glass. In addition to parts for smart phones such as the LG Flex or Samsung's Galaxy Round Corning Gorilla Glass also supply this year for other mobile gadgets, for example, Smart Watches. As with the known flat designs, the company promises scratch-resistant surfaces without creating unnecessary weight or bulky form factors. The first devices with 3D Gorilla Glass might appear in the course of 2014 on the market. In the good reputation of Corning is it is surely only a matter of time before the first manufacturers to provide this service to their wearables avail.

Read More