Thursday, October 27, 2011

Nest Learning Thermostat learns user habits and programs itself

Nest Learning Thermostat learns user habits and programs itself: "While programmable thermostats are nothing uncommon these days, many users adjust the temperature manually utilizing the thermostat's basic feature only. On the other hand, it's certainly difficult to develop an appropriate program corresponding to the volatility of daily life. Designed by a team led by ex-Apple engineer Tony Fadell, the Nest Learning Thermostat offers a new take on automatic temperature adjustment."

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World's longest swimming pool concept wins the Holcim Gold Award

World's longest swimming pool concept wins the Holcim Gold Award: "The 3rd International Holcim Awards for sustainable construction projects from across Europe were recently announced at a ceremony in Milan, with the German architectural firm realities:united taking first prize for its Flussbad proposal. Led by architect Tim Edler, Flussbad would transform a stretch of the River Spree in Berlin into a 745 meter (almost 0.5 mile) -long "swimming pool."

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Nokia's first Windows-based phones: the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710

Nokia's first Windows-based phones: the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710: "Nokia World is the company's annual event, where new devices, software solutions and the company's objectives are unveiled. Held October 26-27 in London, this year's event is particularly significant, due to the release of the first Nokia Windows-based smartphones, expected since Nokia inked a deal with Microsoft in a somewhat surprising move this February."

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WikiSensor app turns an iPhone into a peripheral-free radiation detector

WikiSensor app turns an iPhone into a peripheral-free radiation detector: "Earlier this month, we reported on the Scosche RDTX-Pro that connects via a dock connector to turn an iPhone or iPod touch into a radiation detector. That device is set to go on sale in Japan from next month but if you're not in Japan or just don't want to shell out extra cash on any peripheral hardware, then the WikiSensor app might be worth a look - it won't be as accurate, but the only extra bit of kit you'll need is some opaque black tape."

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Boeing 787 Dreamliner makes first passenger flight

Boeing 787 Dreamliner makes first passenger flight: "The 787 Dreamliner has entered commercial service. The mid-size airliner's first passenger-carrying outing took place earlier today when Boeing's launch customer All Nippon Airways flew 240 passengers on a four and a half hour charter flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong. Two hour-long "domestic excursion flights" out of Tokyo are planned for October 28 and 29 before regular domestic flights commence on November 1."

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Japanese Defense Ministry shows world's first spherical flying machine

Japanese Defense Ministry shows world's first spherical flying machine: "Star Wars fans (like me) will get a vague sense of deja vu when they see this flying sphere in action. Weighing in at about 12 ounces (350 g), the 16-inch (42 mm) diameter flying ball can launch and return vertically, maintain a stationary hover and zip along at up to 37 mph (60 km/h)."

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