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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Northern Ontario's lake monster, the Ugly One, found dead

Northern Ontario's lake monster, the Ugly One, found dead: "Two nurses out for a walk alongside a lake in Northern Ontario at the beginning of May found a creature that is being called 'the Ugly One.'"

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KickSat would launch members' nanosatellites into space for a few hundred bucks

KickSat would launch members' nanosatellites into space for a few hundred bucks: "Pssst, do you wanna buy a satellite? No, really - do you? Well, Zac Manchester would like to sell you one. Not only that, but he claims that the thing could be built and launched into orbit for just a few hundred dollars. For that price, however, you're not going to be getting a big satellite. Manchester's Sprite spacecraft are actually about the size of a couple of postage stamps, but they have tiny versions of all the basic equipment that the big ones have."

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True3D Head Up Display keeps drivers focused on the road

True3D Head Up Display keeps drivers focused on the road: "If you've ever been found yourself hopeless lost at the end of a mountain logging road at 2 a.m. on a moonless night with the fuel gauge flashing "empty", you'll agree that satellite navigation is a pretty good idea. For drivers who routinely travel to new destinations in unfamiliar places or simply lack even a basic sense of direction, they are a godsend. Unfortunately, they can also be very difficult to use."

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Rotundus GroundBot spherical surveillance robot broadcasts live in 3D

Rotundus GroundBot spherical surveillance robot broadcasts live in 3D: "Remote-controlled unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have proven exceptionally useful in military applications, but according to Swedish company Rotundus, they can be equally well applied to civil security. Rolling through mud, sand, snow, or even floating in the water, the Rotundus GroundBot spherically-shaped robot is equipped with a pair of cameras, providing its remote operator with a live video feed in 3D."

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Solar Ship: The hybrid airship with a low-carbon twist

Solar Ship: The hybrid airship with a low-carbon twist: "In recent times there's been a resurgence of interest in airships for military and commercial uses as evidenced by Lockheed Martin's High Altitude Long Endurance-Demonstrator (HALE-D) and Hybrid Air Vehicles heavy-lift variant of Northrop Grumman's Long-Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV). Like HAV's design, this concept from Canadian company Solar Ship is a hybrid airship that relies on aerodynamics to help provide lift, and like the HALE-D, it would have its top surface area covered in solar cells to provide energy and minimize its carbon footprint."

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Tokyo world premiere for Mazda TAKERI concept

Tokyo world premiere for Mazda TAKERI concept: "Mazda will roll-out a new midsize sedan concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show next month. The company will showcase its first regenerative braking system as part of the world premiere of the Mazda TAKERI, which is also equipped with a SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and an i-stop idling stop system."

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