Hanging off a racing sidecar is as crazy as it looks
While the driver is steering the bike, the monkey has the important job of shifting their weight to make sure the bike doesn't actually tip over in the turns. Andrea Purdy, one such monkey, describes the experience as "high-speed gymnastics."
Buckley stumbles through a crash course on how to be a monkey before he's thrown right into the action. "I've got a bad feeling I've forgotten to do up my helmet like a bloody idiot," he says during the race, visibly terrified. Thankfully, our host survives and sums up the experience with a simple "you guys are nuts."
- Click here to find more episodes of Translogic
- Click here to learn more about our host, Jonathon Buckley
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/autoblog-translogic-racing-sidecar/
Nissan’s gold Olympics-edition EV, and more in the week that was
Today's batteries take a long time to charge - but that's set to change. Researchers just developed a new graphene super battery that charges up in seconds and lasts virtually forever. Meanwhile, Ukraine announced a proposal to transform the Chernobyl nuclear wasteland into a gigantic solar farm that would produce four gigawatts of energy. In other solar news, scientists found a way to create energy-generating photographs using a printer and photovoltaic ink. And a new sun-powered machine transforms human urine into beer.
Most homes takes months or years to build, but a new bricklaying robot is able to create an entire house in just two days. In other design news, we showcased an "ice battery" that provides 24/7 cooling while using 40 percent less energy than traditional air conditioners. Elon Musk is contributing to the home of the future by developing helpful robots that may do your chores one day. Dutch designers found a way to turn cow manure into clothing (it's not as gross as it sounds). And a newly proposed "Women of NASA" LEGO set pays homage to five female space exploration pioneers.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/nissan-gold-leaf-ev-rio-olympics/
The After Math: Office Politics
It's been a busy week for HR departments across the nation. Microsoft fired, Porsche hired and Kickstarter claimed credit for 300,000 new jobs. On the other hand, Qualcomm's about to pay big for its discriminatory promoting practices and Tor took a very large step back from former developer Jacob Applebaum amid a growing chorus of sexual harassment claims.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/the-after-math-office-politics/
Ben Heck’s Nintendo PlayStation prototype teardown, part 2
In part 1 we took a close look at the amazing SFX-100 Nintendo PlayStation console for a teardown of the hardware and an analysis of how the chips function together. After looking inside, Ben discovered a few post-production bodge jobs that were seemingly intended to fix the prototype -- but do they, really? Join Ben again as we look inside this rare hardware to see if we can whip it into a functioning state and get the CD-Rom tray finally working. Finally, what better way to test out a console than a beat-em-up showdown? Join Felix and Ben as they duke it out on Super Streetfighter 2. Let us know what you think of the Sony Nintendo PlayStation over at the element14 Community, where you can also interact with The Ben Heck Show team and watch past episodes.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/ben-heck-s-nintendo-playstation-prototype-teardown-part-2/
Mini review video: Our quick verdict on the new Moto Z phones
For years, Motorola put out a flagship phone called the X, and for years it won positive reviews, thanks to its customizable design, clean software build and generally good value. This year, there's no X. Instead, we have two new Moto phones, the Z and Z Force. And it makes sense that Motorola chose a different naming scheme, because these are indeed very different devices from what the company has put out in years past. The design is no longer customizable, and with prices reaching $624 for the Z and $720 for the Z Force, they're not exactly what we'd call affordably priced either. Instead of being colorful and cheap, they have a modular design that allows you to snap in optional "Moto Mods" accessories, including a speaker, projector and battery pack. Another risk? Neither phone has a headphone jack. Oh, and they're exclusive to Verizon.
While we're not too pleased about those last two caveats, the Moto Mods make the Z line the best modular phones we've seen yet. The Z in particular is exceptionally thin and charges quickly, while the slightly chunkier Z Force adds longer battery life, a shatter-proof screen and a more robust 21-megapixel camera. For that reason, we gave the Z Force the higher score. But hey, if a thin phone floats your boat, you'll be happy with the Z too.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/moto-z-and-z-force-mini-review/
Leak: Samsung’s next Gear VR works with your old phone
The Galaxy Note 7 isn't likely to be the only treat at Samsung's August 2nd media event... and you may well be happy even if you have no intention of buying a new smartphone. Well-known tipster OnLeaks and French tech site Nowhereelse claim to have both a photo and details of the next Gear VR headset, and it's all good news if true. While the virtual reality gear will reportedly support the Note 7, which should have a USB-C port, it should still support Samsung flagship phones as far back as the Galaxy S6. And it could be a more immersive experience, too -- the new Gear supposedly has a wider 110-degree view versus the 96 degrees of its predecessor, so it'll feel less like you're staring through a porthole.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/samsung-gear-vr-2016-leak/
Uber reportedly pours $500 million into mapping the planet
The insider didn't say exactly how Uber will spend the money, but it's easy to see where the costs will add up. A worldwide mapping initiative will require legions of cars roaming the streets. Also, its deal for high-res maps from DigitalGlobe could prove to be pricey when Uber will need to maintain up-to-date info.
Whatever money Uber spends now may pay off in the future, mind you. The firm isn't shy about planning for a future where self-driving cars are the norm, and that will require extremely accurate maps where autonomous vehicles are both better at safe driving and know to pick you up at very specific locations. And in the short term, in-house mapping would both reduce the company's dependence on Google (important when Google may ultimately become a competitor) as well as boost satisfaction from customers tired of having to guide Uber drivers around confusing building entrances. In that sense, Uber isn't so much gambling with its future as it is protecting its investments.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/uber-invests-500m-in-mapping/
Hackers target Vietnam airport screens with political messages
The incident led airport staff to avoid computer-based check-ins for hours.
This doesn't necessarily mean that it's a state-sponsored attack, assuming the details are accurate. When asked, the Chinese consulate in Ho Chi Minh City told the BBC that this was a "shameless and cowardly" hack that "stained the dignity" of China. However, it's difficult to say for sure that this was strictly the product of overly patriotic citizens. While that sort of private activism has happened in the past, the Chinese government is no stranger to conducting its own hacks and trying to mask their origins. The one certainty: whoever's ultimately responsible, they knew that airport hacks would send a loud message without requiring ships or bullets.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/hackers-target-vietnam-airport-screens/
HBO’s ‘Westworld’ sci-fi series arrives October 2nd
It's far from certain that the show will be a hit. However, it will at least have well-known producers and a big-name cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton, among others. More importantly, it's clear that Abrams, Nolan and HBO are taking the concept seriously -- it's a high-minded drama, not just an excuse to remake a classic sci-fi story.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/31/westworld-hbo-debuts-october-2/
Kanye West wants Apple and Tidal to stop fighting over exclusives
Kanye West may be best known on Twitter for starting feuds, but now he's trying to end one... and it's even a rivalry he helped create. In a flurry of four tweets, the rapper griped that the competition between Apple and Tidal over streaming music exclusives is nothing but a "dick swinging contest" that's "fucking up the music game." Yes, that's right -- the man who released his latest album as a Tidal exclusive (if only temporarily) now wants peace. He's even suggesting a meeting with Jay-Z, Tim Cook and other bigwigs to make it happen, and wishes that Apple would just buy Tidal to end the fighting once and for all.
Article source: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/30/kanye-west-wants-to-end-apple-tidal-feud/