Battery life always limits a drone’s ability to perform tasks and get somewhere. So why not let it sip from nearby power lines? (Well, there are reasons.)
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark attached a gripping system to a Tarot 650 Sport drone, which they customized with an electric quadcopter propulsion system and an autopilot module. An inductive charger draws power from the power line, allowing it to be charged five times within two hours during testing. The advantage here is that there are already power lines (duh), but there is a real concern that a drone could damage a line and knock out power for thousands.
– Mat Smith
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It challenged Apple and lost almost immediately.
WordPress and Tumblr owner Automattic bought Beeper, maker of the Beeper Mini app that challenged Apple with iMessage tricks on Android phones late last year, late last year. Although it ultimately lost its only unique selling point when Apple blocked the exploit just days later, the incident gave the DOJ more ammunition for its antitrust lawsuit against Apple. Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Automattic paid $125 million. It’s a lot of money, especially when Automattic already owns a messaging app, Texts. No, I hadn’t heard of it either.
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There is a thriving black market for satellite-based internet providers.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Russian forces in Ukraine are using Starlink satellite internet terminals to coordinate attacks in eastern Ukraine and Crimea and to control drones and other forms of military technology. The Starlink hardware reaches the Russian armed forces through a complex network of black market sellers. After reports in February that Russian forces were using Starlink, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives called for Musk to act, noting that Russia’s military use of the technology “potentially violates U.S. sanctions and export controls.” Starlink can disable individual terminals.
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The Motion Picture Association will work with politicians.
Motion Picture Association Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin has unveiled a plan to make it harder to “sail the digital seas” or stream or download pirated content. Rivkin said the association will work with Congress to introduce and enforce website blocking laws in the United States. He added that nearly 60 countries use website blocking as a means to combat piracy.
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Finally.
Pssst, relax… And strap two screens to your face.
Relaaaax.