HTC One mini announced: Flagship looks, UltraPixel camera and 4.3-inch 720p display (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/18/htc-one-mini/

Currently, the wireless industry's mantra is that good things come in large packages. But let's not just forget about the massive demographic of users that don't care about having the biggest phone on the planet. Samsung has already addressed this with the Galaxy S4 mini (albeit, with significantly lesser specs than the flagship GS4), and now it's HTC's turn with the aptly named One mini. The whispers were true: this little guy is a 4.3-inch device with 720p resolution and a nearly identical look to that of its older brother. According to the spec sheet (listed below), it isn't an HTC One in every sense of the name -- there's been a few drawbacks. However, you might be willing to forgo a lower-resolution, smaller display and other changes for a handier smartphone and what promises to be a lower price tag. So what are our first impressions? Read on beyond the gallery and video, and we'll fill you in.

Gallery: HTC One mini hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC

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Injectable 'smart sponge' controls diabetes, presents new targeted drug delivery method

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/18/smart-sponge-diabetes-cancer-research/

Diabetics might appreciate high-tech glucose sensors when they're available, but the option for other advanced treatments is certainly intriguing. Take, for example, this new method developed by North Carolina State University researchers that uses injectable sponge to control blood sugar levels. No, it's not the same sponge you use to clean at home -- the material is made out of a substance taken from crab and shrimp shells called chitosan. This spongy material forms a matrix that's approximately 250 micrometers in diameter, where a rise in blood sugar causes a reaction in the pores that leads to the drug's release.

Fighting diabetes is but one of the things this miraculous sponge can be used for; developed further, it could even "intelligently" release anticancer drugs whenever the chitosan reacts to tumors or cancer cells in close proximity. Seems like medical technology is getting smarter with each passing day.

Filed under: Misc, Alt

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Source: North Carolina State University

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RunKeeper for iOS now motivates you with real-world training programs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/18/runkeeper-for-ios-now-motivates-you-with-real-world-training/

It's easy to find running apps that offer goals -- it's harder to find one that inspires you to run in the first place. RunKeeper wants to be that motivator, and it just overhauled the training section of its iOS app to match. The refresh takes broad, skill-based programs from sites like Greatist and breaks them down into more realistic daily objectives, such as running a little bit further or taking a break. There's also a steady stream of tips for staying healthy between sessions. RunKeeper hasn't said when Android-bound athletes will get the new training routines, but their iPhone-owning counterparts can grab the update at the source link.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Source: App Store

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REAL OR FAKE: These Computer-Generated Images Look Like Just Like Actual Photographs

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/cool-3d-images-2013-7

CGTrader, a marketplace for 3D artists, modelers, and engineers, has rounded up a collection of stunning computer-generated imagery.

These are pictures created by professionals in the field, and the end results nearly look like actual photographs.

But nothing you're about to see is real.

The attention to detail is staggering.

But it's not all about making pictures of people.

Notice the subtle motion blur on the tires.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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drag2share: Lettuce Gaze Upon the Future of Agriculture

source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/vip/~3/jJtusfJPBnU/lettuce-gaze-upon-the-future-of-agriculture-789817712

Florida has its oranges, Georgia has its peaches, and California has its lettuce. These leafy greens are the Golden State's biggest vegetable crop, bringing in $1.6 billion annually. Problem is, they require a lot of attention to raise properly. Historically, California has relied of its abundant, affordable work force. But with that labor pool shrinking and foreign competition increasing, lettuce farmers in America's Salad Bowl are facing rising labor costs and worker shortages. And that's where the fully automated Lettuce Bot comes in.

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