Source: http://gizmodo.com/nasa-satellites-can-even-make-a-devastating-drought-loo-1108974715
Watching the animation above, it's hard not to get goosebumps when the the clock hits 2012 and the whole United States goes red. That's what it looks like from space when the Earth is parched.
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/12/sonys-qx10-qx100-lens-cameras/
Now this is innovation, folks. Sony's reportedly gearing up to announce a pair of "lens cameras" that attach to your existing smartphone or tablet. The unique devices are said to feature a sensor, processor, zoom lens, WiFi connectivity and an SD card slot, but no display or other typical controls (beyond a zoom toggle and perhaps a shutter release). You'll use your handset or slate to control the lens, adjust framing and transmit images. According to SonyAlphaRumors, the electronics giant is expected to release two models: the DSC-QX10 (pictured above) and the DSC-QX100. The latter will ship with the same 1-inch sensor used with the RX100 Mark II, while the other lens will include a larger 10x focal range and a 1/2.3-inch 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. There's no word on pricing or availability, but with Sony's IFA press conference right around the corner, we'll likely get the full scoop (and hopefully some hands-on time) come September 4th.
Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Tablets
Source: SonyAlphaRumors
Source: http://gizmodo.com/see-nyc-from-a-new-angle-with-these-awesomely-nerdy-map-1093545954
On July 25, data fans rejoiced when New York City government opened up a gigantic amount geospatial data to the public. The dataset, PLUTO, is “a real-world version of SIm City” based on tax lot data (it sounds less interesting than it is). Now, maps based on PLUTP are hitting the web—and these are some of the coolest.
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/09/nsa-releases-outline-of-security-programs-says-it-only-touche/
Even as President Obama proposes a review of NSA procedures and oversight, the organization published a seven page document laying out in broad terms what it does, how it does it and why it thinks that's OK. As Ars Technica points out, the memo claims "We do not need to sacrifice civil liberties for the sake of national security; both are integral to who we are as Americans. NSA can and will continue to conduct its operations in a manner that respects both." While many would argue those points in light of the many programs recently uncovered, the NSA has a response there also:
According to figures published by a major tech provider, the Internet carries 1,826 Petabytes of information per day. In its foreign intelligence mission, NSA touches about 1.6% of that. However, of the 1.6% of the data, only 0.025% is actually selected for review. The net effect is that NSA analysts look at 0.00004% of the world's traffic in conducting their mission - that's less than one part in a million. Put another way, if a standard basketball court represented the global communications environment, NSA's total collection would be represented by an area smaller than a dime on that basketball court.
Other sections go on to detail how it believes American citizen's information could be picked up, and what it does to identify and minimize that data. Particularly illuminating is the six point process (listed after the break) by which it applies Executive Order 12333, considered "the foundational authority by which NSA collects, retains, analyzes, and disseminates foreign signals intelligence information" alongside the Foreign Intelligence Service Act of 1978 (FISA). It's highly doubtful that any of these points will change your level of comfort with the policies and programs revealed or feelings about their need to change, but reading the document linked below may give some insight about how and why they were created.
Filed under: Internet
Via: Ars Technica
Source: NSA (PDF)
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/10/smart-fourtwo-price-drop/
Assuming you're small enough to fit comfortably, owning the cheap EV of your dreams could soon become a reality. Chevy recently cut the Volt's price and, as of this week, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is available for less, too. Specifically, it's $139 per month on a three-year, 30,000 mile lease that includes its "battery assurance plus" program, an $80 per month option for purchasers. However, to get that special rate, you'll have to put $1,999 down and sign paperwork either in California, Oregon or along the East coast. If you'd rather buy outright instead of leasing, Daimler's compact division has incentives for you, too. In addition to any tax breaks you get from the state and or federal government, the company is knocking $5,010 off the ED's already low $25,000 sticker price. It's finally looking like your payments could match the electric two-seater's diminutive stature.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Autoblog (1), (2)
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