World energy consumption projections expect coal to stay one of the world’s main energy sources in the coming decades, and a growing share of it will be used in CTL, the conversion of coal to liquid fuels. Researchers have developed iron-based catalysts that substantially reduce operating costs and open the door to capturing the large amounts of CO2 that are generated by CTL.
Simple, cost effective treatment following failed back surgery shows promise
Failed back surgery (continued low back and leg pain after surgery) is relatively common. With each reoperation, success, as defined by pain reduction, becomes less likely and most patients do not improve. However, preliminary studies using a simple procedure to remove scar tissue or adhesions suggests a new treatment could help those with post-surgical, chronic low back pain.
Anki will integrate Alexa into its robot companion Vector
When Anki unveiled its latest robot companion Vector earlier this year, the bot came with its own custom voice interface to better depict its playful character, said the company.
But one personality might not be enough for Vector: Anki announced today that it’s going to integrate Alexa into the little bot. The company announced the news in a blog post, saying it was the top request from backers on Kickstarter. “We’re in the early phases and hope to share more details soon on exact timing but we’re aiming for end of this year,” said the blog’s author, Anki CEO and co-founder Boris Sofman.
We’ve reached out to Anki for more details, but the company said it had nothing else to share at this time, so it’s not clear what this Alexa…
Pixel Slate is Google’s new detachable Chrome OS tablet
Google is taking another shot at a Pixel tablet, with a high-end detachable meant to rival the iPad Pro and Surface Pro. The Pixel Slate is a Chrome OS tablet with a detachable keyboard cover that turns it into something very closely resembling a laptop. It can get fairly high-end, too, with 8th Gen Intel processors on the inside that go up to a Core i7 paired with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
The tablet has front-firing stereo speakers, 8-megapixel front and rear cameras, and a 12.3-inch screen that Google says is faster and more efficient than a traditional LCD. It also includes a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, which is a fisrt for a Chromebook. Google product director Trond Wuellner said the Pixel Slate will…
Instagram’s using AI to weed out bullying in photos, comments – CNET
It’s also adding a bullying comments filter for live videos and a kindness camera effect.
Google’s Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL rocks a notch and two selfie cameras – CNET
The latest flagship smartphone, however, sticks to the single rear camera.
Google announces new convertible tablet, the Pixel Slate – CNET
The rumors were true.
Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL announced with bigger screens and best cameras yet
Google just unveiled the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, its latest flagship Android smartphones. There was little left to “unveil” after months of leaked images and videos offered a comprehensive preview of both devices well ahead of the company’s press event today in New York. But after all that, today we’re finally getting the whole story on the new hardware and software features that are exclusive to the Pixel 3. “For life on the go, we designed the world’s best camera and put it in the world’s most helpful phone,” said Google’s hardware chief Rick Osterloh. The Pixel 3 starts at $799 for 64GB, with the 3 XL costing $899. Add $100 to either for the 128GB storage option. Core specs for both include a Snapdragon 845, 4GB RAM (there’s no option…
The Google Home Hub will put Assistant up against Amazon’s Echo Show
Google has just announced the Home Hub at its fall hardware event — a new Google Assistant device that looks like it’ll compete with products like Amazon’s Echo Show and the newly announced Facebook Portal by adding a screen to its existing Google Home device lineup, as revealed in an accidentally posted event recap video spotted by David Ruddock.
According to Google, the goal with the Home Hub is to create “a more helpful, thoughtful home,” with the added dimension of being able to see responses from Assistant, instead of just hearing them. Google has revamped services like Search, YouTube, Maps, Calendar, and Photos for Home Hub, to add both voice controls and glanceable information.
Interestingly,…
Batwoman appears! See the first Ruby Rose photo from Arrowverse crossover – CNET
The actress looks ready to kick butt as Kate Kane.