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Technology in the news – Current Articles
Viewing 106 to 120 of 152 articles
The top US road safety investigator says high-tech companies such as Intel spending big on in-car information technology are hampering efforts to reduce the risks of distracted driving. "If the technology producers focused more on what is safe, than what sells, we'd see highway fatalities go down," National Transportation Safety Board chairman Deborah Hersman told a distracted-driving forum in Washington. She called for a ban on all phone use while driving, even with hands-free devices.
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Peanut farmers in India are helping to design a text-messaging app using icons that are translated into words that could aid the many millions who can't read or write. An early version communicated information about the farmers' crops, but the latest version should also let them send and receive text messages and could lead to other tools to enable illiterate people to use messaging on mobile communications.
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Every year the Home magazine goes on the hunt for New Zealand's best architecturally designed houses. This year the judges came up with five finalists, noting that the tougher economic times are forcing architects to become more creative.
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A number of furniture designers have been struggling to adapt to the proliferation of devices like the iPad, e-readers and ever-thinner flat-screen TVs.
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Buckling buildings are normally bad news, but a new a 3D shape dubbed the "buckliball", created by researchers at MIT and Harvard University, could allow architects to create structures with collapsible ceilings or walls without the need for moving parts.
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A New Zealand baby food company is suing its packaging manufacturer over the recall of almost $1 million worth of product after plastic disks were found in pouches of its organic puree.
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As a small country, New Zealand can't do everything, let alone do everything well. It's time to zero in on a few key sectors and throw our weight behind them, says Ministry of Science and Innovation chief executive Murray Bain. "Successful small countries are prepared to be focused," he said. "It is a deliberate choice at the highest level." While New Zealand hasn't been receptive to the idea, he cited our food industry as one ripe for the pickings.
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For anyone working in cramped, makeshift offices in post-quake Christchurch, it is not hard to be won over by the idea of a super-small, ergonomically designed, wireless mouse. However local tech company Swiftpoint founder Grant Odgers didn't need an earthquake to figure that out. He came up with the idea eight years ago.
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Stella McCartney the Team GB creative director at Adidas, has designed the range of Olympic and Paralympic team clothing for training, competition, medal ceremonies and just plain old relaxation time - in a way that she hopes "combines style with performance".
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In this TV3 weekly technology feature there is a look at: a New Zealand firm helping dads avoid fashion disasters with their kids; shark watch in Australia; a shrinkable car; and getting musical with some flying robots.
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App stores offer an unparalleled opportunity for independent software makers to reach customers and make money with an innovative game. But in any commercialised art form - be it movies, literature or fashion - the creators often tread a fine line between inspiration and shameless copying. Some small video game makers say that line has all but disappeared.
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Think how convenient it would be if you could recharge electronic devices without ever having to plug them in. You would just leave your briefcase, tote bag or backpack on a counter in the living room at home, and the smart phones and tablets within could see to their own recharging.
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New Zealand road signal company Traffic Systems has won an international tender to supply Transport for London with pedestrian crossing equipment. Traffic Systems is one of two companies that will provide countdown timers - signals that tell people crossing the road exactly how long they have before the lights change - for 6,000 intersections in London.
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The technology-loving nation of Japan made good use of its unique innovations and social networks in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that followed. In the year since the tsunami, the disaster has continued to influence and steer developments in the country. This BBC TV report details some of the advances Japan is continuing to make with technology to help them prepare for any possible future emergencies.
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A half million dollar computer programme is mapping Christchurch's port hills to work out where rocks will fall if another big earthquake strikes. The information is needed for the owners of 2,000 houses in the white zone still waiting to find out if it is safe to stay and live on the hills.
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