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TelstraClear Tech Bytes
TV3News TelstarClear Tech Bytes, 22 March, 2012
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.
Discussion starter:
- Technological innovation: Software applications; remote monitoring; transportation technology.
For Creators of Games, a Faint Line on Cloning
New York Times online article, 11 March, 2012
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.
Discussion starter:
- Gaming Technology: intellectual property issues.
Automatic recharging, from a distance
New York Times online article, 10 March, 2012
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.
Discussion starters:
- Energy Technologies: extended range magnetic induction.
- Intellectual property: technology transfer and licensing agreements.
Tsunami steers Japan tech innovation
BBC TV Click online video report, 9 March, 2012
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.
Discussion starters:
- Communication Technologies: mobile data networks - fast deployment of microwave stations.
- Energy Technologies: movement towards energy independence and self sufficiency.
Computer programme readies Christchurch for quake
TV3 News video, 9 March, 2012
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.
Discussion starters:
- Digital Technologies: computer modelling.
- Careers snapshot: Geotechnical engineering.
Kiwi firm's London traffic deal
NZ Herald online article, 9 March, 2012
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.
Discussion starters:
- Technological Modelling: prototype evaluation.
- Digital Technologies: embedded systems - countdown timer.
Tree-hanging tent provides above-ground shelter
Gizmag.com blog article, 8 March, 2012
This portable shelter employs tension forces to provide a suspended habitat that is protected from wildlife, including insects and snakes, while at the same time providing a secure shelter from the elements. The tent is easy to assemble and can be suspended up high in the tree tops or slightly hovering over ground level.
Discussion starters:
- Construction and Mechanical Technologies: Structures and forces.
- Technological Products: material properties and performance characteristics.
Time for NZ to jump on the global greenwagon
Idealog Daily Bacon article , 6 March, 2012
As a small trade-dependent country, New Zealand will be increasingly pulled towards greener growth as other larger economies move in this direction. That's the conclusion of the Government's Green Growth advisory group chaired by Phil O'Reilly of BusinessNZ in its report Greening New Zealand's Growth, which lists 26 recommendations.
Discussion starters:
- Sustainability planning: ongoing economic growth in a world of finite natural resources.
- Environmental stewardship: concepts of kaitiakitanga.
Folding plug launched after three-year design journey
BBC News video, 23 February, 2012
In 2009 a prototype for a folding electric plug, designed by a student at the Royal College of Art went on to win a number of awards. Three years later, a redesigned version is about to go on sale in the UK. What has emerged, after a lot of tinkering with the original design, is a folding USB adapter to power a smartphone or similar device.
Discussion starter:
- Product development: The journey from design award to full commercialisation.
New Zealand's innovation struggles
TV3 Firstline video interview, 20 February, 2012
New Zealand prides itself on being a nation of "number eight wire" innovation, but there's concern our children might not be learning the necessary skills to think creatively. Massey University senior lecturer Dr Andrew Cardow has recently published a report into entrepreneurship in schools. He found many teachers aren't encouraging innovation.
Discussion starter:
- Innovation and creativity: the nature of entrepreneurship.
Rebuilding the Port of Lyttelton
TV3 Campbell Live video, 20 February, 2012
Lyttelton isn't just a township, it's a port - a vital link in Canterbury's economy. Damage from the quake was severe, but the repair work is underway, with major land reclamation which will see the port move to the east and open the waterfront up for public use. Within five years, the port company plans a new retail and marina development to help stimulate the town's economy.
Discussion starter:
- Construction Technology: Disaster recovery; site preparation.
Superfast computer breakthrough
Stuff.co.nz online article, 20 February, 2012
Sydney scientists have built the world's tiniest transistor by precisely positioning a single phosphorus atom in a silicon crystal. The nano device is an important step in the development of quantum computers - super-powerful devices that will use the weird quantum properties of atoms to perform calculations billions of times faster than today's computers.
Discussion starters:
- Digital Technologies: Moore's law; transistors - single atom devices.
- Technological Products: material manipulation - quality control.
Record fine for chemical plant emissions shames oil giant
The Scotsman newspaper, 19 February, 2012
In September 2010, energy giant ExxonMobil was forced to pay the biggest fine for an environmental offence in British history for failing to report greenhouse gas emissions from its chemicals plant in Scotland. The unpublicised fine was buried in a report issued last week by the UK government's anti-pollution agency. The money was passed to the Scottish Government, which has spent it on community environmental projects.
Discussion starters:
- Nature of Technology: socio-cultural influences - regulatory requirements.
- Processing Technologies : emission control.
Spray-on nanoparticle mix turns trees into antennas
IEE Spectrum blog, 16 February, 2012
A small USA company has developed a nanoparticle mix that can be sprayed on any vertical object, such as a tree, and make it act as a high-powered antenna. Used on an existing antenna it can extend its range by a factor of 100, according to one of the principals of the company.
Discussion starters:
- Product development: nanotechnology applications.
- Outcome Development and Evaluation: performance metrics.
Patent wars: Stripping the iPhone bare
BBC News video, 16 February, 2012
So-called 'patent wars' are raging between large technology firms like Apple, Motorola Mobility and Samsung, as they vie for market share in the burgeoning smartphone and tablet market.These battles are being fought in courtrooms by intellectual property (IP) lawyers across the globe, as big firms seek to protect the elements of their product that make them stand out from the crowd. Geoff McCormick, director of UK design firm The Alloy, which devises technology products, takes apart an iPhone to explain the thousands of pieces of intellectual property that are contained in a modern smartphone.
Discussion starters:
- Product development: smart phone evolution.
- Intellectual property: hardware / middleware issues.

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