NASA unveils the first robot Super Ball Bot for landing on Titan, a moon of Saturn

NASA multiplies space exploration and it has unveiled a new kind of robot that will be able to lie on the floor of Titan, Saturn's moon, thanks to its particularly amazing abilities. Super Ball Bot is the new prototype rover designed by NASA. Whose main purpose will be to successfully land on Titan, one of Saturn's moons. Indeed, the agency is not limited only to missions lunar and Martian exploration but also wants to gather data about other stellar objects in our solar system.

In this case, the observation of Titan is interesting since the satellite has many features common to Earth, even if it is more akin to a primitive version of our planet. One of the main similarities is the climate on the surface of Titan; since the winds are present and form dunes, hills and cliffs. Quite surprising it that also has seasonal changes as such of Earth. Super Ball Bot represents the first fruits of this exploration mission. And he also has very special characteristics: it is completely designed with only limps.

As we can see from the picture above, the rover is able to move in a rather strange way since it gives the impression of sagging then recover while going forward. Super Ball Bot actually works on the principle of tensegrity. Tensegrity is an architectural principle in which the ability of a structure to stabilize the forces of tension and compression distributed therein and will be balanced.

Structures established by the tensegrity are stabilized, not by the strength of their individual components, but the distribution and balance of mechanical stresses in the entire structure. Main advantage is its less weight while Curiosity weighs nearly a ton (900kg), this robot will be much lighter and easier landing on Titan. However there are still some challenges to control its management and its movements.

NASA explained that if this prototype was validated, it could then launch an exploratory mission and release large number of these robots explorers on the surface of Titan. In any case, it is exciting to see that the U.S. space agency is exploring many opportunities to learn about our solar system. We have to wait for the mission success and to learn more about Titan.

Haier Presented Thin Tablets And Large Smart Phone

Haier has announced prior to CES a Smartphone and two tablets with Android as the operating system which is going to release in this year . The 7.85 -inch tablet is very thin at 6.6 mm where as the Smartphone has 10 -inch have a display with high resolution.

With the Haierpad Mini 781 Haier has introduced one of the thinnest tablets. It is equipped with 6.6 mm round 0.3 mm thinner than Sony's 10 -inch model Xperia Tablet Z and so Haier is the thinnest tablet in the world. The IPS display of the Android tablets is 7.85 inches tall, and triggers with 1280 x 720 pixels, which corresponds to a pixel density of 187 ppi. The unnamed quad-core processor clocked at 1.6GHz, the rear camera shoots at 5 megapixels. For video calling, a 2- megapixel front camera is installed. The internal memory is depending on the model 8 or 16 GB in size. The connectivity, the RAM and the battery details are not specified by the manufacturer. The operating system Android 4.2 Jelly Bean will be used. The tablet will be available for the 16- gigabyte version from February 2014 in black , metallic silver and champagne gold at a price of 200 Euros for the 8 - gigabyte version and 230 € according to the manufacturer.

The Haierpad Maxi 1043 has a 10 -inch display with 16:10 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, while it is 6.9 mm 0.3 mm thicker than the 7.85 - inch version. Again, an unspecified quad-core processor is installed, which is clocked at 1.6 GHz.

The RAM is 2 GB in size, details of the internal flash memory does not specified by the manufacturer. The rear camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels, the front camera of 2 megapixels. The device has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The operating system is the same Android 4.2 for this model. As of April 2014, the Android Tablet in Black, Dark Blue and Violet will be available for 330 Euros.

The Haierpad H6000 is a Smartphone with 5.89 -inch large display. This has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which corresponds to a pixel density of 373 ppi. The RAM is 2 GB in size, the internal memory of 16 GB. Information about the processor was not disclosed by the manufacturer. The 13 - megapixel rear camera is supported in low light from a LED flash. The 5- megapixel front camera enables video calling and is expected to be enough for self-portraits.

According to the manufacturer, the Smartphone supports 2G, 3G and HSDPA +, Bluetooth and GPS module is also installed. The Haierpad H6000 is 8.2 mm thin and 205 grams. The battery with a rated load of 3,200 mAh is permanently installed. The operating system Android 4.2 is installed. This Android Smartphone will be available in black for 350 Euros from April 2014.

Intel announces a “Dual OS" project with Windows and Android

Intel has made an announcement about its Dual OS project with Android and Windows in the CES happened in Las Vegas. According to sources, the founder is trying to unite PC manufacturers around the idea of devices capable of running Windows and Android simultaneously.

It is not similar to that of the dual boot system and it is entirely different from that; that is it is run on the two of the same session. Already virtualisers did this in Windows and OS X. This would called as “Dual OS" internal project, however, this could not be achieved without the help and especially without the consent of Microsoft nor Google.

And everyone says one source, would have reservations about this project. It is better for the one as for the other, that its OS is the only feature on a device. The subject is certainly even more worrying for Microsoft and Google. PC sales, where Windows is still a majority, are in steady decline, without clearing the horizon. And on the front of mobile, Android and iOS leave little room for Windows Phone.

Microsoft certainly has leverage to try to put in the right way PC makers tempted by the idea of Intel. But we also remember the rumors that spoke of wanting to install Microsoft Windows Phone at the same time on Android Smartphones.

Intel, for its part, sees the PC market crumble and the founder has missed the mobile in favor of ARM. Today, it is very soft in the race and processors are capable of running Android. With this project “Dual OS” adequate chips and a mechanism for both OS work together in a practical way, the depth could provide a unique solution for manufacturers.

Security Steps To Be Taken After Installing Windows Operating System

Windows operating system is one of the more renowned operating system in all time and it is installed over millions of home computers as well. In the world of technology, it is necessary for us to survive from the hackers around this globe and we need to hide our information without exposing in the internet. The default level of the windows operating system is not that much enough to secure your pc and you need to secure your personal computers by following the simple tips which are given below; so that you can prevent your pc from getting hacked.

Step 1: Install antivirus software to secure your Operating System

Installing antivirus software in your personal computer will secure your files and important information from the viruses and other malicious programs. This is the preliminary step to secure your personal pc from the hackers. Antivirus application provides a basic protection against the program which is used by the hackers. The most advised practice is to scan all the devices before performing any sort of actions in those devices. Having Microsoft essential will provide you the best detection steps for detecting and eliminating the unknown threats. Various levels of detection can be automatically removed from your device using these kinds of antivirus software.

Installing paid software will provide you’re the best detection than the free antivirus software.

Step 2: Automatic Updates

Automatic updates of operating system will provide you various patches and other upgrades for security loopholes that are found in the operating system. So it is necessary to update the operating system of your pc. The first and foremost thing you have to do after installing the operating system is to enable the automatic update options. Once this option has been enabled you operating system will be automatically updated whenever an update is available. Automatic updates for the operating system will provide regular patches and can get you all sort of security features for the operating system. If you were updating your operating system frequently, then you cannot easily get affected by the worms and other security problems.

So it is strongly advised to update very strongly, so that updating your operating system will secure your system.

Step 3: Change the browser

After installing the operating system, change the browser which is defaultly used by other applications. The windows operating system without any update will have so many vulnerabilities and loop holes. It allows the hackers to easily install many vulnerable codes into your personal computer which will affect various important files in your operating system. It is strongly advised to install Google chrome or Mozilla Firefox with latest update, which makes you to reduce your exposure in the internet. If you were using the Internet explorer, make sure your version is more than 8.

Using Internet Explorer with latest update will reduce your chance of getting hacked by the hackers.

Hope you will follow these simple tips after installing operating system in your personal computer.

Great Gadgets To Take On A Ski Holiday

Skiing holidays are a great activity-based break that all of the family enjoy. Whether you have younger children in your party, or complete novices to the slopes, skiing can be a fun thing to do which everyone can take part in. Skiing is a great way for groups to bond together, no matter what their skill level is, and the experience can be much more enjoyable if you have the latest equipment to try out when you reach the pistes. Gadgets don’t make for a great skiing holiday but they can make your getaway all the more enjoyable. So, what are the latest gizmos and devices that established skiers are taking with them this winter?

Heated Ski Gloves – About £40

Wearing super warm gloves is nothing new in the world of skiing. Keeping the wind out when you race down the slopes is nigh on essential so that you don’t get cold. You also want to keep snow out should you fall over. However, the latest trend is for heated ski gloves that not only keep your hands warm but allow you to continue to use touch screen technology without having to remove them. So, if you want to check the latest weather report on your smart phone or book a table with your tablet device whilst on the ski-chair, then heated ski gloves are the gadget for you.

DryGuy Boot And Glove Dryer – About £35

These devices sort out wet ski wear a lot quicker than conventional systems. They are designed to place your boots and gloves right over so that they dry from the inside out. Remember that you can use the gadget to warm your foot and hand wear in the morning, too. So, set it at breakfast time ready for when you first hit the slopes in the morning session.

Mobile Phone Insulator – About £18

These devices are more than just carry bags that help prevent your phone from becoming knocked if you should fall over. They help to keep your device warm which means that the battery life is extended. Many smart phones lose battery life at astonishing rates, particularly in cold conditions. Good insulators will also protect your phone from snow which can be a problem, especially if it melts into water inside your jacket.

Talus Pro Ski Mask – About £75

These are the latest in breathing technology for skiers. The product is designed to augment the air temperature of inhaled breaths. It also affords state of the art ventilation and will assist if you are one of those skiers who suffers from foggy ski goggles. Not only will it and to keep your face warm and dry, but will help you to see where you are going better.

Helmets With Build In Headphones – About £50

Just because you are skiing doesn’t mean that you should not be able to listen to your MP3 player or take a call for that matter. Head gear has always been an important part of skiing, not to mention fashion. However, for the latest trend go for a ski helmet that also doubles as a set of headphones from a cool ski-equipment manufacturer such as Red.
You don't need to spend a fortune to have some high-tech equipment with your the next time you go skiing. Skiers are well known for their love of equipment which, in some cases, can make all the difference, particularly if you ski competitively. However, with a modest budget you can still enjoy some of the devices that are making waves right now. Also remember to pack gadgets which you can use in the evening, back at the warm environment of your ski chalets.
Gary blogs about tech, but is also a keen sportsman in his spare time. He loves going to Courcheval every year.