Sci-Tech

China’s probe sends panoramic image of moon’s far side

BEIJING, China (AFP) — China’s lunar probe has sent the first panoramic image of its landing site since its historic arrival on the far side of the moon, showing the cratered landscape it is exploring. The Chang’e-4 mission — named after a moon goddess — made the world’s first soft landing on the moon’s far side on January 3, a major step in China’s ambitions to become a space superpower. A rover dubbed Yutu-2 — […]

Virtual reality makes splash, but not ready for prime time

by Glenn CHAPMAN Agence France LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Virtual reality showed off its spectacular side at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, whisking people onto hockey arenas, baseball fields and even into the internet with animated film trouble-maker “Wreck-it Ralph.” But even with the impressive visuals, VR appeared to be in the slow lane toward mass adoption, according to analysts and industry attendees at the massive technology trade show. “VR is not […]

New app gives throat cancer patients their voice back

by Jan FLEMR Agence France Presse PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AFP) — Vlastimil Gular’s life took an unwelcome turn a year ago: minor surgery on his vocal cords revealed throat cancer, which led to the loss of his larynx and with it, his voice. But the 51-year-old father of four is still chatting away using his own voice rather than the tinny timbre of a robot, thanks to an innovative app developed by two Czech universities. […]

Facial recognition: Coming to a gadget near you

by Rob Lever Agence France Presse LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Imagine walking into a store where a robot greets you by name, lets you know that your online order is ready, and then suggests other products you might want pick up. Facial recognition is making that possible as the technology gains traction in a range of consumer products, automobiles, and retail and hotel services, in addition to its longstanding but controversial use in […]

Deere puts spotlight on high-tech farming

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — It has GPS, lasers, computer vision, and uses machine learning and sensors to be more efficient. This is the new high-tech farm equipment from John Deere, which made its first Consumer Electronics Show appearance this week to highlight the importance of tech in farming. Deere brought its massive agricultural combine and GPS-guided tractor to the Las Vegas technology event, making the point that farming is more than sticking a […]

‘Repeating’ radio waves from deep space baffle scientists

by Marlowe HOOD Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — Astronomers in Canada have detected a mysterious volley of radio waves from far outside our galaxy, according to two studies published Wednesday in Nature. What corner of the universe these powerful waves come from and the forces that produced them remain unknown. The so-called repeating fast radio bursts were identified during the trial run last summer of a built-for-purpose telescope running at only a fraction […]

US startup eyes next generation of burgers with relish

by Rob Lever Agence France Presse LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Can a “high-tech” burger help save the planet? In one sense, it’s just a patty made from plant protein. But the founders of California-based Impossible Foods argue the product can have a big impact by reducing the amount of land needed for beef and other livestock production. Impossible Foods, which began in 2011, chose the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to launch […]

High-tech border wall plan on display at CES

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — The same technology used in self-driving cars is being touted as a potential high-tech solution to the US border wall conundrum — with some added benefits. At least one startup at the Consumer Electronics show is showcasing how Lidar, a laser-based detection system widely used in autonomous vehicles, could be deployed along the US-Mexico border at a far lower cost than a physical wall or fence, and with fewer […]

Breadmaking robot startup eyes fresh connections

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — The robot bread-maker came to Las Vegas this week, aiming to bring some freshness to a sector that may be ready for disruption. Wilkinson Baking Company unveiled its BreadBot at the Consumer Electronics Show, a machine that mixes and bakes up to 235 loaves a day. Chief executive Randall Wilkinson said the device can lower costs and produce fresher breads than are available in most American supermarkets. “Consumers want […]

In space, the US sees a rival in China

by Ivan Couronne Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — During the Cold War, US eyes were riveted on the Soviet Union’s rockets and satellites. But in recent years, it has been China’s space programs that have most worried US strategists. China, whose space effort is run by the People’s Liberation Army, today launches more rockets into space than any other country — 39 last year, compared to 31 by the United States, 20 […]

China lands probe on far side of moon: state TV

BEIJING, China (AFP) — A Chinese lunar rover landed on the far side of the moon on Thursday, in a global first that boosts Beijing’s ambitions to become a space superpower. The Chang’e-4 probe touched down and sent a photo of the so-called “dark side” of the moon to the Queqiao satellite, which will relay communications to controllers on Earth, state broadcaster CCTV said. Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space program, with hopes […]

Global tech show to celebrate innovation amid mounting concerns

by Rob Lever / with Julie Charpentrat and Glenn Chapman in San Francisco Agence France-Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Amid trade wars, geopolitical tensions and a decline in public trust, the technology sector is seeking to put its problems aside with the Consumer Electronics Show, the annual extravaganza showcasing futuristic innovations. The January 8-11 Las Vegas trade event offers a glimpse into new products and services designed to make people’s lives easier, fun and […]