Google underwater street view

A new partnership between mapping giant Google and The Catlin Seaview Survey, a major scientific study of the world’s reefs, allows you to surf through the world’s oceans with the first underwater panoramas in Google Maps.The company has updated its Street View feature to incorporate the amazing images of the Great Barrier Reef, Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, and other sites in Australia, the Philippines and more.“Whether you’re a marine biologist, an avid scuba diver or a landlocked landlubber, we encourage you to dive in and explore the ocean with Google Maps,” wrote Brian McClendon, vice president of Google Maps and Earth, in a blog post unveiling the new feature.He called the new images “the next step in our quest to provide people with the most comprehensive, accurate and usable map of the world.”A cruise through the new art work reveals stunning sights: a sea turtle swimming among a school of fish, a manta ray adrift, and the reef at sunset. Or visit the entire collection and choose a virtual destination yourself.The images were captured with a specially designed underwater camera, the Catlin Seaview SVII. It takes rapid-fire 360-degree images every 3 seconds while traveling at a speed of approximately 2.5 miles per hour. Images are then stitched together and published online to create the virtual dive, the company explains.There are currently only two SVII’s in in the world, according to the Seaview Survey. One is named Sylvia after oceanographer, aquanaut and author Sylvia Earle, the second Ron after the legendary shark photographer Ron Taylor.

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Nanotechnology : Future Application

Nanotechnology, or nanotech, is the study and design of machines on the molecular and atomic level. To be considered nanotechnology, these structures must be anywhere from 1 to 100 nanometers in size. A nanometer is equivalent to one-billionth of a regular meter, which means that these structures are extremely small.

Researcher K. Eric Drexler was the first person to popularize this technology in the early 1980’s. Drexler was interested in building fully functioning robots, computers, and motors that were smaller than a cell. He spent much of the 80’s defending his ideas against critics that thought this technology would never be possible.

Today, the word nanotechnology means something a bit different. Instead of building microscopic motors and computers, researchers are interested in building superior machines atom by atom. Nanotech means that each atom of a machine is a functioning structure on its own, but when combined with other structures, these atoms work together to fulfill a larger purpose.

The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative has large plans for nanotech. Mihail Roco, who is involved in this organization, explains the group’s future plans by dividing their goals into four generations.

The first generation of nanotech is defined by passive structures that are created to carry out one specific task. Researchers are currently in this generation of the technology. The second generation will be defined by structures that can multitask. Researchers are currently entering this generation and hoping to further their abilities in the near future. The third generation will introduce systems composed of thousands of nanostructurers. The last generation will be defined by nanosystems designed on the molecular level. These systems will work like living human or animal cells.

As nanotech continues to develop, consumers will see it being used for several different purposes. This technology may be used in energy production, medicine, and electronics, as well as other commercial uses. Many believe that this technology will also be used militarily. Nanotechnology will make it possible to build more advanced weapons and surveillance devices. While these uses are not yet possible, many researchers believe that it is only a matter of time.

Source: http://nanotechnology.com/

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A car driven by your smart phone!

Imagine a world where you could sit back and let your car do the driving? A world where all you need is a smartphone to drive you to work sounds just perfect, doesn't it? Four students of Lovely Professional University, Punjab, have taken a step closer into making this dream a reality by successfully designing a car that can be controlled through a mobile phone!

Bikas Kant, a member of the team explains how it all started. "It was during our engineering course that we came up with the idea.

For over two years, we tested our concept on small robots. We then decided to put it to practice on visitors' golf cart at our school. We took it apart and after a detailed circuit study, we reconfigured it. We added sensors; front and back cameras and also remote-controlled the functioning of the brakes, steering and acceleration. And that's how a desi remote controlled car was born!" Kant and his team members successfully tested the car for over 1000 km with provisions like child-lock on auto mode.

"Such experiments are being conducted in the West but in India, we are the first ones to indigenously develop a successful mobile controlled car."

The front and back cameras of the car allows users to live-stream videos even at night.After having achieved remote control through an android operated mobile, the team is looking to develop the application on other platforms too. Another interesting feature which the team has started work on, is letting the car do the decision making.What this means is that, once the users feed in their destination, the car, aided by the Global Positioning System (GPS), will choose the shortest navigable route reach the place!

"The car uses image processing and artificial intelligence gathered from various sensors to navigate through roadblocks like traffic, and other objects. As a computer is far more precise and subject to fewer errors than humans, accident rates may reduce when these vehicles arrive on the road!" says a proud Kant.

While the experiment has been successful on an electric engine operated car, this technology can possibly also be used on petrol and diesel variant cars. "The car will come in handy for the physically challenged because as long as you can operate your mobile phone, you can drive!" says Kant, while talking about the many applications of his team's innovation.

So how about your car drops your guests to the railway station while you chill on your couch?

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Google Buys One Company Every Week

Google Buys One Company Every Week

Google is huge. But sometimes its easier for them to just buy smart companies out there rather than built it from scratch. And when you have so much money, that makes things easier for Google.

TechCrunch reports Google is "acquiring around one company per week," according to bossman Eric Schmidt.

They've already acquired 57 companies this year, all to the sum of $1.4 billion. Some of the major purchases include Zagat, and some subtler ones include airline data firms for travel services.

At this rate, everything's going to be owned by Google.

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