Nook for Web brings Nook books to Web browsers

Nook for Web on a laptop

Barnes & Noble has introduced Nook for Web, which lets users access new digital content as well as their previously purchased eBooks on all PC and Mac-supported Web browsers. No sign-in or software download is required for Nook for Web, which is hosted on Barnes and Noble's library sites. Now readers without a Nook eReader can browse, sample, or purchase the millions of titles in Barnes & Noble's range.

Among the useful features of Nook for Web is the ability to switch between reading a book between your Nook tablet and Nook for Web, with the service keeping track of your place in the book. The majority of Nook eBooks have free samples available that can be read using Nook for Web by clicking on the new "Read Instantly" icons. The display can be toggled between showing a single page and a double page. Font size and style can also be customized to suit your preferences.

Screenshot of Nook for Web

Fans of social networks will be able to rate, review, share thoughts, or recommend eBooks without leaving the page being read and most of the supplementary material available on the Nook can also be accessed using Nook for Web. For those not especially keen to curl up in bed with their laptop, support is also coming this northern autumn to extend Nook for Web to Internet-enabled tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. For the time being, NOOK for Web runs on Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari and Firefox browsers on Mac and PC.

Source: Barnes & Noble

Trekmates flameless camp cooking system

The Trekmates Flameless Heating System allows for cooking without the fire

The Trekmates system uses a chemical heating packet in place of a traditional fire. Place the packet in the plastic tray portion of the cooking flask or tin, and it begins heating when you add water. The food goes into the stainless steel bowl or cup, which fits atop the plastic heat tray. A lid locks the heat in. Within 7 to 10 minutes, you'll have a hot meal or beverage. The most powerful Super Power Heatpack reaches its maximum temperature of 90° C (194° F) in 15 minutes, providing 15 minutes of cook time at that temperature before cooling down.UK-based Trekmates offers a unique way to cook in the outdoors. Its Flamless Cook System eliminates the need to carry a stove or fuel canister and cooks your meals without fire. As such, it doesn't release any dangerous gas and can be used inside a tent.

A main advantage of the Flameless Cook System is being able to cook inside your tent. Due to the risk of fire and poisonous gas, you can't use the average camping stove inside the tent, meaning you have to cook outside even if it's cold, rainy or windy. Of course, depending upon location, cooking in your tent may not be a wise idea anyway because of bears and other animals.

Magnesium-based flameless ration heaters, which are similar, if not identical, to the heat packet Trekmates uses in its system, have been used by the US military for decades and are also available to consumers. Though the Trekmates system with its sturdy containers is a bit better integrated than some of the older, more basic flameless systems, it's not really the "revolution" that Trekmates claims.

It may not be as technologically-advanced as the Heatstick, but the Trekmates system is much cheaper. You can purchase a pack of five or seven heat packs for £10 (about US$15). Buyers can also select the 850-ml (30-fluid ounce) Cook Box for £30 ($45) or 360-ml (12.7-fluid ounce) Cook Flask for £20 ($30), both of which come with several heat packs.

Source: Trekmates via The GearCaster

Google launches Gmail SMS service in three African countries

Gmail SMS allows users of older and more basic cellphones located in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya to access Gmail

While much of the developed world has grown used to high-speed internet access, the majority of the African continent remains without reliable and affordable internet, placing modern communication staples like email firmly out of reach to most. However, Google has recently announced Gmail SMS, a new service available in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, which brings Gmail to all cellphones capable of sending SMS text messages - no data connection required.

Google states that the only technical capability which cellphones must meet in order to use the service is the ability to send and receive SMS messages, allowing owners of even the most basic or venerable handsets to use email without the need for 3G, EDGE or any other form of data connection. This places the potential of email communication into millions more hands than before.

The Gmail SMS service works as follows: following an initial setup process which presumably does require internet access as it involves linking an existing Gmail account to the cellphone in question, Gmail SMS will then automatically forward emails received to the cellphone as SMS text messages.

In order to reply, one must simply respond with a standard text message. New messages sent via the Gmail SMS service will be received just like standard emails and will even pop up in the correct email conversation thread for the recipient, when applicable.

Finer control over the Gmail SMS service can be wielded within the cellphone itself by replying with SMS messages which contain commands such as MORE, PAUSE and RESUME. Google does not charge for the service, ensuring that users only need pay their usual SMS fee to send emails - receiving Gmail SMS messages is free.

There’s currently no word from Google as to whether it plans to roll out the service to other African countries. For detailed setup instructions, visit the source link below.

Source: Google Africa Blog, via GigaOM

Optrix adds wide-angle lens to iPhone action-cam case

Optrix XD Sport case fits the iPhone 4, 4S, and the iPod Touch 4G with a sled adaptor

Optrix has updated last year's Optrix HD sport case for the iPhone and iPod Touch with a 175-degree wide-angle lens version that helps put more of the action into focus - the Optrix XD.

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Compatible with the iPhone 4, 4S and iPod Touch, the Optrix XD Sport features a polycarbonate shell and rubberized inner case that's water resistant and built to MIL-STD-810F military specifications, meaning it's rugged enough to meet standards for all departments and agencies of the United States Department of Defense.

To capture the action, Optrix includes both flat and curved mounting plates, which attach to helmets, handlebars, dashboards and other surfaces with 3M industrial adhesive.

An all glass, three element, 175 degree wide-angle lens enhances the 1080p HD video captured by the iPhone and iPod Touch and a thin membrane protects the touchscreen while allowing you to fully operate the iPhone while the case is on.

As well as capturing extreme sports video, the rubberized iPhone case is easily pocketable without the mounts so it can be used as a conventional case.

The Optrix XD Sport is available for US$99. For the iPod Touch 4G, an additional sled adaptor is required.

Source: Optrix

Austrian algae biofuel-production technology to debut in Brazil

Austrian company See Algae Technology is going to debut its algae production and harvesting process in a biomass plant in Brazil (Image via Shutterstock)

The state of Pernambuco in Brazil’s northeast is going to become home to the country’s first algal biomass plant, thanks to an agreement between See Algae Technology (SAT), an Austrian developer of equipment for the commercial production of algae, and JB, one of Brazil’s leading ethanol producers. The plant will produce algal biomass from natural and genetically modified strains of algae.

So far, the cost of producing algae has been the biggest obstacle to bringing algae-based fuel to the market, but SAT has introduced a technology that has brought the price down to about that of ethanol - R$0.80 to $1.00 (US$0.40 - $0.50) per liter (around one quarter of a gallon). This is possible because production has been transferred from open air ponds to reactors of up to five meters (16.4 ft) in height, protecting algae from environmental interference.

It is in how light is distributed to facilitate algal reproduction that SAT’s main innovation lies. On ponds, only algae floating on the surface of the water are exposed to sunlight. The lower layers have to compete for light and nutrients, which results in a reduction of productivity. The company developed a solar prism that transfers light to reactors through optical fibers. This way, the reactors are illuminated from the inside, top down. At the Brazilian plant, tubes will connect them to the chimneys of the sugarcane mill next door where JB burns sugarcane bagasse (crushed, dry stalks of sugarcane), using the carbon dioxide generated by that process to feed the algae.

The new plant will make the most of algae's potential. One of the products to come out of it will be feedstock for animals, providing an alternative to soybeans. The process also yields algal lipids that can be used to make biodiesel and biochemicals. Algae are also a source of omega-3. As overfishing has become a serious environmental concern, algae are a more environmentally-friendly source of this nutrient, which is commonly sold as a supplement.

"We believe that this marks a significant step forward in the evolution of our company and validates both our exclusive technology and the commercial viability of algae, especially for use in feed and biofuels,” said Dr. Joachim Grill, SAT’s CEO.

The plant will occupy one hectare (2.5 acres) and the total investment is €8 million (US$9.81 million). SAT expects the unit to be producing 1.2 million liters (317,000 gallons) of biodiesel per year when it starts operating in late 2013.

Source: See Algae Technology

Samsung unveils flagship 75-inch 3D TV with gesture-controlled Angry Birds

The ES9000 will be sold for US$9,999 when it arrives in U.S. stores next month (ES8000 pictured)

Samsung has unveiled a new flagship 75-inch television, named the ES9000 LED Smart 3D TV. While the TV sports a curved bezel of just 0.31 inches (0.78 cm) and boasts plenty of on-board features, most eyes are turned toward the game that ships with the colossal product: a gesture-controlled version of Angry Birds. Though the ES9000 enjoys the benefit of debuting the gesture-controlled game, owners of existing Samsung Smart TV's will soon also get to battle those perennially pesky critters while gesticulating wildly, as the new iteration of the title will eventually be rolled out to both the Plasma 8000 and Samsung's 2012 LED 7500, and superior, models.

The ES9000 will retail at an eye-watering US$9,999 when it arrives in some U.S. stores next month and for all those hard-earned dollars, the consumer receives some top-end features, such as an integrated camera for use with video calling apps like Skype, in addition to Samsung's Micro Dimming Ultimate and Precision Black Local Dimming technology. As part of the Smart TV range, the ES9000 also receives the complete suite of Smart TV features, which include voice-control, facial recognition software, gesture control and apps like Facebook and Tetris.

Samsung’s new TV also includes Sound Share, which uses Bluetooth in order to hook up TV audio to the company’s various Wireless Audio Dock models, and there’s also a generous four pairs of 3D glasses thrown in for good measure. Most importantly, however, is Samsung’s word that the ES9000 has the best picture quality currently available on any Samsung LED TV.

Though the ES9000’s high price hinders widespread adoption, its release with a big name title such as Angry Birds, in addition to a novel new control method, does perhaps signal Samsung’s continued commitment to its Smart TV platform and will help the company keep ahead of the game in that area - a head start which could prove all-important should the long-rumored Apple "iTV" finally materialize.

There's no word from Samsung yet as to the ES9000's wider availability in other regions, but U.S. residents with a large enough wall (and wallet) will be able to purchase the TV in August from selected retailers.

Source: Samsung

Lotus leaf inspires Finnish researchers to develop optical display from water and air

Researchers in Finland developed optical displays from water and air using a dual-scale surface

The surface was placed inside a container filled with water and featured microposts of ten micrometers (approx. 0.0004 inch) in size and tiny nanofilaments grown on the posts. This type of two-level surface allows the air layer to exist in two different shapes that correspond to the two size scales. Using a nozzle, the scientists succeeded in switching between dry and wet states by creating excessive or insufficient pressure in the water in order to change the air layer to either state. The switching only involves a change in the shape of the air layer while nothing actually happens to the solid surface itself, allowing them to write shapes on the surface underwater by making use of the contrast between the states. It can be done with precision, pixel-by-pixel. The whole “screen” then can be deleted by removing it from water. The surface comes out dry, with no sign of writing on its surface.Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have discovered a novel way to write and present information using only water and air. They used the water-repelling properties of the lotus leaf as inspiration for an experiment with a superhydrophobic (“water-repelling”), dual-scale surface that allows the writing, erasing, rewriting and storing of optically displayed information in plastrons related to different length scales. The research was carried out in partnership with the Nokia Research Center and University of Cambridge and was led by Dr. Robin Ras at Aalto University.

The lotus leaf has been a source of inspiration for several research projects, thanks in part to its structure which grants it its remarkable water-repellence properties. What this new research reveals is that there is a strong optical contrast between dry and wet states thanks to a difference between the microscopic structures and the nanoscopic structures on the surface of the former, which enables a clear display of information.

“Because each wetting state remains stable (no energy is needed to maintain the wetting states, only to switch between them), such surface can also act as a bistable memory that can be easily readable, even by eye,” Dr. Rai told Gizmag.

An in-depth article entitled Reversible switching between superhydrophobic states on a hierarchically structured surface appeared in PNAS last week.

The video below illustrates the experiment.

Source: Aalto University.