This Is an X-Ray of the Earth’s Aurora

This planet’s aurora are a spectacular sight, but you’ve probably never seen them quite like this. You’re looking at a view of them as seen by the European Space Agency’s Integral space observatory, which captured how they look as an X-ray. Read more…

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This Is an X-Ray of the Earth’s Aurora

Every App That Apple’s Tried to Kill

Apps die—often. It’s all part of the technological circle of life where alpha predators in multi-billion dollar dens feast on more vulnerable, less cash-infused prey. And one company that has always had an insatiable T. Rex-level hunger is Apple. Read more…

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Every App That Apple’s Tried to Kill

Floating Bonsai trees are better than floating speakers

Floating things on magnets makes most things cooler. Bonsai trees are certainly no exception. Kickstarter project ” Air Bonsai ” combines together magnetic levitation, wee plants and traditional Japanese “monozukuri” (craftsmanship). Using the same magnetic floating trick we’ve seen in speakers , everything that the tree — or plant of your choosing — needs is contained within the floating ball. The team has already passed its goal of $80, 000 but you can still add to the money pot, with $200 enough to land you a basic starter kit. Because of the import issues of sending plants between countries, US-based backers will be receiving locally-sourced, tiny pine trees, but there’s nothing to stop you floating different tiny plants for your own bizarre anime dream. Depending on your aesthetic tastes, you can upgrade the “little star” floating orb, with a particularly attractive lava-stone pot at the top of our shopping list. There’s four designs for the “energy base” that maintains the magnetic field: all of which look classier than the chintzy speakers we’ve seen at tech trade shows. And if you’re feeling classy to the extent of $10, 000 , then you can get an exclusive handmade cushion, base and Bonsai “star”, as well as a tour of both a Bonsai garden and the workshop behind the project. Source: Kickstarter

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Floating Bonsai trees are better than floating speakers

Let’s Hope Valve’s Vive VR Is as Great as Its Setup Instructions

Unlike most of my colleagues, I haven’t had the chance to try HTC and Valve’s Vive Pre virtual reality headset. I hear it’s good , but it could be another overhyped disappointment like The Phantom Menace . Read more…

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Let’s Hope Valve’s Vive VR Is as Great as Its Setup Instructions

BitTorrent Sync adds ability to make encrypted folders

BitTorrent has released a new version of its Sync peer-to-peer app, and its biggest feature is the encrypted folder. Any data you keep in one will be encrypted, whether you choose to place it on cloud storage or on a networked storage device (NAS). Plus, your files are always encrypted while they’re being transferred. When you create one of these folders , you get three types of keys. The Read-Write key allows peers to access and modify its contents, the Read-Only key gives peers the power to access and decrypt the files, while the Encrypted key only allows peers to receive the files — they won’t be able to decrypt them. For instance, you can provide your clients with a Read-Write key to allow them to modify the documents you’re working on. But, you can give vendors Read Only keys to show them what you have to offer. If you want to make a backup, say on a cloud service, you can make a folder that uses only an Encrypted key to be extra safe. Besides the security feature, the latest version of Sync also gives it the ability to run as a service on Windows, as well as to move data to and from an SD card used by Android 5 devices and newer. Finally, if you’re on Linux, the update will allow you to only download files you’re missing instead of replicating whole folders. Source: BitTorrent Sync (1) , (2)

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BitTorrent Sync adds ability to make encrypted folders

The Foam Fins Covering This Wetsuit Let You Body Surf Without a Board

The next time you’re driving along the coast and admiring the waves, don’t feel bad about not packing a surfboard. The WaveWrecker wetsuit can be kept tucked away in a corner of your trunk at all times, and when the waves are ideal, it turns your body into its own surfboard. Read more…

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The Foam Fins Covering This Wetsuit Let You Body Surf Without a Board

A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 20 Feet in 10 Days

A series of big storms sending much-needed rain and snow to Northern California has dramatically replenished a drought-stricken reservoir that was on the brink of disaster. Thanks, El Niño! Read more…

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A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 20 Feet in 10 Days

NYC’s New Public Wifi Is Obscenely Fast

Today, the first of New York City’s public, gigabit wifi hotspots opened to the public. I tried them, so take it from me: They’re insanely fast. How fast? Fast enough that Starbucks’ free internet is about to get killed. Read more…

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NYC’s New Public Wifi Is Obscenely Fast

Apple, Samsung and Sony Linked to Child Labor Claims in Cobalt Mines 

A new report by Amnesty International claims that Apple, Samsung and Sony are consistently failing to perform the basic checks which are required to ensure that mining operations for essential minerals do not take advantage of child labor. Read more…

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Apple, Samsung and Sony Linked to Child Labor Claims in Cobalt Mines