- Turning off the Power to Run the Grid
Demand response—essentially dialing back power at key times—is quietly becoming a key technology for the electricity grid of the future.
The off switch is a fast-growing source of power in some parts of the electricity grid.
- Brazil Nut Effect Measured in Lunar and Martian Gravity Conditions
Brazil nuts would rise to the top of a container of mixed nuts on Mars and the Moon, but more slowly than on Earth, say physicists
- The Facebook Phone Is Finally Here, but Who Wants It?
The appeal of Facebook’s new phone software may be limited to hardcore users.
On Thursday morning, Mark Zuckerberg stood smiling in front of a crowd of journalists and employees at Facebook’s headquarters and put months of rumors to an end. “Today we’re finally going to talk about that Facebook phone,” he said, referring to long-swirling speculation that the social network was secretly developing a device to rival the iPhone. He immediately clarified, adding, “More accurately, we’re going to talk about how you can turn your Android phone into a great, simple, social device.”
- Do We Need Specialized Hardware for the Deaf?
Companies that once made specialized hardware may soon be relegated to software and services.
A company called Purple Communications this week unveiled a product called SmartVP. It’s a videophone with applications and features to help deaf people communicate. Purple says it’s the first videophone to feature “true HD quality.”
- Scientists Use MRI to Glimpse the Dreaming Mind
Scientists use a computer model to predict dream imagery from MRI scans.
MRI scans of a sleeping person’s brain can help predict what’s seen in the land of Nod.
- Facebook Home: A Social Smartphone Makeover
A modified version of Android puts social networking, and Facebook, at the heart of a device.
MIT Technology Review editor Rachel Metz live-blogged Facebook’s announcement from its headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Read her blow-by-blow account of the event below.
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