Tech universe: Friday 3 September

Google Mars brings us detailed scientific maps of Mars in Visible and Infrared light and by elevation. Photo / Google Mars

A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.

RGB MARS: Google Mars brings us detailed scientific maps of Mars in Visible and Infrared light and by elevation. Locate spacecraft and
features such as dunes or canyons. Red, green and blue - they're all there. More at Google Mars.

SOCIAL NOVELS: The PULP platform for creating digital novels provides text, but authors can add other media such as audio or movies, or work as a team. Readers can create profiles, earn badges and connect with other readers. Like. More at NYTimes.

CHEAP CHIPS: Rice University's new computer memory chip uses exclusively silicon. It can be packed much more densely than flash memory and uses hardly any power. The chips are simple to make, scalable and cheap. Supersize it? More at ComputerWorld.

FOLD-UP CAR: Nagoya Institute of Technology prototyped a unique
fold-up electric car. The X-Frame changes shape according to the number of passengers and the terrain, then folds up for storage. Short wide parking slots? Details at Dvice.

BIOSENSE BABIES: Exmobaby pyjamas monitor baby's heart rate, emotional state and behaviour and wirelessly transmit data to a nearby computer or cellphone. The software learns and improves over time, in the way voice recognition software does. If you have twins don't mix up the pyjamas. More at GlobeNewsWire.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz.