Google's HTC-built Nexus One. Photo / Supplied
A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.
NEXUS GONE: Google's Nexus One smartphone has reached the end of a very short life. Few units were sold. After only 6 months, and in spite of good reviews, it is no longer available, although Vodafone has just announced it will be selling the device in New Zealand. More at
CNN.
E-MOTION: As we move around, our bodies could generate enough power to operate our various gadgets and devices. DARPA's Energy Starved Electronics program is figuring out how to make it work. Are you a high-energy person? Smithsonian has the details.
ROBOCHOP: It's not uncommon to see helicopters around cities, but we expect a human to be at the controls. A recent full-size helicopter flight left decisions up to the machine. Scanning LIDAR fed information to a computer that chose flight paths and landing areas, avoiding obstacles too. A blue screen of death could be all too literal. More here.
ALUMINIUM CURTAIN: Imagine 250,000 aluminium panels hanging as a curtain. You'll be able to see it soon: this kinetic art project will ripple in the wind, providing ventilation and shade to a Brisbane airport carpark. It's strangely hypnotic. Video here.
ALGAE-FUEL: Take a whole lot of algae, ferment it the right way and you too could be selling jet fuel to the US Airforce, just like Solazyme. Their algae-based jet fuel is clean and renewable. Clean and very green.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
